Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray texted, "Place?"

"Our usual spot."

"Be there in fifteen."

***

The bar was alive with the booming sound of music, tunes that were too catchy to be good for anyone's soul.

As soon as the door to the private room shut behind Murray, it felt like stepping into another universe.

"Made it, Murray?" York greeted, his arm wrapped around a blonde bombshell wearing something that left little to the imagination. His smile widened as he saw Murray push through the door. Murray marched straight to the couch and took a seat.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

York gave his companion a wink, and she instantly plastered a flirtatious smile and sidled up to Murray.

"Don't touch me." Murray caught her wandering hand and removed it from his leg.

The woman's smile froze as she sent a pleading look towards York.

"Not your type?" York raised an eyebrow, "We can switch."

Murray poured himself a glass of red wine, "Not interested."

"Man, you've changed. Ever since you and Roseanne split, I thought you'd be out here living it up. Could it be... the little lady at home's got you under her thumb? Doesn't make sense though..." Roseanne couldn't keep him on a leash; how could Millie manage it?

Downing his drink, Murray didn't respond.

York motioned for the woman to come back to his side.

She complied with a giggly "Okay," and snuggled into his embrace.

York, hugging his date, looked mockingly at Murray, "Why so gloomy? Who's got you all twisted up?"

"...Nobody."

"Come on, lighten up. Show us a smile, will ya?"

Murray snapped back, "Get lost! Do I look like a clown to you?"

York's laughter filled the room as he leaned in, "When's the baby due? How did I end up being an uncle at my age?"

Murray glared, "You doing this on purpose?"

York immediately mimed zipping his lips.

Cliff rolled his eyes, "Could you maybe not revel in chaos for once?"

"Oh?" York blinked innocently, "Was it that obvious?"

Cliff: "What do you think?"

"Alright, I'll dial it back."

"Murray, ignore him. He's just messing around..." Cliff said, reaching for the bottle to pour more drinks.

But then, Murray suddenly covered his glass with his hand.

"Murray?" Cliff was puzzled.

York looked up from his indulgence.

Murray stated plainly, "One is enough."

It took a moment for Cliff to register and then he reluctantly set the b

attering, "This isn't lik

"Was I always such a heavy drinker?"

"Are you kidding? Of course!"

isn't like you."

Murray thought back to the times he'd come home drunk, to

the

Roseanne's worried looks and net Scrazy...

nagging that once drove

Now, no matter how much he drank or how badly he stumbled in, there was no one to give him that look of frustration mixed with concern.

"Murray, why are your eyes red?"

Murray cleared his throat, "Ah, the wine's just strong."

Cliff was confused. Strong? It tasted just fine to him!

swnove

York, catching the mood, decided not to comment further and instead playfully pinched his date's behind.

"Ouch! Mr. Gibson-" the woman giggled, "Come on, I'll drink with you."

York laughed and leaned in for a kiss, "Sure, but you have to feed it to me. Use this-" he tapped her lips.

Laughter filled the room, but Murray only grew more irritated.

Cliff, too, was getting tired of York's constant flirtations.

Just then, Murray's phone rang.

"Hello, Roseanne-"