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.

dues to the money god, now it was time to make

could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera

hint of probing in

silently headed to the home

hour later when I finally bought an air purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free delivery, which put me at ease as I

court in the elevator, a lively crowd

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

big company after college but stayed

tagging along were probably his students.

been Mr. Popular.

say hi

the elevator, smiling, “Xaviera, what

11:37

Chapter 9

on me. One of them joked,

“She’s

straightened up and

antics were amusing.

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

been

lot together, and I called

asked when I wasn’t getting in,

way.” I said truthfully, not wanting to burden him, “I’ve

car but now holding