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Designed Intent

Chapter 10

Their Third Week Apart

Monday morning

"Dr. Wintermantle?"

Gleason looked up and saw Imogene at the door, holding a vase of mixed flowers. "Oh, my. Are those for me?"

Imogene blushed and said, "Yes. Somebody really likes you!"

Gleason stood, came around her desk and took the vase. The flowers were extraordinary. A variety of wildflowers filled the cut glass vase. She took them from the student assistant and set them on her desk. "Thank you, Imogene."

The student really wanted to know who had sent them; however, she knew a dismissal when she heard it, she turned and walked away. Gleason was so excited – she could get used to this, she thought. Bobby had sent her a bouquet on the first day of classes. It was the first time she had ever gotten flowers at work. It made her feel like a princess. Men have no idea how wonderful such a small thing can be. Those flowers had astounded her; they were so unexpected.

And here, he has done it again. He is sorry for the argument last night on the phone, she thought smiling inside and out. She took the tiny envelope from the forked stick that held it. She opened it and withdrew the small card and read, "Thanks for the great time; am looking forward to more. Malcolm." Oh. My. God.

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"May I speak with Dr. Conway, please?"

"Whom shall I say is calling?"

"Gleason Wintermantle."

"One moment."

"Gleason! Do you like them?"

"Malcolm," she was uncertain as to what to say next. "Malcolm, they are lovely. But totally unnecessary."

"But you like them, eh?"

"Yes, yes. They are lovely. But, Malcolm, I, I wish you hadn't bothered."

"Why? You gave me a delightful night out. It is the least I can do. I hoped you like wildflowers. They suit you, I thought. I was right, eh?"

"Malcolm. I am flattered. But, please . . . don't do it again. Please. It's, it's not, appropriate. You understand."

Malcolm Conway knew it was a risk, sending the flowers. He was treading a fine line here. The university had a strict policy concerning fraternization between staff and staff and staff and students. He had to be careful. Although, Old Man Manlowe probably would not mind, he was an old romantic. However, Malcolm and Maeve were still legally married. Separated, but still married.

Malcolm did not reply right away. Gleason listened and waited. Finally, he said softly, "Gleason, I apologize if I upset you. That certainly was not my intent. I am sorry. I just wanted to say thank you."

Gleason knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to make her feel bad so that she would feel the need to stroke his male ego. She knew he was trying to get her to disparage herself and then say something about him being such a nice guy. Well, he was wrong. "I accepted your thanks at the end of the concert Saturday night. And, I accept your apology now. I don't have to worry about this again, do I, now that we understand each other?" Oh, that was sharp, nice and sharp.

Malcolm felt the sting. This had not gone as he had anticipated. "Ok, then. Thanks again for the concert ticket. I'll see you." Malcolm hung up. Damn it, he wanted to get close to Gleason. She was something.

Gleason hung up and looked at the flowers and smiled, they were magnificent.

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Monday Evening

Gleason turned from the sink at the sound of her phone. She had no landline, only her cell. She checked the number with a smile on her face, fully expecting to see the number in New York. Her smile disappeared; it wasn't Bobby.

She saw who it was and considered not answering. He will not quit, she said to herself. Do not answer it; do not. "Hello?"

"Gleason, I want to come over and explain everything. I want to apologize for everything."

Gleason shut her eyes and took a deep breath. "Malcolm that is not a good idea; I thought we settled this on the phone this afternoon. Don't come over here."

Malcolm knew she would not have him over. "I understand. At least let me buy you dinner. Let's go get something to eat. You have to eat. How about it, will you have dinner with me?"

She was silent for a long minute; he will not stop, she thought. "No. Do not call me anymore. Good bye, Malcolm," and she clicked off. Gleason sat on the sofa, missing Bobby more than ever.

She hit speed dial one and listened to the phone go to voice mail. "Hi Love, it's me. I miss you. Hope your day went well. Call me when you can. I love you. Forever."

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Malcolm sat simmering. You are just pushing her away, he said to himself. Leave her alone. You need to be careful, do not let her think you are stalking her, or harassing her. Leave her be for a few days. Leave her be, laddie. She will come around, but leave her be for now.

He looked at his watch; Maeve would be getting Gus ready for bed soon. Maybe he would head over there and be a good daddy to his son, be there for bedtime, tuck him in. Then, maybe he would be a good hubby to his wife, be there for bedtime, and fuck her a good one. Malcolm reached for his jacket and keys.

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