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

Chapter 197

But I had to find out the truth about my dad's death.

After going back and forth in my head, I realized I didn't have much of a choice-I needed Wayne. I just had to come up with a good excuse.

While I was still mulling it over, my phone rang.

It was Lindey, and she didn't waste any time. "Jace is gonna be the death of me and Matthew! If he really goes through with dating Tanya Twain, I swear, we'll drop dead before we let that happen." I wasn't shocked by her reaction. I tried to keep my voice calm. "Lindey, seriously, you guys shouldn't let this get to you. I mean, relationships, marriage... it's not something parents can control." "Of course we can't control him! Otherwise, we wouldn't have let things with you and him get this far. But if he thinks he's bringing a pregnant widow into this family? No way in hell," Lindey snapped. Her words piled onto the pressure already crushing me, and honestly, I didn't know what to say-or if I even wanted to.

Jace and Tanya had betrayed me. Why should I be the one defending them? I'm not here to forgive them and pretend everything's fine. I wasn't about to start playing peacemaker just to make Lindey feel better. Honestly, the fact I wasn't making things worse for them was already more self-control than they deserved.

"Rea, Matthew's so upset he hasn't eaten a thing. It's like he's on some hunger strike. He'll only listen to you. Could you come over and talk some sense into him?" Lindey finally let slip the real reason she called. Fate was practically handing me a perfect opening. If I went back to the Johnston residence, I might not even need Wayne's help. I could probably get into Matthew's car myself and dig up the info I needed. I told her I'd come by, and after she ranted about Jace for a few more minutes, she hung up.

But just showing up at the Johnstons' didn't guarantee I'd get what I wanted. To make sure everything worked out, I knew I had to call Wayne, too.

"Rea," his gentle voice greeted me as usual.

replied, keeping my tone respectful but distant. I had to be careful. I didn't want him getting too

total hypocrite. And

losing it and won't eat. Your mom's asking me to come over, but I don't think I can handle this on

a

all. He probably already knew what was going

Johnston residence, Wayne was already there, standing by the door like he'd been waiting

my dad's upset, right? I doubt we'll change his mind,"

+25 BONUS

Chapter 197

Matthew still wanted Jace and me

him a sarcastic smile

like that, she looked surprised. I acted like

at a few people who tried to check on him, I'd think he was in there trying to kill himself," Lindey said, as blunt as always. "Mom, Dad's not that fragile. Don't

talk to him," I

gave a nod, and I headed