Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 13

The meal was so bland I could hardly taste a thing.

I was gritting my teeth, hanging out with Hilary for a quick drink.

Hogan didn’t join in; between us, we barely exchanged a few words during the entire dinner.

But his phone was buzzing non–stop.

Hogan wasn’t annoyed, though. He patiently replied to each message, a smirk occasionally crossing his lips, barely touched his food, too.

Didn’t need a crystal ball to know who was blowing up his messages.

Hilary saw it all the worry in her eyes growing by the minute. Seizing the chance when Hogan stepped out, she vented to me, “Xaviera, what’s gotten into Hogan? He’s acting like he’s possessed or something.”

I got it.

After all, the old Hogan wouldn’t dream of spending all his time texting back and forth.

Now he had changed.

After the meal, the Zade family’s driver was waiting outside the restaurant. Hilary glanced at Hogan, still buried in his messages, and instructed, “It’s late. You take Xaviera home.”

Hogan acted as if he heard nothing..

I found myself an out, “Mrs. Hilary, I’ve called a ride.”

A flicker of guilt crossed Hilary’s eyes, rare for her.

restaurant. I was

him, surprised, realizing he meant to drive me home.

I’ve

the rideshare

a hint of sarcasm, “What, worried your boyfriend will

dropped the act.

waste seven or eight bucks on

of a

I settled into the passenger seat than my eyelids started squabbling

been running on fumes for two or three

1/2

11:38

Chapter 11

towards sleep.

said softly. “Sleep.

was unexpectedly kind.

a mere two seconds before sleep snatched away my willpower.

know how much time passed, but I vaguely heard the vibration of a

my eyes open.

the fuzziness, I saw Hogan up close.

was staring at

familiar eyes weren’t sharp and cold as before; they were tender as

Illusion or reality?

of soap filled my

fragrance was eroding my senses in this