Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Afterward, Henry sent Sheila a message.

[Miss Sheila, I'm sorry. I couldn't get my mom to stay. She came home, but left again.]

By now, dinner was winding down. Even if Jessica rushed over at this point, it would be too late.

[Henry, oh... don't blame yourself. It's my fault. If I hadn't stayed at your house so long, your mom wouldn't keep staying away.]

Reading her message, Henry grew anxious and quickly typed back.

[Miss Sheila, does this mean you won't come see me anymore?]

[Of course not! I just think it's a little inconvenient going over to your place. But if you want to see me, how about I pick you up after school tomorrow and you come to my place instead? Would that be alright?]

Henry's reply was instant and thrilled.

[Absolutely! I'd love that.]

Everyone understood that Mr. Smith needed to adjust to the time difference, so the dinner didn't last much longer.

As things wrapped up, Timothy prepared to drive Mr. Smith to his hotel, but Vince stood up first. "Timothy, you've got a family waiting at home. Go on, I'll take Mr. Smith to his hotel."

Jessica's plans were still uncertain-if she didn't come home tonight, Henry would be alone, aside from the housekeeper. It wasn't quite the same as having Jessica there, and Timothy knew he'd feel better if she were.

He let Vince take over without protest. After Vince and Mr. Smith left, Ines also made her way out.

after, Yates Bryant and Kane were

was giving Sheila

probably decided that it wasn't the right time to discuss business-Mr. Smith had just landed, and it was hardly appropriate to bring up casting decisions. So,

Smith needed a good night's rest, and Timothy wasn't likely to contact him again tonight. That conversation would have to

wasn't a big deal,

and Mr.

be easy to arrange another meeting with Mr. Smith

Timothy any further and risk upsetting him, so she

them stepped out of The Silverthread Eatery

as they reached the entrance, they nearly collided with Jessica,

lips curled into the faintest of

Jessica well-and besides, she'd stolen the man Sheila

didn't have any particular

other hand,

here at The Silverthread Eatery so

in a hurry.

was still the first to speak

Sheila,

together at

made sense. She hadn't