Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy, if she won't answer your call, it won't make a difference if you ring me instead. Even if I hand her the phone, she still won't pick up."

"She might not have heard it. We agreed-tonight, six o'clock, dinner at The Silverthread Eatery."

Vince checked his watch-it was already eight.

If Jessica had actually promised Timothy, she would have shown up. Or maybe

she had said yes just to avoid a confrontation, never intending to go.

"Stop waiting for her."

They were both sharp; Timothy wasn't that naïve.

"She promised me. She's never lied to me before. She'll come, I know she will- just tell her for me."

Vince frowned. Had that recent surgery dulled Timothy's senses? This was so obvious-how could he not see it?

"I'll go check. Gotta go."

Vince headed upstairs and knocked on Jessica's door.

"Come in."

opened the door and found Jessica

closer, he saw she was working on an animation. There was no sign she intended to leave for dinner-besides, she'd already

you. He

of the mouse and glanced at Vince. "Ignore

said you

single time. Why

"Alright. Got it."

Jessica

Timothy. She glanced at them, then set the phone

Vince called Timothy back.

said she's afraid if she goes, she

she won't get stuck. She can leave whenever

times have you made promises and not kept them? Is it really so strange she doesn't trust you anymore? Are you just going to sit there and guilt-trip her until she gives in? That old trick again-using her sense of responsibility

not it. I told her-it's just a farewell dinner, Henry's here too. We even got her a gift. Tomorrow we finalize the divorce. One last dinner together,

by, anxiety clawed at him.

to talk to you anymore. You're just trying to make me