Page 52 of Executive Decision

I snickered. “But I feel whatever we discuss is better with wine.”

“For you for or for me?”

“Both? But have mercy on me.” I sipped and relaxed on the bench to his right.

“I promise you this… it’s not going to be painful. I really don’t mind seeing you.”

My hands sweated as I worried hehadgotten the wrong idea.

“Oh! No, no, no!” Cal shook his head. “I’m not here to… you know.”

“What?”

“To… seduce you or whatever. This is not a repeat of Hawaii. This isn’t just business, but that’s not my intent, Daphne. I care. Just go. Tell me all your plans.”

I took a deep breath. “So, I know you have ten percent of the company. Together, we own thirty.”

“Fine. What is it you need then?”

“Well, can you tell me what you plan todowith your shares? Because I?—”

“Daphne, you’re killing me,” he groaned.

“No, just listen. I have an idea!”

He grabbed my hand. “Before I say what I am going to, just know that I’m so happy to see the way your eyes light up like this. It’s a relief. But given my conflict of interest as mayor, I should say nothing about what I truly feel about the company.”

“Say nothing, then. Just listen.”

He sighed long and nodded.

“Davey is trying to shelve me in this shitty role. With your shares, I’d stand a better chance to force his hand and make him fire our disastrous president.”

“Given the shape the company is in, you’ll need more than that, Daphne,” Cal said.

“It could work if you put your shares into a management agreement. You could elect someone?—”

“I already have an idea about that, but I’m not going to say more. However, I will caution you.”

“Why?”

“You’re suggesting a coup, Daphne. Even with my shares, it’s not enough. You must either ask your family to chime in or get the other non-family members of the board to side with you.”

“It’s not a coup!” I laughed defensively.

“Uh, it is. You’re asking your siblings to choose. And, Daphne, he’s the CEO. He has been running it.”

“Dad wanted me. You said?—”

“Daphne, he may have, but you’ve been gone. You need a solid plan.”

“I know that. I also know that you are better aware of the board members than I am. I need to impress them and make them trust me.”

“So, you want me to do your dirty work?” He rubbed his temples. “Oh, Daphne, you’re killing me!”

The buzzer beeped, signaling the preheated oven. I put the casserole in, shaking my head. I did the math. It was a coup, but could I win? I could—only with his help.

As I closed the oven door, Cal said, “I have some ideas. I shouldn’t meddle, but you have my ear.”

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