Page 92 of Executive Decision
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Cal
I tucked Daphne into a comfy nest on the couch. After we devoured dinner from a local pizza place, she wound down. I couldn’t have been happier with my choice to bring her back to mine. She was safe. I stood up for this woman—who I loved. I got brave by saying I loved her. I told her the thing I held in for weeks. She loved me back—so purely.
“Are you comfortable enough? I can get you another pillow or?—”
“I’m fine, Cal,” she laughed. “You’re so worried. It’s sweet, but I’m not made of glass.”
I bent to kiss her forehead. “I just want to take care of you, baby.”
“I know,” I said.
“You don’t,” I shook my head. “You need someone to take care of you. I want to show up. I need you to know you can always call, Daphne.”
She looked down, unable to accept this declaration head-on. She’d believe I loved her. She’d believe Iwantedher. However, she struggled to trust me. All I could do was keep showing up and proving my genuine need to protect her. That is what Daphne deserved and never got.
“I love you,” she turned to me. “I appreciate that you care so much, but I swear I’ll mend.”
“Well, I’m going to load the dishwasher. Shout if you need something.”
I bussed and cleaned our plates, happy with the evening’s domestic simplicity. It was nice to have her around. I worried about suggesting she leave some things here, fearing she’d run. Truthfully, I wanted her here all the damn time. This place felt lonely and cold without her—always so sad and off. I never felt more at home than with Daphne on my couch, tucked in with a movie.
And, just as I thought about that, interlopers entered as they always did. The front desk buzzed.
“Sir, Kristy is here with her child. She is wondering if you would accept a visitor?”
“Right now?” I grimaced.
He handed the phone over. “Cal, I’m sort of in the middle of a disaster. My sister is back in the hospital. My mom can pick up Laurie in a bit, but she’s driving in and I don’t have anyone to call. The babysitter is in Cancun.”
I wanted to say no but doing so felt unkind.
“I have a guest, Kristy.”
“Oh… okay. Well?—”
She didn’t want to hear that. “Oh, shit, sorry, I?—”
“No, no,” I said. “Let me ask if it’s okay.”
I raced to the living room.
“So, complication and I’m sorry. Kristy’s sister has a medical emergency and she has no one to watch the kid. Do you mind if the baby joins us for a bit? I feel awful, but you don’t need to say?—”
“Sure. If you have it handled, I cannot lift a baby right now.”
“Thank you,” I kissed her head. “You’re so sweet, Daphne.”
“No, you are. This is above and beyond what I’d do for an ex.”
I shrugged. “She’s a friend, Daph.”
I raced back, “It’s fine. Come on up.”
Kristy appeared on my floor a few minutes later, baby on hip and diaper bag over her shoulder.
“Hi. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what to do,” Kristy looked shaken.
