The single mom and her boss

Chapter eighteen - Last day before the holidays

Adam's POV:

The holidays are coming up, and I haven't planned anything. Usually, I spend them with my parents. They invite their friends. I have been with mine before. It won't happen this year. Something between us broke a long time ago. It's not like I care that much. It was their choice. I'll focus on my things. I planned to make something on the last work day. We can work only until the lunch break. Later, we can chill and have fun. I haven't forgotten about the Secret Santa. I got Jasmine. The problem is that I don't know anything about her. I mean, her tastes. I could've asked Chloe, but I'm afraid she won't keep her mouth shut. After all, this has to be a surprise. Speaking of the kid, I bought her something for Christmas. I don't know what toys she likes. She mentioned something about karting. I decided to get her tickets for the event. It will be next month. She and her mom can go. Jasmine might get mad at me, but I don't care. Not every girl should play with dolls. I have distanced myself a bit. Jasmine likes to spend time with Chloe. I don't want to break this. I'm happy that they are so close. I had no idea who she was when she came to the interview. Now, every day, I learn something new about her. Maybe we can go out again, but it will be after the holidays. I won't bother her now. I hope that we can keep the good relations we have.

It's the last working day before the holidays. I can't wait to rest for a few days. Most employees took the few days between Christmas and New Year off. I could've done the same, but I have nothing to do at home. That is why I will work between the holidays. Jasmine will be in the office as well. I thought she would be at home to watch Chloe. She has a winter vacation. Her grandparents will watch her. It's not my business. I got a lot of mail in the last few days. I might take care of this.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. I had to eat something. I can cook something better, but an omelet will be good. When I was ready, I went to the office. Most employees were there. My mail was sorted. I quickly checked everything and went to the website. We have many orders before the holidays. I'm glad that the customers like our products. They can be used for gifts. After some time, Kelsey came. I believe the new one won't be good. She has that look on her face.

- What do you have for me? Bring the bad news.

- It's not that bad. It depends on the point of view.

- Show me.

- This came in the mail. Someone complained that kids shouldn't use the products.

- What? Why?

- Read the letter.

- Hold on. These products are not from us.

- What?

- Look at the image. There is no logo. We always brand them.

- The man says they came from here.

- That is impossible. I will send him an email.

- To understand that this is not our fault.

- It can't be. The other thing is that we don't have anything in this color.

- That is true. I didn't notice it.

- Is there anything else?

- Sir.

- Yes, Jasmine.

- Someone wants to talk with you. He doesn't seem happy.

- He? Bring him in.

- Hello. I see you have received my letter.

- Thank you, girls. You can leave. - I said, and they did it

- I'm Carl.

- Hello, Carl. How can I help you? I read your letter.

- My daughter got a rash on her left hand after using your product.

- Can I see it?

- Here.

- I'm so sorry about that. This product is not from this company.

- Of course, it is. My daughter is not a liar.

- I'm not saying that she is. Can you tell me where she got it from?

- It was delivered. I don't know where she got it.

- We always have logos on our products. Check this one. - I said and opened the website

- There wasn't anything.

- The other thing is that we don't have such colors. I'm afraid that someone scammed her. How was the product packed?

- It was the product inside.

- Only? No thank you cards or anything related to the company.

- No. Why?

- Here are the cards we ship our products with. These are the new ones, which we'll start using soon.

- Who should I sue about this?

- I don't know, but not us.

- I'm sorry, then.

- The product looks like ours, so I see why she thought it was from us. All I can do is give you this card. It's the best lawyer I know. Maybe she can help you with this.

- Thank you.

It's the first time I have received such a case, but I was glad to help. I hope that no one else will confuse our brand with others. We should post this story on our social media. No other customers should experience the same thing as this man. It's not something good. Around lunchtime, all of us were in the conference room. I like to give presents from Secret Santa. Also, I am curious about what I got. I might not be able to guess it.

- The time has come. Presents!

- I'm getting excited. I hope it's something pretty.

- I believe it is.

- Were you my Secret Santa?

- No, but I don't think there will be a bad present. Each one can come and take their present, but the ladies are first. Kelsey, come here. This is for you.

- Oh, it's heavy. That is my favorite wine. My boyfriend will be happy. Thank you, Secret Santa. I have been a good girl this year.

- Everyone was good. That's why there are so many presents.

- I'm scared and nervous. - Brianna said

- Why? It's only a present.

