The single mom and her boss

Chapter fifteen - As long as it lasts

Jasmine's POV:

I spent the weekend with Adam. He is supposed to be my boss, but I see him as a friend. If he keeps taking me out for dinner, I might say more things than I want. I told him that the problem was solved. That was a lie. Chloe is not a problem, but I can't tell him the truth. Here is something I didn't share. I have tried to go out with boys and date. It never worked out. I want something serious. The moment I mention Chloe, they leave. No one wants a single mom with a kid. That is what my experience showed. Honestly, everything looks so good. It's like without my daughter, I'm a new person. I can be whoever I want. Well, if he wants something serious, I have to disappoint him. It's better if I do it before him. The chances of him wanting a little kid are not high. I can't hide her forever, but I won't tell him anything. He believes that my problem is solved. The sad part is that I told him I would have more free time. That is not true at all. I won't betray the pizza on Friday night. Chloe loves this. Also, it's a way for me to spend more time with her. It's not like I don't do it all the time. Lately, I started going out more often. She had some questions, but I quickly avoided them. I won't tell her anything. I hope that my life will finally go in the right direction.

December is right around the corner, and I haven't planned anything for the holidays. Chloe loves decorating. Every year, I get a new toy. I have to think about her present. She is with me all the time. I have to be sneaky. Otherwise, it won't be a surprise. I don't know what to get her. She has everything. The choice is difficult. I'll get her something before the holidays. People are like animals at that time of the year. I'll talk with my mom about this. I want to see what they plan to get her.

Chloe is at school, and I'm at work. Kelsey took a week off, so Carla is taking her place. We are sharing an office for the week. I like that I can talk with someone. This woman can be my mom. I mean, they look the same age. It's not like we talk much. I have some work to do. Adam told me to write more notes. I mean, my boss. I see another PR coming. Soon, he came in. His hand was on my chair. He was so close that I could feel his hot, mint breath on my neck. Keep it calm, Jasmine.

- Carla, I want you to bring me all the papers when you finish with them. Also, Brianna wanted to talk with you.

- I'll go to see her.

- Is everything for the PR ready?

- Yes, sir. The boxes are ready to be packed.

- Great. We'll do the new launch soon.

- Will we present it the same as usual?

- This works for us, so yes. I might change the strategy if I see low sales.

- I think there won't be a need for that.

- I hope so.

- Trust me. I'll go and check on Brianna. - she said and left

- Jasmine.

- Mhhm?

- Are you here?

- Yes, I am. Why?

- Please tell me you are ready with the notes. I want to send the PR boxes.

- They are right here. Do you like them?

- Perfect. Keep developing ideas. We might use them again.

- I would love that. So far, I have nothing.

- You have enough time. I won't do a new launch soon. It might be after two to three months.

- At least I have some time to think about it.

- We can discuss your new ideas for dinner.

- Why am I starting to think that you'll use every chance to take me out?

- Because you don't have to be a genius to see it. - he said, chuckling

- I'll think about this.

- We can try another wine.

- We can do it without extra help. Thank you.

- You don't want to or fear you will say too much.

- No comment.

- I see. I still want to take you out.

- Does it have to be for dinner?

- No. What do you have in mind?

- Why don't we go after 8 pm? I know some places.

- Is there something specific that you want?

- Not for now. It depends on you.

- You never fail to light up the mood.

- I'm trying my best. What do you say?

- I won't deny even if you pay me.

- I'll wait for you in front of Sam's bakery.

- Great.

I don't even know why I accepted. I couldn't say no. The other reason is that I feel good. I mean, I can stop thinking about Chloe and all my responsibilities. I should say that I started feeling better since we went out. These are the things I should've done while I was younger. Well, Chloe needed my attention. I will never regret this. Adam is nice, but he can't replace her. For lunch, I went with Kelsey and Carla. We invited Kelsey. I started going out with them. They are the only ones who pay interest, except for my boss.

- How are you, girls? - Carla asked

- I have dinner with my boyfriend tonight. We didn't have much time last week.

- I'm sure you two can make up for this.

- He promised me.

- When will you two get married?

- I don't know. I like the way we live now. Part of me doesn't want to change it.

- One day, it will happen. Don't rush.

- I won't, for sure. Someone is quiet. Jasmine, do you have to tell us something?

- No. I have nothing to say. I was busy on the weekend.

- What about this week?

- I plan to stay at home.

- Liar! I can see right through you. Is Adam taking you out?

