Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"I can write it. Back when the film was looking for a distributor, I already had my eye on it—it's got real breakout potential."

Yates' gaze was sharp and intense. When his eyes met Jessica's, she could feel the heat in them instantly.

She murmured a quiet thank you and looked away.

She knew about the childhood engagement-their families had arranged it long ago. She remembered they'd met as kids, but that was all; the rest was a blank. They hadn't really been in touch over the years. Yates had spoken up for her once at the Zimmerman family's birthday banquet, but that was about it.

To her, Yates was still a near-stranger.

Vince, on the other hand, she'd known for years.

After dinner, the three of them headed for the cinema.

Vince carried the film reel off to the projectionist, while Yates went to the counter and returned with a tub of popcorn and three sodas.

He handed Jessica the popcorn and one of the sodas. "Can't watch a movie without these."

"Thank you."

Another thank you. So polite. So distant.

Yates raised an eyebrow, just a little.

"You really don't remember anything from when we were kids?"

He'd kept silent for two days. It was time to do something he couldn't drag this out any longer.

ignored. Neither could his own

shook her head gently. "I had a really bad fever when I was little. When I woke up,

hadn't tried to fix her memory loss. He never even knew she'd had memories to

you want

those old memories included Timothy, he was in them too. The three of them

closeness between them now.

heart was nearly barren. She needed more love to

“Let's just leave it up to fate. Those memories were from so long ago. Even if I

There wasn't much point.

a pang of

He'd have to start from

"Jessy, let's

shot Yates a look, and snorted inwardly.

Meanwhile, in Riverside City-

It was still morning.

of the hospital and headed to Starlight

by The Bryant Group, with major locations in city centers all

boasted a Starlight Grand Theater, the

rode the elevator

the doors opened and he saw what was happening in fron of the theater,

was using sign language, with a host beside him translating. Four others stood nearby, all silent as

working hard to promote the film, handing out

speak, not a trace of self-doubt showed in