Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The trio stepped out of the restaurant into the crisp evening air.

"Man, you're like a celeb, Owen. Had everyone huddling around you like you're the lead singer of a band or something." "Celeb?"

"Yeah, you know, like a pop idol."

Owen chuckled, shaking his head. "It's all about the perks, isn't it? No idol business there."

Leda sniffed the air subtly. "Have you been drinking? You didn't drive, did you?"

"Just a bit. No, I didn't drive."

"Perfect, hop in. I'll drop you and Anne off."

Leda's car couldn't quite make it down the narrow lane, so Roseanne and Owen decided to walk the rest of the way.

Under a sky scattered with stars, a gentle breeze carried the occasional meow from a distant alley cat.

Owen stumbled over a discarded fast food wrapper, his balance off from the drinks.

"You okay?"

"Sorry, ended up having a couple more than I should have."

not to let the smell of alcohol reach her, Owen

incredibly sincere, making

came home drunk, never once thinking it something

on her then, how different

think all men were like Murray, Cliff, or York; swimming in a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a

like Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment of an

there

admirers, yet humble and

revelation to her that excellence didn't equate to indulgence, and

unrestrained, yet chose to be more

really need to network that much?" Roseanne queried,

favors and goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange these? A drink often serves as the medium, though tea,

just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are dragged along on family visits. Isn't that a

see it

so much like an obligation. It could

by the first

a new perspective for Roseanne, sparking

and drinks count as networking for you?" Owen smiled slightly. "It's both

"How so?"

were former mentors, close friends, and a few acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a meal and drinks with mentors and

those