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

meal was actually quite enjoyable.

came time to pay, the server politely informed me that Darren had already taken

treat next time, is

spoke, he refunded the transfer

suggested we go Dutch, to which Darren chuckled as if he had something on me,

at a loss

time the outing wrapped up, it was already 9 PM, and Darren insisted on walking me down to my

11-38

Chapter 15

streetlight, his shadow stretched out long and thin, but he showed no sign of leaving.. After a moment, he adjusted his silver–rimmed glasses

referring to the hoop–throwing game he’d taken me

didn’t want to burst his bubble, so I went along, and it was

this kind of attention, so I just said,

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

off.

turned in early for a change, but as soon as I

came to mind.

I wasn’t wrong, tonight was the night Hogan would formally introduce Cecilia to the Zade

had been humble for six years, didn’t even know which way the Zade family’s front door

contrast was stark.

and

matter was

knock interrupted my thoughts.

there?” I was totally

“It’s me.”

deep voice barely made it through the crack of the door before I stood there,

voice, no mistake.

he supposed to be at the family dinner with Cecilia