Page 108 of Executive Decision

“I can. I have to get ready?—”

“Okay. Great. Are you home?—”

“I’m at Cal’s.”

“Okay. Well get here when you can. I have to fire Bernie today and will need you to wow them if you’re going to be the replacement. This is on you. I cannot move these mountains for you.”

My heart leapt. It was intimidating, but also the chance of a lifetime.

“I will be there,” I promised. “With bells on.”

“You’ve got this Daphne.”

I rushed to the kitchen, hoping to catch Cal before he left. Normally, he’d find me in the kitchen after his shower, see me, smile, and kiss me with abandon. I always felt like he wanted me there. Today was different.

Cal’s face pulled in a difficult, tight way. He barely acknowledged me beyond a “good morning”. Something was wrong.

“We’ve got a mess on our hands,” Cal said after a moment. “I have to get into the office and I cannot promise I’ll see you tonight.”

“Oh?”

“It’s going to be a mess, Daphne.”

“Why?”

“It just is. And us? It’s already out there. I am not sure who leaked it.”

“Oh. How do you… feel about that?” I asked nervously.

“I’m not upset about that, but I wanted you to know.”

He never looked up. It was like something was festering. I didn’t dare speak. When I spoke, I wanted him to blurt out how proud he was, not dismiss it.

“Cal, can you just tell me what this is?”

“It’s labor disputes and exhaustion. I don’t have time for this, Daph.”

I felt tears welling at his cruel tone. I did nothing wrong. Cal reacted immediately, his face showing compassion.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“No, you shouldn’t.”

“I’m wrapped up in a lot, Daphne. I really am sorry.” He approached, his hands cupping my face. “You’re lovely and deserve better than my short temper this morning.”

He kissed my forehead slowly and tenderly. I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his waist and burying my face in his shirt.

“It’s going to be okay,” I murmured.

He rested his chin on my head. “Probably. It’s got to do with the DNC and my stress level is through the roof.”

“I love you. It will be okay.”

“I love you, too. I just have to survive the day. But this will be a long one.”

“Don’t feel like you have to see me every night,” I said, pulling back. “If you’re busy, just tell me.”

“But Iwantto see you every night, baby.” Pain crossed his face as he shook his head. “I want you here every night to come home to and to wake up like this. I love this part of us.”

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