Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn)

In the upscale restaurant, the atmosphere buzzed with quiet elegance. Watson was meticulously cutting into his steak, while Allison opted for a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild. The waiter, in a sharp uniform, skillfully decanted the wine, adding a touch of sophistication to their meal.

With a chuckle, Watson remarked, "Even if the judge backs us completely in the Helix Sciences case, the legal fees are only twenty grand. Yet here you are, splurging eighteen grand on a single bottle of wine. Allison, that doesn't seem like a smart deal."

Allison gave the wine a gentle swirl in her glass, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Oh, I never make a bad deal."

Watson leaned in, intrigued by her confidence.

"Watson, you bring in more than ten times the cost of this wine for Owens Legal Services every year," Allison replied with a playful grin.

Watson chuckled, "Here I thought you were just a big spender, but you've got some business savvy, huh?"

"Well, I am my father's daughter," she quipped. After all, no one in Oak Lake could rival the business acumen of her father, Javier.

The dinner went smoothly, filled with laughter and engaging conversation. Watson shared a trove of practical advice and strategic insights, which Allison eagerly noted.

As dinner wrapped up, Allison signaled for the check. The waiter approached with a polite smile, "Pardon me, ma'am, but the gentleman has already settled the bill."

Allison paused, card in hand, and glanced across the table. "I thought I was treating this time?"

Watson smirked, "I'm not the kind of guy who lets a lady pick up the tab."

Allison puffed out her cheeks in mock frustration. "Eighteen grand on wine, two grand on food, and you haven't even made a dime from Owens Legal Services yet. Looks like you're the one making a bad deal."

"Just like you, I never make a bad deal," Watson replied, his eyes twinkling. "With your connections, I'm not worried about finding cases. I'm counting on you to land the big ones."

"Alright then," Allison said, slipping her card back into her purse, "I won't argue."

Just as they were about to leave, a woman approached, eyes wide with disbelief. "Thomas?"

Standing by their table, she exclaimed, "It really is you!"

Watson blinked, caught off guard. "Aunt Mandy?"

Mandy, with her chic auburn bob and flawless makeup, looked far

enet

younger than her years, easil et

passing for someone in her early thirties.

"And who is this?" Mandy asked, her smile warm and inviting as she looked at Allison.

"This is Allison, my partner I've mentioned," Watson introduced, then turned to Allison. "Allison, meet my aunt."

"Nice to meet you," Allison said, smiling warmly.

"Lovely to meet you too," Mandy beamed, "Thomas has told me about you."

Allison returned her smile, trying to ignore the slight embarrassment creeping in.

"You sly one," Mandy teased, nudging Watson. "You only mentioned Allison's skills, not that she's a real stunner."

Watson looked momentarily embarrassed. "Aunt..."noveldrama

"Allison, do you have a boyfriend?" Mandy asked, her forthrightness catching Allison off guard.

"Aunt Mandy!" Watson interjected quickly.

A slight blush crept up Watson's

ears as he hastily explained, "Sorget

abou

Allison. My aunt

be a

bit. mind." direct. I hope you don

Allison shook her head, still smiling. "It's fine."

Mandy gave Watson a conspiratorial wink and whispered, "She seems perfect for you. It's not often I see you out with a woman. You should make a move!"

Though she whispered, Allison overheard, given the close quarters, and awkwardly looked away, pretending she hadn't.

Watson sighed, rubbing his temples. "Aunt, you really don't need to worry about

me."

"How can I not? For years, your mom and I worried you might be into guys since you never dated, and we didn't dare ask..."

Before Mandy could finish, Watson quickly covered her mouth, "You're getting outrageous now."