I took a sip. It was hot and bitter.

My phone rang again.

It was my father.

I decided to answer.

“Evelyn,” his voice boomed through the speaker, though he sounded angry rather than confident.

“Father,” I said.

“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

“What are you referring to?” I asked.

“Nathan just called Caroline,” my father said. “He says his career is ruined. He says you did it.”

“Nathan’s career is his own responsibility,” I said.

“You have no right to interfere in his business,” my father said. “He is family. Or he will be.”

“He is an officer in the United States Navy,” I said. “And I am a Rear Admiral.”

“I don’t care about your titles,” my father said. “You have always been difficult, Evelyn. But to ruin your sister’s wedding because of a grudge is unacceptable.”

“It is not a grudge, Father,” I said. “It is standard naval protocol.”

“You will fix this,” he said. “Call whoever you need to call. Get Nathan his promotion.”

I looked out the window at the white carpet of clouds below.