Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 3

Before hopping out of the car, I learned from Wallis that the chance to meet the big shot was courtesy of her knocking back vodka last night.

When it came to her career, she had always been one to go all–in.-

In fact, I had occasionally caught glimpses of Hogan in the financial news over the past couple of years – the guy with the Midas touch, never taking a hit. Especially after taking over that internet behemoth half a year ago, he had been making waves in the investment world.

It was no surprise that the former finance wiz kid has become the darling of the capital scene. It was both expected and totally reasonable.

That was also one of the reasons he was the belle of the ball at last night’s alumni gathering.

By all accounts, as his ex who was supposed to be out of the picture, I should have kept my distance. But seeing Wallis‘ face caked in makeup, I bit the bullet and went upstairs.

I figured, we were just a no–name indie game studio; Hogan probably wouldn’t have the time to meet with us personally.

Turned out, my hunch was spot on.

Inside the meeting room, three spiffy–looking execs sat in a row, listening patiently to Wallis and me pitching our hearts out.

Q&A, back and forth the whole shebang took a good two hours.

One of the execs escorted us downstairs, where Wallis, smooth as ever, made lunch plans with him. I just stood there, grinning awkwardly.

my ears, “Xaviera,

there they were Hogan and

enhancing his already impressive stature, with his chiseled features making

him, Cecilia, in a sky–blue blouse and black slacks, exuded both innocence and a touch of sass.

sapphire cufflinks on Hogan’s wrist subtly matched Cecilia’s

the pair – if you ignored that brief flicker of displeasure in Hogan’s hawk–like

closer, Cecilia, ever the curious one, asked me, “Xaviera, are you here to talk business?”

Pretty sharp.

sensed something off. Stepping forward, she reached out to

11:36

Chapter 3

heard so much about you from Xaviera. It’s an honor to finally meet you

schmooze, but today, she was about to hit a

cursory glance and looked past her at me, his voice

my own overconfident bluster last night, I

floor.

Cecilia chimed in enthusiastically. “Our company canteen is legendary. Why

Hogan had already

opportunity for a senior still in college.

was already looking out

library, only to be seated across from him as if I’d