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

quickly on her phone:

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

a good family, but in Riverside City,

of you, even knows sign language. Who learns sign language unless

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

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

Jessica. Next time, don't let me catch you getting

Of course.

people like the

a disability, got only

Can't I have a friend, a neighbor? Am I supposed to spend my whole life

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

came fast: Do whatever you

was done

wanted to make trouble,