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.

shared the same apartment-otherwise,

just done to Jessica, the

Timothy and

could brazenly bring Sheila home right in

seen Jessica?" Sheila's voice drifted in from the other room. Jessica could hear them talking, and realized Sheila wouldn't be coming

in. She needed to

turned on the shower; the steady rush

the bedroom,"

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

not to

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

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

Timothy replied quietly. He had no intention of leaving Jessica, not for Sheila

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

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