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.

decided to switch gears. "So, how are your mom

but they miss you," Wayne said, and that hit me right

the Johnston residence every day after work. They practically saw me more than my own family. But ever since I moved out, I hadn't been back

I said, hesitating before adding, "I

me, his expression practically begging 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.

about it. And about you quitting? My dad was

-it."

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

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

family. Matthew had sent Wayne on some errand, and when

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Chapter 148

+25 BONUS

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

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

when I realized I should've looked away,

and I wondered if he was thinking of that

to deny it,