Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 15

"Huh? You're back for stage?" Barbara asked with a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Well, of course. If the opportunity arises, I'll definitely go. What else am I supposed to do?" I had thought about starting at the junior level in the family business, but I'm not really into that. Plus, my parents were in pretty good health conditions, they didn't need me for the moment. I wanted to chase my dreams again.

Barbara patted on my thigh, "I always want to tell you this. Since you were the Cellobella of Rosemont College, it would be a real waste if you just became a housewife. Don't worry, if there's any classy music event, I'll put your name forward!"

I made a clapping gesture of gratitude, "Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll pick up the tab tonight, no need to be shy!"

After a few drinks, I wanted to be back home.

I called Bailey for picking me up. I had just hung up when I heard a familiar voice, "Irene?"

I turned around, it was Oscar.

"Oscar, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I work part-time nearby, just finished my shift. Irene, have you been drinking?" Oscar must have smelt the alcohol on me.

I held my head, feeling a bit queasy, and nodded. The alcohol was starting to hit me and my mind was a blur. "Oscar, can you drive?"

Oscar responded, "Yeah, I can. If you're not feeling up to it, I can drive for you."

What a good boy. I tossed Oscar my car keys then told Bailey on phone not to come.

"Irene, is this... your car?" Oscar was clearly surprised and a little envious when he saw the black Panamera.

I was having a splitting headache and replied, "Yeah, it's my car. Set the GPS and take me to Sterling Estates."

"Sterling Estates?" Oscar was shocked again. The property prices in Sterling Estates were sky-high, he must have heard about it.

Seeing Oscar dumbstruck, I moved closer and leaned against his shoulder. This drunken behavior always leads to romantic atmosphere.

Oscar snapped back to reality, realized our close distance, and quickly supported me. He blushed, "Irene, be careful not to trip off."

I pretended a drunken laugh, "Oscar, you're so considerate. Your girlfriend must be really lucky. Unlike me! A failed marriage. Owning nothing except money. Look, this car is just the most common one we have. If you like it, I can give it to you!"

"No, no, Irene. You've had too much to drink. I'll get you home." Oscar quickly shook his head and helped me into the car.

Oscar drove very carefully and slowly, probably afraid of scratching the car.

I sat in the passenger seat, pretended to sleep, occasionally opening my eyes to check where we were.

After a while, Oscar spoke up, "Irene, we're near Sterling Estates. Where's your villa?"

"Rosewood House." I answered with my eyes closed.

Oscar entered the villa number into the GPS and drove me home.

Once the car stopped, I took out a wad of cash from my purse and handed it to Oscar, "Here's your fee for driving."

Oscar looked a bit flustered and quickly handed the money back to me, "Irene, you don't have to do that. I was just helping out. It's not a business transaction."

"Just take it. It's late and it'll be inconvenient for you to get a taxi. Drive this car home and call me tomorrow, I'll send my driver to pick it up." I unfastened my seatbelt and got out of the car without waiting for Oscar's response. I went straight home.

As soon as I got home, I woke Ada up and asked her to make me a glass of lemonade to sober me up.

Without any complaint, Ada immediately went to the kitchen to prepare it.

In a couple of days, Neil would be attending a business conference, getting closer to meeting his true love. And I was getting closer to my freedom.