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

I heard

running?" Jace's familiar, cool voice cut

on the phone tightened, and my

with so many scars, a decade of feelings for him

talking to me. What would Jace say? Would he grab the phone and talk

high spot

After a moment, he

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 laugh. "You

"Hehe, I

I'd feel the same in your shoes," Demi said as she kept running and then got

P

Comments

taken the video from the highest point. Through it, I saw the amusement park all lit up. It didn't look too bad, but

be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night

rich, but

is the overall view. Any idea if it's a construction issue or a problem with the

the lights meet our requirements. No one's admitting fault, so I'm totally clueless about where the problem is," Demi

much effort into, Demi pleaded

the amusement pa

I'll come back," I agreed this time without

call, I booked a flight. Not long after, Demi sent me some detailed aerial footage, and it was clear the

next morning. I packed my bags for my nine o'clock

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

the past few days, I'd been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt

I said, walking up to

stunned, then muttered, "But you said you'd stay

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