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 hunched

on an animation. There was no sign she

for you. He even called

mouse and glanced at Vince. "Ignore

said you agreed to

every single time. Why should I go? I'm afraid if I do, I won't be

"Alright. Got it."

Jessica picked

from Timothy. She glanced at them,

Vince called Timothy back.

not coming. She said she's afraid if she goes, she won't be able to come

stuck. She can leave whenever

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 to trap

took a shaky breath. "That's 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. He tried to keep

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