Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 75

He was making perfect sense, lists clenched and giving Hogan the stink eye,

Suddenly, the vibe got super tense.

Seeing this, Cecilia shot me a quilty look and said, “Sorry. Xaviera, we weren’t trying to step on your toes or anything. Hogan just wanted me to give it a whirl. If you’re really into it, I’ll back

off.”

Her voice trailed off and her eyes started to well up.

Meanwhile, Hilary was just standing there the whole time, not saying a peep.

My ankle was throbbing and I winced, telling Darren. “This number’s a bit snug around the waist, not exactly the epitome of comfort.”

I was being straight up, but also waving a white flag.

Darren blinked, took a beat, then suggested, “Let’s browse around some more.”

The drama ended with our compromise.

As we were leaving the store. I overheard Cecilia playfully scolding. “I’ve got plenty of clothes, Hogan. No need to splash out, pick something for Mrs. Hillary.”

got her head

mess, none of us were in the mood to keep shopping. Darren saw Jason loaded down with bags and insisted

looked pretty down in the dumps. After hesitating for a few seconds, he asked,

he recognized Hilary.

only

though, clearly didn’t remember him at

to worry him, I said,

clear he wasn’t buying

“Don’t worry, I know what

leaving, I could see the unease he couldn’t quite hide

I felt like a real jerk.

Darren’s car approached the neighborhood, he unexpectedly pulled up in front

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five minutes”

dashed out without explaining, but came back

them over, he said. “Rub this on.”

on my ankle, his eyes full of

he figured out Lwas hurt; I’d

was wearing casual pants that covered