The single mom and her boss

Chapter sixteen - Is it too much?

Adam's POV:

I started inviting Jasmine out a lot more often. I feel like I'm not giving her the space she needs. She didn't say anything, but there was no need to. Sometimes, she offers to go out. I can't tell her no. Mostly, that is because I want it. I think I like her. The main difference between her and the other girls I have been with is that she is not insisting on anything. It doesn't matter if I call her or not. The girl has other stuff to keep her busy. I already know that I'll never be her priority. Something or someone came before me. I'm not mad about this. I'm glad she keeps her personal life away from her professional life. I wish I could say the same about myself. We go to work every day, and it's not helping me. That's why I didn't accept her application based on her looks. All I wanted was to give her a chance. She needed this job. Soon, I found out I didn't make the wrong decision. Jasmine is the perfect addition to our team. She feels good with us as well. I don't think I can help her more. I should leave her in peace for a while. I'm not getting distant, but like every person, she needs privacy. That means I need her friends. The ones I had don't talk to me anymore. It's not like I care. The choice is theirs. I hope that I can make things between Jasmine and me work out.

I canceled the art gallery with Jasmine. It was too much. I wanted to go with her. Well, I couldn't make her do everything I wanted. I have told her everything. She looked happy about it. I won't pressure her about anything. Three weeks have passed since then. When I ask her, she is always at home. I don't know what is going on. What can make her so busy? She will never tell me. Maybe she thought that nothing would happen. I was the same in the beginning. Now, I'm not sure. I didn't expect to like it that much.

I woke up and started getting ready for work. I might skip breakfast. I'm not in the mood to eat. Later, I walked out. This time, I'll walk. Some fresh air will be good for me. I passed by a school. I wish I had been so little. Kids don't have to worry about anything. I had to check my vision to make sure I was seeing correctly. Is that Jasmine? I never thought I would see her here. I waited for her to come. You know what? I won't ask anything. She will tell me if she wants to.

- Good morning.

- Adam. Mister Wright.

- I liked the first one.

- What are you doing here?

- I decided to walk to work. I need some fresh air.

- Did something happen? You don't look good.

- I don't know. I might get sick. What about you?

- I was passing by.

- You don't have to tell me. I won't ask anything.

- But you are curious.

- A little bit. It's not my business.

- Give me some time. I will tell you when I feel ready for this.

- It's ok. After all, I'm no one.

- That is not true. Finally, my life is getting on the right track. I can't screw it up this time.

- No one said that you would do it.

- Maybe, but not every choice I made was the right one.

- People learn from their mistakes.

- Have you ever planned to have kids?

- Yes, but I don't know if I can do it. I have focused on my work too much.

- It's never too late for a change.

- Do you know how much work it is? I don't think I can do this.

- I thought the same.

- What?

- I have been thinking about this. I have changed a few jobs. I never thought I would be able to take care of a kid, and I still doubt it.

- I'm sure you will be a great mom. I believe it.

- That is not an easy task. Everything can happen.

- Hey, you will be a great parent. I'm sure.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- I see the way you work. I can tell you will do the same with a kid.

- Maybe. I try my best to be a good role model.

- You will try.

- Yes, I will. You haven't called in a long time.

- I told you why I did it. Also, I'm not a priority.

- It's not that. I don't want to ruin the good relations we have.

- Why do you think it will happen?

- I know it.

We kept talking until we went to work. She seems a bit sensitive on the topic for the kids. I won't ask her anything. Maybe this is what she didn't want to tell me. Like every person, she wants to have a family. I believe she had an unsuccessful relationship. I left her to do her work and went to finish mine. Kelsey was ready with the mail. When I finished my daily work, I went to the meeting. The launch is already done, but I want to see the sales. Also, I will think about what we should do next.

- The launch is good. I have seen the reviews. We did a great job.

- Jasmine did a great job. The color palette is a great addition. - Cassie said

- Does she have something else in mind? This collection is one of our most successful. - Ben asked

- I don't know. I'll let her think of something. I'm sure we can pull out something.

- Why is she not here? I thought she was an official part of this team.

- Jasmine has other work to do. If you want, I'll make her an official member.

- I mean, her ideas are not terrible. It's even the opposite. She is young enough to know what people her age like.

- She doesn't stay on social media much. That is what she told me.

