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.”

one sentence put me on the

‘Take care.‘

from Hogan, it was dripping

to Cecilia the night before, I replied calmly. “Of course, Mr. Zade, you have put so much money

flicker of

of idle chatter and spoke up

saying that, I shot Darren

Darren

the street in silence.

11:42

is as far as you go.” Darren looked at me, worry mingling in his eyes, as if he had more to say

“You’re busy with work too. Don’t

me, and asked, “Xaviera, can I ask

my fingers slightly

relationship with

the project

and, with a smile, said, “If that’s the case, then it’s not silly.”

he just

time is money, get back to cranking code,” Darren pointed to his wristwatch, “if you wait any

to tease me.

did go back to coding in

to my apartment complex, it was late

the building and looked up only to