Page 27 of Executive Decision

“It was a good time,” David answered. “Quiet. Davey managed the flames.”

“If this is business, David, I must turn you down. I think I will have to give it all up soon.”

“Nonsense! Nah. It’s not that. You’re going to be mayor, man. That’s enough. And, either way, I’m not the man to propose twice.”

I chuckled. Two years ago, we’d stood in my now-Penthouse in a brand-new building we’d thrown up in River North and he’d offered me the CEO chair. I finally told him my plans to run for mayor—plans that didn’t include that promotion. Even now, every time I saw him, I worried I’d made the wrong choice.

David’s voice lowered, the joke and smile leaving his face. “Although, I suppose I proposed three times.”

Daphne turned him down. She was his first choice, then me. While he’d always laughed it off—saying she’d have children soon and it didn’t make sense for her to leave the UK—I knew her stay abroad wore on him. Until now, he’d never admitted his disappointment so openly.

"Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked. “Did something happen with Daphne?”

“No,” David quickly replied. “She’s… fine.”

David notably did not mention her husband. I sensed it was a bad sign, but did not pry. I’d not seen my friend like this since he lost both his parents. Even though we shared a lot, he rarely spoke of personal challenges. He gloated about the kids, complained about Danna, and did anything to avoid vulnerability.

I joked, trying to lift the mood. “So, are you here to lobby me before I’m even mayor-elect?”

“Nah. This is more of a social visit. I didn’t need anything in particular,” David said. “Speaking of which, help yourself to whatever.”

I wasn’t used to David offering me open-range on his bar cart. The Delphines were terrific hosts, but the man was anal-retentive. Everything had a place. One did not touch anything on David’s desk unless they were his beloved children. He had patience for them alone. Surprised, I poured some Macallan into a crystal glass emblazoned with the Delphine dolphin crest found throughout the house. Their motif dated back to the ornate tile work in the bathrooms first built in the late 1800s.

“Thanks,” I sat. “So, what is the social call?”

“I’m unsure how to say it, so I’ll just say it. I’m dying, Cal.”

I nearly spat out my first sip of booze. “What?”

“I’m dying. I have pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed in September. Because it made me miserable, I kicked chemo in December, and now they’ve given me a couple of months. I’m alright. I guess I am, anyhow. Every day, I hurt a little more. It’s why we stayed out in Michigan for so long. I wanted to spend time with the kids. I suppose the joke is on me since they’re all so busy.”

How had I missed this?

In the low light, I’d overlooked his gaunt face and shakier hands. He still had the same high-energy smile of yore, but something about him was worn down. I couldn’t imagine what he felt. It was a gut punch. The world was a better place with him in it. And now—even still relatively young—we’d lose him. I fought the emotions that bubbled, remaining strong.

“I’m sorry, David. I am so, so sorry. I didn’t realize I’d been so busy with the election that I’d?—”

“Don’t blame yourself, Cal.”

“You’ve been sick half a year, and I didn’t even?—”

“Cal, I didn’t want you to know. Despite Danna wanting me to run out and tell everyone, I didn’t. I’m a proud man. The last thing I wanted was for my friends and kids to fuss over me. Don’t remember me like that, okay?”

I fought tears and nodded. While I understood the impulse, I regretted not spending time with the man who had become one of my closest friends.

“Don’t do it,” David warned. “I don’t need you getting all choked up.”

I pulled myself together. “Fine. I won’t. What can I do to help? Anything?”

“Other than listen to me bitch about it? Nah.”

“Well, I’m here now, David.”

“I know,” David said. “And I appreciate that. I missed you while I was out there. You realize you’re always welcome, right?”

“I know.”

“When I go, things will be a mess. And I feel bad saying any of this since you’re about to be the busiest man in town, but… can you watch over them? I know it’s silly. Davey could learn from you. He’s still so green. I wish Daphne would move back, but her husband barely lets her see us. He’s got his own goddamn election to contend with. It’s always something with him!”

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