13:00
Chapter 60
Now that her father had sorted out her bank card, Allison wasn’t too bothered by the expense. She thought of it as a small price for keeping things friendly.
Halfway through their meal, Allison excused herself to go to the restroom. Elliott couldn’t resist teasing her, “Allison, where are you sneaking off to? Planning an escape because you can’t foot the bill? Hahaha.*
Allison shot back, unruffled, “Just heading to the restroom. Why, Elliott? You worried enough to come with me?” “Of course not! Just joking around. You’re the one getting all serious,” Elliott replied, trying to play it cool.
Ignoring Elliott’s jibe, Allison made her way out of the room. As she passed the elevator, she locked eyes with someone familiar.
“Allie? What brings you here?” Joshua asked, looking surprised. He was in the company of several sharp–dressed men in suits. The dining room Allison was using was on the first floor, and it seemed Joshua had just come down after his meal.
Joshua stepped closer, and Allison greeted him with a smile. “Joshua, fancy seeing you here! I’m treating my colleagues to dinner tonight.”
Joshua knew she had recently started at Summit & Vale Solicitors. He nodded, his expression warm. “How’s your first day on the job?”
“Pretty good, can’t complain,” Allison replied, choosing not to mention how Elliott and a few others had taken advantage of her generosity.
“Is the dinner wrapping up? I could give you a lift home,” Joshua offered.
Allison shook her head. “It’s not over yet. You go on ahead.”
“Alright,” Joshua said, pausing for a moment. “Did you arrange for a driver to pick you up? It’s quite a distance to your place.”
“No, I’ll head back to the apartment nearby.”
“Okay, stay safe.”
“I will,” Allison assured him, then headed back to the dining room.
After dinner, Allison went to settle the bill, only to learn it had already been taken care of. It had to be Joshua. She quickly sent him a text.
[Joshua, thanks a bunch.]
Joshua replied swiftly. [No need to thank me, Allie.]
[Are you done there? I’m waiting in the open–air parking lot to the left of the exit. I can’t help but worry about you heading home alone at night.]
A warm feeling spread through Allison as she read his message.
[Almost done. I’ll find you soon.]
After sending the message, her colleagues began to trickle out of the dining room. Some were quite tipsy, so Allison helped them call cabs. Elliott, who had driven her Honda Civic and stayed sober, rolled down her window with a smug grin. “Ms. Allison, I’m off. You take care and grab a cab, alright?”
Allison chuckled, “Bye.”
Most people were gone, and only Joy remained.
“Where do you live? Let me call a cab for you,” Allison offered.
13:00
Chapter 60
Joy waved her hands, “It’s okay. I live just around the corner. It’s a short walk.”
Allison felt a pang of concern. “Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”
“I’ll be fine. The streets are full of vendors at this hour, and it’s only a short distance. Don’t worry
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
Joy started to leave but then hurried back. “Ms. Allison, thanks for everything today.” She seemed a bit shy. “You’re really kind. I heard you don’t have an assistant yet. If you need help with paperwork or organizing materials, just let me know.”
Allison smiled warmly, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Once Joy left, Allison headed to the parking lot to find Joshua. She hopped in the car and gave him an address. It was a short drive.
Joshua dropped her off at her apartment complex entrance.
“I’m planning to stay here from now on. It’s convenient for work,” Allison explained.
Joshua nodded, “Great, I’ll visit often.”
“Alright, I’m heading up. Bye.”
Just as Allison was about to step out of the car, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned.
[Allison, I’m in Oak Lake. Can we meet?]
