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

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

hesitating for a few seconds, he asked, “Xaviera, you still in touch with the Zade family?”

he recognized

they’d only met once.

clearly didn’t remember

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

clear he

and said, “Don’t worry,

could see the unease he

like a real

neighborhood, he unexpectedly pulled up in front of

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five

came back with

them over, he said.

injury on my ankle, his

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

I was wearing casual pants that covered my boots.