Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Both Timothy and Sheila stood up to greet Ines.

Jessica's mind flashed back to the call Timothy had answered earlier. She hadn't realized the guest he invited was Ines-if she'd known, she would have made any excuse to avoid this dinner. Now, with her former mentor right here, there was no way out. Not getting up would look like outright disrespect.

She tried to steady herself, drawing a deep breath before she rose to her feet and turned around.

"Ines, right this way," she said, her voice a little shaky.

Timothy, ever the gentleman, gestured gracefully for Ines to join them.

But Ines paused, her gentle gaze meeting Jessica's eyes, which shimmered with the threat of tears.

For a long moment, teacher and student simply looked at each other.

Jessica suddenly pressed a hand over her mouth, unable to hold back a sob.

had no idea what

for Timothy, his eyes had darkened with complex

Ines said softly, her expression

forward, then threw herself into Ines's arms, silent, unable even to

She felt utterly useless.

back, smiling through tears of her own. "Oh, you silly girl,

away, and Ines quickly reached into her handbag and dabbed at Jessica's tears with a handkerchief.

kept hold of Jessica's hand, leading her to the table

and brimming with curiosity, asked, "Ines, have you and Jessica known each

would have guessed Jessica married you. At that art convention—the very first stop―I gave your son that animated painting of The Grand Canal in Venice. I had no idea it would end up

original owner?" Sheila's face drained of color, disbelief etched in her

gaze lingered on

Ines's side, resigned. Now that Ines was here, there was no way to keep secrets. She couldn't find the words to explain herself,