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.

like on the

subtly suggested I take

sound snapped me out of my thoughts.

a call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

rude not to show

three or four friends, you know them.”

probably didn’t want

a second, then said, “Send

where Hilary had

11:40

Chapter 21

were

kind of looking

to the

my work, I started tidying

quipped, “Xaviera, no rush. Darren won’t dare to blow out his candles

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

Darren made me promise to

knew this geeky guy could be such a

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

couple of classmates, Tina Ferber and some