Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Stoddard leaned in, his voice tinged with concern. "You seem off these days, Owen. What's going on?"

"You're wrong," Owen replied curtly before heading towards the break room.

He carried a bag filled with fresh clothes that needed stowing away in his locker. As he pushed open the door, the sight of the fold-out cot Roseanne had used caught his eye, still stationed in its usual spot. Memories of accidentally stumbling upon her during her nap, the rapid heartbeat and the breathlessness he experienced then, flooded back. It felt like something out of a dream...

Shaking his head to clear the invasive thoughts, Owen was washed over by a wave of annoyance and embarrassment. He felt utterly disgraced by his own reactions.

"Owen, I grabbed us some late-night snacks. You up for some?" Stoddard's voice cut through his reverie from outside.

"I'll pass. Go ahead without me."

"We've got buffalo wings and sliders, sure you don't want a bite?"

"No, I'm good."

"You know, speaking of buffalo wings, I still think Roseanne makes the best ones... Has she started school again? Haven't seen her around the lab in a while. Next time you see her, tell her to drop by more often. We all miss her around here."

Stepping out of the break room, Owen managed a semblance of normalcy. "If you want to say something, say it yourself."

He tried not to think about her, but reminders of her were everywhere.

Stoddard paused, his chopsticks mid-air. "Come on... You guys are neighbors, for crying out loud. Is it really that hard to pass along a message?" "It is."

Stoddard sighed, "Owen, I really think something's off with you."

Owen, busy at his workstation, just ignored him.

Stoddard kept at it. "I'm even starting to think you've got a broken heart... You've been all doom and gloom lately...'

Owen continued his work, undisturbed by the comments.

Stoddard clicked his tongue. "See, there you go again..."

The following evening, the sky was a canvas of fiery oranges and reds, the day bidding its farewell. A gentle evening breeze carried the promise of the night, city lights beginning to twinkle to life.

At The Harvest Table—

Roseanne had just arrived when Corley waved her over to the table he'd secured. The timing was perfect; their table started filling with dishes almost immediately after she sat down.

"Sorry for making you wait."

Corley glanced at his watch, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're not late. What are you apologizing for?"

They had agreed on 6:30 PM. Roseanne being there at 6:20 PM was actually ahead of schedule.

"How long have you been here?"

"Since six."

"That early?"

"This place's charm is in its seasonal menu. You pick your veggies, and

they cook it your way, no set dishes. Best to get here early to sort everything out. Plus, cooking to

order takes time." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

to

Looking over the spread of freshly sautéed veggies and hearty stews before her, Roseanne could appreciate the freshness and quality of the meal.

"I feel bad. I was supposed to be the host, and I should've arranged everything..."

Corley had chosen the place, and Roseanne, unfamiliar with the concept, had assumed it was a standard restaurant setup.

"Don't worry about it. I enjoy making arrangements for you," Corley reassured her, his smile unwavering.

Roseanne was at a loss for words, her usual reticence taking over.

Noting her silence, Corley gently urged, "Let's dig in."

"Actually..."

"Yes?" Corley's focused gaze encouraged her to continue.

"I've brought a couple of friends along. From my study group. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Where are they?"

"They should be here any minute."

Right on cue, Mamie and Scales arrived. Mamie, leading the way, caught sight of the handsome man at their table and couldn't help but be impressed. Scales, following close behind, paused for a moment upon seeing Corley, an unexpected reaction crossing his face.