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.”

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

eyed the basket in my hands and sighed, “Xaviera, you are so sweet to Professor Yearwood, thinking of

said calmly, “You’re right, Director Irwin.

was free. Why not take

smile froze at the corners of

picked up the conversation. “That’s a great idea, next time we do a team building, we should allow plus–ones.”

Plus–ones?

this coming

from?

we returned from Honto Abbey with our spoils.

my uncle with strawberries

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Chapter 53

my uncle sighed. “1–If only your aunt and m–m-my girl were here. She’s g–got crafty hands. c–could’ve made s–some strawberry jam for the k–kid.”

him,

long. Before I stepped onto the subway, he hurried

on

several neatly rolled–up

much, just

[Xaviera, I have a job now. Remember

I felt a lump in my throat,