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?”

shifted everyone’s

when Hogan, from across the way, suddenly piped up. “You dig this piece?”

#

for Cecilia’s

this vintage old–money vibe is really classy, understated yet comfy. It’s a rare find.”

back on Cecilia’s face;

spoken than the eager salesperson’s face twisted with awkwardness, “I’m sorry, sir, but this coat

she muttered, “Let’s not fuss over it, Hogan. I’m

anyway.”

considerate of

probably tugged at Hogan’s heartstrings because he stubbornly asked the salesperson, “Has

and domineering question also hinted at something else to me.

1/2

09:55

Chapter 74

mistaken, Hogan, head over heels for Cecilia,

a

pull

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

the buck to

out of the blue, irritation lacing his