Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 77

Hilary lifted her mug, took a delicate sip, and said, “I didn’t recognize your uncle for a moment at the mall yesterday.”

Right then, a lightbulb went off in my head, and my heart sank.

I guessed our recent okay–ish interactions almost made me forget that we were never on the same side of the fence.

“Xaviera, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just saying, since we’re all in Rivertown, if there’s anything I can help with.”

“Mrs. Hilary.” I cut Hilary off, my tone a tad frosty. “Sorry, I’ve got to get back to work.

Hilary will probably never get it – we might be broke, but we don’t need her cheap pity.

After circling the block downstairs, I headed back to the office, and just my luck. I ran into Hogan right by the elevator.

The man had a frown, his jawline was tense, and he was radiating major bad vibes, looking like he was in a foul mood..

At this time. I bet he was here to pick up Cecilia from work, no clue what kind of tantrum Mr. Zade was throwing now.

two, mother and son, really knew how to

gave a noncommittal grunt without event

1

–

stood behind him to

of us initiated

when I thought I’d get a moment of peace, the guy in front suddenly

gross you out?”

me for a loop, and I was at a loss for words.

“Flirting with other guys in a room you’ve shared with

voice was faint, but it felt like an invisible slap across the face, leaving me speechless and rooted to the spot

long for me to catch the gist of his words.

of flirting with men, and in

MOSS T

he must have accidentally seen Darren dropping me off

night.

made sense, and I guessed Hogan had gotten the wrong idea about

tried to explain, but right now, it felt like