Joshua’s voice was cool and direct. “Since Allison and Watson aren’t on a date, I guess you won’t mind if I join you, right? We’re all old friends here. It’s been a while since I saw Allison—seems like a good time to catch up and talk about those cases at work.”
Carolyn froze, her smile faltering.
Watson let out a light laugh. “Mr. Fisher, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Allison and I have the kids with us today.”
Joshua turned to Lizzy, giving her a gentle smile. “Lizzy, do you mind if your big brother sits here and eats with you?”
Lizzy knew Joshua well. She used to call him “brother-in-law” all the time, and he’d always been so good to her, buying her toys and treats. Of course she didn’t mind at all.
She piped up, “I don’t mind!”
Joshua’s lips curled up, and he looked at Watson. “See? Even Lizzy doesn’t mind. Are you really going to be the difficult one here, Watson?”
Watson met Joshua’s eyes, his tone still friendly. “But Mr. Fisher, aren’t you here with a date? If you squeeze in with us, what happens to Ms. Witt?”
Joshua’s expression didn’t change. He simply turned to Carolyn. “Sorry, something’s come up. You go ahead for now. We’ll talk about the project another time.”
He dropped the word “project” on purpose, a signal for Allison that he wasn’t here for a date—just business. He and Carolyn were just work partners, nothing more.
While he said it, his eyes never left Allison.
But Allison didn’t even look at him. Her face was blank, like she couldn’t care less.
Joshua felt a little pang of disappointment.
Watson smiled and said, “Mr. Fisher, it’s not very gentlemanly to just leave Ms. Witt on her own, is it?”
Joshua’s eyes went cold. “That’s not your problem.”
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