Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 15

By the time I realized what was happening, I hastily switched the camera.

Through the earpiece, Hilary’s voice had an unmistakable hint of disbelief, “Sorry about that, Xaviera. You see, I got carried away chatting your ear off. Let’s catch up some other time, shall we?”

Before I could even respond, Hilary had already hung up.

I awkwardly turned to Darren and said, “Sorry about that, Hogan’s mom might have…”

“Rough, huh?” Darren blurted out unexpectedly, with a touch of concern in his voice.

I looked up at him, unsure which kind of ‘rough‘ he was referring to.

Work, or dealing with my ex–boyfriend’s mother.

Seeing that I didn’t say anything. Darren handed me a blueberry, “For your eyes, they help with the fatigue. Have some more.”

I felt a bit off inside but changed the subject, “It’s about time for lunch, let’s go.”

Darren tactfully dropped the topic.

At the restaurant, I looked at the mountain of plates in front of me and sheepishly said, “Darren, it’s not often I treat someone, so please eat up.”

After speaking. I politely pushed the salmon his way.

Darren gave me a look and said, “Xaviera, you’re too skinny. Health is the real wealth, especially

if you want to conquer the business world. You can’t afford to be under the weather.”

And he pushed the salmon back to me.

argue with him and said, “Alright, let’s eat it together.”

actually quite enjoyable.

politely informed me that Darren had already taken care of the

treat next time, is

was gentle and modest, and as he spoke, he

Darren chuckled as if he had something on me, “I treat once, you treat once; that’s still going Dutch.”

a loss for words!

up, it was already 9 PM, and Darren

11-38

Chapter 15

out long and thin, but he showed no sign of leaving.. After a moment, he adjusted his silver–rimmed glasses and said, “You

the hoop–throwing game he’d taken me to

along, and it was clear

I just said, “Thanks for today, be careful on the road.”

knowing when to advance and when to retreat, wished me goodnight and

off.

in early for a change, but as

came to

the night Hogan would formally introduce Cecilia to

didn’t even know

contrast was

years ago, Hogan and I were

pressing matter was something

interrupted my

was totally confused.

“It’s me.”

crack of

was Hogan’s voice, no mistake.

be at