A Perfect Love

Chapter One

Part One

The autumn day shone its brightly colored hues; sun shining, breeze crisp and the air seemed electric with energy. The commute from work generally took a reasonable amount of time, but today Gail was anxious. She had exciting news and she couldn’t wait to tell her husband, Lee. Lee most probably wasn’t even home yet, but the anticipation of telling her news kept her cheerful and full of expectation. Because they were married only slightly more than 3 years, the newness and freshness of their marriage was the joy of her life. It wasn’t like they were teenagers. No, in fact, they were what some people would call, “middle-aged”. It wasn’t their first marriage, neither was it either’s first happy marriage, but it was certainly the best and happiest marriage for both of them.

They were really still in the ‘honeymoon’ stages; not able to bear being apart, not willingly going to bed angry, that type of relationship. Because Gail had been married before and widowed, and found out revelations about her dead husband, she had been somewhat skeptical about getting into a marriage or even into any kind of relationship again. She had known that Greg wasn’t perfect; he was human. But maybe she had placed him upon that pedestal that young women often do for older, wiser husbands. Her personal life had revolved around the university professor that could easily charm the birds from the sky and the fish from the sea. He’d promised her great escapades and thrilling adventures and, for the most part, he’d kept those promises. Being an educator, he always had 3 months off in the summer. It was during those interludes that he and Gail traveled the world, seeing and doing things that she could have only imagined prior to knowing Greg.

Thank goodness Gail had always kept up her career. Being a psychiatrist was easy for Gail. She had the gift of listening, but she knew how to talk, too. She knew when to talk, and that was the key that made her successful. People just naturally opened up to her and let the misery and anguish inside them flow out into the light. Once their feelings were out, they were easier to dispel or refute. Gail had spent the major part of her career, prior to Greg, being a confidant and earthly saint to children. But not just any children, children who were homeless, parentless and/or neglected and damaged were her specialty. So selfless was Gail that people often thought she was a nun at the orphanage she served. She wasn’t, she was just comfortable living there. There was never a lack for service and she liked being around the kids as they grew up, being a part of their lives for more than just an hourly session.

All that changed when Professor Adamson showed up. Oh, they were devastated to see her leave. The kids and the sisters were as sad for themselves as they were happy for Gail. They all knew that she deserved this knight-in-shining-armor man, but it was hard to let her go. Greg had mentored some students in the psychiatry program that did special studies at the orphanage. After some initial conflicts, Greg decided that Gail was definitely wasted by being ‘stuck out in the boonies’. He admired her for her service but thought that all things had their limits. He proposed after knowing Gail for 5 weeks. Her first reaction was a silently-said, “I don’t even like you!”

Greg wasn’t a person that took rejection lightly, however, or seriously. When he supposed that he hadn’t made a good enough impression to win the lady’s heart, he pulled out all the stops. It was only a matter of time before she gave in and finally accepted his proposal. She was in her middle 30’s at the time and, after reflecting on it later, decided that she must have let her age influence her decision. While she was basically happy, and Greg was ecstatic, she never felt that Greg was the love of her life. “But”, she reasoned, life is not a fairytale and ‘happily ever-afters don’t really happen.”

When Greg died suddenly, she was taken aback. She mourned, she grieved, even went into a deep depression. But she didn’t die herself. She had expected to. She had even imagined that she would, but she didn’t. She wondered then if she had really loved Greg and decided that she had, but that it wasn’t the kind of love that fantasies were made of. Gail was a levelheaded professional who engaged in occasional episodes of fantasy. It was normal, she thought. After all, who doesn’t dream about more? Everyone wants more and Gail was no exception. She wasn’t perfect, either, by any stretch of the imagination. She certainly had been accused of being “too” perfect, but she never believed it and was secretly appalled that anyone else would believe it.

