Page 104 of Executive Decision

“What would the lady like?” The server asked.

“This thing with the grapefruit,” I said. “No clue how to pronounce that in Italian, I’m sorry.”

The waiter nodded. “And you sir?”

“Sazerac. With whatever top shelf rye your bartender thinks is good.”

“I will put in the order and bring your drinks.” He left.

Cal said, “Thank you fornotpanicking.”

“What?”

“I like a woman who justorders. Anything else is exhausting. After Kristy, I went on a series of bad dates in which women were afraid to speak up. They’d talk my ear off anytime they weren’t being asked to select food and drink.”

“We’re judged,” I said. “I’m just out of fucks right now.”

Cal furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong? I thought things were getting better.”

“They are—well with the divorce. No. It’s not that. It’s Mum judging my hair and saying she wishes you were anyone else or pointing out that Chandler fawned over me. Which he did, but only after we’d had a massive fight and he was trying to keep me happy.”

“She will get over it,” Cal assured. “Your mother will come around.”

“Just like yours?”

“That I cannot promise, but that has more to do with her sworn hatred ofyourmother. I have a better chance getting your mother to like me than mine to like me right now.”

I laughed. “Well, you win some, you lose some.”

He squeezed my hand. “I love you. It will work out. You don’t have to worry.”

I gave a small smile.

A man in a nice suit approached. “Cal! Is that you?”

Cal looked over at the man.

“Gary,” Cal said, standing to shake the man’s hand. “How are you?”

“I took the wife out to dinner, but all she can do is complain that it’s all toonew. She misses Heritage.”

Heritage was a posh old standard on Ontario. My parents used to go. It was a place for old people.

“What did you think?” Cal asked.

“The food was excellent and the waitress was pretty.” He elbowed Cal. “And who is your dining companion.”

“Oh, shit. I’m on my worst behavior! Gary Pulaski, this is Daphne Delphine. Daphne, Gary is an old friend.”

“Well, no wonder you seemed so familiar. You’re David’s daughter!”

“I am,” I nodded.

Gary shot Cal a look, then chuckled, patting his back, “Well, enjoy it—all of it.”

I wanted to roll my eyes.

Cal returned to his seat, whispering, “As I said.”

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