Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Dinner felt like a war zone.

Watson and Joshua were locked in this silent, stubborn face-off, both trying to come out on top. Allison acted like she didn't notice a thing. Carolyn did her best to ignore it, too.

Afterward, Joshua offered, "Want me to give you and Lizzy a ride home?"

"I drove myself," Allison said.

Joshua grinned. "Then give me a lift. It's on your way, right?"

Allison gave him a look. "Didn't you bring your own car?"

She glanced at Carolyn. "Aren't you taking Ms. Witt home?"

"She drove, too," Joshua replied, not even looking at Carolyn. His voice softened when he spoke to Allison.

Allison rolled her eyes. "You drove here. Why do you need me to take you?"

"Brian just texted," Joshua explained, "His car broke down nearby. The tow truck's an hour out, but he needs to get home fast. I sent my driver to pick him up it's close. Good thing I brought a driver today."

Watson let out a sarcastic laugh. "How convenient."

Joshua just smiled. "Isn't it, though? What a coincidence."

Watson didn't bother answering.

obviously wasn't

called Brian, putting him on speaker. "Brian, your car died, right? My

tell you? Why are you calling again?

tight, he'll

and shot Allison a look, eyebrows

told his

say anything, Carolyn jumped in. "Joshua, I can give

barely glanced

ว

verhet

your way. I live right next

"

neighbors. Allison's

she didn't call them out. Joshua had already sent his car off. If she refused, he'd have

then climbed into the car. Joshua's smile was full of quiet triumph.

Allison and Lizzy in the back,

car pulled away, Carolyn and Watson exchanged

reached the Owens family's gate, Allison spoke up, her voice low. "You

didn't want Javier seeing her and Joshua arrive together-talk about hard to