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."

pulled out a

the soup,

her for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why are your cheeks so

guard, choked

said, her voice

little warm. Are you running a fever? Should

awkward. “I'm not sick,"

still worried. "Then why are you so

her own cheeks. They really

had to kiss

keeping her head down as she went back to

l.ne

didn't 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

okay, Linda. Brooklyn lives here

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

her, "I actually already