Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Allison gave a quick, "Okay."

Willow's husband was crouched by the stove, feeding the fire. Brooklyn, meanwhile, was off to the side, entertaining Willow's two-year-old son, Harry.

After finishing up with the veggies, Allison glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Brooklyn and Harry playing together. She raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Wow, Brooklyn, I never pictured you as someone who actually likes kids."

Brooklyn always had that icy vibe about her-sharp, distant, not exactly the warm and fuzzy type. Liking kids just didn't seem like her thing.

With a completely straight face, Brooklyn dangled a superhero toy in front of Harry. "He's kind of entertaining," she said flatly.

Allison: "..."

Willow and her husband: "..."

The whole room seemed to freeze.

Silence.

The kind of silence that makes you want to crawl under the table.

awkward laugh and turned to Willow. "Sorry about her. Seriously, don't mind

amused, half confused. "Your

"She hardly ever hangs out with kids. It's new for

gathered around the round table. Just as they were about to dig in, Willow's phone

screen. "It's a number

"No idea. Maybe.

picked up. "Hello? Can I help

here with me." She handed

the phone.

a relieved sigh

familiar, deep voice filled her ear-warm, a little rough around the

okay? I've been trying to reach you all

she could say

of my texts. I was going crazy. I even called Olivia and Sabrina, but they didn't know where you were swung by your office, and they told me you went to

worried. "I saw the news about the floods in Havenbrook. I've been freaking out. Allie, why couldn't I get ahold of you? Is something

fine. My phone just...

a little hurt. "You couldn't borrow someone's phone to call me? I've been worried sick over

night. It hasn't even been a full day -not even twenty-four hours! How was I supposed to know you'd be blowing