Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn)

In another part of town, Joshua was kicking back with his buddies, playing cards. Brian, with a cigarette hanging from his lips, drew a card and quipped, "Well, this is a surprise! The sun must've risen in the west today. Joshua, what brings you here instead of picking up Allie from work?"

Since Allison started her new job and moved into her apartment, Joshua had been a regular at Lakeside Residences whenever he could spare the time. It had been ages since he last hung out with the crew. After that fiasco at the engagement party landed him in the hospital, his bond with Allison only grew stronger. Almost every day, he'd make it a point to pick her up from work.

Joshua laid down a card, unfazed. "She's out with her workmates tonight."

Brian laughed, his grin annoyingly wide. "So, you got left behind, huh? Seriously, what kind of work dinner is more important than you?"

Joshua's glance was as cool as they come. "Left behind? No way."

With a sly smile, he added, "She'll be home after dinner. What about you? Picking up a girlfriend later too?"

The jab was more cheeky than hurtful. Everyone knew Brian was flying solo.

Irritated, Brian turned to George, trying to rope him in. "Can you believe this guy, poking fun at us? George, you're single too, right? How could you put up with this?"

George coughed, "Hate to break it to you, but I'm seeing someone."

"What?" Brian's jaw practically hit the floor, and his cigarette almost followed. "You're seeing someone too?" George nodded.

"You never said a thing! Who is she? Someone from the Johnsons family? The Lees?" Brian's gossip radar was off the charts.

The Johnsons were big shots in Oak Lake, and the Lees had political clout that was just shy of the Fishers. George came from a high-ranking official family, so Brian assumed his girl would be from a similar background.

Before George could reply, Brian went on, "I recently saw one of the Johnson girls. She just got back from overseas and is drop-dead gorgeous. Is it her?"

George shook his head. "She's just a regular college girl."

"What?" Brian was floored. "An ordinary college girl?"

Joshua's reaction was casual. He simply glanced at George. "Your folks cool with that?"

George blew out a smoke ring. His voice sounded casual as he said, "We're just having fun, not planning a wedding. Why wouldn't they be?"

Brian clicked his tongue. "Why go for a college girl? What if it gets messy later?"

George shrugged and had a carefree smile, "What's to worry? A couple of gifts, some cash, and if I'm done, she won't get to see me."

Brian rubbed his chin. "Fair point."

If George didn't want to, ordinary folks might never even cross their paths in a lifetime.

Joshua drew another card, his gaze flicking to George. "Aren't you worried about karma for messing with someone's heart like that?"

George chuckled, "Come on. It's just mutual benefit."

Joshua replied, "Just be careful. Don't dig yourself a hole you can't climb out of."noveldrama

Brian, eyes gleaming with curiosity, asked, "What does she look like? You've got to bring her around next time so we can see for ourselves."