Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

"I heard some girls talking trash about Cindy behind her back once," Carolyn said,

her voice muffled as she pressed her face into her palms. Her shoulders shook

with every quiet sob. "I actually fought with them over it. I really care about her—

not just to make myself look good, like she thinks..."

Allison didn't know what to say, so she just rubbed Carolyn's back gently.

"Maybe I did mess up," Carolyn choked out. "Cindy's so sensitive, so insecure. I

should've thought about her feelings more..."

Allison sighed. "You really have to be careful about who you trust as a friend."

Carolyn cried for a while, and by the time they pulled up to her place, her eyes

were swollen and red.

The car stopped.

Carolyn wiped her tears and managed a wobbly smile. "Thanks, Allison. I

seriously owe you for saving me. If you ever need anything, just tell me, okay?"

Allison smiled back. "Deal. I'll hold you to that."

...

Allison had barely left Carolyn's house when, back at the law office, the

receptionist flagged her down. "Joshua's here for you."

As soon as Allison opened her office door, Joshua shot to his feet and crossed the

room in a few quick steps. Concern was written all over his face as he looked her

I heard you got into a fight

get hurt?"

an eyebrow.

looked genuinely worried. "A friend at the police department called

unreadable. "Then you probably know it was

were after her, not me. I just

relieved. "Yeah, I

involved all got

Brooklyn

chance."

"Glad to hear it."

Joshua's

answered quickly, "I'm heading back now,"

I bought you some vitamins and supplements. Make sure you

I have to get back to the office, but call me if you need

the pile of colorful gift boxes on

room for

laugh. "I'm not even injured. What's with

don't have to be

of yourself."

softly

risk yourself

no matter what."

her lips

Joshua left.

stood

lost in

had gently

hair—her heart almost stopped.

time since they'd been that

...

Allison got a call from Grant. He wanted to meet