Part Two

Pulling her car into the driveway, she began mentally ticking off her list of chores that would help her put dinner on the table. “Better check the answering machine first, to see if Lee’s left me a message.” He was sometimes prone to do that. His busy law firm was his second obsession, the first being Gail. Because Gail had her own career now, at General Hospital, he felt more at ease while he concentrated on his legal business. He sometimes worked into the early morning hours, leaving Gail to fend for herself. Sometimes, though, she would surprise him and show up with a picnic supper and some fancy non-alcoholic champagne. Lee was a recovering alcoholic and with almost 3½ years of complete sobriety under his belt, Gail was willing to do anything to help him keep it. She never drank when the two of them were alone and rarely at parties. She didn’t need it now, because she had Lee. She had once enjoyed a martini or two, but they weren’t even a temptation, as long as Lee was around. She was so proud of him and vowed never to give him a reason to start drinking again. As a mental health professional, she knew how important it was to a recovering alcoholic’s self-esteem to be alcohol-free. He had promised her on their wedding night that he’d never touch it again, and she believed him.

There was no message from Lee, so Gail busily went about preparing a small feast. She had exciting news and they were going to celebrate. While she was rinsing lettuce in the sink, she heard Lee’s car pull into the garage. In moments, strong arms encircled her waist and she felt warm lips pressed to the nape of her neck.

“You better stop that, my husband’s due home any minute,” she teased.

”Hmm, never, never could I stop!”

“Ok, well, then, I’ll never tell him.” Gail put down the lettuce and turned to face her very handsome husband. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him with tenderness and then pulled back to just look at him. His silver hair was a crown of beauty and his eyes were flashing brown with golden sparkles. That funny feeling she always got when she looked at him, started in her toes and flushed up to her smile.

“My, my, sweet Gail. You are looking particularly ravishing tonight. Have you been naughty, by any chance?”

Blushing, Gail hugged him tightly and whispered, “You always manage to read my mind!”

“Hmmm, yes, I think I can read your mind. Especially when you have that look about you.”

“Oh, Lee, you really are a darling.”

”Thanks, sweetheart. I love you, too.”

“Dinner’s almost ready and then I have something to tell you.”

Lee went upstairs to change while Gail finished setting the table. She really savored the nights that they managed to share in their home. Eating out with friends was fun, but she really enjoyed being with Lee and just cuddling or talking or reading to each other.

Lee asked her during the last of the meal what her news was. She looked pleased that he remembered and then looked as if she’d bust. He could tell it was something special to her, so he listened with complete attention.

“Do you remember when I told you that an old classmate of mine contacted me?”

”Yes, I think so. Some guy you used to date?”

”Er, well, as a matter of fact, yes we did date. But that’s not the point. He got his psychiatric license but decided that counseling patients wasn’t his thing. So, he started his own business. His company conducts lectures and symposiums for medical education.”

”Oh, how interesting. I guess that fulfills a definite need out there. All doctors need to update their education and someone has to provide that.”

”Yes, of course. He does all types of medical education, for specialties, etc.”

“So, your old boyfriend is an educator.”

”Yes, that’s right. And he’s looking for some expertise to sit on one of his symposium panels.”

”And, naturally, he thought of you.”

”I don’t know how natural it was, but, yes, he did think of me. He said he read that article I wrote that was published last spring in the Session Notes.”

”That would explain it, then. He is looking for fresh, beautiful faces to sit on his panel.”

“Lee, I’m very honored that he’d offer me this opportunity.”

”Certainly. I’m serious, honey. I can understand why anyone would want you to be a part of his or her business. You’re talented, smart, dedicated, all the things that make a good professional.”

”He’s asked me to be a part of a panel next week. He would have given me more notice, but he just had someone back out on him at the last minute.”

“And this is something you want to do?” Lee asked.

“Very much so. It should be exciting. I’ve always wanted to reach a large audience. This seems like the perfect way.”

"Well, then I think you should go for it, honey. You’re the right person for the job, too. He couldn’t have picked a more suitable person. You’ll be the best he’s ever had."

"His name is Ron. Ron Stone."

"Dr. Ron Stone. Name seems familiar."

"I may have mentioned it before. I’m no sure.”

"Have you cleared this with Steve? How long will you be gone?” Lee edged closer to her now, almost beginning to feel her absence. How ever would he exist while she was gone?

”Steve has approved the leave and he’s even going to pay me while I’m gone. I’m afraid I’ll be gone 7 days.”

