Before Owen could utter a word, Roseanne nced over the table, found a clean te, and picked up a small piece of her peach pie with her fork, cing them before him. "Try this?"


    Owen hesitated before picking it up and slowly chewing it in his mouth.


    Roseanne blinked. "Well? How is it?"


    Seeing her hopeful look, Owen nodded. "It tastes good."


    Roseanne beamed. "See? My rmendations never disappoint."


    Owen couldn''t help butugh along.


    ...


    Cliff interrupted, "Hey, Corley, your birthday''sing, huh? What''s the n this year? Go-kart racing, a drag queen show, or go big with a wild striptease party?"


    York immediately approved. "Love that idea."


    Their inquisitive gazes turned to the man of the hour, Corley. When it came to having fun, he was the most inventive of the trio. Some might look all prim and proper in a suit and tie, but they were wilder than anyone.


    "Let''s keep it simple with a birthday bash this year."


    Cliff was puzzled. York was even more bewildered.


    Corley asked, "What? Is there a problem?"


    "It''s just this doesn''t sound like you, Corley." Cliff eyed him up and down. "Are you feeling okay today?"


    York couldn''t resist a smirk. "A birthday bash? What are you, turning into my grandpa?"


    In this day and age, who would still do birthday bashes?


    "Wait a minute." Cliff''s eyes lit up. "Is it the naughty kind?"


    York sat up straight, eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    Corley replied, "What are you thinking? The regr kind. I''ve booked a private mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Invitations will be out in a few days." With that, he stood up and left.


    Cliff and York exchanged nces, both looking confused. They wondered what was wrong with Corley.


    ...


    Roseanne was somewhat surprised to receive a call from Corley and even more so when he invited her to his birthday party. "Me?"


    "Yes."


    Roseanne frowned. Corley''s parties always drew people like Murray, and she really wasn''t eager to run into him.


    "No outsiders, just friends hanging


    out. Cliff will be there, too. Won''t you


    Corley noticed her hesitation


    and raised an eyebrow. "Or are you afraid of something?"


    Roseanne held the phone, silent.


    "You and Murray are over, and he seems happy with his new girlfriend. Are you afraid because you''re not over him?"


    Roseanne slightly frowned. "Of course not. We''ve made things clear and cut ties."


    Corley smiled. "In that case, there''s nothing to worry about. I''ll send you the address. Don''t forget toe."


    With that, he hung up without waiting for her response.


    ...


    On the day of the party, the mansion was bustling with excitement.


    Murray arrived fashionablyte with


    Millie. After shedding their color ne


    Millie


    Vanded them to a waiter


    linked arms with him as they stepped through the main entrance.


    Properties on Sunset Boulevard were worth their weight in gold, and Corley''s sprawling estate was only avable through family


    .nět


    connections. The estate''s design and decoration were renowned


    artists'' works, with a divine brought


    in for good measure.


    Passing through a rockery and the backyard, they finally reached the guest area. Upon entering, Murray greeted Corley first.


    "Happy Birthday," he said, tossing a set of keys to him. It was for the yacht Corley had mentioned wanting. Knowing his love for the sea, Murray had bought one as a gift. Corley thanked him. "Much appreciated."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Murray was about to add more when his gaze shifted, suddenly catching sight of a familiar figure.