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

Chapter 148

Chapter 148

I checked my calendar-Matthew's birthday was in three days.

Bringing up something heavy on his birthday? Yeah, no. I didn't want to mess up his big day, so I figured I'd visit him early, drop off a gift, and get it over with. That way, I wouldn't have to deal with it on his actual birthday. But before I could even get started, Wayne showed up.

I hadn't seen him since we left the amusement park, and honestly, I almost didn't recognize him.

"Did I turn into a coal miner or something? You don't even know who I am?" Wayne joked, throwing in some classic self-deprecation to break the ice.

Seeing him like this brought back memories of Hayden, and I couldn't help but smile. "If your mom saw you right now, she'd totally freak."

"Nah, she actually said I look more manly now," Wayne replied, clearly trying to keep things light.

I bit back a laugh. "You do have that whole rugged, manly vibe going on."

Wayne rubbed his face, grinning. "Glad you noticed."

Despite his attempts to keep things chill, I still felt a bit awkward, not really sure how to keep the conversation going.

Matthew, I decided to switch gears. "So, how

miss you," Wayne said, and

go to the Johnston residence every day after work. They practically saw me more than my own family. But ever since I moved

them today," I said, hesitating before

from him, so I just laid it out. "Jace has been coming after the

told my dad about

-it."

he added, "I'm here today because my dad sent me to convince you. Rea... please, come back to the

I couldn't help but smile. "So, if you don't complete your mission today, is your dad

I remembered something from my third year with the Johnston family. Matthew had sent

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Chapter 148

+25 BONUS

time I'd seen Matthew

noticed me watching, I could see the embarrassment written all over his face,

when I realized I should've looked

me?" Wayne laughed, and I wondered if

started to deny it,