Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Allison couldn't help but laugh at what she'd just heard.

She looked at Luna, half amused, half exasperated. “Luna, seriously? You really don't see any boundaries, do you? I'm Joshua's girlfriend, and you want me to bring my own boyfriend to his admirer's birthday party?"

It wasn't anger, just genuine disbelief at how wild the request was.

Carolyn raised a hand, like she was making a solemn promise. "I swear, I just want to make up for years of regrets. All you have to do is bring him. You can hold his hand, flaunt your love, whatever I'm fine with it. I just want him at my birthday party, that's all."

"Allie, you're the best! Please say yes," Carolyn whined, clinging to Allison's arm like a little kid. "I really mean it. Just this one time, okay?"

Allison frowned, thinking it over.

"I promise I won't do anything," Carolyn said, her voice soft and pleading. "Let's just call this the end of my one-sided crush."

After a long pause, Allison let out a sigh. "Alright. Fine."

Carolyn instantly brightened, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you, Allie! Lunch is on me."

In a private room at the restaurant, Allison, Carolyn, and Joshua sat around a round table.

Carolyn handed Allison the menu, letting her pick the dishes.

It was a Cantonese place. Allison ordered a few of her favorites, including the poached shrimp.

She'd loved shrimp since she was a kid. Back home, there was always someone to peel them for her, but here, it was just the three of them.

up a shrimp, dropped it in her bowl, and wiped

reached over and snatched the shrimp from

surprise. Joshua was already peeling

pale fingers moving deftly and elegantly as

caught off guard, and

looked frozen-clearly not

finished peeling the shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and dropped it right back

mumbled a quiet "Thanks," and started

Joshua was already peeling a second

smile was stiff. "Wow, Joshua. Didn't know you were the type to peel

big shot in

always surrounded by people

him. When had

to get his own

for someone

smooth he was at it, this clearly wasn't

his head

on

my

her. I'm

her do