Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 271

Oak Lake felt too small for comfort. Allison never imagined she'd bump into Joshua here of all places. As she stood there, stunned, Watson chimed in from behind, "Mr. Fisher, what a surprise running into you here for dinner."

Joshua's voice was cool and collected, his exterior calm. "Yes."

Allison found herself at a loss for words, so she opted for silence, brushing past Joshua and heading straight into the restaurant.

A waiter approached with a welcoming smile. "Hi there, how many in your party? Do you have a reservation?"

Allison kept her cool. "Two, and yes, it's under the last four digits 0725."

"Right this way, please."

As Allison followed the waiter, Watson flashed a smile at Joshua. "Mr. Fisher, if you'll excuse me."

Joshua stood there, frozen, his eyes cast downward. It was Valentine's Day, after all. Why was Allie dining alone with Watson on such a day? Was it... a date?

A pang of jealousy tightened his chest, leaving him rooted to the spot like a statue, his legs numb.

With Joshua saying nothing, Watson's gaze lingered before moving on. The dim lighting in the restaurant set a romantic tone, but it couldn't hide the loneliness etched on Joshua's face.

A barely-there smile crept onto Watson's lips. He knew Joshua had jumped to conclusions. On a day like this, seeing a man and a woman dining together could easily be mistaken for romance. Watson had no plans to set the record straight.

Joshua with a

the private dining room, Allison sat in a chair, her mind elsewhere.

Allison," Watson said, pulling out a chair and sitting

"The menu's over there. You

offered a warm smile.

He avoided unnecessary questions

or

Allison

anyone unwelcome.

regained her

to the back of

their meal, the conversation shifted

years, just like me. If you're open to it,

arrange a

Watson nodded. "Sounds good."

so rest assured about

chuckled, "Of course, anyone you vouch for

chatter, Allison remained vigilant. Partnering meant sharing both risks and rewards, and