Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 67

Sure, throwing in a bit extra was no biggie.

The moment the words left my mouth, a notification for a bank transfer popped up on my phone.

Hogan had sent another 2 grand my way.

“Mr. Zade, you are too kind. If you need anything in the future.”

“Ms. March, you could try dipping your toes into the showbiz.” Hogan cut me off, “Playing the contrast card, you nail it every time. My voice got stuck in my throat.

| pride myself on my acting chops, but how did Hogan catch on?

“Ms. March, you intentionally slipped in ginger slices, so why didn’t you switch to a willow blade when slicing the carp?” The willow blade was my go-to technique for slicing fish.

But | hadn't realized Hogan would remember that.

The next day at work, Cecilia brought me breakfast on purpose and gushed, “Xaviera, you really know how to handle things. Mrs. Hilary invited me to go to a floral salon tonight, I’m so thrilled.” Predictable.

| figured Hogan forking over 2 grand so easily had to be connected to this too.

| reminded her, “Mrs. Hilary’s favorite is the Damascus rose.”

Cecilia had her lightbulb moment and gratefully said, “Then I'll go get ready.”

See, when you're on the same page, past and present beaus can become buddies.

Wallis, though, wasn’t feeling great about it, admitting, “Maybe I’m just small-minded, but if it were me, | wouldn't be so generous.”

| rolled my eyes at her, “Who said, ‘A good name is better than a good face, but cold hard cash is king‘?” Wallis hugged me tight and said, “Xaviera, stop working your butt off, go on a date or something, even a pity date would do.” Talk about being blunt.

But it wasn’t long before | got an invite.

From Darren.

[Free tonight? There’s this cool new mystery flick at the cinema. Wanna join?]Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

| wasn't really into it, but thinking of Wallis’s self-pitying look, | changed my mind.

| didn’t want Wallis to think | was chucking my self-respect just for the studio’s sake.

So | asked Darren. [What time?)

He immediately sent a voice message, (Eight tonight, I'll pick you up.]

His voice was bright and cheery, a stark contrast to the bleak winter scene outside.

| looked calmly at the nearly bare Branches outside the window and sent back a thumbs-up.

As soon as it was time to clock out, Wallis dragged me toward the elevator, insisting on grabbing a drink with me, but | frantically stopped her, “Sorry, I've got plans tonight.”

Wallis was dumbfounded, “Who with, Professor Yearwood?” | nodded, clearly feeling her sigh of relief, “Good on you, Xaviera. And hey, don’t forget to play it safe.” Her words had barely dropped when a gasp came from behind.

Turning around, | saw Cecilia covering her mouth, awkwardly looking at us.

An innocent girl easily shocked, that was normal. The three of us exited the elevator, each lost in our thoughts. As luck would have it. Darren was already waiting downstairs.

The cold in Rivertown was biting after the start of winter. He was wearing just a simple khaki cashmere jacket with a black turtleneck, looking both scholarly and shivering.

He was rubbing his hands together. Inexplicably, it was kind of funny.

“Isn't that Professor Yearwood?” Cecilia exclaimed as if she’d discovered a new world, “So he’s the one with plans with Xaviera tonight.”

Hearing us, Darren quickly walked over.

He gave me a once-over and said, “It’s gotten colder, aren’t you cold wearing so little?”

“I'm okay.” | looked at Darren’s nose, reddened from the cold, and asked, “Have you been waiting long?” “No, | just got here.”

Cecilia giggled behind her hand, “Professor Yearwood, you are so thoughtful.”