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.

with a steady stride,

room, Allison sat in a chair, her

out a chair

reality, a bit unfocused. "The menu's over there.

a warm smile. "Sure

He avoided unnecessary questions

or

Allison

anyone unwelcome.

regained her

pushing their recent encounter to the

they waited for their meal, the conversation shifted to

"I have a buddy who's been practicing criminal defense for three years, just like me.

"Absolutely, let's arrange a meeting and go

Watson nodded. "Sounds good."

mate, so rest assured

"Of course, anyone you vouch for must

risks and rewards, and she needed to