“Really?” I asked, leaning forward and resting my forearms on my thighs. Now I was intrigued. Maybe Sumner would have a solution for my predicament.
“I suppose I can tell you. Fair warning, it doesn’t paint me in the most professional light, but it’s also not something I’m ashamed of.”
“Okay,” I said, hoping that I sounded nonjudgmental. Accepting. Sumner had repeatedly shown me empathy, and I wanted to give her the same in return.
“When I was younger, I slept with my boss at the time.” She bit her lip, and I wondered how things had turned out for them. Then she added, “Who also happened to be my dad’s best friend.”
I tried to mask my reaction. “What happened?”
She laughed. “I married him.”
“Wait.” Record scratch. I held up my hand. “Jonathan, as in your husband? Your husband used to be your boss and your dad’s best friend?”
“Fortunately, he’s still my dad’s best friend.”
“Damn.” I shook my head.
Maybe there was hope for Halle and me after all. Sumner’s dad had gotten past her relationship with his best friend. Hell, even Sloan was married to her best friend’s brother. Of all people, Sloan would understand, right?
Maybe.
Maybe if they were just friends and didn’t work together, my sister wouldn’t have an issue with it. But it wasn’t quite so simple.
“Feel any better about your situation?” Sumner teased.
I laughed.If only.
“The trouble is, we’re going to be working closely together once my sister goes on maternity leave.”
“Do you think you can do that—successfully work together?”
I thought back on the past few weeks. Seeing Halle at the office. Shopping for art together. Spending time with her and Kai. It was both wonderful and excruciating.
“Spending time with her is…difficult. The more time I spend with her, the harder I fall.” And avoiding her was no better. Either way, I couldn’t win.
Sumner let out a low whistle. “Look, I know I said you should prove her wrong. And I would never want to discourage you—or anyone—from following their heart.”
“But…” I prompted, knowing there was definitely more to that statement.
“But that was before I fully understood the situation. And now that I do, I would caution you to remember your big-picture goals. You’ve told me time and again that you want people, your family especially, to see that you’ve changed. You want to prove that you’re capable of running the company. Based on what you’ve told me, I don’t think it’s the right time to pursue a relationship with her.”
What Sumner said made sense, even if I didn’t like it.
“You’re right.” I blew out breath, disappointment coursing through me. “I know you’re right. I just… I guess I needed to talk to someone about it.” And realize how crazy the idea of pursuing a relationship with Halle truly was once I spoke the words aloud.
“Well—” Sumner placed her hand on my shoulder “—I’m glad you confided in me. And I’m not saying you should never pursue her. I just think you and your family and your company are already going through a lot. Starting a new relationship—and one that’s sure to make waves—would be better left until things are more…settled.”
I considered Sumner’s words. Considered what Halle had told me about her wishes to keep things professional. Remembered how I’d consistently pushed those boundaries—by asking for her help with art. By ingratiating myself with Kai. By inviting them to my home.
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Sumner nodded. “Always. And look, I, of all people, know that sometimes the heart wants what it wants and it will not be dissuaded. But I think you should give it some time. Trite as this is going to sound, if it’s meant to be, it will be.”
I laughed. “Trite as fuck.” But she joined me.
Time. Give it time.
I didn’t want to be just friends with Halle, but if it was in the best interest of Halle, my sister, and the company, then I could be patient. If I had to wait a little longer, then I would.
