Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 39

When she heard my response, Cecilia’s expression clearly froze for a sec.

She couldn’t squeeze out a word for the longest time.

Then Hogan couldn’t stand it anymore, gave me a quick look and said to her, “Just be yourself. no need to copy anyone.”

When Hogan said “anyone,” his piercing gaze landed right on my face.

Talk about beating around the bush.

Cecilia looked at him, all surprised and fluttery eyelashes.

Guess she was touched.

I didn’t want to waste my time watching this soap opera unfold, so I said “Excuse me,” turned on my heel and left.

Turned out I actually found that dry cleaner Cecilia mentioned.

At three in the afternoon, the owner of the dry cleaners gave me a ring, saying my suit was ready.

I thought about it for a moment and dialed Darren’s number.

Soon after, the call connected, and I heard Darren ask in a hushed voice. “Xaviera, what’s up?”

sounded pretty worried.

have been great. I said, with a hint of apology. “You

answered decisively, “How

“Works for me.”

there I was,

being back in this place, filled with memories of Hogan and my youth, I felt

approached me in a light

the suit, asking. “Didn’t

“Got your head stuck in coding? It’s off–duty

right to just take off, so I offered, “Well,

contentedly. “Wouldn’t say no to

would’ve thought, Darren took me to the student cafeteria

12:20:

“Ketchup spaghetti?”

was a

during my college days–cheap and filling,

we sat down, Darren also got me an extra cup

trying to save me

said, “Not really, just

didn’t say anything, he reminded me, “Finish your spaghetti, and the

all to do morning exercises with the discipline book, dubbed ‘Nanny Darren by the students, and I couldn’t

at me, puzzled, and explained, “Just remembered how you used

my forehead gently with his