39. Priorities
39 PRIORITIES
Cal
“I delivered her back,” Chloe said.
I was on edge all day, waiting to hear about Daphne’s safe return. Chloe, exhausted, collapsed on my office couch. Though I was relieved to see her, I knew the story wasn’t over.
“Thank you for that, Chlo. I am so grateful,” I said.
“Yeah, well, it’s not over until the fat lady sings, right? You still need to get your girl. She wants to come around but she’s afraid of hurting you.”
I winced. “I want to say I don’t care. And I really don’t. But the DNC?—”
“They’re going to find evidence that her ex did this,” Chloe said. “I know you aren’t sure how to manage a scandal. And I am sure seeing her ex’s cock wasn’t like… a great experience, but?—”
“Can we not say cock?” I grimaced.
“We’re both grown-ups, Calvin. Look, I know what you want to do. You both want to run to her and also stay away for another week and a half, but you cannot do that. This woman is struggling without you.”
“She wouldn’t answer my calls?—”
“And you wouldn’t answer hers!” Chloe sat up, blonde ponytail flopping. “Look, you two need to talk about priorities, but you should know that he coerced her into that, got her very drunk, and then swore he deleted it. She’s a victim several times over here—of multiple crimes. Don’t add insult to injury because Jo told you running around with her was a bad idea.”
“It’s not forever. It’s for both of us?—”
“It’s a fucking cop out. Do you love her?”
“I do.”
“Do you want to have a future with her?”
“I do.”
“Then fucking suck it up, grow a pair and get your priorities straight. Is the DNC going to take care of your old ass in your golden years? Is it going to give you babies?”
I snickered. “I fucking hope not.”
“She will. That woman ran away because she wants to spare you, Cal. Spare her . Tell her. Do the right thing.”
I contemplated my sister’s wise words. They made sense. If I wanted a chance at forever with someone, it was with Daphne. There was no “cooling off period” for us. I couldn’t treat our relationship as a priority only when it was politically advantageous.
“Where is she?”
“Her parents’ place. The gilded mansion.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Every time I drive past that place, I cannot believe anyone lives like that.”
“Says the poor little rich girl?—”
“From the burbs. These people are American royalty, brother. But, she’s also a wonderful person who cares too much about everyone around her. If you love her, it’s worth it. I will laugh, however, when Mom falls head-over-heels for her grandchildren knowing full well, they are also Lady Danna Delphine’s grandkids.”
“Why are you so sure?—”
“Because no man in his right mind babysits his ex’s kid unless he himself wants them. You always have. You always loved me, brother, and took such good care of me. You deserve to have that for yourself. And Daphne wants the same. Don’t let it pass before you get too old to actually enjoy it!”
She stood to leave. “Now, I am supposed to meet someone for a beer.”
I wrapped her in a hug.
“You are so wise sometimes, kid. Where did you get it from?”
“Sometimes, I learn something from my elders,” Chloe laughed. “I’m not always so wild.”
I looked at the street below, then back to my laptop. Today had been about speech preparation, denial, and endlessly scrolling social media in hopes the tide would turn and they’d announce Chandler Walker had been arrested on revenge porn charges. Instead, slightly blurred, grainy photos of Daphne met my gaze on every page.
That wasn’t Daphne. I longed to run to Daphne but feared Jo’s retribution. Every press conference or appearance came back to Daphne—my “dirty little secret” in the worlds of the Daily Tribune . The press swarmed her doorstep. I settled for a phone call, unsure if she’d answer.
She did, sounding sleepy. “Hello?”
Relieved, I choked, “Hi, Daph.”
“I’m okay, alright?”
“Okay,” I agreed. “And… I’m sorry for anything?—”
“You did nothing wrong, Cal. And I think… I don’t even know.”
I leaned back on the couch, feeling the need to tell her everything but unable to utter much.
“The words I said to the press aren’t the truth. Daphne, I didn’t want to add more fuel to the fire.”
“That and you have a speech coming up?—”
“I don’t care about that.”
“Lying isn’t your thing. It’s okay to want to give a keynote.”
“Daphne, when the dust settles, I will have you,” I said. “I will show you that I’m the one person who never leaves.”
“Even if it kills all your chances for a second run?”
“I still think that’s hyperbole. Chloe says the truth will come out. I must trust her. She’s the media-savvy one. And I know this wasn’t your doing. I know you don’t deserve any of this, baby.”
She wavered from tears, “I just wanted us to be happy. I’m so sorry.”
“We will be. I promise you.”
“Uh… I must go away for awhile. Don’t be alarmed. Thank you for checking on me while giving me space. I… I have a plan, and it might be my last chance to clear my name, Cal.”
“Okay, Daphne. What do you need from me?”
“Just your undying support and all the good vibes,” she sniffled. “I will call you when I can.”