Page 124 of Discretion

My gut twisted with guilt. “I know, and I’m sorry.”

While we waited for the others to join us, she grabbed her phone and tapped on the screen.

I furrowed my brow. “What are you doing?”

“Calling Graham.”

What? No.

I grabbed her phone, switching it off before she could connect the call. “Hey!”

I started pacing, Sloan’s phone clutched firmly in my fist. I could only imagine what Graham would think when he found out. I tugged at my hair, imagining his disappointment. Or maybe…worse still. Maybe he wouldn’t even be surprised. Maybe he’d expected something like this all along. Maybe everyone had.

Sloan placed her hand on my shoulder, and I flinched. “Jasper?” Her tone was soft, concerned.

I shook my head. “I’m not asking Graham to bail us out of a messImade.”

“Is that what you think?” Sloan asked, meeting my gaze. When I lifted my shoulder, she stepped closer. “Jasper,” she chided, though there was no bite to her tone. “I’m not calling him for help. I’m calling to inform him. He needs to know, so we can present a united front to the board and in public. I know you can handle this, but we’re a family. And you don’t have to do it alone.”

“I know,” I said, toeing the carpet.

“Do you?” She arched one brow. “Because lately, it seems as if you’ve not only taken on Graham’s former positionwithin the company but also his determination to do everything yourself.”

I opened my mouth to protest, to remind her that I hadn’t had a choice—not with Graham leaving and her out on leave. But then the door swung open and Nate strode in. Halle was behind him, and I met her eyes, trying to reassure her. This wasn’t what we’d planned, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Pierce came in next, then Knox, closing the door behind him.

Halle came to stand beside me, and I linked my pinkie with hers. I leaned in, our shoulders brushing, setting me at ease. “You okay?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

She nodded, whispering, “Are you?”

“Yes.”

When I lifted my head, everyone was looking at us. Nate and Knox were wearing matching bemused smiles. Pierce’s hands were in his pockets, his expression blank. And Sloan was studying us with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and concern.

Halle took a deep breath and straightened. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. To all of you, but mostly—” she turned to my sister “—to Sloan.”

Sloan shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for. You have become an indispensable part of the company and a great friend to me. I think almost everyone in this room knows what it’s like to fall for someone you shouldn’t. And personally, I’m thrilled that Jasper’s found happiness with you.”

Halle released my pinkie and went over to Sloan. “Thank you.”

They hugged, and something in my chest eased. I should’ve known that Sloan would be supportive, despite the less-than-ideal circumstances. She’d said as much. But seeing her now, with Halle, confirmed it.

Sloan was right; Graham should be a part of this conversation. What was decided would affect him as well.

I handed Sloan her phone. “Call him.”

“Who?” Halle asked.

“Graham,” I said.

Sloan’s gaze met mine and held. A silent question. I inclined my head—a response. She tapped on the screen, and then the sound of a phone ringing pierced the air. After three rings, I’d resigned myself to the fact that we’d have to leave a message. But then Graham answered.

“Hello? Sloan?” he rasped, his voice deep from sleep. “Is everything okay?”

“Sorry to wake you,” Sloan said. “But we have a bit of a situation here.”

There was some shifting, and then next time he spoke, he sounded much more alert. “What kind of situation?”

“Jasper.” Sloan turned to me. “Would you care to explain? Also, Graham, you’re on speakerphone with…everyone.”