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.

kind of dumb move before, like on the first birthday Hogan and I held

suggested I take off early, not exactly a fond

me out of

a call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

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

four friends, you know

birthday thing, probably didn’t want me to

paused for a second, then

enough, he sent the location where Hilary had invited me

11:40

Chapter 21

skills were nothing to scoff at.

looking forward to

the

I started tidying my

no rush. Darren won’t dare to blow out his candles

to mention catching the subway when Cecilia’s office door swung open, and she looked

say, “Let’s go, Xaviera. Darren made me promise to

geeky guy could be

finally arrived at the private room

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