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.

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

take off early, not exactly

out of my thoughts.

call

“Free tomorrow night?”

rude not

or four friends, you know them.”

probably didn’t want

paused for a second, then said, “Send me

where Hilary had invited me

11:40

Chapter 21

skills were nothing to scoff at.

kind of looking forward to it.

forward to the

work, I started tidying my

“Xaviera, no rush. Darren won’t dare to blow out his candles without you there.”

Cecilia’s office door swung open, and she looked at me

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

this geeky guy could be

arrived at the

Darren and a couple of classmates, Tina Ferber