“You seem distracted tonight. Something’s clearly bothering you.”
I lifted a shoulder, hoping it came off as nonchalant.
“Come on, Jas.” She gripped my shoulder, giving it a shake. “Talk to me.”
I debated brushing off her concern, but I found myself wanting to talk about it. About Halle. I wouldn’t use her name, of course. Especially not now, when I didn’t even know where we stood. But I had to hold out hope that Halle would come around to the idea of telling my family. And that maybe this would lay the groundwork for eventually having that conversation with Sloan.
“I was seeing someone, and now…” I took a deep breath. “Now, I’m not sure where we stand.”
She lit up. “You were?” I nodded, but then her expression sobered. “I’m sorry to hear that,” Sloan said. “Sounds like it was serious.”
“It was.Is.” I wasn’t sure, but I didn’t like the idea of talking about my relationship with Halle in the past tense.
I downed the rest of my glass of wine before pouring another.
For not the first time, I wondered how Sloan would reactif she knew about my relationship with Halle. Would she feel betrayed? Or would she support our relationship when it came to the board?
Sloan cared about Halle. They were close friends. And I hated the idea of coming between them. I didn’t want my relationship with Halle to affect her relationship with my sister or Halle’s role in the company.
“I didn’t even realize you were dating anyone, let alone that it was that serious. You’re not going to pull a Graham on me and suddenly announce that you’re married, right?”
I knew Sloan was teasing, but the idea of marriage to Halle was appealing. Continuing to keep our relationship a secret was not.
“Jasper?” Sloan’s tone was weighted. “Seriously?”
“You know I enjoy a party too much to elope.” I was teasing, mostly.
She laughed. “True. But…well, do you see the potential for that with this woman?”
I scrubbed a hand over my face, groaning. I wasn’t even sure that was what Halle wanted. Let alone if it was in the cards for us, especially not after yesterday.
“Okay. I’m getting the sense that you don’t want to talk about it,” Sloan said. “But if you change your mind, I’m here.”
I gave her hand a squeeze, appreciating her support. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” She squeezed my hand back, giving me a smile.
Evie cried but then resettled.
“Hey.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Can we talk about work?”
I laughed. “Of course.” I leaned in, lowering my voice. “Why are you being so secretive?”
“Because as much as I’ve loved being home with Evie, I am ready to get back to the office next week. Also, I know Ihaven’t been as plugged in at the office lately, but it seems like the past few months have gone well,” Sloan said.
I nodded. “They have. Things have run smoothly.”
“That’s a relief.” She leaned forward. “What would you think about bringing Halle on permanently as SVP?”
I didn’t have to even consider it. “I can’t think of a person more qualified or deserving of the position than Halle. She’s worked her ass off these past four months, and she’s exceeded all expectations for the role.”
“I’m not surprised. The potential has always been there, and now it’s finally her time to shine.”
I nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.”
I’d promised not to let my feelings for her affect her position with the company, and regardless of what happened between the two of us, she would make a great SVP. She deserved the position, and the company could benefit from her experience. I just didn’t know what this would mean for us.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
