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.

about my plan to visit Matthew, I decided to switch gears. "So,

you," Wayne said, and that

go to the Johnston residence every day after work. They practically saw me more than my

actually planning to visit them today," I said, hesitating before adding, "I also need to talk to your dad about

to know what was up. I wasn't about to keep anything from him, so I just laid it out. "Jace has been coming after the company I joined, doing everything he can to crush them-even stealing clients." Wayne didn't look surprised at all. Clearly, he

said, "I already told my dad about it. And about you quitting? My dad was

-it."

watched me closely, and when I didn't say anything, he added, "I'm here today because my dad sent me to convince you. Rea... please, come back to

smile. "So, if you don't complete your mission today,

Matthew had sent Wayne on some errand, and

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Chapter 148

+25 BONUS

with me. It was the first time I'd seen Matthew lose it like that, and he did it so

when he noticed me watching, I could see the embarrassment written all over his face, a slight blush

should've looked away, to give him

wondered if he was thinking of that day

I-" I started to deny it, but Wayne