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

could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why

hint of probing in her tone.

my throbbing temples and silently headed to the home

was decent enough to offer free

lively crowd headed my

pants, and sporting silver–rimmed glasses, he looked every bit the

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

tagging

been Mr.

debating whether to say hi when Darren

smiling, “Xaviera, what are the

11:37

Chapter 9

of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you’re

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

straightened up and chorused, “Hello,

were amusing.

the bunch scattered like they’d planned it, not before

been

headed to the parking lot together, and I

when I wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you

I said truthfully, not wanting to burden him,

sighed, stepping out of the car but now holding a beige plaid business