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.”

got a swift response from Cecilia. “Xaviera, it’s tough for me, you know. Hogan’s really ticked off

“Sorry.”

hung up, feeling utterly deflated,

later, my phone rang again. I checked nervously, only to find

and stepped into

“What’s up, Auntie?”

“Your uncle managed to find a security job in Rivertown through a connection. Rakes in over

12:19

Chapter 34

together.”

as a sour

don’t agree?”

a smile. “Things

entered Wallis‘ office and asked, “Where’s that bottle of red we prepped this

looked at me, concern etched on

probably not sleeping well these days. I’ll go

on her.”

Hilary loved wines.

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

later, with the priceless red wine in hand,

nestled among mountains and water, reminding me of the retreat an

to guess, the decor had to

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

table, I lifted the

don’t rush your drink; you’ll get

pouring myself another glass, and smiled. “To drink with you is a pleasure. I’ll finish this one; you take your time.”

off and