Leonard couldn't get her out of his head, he kept thinking about that sweet little lady who knew so much about music, the same music he loved. He was envious of Crusher's luck, a woman with all those characteristics was a needle in a haystack. Regardless of the rumors that went around, that woman was not an opportunist; she had a sense for life and a taste for simple things.
He had one of the college professors send him Deanna's videotapes from the entrance auditions. He didn't know her last name, only that she was Harry Crusher's classmate, and he got them. He spent two hours going through them until he found her. When he heard her he knew right away that she had a lot of talent to spend her life behind Daniel.
That powerful voice had to go on stage, he could sponsor her, offer her a scholarship in his Foundation. And he could also do other things with her. "A woman like that is worth it", why not? After all he still felt young and he was sure that the cold Daniel couldn't give her what she needed. He called his assistant.
- Prepare a letter for Mrs. Crusher, I want her at the Foundation. Surprisingly, she has talent -
- Are you sure? Crusher's not going to like this... -
- I'm not interested in Daniel. I'll deal with him if I have to, but I want that skirt and that voice in my Foundation -
Two days later he got his answer. Daniel himself went to give it to him in his office.
- What can I do for you, Daniel? - He said smiling.
He just threw the offer letter on his desk, it was all crumpled up.
- But, Daniel! That temper you have... -
- You'd better leave my wife alone, Reed. I have no patience with the kind of guy like you -
- Come on, Daniel! Stop being so cocky. It's a sincere offer, Deanna is very talented, I'm sure you know that -
- Don't call her that... Don't call her that at all. I warned you -
- Always inflexible, Crusher... Are you going to let her career end before it's even begun? Don't be selfish. My Foundation can open a lot more doors for her than all your money, you know that - He was using a mocking tone that raised Daniel's ire.
- Back off, Reed! -
And as he came he left. Well, it wasn't so bad after all, Leonard was expecting something much worse when he saw him come in. It was strange, his known aggressive temper didn't flare up as much as he supposed. And that was because he was exhausted, he had been arguing with Deanna for two days over that blessed letter.
It started the day they got back together with Laura and Harry, when he arrived in the afternoon with the kids she wasn't there. She had classes. He waited for her a little worried about how he had seen her in the morning. But when she walked through the door her demeanor had changed. Then he knew she had spent part of the day with her brother and he felt a little thorn in his side.
At night he tried to shoo away his insecurities by looking for her in bed, but Deanna was more asleep than awake. It was his fault, he sometimes had a habit of staying up late working. He felt frustration and the thorn stuck in him a little more. He was convinced he was turning into a jerk How many fears could a man like him have? What was it that made him doubt himself like that?
And then the letter came, so damn lucky that he received it himself.
- Why is Reed inviting you to his Foundation? -
- I don't know...
- You don't know? You must have made a very good impression on him that night - His tone was sarcastic, he was angry, he was full of insecurities and jealousy.
- And what does that mean? I didn't ask him if that's what you're suggesting.
- Why is it so hard to be married to you? - He ran his hand through his hair, as he did every time he was disappointed.
- Being married to you is not a pearl either, I still don't understand how everything is my fault every time -.
- He sent this to you for a reason! - He shouted at her, waving the paper in his hand.
- How should I know! - Deanna would not be intimidated.
- I told you what kind of man Reed is! -
- I didn't ask him for anything! -
- I'm getting sick of all this Deanna! -
- So am I! -
The next day was no much better and all Daniel could think about was getting his hands around Leonard's neck. For Reed it was a battle of ego, but for him it was much more than that.
Beverly watched him quietly, something was wrong with him, she could feel it. She could see it in his face, probably something related to Deanna.
- What's wrong with you, Daniel? -
- Nothing.
- Is it Deanna? - Daniel looked up.
- It's nothing, Beverly - He didn't talk about his problems with anyone.
- Leonard has no scruples, Daniel, don't make a big deal out of it.
- Leonard? Why are you naming Reed? -
- Well... It is known that he sent an invitation to your wife to join his foundation...
- I'm intrigued as to how my personal life is suddenly public knowledge - He told her with a harsh tone.
- You can't blame them, they've got nothing else to do -
- What about you? -
- I only care about the company's image and that's you. Forgive me, but ever since you got married they do nothing but paint you as a puppet.
- I'm really don't care. -
- Well you should, you lose the trust of our clients with every " fuss" that involves Deanna. But the Leonard thing goes to another level, just ignore him, he's always been like that... -
- He has no shame -
- He never has, he's not going to start now. He'll get tired of it eventually, don't let him torture you. He's just looking for his chance... -
- He won't get it.
- Of course he won't -
And to make sure he doesn't get it, he went himself to end that circus.
Beverly did find the opportunity she was looking for: Leonard. How accurate, dear Reed.
Deanna was still angry and he was tired. She understood perfectly what was happening to him, but there wasn't much she could do. Trying to contain him was only a temporary patch in the flow. Nothing she did was ever right: if she tried to fit into his world something would kick her out, if she wanted to placate him she would explode along with him. If there was one thing they shared, it was a desperation to belong to each other, to the point of changing the course of their lives.
What wasn't she willing to do for him? If she was madly in love with everything he was, even with that insane jealousy; because she was sure it was a product of the uncertainties he held, she herself had her own. She couldn't stay mad at Daniel for long, no matter how much she wanted to.
To get out of this situation she would have to do something drastic, another patch. She didn't know if it would work, but she couldn't stand another day of his indifference, so she would use the credit card he had given her and send him a message.
- Are you busy?
- No, I'm not.
- Good. Tonight at the Continental Hotel, room 706.
- What are you talking about?
- I'll wait for you there, at 9. The kids will stay with your parents.
- What for?
- If you want to know, come.
Of course he knew what for and of course he would go. Daniel was about to witness something he didn't know about Deanna.
Her mother had once told her that women have a power that men don't have, that it's not good to use it because it puts them at a disadvantage and that's not healthy in a relationship. Not a last resource, because it didn't guarantee anything, but at least it was a strong attempt. Deanna had already exercised it a couple of times, and as Philippa warned her it didn't solve anything in the long run, it only helped a little.