Chapter 38
After Barbara left, Stella, Alicia, and I started chatting. It wasn’t until half an hour later that Norman and his parents showed up. Norman knew we were tight with Barbara, so he brought his parents over to say hi, “Irene, Stella, Ali, y’all are here.”
“Of course we would be. Barbara getting engaged is a big deal.” Stella responded.
I shifted my attention to Norman’s parents. Norman’s dad seemed pretty happy, but his mom looked far from pleased.
On such a festive day, why was she wearing such a long face?
Barbara also marched over with her parents.
Norman instantly greeted his future in-laws and flashed a smile at Barbara Barbara returned the smile.
Stella, Alicia, and I also chimed in with greetings. We were pretty familiar with Barbara’s parents, so it wasn’t awkward, but it was our first time meeting Norman’s parents, and only Barbara’s second or third time. Apparently, they had been living in their hometown far away from the city.
After exchanging pleasantries, Barbara and Norman whisked their parents away for a chat. I let out a sigh, “I have a feeling Barbara’s future mother-in-law might be a tough nut to cr ack.”
“She seems like a real piece of work. I bet Barbara might regret this in the future.” Stella had never been for Barbara getting married this soon. Norman’s career was still up in the air, they might even have to scale down the wedding. What the heck was she marrying him for?
Alicia hushed us, “This is Barbara’s engagement party. We should say something auspicious.”
Stella and I exchanged a helpless glance.
A match of equals makes for a happier marriage.
At noon, the banquet started. Stella, Alicia, and I were having a blast. Neil and his crew kept to their table and didn’t come over, but I didn’t care.
After the engagement party wrapped up, Alicia hurried back to work. Stella got a call from home urging her to go back and sort things out. I got caught up in a chat with some others, said goodbye to Barbara, and then left.
Before leaving, I made a pit stop at the restroom. As soon
“If you’re short on cash, just tell me. This job isn’t
I strained my ears to eavesdrop on the
“Mr. Whitmore, I’ve already rejected you. We
and sweet as ever.
for
I stepped out, I saw Neil in the hallway not far away. Bonnie, in her Orchid Hotel uniform, stood by his side.
Neil was saying to Bonnie, his voice a bit mu ffled from the distance.
from different worlds, and I have a boyfriend. I hope you stop popping up unexpectedly like this.” Bonnie’s voice was clear
“I’ve told you, I’ll get what I want.” Neil’s tone suddenly turned Istern, “I’ve given you plenty of chances. Don’t keep pushing your luck.”
I shook my head. This guy might scare her off.
Sure enough, Bonnie whimpered, “What do you want then? I know I can’t fight you, but I can avoid you!”
“You think you can run from me?” Neil chuckled, probably finding Bonnie’s defiance amusing.
Bonnie wanted to say something else, but Neil cut her off with a final warning, “You have one week to break up with him, or face the consequences.”
With that, Neil left.
Bonnie stood there, helpless, her shoulders shaking as if she was crying. I didn’t comfort her and left from the other side.
Downstairs, Neil was waiting for me in the car. I got in calmly, “Let’s go home.”
Inside, my seemingly calm heart was rippling. I hadn’t quite reached the state of true peace and acceptance. I had only witnessed Neil’s crazy love for Bonnie, but never every moment they spent together. This time, I saw a glimpse.
I have to say, I felt really upset. A familiar sense of jealousy was sprouting in my heart.
“Pull over. I have something to do. I won’t be going home for now.” I suddenly spoke.
“Where to?” Neil asked.
“Let’s not meddle in each other’s affairs.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and responded coldly.
Neil gave me a chilly glance, then pulled over, “Get out.”
I got out right away and walked onto the sidewalk without looking back. Neil’s car zoomed past me without stopping.
Would he have left if Bonnie got out of the car after a fight with him? No, he wouldn’t even let Bonnie out of the car.
I rubbed my forehead. Why was I still comparing myself to Bonnie? In Neil’s eyes, Bonnie and I were on completely different levels.
I hailed a cab, then said tiredly, “Take me to the nearest bar.”
Ten minutes later, arrived at a bar. It was pretty empty in the afternoon. I found a spot, ordered a few bottles of booze, and started drinking alone.
Suddenly, I remembered the hunk Stella introduced me to before. I had turned down his contact then, but now I really needed someone to drink with. I was about to call Stella to get that guy’s number
“Irene? Just as I picked up my phone, Oscar, dressed in a bartender uniform, appeared in front of me.
“Oscar?” I was a bit surprised, “Are you working part time here?”
Oscar nedded with a smile, “Yes, it’s the holiday season.”
Come to think of it, that’s true. Being out of work and school, I had lost track of the holidays.
No wonder Bonnie was also working part-time at the Orchid Hotel
Oscar, in his black vest and white shirt, looked quite handsome. The student vibe had faded a bit, replaced by a more mature style, but his eyes were as clear as ever
“Are you busy? If not, sit down and have a drink with me.” I pointed to the seat next to me.
“It’s okay now. The bar usually gets busy at night.” Oscar took a seat next to me. He glanced at the bottles on the table, “Irene, are you feeling down? Why are you drinking
alone
11:02
Chapter 38
I got Oscar a drink and gave a bitter smile. “Yeah, I’m in a funk. I’m about to get divorced with my hubby.”
Oscar asked in surprise, “Why?”
I looked at him, deliberately making it mysterious. “Take a wild guess.”
Oscar didn’t respond, probably afraid that if he guessed right, it might hurt me. Seeing him a bit flustered, I felt a little better. What a lovely big boy he is! He’s miles better than Neil.
“He’s fallen for someone else. I might end up with a fat stack of cash and become a divorcee.” I took a sip of the drink and mentioned this rather pathetic fact with a hint of
a smile.
“Irene, you’re so nice, how could he fall for someone else…” Oscar seemed a bit puzzled.
I sighed, “Some people like fancy gourmet food, while others prefer simple home cooked meals. It’s just how it is.”
Oscar comforted me again, “Irene, he’s bound to regret it. He’ll realize you’re the best.”
I burst into laughter. I really wanted to tell Oscar, “the girl Neil has fallen for is your girlfriend! And he won’t regret it. Their love will only grow deeper.”
“Who knows. Maybe.” I raised my glass, “Let’s quit the downer talk. Let’s drink.”
