Chapter 505
After handing me the phone, Stella stepped out and left me and Russel to have a private chat.
“Where are you?” Russel cut straight to the chase, “Let’s meet up.”
“I’m at Stella’s place. It might not be a good time right now. How about tomorrow or the day after?” I didn’t refuse Russel. After all, he’d finally cooled off, which was a big help to me. I couldn’t just cut him off.
“Okay. Please send me the address. I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon. Are Serena and Brandon there?” Russel asked about the kids.
“Yes.” I answered simply.
Russel paused. He said nothing more and hung up.
I called Stella back in. Her surprise was palpable. “Seriously? You guys settled your complicated issue in just a couple of minutes? Are you communicating telepathically or something?”
“We’ll talk more when we meet tomorrow. I owe it to the effort you put into my makeup.” I gestured to the exaggerated fake eyelashes on my face. “Are you sure about this length? I’m afraid I might look like I’m fanning people every time I blink.”
Stella took a serious look and nodded, “It looks good. We’re going for a glamorous nightclub vibe.”
I was speechless, allowing Stella to continue applying her solid makeup skills on my face. It was almost eleven when we finished dolling up and changing into our outfits. Stella flicked her hair casually and said, “Perfect timing. Let’s get going!”
Looking at my heavily made-up reflection in the mirror, I had to admit that the style was indeed stunning. I rarely tried such a look, so it felt refreshing.
My doctor had advised me to take care of my emotions. Using that as an excuse, I agreed to go out and have some fun with Stella.
Before leaving, we checked on the kids who were already fast asleep.
“Let’s call a cab!” Stella only remembered that we’d had a few drinks and shouldn’t drive. She whipped out her phone to book a ride while I shivered slightly in the cool evening breeze. My fluffy white tube top was seasonally ambiguous and only kept me warm around the chest, while the rest of me looked almost primitive.
The ultra-mini skirt was even more outrageous, but it perfectly showcased my long legs. I didn’t know where Stella found these over-the-top outfits.
Stella wasn’t much better off, goosebumps visible on her arms, but she kept her composure.
Once the cab arrived, we headed straight to Cielo Nocturno. Stella seemed familiar with the place. She might had frequently visited during her stay in Rosemont.
“What’s your preference these days? Cute boys or bad boys?” Stella asked thoughtfully.
“I’m just here to have a drink and listen to some music. You can do whatever you want.” I was not here to find a man, but rather to zone out in a lively atmosphere.
Stella wouldn’t have it. She was about to give me a pep talk when her phone lit up. After a glance at the caller ID, she looked at me and said, “It’s Ali.”
She took the call.
Three minutes later, she hung up looking bewildered. “She’s coming. And she asked why we didn’t invite her.”
“What?” I was shocked.
Was Alicia in the mood for a drink? She seemed very down this afternoon at Stella’s and barely had spoken.
“Let her come. The more the merrier. It’ll help her forget Sean.” Stella quickly cheered up, “It’s good that she’s doing this!”
Alicia arrived in no time. She seemed agitated. She grabbed a drink from our table as soon as she arrived.
“What’s up? Thirsty?” I asked.
After downing two drinks, Alicia finally sat down. She took a deep breath a came to see me again.”
“What?” Stella and I were taken aback. Wasn’t he abroad? He’s back?
Sean was of mixed blood. It was normal for him to visit here and there between countries that he called home.
“I will not be shattered by him. I’m going to hang out with at least half a dozen me tonight. I don’t believe half a dozen of them can’t make me forget one!” Alicia decla perhaps due to the alcohol.
Even Stella couldn’t take it, “Two is enough. You can’t handle half a dozen.”
Alicia looked at Stella as if she were crazy, “Talk, not sex.”
exhaled and relieved. She’d given me a scare.
Sean
With our objectives aligned, Stella ordered a few drinks and invited some good-looking guguys to join us.
Suddenly, a dark figure appeared before us, casting a gloomy aura. I looked up to see Sean’s forbidding face.
He was staring at Alicia, who was holding hands with one of the guys. His eyes were sharp as knives.
“How did he get here?” Stella pointed at Sean. Her tone was full of disdain.
“I don’t know.” Alicia shook her head. But she seemed unafraid, as she didn’t let go of the guy’s hand.
Sean ignored Stella and me, swiftly pulling Alicia’s hand away from the guy’s.
Alicia jerked away from Sean, “What the hell?”
“Come home with me.” Sean’s voice was cold and commanding. Without waiting for Alicia’s refusal, he hoisted her up and marched off, leaving Stella and me standing there like statues.
Stella was furious. She turned to the guys and declared, “Whoever brings my friend back gets a grand!”
Upon hearing this, the guys rushed after Stella. I was left standing, dazed for a moment before getting up to join them.
No sooner had my rear left the seat when the dazzling lights and festive colors around me seemed to dim a fraction, as if shrouded by some form of dark cloud. Casting a slight upward glance, there was Neil, standing in front of me like a specter, with a face stormier than Sean’s. “Having fun with all these pretty boys?” he sneered.
I was baffled. Had Neil seen me with Stella and the others all this while?
Before I could even respond to Neil, the figure of Russel materialized from nowhere, effectively blocking my path from both sides. His eyebrows knitted together in a stern frown. “Irene Finch,” he spat, “Is this why you had refused to see me?”
