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

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

car. Jason looked pretty down in the dumps. After hesitating for a

like he recognized Hilary.

they’d only met once.

didn’t remember him at

I said, “Not much interaction.”

was clear he

“Don’t worry, I know what

as he was leaving, I could

like a real jerk.

approached the neighborhood, he unexpectedly pulled up in front of a

09:55

Chapter 25

pharmacy.

five

explaining, but came back with some medicinal

he said.

on my ankle, his eyes full

hurt; I’d been toughing it out

I was wearing casual pants that covered my