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."

then focused on

a

family situation

not to jump to conclusions, he

that Scales

not something you're comfortable sharing..." he trailed off, giving her

well, he doesn't have a traditional job either. He looks after our apartment building, kind of like a janitor, I guess. And since we live near the coast, they sometimes go fishing to make a little extra. You guys should come over sometime;

picture

commendable how well they had raised

under those

mstances.

"We'd love to visit

"Really? That would

trying to lighten the mood, said, "Order

"Really?" Mamie's eyes widened.

"Yes."

it. Waiter-can we start with three

wasn't on the

Scales was momentarily speechless.

their appetizers arrived, followed by the

passed on dessert, leaving it all

you guys eating?"

you go

"If