Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 39

Oscar's at work, so he can't drink too much. I didn't force him, just chatting with him.

He said, "Irene, I still have eight hundred dollars left from the two thousand dollars you lent me last time.. Let me pay you back that first. I'll gradually earn the remaining $1,200 and return it to you. I'll start my internship next semester. Once I land a good company, I should be able to save up fast."

"You're starting an internship?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I'm graduating next June. Bonnie will also be in her senior year," Oscar sighed. "Time sure flies."

I fell silent. It felt like just yesterday when I bumped into Neil in school, but now I'm already nearly thirty.

Just then, three guys walked up to us. I spotted Russel right away. What are he, Mitch and Cooper doing in this bar?

I was speechless at this coincidence.

"Oscar, you should get back to work," I hastily said to Oscar.

"Okay, Irene. Call me anytime if you need me," Oscar got up and left.

Russel's gaze followed Oscar as he left. After a while, he turned his attention back to me.

Mitch didn't know how to address me when he saw me. Him and Cooper exchanged glances.

They don't know Oscar, so they probably thought I was ordering drinks from a waiter.

Russel took a seat beside me. His long legs were casually crossed, his eyes keenly focused on me.

"Russel, let's sit over there?" Mitch seemed a bit uneasy. He didn't dare to sit with me, given that he was Neil's wingman in courting other women.

"You guys go ahead. I'll join you in a bit," Russel responded nonchalantly.

"Alright." Mitch and Cooper quickly picked a spot farthest from me.

I found it amusing. Did they think I would do something outrageous to them?

"Another coincidence?" Russel broke the silence. I knew he was referring to me sitting with Oscar just now.

"Indeed, quite a coincidence," I didn't lie.

"Where's Neil?" Russel looked around, "Didn't you leave with him?"

I shrugged, "I happened to see him and his new flame at the hotel, felt a bit down, so I got off his car to get a drink. Then I bumped into her boyfriend here. Now isn't that a coincidence?"

Russel's eyes flickered, "That girl Bonnie is at the Orchid Hotel?"

I flashed a standard smile, "Yes. Are you interested in her?"

"Heh," Russel scoffed, "I'm not interested in her. You're overthinking."

I wondered when he would finally show interest in her. I was growing impatient.

But I did have something to discuss with Russel. I got him a drink, thinking about how to start, "Russel, could you not tell anyone, especially Neil, that I know Bonnie and Oscar?"

I forgot to remind him seriously last time. Neil's call last night really got me on edge.