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.

be ignored. Neither could his

her head gently. "I had a really bad fever when I

but he hadn't tried to fix her

want

she would. Even if those old memories included Timothy, he was in them too. The three of them had played together as children,

she could remember, maybe there'd be a little more closeness between

past seven years; her heart

memories were from so long ago. Even if I remembered them, I'm not

There wasn't much point.

a pang of

shortcuts. He'd have to

"Jessy, let's

noticed the popcorn and soda in Jessica's hands, shot Yates a look, and snorted inwardly.

Meanwhile, in Riverside City-

It was still morning.

out of the hospital and headed to Starlight

The Bryant Group, with major locations in city centers all

Starlight Square boasted a Starlight Grand Theater, the top cinema chain

the elevator to

saw what was happening in fron of the theater, he felt something

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

working hard to promote the film, handing out gifts

speak, not a trace of self-doubt showed in

Just like his Jessica.

He gripped