Noah's POV:
I decided to give up on the wine mystery. It's a waste of time. Even if there was something in my drink, it didn't matter. I can't go back in time and change what happened. Jasmine was right. I need to move on. It's enough that I have a lot of work at the office. I don't need another thing in my head. These people messaged us again. We won't give them the projects. I don't understand what they want from us. Dad won't give up. Neither will I. Luckily, my grandpa still doesn't know about that. Otherwise, he will get worried. He is old enough, and we don't want something to happen to him. The doctor is checking my grandparents often. That's why we need to make sure they are healthy. I should say that both of them are walking every day. They keep telling my mom to get a job. I have no idea what happened with the business. She and Jasmine were supposed to have one. I guess it will never happen. Maybe they only wanted to have dinner together. The question is why. These two are planning something. Mom and my girlfriend understand each other well. I might say way too well. At least she likes her. I need to spend more time with her. Lately, I have been busy. She needs attention, too. Well, I can use the weekend for that. During the other time, I have to work. Maybe she will do it one day, too. No one knows when this will be. I hope that she will start taking care of herself more.
I don't have to work for two days. This is the best time of the week for me. Dad has offered me many times to take a week for myself. The thing is that I don't want to do it. No one else will do my work. I have to be there. I can use the two days off of work to talk with Jasmine. I will find her a job if she doesn't want to do it. I might be nice to her. Well, I won't pay whenever she needs something. This girl will earn money on her own.
I woke up and went to get ready for the day. I invited Jasmine for breakfast. She was quick to reply to my message. I think she likes being here. It's not like there is something wrong with that. She doesn't invite me often to her house. That is her choice. When I was ready, I went to the kitchen. Carla was making breakfast. I helped her get ready. Mom doesn't like it when I do that. According to her, she can do everything alone.
- I have told you something about this. - mom said
- So what? I'm old enough to do whatever I want.
- This is her job, not yours.
- No one said that.
- I did.
- Hello. Did you miss me?
- Hey, Jasmine. Come here, sit down. Breakfast will be ready in any minute. - mom said
- Great. Won't you greet me?
- I'm sorry. Hey.
- How are you?
- I'm fine, thanks.
- I expect some plans for the day.
- Honestly, I haven't planned anything. Maybe you can choose something.
- I want us to do something that you like.
- Interesting. Ok, then.
- Can I talk with your mom for a minute?
- Yes, sure. I'll be in the kitchen.
I don't have a good feeling about this. I slightly opened the door to hear what they were talking about. I'm sure it's not about their business. Maybe they have a secret one.
- When will you do it? - mom asked
- Soon. I have an appointment on Monday.
- I will come with you.
- Why?
- To make sure that it will work.
- Fine, but this is between you and me.
- No one will talk about this.
That is weird. For what appointment is Jasmine talking about? Also, why my mom will go with her? Is she sick? No, it can't be that. She looks in perfect health. I waited for a bit and walked back. Soon, everyone else came. We ate our breakfast peacefully. I want to know what is going on. Mom and Jasmine hide something from me.
After breakfast, I took Jasmine out. If we are alone, I can talk with her. Otherwise, my mom will turn into her lawyer. I bought us drunks and went to a park. There we'll have more time to talk.
- Thank you for that drink. You know me so well.
- I'm glad that you like it.
- I do.
- Can I ask you something?
- Anything. What can I do for you?
- How is the business going?
- What business?
- The one that you and my mom will have together.
- We decided to sell something. For now, we are searching for popular products and brands.
- You know you can't copy them.
- We won't do that. Our idea is to find what people like to buy.
- How will you do it?
- This is the hardest part. People change their opinions and interests often.
- True.
- I don't know what we'll do.
- Meanwhile, you can look for a job.
- This will be my job.
- No one knows when you will start earning from it.
- So?
- I can help you. There are many jobs for you.
- Thanks, but I want to focus on this one.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, I am.
- Good. I'm glad you and my mom understand each other so well.
- We do. I love her.
- Do you want us to have dinner at your house today?
- Why? What's wrong with yours?
- Nothing, but I want a change. We keep staying at home.
- Sure, I guess.
- Why don't you want to invite me there?
- Because my parents don't like to have guests often.
- The last time I went there was months ago.
- I know, but the only people there are my parents and me. They don't even invite their friends.
