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.

been great. I said, with a hint of

“How about after six?”

“Works for me.”

was,

only been two years, but being back in this place, filled with memories of Hogan and my

approached me in a light brown trench

him the suit, asking. “Didn’t

eyes at me. “Got your head

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

smiled contentedly. “Wouldn’t say no to that.”

me to the

12:20:

“Ketchup spaghetti?”

was a bit

was my go–to comfort food during my college

Darren also got me an extra cup of hot milk.

to save me some cash?”

disposable cutlery and said, “Not really, just been craving this spaghetti

reminded me, “Finish your spaghetti,

do morning exercises with the discipline book, dubbed ‘Nanny Darren by the students, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

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

forehead gently with his finger, “Xaviera, focus