24. Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Jemima
This morning, I told Chad we were going shopping for toys and clothes, and his face lit up with excitement. I can’t help but remain hesitant in this situation. I get Harvey is just trying to help, and I appreciate it. With little things, sure… but a fucking credit card and a spending spree is a bit much though.
But when I looked at Chad, who had the flu, just lost his dad, and has been wearing old clothes that don't fit him right because he’s had a growth spurt… I have to. For him, I have to swallow my pride. What kind of mother would I be if I couldn’t do this for him?
He needs new clothes and toys. He’s had a hard time, and he deserves these things, even if I’m not the one who’s giving it to him. Lately, I’ve been able to pay some of the debts off; it’s not a lot, but it’s a start.
So today, I plan to let Chad buy whatever he wants. Before we buy necessities like clothes, I head to the one place that will bring him joy, the Lego store.
When we arrive, we walk in, and Chad immediately rushes off. I follow behind in awe of the bright colors and amazing displays. We’ve been here before, but it never ceases to amaze me.
Chad touches all the boxes, and his eyes are wide in wonder as he looks at everything. It makes my gut twist that he hasn’t gotten any new toys, because paying to fix our life, that his father destroyed, is all I can afford.
Chad plays with the pick-a-brick station, concentrating as he carefully selects pieces to build. Half an hour passes by. He finds a Medieval Town Square set and a Lamborghini, his eyes lighting up with his choices. We buy them and then head out to the local department store. As soon as I step in, a security guard approaches, his expression serious.
“Are you Jemima Recaredo?” he asks.
I hesitate with a gulp before saying, “Yes.”
“Wait here. There’s someone expecting you.”
My heart beats loudly in my ears as panic sets in.
“Mom, what's going on? Are you in trouble?” Chad asks quietly.
“No, she's not,” a soft woman's voice says with a warm smile. She’s in her mid-fifties, wearing a black tailored suit, and she has brown shoulder-length hair framing her face.
“I’m Patti, and I’ll be your personal shopper today. Where would you like to start?”
I blink at her, trying to process this information. What is a personal shopper?
“Did Harvey set this up?” I ask, still trying to wrap my head around it.
“Mr. Lincoln? Yes, he said to look after you and Chad.”
Trying to clear the emotions running around inside me to focus on her question, I shake my head.
“Can we start with Chad?” I say, knowing I’m not taking his money to buy myself anything.
“Sure. Come this way,” she says, walking away.
I grab Chad’s hand, and we follow her to the kids’ section. Patti asks Chad an array of questions, and soon he’s in the changing room, trying on clothes. I take a second to type a message to Harvey.
Me: A personal shopper? You’re dead.
Harvey: Maybe buy something for me.
Me: There’s no brains in here.
Harvey: I was thinking lingerie…
Me: Chad’s here, remember?
Harvey: I’ll buy it then.
Me: Not happening.
Chad comes out, spinning around in his new outfit, beaming with confidence. He loves it, and Patti adds it to the yes pile that’s already filling the basket. He heads back in to try the next outfit.
Harvey: Please enjoy today. You and Chad deserve to be spoiled, and I have no one else to spoil. No one is more deserving.
I double tap the message to leave an emoji, hearting it.
I start typing, torn between wanting to handle this on my own and being grateful for Harvey's generosity. The conflict twists inside me. I want to accept it. I want to let him spoil us because, deep down, I know we deserve it. But then there's the voice in my head, reminding me that I’m supposed to be strong, capable.
I backspace, taking a deep breath, but it doesn't ease the pressure building inside me. I have to be honest.
Me: I don’t feel comfortable taking money from you to buy things for myself. But I’ll never deprive Chad of this opportunity, and for that, thank you, even though it makes me feel like a failure.
Harvey: Please don’t. You’re an amazing mother .
After a few more outfits, Chad’s finished. Patti takes me to the women's section, and I browse the racks but don’t pick up anything. The prices are too high. I find a sweat set that I love, but I don’t add it to the pile, then I say I’m done. My phone chimes and I open it.
Harvey: Patti says you’re not buying anything.
Me: Is she watching me?
I look up at her blank expression. My phone chimes, pulling my gaze down to read his message.
Harvey: Yes. I want you and Chad to have a whole new wardrobe. And Chad to have toys and games.
I tuck my phone away, then turn to Patti and tell her to add a few more things of her choosing for Chad. That should do it. An hour later, my phone buzzes with a new text message.
Harvey: What did you buy for yourself? Show me.
Me: Nothing.
Harvey: Naughty girl.
Me: Chad has a new wardrobe and Legos.
Harvey: I’ll order you a new wardrobe since you don’t want to listen. Patti will know what you like.
Me: You wouldn’t.
Harvey: I did.
I stare at his words. He’s just ordering me a wardrobe like this is normal behavior.
Me: You’re insane.
Harvey: I like you.
Me: Doesn't mean I need a new wardrobe.
Harvey: You don’t like flowers, or when I baked you a cake, or literally anything I do for you.
Me: Then why do you hang around like a bad smell? (Winking face emoji)
Harvey: Because I know you like me too. Who kissed me last night?
Me: I was delirious.
Harvey: Whatever you need to tell yourself. Now show me Chad’s toys .
