Goodbye, Mr. Regret

When Timothy saw Vince calling again, his eyes darkened; he tossed his phone aside in annoyance.

After a while, he reached for the phone and finally answered.

"Timothy, I got in touch with Jessica," Vince began.

Timothy's voice was cold and low. "Is she going to the party?"

"She refused."

"So you want me to help convince her?"

"No, no, it's not that," Vince hastily clarified. "She texted me, said you two are getting divorced."

Timothy's knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone tighter.

"She's that close to you?" he asked.

met

comfortable enough to spill news about their divorce. Clearly, she wanted to make

said, his voice steady but icy, "why are you actually calling

like this," Vince took a second, weighing his words. "My granddad really wants to meet her. But she said since you two are getting divorced, she doesn't want to show up at the party with you. So... how about you just don't come the day after tomorrow? Pretend I never invited you, act like you never heard about Grandpa's birthday. That way, I can try to talk

sound diplomatic, even a little apologetic. After all, what he was suggesting was awkward,

glacial. "Vince, you've got some

is. It's not easy to find an artist who does the kind of paper cutting he loves. I'm just asking you to give in a little,

and toss me aside just as easily. And you want me to be okay

dare talk to

Vince get away with whatever he pleased. That was something

else's. A real man knows how to be patient and considerate.

he could barely

because I didn't snap at you

be like that. I'm only looking out for you. What, you want you and Jessica to show up, both scowling at each other across the table? How about this —after the party, I'll tell her you made such a big sacrifice by not coming. Maybe she'll be touched and