Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 21

The mall where I visited was just four stops away from my studio.

If it hadn’t been for overhearing Cecilia on the phone talking about grabbing a bite before lunch break, I would’ve bet she and Hogan had bugged me or something.

But since I bumped into them, I had no choice but to say hi.

Cecilia took a quick peek at the camera bag in my hand and asked, “Are you into photography too, Xaviera?”

I replied softly, “Just window shopping.”

“That’s a coincidence.” Cecilia shot Hogan a look, then turned back to me and said, “I was worried I wouldn’t pick the right one. Could you help me decide?”

The cameras from this brand start with a four–figure price tag. pretty much what Cecilia makes in two months. She sounded so casual about it, I figured Hogan was footing the bill.

“Sorry, I haven’t had lunch yet.” I turned down her request, adding, “You should ask the saleswoman. She’s the pro.”

Cecilia’s smile froze for a sec, but she quickly played it cool, saying. “My bad, I didn’t think it through.”

I gave a small laugh and disappeared into the crowd.

I did buy the gift, but how to deliver it was another story.

I couldn’t just crash Darren’s birthday party unannounced.

before, like on the first birthday

everyone, he subtly suggested I take off early, not exactly a fond memory.

sound snapped me out

a call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

a birthday bash, but it’d be rude not to show when returning a favor, so

four friends, you

didn’t mention the birthday thing, probably didn’t want me

paused for a second, then said, “Send me

enough, he sent the location where Hilary had invited me last time.

11:40

Chapter 21

skills were

looking forward to it.

the next day.

I started tidying my

won’t dare to blow out his

to mention catching the subway when Cecilia’s office door swung open, and she looked at me curiously, “Got plans tonight, Xaviera?”

say, “Let’s go, Xaviera. Darren made me promise to get you to Aurora Eats

knew this geeky guy could be such a

sped along, and we finally arrived at the private room at half–past

many people inside, just Darren and a couple of classmates, Tina