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.

that kind of dumb move before, like on the

he subtly suggested I take off

me out of my

call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

birthday bash, but it’d be rude not to show when returning a favor, so I asked, “Who’s

friends, you

birthday thing, probably didn’t want me to

then said, “Send me the address.”

he sent the location where Hilary had invited me

11:40

Chapter 21

were nothing to scoff at.

kind of looking forward

to the next day.

my work, I

Darren won’t dare to blow out his candles without you there.”

was about to mention catching the subway when Cecilia’s office door swung open, and she looked at me curiously,

heard Jack say, “Let’s go, Xaviera. Darren made

geeky guy could be such a chatterbox?

we finally arrived at the private room at half–past seven.

many people inside, just Darren and a couple of classmates, Tina Ferber and some familiar–looking guy, all around the