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

steps, she suddenly stopped, and I heard her

you running?" Jace's familiar, cool

tightened,

though he left me with so many scars, a decade of feelings for him couldn't just disappear overnight. Jace, even

me. What would Jace say? Would

to find a high spot to

he just said, "Okay," and I heard

away.

I didn't tell him it was you. I was worried he might want to talk to you. I figured you wouldn't want that," Demi

"Hehe, I

same in your shoes," Demi said as she kept running and then got

P

Comments

I saw the amusement park all lit up. It didn't look

a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was just a solid blue-a deep,

was rich,

construction issue or a problem

the manufacturer says the lights meet our requirements. No one's admitting fault, so I'm totally clueless about where the problem is," Demi said, clearly frustrated. "Keira, please come back. I

much effort into, Demi

the amusement pa

I'll come back," I agreed this time

long after, Demi sent me some detailed aerial footage, and it was clear the

the next morning. I packed my

early. Yoga again?" Macy asked

been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always

said, walking up

muttered, "But

that I need to handle. Once it's sorted out, I might come back