“I heard some girls talking trash about Cindy behind her back once,” Carolyn said, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into her palms. Her shoulders shook with every quiet sob. “I actually fought with them over it. I really care about her—not just to make myself look good, like she thinks...”
Allison didn’t know what to say, so she just rubbed Carolyn’s back gently.
“Maybe I did mess up,” Carolyn choked out. “Cindy’s so sensitive, so insecure. I should’ve thought about her feelings more...”
Allison sighed. “You really have to be careful about who you trust as a friend.”
Carolyn cried for a while, and by the time they pulled up to her place, her eyes were swollen and red.
The car stopped.
Carolyn wiped her tears and managed a wobbly smile. “Thanks, Allison. I seriously owe you for saving me. If you ever need anything, just tell me, okay?”
Allison smiled back. “Deal. I’ll hold you to that.”
...
Allison had barely left Carolyn’s house when, back at the law office, the receptionist flagged her down. “Joshua’s here for you.”
As soon as Allison opened her office door, Joshua shot to his feet and crossed the room in a few quick steps. Concern was written all over his face as he looked her up and down. “Allie, are you okay? I heard you got into a fight last night. Did you get hurt?”
Allison raised an eyebrow. “Who told you that?”
He looked genuinely worried. “A friend at the police department called me.”
Allison’s expression shifted, unreadable. “Then you probably know it was Carolyn who got drugged. They were after her, not me. I just helped her out.”
Joshua let out a breath, clearly relieved. “Yeah, I heard Carolyn’s okay, and the guys involved all got arrested.”
Allison nodded. “I’m fine too. Brooklyn was there—those guys didn’t stand a chance.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Just then, Joshua’s phone started ringing.
He answered quickly, “I’m heading back now,” and hung up. Turning back, he said, “Allie, I bought you some vitamins and supplements. Make sure you take them, okay? I have to get back to the office, but call me if you need anything.”
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