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.

same apartment-otherwise, why else would she barge in

just done to

ever believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under one roof, were just innocent

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

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

bear the mess Timothy had left her in. She needed to wash every trace of him off before she

rush of

the

drifted to the coffee table and landed

pretended not to

all, she'd received her own gift first. Even if Jessica had one now, she'd

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

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

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

but Jessica clearly didn't believe it. Maybe she

this lunch was a chance to clear the