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.”

her head screwed on

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

down in the dumps. After hesitating for a few

like he recognized Hilary.

they’d only met

didn’t remember him at

to worry him, I said,

he wasn’t buying it.

smile and said, “Don’t worry, I know

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

like

neighborhood, he unexpectedly pulled up in front of a

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

me five

back with some

over, he said. “Rub this on.”

my ankle, his eyes full

had no idea when he figured out Lwas hurt; I’d been toughing it out

casual pants