Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 28

Hogan glanced at the insulated food container In Darren’s hand and asked, “What’s this?”

Before Darren could say a word, Cecilia jumped in. “The food container? Hogan, you’re out of the loop. Mr. Yearwood knew Xaviera wasn’t feeling well and whipped up a special dinner with some TLC.”

Hogan gave Darren the once–over, then turned to me and said, “Ms. March, you are not just a coding whiz, but also ace at keeping her friends close, huh?”

His voice was even, but I detected a hint of sarcasm in his words.

Darren, ever the gentleman, said, “Xaviera’s often lent me a hand. She’s been under the weather with a stomachache these past couple of days, so I thought I’d check in on her.”

It sounded like he was sticking up for me.

After hearing this, Hogan snickered, “One day it’s ‘that time of the month,‘ the next it’s a stomachache. Ms. March’s health sure is full of surprises.”

I looked at Hogan in disbelief.

What was he getting at?

Thinking I was faking it?

Cecilia, catching on, chided, “You don’t get it, Hogan. A girl’s period can indeed lead to other discomforts.”

It was like she was trying to explain on my behalf, but it almost made things worse.

“Is that so?” Hogan gave me a look, the smile on his lips ambiguous, “Well then, Ms. March, you’d better take good care of yourself.”

put me on the hot

‘Take care.‘

it was dripping with

replied calmly. “Of course, Mr. Zade,

of surprise in

wasn’t about to waste my time on this kind of idle chatter and spoke

shot Darren a look.

nod, Darren

the street in silence.

11:42

in his eyes, as if he had

with work too. Don’t do this kind

me, and asked, “Xaviera, can I ask you an abrupt

curled my fingers slightly and nodded.

with Hogan…”

the investor and I’m the

seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and, with a smile, said, “If that’s the

couldn’t he just drop it?

get back to cranking code,” Darren pointed to his wristwatch, “if you wait any longer, you’ll miss the last subway.”

to tease me.

to coding

apartment complex, it was

I entered the building and looked up only to