The single mom and her boss

Chapter ten - You are invited

Adam's POV:

I started planning the special event. I still don't know when it will be. My other work never stops. Usually, I do this before winter. The employees can feel free to come dressed the way they want. The coldness shouldn't be a problem. Jasmine will get invited as well. I'm trying to get close to her. She doesn't like to share anything about her personal life. I believe something has happened. Part of me wants to help her. The problem is that I have no idea how to do it. She won't share anything with me. After all, I'm no one to her. We don't know each other that well. I shouldn't care that much. Honestly, I was impressed by her work. This has nothing to do with our relations. I won't do anything. If you ask my mom, she will say something else. I understand her wishes, but they won't come true soon. That's why I want to make sure my business is successful. Later, I can think about everything else. Also, I don't believe you should be in a relationship to be happy. There are other things in life. That is my opinion. Not everyone thinks like me. Some people value this more than anything else. Priorities are important. Look at me. I have put my work above everything. I'm not saying that it's the right decision. I make mistakes as well. I have learned a lot of things about my business. One of them is what I want to achieve and my goals. I hope that the event will end well.

I decided on the day of the special event. I talked with my assistant yesterday. She takes care of this. I don't have much time for this. Honestly, I do it only because of my employees. They like coming and having fun without talking about work. I enjoy it as well. It's not obligatory for everyone. As a boss, I should be there. Sometimes, I have wanted to escape and go home. Well, I'm the last one to leave. That is part of my duties. I shouldn't be complaining about this.

I woke up an hour ago. I can go to work a bit early. That way, I'll finish more work. There were a few cars parked. I noticed Jasmine's one. What is she doing here so early? It doesn't matter. She is allowed to come whenever she wants. I walked into my office and saw all the mail sorted. Also, part of the papers were finished. Kelsey has a free day. I recognized the handwriting. She surprises me every day. I don't know why she does so much work, but I appreciate it. She helps me a lot.

- You wanted to see me, sir.

- Yes, sit down.

- Is there a problem?

- No. I see that you have done part of my work. You didn't have to do it, but I appreciate it.

- I only wanted to help.

- I have noticed that you work a lot lately. If something is bothering you, feel free to tell me.

- That has nothing to do with my work. Is there anything else I can do for you? Carmen told me that Kelsey won't come today.

- Yes, she has a free day. If you want, you can be my assistant for the day.

- I would love that. Do you want coffee? - she asked, chuckling

- Maybe a little bit later. I had one at home.

- Whenever you want it, call me.

- Before I forget. I'm doing a so-called special event. It's a thing I started doing a few years ago. You dress fancy and come to talk and laugh with your employees. Everyone who works here can come. You are invited. Will you come?

- When is this event? I have some things to do this week.

- It's this Friday night. The debate was between Friday and Saturday.

- I would love to come on Friday, but they are always busy.

- Honestly, you are not the only one. Many employees have plans. In the end, I might move it to Saturday. Will you be able to come? You don't have to do it if you don't want to. That is not obligatory.

- Can I think about this? I haven't been to such an event before.

- Most of the time, it's talking while drinking and eating.

- I see.

- Of course, I always invite my parents. They have a lot to do with my business. It's one of my ways to say thank you for helping me.

- It's good that they are on your side.

- True. I'm glad they supported me. I would like it if you decide to come.

- If it's on Friday, I can't do it. For now, my Saturday is free, but something might come up. I don't know.

- Well, think about this.

Jasmine is invited. It's her decision if she will come. I can't force her. She helped me the rest of the time until the lunch break. I might use her as my second assistant while Kelsey is gone. She planned to have a vacation after this year. Jasmine will be a perfect substitute. I wanted to take her out for lunch, but she said she wouldn't come. In that case, I can bring lunch to her. I went and bought us food. We can eat in my office. I'll let down the blinds. No one will see us. Soon, she came. Jasmine looks worse than when I left her. It's like she has cried in the bathroom. Maybe it has happened.

- Do you need anything, sir?

- Yes. Close the door and come in. Lock it.

- Here you go.

- I don't bite. Come and sit on the couch. I bought us lunch.

- What? Why?

- You didn't want to go out with me, so I had to do it the other way.

- There was no need for that. I'm not hungry.

- But you have to eat. I want you to finish everything.

- I don't.

- Please.

