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.”

head

Hogan was willing to take the heat for playing favorites to keep her sweet. After that hot mess, none of us were in the mood to keep shopping. Darren saw

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

he recognized

only met

didn’t remember him at

worry him, I said, “Not much

It was clear he

“Don’t worry, I know

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

felt like a real jerk.

he unexpectedly pulled up in front of a

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five minutes”

out without explaining, but came back with some medicinal wine and anti–inflammatory

them over, he said.

injury on my ankle, his eyes full of

he figured out Lwas hurt; I’d

was wearing casual pants