I take the two coffee cups from his hands. “They’re worried that our relationship is going to cause a problem with Graham and that the company is going to fall apart. They want us to tell Graham about our relationship and then he has to call and reassure them.”
“But—”
I nudge him toward the elevator. “Go after them. See if you can say anything to make them feel better about this.”
He does just that, turning on his heel and heading straight to the elevator without another word. I know his mind is spinning and he’ll have a plan by the time he hits the lobby. But there’s a chance that he won’t be able to catch them, especially if they have a car waiting at the curb. It’s still worth a try.
Five minutes later, he’s back in our room.
He didn’t catch them.
But now I’m at least dressed in more than a robe, and I’ve got half a cup of coffee in my system.
He runs a hand through his hair as I hand his cup over again. “Okay, tell me what happened.”
I fill him in on the conversation, including my decision to tell the Albrights our whole situation, even though we don’t really owe them that.
“They’re so focused on family and stability, I just thought…” I sigh. “I just wanted to try to make it better.”
“It’s fine.” He shakes his head. “It’s your story to tell, Ginny. I mean, it’s partly your story, and I certainly don’t mind the entire world knowing we’re together.”
I smile even though my chest tightens quickly at the “we’re together”. That’s what’s causing this fucking problem. Again.
“Well, my telling them didn’t help. They want to hear from Graham.”
“Then we need to tell Graham,” he says, pulling his phone out. “We need to anyway.”
I nod. “We do. I hate that we’re going to do it over the phone.”
Everett smiles and takes my hand, tugging me toward the couch in the living area. “He won’t mind.”
No, he won’t. Graham is very easygoing and it won’t occur to him that this is something that warrants a sit-down, face-to-face conversation.
Everett sinks onto the couch and pulls me into his lap as he taps the button to call Graham.
My brother answers almost immediately.
“Everett! I didn’t know if I would hear from you today. You suck at answering your phone lately.”
My heart flips over in my chest at the sound of my brother’s voice. He’s not going to have a problem with this, but he is going to be surprised.
“Yeah, about that, I need to tell you why I’ve been hard to reach,” Everett says, launching right in.
We didn’t discuss this. We haven’t talked out what we’re going to say or how we’re going to break this to Graham.
But I realize as Graham chuckles and says, “Oh, I’m sure it’s a great excuse,” that we don’t need to.
This is Graham. He knows and loves us both. We just need to tell him. We’re his best friend and his sister. We know how to talk to him.
“Hi, Graham. I’m here too,” I say.
“Hey, Harry.” There is zero surprise in Graham’s voice at hearing from me too. “Great job on the meeting last night. The Albrights were thrilled.”
That makes my stomach clench. They are definitely not thrilled now.
“Yes, it went well.” I pause. “Until this morning.”
“This morning?” Graham asks. “I talked with them just a couple of hours ago. They had the contract drawn up and wanted to come see you. Did that not happen? I sent them to your hotel room. I hope that was okay, Everett.”
