Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

"Is there really no chance at all?" Watson's voice was low and strained as he asked, his words hanging in the air like a fragile hope.

Allison almost thought her ears were playing tricks on her. Why would Watson say something like that? In all their interactions, she had never sensed any special feelings from him. Maybe he was feeling the pressure to settle down and she just happened to be the convenient choice at the moment. That had to be it, she reasoned with herself.

Faced with Watson's unexpected question, Allison scrambled for words, finally settling on a simple, "I'm sorry."

Watson's heart sank like a stone. "No worries, just consider it the ramblings of a drunk man," he said, his voice a bit rough. "Get some rest. Goodnight, Allison."

"Goodnight," she replied softly before hanging up.

Watson stared at his phone's screen, the words of the ended call still echoing in his mind. His heart ached with a familiar heaviness. Another rejection. How could he not feel? Yet, his heart only had room for one person. And that person could never truly see him.

The next morning, after breakfast, Allison went up to Lizzy's room to join her in some painting. She brought out a pink hair clip she had picked up for Lizzy. "Hey, Lizzy, look what I've got for you! Do you like it?"

figured Lizzy would love the sparkly pink,

for you," Allison said, fastening the clip

she no longer talked

Linda cooking up a feast of Lizzy and Allison's favorite dishes. Allison spent the entire Sunday at the Owens', playing with her sister and

place. Early the next morning, she hit the road back

Allison saw Watson, she greeted him with a breezy, "Morning, Watson." Watson returned her greeting

night's conversation had never happened. Allison headed to her office and quickly got lost

the young receptionist knocked on her door.

for today. She got up and made her way to the meeting

with a familiar face. Her brow furrowed slightly. "Mr. Fisher,

sat on the sofa exuding natural confidence, his expression cool and composed Upon seeing Allison his stern gaze softened