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.

Hilary’s favorite

gratefully said, “Then I’ll go get ready.”

on the same page, past and present beaus

though, wasn’t feeling great about it, admitting, “Maybe I’m just small–minded, but if it

at her, “Who said, ‘A good name is better than a good face, but

working your butt off, go on a date or

about being

before I got an

From Darren.

Chapter 67

mystery

it, but thinking of Wallis’s self–pitying look, I

I was chucking my self–respect just for

asked Darren. [What time?)

sent a voice message, (Eight tonight, I’ll pick you up.]

and cheery, a stark contrast to the

looked calmly at the nearly bare Branches outside the window and

was time to clock out, Wallis dragged me toward the elevator, insisting on grabbing

dumbfounded, “Who with, Professor

feeling her sigh of relief, “Good on you, Xaviera.

when a gasp came from

her mouth, awkwardly