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

just done to Jessica, the thought made

ever believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under one

could brazenly bring Sheila home right in front of her, what

talking, and realized Sheila wouldn't be coming in for now. She gathered her clothes

couldn't bear the mess Timothy had left her in. She needed to wash

on the shower; the steady rush of water drowned out

in the bedroom,"

to the coffee table and landed on

not

Jessica, but Sheila could play dumb—after all, she'd received her own

kept up her usual act, all sweetness and concern for Timothy's

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

face, but she forced a bright smile. "Since I got back, I haven't properly seen Jessica. It's lunchtime-why don't I treat you both to a

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

a chance to clear the