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.

me and Hogan left in front of the restaurant. I was app when Hogan’s

looked at him, surprised, realizing he meant to

Zade, but I’ve got

up the

then said with a hint of sarcasm, “What, worried your boyfriend will get the wrong

the act.

waste seven or eight bucks on a ride if

the comfort of a luxury

I settled into the passenger

two or three days straight, and

1/2

11:38

Chapter 11

towards sleep.

softly. “Sleep. I’ll

voice was unexpectedly

for a mere two seconds

didn’t know how much time passed, but I vaguely heard the vibration

my eyes open.

I saw

was staring at me.

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

Illusion or reality?

scent of soap filled my nostrils.

eroding my senses