Chapter 194
Sibyl’s sense of urgency and anticipation were practically oozing out of those street–smart eyes of hers.
So much so that she didn’t even realize how her simple question came across as downright Intrusive and caused Hogan to pause for a beat.
Well, she snagged such a catch of a son–in–law, whom any mother–in–law would bend over backwards to keep around; besides, Hogan’s doting on Cecilia was off the charts compared to your average dude.
The air went stiff for a few seconds, with nobody piping up, until Cecilia, ever the quick thinker. smoothly chimed in, “Mom, Hogan’s been swamped these past days. We’re not in a big rush.”
With Cecilia’s nudge, Sibyl finally caught on to her faux pas and quickly backtracked, “Sorry about that. Mr. Zade. My bad for not considering your schedule. I’m flexible, so it’s really down to whenever you’re free.”
Sibyl called Hogan Mr. Zade, while she called Hilary Mrs. Hilary Zade – didn’t see that one coming.
“Mom, Hogan will sort it out,” Cecilia cooed, clinging to Hogan’s arm, “He’s got it all under control. We don’t have to worry.”
The question hung in the air by Hogan’s ear. He glanced down at Cecilia and said coolly. “Let’s do tomorrow afternoon. I’ll have the driver pick you up.”
And just like that, Hogan agreed.
So, was he actually keen on making this shindig happen too?
A weird flutter ran through my chest, and as I was about to look away. Cecilia piped up. “Is Xaviera free tomorrow afternoon? Auntie was just bending my ear today about how she hasn’t seen you in ages. If you’re up for it, join us.”
Her voice was soft, and her smile was gentle, but for some reason, I sensed a challenge in her words.
Ever since our trip to Pinecrest Hollow, it seemed like Cecilia’s vibe towards me had shifted.
Right here, right now, she seemed to be flexing Hogan’s influence to show me up. Feeling slightly irked, I made an excuse. “Bad timing. I’ve got plans tomorrow afternoon.”
It was just a no–fuss brush–off, but Cecilia had to dig deeper, “Oh, Xaviera’s already booked? Is it with Mr. Temple?”
I wasn’t a fan of her prying tone, and as I was about to sidestep with another excuse, my phone
rang.
It was Wallis calling.
“Sorry, something’s come up,” as I saw my chance, I glanced at Sibyl and said, “I’ll have to take a rain check on your cooking.”
I didn’t wait for her response and bolted out the door.
The winter chill in Rivertown hit me hard as I gulped the cold air, and my insides felt like they turned to ice.
After a wave of dizziness, I braced myself against the car door, figuring that the queasiness was probably from inhaling disinfectant all night.
The persistent ring of my phone snapped me back to reality.
I gathered myself and answered.
“You don’t have to worry about Jason: Professor Yearwood said he’s found someone, and he’s probably at the hospital by now.”
Before heading to Sibyl’s, I had given Wallis a heads–up, but how did Jason’s situation get to Darren?
“While you called me, that chatterbox Jack happened to pass by and blabbed to Professor Yearwood, and next thing you know, Darren showed up at the company.”
I never liked burdening others with my personal stuff, especially someone like Darren who I’d leaned on way too many times before.
“Don’t be mad, Xaviera; think about it, Jason’s a guy, and for taking care of him, it’s just more practical to have another guy around,” Wallis said with understanding, “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spilled the beans to anyone else.”
