Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 476

Joshua didn't say a word, just stared at Allison with those wounded, puppy-dog eyes.

She refused to look at him, shutting the door behind her with a decisive click.

At the front door, Allison paused, took a couple of deep breaths to pull herself together, then opened up for Linda.

Linda was waiting outside, arms full with a big insulated container and a kind, motherly smile. "Allie, I tried calling you, but you didn't answer. Have you eaten yet? I made your favorite black chicken and yam soup, and some salt-and-pepper shrimp."

Allison stepped aside to let her in. "I haven't eaten yet-I was busy and had my phone on silent. Didn't notice you called."

Not exactly a lie. She really had been occupied.

Linda came inside and set the container on the dining table. She opened it up and started putting the dishes out, her movements practiced and gentle. "No matter how busy you are, you have to remember to eat."

"Thank you, Linda. I appreciate it," Allison said softly.

Linda waved her off. "It's no trouble. I was free today, so I figured I'd come see how you're doing." She finished laying out the food and handed Allison a pair of chopsticks. "Eat while it's hot."

Allison pulled out a chair and

of the

her for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why

guard, choked

down," Linda said, her voice

forehead. "You feel a little warm. Are you running a fever? Should I take you

looked away, her expression awkward. “I'm not sick,"

worried. "Then why are you so flushed? Are you

instinctively touched her own cheeks. They really did feel

had to kiss her like his life

really fine," Allison said, keeping her head down as she went back to her

l.ne

look convinced. "Do you have a thermometer at home? Let me check your temperature. You live here by yourself-if something happens, who's going to take care of you? Maybe I should help you find someone to come by

okay, Linda. Brooklyn lives here

uneasy. "Brooklyn's great at keeping you safe-your dad and I trust her-but she's not exactly the

reassured her, "I actually