Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 31

I thought I heard it wrong.

But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, I knew Hogan’s Invite was legit.

Or was it just lip service?

I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so I politely declined, “Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ve got work to tackle. I’ll treat you next time.”

Hogan wouldn’t take no for an answer, “You’ve got to eat no matter how busy, right?”

His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, made me feel like I was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill.

Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, “Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has

her reasons.”

Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion.

I stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation.

After a moment, he said with strained patience, “Cecilia’s been at your company for over al month now, Ms. March. She must have caused you some trouble, so I ought to give a proper

thanks.”

I immediately read between the lines of Hogan’s implication.

Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia.

Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, “Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe you shouldn’t refuse?”

Full of sincerity.

I felt a bit miffed inside, but face–saving is still a thing.

So, I ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia.

The place had class, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The plano music helped ease the blockage in my heart a bit.

But one thing I couldn’t figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn’t it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy world for two with Cecilia?

on bringing me along, the third wheel?

I got my answer.

stormed in like a force of

face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re

12:18

Cacter 31

I was out of

still dragged me into this.

steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating,

waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite

a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually. “are

hand slipped off the fork, clashing

colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so

Pretty awkward.

and naturally swapped it

epitome of

lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it myself.”

that, she glanced cautiously at Hilary.

like a startled little

took me back to the

had a

bossy as now, but

crayfish season, and just because

smelled

for a “pretty

Hogan just sat across, silently

steak for

a bit too much?” Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she need you to cut and

was passing a napkin to Cecilia.

replied without batting an

was left speechless, storm clouds

17-18

Chapter 31

I changed the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan–seared cod

saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies, with no tact

a