Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 27

I know my own body like the back of my hand.

After sleeping on it. I woke up the next morning without that burning pain, but I didn’t let my guard down. Back at the office, I made sure to pop some stomach meds, no funny business

there.

As the investor, Hogan was all heartache over his precious girl, and I was all about babying the project. After all, we were counting on this game to make us a pretty penny, so I gotta keep myself in tip–top shape.

However, eagle–eyed Jack caught me red–handed taking my stomach medicine and, with a sheepish look, he said, “Xaviera, it’s on me, I shouldn’t have left you to work late alone.”

So, after seven in the evening, he didn’t take off either.

I felt pretty touched by that and suggested we treat ourselves tonight, but Jack nixed the idea, “No, dinner’s on its way.”

I thought Jack had called for takeout, but in no time, I saw Darren bustle in with a big, square

box.

His glasses fogged up, he looked all rushed and flustered.

I gave him a puzzled look and asked, “What brings Darren here?”

“Come on, Darren, you’re dragging your feet. Xaviera and I are starving here.”

eyes finally settling on the big box, “Don’t tell me

sly smile, “Pretty smart.”

brought over four

had steam rising off

all thanks to the thermal box,”

rich and bursting with flavor,” Jack praised

without a word, and then served up some

his eyes and in a mock–whiny voice said, “Darren, I want

couldn’t help

chime went off, and curious, I looked over to see Cecilia making a

Chapter 27

comeback.

on the table. With at smile, she said, “Mr. Yearwood, are you here to deliver

offered, “Ms. Irwin, have you eaten? If you don’t mind,

Cecilia sweetly declined, “I’m just grabbing

she went into her office, Darren’s expression momentarily stiffened, and his look at me grew

I walked Darren down, only then learning

said your stomach was upset, and you gottal eat food while

braved the subway just to make sure the

big thermal box must have been a hassle.

“Don’t go to

humble demeanor, “Teaching can be dry, so working on my cooking skills is a way to put