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?”

pretty worried.

realize the timing of my call might not have been great. I said, with a hint

decisively, “How about after

“Works for me.”

and there I was, carrying the suit to

only been two years, but being back in this place, filled with memories of Hogan and my youth, I felt like a

me in a light brown trench coat,

the suit, asking. “Didn’t interrupt

your head stuck in coding? It’s off–duty hours now.”

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

smiled contentedly. “Wouldn’t say no

Darren took me to the student cafeteria to the spaghetti section.

12:20:

“Ketchup spaghetti?”

a bit surprised.

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

Darren also got me an extra cup

save

“Not really, just been craving

I didn’t say anything, he reminded me, “Finish

pictured Darren back in college, herding us all to do morning exercises with the discipline book, dubbed ‘Nanny Darren by the students,

“Just remembered how you used to take care of everyone

sooner had I finished, Darren ficked my forehead gently with his finger,