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.

Where did

time to see that familiar figure

formed on

down into her seat. "If

than ever- Timothy didn't care

still looked uneasy.

on, enough with the

speared a piece of fruit with a plastic fork

anyway, so

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

odd tension seemed to

nodding at

you think Timothy will

an eyebrow.

all assumed Timothy would file for divorce, but seven years had come and gone without so

look. "What about

cheeks flushed pink. "How should I

outside the restroom, Timothy made

House. Come inside and

up without waiting

wasn't the kind of place she