Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 9

“Hogan, talk about a coincidence.” Hilary stuttered while kicking off the conversation, “Xaviera’s back in Rivertown, and she’s got herself a boyfriend.”

Elders sure know how to hit the nail on the head.

But this topic didn’t tickle Hogan’s fancy. He just glanced indifferently at his watch and reminded her, “The auction’s about to start.”

“Shoot, almost forgot why we’re here.” Hilary said enthusiastically, grabbing my hand, “Xaviera, let’s do lunch sometime soon, and bring your boyfriend along so I can give him the once–over.”

Just polite chit–chat. I didn’t take it to heart, just nodded along to play nice.

But Hilary

ry seemed to feel that wasn’t enough, shooting Hogan a look and saying, “Come on, say

something, will you?”

Hogan let out a cold snort, “You two close or something?”

The temperature in the room dropped to freezing in an instant.

But Hogan was right, without him, Hilary and I were like two ships passing in the night.

I found my own way out, “Mrs. Hilary, Mr. Zade, I’ve got to run.”

It took me a moment to muster that line.

money god, now it was time to make my exit.

hear Hilary asking,

of probing in her

my throbbing temples and silently headed to the home

later when I finally bought an air purifier. The vendor was decent

in the elevator, a lively crowd headed my way, led by none

a white tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver–rimmed glasses, he looked every bit the family

be told, he didn’t join a big company after college but stayed on campus

I was not mistaken, those tagging along were probably his students.

always been

say

smiling, “Xaviera, what

11:37

Chapter 9

young companions followed suit, their curious eyes on me. One of

his usual humility, “She’s Xaviera, my former classmate. Technically, she’s your

and chorused,

antics were amusing.

hit the ground floor, the bunch scattered like they’d planned it, not before asking me to look after their Professor Yearwood.

been drinking.

parking lot together, and I called

I wasn’t getting

I said truthfully, not wanting to burden him, “I’ve

but now holding