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 screwed on right.

After that hot mess, none of us were in the mood to keep shopping. Darren saw Jason loaded

of the car. Jason looked pretty down in the dumps. After hesitating for a few seconds, he asked, “Xaviera, you still in

like he

only

though, clearly didn’t remember him at all.

to worry him, I said, “Not much interaction.”

was clear he

said, “Don’t worry, I know

didn’t press further, but as he was leaving, I could see

felt like a real

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

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five

back with some

over, he said.

on my ankle, his eyes full of

I’d been toughing it out so my uncle wouldn’t

was wearing casual pants that covered