Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn) novel Chapter 466

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.”

Joshua smiled. “Honestly? Even if she weren’t there, I’d still do those things for you.”

Back at dinner, when Carolyn had commented, “Didn’t expect you to be the shrimp-peeling type,” Allison suddenly remembered—ever since she and Joshua started dating, he’d always done that for her whenever they went out for seafood. Picking out fish bones wasn’t new, either.

Allison started to say something, but Joshua beat her to it. “But I did want her to see. I want her to realize you’re the only one I care about. Hopefully, she’ll give up on me sooner rather than later.”

Remembering what Carolyn had asked her earlier that morning, Allison hesitated before saying, “Did you know Carolyn’s birthday is next Saturday?”

Joshua’s expression turned cold. “No, I didn’t.”

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

She glanced up, searching his face. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be?” His eyes were filled with nothing but warmth.

Joshua’s voice was low and steady. “Do you care about me?”

“Of course I do,” Allison answered, quick and sure.

Allison let out a quiet breath. “Let’s go. I already promised her.”

He smiled, gentle and easy. “Alright. We’ll go—and let everyone see just how much we love each other.”