Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy, for his part, hadn't even shown the slightest hint of anger.

Sallie, clearly dissatisfied, shot Jessica a dramatic eyeroll before turning back to Timothy. "Timothy, maybe you don't know this yet, but on Grandpa's birthday, I saw her at the fabric market. She was with some guy, laughing and looking awfully cozy with him..."

Timothy fixed his gaze on Sallie, his eyes cold as frost. His lips, sharp as if carved from marble, pressed into a hard, silent line.

Realizing she'd pushed too far, Sallie clammed up immediately.

She'd acted on impulse-again.

Men care about their pride, after all. And Jessica, being mute, made any talk of

her cheating even more humiliating for Timothy.

She shouldn't have blurted it out so recklessly.

Timothy broke eye contact, reaching over to take Jessica's hand.

Jessica tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding.

Sallie just gaped.

Even now, Timothy was taking Jessica home?

Timothy ushered Jessica into the car, loaded her suitcase in the backseat, and got in himself.

twisted

she reasoned that Timothy, with his composure, would never argue with Jessica in public. He'd probably wait until they were home

car, intent on following to see

***

Timothy brought Jessica home.

entered the master bedroom, gently guiding her to sit at the edge of the bed. Then he

elegant, his features striking; watching him communicate

hear perfectly well —she just didn't speak. He and his father knew

hands formed the words: "About this morning-sorry. I

Jessica hesitated.

time Timothy had

she quickly steeled herself. It

sign:

over Timothy's eyes, dark and turbulent.

stood, turning

had been peaceful-just the way he liked it. Divorce had

couldn't understand why Jessica was suddenly making a