Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn)

After that day, Allison didn't see Joshua for almost two weeks.

She only found out where he'd gone when Carolyn dropped by the office to go over a case. Carolyn mentioned in passing that Joshua was out of the country, handling some business for the company's overseas branch.

Allison barely had time to think about anything else anyway-she was drowning in work. Several Fisher Corporation cases had been officially filed with the court, with hearings set for next month. Grant and Cindy's divorce was coming up even sooner-next Thursday.

One evening after work, Allison headed out for hotpot with Brooklyn, Joy, and Breanna. They grabbed a table at the little place near the office and soon the table was packed with plates of veggies, meats, and dipping sauces. The girls started chatting as they cooked their food in the bubbling pot.

Joy, who'd been renting an apartment near Summit & Vale Solicitors, mentioned her lease was almost up and she was in the middle of apartment hunting.

Breanna perked up. "Why don't you move in with me? I've been wanting to get a bigger place anyway. We could find a two-bedroom and split it."

Joy hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip.

"What's up?" Breanna eyed her. "You don't want to be my roommate?"

Joy took a long sip of her drink, avoiding their eyes. "It's not that, Breanna. I do want to... It's just... I...”

Breanna grinned, teasing, "What? Did the hotpot make you tongue-tied?"

Joy's cheeks went bright pink. "I'm actually thinking of moving in with my boyfriend."

Breanna's jaw dropped. The piece of tripe she'd just fished out slipped right off her chopsticks. "Wait, what? You're moving in with your boyfriend?"

Allison stared at Joy in shock. "You and London are together?"

Joy nodded, still blushing. "Yeah."

"How long has that been going on?" Allison asked.

Joy mumbled, "Almost three months."

Breanna frowned, her tone suddenly serious. "Joy, three months is pretty soon to be moving in together. Maybe take a little more time to get to know each other?"

"I have to agree with Breanna," Allison said, looking just as concerned. "London's

a good guy, but moving in after only three months? I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Breanna nodded vigorously. "Listen, I

know what I'm talking about. Allison can back me up! Back in college at Havenbrook, I got fooled by a total jerk. We lived together for two years. We'd agreed to split

everything-rent, utilities,

COUMnoveldrama

groceries-fifty-fifty. He'd send me two grand a month, I'd put in two grand too. But after we broke up, he had the nerve to ask me to pay him back, said all his transfers were 'gifts for our future marriage As! W always agreed that was just shared expenses. In two years, the total value of his gifts to me didn't even hit five hundred, while the shoes I bought him cost over a thousand. And that's not even counting all the game skins I got him. Joy, just think it through, okay?"

Joy looked down, clearly embarrassed. "Breanna, I know

you're looking out for me, but

London's not like that. He offered to pay the rent and utilities himself, and when it comes to meals, he's covering seventy percent. I've even introduced him to my parents. We're serious-like, planning for marriage serious."

"You've already introduced him to your parents? When did that happen?" Allison

blinked in surprise. She hadn't heard about this at all.

Joy nodded. "Just a few days ago, during the Day holiday. My during the May Day holiday. My parents really liked him. We're just a regular family, but London has a stead job how, he's hardworking, and my parents gave us their blessing."