Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter

43

I'd been here for days and hadn't seen any of Macy's kids or grandkids visit. I didn't ask much about it. She seemed to think of Hayden and me as her own.

One night, while I was getting ready for bed, Lena called, asking when I planned to come back.

"I haven't decided yet. I'm really happy here. It's the happiest I've been since my parents passed away," I told her.

I even considered extending my leave, staying until I got tired of the place.

"Maybe you don't want to leave because of that soldier," Lena teased.

Thinking about my few but oddly heart-stirring interactions with Hayden, I said, "I wouldn't say I can't leave, but when he's around, my heart definitely feels more alive." "Sounds like you're healing pretty well," Lena joked.

I stayed quiet for a moment, then Lena asked, "Has that jerk Jace contacted you at all? Not even a text?"

I licked my lips. "...No."

scoffed, "He thinks you'll never leave

the moonlight outside my window, I murmured, "This time, I'll show

Lena, waking up before dawn to find the call had

can live without Jace. These past few days

again when my phone beeped with

would text me in the middle of the

message was from Jace: [Come back when you're done

few words, but I could feel his anger

now he decides to message me? And he still thinks I was just sulking. totally

it and shut off

of bed and wandered out

and turned to see Hayden coming out, a backpack on his shoulders and a suitcase in

looked surprised to see me, pausing for a second before silently continuing to walk out. "Where are you

+15 BONUS

and in no time, he was out

stood there, dazed for a bit, before