You need a man

Genevieve’s pov

Little Jasper stood still, his big brown eyes full of curiosity. "Mommy, who’s Alex?" he asked again. I stood and couldn’t move and my heart skipped a beat. How had he picked up on that name? Quickly, I forced a smile and knelt down to his level. “Honey, you shouldn’t interrupt when adults are talking.”

“I’m sorry, Mama,” Jasper said softly, his lower lip trembling. “But I really want to know who Alex is.” His head tilted as he gave me a look of pure innocence, but his words sent a ripple of panic through me. Before I could find the right words, my sister Lara jumped in, her amused smile breaking the tension. “Why do you want to know, sweetie?”

Jasper turned to Lara, his wide eyes full of honesty. “Because Mommy kept saying his name in the car. She sounded mad. And she said his name just now too.”

Lara raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. Meanwhile, Jasper, oblivious to the weight of his words, added, “I think Alex made Mommy mad.”

I let out a shaky laugh, hoping to brush it off. Lara’s smirk didn’t help, but I wasn’t ready to explain anything to either of them. Jasper, however, was persistent, tugging on my hand. “Did Alex make you mad, Mama?”

I sighed, reaching out to brush his messy hair back. “Alex is just someone I know from work, honey. He’s not important, and you don’t need to worry about him. Okay?”

Jasper stared at me for a moment, his lips pursed as though he didn’t entirely believe me. But eventually, he nodded. “Okay, Mama.”

“Good boy,” I said, leaning in to kiss his forehead. “Now, why don’t you go play with your toys while I finish talking to Auntie Lara?”

“Okay!” Jasper chirped, his energy immediately shifting as he skipped off to his toy corner. He started arranging his action figures, humming a tune to himself. For now, he was distracted, but I knew he’d bring it up again.

As soon as he was out of earshot, I slumped into the nearest chair and let out a heavy sigh. “He’s too smart for his age,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.

Lara chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “He gets it from you, you know.”

“He’s picking up on everything,” I said, my voice edged with worry. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep... everything... from him.”

Lara’s smile softened, and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Genie, give yourself some credit. You’ve been doing an amazing job. Look at him! He’s happy, he’s healthy, and he knows how much you love him. That’s because of you.”

“But what happens when he starts asking real questions? Questions I don’t have good answers for?”

“You’ll handle it,” Lara said confidently. “You’ve been handling everything. Besides, you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve got me, Lucy, and even Mom, if you’re brave enough to deal with her opinions.”

I managed a weak smile. “Thanks, Lara. I really needed to hear that.”

“Anytime,” she said warmly. “But seriously, when was the last time you did something for yourself? You’ve been so focused on Jasper that you’ve forgotten how to live your own life.”

“I’m living my life,” I argued. “It just looks different now.”

“Genie,” Lara said gently, “you’re surviving. That’s different. When’s the last time you took a break? A real one?”

I didn’t answer, mostly because I couldn’t remember. Lara took my silence as an opportunity.

“How about this,” she said with a grin. “Darlington and I are taking the kids to Malta this weekend for my niece’s third birthday. Why don’t we bring Jasper along? He’ll have a blast, and you’ll have the whole weekend to yourself.”

I hesitated, the thought of being apart from Jasper making my chest tighten. “I don’t know, Lara. I’ve never left him for more than a few hours.”

“He’ll be with family,” Lara said, her tone reassuring. “You know we’ll take good care of him. And honestly, you could use the time to recharge. Maybe even go on a date?”

I groaned, throwing my head back. “Not you too! Lucy’s been bugging me about that nonstop.”

“Well, she’s not wrong,” Lara said with a laugh. “You’ve been single long enough, Genie. It’s time to put yourself back out there.”

“I don’t need a man to be happy,” I said firmly.

“No, you don’t,” Lara agreed. “But the right one could make you feel less alone.”

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed on the coffee table. Grateful for the distraction, I grabbed it and saw Lucy’s name on the screen. With a sigh, I answered. “Lucy, what’s up?”

“Genie! Where are you?” Lucy’s voice was frantic. “Did you forget about the date I set up for you today?”

I frowned and was confused. “What date?”

“The guy I told you about, remember? He’s sweet, funny, and it’s his birthday today! You promised to meet him for coffee. Please don’t tell me you blocked him.”

“Lucy, I never promised,” I said, exasperated. “I told you I’m not interested in dating right now.”

“It’s just coffee, Genie,” she pleaded. “Come on, give the guy a chance. I’ll come over and watch Jasper so you can go.”

“No,” I said firmly. “I’m not going.”

Lucy sighed dramatically. “Fine, but at least call him and let him know. He’s been waiting to hear from you.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said, ending the call before she could push further.

When I returned to the living room, Lara was smirking at me. “Let me guess, Lucy trying to play matchmaker again?”

“Of course,” I said with a groan. “She’s relentless.”

Lara laughed. “She’s got a point, though. When’s the last time you let yourself have fun?”

“I have fun,” I said defensively. “Jasper and I have fun all the time.”

“That’s not the kind of fun I mean,” Lara said, giving me a pointed look. “You’re allowed to have a life outside of being a mom, you know.”

I sighed, not wanting to argue. “I don’t have time for dating, Lara. My focus is on Jasper, and that’s all that matters.”

“And you’re an amazing mom,” Lara said. “But you’re also a person with her own needs. Don’t forget that.”

I didn’t reply, letting her words hang in the air. Deep down, I knew she was right. But the thought of opening myself up again, to trust and to love felt impossible.

As Jasper played happily in the corner, his giggles filled the room, easing some of the tension in my chest. He was my whole world, and for now, that was enough.