Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 34

Thinking about the hard–earned five hundred thousand that finally hit our account, both of us fell into silence.

Wallis figured we had to start with Cecilia.

“Even King couldn’t dodge the pillow talk, right?” she exemplified. “One word from Cecilia is worth a thousand from us.”

Hearing that, I looked down, feeling kinda crappy inside.

This mess happened right under my nose; no one’s better suited to make this call than me.

Thinking about the project’s future, I dialed Cecilia’s number.

But no answer.

Wallis looked puzzled. “Probably didn’t see it. We’ll try again later.*

Spot on she was.

Come evening, Cecilia finally rang back. “Sorry, Xaviera. I was up the mountain with Hogan and left my phone at the hotel. What’s up?”

Turns out, while we were anxious as hell, those two were leisurely enjoying the snow.

I steadied myself and said, “Director Irwin, Candy and I have deeply reflected on yesterday’s incident. Could you forgive us this time?”

“Really?” Cecilia’s voice floated back, airy. “But from what I see on Facebook, Candy seems to be having a blast.”

Candy hadn’t shown up for work today either. What she was up to, I hadn’t paid much mind.

I sincerely said, “I’ll have her personally apologize to you, Director Irwin. And with Mr. Zade, I’d appreciate your help.”

“Xaviera, it’s tough for me, you know. Hogan’s really ticked off this

“Sorry.”

utterly deflated, a bitterness

I checked nervously, only

took the phone and

“What’s up, Auntie?”

“Your uncle managed to find a security job in Rivertown through a connection. Rakes in over four hundred a month. If things go well, I’m bringing your cousin over next year. Then the family can

12:19

Chapter 34

together.”

fingertips dug into my palm as a sour sting hit

don’t

I said with a smile. “Things are bound to

hanging up, I briskly entered Wallis‘ office and asked, “Where’s that bottle of red we

eyes red?” Wallis looked at me, concern etched on her

and calmly said, “Hilary’s probably not sleeping

on her.”

Hilary loved wines.

the Cecilia route was a no–go, I had to carve

hour later, with the priceless red wine in hand, I showed up

mountains and water, reminding me of the retreat an ancient poet bought when he was forty–elegant,

to guess, the decor had to be

me with a smile. “Xaviera, come in, have a seat.”

the ground floor’s round table, I lifted the glass in my hand and downed the

rush

silent, pouring myself another glass, and smiled. “To drink with you is a

finally sensed something was off