Page 101 of Executive Decision

“I’m sorry. It’s just hard to think about. He’s not here. He’ll never see your children.”

“You assume I will have them,” Derrick chuckled.

“I assume and know you will,” I said.

“I think you still will,” Derrick said. “Unless Cal is opposed.”

I blushed.

“Daph, we all know. It’s hard to deny because Mum talks about it like it’s a real thing, which is how Iknowit is real.”

“She loathes it.”

“She pretends to. We all find it odd, okay? But you’re happy. It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen you smile. You used to be much lighter. Then, a cloud came and took you away. A cloud named Chandler Walker.”

My phone rang. It was my attorney.

“It’s my lawyer,” I announced, answering. “Yes?”

“Daphne, congratulations. He’s signed the agreement. You’re free.”

A level of relief washed over me like I’d never experienced. As I hung up, free of my greatest burden, I rushed to my brother, not caring that he was covered in airplane grease.

“It’s over,” I said. “I won.”

Derrick squeezed me tight. “I’m so relieved.”

A car pulled up at the hangar. I peered out to see Davey climbing from his new Maserati.

“Hey!” He called, removing his sunglasses. “What the hell are you both doing here?”

“Daphne’s divorce is done,” Derrick said. “And we’re fixing a plane. Want to help?”

Davey turned his nose up. “Not really, man. Knock yourself out. Daph, congrats!”

He gave me a quick hug.

“Thanks. I’m so relieved.”

“Of course. Actually, it’s good we can talk. I need to ask you a couple of things.”

“Step into my office,” I joked, climbing on the workbench table.

Davey joined me, laughing. “God, we used to do this when we were kids.”

“I know. We were tiny back then.”

Davey watched Derrick work and shook his head. “I don’t know what I’m doing, Daphne. That’s the honest to God truth.”

“It’s why you came here, too?”

“Mum said Derrick was here and… I just needed a mental break.”

I rested my head on my brother’s shoulder. “I know the feeling, but it will get better.”

“I don’t know. Look, I’m struggling. Bernie is attempting a coup.”

I sat bolt upright. “Really?”

---