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.

before, like on

of everyone, he subtly suggested I take off early,

out

a call from

“Free tomorrow night?”

going to a birthday bash, but it’d be rude not to show when returning a favor, so I

friends, you know them.”

probably didn’t want me to splurge.

for a second, then

location where Hilary had invited me last time.

11:40

Chapter 21

skills were nothing

kind of looking forward to

the next

wrapping up my work, I started tidying my desk.

this, Jack quipped, “Xaviera, no rush. Darren won’t dare to blow out his candles without

Cecilia’s office door swung open, and

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

knew this geeky guy could

arrived at the private

and a couple of classmates, Tina Ferber and