- Fine. Thank you.

- Can I know what happened while I was gone? Did someone upset you?

- No, why?

- Because your eyes are a little bit red and puffy.

- It's nothing. You don't have to worry about that.

- I can help you if you let me. - I said and looked at her

- I'm doing fine. Why do you care so much? We are not friends or anything else.

- I can't explain. We can go out if you are free.

- It's not like I don't want to, but I can't do it.

- Are you sure? Someone else can take care of your chores.

- I'll think about this.

- This is my phone number. Call me when you decide.

I don't think she will agree. I have noticed that she comes to work tired. Also, she is always busy with tasks when she comes here. I don't know what is going on with her. She won't come to my event. In the afternoon, I barely saw her. She was in her office all the time. Mom came to see me. She doesn't come often here. Mostly, we see each other after work. Both of us are busy with work. It's not like I mind her. I will always have time for her.

- Why are you here?

- Before I forget, your dad and I are busy on Friday.

- I guess I have to move the event to Saturday. Other employees are busy as well.

- I'm sorry, honey. Something came up.

- It's ok. One day is not a big deal.

- How are you? We are going out tonight. That is why I came to see you.

- I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me.

- Excuse me, sir. That came in the mail for you. I don't know how to sort it.

- Come in. Let's see. Interesting. Thanks, Jasmine.

- Hey, miss. Do you want coffee?

- No, thanks. It's too late. I'll leave soon.

- I'll take care of it. You can go. - I said

- Call me if you need anything. - she said and left

- Who is this? She looks so young.

- That was Jasmine. The new employee.

- That was her. She looks great for her age.

- Maybe.

- Why is that face?

- I think she has problems, but I don't expect her to tell me.

- Will she come to the event?

- If it's on Friday, no. I don't know about Saturday.

- But you want to see her.

- Not really. I can't obligate anyone to come.

- Honey, you are transparent like glass. I know you want to see her.

- She looks so drained. I don't know what is going on at her home.

- Some things should be private. Leave her alone. She will share when she feels ready.

- I hope so.

After work, I went home. I took a shower and went to make dinner. I have no idea what I want to eat. I'm not that hungry. The lunch was delicious. I was about to start cooking when I got a call from Jasmine. She has changed her mind. I don't know if I want to invite her home or go out with her. I gave her the address. I better make something good. I'm not the best cook, but I know a few things. Let's hope that she will like it. Jasmine was here after an hour. She offered to help me. I only let her set the table. She doesn't need to work here. I can deal with everything alone.

- Thank you for coming. I'm glad that you changed your mind.

- Mom convinced me. I wasn't in the mood to go out.

- Then it's good that I invited you in.

- Yes. She thinks I should go to the event.

- I won't say anything. It's your decision.

- I. Nothing.

- Yes? Do you want to say something?

- No. Forget about it.

- What is going on? I think you are coming tired to work. Do you have another job?

- No, no. I have other things to do at home.

- Can't your parents help you? They are with you all the time.

- They help, but. Wait, I get it. I don't live with them. I have moved out.

- Oh, I see.

- My priorities changed a few years ago. People my age probably go to parties and have fun every day. I can't do that.

- Why not? I'm not saying to do it every day, but from time to time.

- I can't do that. I have commented on something.

- Can't you let go of it? Even for a little bit?

- No. I have promised myself that I won't let go of it.

- Will you tell me what this thing is?

- It's my...

- Your?

- I'm sorry. I can't talk about this. - she said and wiped her tears

- Hey, it's ok. You don't have to tell me.

- I received a lot of criticism about this.

- Why? Is it that bad?

- No. It's because of my age. Can we talk about something else?

- Yes, sure. Did you like the food?

- It's delicious. I didn't know you could cook.

- I live alone. I can't keep ordering food. I call my mom if I don't know how to make something.

- Don't worry. I do the same.

The dinner with her was great. I see that something is bothering her. She can't let go of that thing, whatever it is. I feel bad for her. A person her age should enjoy her life. Sometimes, things change quickly. I don't expect her to tell me, but it doesn't matter. I will help her with whatever I can. We are not friends or anything. I don't know what else to do for her. It's hard when she is not talking. The good news is that I didn't fail with the food. This time, my mom didn't help me. I managed to do everything alone. I will learn with time. I hope that Jasmine will feel better.