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.”

tough for me, you know. Hogan’s really

“Sorry.”

utterly deflated, a bitterness in my chest.

later, my phone rang again. I checked nervously, only to find it was my aunt calling.

the phone and

“What’s up, Auntie?”

Just 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

12:19

Chapter 34

together.”

dug into my palm as a sour sting hit

don’t

I said with a smile. “Things are bound to get better.”

office and asked, “Where’s that bottle of red we prepped

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

“Hilary’s probably not sleeping well these days. I’ll

on her.”

Hilary loved wines.

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

priceless red wine in hand, I

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

need to guess, the decor had to be

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

the glass in my hand and downed the contents.

stopped me. “Xaviera, don’t rush your drink; you’ll get

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

sensed something was off and