Lee pulled back, giving her a most stern look. ”Seven days? Seven days? Can even you talk that long??” Lee teased.

“Yes, I think so, “ smiled Gail. “But I will miss you terribly while I’m gone.”

”I’ll miss you, too, probably more than you’ll miss me.”

“No, that couldn’t happen. I’ll definitely miss you more.”

Later that evening, Gail went about getting things together and her suitcases prepared for packing. Lee was reading the paper and looked up occasionally to offer advice and opinions.

”Honey, I really think you should buy some new clothes. It’s getting cool here and it will be even cooler in Boston, I think.”

”Boy, do you know how many women would love to hear their husbands say that? Maybe I shouldn’t leave you alone. Someone might grab you while I’m not looking.”

”Oh, I don’t think there’s a danger of that, Gail. I’ll never look at another woman again as long as I live.”

”Brother, now that’s a little too thick, if you ask me. I’ve seen you giving glances to some of those student nurses at the hospital. Who do you think you’re kidding?”

”Me? Nah, I wasn’t looking, really.” Lee said this with a light-hearted chuckle and pretended to go back to his paper.

Shoving his paper aside and nestling herself into his lap, Gail drew him into a lingering kiss.

“There. Perhaps you won’t forget me while I’m gone!”

“Not a chance, Sweetheart, not a chance. You care to finish that kiss in the proper fashion?”

Not giving her a moment to protest, he picked her and himself up and carried her to the bed. Part of Lee’s charm was his courtly, gentlemanly ways. He was always so thoughtful and tender and Gail was always appreciative. Their love had no bounds and it was easy to shut the world out, as long as they had each other. The packing was forgotten, their clothes left in a heap on the floor and there was no distance between them that night. It was if they were making love to put in storage, while they were separated and alone.

The next morning, Gail woke up to the delicious aroma of coffee floating into the room. Opening just one eye, she saw Lee at the door with a tray, laden with cups and a carafe. He was grinning from ear to ear.

“I see that one eye peeking at me! Get up you, sleepy head!”

She pulled the sheets up around her and smiled at her sweet husband. His hair was tussled and he was barefooted. He looked adorable and she couldn’t believe he was really hers. She was so lucky!

Pouring her coffee, he looked at her wistfully for a few moments.

“What’s wrong, Lee? Is something the matter?”

“Not at all. I’m just trying to burn your image into my mind, so I can see you while you’re gone. I’m going to miss you so much!”

“I hope you miss me a little, anyway. But I’m sure you will take this opportunity to work late and catch your projects up. I thought you were going on a business trip soon?”

”Yes, I was planning on going to Chicago next week. But only for 3 days. I should get back the day after you do. Then, we’ll celebrate. I will know whether I’ve signed on my biggest client, to date, or whether it’s not meant to be.”

”You’re really excited about Tempco Industries, aren’t you, Lee?”

”It will be a huge feather in our cap, Honey. It will assure the firm a good income for several years. Then maybe I won’t have to work so hard. Joe is becoming a first rate lawyer and he will be the perfect guy for this client.”

”Joe’s learned from the best, you know,” Gail said, her eyes twinkling.

“Well, Joe has a lot of common sense, as well as a good aptitude for law. Being a private investigator all those years actually strengthened his talents. If only Scott would agree to join the firm, I think the 3 of us could conquer the world.”

”Don’t give up on Scotty. I know your son is head-strong, but he also loves you and loves the law.”

”He’s so discouraged, Gail. I can see it in his eyes. He’s been hurt badly and he just wants to give up.”

”Give him time, Lee. You and I both know what losing a spouse can do to a person. And losing a small child, too, that hurt goes so much deeper than I can even imagine.”

”I try to convince myself that he’ll come back to me. But I don’t know, Gail. I just don’t know.”

“I’ll talk to him when I get back. I’ll try to get through to him. He really has to snap out of it and start formulating a plan for his life.”

”Gail, I hope you have better luck than I did. He became very angry with me. That’s not new, of course, but it did hurt. If anyone can get him to listen, though, it’s you.”

