Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"I did some digging online, and it turns out, the qualifications for a construction company to build a lab are sky-high, not like putting up a regular house at all."

"Plus, there's the whole layout of the security system after the lab's built. That's a tough nut for most construction outfits to crack."

The trio huddled in a coffee shop.

Roseanne took a sip of her coffee and shared the information she had gathered with the other two.

In front of Mamie were two servings of cheesecake, which she devoured attentively while still keeping an ear in the conversation.

"My buddy Duke knows a bunch of contractors, a few have business around Lumina too, but when I checked yesterday, they're all about houses, no clue about labs."

Roseanne sighed, "Guess it takes a pro to handle pro stuff."

Scales added, “And we'd better hire a separate architect to act as a bridge between us and the construction company. Otherwise, the lack of communication could really compromise the final outcome."

For the next few days, the trio was anything but idle. Outside of classes, they spent most of their time scouting construction companies. None really hit the mark.

Either the designers had no clue about lab construction, or the budget was through the roof.novelbin

"I can't do this anymore, I'm beat... Let's take a break.”

After visiting two construction companies, Mamie was completely drained.

Scales didn't have much luck either.

And Roseanne? Even worse.

Mamie guzzled down two bottles of soda, perking right up: "I refuse to believe that in all of Lumina City, there's not a single soul who knows how to fix up a lab!"

"I've got another company lined up at five. They've got the credentials and a solid reputation. I'll head over and see what's up," Roseanne glanced at her watch. It was 4:20, just enough time to catch a cab.

But before she could flag one down, her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Roseanne, you busy? It's Halley Cole."

"Big bro?!"

They hadn't been in touch since that grand old lady's birthday bash, and calls were rare between them, so it took Roseanne a moment too recognize the voice.

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"Are you at school right now? I'm nearby at Kingswell University, how about we grab a bite?"

Just then, the construction company texted, saying their designer had a last-minute issue and couldn't meet.

Roseanne immediately agreed: "Sure!"

The siblings met at a small diner just off campus.

When Roseanne arrived, Halley was already there.

Tall and lean, he had shed his overcoat upon entering, which he draped over a chair.

Despite looking a bit worn from the

day's work, his eyes lit up at the

sight of Roseanne, "I've been meaning to ask you out to dinner for a while, but I've been swamped. Plus, figured you'd be busy with the new term. One thing led to another, and well, here we are."

Roseanne chuckled, "Bro, you're too polite. Today's as good as any. Better now than never, right?”

"Absolutely," Halley eagerly nodded, "Order whatever you fancy, it's on me today."

"You seem in high spirits?"

A contrast to their last meeting in Pinehollow, Halley's eyes sparkled despite the evident fatigue.

It was clear he had been faring well lately.

Halley modestly waved it off, "Nothing groundbreaking, just landed a project recently. The company's been up and running for a while, and we've finally gotten a solid gig. It's not a gold mine, but it's a start. So, go ahead, order away. Don't hold back on my account."