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."

let the smell of alcohol reach her, Owen

making

past, Murray often came home drunk, never once thinking it

then, how different people could

Murray, Cliff, or York; swimming in a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a blur of

Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment of an

then there

yet humble

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

to live unrestrained, yet chose to be more

academics really need to network that much?" Roseanne queried, curiosity

connections, where favors and goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange

profession is exempt. It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays,

you see

obligation. It could be over tea, fishing, hiking, camping... doesn't sound

by the first

for Roseanne, sparking her

today's dinner and drinks 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

those I'm not close