- We can still make her part of the team.

- I'll talk with her. How are the sales going? Not only from this collection.

- Everything is going well. From the social media accounts, we have teens and new adults. Of course, we still have regular customers. We have a rise in sales.

- That is good. If someone has an idea or something to say, use the chance. Otherwise, that will be the end of the meeting.

- No one has ideas, sir. - Daniel said

- Good. You can go for lunch. I'll do the same.

December is already here, and we haven't decorated the office. That will happen this week. Usually, I do this so I don't have to make anyone else do it. Another thing that I like to do is the Secret Santa thing. My employees like this. In the afternoon, I finished my work for the day. I wanted to go out with Jasmine, but she had something after work. I didn't give up. She wasn't happy about this. I don't know why she doesn't want to tell me. I won't judge her, whatever it is.

- Nothing will change our relations. I promise you this. Everything will be the way you want it.

- Are you sure about this? If I tell you, it means I trust you. If you decide to leave, I'll never talk to you again.

- That won't happen. We'll always be friends.

- Ok, then. We are here.

- Elementary school.

- I'll be back. - she said, and I walked out of the car with her

- Chloe!

- Mommy! - a little girl said and ran up for a hug

- Did you miss me?

- Yes. Can we go home now?

- Sure.

- Hi. Who are you?

- I'm Adam. Your mom's friend.

- Is this the friend who didn't know about me?

- Yes.

- Can he stay at home for dinner?

- Only if he wants to.

- I don't want to bother any of you.

- Please. Stay with us.

- Chloe! We don't make people do what we want.

- If she wants it so much, I can make the sacrifice.

- Yay! - she said, and we went to the car

- How was school today?

- We finished the alphabet. I can write.

- Good. I'll test that on the weekend.

- When can we go to the shop for Christmas? You haven't decorated yet.

- How about the weekend? I don't have much time this week.

- Can we take your friend?

- I'm sure he has work to do. Right?

- I do, but I might have a few free hours.

- You can help me pick a new toy for the Christmas tree.

- Sure.

The whole ride was Chloe talking. Now I know what she didn't want to tell me. I won't lie. The kid is adorable. Dinner was excellent. Jasmine is a great cook. Also, she has done great as a mom. I can see the manners of that kid. Around 9 pm, she put her to bed. I wanted to leave earlier, but she didn't let me. I guess we can talk a bit more. I won't deny that. Many things ran through my head, but I didn't expect that. Part of me is happy about it. She deserves it.

- Is this what you didn't want to tell me? - I asked after she brought two glasses of wine

- I'm sorry. I couldn't do it. Are you mad?

- Why would I be? I thought you didn't drink.

- I don't. My parents bought me this.

- You did a great job with her. Also, she looks like you.

- Thanks.

- What happened with the father? Is it too much?

- No, no. He left the moment I told him I was pregnant.

- How old is Chloe?

- She is seven. It's her first year at school.

- That means you were.

- Only seventeen. I know. I'm not proud of this.

- I believe she was the priority.

- She always will be. No offense. I can't live without her.

- I understand. Nothing can beat the mother-daughter relationship.

- I hope so. I want her to stay with me.

- You can't keep her by your side all the time. She needs friends.

- I thought she would make some in school. I'm still waiting.

- Don't worry about the weekend. I won't come.

- Why not? I have to say that she gets attached to people easily. That's my biggest fear. Someone might break her heart.

- But you are with her. You said you have received a lot of criticism.

- Many people think I'm not doing a great job because of my age.

- But they don't know you or what you do.

- I don't care, but Chloe does. She has told me this. It upsets her when people talk about me. That is why I don't tell many people.

- You can't hide her forever. Let her be the kid she wants. You will keep her away from everything.

- As if it were that easy.

- I know you can do it. I have seen how you work, and I'm sure you work twice as hard for her.

Jasmine and I kept talking. My expectations for her leveled up the moment I saw that kid. It is adorable and looks like her. Also, she likes to talk a lot. Kids always do this. I felt sympathy toward her. I can try to help Jasmine with her chores, but she won't let me. She told me this. I had many questions, but I stopped myself. I don't want to pressure her. It's enough that she has a lot of work at home. I mean, more than anything, I want to keep going out with her. Now I know why she rejected me. There was another person around. I get surprised by her every day. I hope that I can bond with both of them.