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.

the housekeeper to bring two cups of coffee, then sat

demanded, "what's going on between you and

on her phone:

she was considering divorce from Timothy, she wasn't about to drag

from a good family, but in Riverside City, who in their

blind? He's so protective of you, even knows sign language. Who learns sign language unless it's for someone special? I have to say, you're full of surprises. A mute, but apparently quite

Even Jessica's usually calm demeanor cracked as she

really are just childhood neighbors. If you don't

you'd have the guts! You're married with a child now, Jessica. Next time, don't let me catch you getting so close with another man. I only caught you by accident-if someone else had

Of course.

the Lawsons-face

woman with a disability, got only the barest shred

felt 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 spend my whole life clinging to Timothy and

else are you supposed to cling to if

came fast: Do whatever

done

Timothy wanted to make trouble, she'd face it