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 exit.

the background, I could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera

was a hint of probing in

rubbed my throbbing temples and silently headed to the

when I finally bought an air purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free delivery,

crowd headed my way, led

collared jacket over a white tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver–rimmed glasses, he

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

not mistaken, those tagging along were probably

been

debating whether to say hi

towards the elevator, smiling, “Xaviera, what

11:37

Chapter 9

suit, their curious eyes on me. One of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you’re quite the charmer,

said with his usual humility, “She’s Xaviera, my former

straightened up and

were amusing.

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

had been drinking.

together, and I called him a

when I wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you

wanting to

but now holding a beige plaid business bag.