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.

housekeeper to bring two cups of coffee, then sat down beside Jessica,

on between you

typed quickly on her

divorce from Timothy, she wasn't about to drag Herbert into

but in Riverside

Do you think I'm 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

usually calm demeanor cracked as

are just childhood neighbors. If you don't believe me,

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

Of course.

like the

a woman with a disability, got only the

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

a stay-at-home wife. Who else are you supposed to cling to if

fast:

was done holding

wanted to make trouble,