- Yes, but I feel like I should have a certain reaction.

- Be honest. If you don't like it, there is no problem. We can't know everyone's tastes.

- I guess you are right.

- Whoever got their present can go and eat food. Everything prepared.

- Thank you, sir.

- I am the last one. Let's see. You are one successful young man. Never stop fighting.

- What did you get? - Carla asked

- It's a Christmas house. Oh, it lights up.

- Any clues?

- No, why? Do you know who it's from?

- I saw the person who left it.

- And?

- You know her too well.

- Jasmine?

- You didn't hear it from me.

That is an interesting coincidence because I was her Secret Santa as well. I hope she likes my present. I told everyone to go home whenever they wanted. The last one who will go home will be me. I will stay here to clean everything. Around 3 pm, everyone was gone, or at least this is what I thought. I understood I wasn't alone when I saw the two magical hands. It's enough that she works at home. She doesn't need to stay here as well.

- Jasmine, you can go home.

- Why? Mom will take care of Chloe.

- Don't you want to be with her?

- Yes, but the whole winter vacation is for us. I don't plan to do anything and turn all my attention on her.

- I'm sure she will love it.

- I will, for sure. - she said, and I laughed

- Little kids love it when their parents give them attention.

- True. Mom thinks I'm spoiling her like that. It will affect her future.

- Maybe she is not wrong. Chloe will get used to the idea that you will always do everything for her.

- This is what I will do.

- But you can't. She is old enough to do some things alone.

- I don't want to leave her alone.

- You won't do that in the way you think. You can help her grow as a person.

- What if one day she leaves me?

- I don't think this will happen, especially with a mom like you.

- What do you mean?

- Chloe grew up without a father. You were both things. She can't leave you because she has no one else.

- Maybe. I'm hoping for this.

- Chloe won't go anywhere soon. She is not old enough for that. Instead of worrying about this, watch her grow up.

- I do this every day, and it's scary.

- Why?

- Because I liked it when she was a baby.

- You can have another one.

- I'm sure you have been to school.

- Right. I didn't think about this. - I said, and she laughed

- I'm more than happy with one. Two will be too much for me.

Jasmine and I talked about kids and babies until we cleaned up everything. I never thought that I would be discussing this with anyone. Usually, I avoid this because I don't want to hear the reminder of something I have to do. Now, the idea of it doesn't seem that bad and scary. Maybe I had to look at it from someone else's eyes. After work, I offered Jasmine to come home. She didn't complain at all. I guess Chloe will wait a little bit.

- I thought you would rush to get Chloe.

- Yes, but she can wait.

- Is there a problem? If it's about our conversation earlier.

- No, no. Sometimes, I want to stay with her all the time. Other days, I wish I could pretend that I don't have a kid and do all the things people my age do.

- What do you think they do?

- Some of them have graduated from university. I never had that chance.

- You never went to university?

- I tried for a few months. It was too hard with a two-year-old, so I gave up and dropped out.

- Having classes in person is not easy.

- I signed up for online classes. But again, Chloe needed attention.

- I'm sure you have some money now. You can sign up for courses.

- I did, but I don't want this anymore. I'm good now.

- Well, if you need my help.

- Thanks, but I have to do this alone.

- Just because you ask for help, it doesn't mean you have failed.

- Trust me, I have done this many times. When Chloe gets sick, I fail because I couldn't keep her safe and healthy.

- You can't prevent that. Also, it's only a cold.

- I'm sorry if I'll offend you with this. You can't understand when you don't have kids.

- I'm not offended at all. I know you love Chloe a lot. If you don't care about yourself, you can't do anything for her.

- Honestly, I'm not that important.

- You are. Jasmine, you are her role model. She is looking after you.

- I'm not doing a great job at this.

- Yes, you are. This kid has manners and knows how to behave in front of people. What else do you want?

- To grow up the same way as me.

- I'm sure this will happen.

Jasmine is right about one thing. I can't understand because I don't have a kid. That doesn't mean I will be silent. I can help her as long as she lets me. I think that something got into her head. She wants to do everything alone. We are not that close. Maybe this is why she doesn't want me around that often. I won't do anything more than needed. I will leave her to deal with this alone. It's better if I don't mess with this too much. She might not like it. Also, I have other things to do. The company won't grow by itself. I should do some work. I hope that Jasmine will think about what I told her.