Page 64 of Discretion

Jasper tilted his head, seeming to consider my words. “True.”

“And I know Sloan hates that she couldn’t be here tonight,” I said, seeing an opening to remind Jasper that his family loved him. Supported him.

“I know.” He sighed, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “She texted me earlier, wishing me luck tonight.”

“Oh. That reminds me.” I pulled out my phone.Still no service.“Kai asked me to show you this.”

I pulled up the photo Kai had texted me, grinning at the sight of my son. He was holding Rosie, and he was laughing as she licked his face.

“Adorable.” Jasper smiled down at the photo, his expression full of fondness. “He’s a good kid. You’re doing a great job.”

“Thank you,” I said, touched by his compliment. “Though I might have to hit you up for some tricks. You got him tomake his bed without me asking. And now, he’s taking on the responsibility of watching Rosie.”

“It’s all him,” Jasper said.

“The only downside is that he’s always wanted a dog. And now he’s going to be begging me for one.”

“Well, he now has hands-on experience with caring for a pet.”

I glared at him. “Hey! Whose side are you on?” I teased.

“What?” He shrugged. “Rosie loves Kai.”

“Yeah, but—” I tucked my phone back in my pocket “—what happens when we move out?”

“Did you find somewhere?”

I shook my head. “I’ve been too busy to even look.” Alexis had sent me several listings and offered to set up some showings, but I hadn’t had time.

“Well, until then, he’s welcome to hang out with Rosie as much as he wants. And even after. He can always hang out with Rosie.”

“Thank you. She’s been a ray of sunshine for both of us, especially with everything that’s been going on with my dad.”

“I’m glad,” Jasper said. “I’ve been meaning to ask how your dad has been, but I didn’t want to overstep.”

I smiled sadly. “My mom finally agreed to move him to a facility, which is good.”

Fortunately, the increased pay from my temporary promotion would help alleviate some of the stress, but it still wouldn’t be enough to relieve the constant pressure I felt in my chest. Though most of that was due more to my dad’s situation, rather than the financial aspects. It wouldn’t matter if I had as much money as Jasper—nothing would reverse time and the effects of Dad’s disease.

“But honestly, it’s been hard. Every time we talk, I never know how much he’s going to remember. I moved to LA so I could be closer to help and to let Kai spend time with hisgrandparents while he can. We visited over Christmas, but it feels like so much has already changed since then. And I don’t want to wait much longer to visit again.”

I straightened, trying not to get choked up at the thought that the day might come when my dad might not even remember his grandson.

“What does Kai say about all of it?”

I lifted a shoulder. “I’ve tried to shield him from it as much as possible, but I can’t completely hide my dad’s confusion.”

Jasper nodded, and I realized I didn’t want to talk about this anymore. It was too depressing.

“You mentioned mindfulness exercises earlier,” I said, eager to change topics. “Can you give me some basic examples? Ones that might work for a five-year-old.”

“Mindfulness is all about grounding yourself in the present. You could try finger breathing.”

“What’s finger breathing?” I asked.

“I’ll show you.” He held out his hand.

I hesitated a moment. He smirked. I cocked my head. It was almost as if we were playing a game of chicken, and I couldn’t help but bite back a smile.