- They seemed different when I met them.
- Yes, because my parents want to be nice to everyone.
- If you say so. In that case, we can go out. I mean to a restaurant.
- Sure. I would love that.
- Good. What do you want us to do now?
- I'll let you decide. All I want is to be with you.
- Let's go, then.
Jasmine and I walked for a while. Then I took her for lunch. I will be nice today and let her get whatever she wants in her favorite store. Hopefully, this will make her talk. I need to know what is going on between her and my mom. These two are behind something that will happen soon. I told her to close her eyes while we were walking. Of course, I was holding her.
- You can open them.
- What are we doing here?
- You can buy whatever you want.
- Really?
- Yes, but on one condition.
- What is it?
- You will tell me what is happening between you and my mom.
- What?
- You always talk with her alone. If you want a shopping spree here, that is the price.
- I like your mom. That's why we talk so often.
- For what? You don't want me to hear it.
- It has nothing to do with you. These are girly things.
- Are you sure? You know I can find out.
- Do it. You won't find anything.
- We'll see.
- Don't you trust me?
- All I want is for you to be honest with me. Also, to start taking care of yourself.
- I am.
- No, you are not. People can't always pay for you.
- The idea to come here was yours. I didn't make you.
- Yes, but I know you will use the chance.
- Why wouldn't I? You will never bring me here again.
- Look, I'm sorry. I didn't want to offend you.
- It's ok. Can we go somewhere else?
- Why? Don't you want to be here?
- I do, but only if you buy something, too.
- You know I don't like everything here.
- In that case, we can go to another place.
- Where?
- Come with me.
- Will I like it?
- I think you will.
- Since when are you so nice to people?
- Since I started dating you.
- I won't believe it.
- You have the power to change people. Let's go now. I don't want the place to close.
- Fine. Hopefully, this will be good.
- Trust me. I know what I'm doing.
- Let's say that I believe you.
- You should do it.
Jasmine and I went to a men's clothing store. She wanted to style me. I look good in my clothes, but I will let her do it. Hopefully, she won't choose something expensive. After an hour, she was ready with her choice. I won't lie that I look good. She might not be the best in many things, but she understands fashion. That's why I bought the clothes. The price was affordable, too.
The rest of the afternoon we spent outside. Mostly, we were walking around. Jasmine wanted us to stop at one store, but she didn't buy anything. It's not like I know what she was looking for. Well, I don't care. For dinner, I took her to a restaurant. I might have money. This doesn't mean I will go to the most expensive one. We gave our orders and waited for the food to come.
- I love this place. The design is on point. - Jasmine said
- You should be a fashion designer.
- Why?
- Because you are good at this.
- Really? Said from you means a lot.
- I mean it. You did a great job at the store today.
- Thanks.
- Why don't you want to work?
- Because I'm not good at anything. Also, it takes so long. I mean, until you see results in whatever you are doing.
- Well, nothing comes easy.
- Yes, but no one told me it would be so hard.
- It's because you never tried. No one said it would be easy, but you shouldn't give up.
- I don't know what I want to do.
- I'm sure you will find what makes you happy.
- You. - she said, and I laughed
- I mean, apart from me. Like an activity.
- I like spending time at your house. Your family is good to me.
- Thanks. They like you.
- No offense, but I think that only your mom does.
- That is not true.
- I'm not your granny's favorite.
- Not everyone can be like me. - I said, chuckling
- I'm serious.
- Then why don't you talk with her? You can tell her how you feel.
- Do you think this will change something?
- Maybe it will. You never know.
- What if she hates me?
- I don't think she does. Focus on something more positive.
- Like what?
- Your hobbies.
- I might do that. It will be a good distraction.
- See?
- Fine. You are a good friend. Well, a boyfriend, too.
- Thanks. I'm trying my best.
- You are perfect at this.
- I will believe you.
The rest of the night we spent together. Later, I left her home. Jasmine is not a bad girl. Sometimes, I think that she wants to fit in but doesn't know how to do it. I will gladly help her, but I have no idea what she wants to do. Maybe I can do it in another way. I will think about this. I saw a different side of her today. Jasmine was calmer. Also, she was herself. At least, that is what I thought. There is a chance that she played me. I won't be surprised if it turns out to be true. Well, I still like her soft side more. This is who she has to be. I hope that she can find her true self.