Page 109 of Power Move

“Eva, I wanted you because I knew you’d be an asset.”

“You didn’t want me at first. I was the best you could do?—”

“I didn’t want to put you in a bad situation.”

“Well, we got away with it.”

“I don’t think about getting away with anything. I told everyone what was going on. I copped to it. I told them I was excited and to stop attacking your credibility. I threatened to sack people over it, Eva. This isn’t about you being pretty or me protecting you because you’re having the twins. It was an earnest compliment.”

Eva softened. “I’m sorry. I’m in a bad place this morning over Carter. It’s stupid?—”

I squeezed her hand. “Don’t say that. And if you don’t want to talk, we don’t have to.”

“It’s okay,” Eva agreed. “I’m sorry. My experience with male bosses has been that they think I’m a pretty whiz-kid. Well, they always did until they realized I was with a woman and pulled back. Now, you aren’t like that, but… I expected that was why you thanked me.”

“You have great tits,” I said. “We both do. It had nothing to do with my gratitude. You’re an excellent partner, Eva. That waswhy I said what I did. You add value to the company andcareabout the company. That is the big thing.”

“I want to do a good job. I want to prove myself. This was a huge promotion, Davey.”

“You fooled me. You do your job with authority. I trust you.”

Loving Eva meant it was more than that, though. It went beyond my appreciation for her professional accomplishments or affability. Now, I knew it was more. It hit me. We were such a good team.

“I love you, Eva. And it’s not just because I crave you. It’s not just because you leave me tripping over myself intellectually. No. I can trust you with this stuff. Being a Delphine—and being in the company—goes beyond all of that. It’s an obligation. Somehow, I know you can handle the heat in the kitchen. Our boys will come to appreciate that history. You’ll not complain about it.”

She cocked her head. “I never thought about that, Davey. Sometimes… I really worry about fitting in. I’m not one of you. I’m not old money. I didn’t go to finishing school in Switzerland.”

“That’s a thing?”

“Mona did. Her mother always joked about wanting her to marry a prince. Oops!”

I chuckled. “Don’t they all?”

“For real. Do you ever think I could even fit in?”

“Mum inexplicably adores you,” I admitted. “That doesn’t happen. I don’t know why or how, but she prefers you to me. And no matter where this goes, Eva, I know you’ll be valued. You’re the mother of my children, but you’re also one of the family’s greatest assets right now. I don’t want it to sound transactional, but I want you to know, I’m not about to throw you under the bus and own your accomplishments. Dad was excellent at giving out credit where it was due. Daphne says I’m shitty at that.”

“You aren’t good,” Eva admitted. “She is.”

“Daphne is dynamite at managing people. I hate that shit,” I admitted. “Markets? Cashflow? I like that aspect. That’s why I made a terrible president, I guess. I’m better as CEO, but I’m flagging.”

“Have you ever thought about doing your own thing?” Eva asked.

I stammered. “Like… leaving the company?”

She shrugged. “Or starting your own business. You’ll always own shares. You’ll always be invested, but if you don’t love it, is it not worth doing something else? Or, maybe you could step down to be president of another business unit? I am not here to tell you want to do, but you mention this a lot, Davey.”

“It feels like admitting defeat. Dad would?—”

“Your Dad never wanted you miserable. He left you millions, right? He wanted to see the company thrive, but you deserve that, too, Davey.”

I never considered anythingbutCEO. Being president was a temporary thing to get to the big job. But I’d reached the peak, and it was a lonely one. OnlyEva would have been brave enough to suggest it.

“I should think about it, Eva. Thanks.”

“I hope I didn’t offend you, but you said we were equals. Your work life—and mine—affects the boys. We gotta think about it like a family, as you said. I don’t plan to quit my job or pull back?—”

“I’d never ask you for that,” I said. “I wouldn’t dare ask you to give up. You’re too young not to do bold, brave shit. Never change, baby.”