Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 67

Sure, throwing in a bit extra was no biggie.

The moment the words left my mouth, a notification for a bank transfer popped up on my phone.

Hogan had sent another 2 grand my way.

“Mr. Zade, you are too kind. If you need anything in the future.”

“Ms. March, you could try dipping your toes into the showbiz.” Hogan cut me off, “Playing the contrast card, you nail it every time.

My voice got stuck in my throat.

I pride myself on my acting chops, but how did Hogan catch on?

“Ms. March, you intentionally slipped in ginger slices, so why didn’t you switch to a willow blade when slicing the carp?”

The willow blade was my go–to technique for slicing fish.

But I hadn’t realized Hogan would remember that.

The next day at work, Cecilia brought me breakfast on purpose and gushed, “Xaviera, you really know how to handle things. Mrs. Hilary invited me to go to a floral salon tonight, I’m so thrilled.” Predictable.

I figured Hogan forking over 2 grand so easily had to be connected to this too.

reminded her, “Mrs. Hilary’s favorite is the

her lightbulb moment and gratefully said, “Then I’ll go get

past and present

small–minded,

at her, “Who said, ‘A good name is

said, “Xaviera, stop working your butt off, go on a date or something, even a pity date

being

it wasn’t long before

From Darren.

Chapter 67

mystery flick at the

really into it, but thinking of Wallis’s

want Wallis to think I was chucking my self–respect

Darren. [What time?)

(Eight tonight, I’ll pick

stark contrast to the bleak

nearly bare Branches outside the window

toward the elevator, insisting on grabbing a drink with me, but I frantically stopped her, “Sorry, I’ve

“Who with, Professor

clearly feeling her sigh of relief, “Good on you, Xaviera. And hey, don’t forget to play

when a gasp came from

around, I saw Cecilia covering her