Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"What are you two plotting over there? Cooking up some shady business?"

Herbert was furious, but Jessica firmly pushed him out the door before he could protest.

Not wanting to make things harder for her, Herbert kept his mouth shut. As he brushed past Sallie, he shot her a brief, indifferent glance.

Sallie crossed her arms and let out a cold snort.

This guy's got guts, she thought. The nerve to look at me like that.

If she weren't set on dealing with Jessica, she would've dragged Herbert outside for a one-on-one.

After Herbert left, Sallie narrowed her eyes at Jessica, her voice icy. "Come outside. We need to talk."

Jessica didn't hesitate, stepping forward as Sallie stormed ahead.

Once outside The Silverthread Eatery, Jessica slid into the passenger seat of Sallie's sports car.

Sallie floored the gas, taking Jessica straight to her upscale downtown apartment.

bring two cups of coffee, then sat down beside

going on between you and

typed quickly on her phone: Childhood

from Timothy, she wasn't about

from a good family, but in Riverside City, who in their right mind would

He's so protective of you, even knows sign language. Who learns sign language unless it's for

demeanor cracked as she jabbed furiously

Herbert and I really are just childhood neighbors. If you don't believe me, go check

the reply, then met Jessica's determined gaze, lips curling into a mocking smile. "As if you'd have the guts! You're married with a child now, Jessica. Next time, don't

Of course.

like the Lawsons-face

got only the barest shred of

a surge of courage she hadn't known she possessed. She typed out, His pride has nothing to do with me. Can't I have a friend, a neighbor? Am I supposed to

else are you supposed to cling to if not your husband and son? Don't test my patience, Jessica, or I'll tell Timothy

fast: Do

done

make trouble, she'd