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

okay? I heard you

get hurt?"

eyebrow. "Who

friend at

expression shifted, unreadable. "Then you probably

her, not me. I

clearly relieved. "Yeah, I heard Carolyn's okay, and

involved all

Brooklyn was there—those guys didn't

chance."

"Glad to hear it."

Joshua's

heading back now," and hung up. Turning

I bought you some vitamins and

okay? I have to get back to the office, but call me

at the pile of colorful gift boxes on

room for

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

to be hurt

of yourself."

softly patted

risk yourself

no matter what."

her lips

Joshua left.

stood

in thought. The

hand had gently ruffled

hair—her heart almost stopped.

long time since

...

Allison got a call from Grant. He wanted to meet to talk about