Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

York let out a low chuckle, his eyes scanning the neon-lit street before turning back to his friends. "That time at the hotel, you really pulled me out of a tight spot. I'm someone who believes in repaying favors. Even though you and Murray called it quits, I owe you one, and I intend to pay it back."

He had been outside the bar, puffing away on a couple of cigarettes for a good twenty minutes. Had it never crossed Roseanne's mind to just give him a call directly?

Cliff had made it clear; he was the one with the connections!

And not just any connections, but top-notch ones!

Why couldn't Roseanne see it?

Was she looking down on him?

York couldn't help but curl his lip in disdain, "Looking for a reliable editor, right? I'll hook you up in a bit."

Roseanne wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, nor was she the type to play the saint.

When opportunity was knocking at her door, only a fool would turn it away!

"Thanks."

"Just returning a favor."

After hanging up, York immediately went on to find the editor's contact on WhatsApp, ready to connect him with Roseanne.

Suddenly, he realized-

He didn't have Roseanne's WhatsApp!

He dialed her number, "So, uh... let's connect on WhatsApp. Don't worry, I'm not some creep like Corley, hitting on my buddy's ex. If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll just send you the contact info, and you can delete me afterward." Roseanne replied, "Accepted."

"Alright."

He sent the contact info, pocketed his phone, and headed back to the private booth.

Cliff ribbed him, "Took you long enough, you didn't fall in, did you?"

"Shut it!"This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

The women in the booth instantly brightened up seeing him return, one of them playfully chiding, "Mr. Gibson, you left me all alone just now."

"What, should I have taken you to the men's room?" York teased, patting her cheek.

The woman shot him a playful glare in response.

"Mr. Gibson, how about you pick my table tonight?"

York gave her a mischievous once-over, noncommittally.

The woman's smile faltered, disappointment creeping into her expression.

These high-rollers, generous as they were and skilled in charming women, could be heartlessly indifferent.

Cold as ice!

...

As the night wound down to the early hours of the morning, the trio made their way to the entrance of the bar. York asked, "How are you guys getting back?"

Murray responded, "I've called a ride-share."

Cliff said, "Didn't bring my car, guess I'll catch a cab. What about you?"

"I'm crashing at a hotel tonight."

"Not like you to go to a hotel alone."

"If I wanted company, it's just a phone call away," York boasted.

Cliff winced, "Easy there, don't catch anything."

"Don't worry, I'm careful. Ah, my ride's here, I'm off."

"Wait-" Cliff caught him by the arm, "You heard the call earlier, Roseanne's looking for a reliable editor, you..."

"Chill, man, already on it," York waved him off impatiently.

"When? How did I miss that?" Cliff looked genuinely perplexed.

"Just when I was 'falling into the pit.""

"But... you guys aren't even connected on WhatsApp, how'd you manage?"

"Seriously? Can't I just add her?"

Cliff hissed, "Wait, that doesn't add

en are you so eager t

tell me you're turning

into another Corley..."

"Enough!" York quickly interjected, casting a wary glance at Murray, whose expression had darkened considerably.

"I'm helping Roseanne out of pure goodwill, nothing more. Don't go throwing mud on me!"

One Corley was more than enough.

With plenty of fish in the sea, why fixate on a buddy's ex?

Even as an ex, York was uncomfortable with the idea.

Cliff finally relaxed, "Alright, that's more like it..."

"Let go, I'm getting in the car."

"Fine." Cliff released his grip.

Just then, Murray spoke up, "You're helping her just because, without any ulterior motive because of our past friendship?"

York paused, hand on the car door, then turned around with a grin, "Actually, no."

The tension was palpable as Murray's gaze flitted between York and Cliff, suspicion and scrutiny. mingling in his eyes, "Have you been in contact with her behind my back, after we broke up?"