Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 53

“Into it,” Darren suddenly interjected, “then I owe you one.”

After hanging up. Wallis raised an eyebrow, “Professor Yearwood seemed pretty hyped, huh?”

“He’s got a good temper.”

“I beg to differ.” Wallis pinched his chin, pondered for a couple of seconds and said, “Last time. at the party, some girl was hitting on him, and he barely said two words before he ditched her with his dessert to find you.”

hadn’t noticed that bit. “You talking about Darren?”

“Yep.” Wallis clapped me on the shoulder, “So, when you’re picking out a basket for Professor Yearwood, make sure you choose carefully.”

I was about to argue, but then I saw Hogan and Cecilia standing a few steps away.

Cecilia, with a smile beaming across her face, said, “Is Xaviera picking out some strawberries for Professor Yearwood?”

They all heard it.

Wallis responded, “Director Irwin, you’ve got some sharp ears, catching all that from way over there.”

Cecilia wasn’t annoyed, replying, “Hogan said the strawberries here are super crunchy, brought me over to try them, we just happened to pass by.”

so seriously, Director Irwin? It’s all in good fun.”

the basket in my hands and sighed, “Xaviera, you are so sweet to Professor Yearwood, thinking of him even when you’re out having

at the plump berries in my basket and said calmly, “You’re

was free. Why not take advantage of

smile froze at the

“That’s a great idea, next time we do

Plus–ones?

this coming

from?

evening approached, we returned from Honto

uncle with

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Chapter 53

the fresh and appetizing strawberries, my uncle sighed. “1–If only your aunt and m–m-my girl were here. She’s g–got crafty hands.

him,

a rush to his night shift, so I didn’t linger long. Before I stepped onto the subway, he hurried over and handed me a bag of roasted chestnuts.

I was on the subway and found something

several neatly rolled–up cash.

just

my uncle. [Xaviera, I have a job now. Remember to

I felt a lump in my throat, almost bursting