Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 21

Chapter 21 The mall where | visited was just four stops away from my studio.

If it hadn’t been for overhearing Cecilia on the phone talking about grabbing a bite before lunch break, | would’ve bet she and Hogan had bugged me or something.

But since | bumped into them, | had no choice but to say hi. Cecilia took a quick peek at the camera bag in my hand and asked, “Are you into photography too, Xaviera?” | replied softly, “Just window shopping.”

“That’s a coincidence.” Cecilia shot Hogan a look, then turned back to me and said, “I was worried | wouldn't pick the right one. Could you help me decide?”

The cameras from this brand start with a four—figure price tag. pretty much what Cecilia makes in two months. She sounded so casual about it, | figured Hogan was footing the bill.

“Sorry, | haven’t had lunch yet.” | turned down her request, adding, “You should ask the saleswoman. She’s the pro.” Cecilia’s smile froze for a sec, but she quickly played it cool, saying. “My bad, | didn’t think it through.”

| gave a small laugh and disappeared into the crowd.

| did buy the gift, but how to deliver it was another story.

| couldn't just crash Darren’s birthday party unannounced.

Though I'd done that kind of dumb move before, like on the first birthday Hogan and | held hands.

In front of everyone, he subtly suggested | take off early, not exactly a fond memory.

The sound snapped me out of my thoughts.

It was a call from Darren.

“Free tomorrow night?”

| wasn’t really keen on going to a birthday bash, but it’d be rude not to show when returning a favor, so | asked, “Who's gonna be there?”

“Just three or four friends, you know them.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

He didn’t mention the birthday thing, probably didn’t want me to splurge.

| paused for a second, then said, “Send me the address.”

Funnily enough, he sent the location where Hilary had invited me last time. 11:40

Honestly, the chef's skills were nothing to scoff at.

| was kind of looking forward to it.

Fast forward to the next day.

After wrapping up my work, | started tidying my desk.

Seeing this, Jack quipped, “Xaviera, no rush. Darren won't dare to blow out his candles without you there.”

| was about to mention catching the subway when Cecilia’s office door swung open, and she looked at me curiously, “Got plans tonight, Xaviera?”

| nodded and then heard Jack say, “Let’s go, Xaviera. Darren made me promise to get you to Aurora Eats safe and sound.” Who knew this geeky guy could be such a chatterbox?

The car sped along, and we finally arrived at the private room at half-past seven.

Not many people inside, just Darren and a couple of classmates, Tina Ferber and some familiar—looking guy, all around the same age.

Darren came up to greet us as soon as he saw me and Jack, “Hungry? I'll get the kitchen started.”

Jack teased, “Hold your horses, Darren. Xaviera comes bearing gifts, carried all the way here.” Darren’s eyes flickered with surprise, joy obvious but unspoken, “Really? That’s too generous.”

“Darren, can you at least manage your face when you speak?” Darren shot Jack a glare, then turned to me. “Let’s take our seats.” | handed over the gift, “Happy birthday, Darren.”

Darren paused pulling out a chair, turned around, and his eyes landed on the camera bag in my hand. His happy expression suddenly cracked.

Seemed like he wasn't too thrilled.

The guy next to him blurted out, “A Leica camera, huh? That's straight to Darren’s heart.” As he finished speaking, the door to the room opened out of the blue.

Our gazes all shifted to the entrance, and Hogan’s tall figure came into view.

His eyes narrowed, focusing on the camera bag in Darren’s hand, pupils trembling slightly. Then, Cecilia's face popped out from behind him.

“| told you | heard Xaviera’s voice,” Cecilia clung to Hogan’s arm, proudly saying, “And | was right.”