Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 496

Sabrina shot Brian and Olivia a look, and the three of them quietly slipped out of the lounge. Eason followed close behind. George left too, his girlfriend tucked under his arm. Watson took one last, silent glance at the couple cuddled up on the sofa—something dark flickering in his eyes—then walked out as well.

Later that night, the birthday party kicked off for real.

Downstairs, the bar was alive with flashing lights and pulsing music. The DJ was on stage, moving with the beat and hyping up the crowd. People were singing along, dancing, just totally letting loose and soaking up the vibe.

After a wild round of partying, the music suddenly cut off. Carolyn stepped onto the stage, mic in hand.

“Thank you all so much for coming to my birthday party tonight.”

She’d swapped her daytime mermaid dress for a black strappy number that fit the club’s energy perfectly—her hair in big waves, smoky eyes, looking every bit the confident, sexy birthday girl. Standing center stage, the spotlight on her, she finished her intro, then paused, getting a little emotional.

“There’s someone I really need to thank tonight—her name is Allison.”

Allison stood right up front, catching Carolyn’s gaze. Carolyn looked back at her, voice warm and sincere. “If it weren’t for her, I honestly might not be here right now. Allison saved my life, and I’ll always be grateful.”

She took a breath, her eyes dropping, voice turning soft and a little sad. “And I have one more thing to say. Joshua Fisher and I are just friends. Joshua is with Allison now. Please, I’d really appreciate it if everyone stopped making jokes about me and Mr. Fisher.”

every word slowly, clearly, like she wanted everyone to really

on, and I hope you all can, too. I don’t want anyone, even if you mean well, to do things that put me in an awkward spot. And please, don’t try

whole room went quiet. Then people started

for real? Carolyn used to be in love with Joshua? I never heard that

close friends knew. I’ve known her for three years

in front of everyone. What happened to make her go public like

a huge fight earlier today. Like, full-on screaming match. Rumor is, they're not

they super close? What could’ve happened?

“Wouldn’t be surprised.”

did that happen? Didn’t the Owens family announce months ago that the engagement

Joshua linked to an

were rumors she was about to

are old money—they’d never

is that the Megan