Page 22 of Executive Decision

I put thoughts of Cal aside and focused on Chandler’s sweet face. This was the man who hand-picked me and saw my capabilities at a young age. He always found ways to bring me along. I had to trust it was true.

I smiled. “Me, too, baby.”

* * *

Cal

I stood at the bar watching Daphne dance with Chandler. She gazed at him, occasionally laughing at a joke or two. I avoided her all day. Watching them together hurt, even if I denied I cared. I waited for David’s word. I told myself it would all be worth it. But as they danced, totally invested in one another, jealousy cut like a knife.

“You’re here!” I turned as David approached.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“I never thought I’d catch you. I suspected you’d run off with that redhead.”

“Jane?” I asked of Sarah’s college friend. “Nah. She’s not my type. She’s funny, but… I’m pretty focused on work right now.”

David patted my shoulder, “All work and no play?—”

“I know, I know.”

“Look, I’ve got good news—finally—since it’s all tied up.”

“Oh?”

“That Lincoln Park project will get approval—mixed retail and residential. Are you in?”

“Fuck yes,” I chuckled.

“Great! Let’s say you’ll start with the retail concept. I trust your plans to target a younger demographic with a smaller footprint, but let’s liven the brand up while we go. What do you say, Cal?”

“Partners?” I asked.

“I trust you. You are my right hand. But I cannot keep you forever in this role, Cal. You’ve earned something new. It’s time for you to grow, Markham. I thought this was what you wanted?”

I smiled. “I do. Very much, David. Thank you.”

He patted me on the back. “Then we’re in business?”

I extended my hand. “We’ve got a deal.”

“To new beginnings!” David raised his glass.

I clinked it. “To new beginnings.”

“It’s going to be a whirlwind,” David said. “Daphne and Chandler are back together. I suspect we’ll be doing this all again in a year.”

“She’s going back to London?”

“Yeah,” David said. “I’m going to miss her. I won’t lie and say I’m not gutted, but… she’s got a big opportunity over there. Chandler did some work to make sure she had a chance to thrive and they reconciled. I never thought he’d stay away long. Her mother is so relieved.”

“Oh, good for them. Daphne will be an asset to anyone,” I said. “The year will fly by, I guess.”

“Be thankful Danna will be distracted with planning Daphne’s dream wedding so we can get this thing off the ground without her complaining about the extra hours.”

I’d done the right thing. We’d both get what we’d wanted. Daphne would have the society wedding of her dreams—the one she’d always deserved—and a big job abroad. I’d have a company to run. In the end, our wild time didn’t matter. It was a nice distraction.

9THE GOOD WIFE

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