Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Rose gave a distracted "mm-hmm," only half paying attention as she made small talk with Carolyn.

She could see right through Carolyn's feelings for Joshua.

But honestly, the idea of her son ending up with Carolyn didn't sit well with Rose at all. In her mind, Allie was the only one who belonged in their family.

Just thinking about the mess between Joshua and Allie made her chest feel tight. Now that Chris and Lillian were both behind bars, and Grandma Emily was gone, there was no one left in the family to stand in their way. Except, of course, for Javier-he'd be tough to win over. And Allie herself Rose could only guess what that girl was thinking these days.

If only Joshua and Allie could patch things up. How great would that be?

It had actually been a while since Rose last saw Allie, now that she thought about

it. The thought made her sigh deeply.

Carolyn caught the sigh and shot her a worried look. "Rose, is something bothering you?"

Rose forced a smile, but ended up sighing again. “Oh, I'm just stressing about Joshua. He and Allie broke up and haven't made up, and I keep hoping they'll get back together. I dream about the day Allie finally marries into our family and gives me a grandbaby. Joshua's already thirty and still single-I can't help but worry..."

Carolyn's smile froze, her lips tightening just a bit.

Rose pretended not to notice. She took a sip of tea and, with her best nosy-aunt energy, asked, “Luna, are you seeing anyone these days?"

shook her head. "Not

are you

"I'll be twenty-seven soon."

sighed in a mock-exasperated way. "How about I introduce you to

her

Allie was the only possible daughter-in- law. No matter

Carolyn replied, forcing a light smile. "He's the

surprised. "Oh? Who is he? Do I know

played along, smiling. "You know him very

him over next time and let me check him out

finally came downstairs,

his assistant, John. The other, someone

unfamiliar man left, Carolyn asked, "Joshua, who was that just now?" Joshua sank into the sofa, ignoring her

you say yesterday we'd talk about the, partnership, another day? I' discuss the

was chilly. "Did you bring the

flash drive and handed it over. "It's all on

even move to take

stepped in, taking

Carolyn and plugging it

up the