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.

my dues to the money god, now it was time to make my

background, I could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera call you Mr.

a hint of

silently headed to

air purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free

third–floor food court in the elevator, a lively crowd headed my way, led by none other than class rep Darren.

black collared jacket over a white tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver–rimmed glasses, he looked every bit the

company after college but stayed on campus

those tagging along were probably his

been Mr. Popular.

to say

smiling, “Xaviera, what are the odds?”

11:37

Chapter 9

of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you’re quite the charmer, aren’t

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

and chorused, “Hello,

antics were amusing.

we hit the ground floor, the bunch scattered like they’d planned it, not before asking me to

been drinking.

lot together, and

when I wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t

on my way.” I said truthfully, not wanting

car but now holding a