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 on

a mix of

family situation was... like

to conclusions, he cautiously asked, "What does your

paused, a reaction that Scales

sharing..." he trailed off, giving her

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

a clear picture for Roseanne and Scales of Mamie's

had raised her to be

under those

mstances.

"We'd

eyes sparkled, "Really? That would be

said, "Order whatever you like, don't

"Really?" Mamie's eyes widened.

"Yes."

really going for it. Waiter-can we start with three steaks,

on the number, but on

Scales was momentarily speechless.

arrived, followed by the

passed on dessert, leaving it

aren't you guys

full, you go ahead,"

grinned, "If you