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 it was time to

asking, “Why does Xaviera call you Mr. Zade?”

of probing

temples and silently headed to the home

purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free delivery, which

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

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

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

I was not mistaken, those tagging along were probably his students.

been Mr.

whether to say hi when Darren spotted

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

11:37

Chapter 9

me. One of them

“She’s Xaviera, my former classmate. Technically, she’s

straightened up and chorused, “Hello, Xaviera!”

antics were

they’d planned it, not before asking

been

headed to the parking lot together, and I called

wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you

truthfully, not wanting to burden him, “I’ve called

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