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.

of my call might not have been great. I said, with a hint of apology. “You free tonight? Your

“How

“Works for me.”

time, and there I was, carrying the suit to

back in this place, filled with memories of Hogan and my youth, I felt like a lifetime ago.

building. Darren approached me in a light brown trench coat, puffing and

suit, asking. “Didn’t interrupt your work, did I?”

eyes at me. “Got your head stuck in

off, so I offered, “Well, Darren, let me treat you to

smiled contentedly. “Wouldn’t say no to

took me to the student cafeteria to the

12:20:

“Ketchup spaghetti?”

a bit surprised.

was my go–to comfort food during my college days–cheap and filling, but how did

we sat down, Darren also got me an extra

trying to save

“Not really, just been craving this

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

with the discipline book, dubbed ‘Nanny Darren by the students, and I couldn’t help

puzzled, and explained, “Just remembered how you used to take care of everyone back in

gently with