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

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

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

he'll be

up and shot Allison a

his driver

Allison could say anything, Carolyn jumped in. "Joshua, I

barely glanced at

ว

verhet

of your way. I live right next

"

Allison's

on a show, but she didn't call them out. Joshua had already sent his car off. If she refused, he'd have to go

shot Joshua a look and said coolly, "Let's go," then climbed into the car. Joshua's smile was full of quiet triumph. "Coming." He

drove, Allison and Lizzy in the back, Joshua

the car pulled away, Carolyn and

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

definitely didn't want Javier seeing her and Joshua arrive