”I know that both of you are hurting now; hurting each other and hurting for each other. It’s normal. Time is the best healer. Just wait and see.”

“What would I do without my Gail?” Lee asked softly, squeezing her hand.

“I hope you never find out.”

Part Three

The next several days were filled with the normal goings on of a busy doctor with a successful lawyer-husband. Gail took Lee’s advice and went on a wild shopping spree one night when he was working late. She had wished she’d had his opinion during the buying process, but the fashion show that night was really fun and definitely made up for shopping alone. Lee declared the fashion show a raging success and they celebrated with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

The next morning, as they were both dressing for work, Lee stuck his head out of the bathroom and asked if they had any plans for the evening.

“Not that I know of, no dinner parties or plays.”

“Then, Honey, why don’t we go out tonight? Just to save time. No sense in you cooking, we can eat out and save all the cleanup, too.”

“That’s really sweet of you, Darling. I have so much to do, maybe that would save me some time. What time can you get away? I hope you don’t have to work late, because I’m really not fond of eating at midnight.”

“I’ll do my best to get away no later than 6. In fact, why don’t we ride together this morning and you can drop me off. That way, I have no choice but to leave when you come after me.”

“I think I sense something off here. You have no choice? As in you wouldn’t come willingly?”

“Gail, you know what I mean. I’ll be very tempted to leave with you, if I see your lovely vision in my office.”

“That’s better, Dear. Gee, I know why you’re the lawyer in the family. You could sell refrigerators at the North Pole.”

“It’s all part of the charm, my dear, all part of the charm.”

“And I love it, Lee, I do love it.”

Sometimes it wasn’t easy getting dressed with Lee around. He had such a playful nature and he was too quick. He could dress faster than any man she’d ever known, which left her standing in her slip and stocking feet while he paced. ‘Oh, well,’ she thought, ‘it’s a small price to pay.’

While she was putting on her makeup, she noticed that the stone from her engagement ring was almost out. ‘Darn,’ she thought, ‘this setting just keeps breaking. This is the second time it’s almost lost a stone.’ Gail wondered when she’d ever have the time to take it to the jeweler, and she realized she wouldn’t be able to wear it on her trip. She was sure that Lee would be most upset. He was rather peeved at the jeweler that had repaired the ring twice before. She decided she wouldn’t tell Lee and she wouldn’t take the ring to the same jeweler, either. She’d have to ask Monica, her friend, what jeweler she recommended. Monica, her best friend, from ages ago, would surely know of a reputable jeweler that could fix the setting.

As usual, Lee was pacing in the kitchen, halfway reading the paper and eyeing the coffeepot.

“Do I have time for another cup, Gail?” he shouted up the stairs.

“I’m almost done, just be patient!”

“I am patient, but we’re going to be late.”

“For reasons we won’t go into, Lee, it’s all your fault.”

Laughing, Lee gladly took the teasing and admitted that he probably had slowed her down, somewhere down the line.

“Just get me to my office before lunch. I need my nourishment.”

“Oh, you’re so funny. I’ll miss my little comedian while I’m gone.”

Lee grabbed his things, helped her with hers and they were off on another day’s adventure.

Part Four

Gail loved going to work. She was the best-known psychiatrist in Port Charles. Her patients all seemed to like her and trusted her, too. She had helped many people in her career and that’s what made it so satisfying. Checking in at the nurses’ station, she saw Monica coming toward her.

“Good morning, Monica.”

“Hi, Gail. You look happy today. What’s up?”

“Oh, I guess I’m just getting excited about my trip. I’m

almost packed and ready to go.” “You really are going to have the best time, I just know it!”

“The only thing that could make it better would be taking Lee with me. I think we’d have a really good, mini-vacation.”

“You deserve it, why don’t you do that?”

“I tried, Monica, I really did. But Lee is preoccupied at work. He’s working on snagging a new client and he has to go out of town himself.”

“Well, another time, then. If you do well, who knows, Ron may ask you again and again. And you’ll have more time for planning.”

“That’s a thought. Say, Monica, do you know of a good jeweler? The stone from my engagement ring is about to fall out. I’m afraid to wear it or I might lose the diamond.”

