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Designed Intent
Chapter 49
Sunday Afternoon
"I do not want to leave you," he said into her neck.
"I don't want you to go, Love, but you have to."
Willow Cheswick was in the bedroom, straightening the bed. She wanted to give them privacy as they said goodbye. Gleason had been released at lunchtime and Bobby brought her home. He had taken her clothes and her green throw.
Beforehand, however, he had gone to the grocery and gotten plenty of things for her to eat. He also stopped at a lingerie shop and purchased a pretty nightgown and robe set. He got her a pair of slippers as well.
He also brought home the flowers; Gleason was well loved at Northwestern. Mrs. Cornwall, the department secretary, and the graduate assistants in her department sent her a vase of flowers and Dr. Manlowe and his wife sent a lovely plant. The two students who saw Gleason and Bobby in the grocery store at the beginning of the semester brought a hefty gift card good at any shop in the local mall; they had taken a collection from students in each of her classes; and they still could not keep their eyes off Bobby. Malcolm sent a wonderful bouquet of hyacinths, tulips and poppies – all out of season, nonetheless – arranged in a lovely teapot that she could use afterward. Bobby read that card; it was professionally noncommittal. He wanted to knock that arrangement off the counter, but did not.
Gladys had shown up with two casseroles and a pie. She put her hand on Gleason's shoulder and didn't let go; then, she wouldn't leave. Gladys offered to do Gleason's laundry, bring in her mail from the common delivery, get her the newspaper and magazines, run errands, stay with her – anything to be near. Gleason recognized what the manager was about and graciously declined each offer with thanks.
"I'll call you when I get to New York," he told her. "Do you want me to call you in the morning?"
"No, Love. Go testify and find out if you can come back. In any case, I'll fly home next weekend and stay there. I think I'm going to take as much time as Dr. Manlowe will give me." They stared at each other lovingly.
"I need to go. I love you. I'll call you. Don't overdo it. Rest. Swear to me you will rest."
"I swear. Now go. I love you."
Together they walked to the bedroom doors and Bobby said, "Willow, thank you for staying with her. You have my numbers, right?"
Willow turned and smiled, "Yes, Robert, I have all of your numbers. I'll take good care of her." Then, to Gleason, she added, "We'll have a good, relaxing time, won't we?"
Gleason smiled and nodded. A horn tooted outside and Bobby kissed her once more, hugged her gently and left.
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Bobby spent each grueling day at the courthouse. The defense grilled, cross-examined, recalled, and questioned him in every sense of the word, on every statement; and he was brilliant, unflappable. Bobby was calm, assured, precise – and pretty much made the case for the prosecution.
Deakins and Carver both noticed how different Bobby seemed. He was his old self, the 'before Gleason Bobby,' strong, confident, centered. Dr. Stephens had heard about Gleason and called Bobby at home one evening to see how Gleason was and to assess how Bobby was. She noticed the difference as they spoke.
He spoke with Gleason several times each day. She was getting stronger and stronger. Willow would take her to her doctor's appointment tomorrow and they would find out if Gleason could fly home with Bobby on Sunday. Bobby was heading to Chicago tomorrow, tonight if he finished on the stand.
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Thursday Evening
Bobby pulled to the curb and walked the half block to Tim's gallery. The bells over the door announced his arrival.
"Bobby! Good to see you again." The slight, bald man came around the counter with his hand extended.
"Hi, Tim thanks for waiting for me." They shook hands and then embraced briefly.
"What can I do for you?"
Bobby looked at the floor and two-stepped backwards. His left hand went to the back of his head and he said, "I, uh, I need you to make a wedding ring." He looked up sheepishly.
Tim was stunned. "Are you serious?" Bobby grinned and nodded. "Who is she? That gorgeous woman you brought in here a few months ago?" Again, Bobby grinned and nodded. "My God, man! Congratulations!" Tim slapped Bobby on the back. "When do you need it?
"Whenever you get it done. We haven't set a date. Ha, I haven't even asked her yet."
"You're pretty sure about this, huh?"
Bobby smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm sure."
"Do you know what you want?"
"Uh, yeah, kind of; I have an idea."
Tim moved around the counter and grabbed a note pad. "Ok, tell me what you want. I'll sketch and then we can tweak." Bobby described in detail what he wanted Gleason to have and Tim sketched.
"What size ring does she wear?"
Bobby looked at his friend, "I, I don't know."
"Well, you need to find out. Bobby, this is ring is going to be expensive. I mean, my workmanship and the setting are on the house as my gift to you both, but what you want is the most expensive there is. The size of her finger will determine the number of stones."
"How do I get her ring size?"
"Ask her."
"No, no, she's never worn a ring. Besides, I want this to be a surprise."
"Well, have her try on a few. I can't go too far until I know her size. I'll start looking for stones and see what I can find. You want quality everything, right?"
"Yes, I want the best. I want it unlike any other."
Tim looked up at his friend and smiled, shaking his head, not believing what Bobby had said, "Ok, Bobby, find out what size she wears and get back to me. I have to say, friend, I never thought you would do it. She's pretty special, huh?"
Bobby smiled, looked at the floor and said, "Yeah, Tim, she's like the ring, unlike any other."
Tim was impressed with his friend. He always knew Bobby was smart, but awkward. The woman he had given the necklace to was outstanding. Tim was genuinely happy for his friend.
"Let me know what size." They shook hands.
"Thanks Tim. I'll get back with you." Bobby smiled the whole way home.
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