Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Joshua's voice was cool and direct. "Since Allison and Watson aren't on a date, I guess you won't mind if I join you, right? We're all old friends here. It's been a while since I saw Allison-seems like a good time to catch up and talk about those cases at work."

Carolyn froze, her smile faltering.

Watson let out a light laugh. "Mr. Fisher, I don't think that's a good idea. Allison and I have the kids with us today."

Joshua turned to Lizzy, giving her a gentle smile. "Lizzy, do you mind if your big brother sits here and eats with you?"

Lizzy knew Joshua well. She used to call him "brother-in-law" all the time, and he'd always been so good to her, buying her toys and treats. Of course she didn't mind at all.

She piped up, "I don't mind!"

Joshua's lips curled up, and he looked at Watson. "See? Even Lizzy doesn't mind. Are you really going to be the difficult one here, Watson?"

Watson met Joshua's eyes, his tone still friendly. "But Mr. Fisher, aren't you here with a date? If you squeeze in with us, what happens to Ms. Witt?"

Joshua's expression didn't change. He simply turned to Carolyn. "Sorry, something's come up. You go ahead for now. We'll talk about the project another time."

He dropped the word "project" on purpose, a signal for Allison that he wasn't here for a date-just business. He and Carolyn were just work partners, nothing more. While he said it, his eyes never left Allison.

didn't even look at him. Her face was blank, like she couldn't care less. Joshua felt a

Fisher, it's not very gentlemanly to just leave

cold.

grabbed a menu, ordered a couple of dishes for himself, and acted as if he'd been

glancing at Carolyn. She couldn't help feeling a

"Since

Witt, it wouldn't be

leave her

We

tomorrow. This isn't work time, and I'd rather not discuss business while we're supposed to be

work in your free time? That's not like you, Allison: I remember you and Watson chatting all about work in

a bite in his voice, and his stare was a little too pointed. "So you can talk shop with him,

the kind that said, "Seriously, cut

Carolyn looking more and more uncomfortable, Allison let out a sigh and stood

let's just move to a larger table." Joshua's

down, Lizzy and Julia followed and settled into their seats. Joshua slid right in next to