“Sure, there’s a jeweler around the corner. I think that if I call them, they’ll send a runner over to pick it up.”

“A delivery in reverse? How convenient.”

“Well, Alan is continually in the doghouse with me, so we practically carry the second note on that jewelry store. They know us by name. I just love getting an apology that sparkles!”

“Oh, Monica, you are spoiled, aren’t you? Alan can well afford diamonds, but how many can one woman wear?”

“I’ll continue finding places to put them until Alan stops buying them. I just love beautiful jewelry. I’m sorry to hear about your ring. That’s kind of unusual, isn’t it?”

“This stone has loosened several times. I’m at a loss as to why it can’t stay fixed. The setting just doesn’t seem to hold. The big problem is that my rings are welded together.”

“Gail, why is that a problem?”

“It means that I can’t wear either ring on my trip. I’ll be going ring-less, so to speak.”

“Ah, and that could cause a problem.”

“No, I just meant that I wouldn’t be able to wear my beautiful rings. They are gorgeous, you know.”

“Yes, I know. I remember when Lee picked them out. He did quite a job. He has excellent taste.”

Gail had always thought so, even if Lee’s pocketbook wasn’t as hefty as Alan’s. Lee’s gifts always came from the heart, she was sure of it, and that’s what really mattered.

Monica noticed the time and said she had to run to scrub for surgery. Gail, not due for an appointment for the next twenty minutes decided to walk over to the jewelers and leave the rings to be repaired.

Part Five

It had been a hard day, after all. Gail hadn’t counted on a patient from the maternity floor trying to jump off the ledge of her room window. It had been a terrifying hour or so before Gail was able to coax the young woman in. Even though she wasn’t officially a patient of hers, Gail read the chart, documented the incident and consulted with the woman’s family and obstetrician. She noted that the woman had some other serious problems and suggested that she and the family seek further counseling. Nevertheless, things had been tense and she was desperately behind in her paperwork. Rushing, she left the parking garage and drove quickly towards Lee’s office. She arrived at his office at 6:15.

“Ok, ok, give me the lecture, so we can go on our way,” Gail smirked. She just knew Lee would have some comment about her being late. She did seem to be late more than her fair share.

“That’s ok, Sweetheart, I know you didn’t do it on purpose. You’d never do that.”

“That’s not fair, Lee. You’re supposed to chastise me so that I don’t feel bad. When you forgive this easily, it means I have to feel guilty.”

Laughing, Lee said, “No, I mean it. I think that being late is a female trait. It means you’re all woman!”

“Unbelievable. You have the patience of a saint!”

“Yes, of course, I do. But we can go further into my virtues at dinner. Want to try something new?”

“No, I think I want the same old thing. Less decisions that way, you know.”

“Ok, then shall it be the Floating Rib or Kelly’s?”

“Floating Rib. I’m hungry for a juicy steak.”

“As long as your appetite is not totally satisfied,” he grinned.

The left the building and drove several blocks to the popular restaurant. The owner greeted them enthusiastically and showed them to a table that had been designated “their table” many months before. They didn’t even need a menu, they just told Arnold what they wanted and it was prepared. Nothing was too good for the Baldwins.

“Oh, Honey, I see Joe over there. I didn’t realize he was coming here tonight.”

“I think he comes here rather often. It must be a good change from the diner.” Joe Kelly, Lee’s law partner lived above Kelly’s Diner. The name was the same because Joe’s dad owned the diner and Joe had lived there most of his life.

“Why don’t you invite him over, Lee? He looks rather forlorn. Did something happen at work?”

“Why, I don’t think so. He does look a little down-in-the-mouth. He’s been that way for a while. I’ll go check it out, maybe get him to join us.”

Lee made his way to where Joe was sitting at the bar. It wasn’t unusual to run into friends in Port Charles’ eating establishments. There weren’t many good eating places and the really good eating places were even scarcer.

“Joe, how about joining me and Gail?” Lee asked as he put his hand on Joe’s shoulder.

“Huh?”

“Gail and I would like you to join us, Joe.”

“Oh, no, I don’t think so, Lee. I’m not good company tonight.”

