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."

of alcohol reach her, Owen consciously maintained a gap between

sounded incredibly sincere, making Roseanne feel

came home drunk, never once thinking it

then, how different people

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

steady,

there was

by admirers, yet humble and

revelation to her that excellence didn't equate to

had every reason to live unrestrained, yet chose

network that much?" Roseanne

But how do we exchange these? A drink often

exempt. It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are dragged along

if you see

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

the first definition, it still

for Roseanne, sparking her curiosity

today's dinner and drinks count as networking for you?" Owen smiled

"How so?"

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

because I can't refuse those I'm not close