Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 22

Hogan and Cecilia’s private room was right next door.

Talk about a crazy coincidence.

“It’s fate.” Darren said with his usual chill vibe, his voice gentle. “Hogan, mind if we have a drink. together?”

Hogan’s response came cool and distant, “Is that appropriate?”

There wasn’t any emotion in his voice.

Darren joked half–seriously, “Mr. Zade, are you giving me the cold shoulder?”

After that, he called them over to sit down.

The head of the table.

Cecilia had just taken her seat when her eyes suddenly landed on Darren’s camera bag. She exclaimed in surprise. “Wow, the camera bag Xaviera was so choosy about turned out to be a gift for Mr. Yearwood.”

Darren paused. “Choosy?”

Cecilia, ever the social butterfly, said in her sweet, soft voice, “Yeah, in the middle of broad daylight, Xaviera ran off to the mall. The sales lady said she took ages to decide.”

After Darren heard this, he glanced my way, a twinkle in his eye.

made me feel kinda embarrassed.

a return gift: too expensive or too cheap wouldn’t be right. Of course,

painting it this way, it seemed like I’d gone to great lengths.

the meal over

came, “Xaviera,

the seat next to Darren.

an old middle school buddy of Darren’s, didn’t know the backstory between

that, with his cue, all eyes, as if on cue, turned to me.

if I stubbornly refused to go over, it would be a bit of a slap in Darren’s

a scene and quietly took my seat.

the corner of my eye, I felt a gaze brushing past me, and when I looked up, I

11:40

cleaning utensils for Cecilia.

holding a pen were now

drinks were served, and after toasting the birthday star, everyone started

full when Cecilia’s sweet voice floated over from two guys away, “Xaviera, Mr. Yearwood, thanks to you both, I’ve had a delightful evening. Here’s a toast

stood up, her glass filled with juice held respectfully, looking

extra emphasis

had lingered in my chest all night suddenly spread in that second, rushing

to burst out.

on it and spoke calmly, “Ms. Irwin, you are mistaken. Xaviera