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.

the money god, now it was time to make my

vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera

a hint of probing in

temples and silently headed to the home appliances section.

was decent enough to offer free delivery, which put me at ease

passed the third–floor food court in the elevator, a lively crowd headed

tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver–rimmed glasses, he looked every

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

I was not mistaken, those tagging

always been

say hi when Darren spotted me.

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

11:37

Chapter 9

of them

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

and chorused, “Hello, Xaviera!”

antics were amusing.

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

been

the parking lot together,

getting in, “Aren’t you joining?”

I said truthfully, not wanting to burden

the car but now holding