Goodbye, Mr. Regret

The Lawsons had completely fallen out with the Howards.

Now that Sheila was back, it suggested the tension had eased—at least a little.

Given how close he was with Sheila, he'd never embarrass Timothy in public by making a scene.

Yates, on the other hand, fixed Timothy with a thoughtful stare. "Sheila's got a point. No woman could put up with that much for so long. Why don't you bring her over and introduce us? She deserves at least that much."

"There's nothing to explain."

Timothy picked up his glass, taking a long, punishing swallow of whiskey.

Jessica, that woman just couldn't behave.

He'd handled everything for her, made it all so easy. All she had to do was send him a single message, and he'd let bygones be bygones, bring her home.

But of course.

She just had to ruin his mood.

Still, if she came to him now, made the first move, maybe just maybe he'd forgive her this once.

Sheila noticed Jessica was gone. Rising from her seat, she put on a show of mock annoyance. "Timothy, you- What am I supposed to do with you? Oh, forget it. If you won't go get her, I'll do it myself."

Sheila glanced in the direction where Jessica had been only moments ago.

did

just in time to see that familiar

on his lips, simmering with

seat. "If Timothy can't

than ever- Timothy didn't

looked

with

with a plastic fork

to go fetch Jessica anyway, so she accepted

nearly spent cigarette in the ashtray. "I'm going to use the

moment Timothy slipped away, an odd tension seemed

raised his glass, nodding

you think Timothy will actually

an eyebrow. "Hard

Timothy would file for divorce, but seven years had come and gone

knowing look.

flushed pink. "How should I

outside the restroom, Timothy made a

at the Red House. Come inside

up without waiting for

of