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.

paid my dues to the money god, now

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

was a hint of probing in

rubbed my throbbing temples and silently headed to the home

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

third–floor food court in the elevator, a lively crowd headed my way, led

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

didn’t join a big company after college but stayed on

was not mistaken, those tagging along

had always been Mr.

debating whether to say hi when Darren

walked briskly towards the elevator, smiling, “Xaviera, what are

11:37

Chapter 9

on me. One of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you’re quite the

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

up and

antics were amusing.

floor, the bunch scattered like they’d planned it, not before asking me to look after their

had been drinking.

lot together, and I

when I wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you joining?”

wanting to burden him, “I’ve called for a ride.”

of the car but now holding a beige plaid business