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.”

from Cecilia. “Xaviera, it’s tough for

“Sorry.”

feeling utterly deflated, a bitterness in my

nervously, only to find

phone and stepped into the

“What’s up, Auntie?”

some good news,” her worn voice tinged with joy. “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

12:19

Chapter 34

together.”

into my palm as a sour sting

don’t agree?”

said with a smile.

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

are your eyes red?” Wallis looked at me, concern etched on her face.

and calmly said, “Hilary’s probably not sleeping well these days.

on her.”

Hilary loved wines.

a no–go, I had to carve

in

iron gate stood a four–story villa, nestled among mountains and water, reminding me of the

need to guess, the decor had to

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

floor’s round table, I lifted the glass

“Xaviera, don’t rush your drink;

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

off and