Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Finally done!" Mamie exclaimed, closing her laptop with a sense of relief.

Beside her, an empty collection of soda cans bore witness to her long night.

Scales chimed in, "Let's go out. The meal's on me."

Roseanne and Mamie didn't hesitate to take up his offer.

After all, they had many more days of collaboration ahead, plenty of time for reciprocation.

Inside the steakhouse-

The place was lit by dazzling chandeliers, with the soft melodies of a piano playing in the background.

"Do you have a reservation?" the host asked.

"I booked a table yesterday," Scales responded, pulling up his reservation on his phone.

Soon, they were led to their table.

Roseanne had been here before and knew that although this place was pricier than most, the quality of food and service was unmatched.

Taking her seat, Mamie couldn't help but look around curiously, touching the fine linen and murmuring, "This is so different from back home..."

She then started snapping pictures with her phone.

Noticing the puzzled looks from her friends, she laughed awkwardly, "I'm sending these to Duke-oh, that's my dad. He's never seen a place like this before."

focused

gazed at her with a

family situation was...

not to jump to conclusions, he cautiously asked, "What does

Scales and Roseanne interpreted as

it's not something you're comfortable sharing..." he

replying, "Um... my mom's a homemaker, doesn't work. And my dad, well, he doesn't have a traditional job either. He looks after our apartment building, kind of like a

her story painted a clear picture for Roseanne and Scales of

had raised her

under those

mstances.

moved, said, "We'd love to

eyes sparkled, "Really?

trying to lighten the mood, said, "Order whatever

"Really?" Mamie's eyes widened.

"Yes."

Waiter-can we start

on the number,

Scales was momentarily speechless.

appetizers arrived, followed

passed on dessert, leaving it

aren't you guys eating?"

go ahead," Roseanne

grinned, "If