Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy, are you there?"

It was Sheila's voice.

Timothy rolled off Jessica, pulling the covers over her naked body.

He hadn't even bothered to close the bedroom door when he brought Jessica in, still flush from their passion.

Now footsteps echoed down the hallway, getting closer.

"Timothy?" Sheila called again, her voice right outside.

"I'm in the bedroom," he replied, trying to sound casual. "Wait for me in the living room."

"Oh, all right," Sheila answered, her footsteps retreating.

Timothy had only slipped off his jacket. Now, with deliberate composure, he tidied his clothes, shrugged his jacket back on, and left the room.

Jessica felt a wave of humiliation wash over her.

She was completely exposed, nothing but the tangled bedsheets to hide her shame, while Timothy walked away looking as dignified as ever.

and Sheila still shared the same apartment-otherwise, why else would she barge in

done to Jessica, the thought made her

believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under

could brazenly bring Sheila home right in front

you seen Jessica?" Sheila's voice drifted in from the other room. Jessica could hear them talking, and realized

left her in. She needed to wash every trace of him off before

shower; the steady rush of water drowned out every sound from

the

coffee table and landed

pretended not to

Jessica, but Sheila could play dumb—after all, she'd received her own gift first. Even if Jessica had one

her?" Sheila kept up her usual

worry about me. There's nothing going on between us," Timothy replied quietly. He had no intention of leaving Jessica,

bitterness crossed Sheila's face, but she forced a bright smile. "Since I got back, I

his aunt, but Jessica clearly didn't believe it. Maybe she was still upset about the whole thing-after all, she cared so much about Henry, and she must have wanted to go with

was a chance to clear the