Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Stepping outside, the trio had all indulged in a bit of drinking and were now on their phones, each trying to hail a ride through an app.

While they waited, Cliff's craving for a smoke hit hard. He placed a cigarette between his lips and was about to light it but realized he didn't have his lighter.

He turned to York and asked for a light. York just nodded towards the car, "Back seat, help yourself."

Cliff yanked the car door open and leaned inside to search.

"Hey, got it right here..."

He lit his cigarette and passed the lighter back to York.

Recalling the shawl he'd seen on the back seat, Cliff couldn't help but tease, "Since when did you start liking to get cozy in the car?"

York looked genuinely puzzled, "Cozy? What are you talking about?"

"What do you think? Why else would there be a shawl? And it's something only a woman would use, especially in soft yellow. Spill the beans, which lady friend left it behind?"

York's lips twitched in annoyance, "Cut the crap."

"Oh, playing coy now? That's not like you."

"Shut it! That belongs to Roseanne's mom. I was planning to return it to her tomorrow. Stop jumping to conclusions. Your mind's filled with rubbish. You need a good cleanse."

Cliff was taken aback, "Roseanne's mom? How'd her stuff end up in your car?"

Murray, who had been quietly listening, perked up at this.

Just as York was about to explain, he caught the curious glances from Cliff and Murray, smirked, and suddenly decided to keep them guessing. "Well, there's a reason for that..."

Cliff pressed, "What reason?"

"Why do you need to know? Is it any of your business?"

Cliff retorted, "It is my business! Haven't heard from Roseanne in ages. Last time I broke my leg and was stuck in the hospital for weeks, Roseanne even came to visit. Considering how nice she's been to me, I should definitely keep up with her."

"Oh, Roseanne visited you in the hospital?" York's voice rose, intentionally loud enough for Murray to overhear while pretending to be indifferent.

Cliff boasted, "Of course! Roseanne's always been kind to me."

York nodded in agreement, "Yeah, she's

mgood person. Even treated

seafood feast tonight

Sntent belongs to

Now, Cliff was even more curious.

swnovel get

"Why did Roseanne treat you to dinner? Come on, spill it. Don't keep me hanging."

York teased, "Well, there's definitely a reason!"

Cliff, feeling exasperated, thought, Might as well have kept your mouth shut!

Just then, York's ride arrived-

"Gotta go. Later."

Cliff waved nonchalantly.

Murray, however, stared after York's car until it disappeared from view.

Why?

Why could she be close with Corley

Sullivan, visit Cliff in the and

even have dinner with York and her parents?

Yet she wouldn't spare him a second glance?

"...Murray? Murray?!"

Cliff had to call out a few times before Murray snapped back to reality, "...What did you say?"

"I was asking if you're heading home or somewhere else?"

Murray didn't answer the question but suddenly asked, "Got a smoke?"

"Yeah, sure." Cliff quickly handed one over.

But...

The lighter was with York now. They had no fire.

Murray

for a lighthe cigarette, not asking

for a light, just rolling it between his

fingers, his expression flickering between light and dark.

"...Cliff, do you think I messed up?"