Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 71

But let me tell you, that was just Hogan’s lame excuse. What he really wanted was a tangled mess of us in the dead of night.

Just like this moment, it was dangerous and yet, oh so captivating.

A sudden ring from my phone snapped me back to reality, with “Cecilia” spelled out crystal clear on the caller ID.

It hit me like a sledgehammer, dragging me back into the here and now.

“Mr. Zade, you’ve got a call from Director Irwin,” I gave Hogan the heads–up.

At the mention of Cecilia, Hogan’s tight embrace finally eased up a bit.

The overhead light bulb chose that exact second to blaze on, its glaring brightness as if it could burn away all the secrets and shame hidden in the night.

Cecilia’s soft sobs leaked through the phone. “Hogan, I’m feeling really down. Can you come pick me up?”

Hogan massaged his temples and after a short pause said, “Send me the address.

The call ended and the man stood there, hesitating, as if he had more to say but couldn’t spit it

out.

his gaze squarely and said with openness, “Go ahead, before Director Irwin gets steamed.”

as if I’d cracked a joke, with a storm brewing in

good. Mr. Zade?”

scoff

to its peaceful state, with only

morning. I unexpectedly got a call from a heating guy wanting to schedule

confirmed with the guy several times. Then, it hit me–I remembered

too cold. I don’t

guy told me the bill for the radiators had already been paid–and it wasn’t cheap.

you are really splashing out,” I carefully phrased my response. “Our heating’s not that bad,

Chapter 71

want Cecilia to be more comfortable at work. Why the hard pass. Ms. March?”

was worried about Cecilia getting cold.

said, I had to show some tact. “Then, on behalf of everyone, thanks, Mr. Zade.”

but when I turned around, there was Cecilia standing

1. me.

the questions in the young girl’s eyes were loud

you

her frown

closer, she fiddled with her mug, “Hogan must have asked you for quite a few favors to keep me and Mrs. Hilary happy, huh?”

for her to