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

of everyone, he subtly suggested I take off early, not

snapped me out of my

call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

but it’d be rude not to

friends, you know

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

second, then

where Hilary had invited me

11:40

Chapter 21

skills were nothing to

of looking forward to it.

the next

work, I started tidying my

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

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

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

could be such a

arrived at the private room

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