Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Joshua chuckled, "Oh, really? I have to disagree. If someone turns you down once, they're likely to do it again-no feelings mean no feelings. But if you've loved once, you can fall in love again, because love is love, and not loving is simply not loving."

Watson's lips tightened, and his eyes were dark and unreadable, like a bottomless pit.

"Mr. Fisher, are you really that sure of yourself?" Watson replied with a cool edge. "How does a heart heal after being broken? When you give everything to love someone, only to be hurt deeply, who would be foolish enough to offer a second chance to be hurt again?"

Joshua's smile faded, and he fell silent.

The elevator soon reached the basement parking lot. The doors slid open.

Joshua stepped out first, with Watson following slowly, his face composed. Alright, Joshua, let's see how this plays out.

After work on Friday, Allison tidied up her desk and headed out, bumping into Watson along the way.

Watson looked calm as he said, "Allison, there's something I need to clear up with you, or it'll just keep bothering me."

"What's up?" Allison asked.

"It's not the best place to talk here," Watson suggested. "Want to take a walk in the park nearby and chat?"

Seeing the seriousness in Watson's expression, Allison hesitated before nodding, "Sure."

late April, and the days were getting

evening, the last glow of sunset was fading.

with a few strands catching the evening

hitched for

the two moving in step, as Allison looked straight ahead, oblivious

what did you want to talk about?" Allison

my aunt trying to

for a

had those intentions.

and I

said apologetically. "I you as a colleague

want this to

thought it

up."

let out a small sigh of relief, "Since you feel the same, that's a relief. I was

"Worried about what?"

glad we're on the same page-as

was gentle, "If my aunt tries setting us up