Page 64 of Executive Decision

Chloe stood.

“Chloe, I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to. I know how it is. I’ll take your shares. When you want to talk about the next steps, contact me. I’m off to London next week, though.”

“Cool,” I said. It was not cool. I didn’t know what to say. “It has to go through probate. Then, when it is, I will let you know.”

She saluted, picked up her shoes, popped her handbag under her arm, and vanished. I’d never understand Chloe. She was more aberration than person. She appeared and disappeared when she wanted, not when you asked.

I looked at Laurie. “Kid, if you haven’t guessed, my life is a disaster.”

She gave me a two-tooth grin and babbled before forcing her entire hand into her mouth. I turned my attention back to the television, relaxing while Laurie gnawed on her chubby hands and feet.

After a couple of hours, two diapers, and a bottle later, Kristy arrived back at my place. Kristy’s presence delighted the baby, who screamed for her mother.

“How did she even know it was you?” I asked.

“Oh, she can smell me. It’s milk. She won’t calm down unless I leave the house sometimes.”

Kristy picked the baby up, kissed her on the cheek and settled on the couch.

“So, how is Preston or whatever his name is?”

Kristy scoffed. “Paul. His name is Paul, Cal. And he’s in New York.”

“Ah. Does he watch Laurie a lot?”

“No,” Kristy answered. “He has no clue about children. I have struggled to let him have any contact with her without me right there. Call it mom guilt or anxiety or whatever.”

“And yet… you’re desperate enough to leave her with me.”

Kristy shook her head. “Cal, you’re different. I’ve known you forever, and I trust you.”

“You don’t trust Paul?” I raised my eyebrows.

“It’s… we aren’t there yet, okay. I trusted you once with my medical directives. Paul is new. And we’re not exclusive or… anything.”

“Ah.”

“So, you know, you shouldn’t feelguiltyif?—”

I shook my head and moved away. “Kristy, please tell me you aren’t coming onto me.”

“He’s been out of town for a week, and it could be fun, Cal.”

“There is a baby involved,” I said. “And that is enough to tell me no.”

“I’m still a sexual being, Cal. Don’t act so opposed. You fucked me when I was pregnant?—”

I cleared my throat. “Yeah, well, that wasdifferent. My circumstances alone have changed.”

“Oh… are youwithsomeone?”

How did I answer that? Was I honest?

“It’s new, but yes,” I said. “And even though we’re not exclusive, I’m not that guy, Kristy. And I don’t like to share. Youknowthat.”

Kristy sighed. “I know. Monogamy isboring,Cal.”

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