Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 14

Russel looked at me somewhat surprised. We barely familiar, let alone having a meal together. In the past, we would simply glance at each other without even exchanging greetings.

However, this time it was about his best friend's marriage and he knew the importance of the relationship between the Whitmore and Finch families.So after some thought, he agreed, "Alright, let’s say this evening. I'm free."

"Great! I know a coffee shop with some really good coffee and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a chat. Here, add me on WhatsApp, and I'll send you the address?" I enthusiastically took out my phone, opened my WhatsApp QR code, and placed it in front of Russel.

Russel glimpsed the QR code, then handed me a pen, "No need to add me on WhatsApp, just write the address on a piece of paper."

What an old-fashioned guy! Like a hermit who just crawled out of a cave? I gave him a speechless look, then wrote down the address for La Rencontre.

"See you there at eight-thirty," I said with a smile, then cheerfully left.

At eight o'clock, Russel would be at La Rencontre, but he wouldn't meet me, he would meet Bonnie.

With this expectation, I was excited all day, looking forward to the scene when Russel meets Bonnie. I even decided to dress up and personally witness this important moment.

Neil and Russel are really close friends, even falling in love for the same woman. I'm just not sure if Russel fell for Bonnie at first sight or if he gradually developed feelings for her.

If it wasn't love at first sight, then tonight might be disappointing.

I put on a loose black dress and pants, even wore a wig. At around eight o'clock, I headed to La Rencontre alone.

I didn’t walk into the cafe but only looked through the window. As expected, Russel was already sitting in a spot near the corner. Wasn't that my favorite spot?

He was wearing a simple white T-shirt, combed his hair, and looked a few years younger. His demeanor was still aloof, quietly sipping his coffee without even taking out his phone.

What about Bonnie? I looked again at the counter, trying to spot her.

After a while, I didn't see Bonnie. Instead, my strange actions caught Russel's attention. He saw me and walked out. I wanted to run, but felt it was inappropriate.

"Irene, can't you see me?" Russel asked as soon as he saw me.

"You're a doctor, can't you speak more politely?" I said somewhat perplexed, taking off my wig. Honestly, it was hot.

"You invited me to talk and then secretly spy on me from outside, what's the meaning of this?" Russel asked with a frown.

"I’m here, I just wanted to confirm whether you were in there," I confidently retorted.

Without further words, Russel opened the door to the cafe and spoke to me commandingly, "Come in."

I walked in reluctantly with my wig. When I passed by the counter, I again took careful looks around but did not see Bonnie.

I asked another girl, "Where is Bonnie?"

"She's off today," the girl replied.

My face fell and my heart, once full of anticipation, felt empty. I sat down disappointedly next to Russel, ordered a cup of Americano as usual, and drank in silence.

Russel looked at me, "Weren't you going to talk to me about you and Neil?"

I shrugged, "I don't want to talk anymore. I just invited you for a cup of coffee. You can go home and rest."