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.

wasn't buying

putting him on speaker. "Brian, your car died, right? My driver's on his way. I just happen to be eating

fast. "Yeah, didn't I just tell you? Why are you calling

tight, he'll

up and shot Allison a look, eyebrows

his driver

Allison could say anything, Carolyn jumped in. "Joshua, I can give you a

glanced

ว

verhet

way. I

"

Allison's

she didn't call them out. Joshua had already sent his car off. If she refused, he'd have to go with Carolyn-and, selfishly, she didn't want them alone

Joshua a look and said coolly, "Let's go," then climbed into the car. Joshua's smile was full of quiet triumph. "Coming." He slid into the front seat, tossing Watson a smug, challenging

and Lizzy in the back,

Carolyn and Watson

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

and Joshua arrive together-talk about hard