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,

on between you

quickly on

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

good family, but in Riverside City,

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

calm demeanor cracked as

I really are just childhood neighbors. If you

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

Of course.

the Lawsons-face

only the barest shred of

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

about?" Sallie scoffed. "You're a stay-at-home wife. Who else are you supposed to cling to if not your husband and son? Don't test my patience, Jessica, or I'll

reply came fast: Do

was done holding

Timothy wanted to make trouble,