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

sincere, making Roseanne feel a

Murray often came home drunk,

her then, how different people

were like Murray, Cliff, or York; swimming in a

like Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment of an ordinary

there

yet humble

excellence didn't equate to indulgence, and success didn't have

yet chose to

need to network that much?" Roseanne queried, curiosity

do we exchange these? A drink often serves

navigating these relationships as 'networking,' then no profession is exempt. It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are

see

maybe it doesn't feel so much like an obligation. It could

the first definition,

perspective for Roseanne, sparking

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

"How so?"

today were former mentors, close friends, and a few acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a

I can't refuse those