Page 115 of Executive Decision

I shook my head.

“Do the right thing. Stick with it,” Davey said. “I will be behind you one hundred percent, but I need you to show up for work on Monday.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “I can do that. I know you’re right.”

It hurt. Everything felt wrong, but looking at their faces, I couldn’t say no. The family needed me—and I needed them.

“I’m taking my life back,” I said. “And all of you are coming with me.”

39PRIORITIES

Cal

“I delivered her back,”Chloe said.

I was on edge all day, waiting to hear about Daphne’s safe return. Chloe, exhausted, collapsed on my office couch. Though I was relieved to see her, I knew the story wasn’t over.

“Thank you for that, Chlo. I am so grateful,” I said.

“Yeah, well, it’s not over until the fat lady sings, right? You still need to get your girl. She wants to come around but she’s afraid of hurting you.”

I winced. “I want to say I don’t care. And I really don’t. But the DNC?—”

“They’re going to find evidence that her ex did this,” Chloe said. “I know you aren’t sure how to manage a scandal. And I am sure seeing her ex’s cock wasn’t like… a great experience, but?—”

“Can we not say cock?” I grimaced.

“We’re both grown-ups, Calvin. Look, I know what you want to do. You both want to run to her and also stay away for another week and a half, but you cannot do that. This woman is struggling without you.”

“She wouldn’t answer my calls?—”

“And you wouldn’t answer hers!” Chloe sat up, blonde ponytail flopping. “Look, you two need to talk about priorities, but you should know that he coerced her into that, got her very drunk, and then swore he deleted it. She’s a victim several times over here—of multiple crimes. Don’t add insult to injury because Jo told you running around with her was a bad idea.”

“It’s not forever. It’s for both of us?—”

“It’s a fucking cop out. Do you love her?”

“I do.”

“Do you want to have a future with her?”

“I do.”

“Then fucking suck it up, grow a pair and get your priorities straight. Is the DNC going to take care of your old ass in your golden years? Is it going to give you babies?”

I snickered. “I fucking hope not.”

“She will. That woman ran away because she wants to spare you, Cal. Spareher. Tell her. Do the right thing.”

I contemplated my sister’s wise words. They made sense. If I wanted a chance at forever with someone, it was with Daphne. There was no “cooling off period” for us. I couldn’t treat our relationship as a priority only when it was politically advantageous.

“Where is she?”

“Her parents’ place. The gilded mansion.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Every time I drive past that place, I cannot believe anyone lives like that.”

“Says the poor little rich girl?—”

“From the burbs. These people are American royalty, brother. But, she’s also a wonderful person who cares too much about everyone around her. If you love her, it’s worth it. I will laugh, however, when Mom falls head-over-heels for her grandchildren knowing full well, they are also Lady Danna Delphine’s grandkids.”

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