Page 78 of Ripple Effect

I sigh, knowing it’s useless to argue. There are just days I wish he would see he’s already achieved so much. I thought it was all going to slow down once he bought into Alliance. When are we going to get a chance to enjoy it, each other?

Suddenly, an idea pops in my head. “I could come with you,” I offer.

A flash of shock crosses his face before he falls back on the bed laughing. “Sweetheart, I’m going to be gone at least two weeks. There’s no way you can be ready to go in less than three hours.”

“I bet I can.” I start to move from the bed, but Cal catches me around the waist.

“You won’t have the energy. Not when I’m done with you.” Lowering his head, he kisses all thought out of my head. “But I love you for wanting to come with me. I’ll miss you.”

“I always miss you,” I tell him truthfully before Cal’s lips capture mine.

And while I’m lying in bed after as he’s throwing clothes in a bag later, an idea starts to formulate.

I don’t know why I never thought of it before. It’s so simple, it’s perfect.

And I’m doing it.

* * *

Four hours later,wheeling a weekender bag behind me, I walk off the elevator toward Cal’s office and enter his outer office. Rebecca should be here; she said she’d meet me out front.

I perk up a bit when I hear the low murmurs of voices coming from the direction of his inner sanctum.

Oh, thank goodness. I bet Cal left something in his office and Rebecca is having to search for it; it’s not the first time it’s happened. Approaching the office, the voices become clearer.

And a moment later, I wish they hadn’t.

“I can’t believe we have to go today of all days.” A voice strangely familiar to me comes out of my husband’s office. “Not that I’m not excited, it’s just…”

“I know.” Cal’s voice comes through the open door. “The timing sucks.”

“I’m so happy, Cal. So excited.”

“You and me both, Iris.” I can’t hear their lowered voices, but I’m close enough now that through the crack of his office door, I see my husband lean down and kiss my best friend’s lips. Then, as if that weren’t enough, he does something that tells me the truth about their feelings for one another.

He gives her my smile. The smile he said long ago I brought into his life with my laughter and love. The smile he took from our bed this morning and is directing in the eyes of another woman.

I think I might die right here if it weren’t for the distant ping of the elevator.

Nonna said she didn’t help raise weak women. I wasn’t going to prove to be her exception. Quickly making my way over to Rebecca’s desk, I grab a piece of stationery to hastily scribble a note. I’ve finished writing it and am folding it on my way out the door when I run into my husband’s harried assistant.

“Mrs. Sullivan.” She anxiously throws a glance at my husband’s partially closed door, telling me everything I need to know.

The wife is always the last one to find out.

“I’m sorry, Rebecca. I received an emergency call. Will you be sure to read this message to Cal once he reaches his destination? I know he’s already in flight.” The look of relief that flashes across her face makes me want to slap her.

But I’m Dahlia Akin’s granddaughter, and no matter what, they’ll never break me.

No one will.

“Of course, Mrs. Sullivan. I hope everything will be all right.”

“In the end, I’m sure it will be best for everyone.” Leaving her to puzzle that out, I nod before making my way toward the elevator.

I have no way of realizing the choice I made in that very moment would change everything in the next few months.

Everything.