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.

apartment-otherwise, why else would

what he'd just done to Jessica, the thought

was no way she'd ever believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under one roof, were just innocent

bring Sheila home right in front of her, what else was

the other room. Jessica could hear them talking, and realized Sheila wouldn't be coming in for

She needed to wash every trace of him off before she

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

the bedroom,"

eyes drifted to the coffee table and landed on the silver swan brooch resting

pretended not

dumb—after all, she'd received her own gift first. Even if Jessica had one now, she'd be left to wonder. That was

talk to her?" Sheila kept up her usual act, all sweetness

about me. There's nothing going on between us," Timothy replied quietly. He had no

bitterness crossed Sheila's face, but she forced a bright smile. "Since I got back, I haven't properly seen

said she was just 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

this lunch was a chance