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.

cups of coffee, then sat down beside Jessica,

on between you

quickly on her phone: Childhood

was considering divorce from Timothy, she

Riverside City, who in their

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 the

stung. Even Jessica's usually calm demeanor cracked as

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

Jessica. Next time, don't let me

Of course.

people like the Lawsons-face

disability, got only the barest

me. Can't I have a friend, a

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

reply came fast: Do whatever

done holding

Timothy wanted to make