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 her

gazed at her with a mix of sympathy

situation

he cautiously asked, "What

that Scales

something you're comfortable sharing..." he trailed off, giving her

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 for Roseanne and

was commendable how well they had raised her to be

under those

mstances.

moved, said, "We'd

eyes sparkled, "Really? That

said, "Order whatever you like, don't

"Really?" Mamie's eyes widened.

"Yes."

it. Waiter-can we start

wasn't on the number, but on

Scales was momentarily speechless.

appetizers arrived, followed by the main

passed on dessert, leaving it all for

aren't you guys

you go

"If