Page 99 of Executive Decision

“Apologies, but I have no idea where that is,” Cal said.

“I can direct you,” I said.

Cal climbed the stairs, not complaining that I was the most awkward sack of potatoes he ever carried. I pointed him around before we finally entered my childhood bedroom, where he tucked me into bed. Davey stayed downstairs, not getting involved. Mum hung around, annoying me. I wanted Cal to kiss me and tell me everything was alright. I didn’t want him to do that before her.

Cal stood back, letting Mum dote.

“You sure you’re alright? Has he fed you anything?”

“He’s kept me fed and watered,” I promised. “But I’d like to sleep a little.”

“Okay, well, I will leave you. I’ll check on you in a bit.”

She gave me an embarrassing kiss on the forehead and departed. Cal took in the bedroom.

“It is weird being in here. Just say it,” I said.

“It’s very, very weird,” Cal laughed, sitting on the bed. “But I’m just glad you are okay. I am so sorry for the scuffle and everything?—”

“I love you. I know you didn’t do that to hurt me. Davey didn’t either. Men are just stupid.”

“True.”

“I want you to stay out of the drama from here on out, okay?” I asked. “With family. Spare yourself.”

“Baby, your drama is my drama.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t want that, though. Your life is neat and easy. I’d rather keep things separate than feel guilt for dragging you into my mess.”

He squeezed my hand. “My ex dropped her baby at my house last night. That’s drama. We all got shit. We’re grown-ups with grown-up problems. There is no woman on earth I could date without baggage—at least not someone age-appropriate. Although, according to Lady Danna, that’s debatable.”

“They had a huge age gap, so she’s full of shit,” I snickered. “Ignore Mum.”

“I will. I will stay out of the business. That’s for you—and Chloe. She has it covered. She’ll do well.”

“Do you trust Davey?” I asked. “I don’t know if I do.”

“He’s hurt, Daphne. What I saw there was a man full of pride—I’d know—who was in deep pain over the loss of his father. He has always felt like he played second fiddle. And while I cannot fault your father for it since I love you, you have always been his favorite. He’d deny it, but that is just facts, princess.”

Cal brushed my cheek. “Try to trust him. But, for now, get some rest. Tomorrow we’ll have plenty of fuckery to combat.”

“Don’t remind me,” I said.

34THE OLIVE BRANCH

Daphne

A UK governmentnumber displayed on my phone as I sat cross-legged on a workbench in an airplane hangar watching Derrick. He was home for a quick bit of leave. I hadn’t spent time with him since Dad’s funeral. Not wanting to neglect my baby brother, I sat around while he worked on one of Dad’s old planes.

I took a deep breath and nervously answered.

“Daphne, please do not hang up!” Chandler pled.

“Chandler, I am busy with family right now. Should you need anything, you can go through our attorneys?—”

“She doesn’t want to talk to you, fuckwad!” Derrick approached with a wrench.

I shooed him away. He wiped his brow and rolled his eyes.

---