- No, why would he?

- I don't know. Maybe because he likes you. Also, he told me.

- What? When?

- Ha! I was right.

- Damn it!

- So you two are going out? - Carla asked

- Don't tell anyone.

- What can happen? You are not dating.

- Yes, but I'm trying to cut him off.

- Why?

- I have tried dating before. When I share too much about my life, they leave.

- He won't leave. I'm sure about this.

- Not everyone is ready for something serious.

- He is old enough for that. I think you should try.

- I'll see about that.

This is why I don't discuss my love life with anyone. I appreciate that people care, but the choice about what I will do is mine. I wish it had been so simple. After work, I went to pick up Chloe from school. She was waiting for me as usual. I can't come earlier. My boss won't let me. Someone has to work. Mom invited us for dinner. Also, she has to watch her while I'm outside. That started happening too often. I was supposed to take care of her. She is mine.

- Mommy, will you go out tonight again?

- Yes, why?

- Can I meet your friend?

- He is not my friend.

- Then why are you going out with him so often?

- Because your mom likes him. - my mom said

- What does it mean to like someone?

- It means.

- It means nothing. Chloe, eat your food.

- Really? She is old enough to.

- My kid, my rules. Understood?

- Who does she look like? - my dad asked, chuckling

- Oh, come on. She is just like you.

- How? I don't have that manner.

- Are you sure?

- If you two haven't noticed, a kid is on the table.

- Sorry.

- When will you come home to take me? - Chloe asked

- Soon. You won't even notice that I'm gone.

- But I will be with my grandma. - she said, and I laughed

- Yes, you will.

- Will you tell him hi from me?

- I can't. He doesn't know about you.

- You still haven't told him. Jasmine! For how long will you lie to him? - my mom asked

- I'm not lying. I didn't tell him.

- Jasmine, I don't think this is a good idea. If things get serious, he should know. - my dad said

- That's why I'm not doing it. Nothing will get serious.

- Why are you so sure?

- Because I know it.

- Just because it happened in the past doesn't mean it will happen now.

- Yes, it will. I'm sure one hundred percent.

- I hope you are wrong.

My parents are always so positive when it comes to my love life. If I wanted something, I would've done it. Here is the thing. I don't need Chloe to have another dad. I'm doing the job of both parents well. Since she is not complaining, I must have done something right. I left her with my parents and walked out. Adam was already waiting for me. I realized that I hadn't changed from the clothes I wear at home. Let's hope that he won't notice this.

- Hey, you are here?

- Wasn't this my idea?

- You look different.

- What do you mean?

- You look more chill and relaxed. Who should I thank for that?

- No one. I didn't have many things to do.

- Your chores are getting fewer.

- Something like this.

- Where do you want us to go?

- It doesn't matter. Wherever it is.

- So, no direction.

- No.

- How do you feel at work? I'm sure you like the job.

- I feel great. The job is good. I won't complain about anything.

- Something has happened. Tell me.

- I can't tell you anything because it has nothing to do with me.

- Darla?

- How?

- She is the one who talks the most.

- Does she gossip about everyone?

- Yes.

- But it doesn't suit her. She is too old for that. - I said, and he laughed

- Sadly, her experience is too good. It will take me time to get someone in her place and educate him.

- That is true. I'm sure you have known her for a long time.

- She was the only candidate for this position.

- Now it makes sense.

- For now, she is not causing any trouble.

- You never know what might happen.

- True. Next Friday, one girl will show her art in the gallery. Do you want to come and see it with me?

- Next Friday?

- Yes.

- I can't. Not on Friday.

- Why not?

- I have things that I do every Friday. I can't skip that. Neither to postpone it.

- I see. We can go on Saturday.

- That might work. Will she be there?

- I can call her.

- Who is she?

- The ex-girlfriend of one of my friends. I'm glad they split.

- Why? Did you like her?

- No, but he never understood her passion. The same is true for her art.

- I would love to see her art.

Adam and I kept talking. It's Friday night. Chloe and I always have pizza and watch Disney movies. I have watched all of them, but she is satisfied. I won't miss this for anything. We have done this so many times. Maybe he can join us one day. First, I have to tell him. That won't happen soon. As I told my parents, I don't expect this to last. It never did. This time, it won't be an exception. I like going out with him, but nothing will change. He is my boss. That is how it's supposed to be. I prefer to keep things strictly professional. I hope that I won't disappoint him.