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 right.

heat for playing favorites to keep her sweet. After that hot mess, none of us were in the mood to keep shopping. Darren saw Jason loaded down with bags and insisted on dropping

hesitating for a few seconds, he asked, “Xaviera, you

he

they’d only met once.

remember him at

I said, “Not much interaction.”

It was clear he

said, “Don’t

could see the unease he

I felt like a real jerk.

car approached the neighborhood, he unexpectedly pulled up in front

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five minutes”

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

them over, he said. “Rub this

my ankle, his eyes full of

he figured out Lwas hurt; I’d been toughing it out so my uncle wouldn’t

casual pants that covered my boots.