I walk over to Chad, take a few photos, and hit send.
Harvey: I want to see it after he builds them. Does he like the Lambo?
Me: Why? Are you planning on upgrading your car?
Harvey: I’ll have you know mine is worth more than that one.
Me: It’s just a car.
Harvey: You know it’s not. But I’ll get Chad in both cars to see which he prefers.
Me: You can’t put car seats in them.
Harvey: Well, looks like I’ll be researching what car seats are best in a Lambo (Winking face emoji)
Me: You’re crazy. I’m going.
Harvey: Speak to you soon, buttercup.
I’ve worked from home for a few days while Chad fully recovered. He could’ve gone back earlier, but I think he wanted some time with me, and I couldn’t say no enjoying a few quiet days. Now that he’s back at school, I’ve had plenty of time to watch the office renovations. As I approach the door, the sight of the big changes makes my heart swell. When I open it, my jaw hits the floor. The whole office has had a refresh, new paint, chic accessories, vibrant artwork, stylish ornaments, and scented candles filling the air with warm vanilla scent.
I wander through, taking it all in, starting with Molly’s desk, which now feels open and inviting. Before, it was taller and more enclosed, creating a barrier that cut off the view of everything behind it. I move to the new offices, which are vacant, but hopefully soon will be filled with new employees. Then I check out the kids’ zone, which is bright and eye catching. I can picture Chad happily building blocks or watching TV.
Next, I move to the break room, which has a new table and chairs ready to accommodate our growing business. Too excited to wait any longer, I head to my office and see the two new floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, new filing cabinets, a desk, and a chair. There’s even a gigantic floor-to-ceiling mirror and a plant that brightens the room. My once dull and minimal office has transformed into a warm and inviting space.
Harvey is spending the morning at his company, and he’ll come in later today. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I can’t deny that it was nice having him spoil us. Even the text messages he sent were a highlight, a small reminder of how much he cares. But I haven’t seen him in a few days, and I miss hearing his voice.
When I begin work, I notice Post-it notes around the office, with Harvey’s handwriting telling me not to freak out because he filed things differently but thinks it will be better. Honestly, I trust him. He’s better at business than I am. But even his notes couldn’t prepare me for the amount of work he’s already done. There’s barely anything left for me to do.
How did he do it all so fast? It was taking me forever to go through each invoice.
He’s a pro, and I can’t be down on myself since I’m still learning. Yet, I can’t help the niggle in my head that tells me I’m not cut out for this. But I’m determined not to let it get me down.
As I begin working, Molly pokes her head in. “Your three o’clock appointment has arrived. He’s kinda hot. If you find out he’s single, maybe slip him my number.”
I giggle. “Molly, no. I can’t do that. He’ll think I’m hitting on him.”
“You can tell him you’re already dating someone else.”
“I’m not dating anyone,” I whisper under my breath.
“Yes, you are. Harvey.”
“We’re not dating,” I say, crossing my arms.
“You like him.”
“We’re not dating,” I say more firmly, even though I don’t sound convincing. I’ve only kissed him twice, and it could be a fluke that we share such great chemistry. We’d need more than two kisses to see if this is worth exploring. The fear of abandonment is something I don’t want to go through again. I feel like I’m not good enough and need to learn how to do life alone.
“You should.”
“You’ll be the first to know if my status changes. Now let Finn in.”
She points at me. “Give him my number.”
“No promises.”
“Please. It’s a tough world out there, being a single mom and all.”
“Molly, please, any guy would be lucky to have you. You’re the one who doesn’t let them hang around long enough.”
“I never asked for a boyfriend, just a good time.”
I smile as she wanders off. We are so different. Hookups were never my thing, even in high school. I don’t waste my time unless the guy is worth it and I can see a future. Now, my situation has only made it harder. I’m more protective of myself and Chad.
I close the app as a shadow appears in the doorway. The guy is tall and fills the doorframe. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I say, “Hi Finn, please take a seat.”
“Thanks for meeting with me, Jemima.”
The room feels smaller the moment he enters. I can see why Molly likes him, but he’s not making my stomach flip or my heart race. If anything, I feel nauseous. His aftershave is overwhelming it makes my eyes sting with its peppery tone, as if he’s sprayed the whole bottle or something.
We discuss his upcoming event. He’s the executive director of JFK Airport. The uneasy feeling intensifies, but I dampen it as I focus on writing notes and asking questions. He’s very organized, preparing six months out, a spectacular Christmas party. The budget is endless, and if Harvey’s money intimidated me, Finn’s makes Harvey seem normal.
When we finish discussing everything, I rise to shake his hand and see him out. But he steps forward and crowds me. My hands start to sweat. Molly has already left for the day to pick up Hugo from school, leaving just me and him. I’m not worried about my safety as much as I’m worried he’ll try to make a move.
“Are you single?” he asks, stepping closer with a cocky smirk.
“Uh…no. I mean…” My brain short-circuits as panic sets in. Molly’s dying for his number, but asking him will definitely send the wrong message.
“Buttercup, there you are,” Harvey’s voice calls with a hint of irritation. He steps quickly beside me and wraps his hand around my waist, pulling me into him.