Page 28 of Executive Decision

Ah, there it was!

“Chandler?” I sighed, annoyed. “Yeah. It is always something with him.”

“She deserved better. I blame Danna to this day—love her dearly as I may—for forcing that issue. Daphne is more trapped than happy. But it might be for the best. Danna and Daphne have always fought tooth and nail since she hit puberty, so they might kill one another if Daphne moves home.”

I snickered. “That may be true. How is Danna doing?”

“She’s handling it. We’ve taken time to make peace. I’m having a good day. That’s why I called. I have horrible days, too. She’s my rock. I love her to bits. But, Cal, she’s going to be okay. She will. She’s strong.”

“She is very strong,” I agreed.

I had no doubt Danna could outlast us in a deathmatch.

“I want you to read the eulogy,” David said. “I thought about it, but I don’t think any of the kids can manage it. I think, instead, you’re the best one. I hope you will be the mayor by the day we last speak. And… it seems fitting. I’d be honored anyhow.”

What was I supposed to say? No? I couldn’t.

“Of course,” I agreed. “If it helps.”

“Good, then,” David returned to local business chatter.

He wanted gossip now more than ever. I didn’t mind feeding it to him for a good long hour before leaving. I said goodbye, fighting the urge to get too emotional, and left in my black SUV back up Lakeshore Drive to my place in River North.

“Garrett,” I addressed my driver. “Can we go up to Kristy’s?”

“Sure,” Garrett answered. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“I just… need to see her,” I said.

We continued along until I sat in a car and dialed her number.

“Cal, you cannot be calling me right now,” Kristy groaned.

“Can I come up?” I asked. “Just for a minute?”

She sighed. “Cal, you know better than to do this?—”

“I won’t stay. Something’s happened. I need to tell someone what is going on and you’re the only one I trust.”

“Sure. But the baby is asleep, so don’t knock, just text me. I’ll tell them you’re welcome in.”

The door guys knew me and let me through. I took the elevator to Kristy’s floor and stood before the familiar door I long remembered. Before I could even text, Kristy opened it. Dressed in an old robe and pajamas, she invited me in with no pretension. I loved her for it. She didn’t have to give me the time of day but would.

“How is Laurie?” I asked.

“She’s cranky. Teething.” Kristy rubbed her temples.

We stood in the foyer, not sure what to do. It wasn’t that we never talked anymore. We did—all the time. I knew a lot about her life with Laurie, the baby she’d had all on her own. I learned about her new place and her new car. I knew about the job she would take after she finished the six months of leave she prepared for. We just never spoke in person because the urge to fall back into bed with Kristy almost always won out.

“What is it, Cal?”

“David is dying,” I struggled to stop my tears. “He’s got cancer. He might not make it to election day, and… he’s dying.”

“Oh, Cal, I’m so sorry,” Kristy softened. “God, when did you find out?”

“Just now. I’m sorry for coming by. I am. It’s just… you know how my family is, and it’s not like I can tell anyone else. I don’t trust them.”

“I get it,” Kristy said. “That’s sad, Cal. He is one of your best friends. And you are one of his.”

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