Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

The two of them were laughing and trading jokes when Watson knocked on the door and stepped in.

"Allison, are you free tonight?" he asked, glancing her way.

Allison looked up from her screen. "Why? What's up?"

Watson gave her a friendly smile. "Julia says she hasn't seen you in forever and misses you. She wanted me to ask if you'd like to grab dinner with us tonight."

Allison hesitated for a moment.

She could tell Watson liked her-maybe more than he let on.

The first time Watson brought Julia over, it was just to help Lizzy get better. But now that Lizzy was healthy, and after all the dinners and thoughtful gifts, Allison couldn't shake the feeling that Watson was using Julia as a cover to see her. Maybe she was just imagining things-or maybe not. Thinking back, Watson had found plenty of reasons lately to "invite" her out, always saying it was Julia's idea, and always outside of work.

Sometimes it was at her place. Sometimes it was somewhere out in the city.

If this kept up, they'd definitely be more than just friends.

Out of nowhere, Allison found herself thinking about that early morning-about the quiet figure standing under the porch, and the warmth of a hug that felt safe in a way she couldn't explain.

She dropped her eyes. "I've got plans tonight. Can you tell Julia I'm sorry?"

Watson looked a little surprised, like her answer had caught him off guard. He watched her for a moment, then nodded quietly. "Okay."

After he left, Carolyn glanced over at Allison, a half-smile playing at her lips. "You're turning him down because of Joshua, aren't you?"

focused on her work, not bothering to deny

of one-and felt something twist in her chest.

out a long

man she'd loved for

who'd once

was she supposed to

go of

stab her lifesaver in the back just to fight for a guy? Carolyn knew

really didn't have a good

she said quietly,

at her, meeting her eyes. "Take

video call

was the loud one—the kind who made everyone laugh. But

You've barely said a word

noticed too. "Seriously, is something

and

what's going on? You never sigh

looked glum. "You both know Vivian,

Olivia

"The youngest

the Zackon I