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, legs crossed, exuding

on between

on her phone: Childhood

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

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

even knows sign language. Who learns sign language unless it's for someone special? I have to say, you're full of surprises.

stung. Even Jessica's usually calm demeanor cracked as she

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

into a mocking smile. "As if you'd have the guts! You're married with a child now, Jessica. Next time,

Of course.

the

woman with a disability, got only the

to do with me. Can't I have a friend, a neighbor? Am I supposed to spend my whole life clinging to Timothy and Henry, never allowed to

scoffed. "You're a stay-at-home wife. Who else are you supposed to cling to if not your husband and son? Don't

reply came fast: Do whatever

was done holding

Timothy wanted to make trouble, she'd face