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.

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

he meant to drive

Mr. Zade, but I’ve got

the rideshare

said with a hint of sarcasm, “What, worried your boyfriend

the act.

eight bucks on a ride if I could help it?

comfort of a luxury

enough, no sooner had I settled into the passenger seat than my eyelids started squabbling with

or three days straight, and the alcohol was nudging

1/2

11:38

Chapter 11

towards sleep.

picked up on that and said softly. “Sleep. I’ll wake

voice was unexpectedly kind.

for a mere two seconds before sleep snatched away

passed, but I vaguely heard the vibration of a phone and cracked

my eyes open.

saw

staring

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

Illusion or reality?

familiar scent of soap

was eroding my senses in this