Page 37 of Executive Decision

“We’re getting divorced,” Daphne said. “I should have seen it coming, but I was the last to know.”

“He asked you for a divorce… right now? While you were in this hellish state?” I asked.

“No. I asked him,” Daphne said. “I’m fucking terrified to know what happens next. But whatever it is, it leads to me being true to myself. I’m scared as hell.”

“But you’ve never been one to run,” I said.

She stared at me, tears running and her face softening. I should have found a tissue, but I needed to communicate she was safe somehow. I brushed her arm affectionately and said precisely what I felt.

“You’re going to be better than ever, Daph. You’re the strongest sort of person. He doesn’t deserve you. And no matter what happens there, it’s all just stuff.”

“It is,” she sniffled, “but right now, stuff is all that is left. And as much as I want to fill that hole and turn back time, I cannot.”

“Well, you will get your Soviet planes.” I sat the books beside her. “Promise.”

“You have your life together. I am so mortified to have you see me like this.”

“Like what? Grieving two losses at once?”

“It’s a mess.”

“Daph, I’m here holding my ex-girlfriend’s baby, trying to escape my mother because she’s so insufferable.”

“Oh my God, join the club!” Daphne laughed through tears. “My mother is quieter than yours, but I sense the judgment.”

I propped a box of tissues on top of the books.

“Thanks.” Daphne wiped her tears. “At least you brought me a baby. A baby makes me happy. Kristy was sweet for coming. Dad liked her.”

“I know. Your parents mean a lot to her. She’s worried about your mom.”

“She’s a good person,” Daphne said. “We need more of them.”

Daphne held the baby close. Laurie babbled and played with another tissue she’d pulled from the box.

“You better move those, or she will shred them all,” Daphne laughed. “I can just see it happening.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I agreed.

Someone knocked.

“Come in,” Daphne called.

Kristy popped her head in. “Oh, there you are. I knew you’d sneak back here. How are you, Daphne?”

“I’m alright,” Daphne said. “Thank you for letting me have a moment with your baby—if only indirectly. She’s a total doll.”

“She’s maniacal, too, but we cannot stay,” Kristy said. “I am so sorry for your loss.”

I transferred the baby to Kristy, and we stared awkwardly at one another.

“Well, good afternoon then,” Kristy said. “And thanks for watching her.”

She ducked out. It was so odd. Kristy wasn’t mine. David wasn’t here. Daphne was a crying mess. The world was upside down.

* * *

Daphne

---