Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He finally reached out to her.

Sheila answered the call and greeted him, "Timothy."

He'd promised he'd explain what happened that night, but hadn't yet. She found herself hoping they could talk about something else too-maybe even get a little closer.

For seven years, every meeting had been nothing more than cordial, polite, the kind of careful exchanges you'd expect from distant relatives. They'd never once spoken about anything deeper, anything that actually mattered to her heart.

"Ines called, said she couldn't reach you. Are you... still coming to Riverside City?" Timothy's voice held a note of concern.

"I..." Sheila hesitated, her voice betraying her uncertainty. "I do want to come. I need Ines's guidance, and you went out of your way to get me in touch with her. It's just... Sallie doesn't like me. She really lost her temper that night."

"I'm sorry. I should have handled that better. I've been caught up with a few things and haven't had the chance to talk to her yet. If you want to come back, just come back. Don't worry about anything else."

Ines had already shown a preference for Jessica. If Sheila stayed away too long, Ines might just change her mind.

And Timothy still hadn't sorted things out with Mr. Smith. He'd have to find another way to fix that mess.

"Timothy, am I causing you trouble?" Sheila's guilt seeped into every word. "I don't know what to do anymore. Everything that's happened lately-it feels like it's all affecting you. And you know I hate the thought of being a burden."

chest tighten with

of this was Sheila's

was his own mistakes that had dragged her into this. He hadn't even managed

Don't blame yourself. Just focus on your own goals, okay? About that night..." He paused. "I'd had too much to drink. Don't think too much of

home. I'll call Ines so she doesn't worry. If I do head to Riverside,

Not good.

Not good at all.

it. But what happened that night

fine. Don't worry

let you

"Okay."

phone and immediately called Ines, apologizing and explaining that she'd had some family matters to handle

Sheila was Timothy's aunt-she wasn't aware of the rest. And with Jessy being Timothy's wife, Ines was careful not to say too much, simply telling Sheila to come straight to the studio whenever she

hanging up with Sheila, Timothy

got you busy?" he asked, catching