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

Chapter 44

I thought, 'Messed up? How bad can it be?"

Staying chill, I asked, "Okay, slow down. What's going on?"

Demi said the lights didn't match the design specs at all. Either the lights from the manufacturer were junk, or there was a problem with the installation. "Look, you know what might be causing it, so just call the right people to fix it. Even if I were there, that's all I'd do," I replied, trying to keep things calm.

"Keira, please come back. I can't handle this alone. And I don't know what's gotten into Mr. Johnston lately. He's been coming to the amusement park every day, and every time he leaves, there are more problems. I'm about to lose my mind,' Demi's voice was cracking. Thinking about the message Jace sent me, I wondered if he was deliberately causing trouble for Demi to pressure me.

After all these years together, he knew me well. He knew I had a soft heart and couldn't stand seeing others suffer because of me.

"Handle it for now," I said, still not agreeing to go back.

It wasn't that I was being heartless, letting Demi handle everything. I wanted her to step up and take on more responsibility. You only grow by learning and dealing with challenges.

I was thinking about leaving the company, which would mean a promotion opportunity for her. She needed to be ready for it.

"Keira, I can't deal with this by myself. The lighting is the heart of the whole amusement park," Demi kept begging.

I thought for a few seconds. "Send me a detailed report on the issues. When you're on-site, call me. It'd be best to turn on all the lights at night so I can see what's going on."

Demi seemed to understand I wasn't coming back. She said, "Keira, I know you don't want to face Mr. Johnston right now. If it wasn't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't be asking." She paused for a moment. "I've got your back."

Those words warmed my heart, even though there was still a hint of sadness lingering.

"Just follow my instructions for now," I said, hanging up. Then I opened my email to check out the amusement park's lighting design plans and effect renderings.

That night, Demi video-called me. "Keira, I'm at the site. All the lights are on. How do you wanna check it out?"

I looked at the video but could only see bits and pieces of the lighting. "Head to the highest point in the park. I need to see the overall effect first. Then, get aerial shots of each attraction's lighting. especially the spots we had issues with." okay, hold on," Demi said. The video wobbled, and I could hear her running.

15 BONUS

few steps, she suddenly stopped, and I heard her say, "Mr.

are you running?" Jace's familiar, cool voice

tightened,

a decade of feelings for him couldn't just

wondered if Demi would mention she was talking to me. What would Jace say?

need to find a high spot to shoot some

didn't respond right away. After a moment, he just said, "Okay,"

away.

it was you. I was worried he might want to talk to you. I figured you wouldn't want that," Demi said thoughtfully. I let out a self-mocking

"Hehe, I

in your shoes," Demi

P

Comments

up. It didn't look too bad, but the base color of the lights was completely different from the design

to be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was just a

color was rich, but

overall view. Any idea if it's a construction issue or a problem with the lighting supplier?" I asked. "Have you talked to both parties? What did

totally clueless about where the problem is," Demi said, clearly frustrated. "Keira, please come back. I can't handle this alone, and I know you don't want this kind of

effort into, Demi

the amusement pa

I'll come back," I

sent me some

next morning. I packed my bags for

you're up so early. Yoga again?" Macy asked when she

yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt

said, walking up to

"But you

I need to handle. Once it's sorted out,