Page 13 of Executive Decision

She turned as if not noticing she was alone. “Cal, hi. Uh, it’s a long story.”

“Well, don’t be a stranger. Come, sit. I don’t bite.”

Daphne obliged, sitting on the stool by me. She flung her clutch onto the counter and groaned.

The bartender raised one eyebrow. “Should I make the lady a Mai Tai?”

“Yes, please,” I answered. “Put that on my tab.”

“You don’t?—”

“You obviously need a drink, Daphne,” I said.

She sighed. “If you ever see me again, Cal, remind me not to fly to Hawaii.”

I raised my eyebrows. “I thought we had fun?”

“It isn’t you,” she assured. “My mother swears I am a grave disappointment.”

“That, huh?”

“As predicted.”

We watched the waves. Rather, I watched Daphne watch the waves. She was content to take it all in—in contrast to her older brother, who never shut up or said anything wise.

The bartender sat a drink before Daphne.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Daphne took a long swig and smiled. “That’s brilliant, thanks. I’m alone in paradise.”

“Keep them coming, please,” I said, delighted. “As long as it pleases the lady.”

“It does. I am giving up trying to control the future. This week, I have a get out of jail free card.”

Her fiery look suggested my hopes for a wedding rebound hookup could grow legs. She was less inhibited, a little brazen, and single.

“So, did you know they pushed the party back?” I asked.

“Dad told me,” Daphne answered. “After he announced they signed the paperwork.”

“Amazing,” I said. “You did great, Daph.”

“If only Mum understood,” Daphne said. “Instead of a ‘congrats, well done!’ I get commentary about my hair.”

“What about your hair?” I asked.

“I am not allowed to let it be down. Like me, it’s too wild today.”

“I like wild,” I said, unable to miss the opportunity.

Daphne tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, now aware I was flirting.

“Anyone devaluating you because of your hair is stupid.”

She shook her head. “Says the man whose mother made her fortune on cosmetics.”

I chuckled. “Damn, Daph, slow down. If you’re going to hand me my ass, at least buy me dinner first.”

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