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

‘Take care.‘

Hogan, it was dripping

explanation to Cecilia the night before, I replied calmly. “Of course, Mr. Zade, you have

pupils quivered, a flicker of surprise

chatter and spoke up

that, I shot Darren a

nod, Darren followed by

street in

11:42

as you go.” Darren looked at me, worry mingling in his eyes,

him. “You’re busy with work too. Don’t do this

at me, and asked, “Xaviera, can I ask you an abrupt question?”

my fingers slightly

with Hogan…”

the project manager,” I answered

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

just drop

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

how to tease

back to coding in all earnestness.

returned to my apartment complex, it

entered the building and looked up only to bump into Hogan.