Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 74

Running into Cecilia again didn’t exactly knock my socks off.

But I sure as hell didn’t expect to see Hogan and Hilary tagging along.

In my book. Hogan was the last guy you’d catch dead at a shopping mall, let alone playing the tame sidekick, lugging bags for the ladies.

It was out of left field but somehow made sense.

Well, since our paths crossed, I couldn’t dodge saying hi to the trio without coming off as a total jerk.

Though I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it.

Hilary threw an extra glance at Darren and my uncle standing next to me and clicked, “So when you said you had plans, it was with Professor Yearwood, huh?”

I could hear a hint of sour grapes in her voice.

Only then did I remember her asking me out over the phone last night.

Looks like she got the wrong end of the stick.

Before I could clear the air, Cecilia chimed in with her sugary voice, “Mrs. Hilary, look at Xaviera in this new coat. Doesn’t it just make her look more elegant and poised?”

everyone’s gaze onto

when Hogan, from across the way, suddenly piped up. “You

#

was fishing for

and she said, “I just think this vintage old–money vibe is really classy, understated yet comfy.

a quick once–over, then his eyes settled back on Cecilia’s face; saying gently, “Then give it

eager salesperson’s face twisted with awkwardness, “I’m sorry, sir, but this coat is the pride of our store, and it’s the only one we

muttered, “Let’s not fuss over

anyway.”

of

tugged at Hogan’s heartstrings because he stubbornly asked the

hinted at something else

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09:55

Chapter 74

Cecilia, was probably trying to muscle in on the coat.

was at a

thought Hogan would pull

then at our more modest get–up, tentatively asked me. “What

the buck to

Darren cut in out of the blue, irritation lacing his voice.