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 gaze onto

bring up the dressing room saga when Hogan, from across

#

was fishing for Cecilia’s opinion.

and she said, “I just think this vintage old–money vibe is really classy, understated yet comfy. It’s a rare find.”

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

“I’m sorry, sir, but this coat

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

anyway.”

considerate of her.

because he stubbornly asked the

and domineering question also hinted at

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Chapter 74

heels for Cecilia, was probably trying to

a

thought Hogan would pull such an ungentlemanly stunt.

drift, glanced at Hogan’s pricey suit and then at our more modest get–up, tentatively asked me. “What

passing the

it up.” Darren cut in out of the blue, irritation lacing his voice. “Sorry, Hogan, but