Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Allison couldn't help but feel a cold, resentful stare burning into her from across the table.

Joshua caught Carolyn watching him and, without missing a beat, said in his usual calm voice, "Allie loves fish, but she always manages to get those tiny bones stuck in her throat. So I have to pick them all out for her."

Carolyn just stared at him. Seriously? Who even asked?

I'm pretty sure I didn't, Allison thought, fighting the urge to laugh and grimacing instead.

She hadn't meant to make things awkward or show off in front of Carolyn. But come on it was obvious Joshua was doing it on purpose.

Carolyn was even paying for this meal. Hopefully, she wouldn't come back to kill Allison afterward.

With her hyperactive conscience, Allison felt like she was sitting on a bed of nails the whole time. But what could she do? She really did think of Carolyn as a friend.

After dinner, Joshua insisted on walking Allison back to her office, while Carolyn headed off on her own.

When they got to the building, Joshua leaned down and brushed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Allie, I won't go up-there's still stuff I need to handle at work."

Allison looked up at him. "Did you do that on purpose just now?"

He played innocent. "Do what?"

"You know-showing off in front of Carolyn. Peeling my shrimp, picking out fish bones, the whole thing."

smiled. "Honestly? Even if she weren't there, I'd

Allison suddenly remembered ever since she and Joshua started dating, he'd always done that for her whenever they went

I want her to realize you're the only one I care about.

that morning, Allison hesitated before saying, "Did you know Carolyn's birthday is

expression turned cold.

used to invite him to her birthday, but he never went. He honestly never even remembered the

didn't really know

awkwardness. "What's wrong?" he asked

her shoes. "She invited me

you want to go?" Joshua's tone softened. "If you don't, you

don't mind going,"

"What is it?"

me to bring you

her. "And what do you

"I already told her I

go

glanced up, searching his face. "You're not

be?" His eyes were filled with nothing but

།

not quite able to meet his gaze. "I know how she feels about you, but I still agreed to bring you to her birthday. Doesn't that make you feel