Page 13 of Executive Decision
She turned as if not noticing she was alone. “Cal, hi. Uh, it’s a long story.”
“Well, don’t be a stranger. Come, sit. I don’t bite.”
Daphne obliged, sitting on the stool by me. She flung her clutch onto the counter and groaned.
The bartender raised one eyebrow. “Should I make the lady a Mai Tai?”
“Yes, please,” I answered. “Put that on my tab.”
“You don’t?—”
“You obviously need a drink, Daphne,” I said.
She sighed. “If you ever see me again, Cal, remind me not to fly to Hawaii.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I thought we had fun?”
“It isn’t you,” she assured. “My mother swears I am a grave disappointment.”
“That, huh?”
“As predicted.”
We watched the waves. Rather, I watched Daphne watch the waves. She was content to take it all in—in contrast to her older brother, who never shut up or said anything wise.
The bartender sat a drink before Daphne.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
Daphne took a long swig and smiled. “That’s brilliant, thanks. I’m alone in paradise.”
“Keep them coming, please,” I said, delighted. “As long as it pleases the lady.”
“It does. I am giving up trying to control the future. This week, I have a get out of jail free card.”
Her fiery look suggested my hopes for a wedding rebound hookup could grow legs. She was less inhibited, a little brazen, and single.
“So, did you know they pushed the party back?” I asked.
“Dad told me,” Daphne answered. “After he announced they signed the paperwork.”
“Amazing,” I said. “You did great, Daph.”
“If only Mum understood,” Daphne said. “Instead of a ‘congrats, well done!’ I get commentary about my hair.”
“What about your hair?” I asked.
“I am not allowed to let it be down. Like me, it’s too wild today.”
“I like wild,” I said, unable to miss the opportunity.
Daphne tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, now aware I was flirting.
“Anyone devaluating you because of your hair is stupid.”
She shook her head. “Says the man whose mother made her fortune on cosmetics.”
I chuckled. “Damn, Daph, slow down. If you’re going to hand me my ass, at least buy me dinner first.”
