Page 99 of Discretion

“How do you feel about it?” she asked.

“Assuming it happens, conflicted. I’ll be happy for Kai, of course. I want Kai to have a good relationship with his dad. But I’m worried about how much time Craig might expect to spend with him.”

“That’s understandable. Craig’s lucky you’re as nice as you are.”

I barked out a laugh. “This isn’t about what I want. It’s about what’s best for Kai.”

“I know. I just hope he remembers that.”

I nodded then asked her about work and some of our friends. We chatted for a while before she said, “And your parents?”

I toyed with my necklace, sliding the dragonfly charm along the chain. “My dad is holding steady. Mom seems to be finding her new rhythm now that she no longer has to worry so much about Dad.”

Then, I listened as she told me about a client’s wedding she’d recently attended. It sounded amazing and over the top, and it reminded me of one of the stories Juliana had told us recently about a wedding her firm was planning for a client.

I peered up from the phone, momentarily distracted by the sight of Rosie padding toward me. She drank some water from her bowl then came to my side and whined up at me.

“Is that…” Zara furrowed her brow. “Your stomach?”

“No.” I laughed, bending over to grab Rosie from the floor. “It’s Rosie.” I set her on my lap, cuddling her.

“Interesting.” Zara watched me. “What’s Jasper’s dog doing at your place?”

“Jasper asked Kai to dog-sit for him while he’s in Colorado touring the newly renovated Huxley Grand at Beaver Creek.”

“Mm.” She gave me a pointed look. “What’s going on there?”

“Potential expansion of the ski amenities,” I said, intentionally misinterpreting her question. “It would be a huge project.”

“You’re sleeping with him, aren’t you?”

“Actually…” I rolled my lips between my teeth. “It’s a bit more than that.”

She blinked a few times. “You’re in a relationship with him?”

“I am.” I smiled. And it felt so good to finally admit it to someone. “But it’s still new. And we’re being discreet.”

“How long has this been going on?” she asked.

“About a month. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. We’ve both just been so busy, and it didn’t really feel like the kind of news you drop over text.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I’m happy for you.” She smiled. “So I take it Sloan doesn’t know?”

I shook my head, smoothing my hand over Rosie’s fur. “You’re actually the only person who knows.”

“But you’re going to tell people eventually, aren’t you?” She sounded cautiously hopeful.

“That’s the goal,” I said, though the idea made me feel sick to my stomach.

“How do you think Sloan will take it?” Zara asked.

“Honestly,” I sighed, “I’m not sure. I want to think she’ll be supportive, especially based on her own relationship history.”

“She married her best friend’s brother, right?”

“Yeah. But I don’t know how she’ll feel about me dating her brother. Especially since we all work together.”

She winced. “Oof. That’s dicey. I mean…you love that company. And it surprises me that you’d do anything that could jeopardize your position with Huxley. But also your friendship with Sloan.”