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.

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

Mr. Zade, but I’ve

up the rideshare

with a hint of sarcasm, “What, worried

dropped the

mean, why waste seven or eight bucks on a ride

got to say, the comfort of a luxury

into the passenger seat than my eyelids started

running on fumes for two or three days straight, and

1/2

11:38

Chapter 11

towards sleep.

said softly. “Sleep. I’ll wake you when we

voice was

hesitated for a mere two seconds before sleep snatched

but I vaguely heard the vibration of a phone and

my eyes open.

fuzziness, I saw

staring at

those familiar eyes weren’t sharp and cold as

Illusion or reality?

soap

fragrance was eroding my