But as much as they had tried to shield Daniel from the gossip, it didn't take long for it to arrive at his door. And of course it was Beverly who had brought him the news.
- I'm sorry to have to talk to you about this, Daniel, but don't you think it's time you started thinking about divorce? -
- I'm not going to talk to you about that," he said curtly.
- Well, you will have to, because the situation is going downhill and you have to put an end to it.
- And if that's the case, why do I have to discuss it with you? My private life is none of your business, I've already told you that.
- Your private life has become public, and even if you don't want to admit it, it's starting to affect everyone -
- I don't see how -
Beverly sighed, should she tell him?
- I've told you before and I'll tell you again: you have an image to maintain whether you like it or not. This company has an image to maintain and you are its face. I'm sorry about what happened with your wife, but you can't live your life like this. We all need you back as CEO of the company.
- I'm not interested in any of this -
- Look, Daniel, I know you're having a hard time getting back into your life... But what's the point of continuing with this attitude? Your wife has already moved on and now it's your turn -
- What are you talking about? What do you know about Deanna? -
Now she had his undivided attention.
- They say she's with Leonard now... –
- This is stupid -
- Apparently they go out to eat a lot too... -
- More stupidity...
- He has her staying at the Durban Hotel and visits her every day... -
- That's bullshit...
- Daniel, for God's sake! You must realize what's going on between them... -
- There is nothing going on between them! - He yelled at her.
He would never accept it.
- For God's sake! Go and see for yourself! Go and see for yourself and get it over with -
- I'm not going anywhere. This talk stops now, if you don't have anything to say about work, you'd better go -
Beverly left, but she left a doubt in his mind. What if it was true? No, of course it wasn't. Deanna wouldn't replace him so quickly, especially not with Reed, would she? Seeing her with him that night, imagining her with him, meant nothing. She loved him and surely Leonard would try to get to her now that she was alone, but Deanna would never give in. He had convinced himself of that.
The proposal Leonard had made to Deanna had surprised her, but she hadn't accepted it. He wanted to represent her artistically, he knew everyone, it was the world he moved in. There would be an audition at the Ambassador, a well-known producer was looking for a new voice, his star would retire soon and he needed a replacement. But he wanted someone fresh, someone who hadn't been on the boards yet, so he could teach her and mold her.
Marcus was going to kill him, but this was the perfect opportunity for her. He was sure the man would be impressed when he heard her.
- I will not begin under your patronage. I want to earn my own place... it's too early –
- You won't start with me, just let me take you to the audition, whether he chooses you or not will only depend on your talent. I know Marcus wants you on his staff, but this man is world famous. You could start your career in a big way. And it's not too early, you should start thinking about yourself and leave Crusher behind -
- The semester is about to begin...
- Come on, Deanna! You don't need college for this, especially with your voice and talent. Maybe some more intensive classes, but you could learn everything from this man. You wouldn't be alone, I know exactly how they handle themselves... at least let me help you with that. It's not worth wasting this opportunity... Come on... At least think about it, okay? -
Daniel was restless, agitated. Beverly's words and doubts were eating him up inside... He must have gone crazy by now, because he asked for a company car and went to the hotel. But he didn't go in, he was paralyzed. Deanna was in there? Just a few feet away, all he had to do was get out and knock on her door.
He didn't know how many hours had passed. He just watched the entrance from the back seat of the car in silence. Daniel Crusher was afraid to face his wife. If he saw her again, he would wrap her in his arms so she couldn't escape again. But what if she wouldn't come back to him? He told the driver he could go back alone, he didn't want to leave this place until he saw her.
Deanna came down from the elevator with Leonard, she had thought about his proposal and with some conditions she would accept it, although she didn't feel very sure. Without realizing it, Reed was helping her through the breakup process by giving her something else to think about besides Daniel.
When they reached the lobby, a woman about Leonard's age approached them.
- Leonard, darling, how nice to see you! -
- Hello Martha - he said annoyed.
- It's been so long since I've seen you, what a nice surprise! –
Deanna watched the interaction and noticed Leonard's bored face. Apparently he wasn't interested in her unless she was a young woman.
-Thank you, Martha, but we're on our way out," he said, pointing at Deanna.
The woman's expression changed diametrically when she saw her, as always Leonard and his young girls! and she openly showed her displeasure.
-I see... Okay, goodbye.
The three of them left almost at the same time, Martha leading the way at a fast pace.
-She is a more suitable wife for you,- Deanna told him as she walked through the door.
Leonard felt indignant.
- What are you talking about? -
- Well, she looks to be about your age... more or less... -
They stopped on the sidewalk while Martha continued walking, walking away.
- Of course not! I don't need diapers yet! - Leonard replied, pointing to the walking figure.
Deanna saw her, the woman wearing a long white skirt that for some reason had a pattern that simulated cowhide spots, and they were so badly distributed that one of them was in the most uncomfortable place; as if she had been sitting in a mud puddle.
And she burst into laughter, that honest, surprised laughter that comes from something unexpected. Reed smiled when he heard her. She laughed so hard that her eyes watered and she had to hold on to his arm.
He had vowed to go after her if she tried to leave him, but he never could. That time he had chickened out because he thought he had hurt her too much, and this time it was the simple fear that she had stopped loving him.
And what he saw confirmed it, Deanna didn't want him anymore. She laughed with Reed, grabbed his arm, and he looked at her with a satisfied smile. They had left the hotel together, chatting. Together... out of the hotel. She was with Leonard! He had insisted ad nauseam on sending her invitations from his foundation, flowers; he had tolerated his chasing her around the theater so she wouldn't lose her tutoring with Marcus, and now this... He slapped the front seat and kept looking out the window as they drove away.
Daniel didn't disarm, he was already disarmed. Instead, he glued every piece she had torn from him back together, cemented them together so he could never lose them again. So that never again would another woman have access to his insides and make a mess of his life. The icy shell would rise around him again, thicker than ever.