“Nonsense. You shouldn’t be alone. Come over to the table and order something. We’re not staying long because Gail has to get home to do some stuff.”

“Well, ok, if you sure you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, Joe, we insist.”

“I’ll be there in a minute, “ Joe promised as he continued drinking. He wouldn’t take his drink to the table because of Lee. He knew Lee wouldn’t mind that, but he couldn’t help it. He felt embarrassed to drink in front of Lee. He respected him and wanted to support him in his decision to stay sober. So Joe never really drank in front of Lee. He never lied about it; he just passed up the booze when he was around Lee. He didn’t know if Lee noticed or not, it was just something that Joe preferred to do. The thing Joe didn’t prefer to do was to have dinner with Gail Baldwin.

It wasn’t that he disliked Gail. In fact, he liked Gail just a little too much. He’d had this set of crushing pains ever since the Christmas before. He remembered the exact moment he fell in love with her. It was Christmas at the Baldwins. There was a party going on and some fellow he didn’t even know was being an obnoxious drunk. Lee had taken a friend home and wasn’t around to help out. But that didn’t stop Gail. She handled that drunk like he was preschooler. She controlled the situation and the party was saved.

Not many women were like her. Beautiful. Caring. Sensitive. Beautiful. But his attraction was compounded. The first problem was, she was married. The second, and even bigger, problem was, she was married to his boss! How could he fall in love with the boss’ wife? Wasn’t that insane? Wasn’t that dangerous? Not only was it incredible, it was stupid. The biggest problem of all was that Joe knew he didn’t stand a chance. There was no point in even hoping for that. Gail was desperately, totally, infinitely in love with her husband. There would never be a place in her heart for him. He wasn’t worthy of her, if she could find the tiniest space in her heart.

So, having dinner with her, watching her with her husband, laughing, smiling, making longing looks at him, was just more torture than any man should have to endure. But what did he do? Did he walk away? No. Did he make an excuse? No. He just let himself be railroaded into joining them at their table.

‘You want it, Kelly; you know you do. There’s a piece of you that will settle for sitting beside her at a restaurant, in the company of her husband. There’s a piece of you that is so weak, you will do anything to be around her. You will regret it, Kelly, you will.’

That being said to himself and immediately ignored, Joe walked to the table and deliberated about which of the two empty seats to take. Should he take the one in front of her, looking at that gorgeous face? Or should he take the one beside her, where he could feel the intensity of her sexuality? He finally chose the one beside her. He could look away from her then, not be captivated by her eyes. But her essence was still there. He could smell her perfume or her soap. He wasn’t sure which it was, but it was alluring and he drank it in like a thirsty man in a remote desert.

“Hi, Joe. Great to see you. I don’t get to see you nearly often enough.”

“Thanks, Gail. I’ve been busy; I’ll admit it. I have to work really hard to keep up with your husband. He’s some example.”

“You should concentrate on your own goals, Joe. Don’t let Lee influence you so much.”

“She’s teasing, Joe. She’s trying to get back at me for working you and myself too hard.”

“Oh, the mighty lawyer is quick to discern my true meaning,” Gail dramatically replied.

“Yes, I know, I know. You think I work too hard and that I don’t pay enough attention to you.”

“Then, Lee, you should be ashamed of yourself. If I were in your shoes, and you in mine, I wouldn’t give two figs about you. I would be spending all my time with Gail.”

“Yes, Joe, I imagine that’s the honest truth. And I plan to turn over a new leaf. Wait and see. When we get Tempco, you will see a different man sitting in my chair.”

“Really? Will it mean that much? Change much, I mean?”

“I’m hoping that it will, Joe. I’m also hoping that it will bring Scotty into the firm.”

“That’s what I thought you’d been working towards. Do you think you have him on the line, Lee or is it just wishful thinking?”

Joe was concerned over this issue. When he hired on with Lee, he never dreamed he would share the spotlight with anyone other than Lee. Now, Lee was trying to recruit Scotty and that could mean Joe would be bumped to third status. He wasn’t sure that he could survive that kind of competition. Lee was a fair man, but after all, Scotty was his son. Blood is so much thicker than water.

Gail interrupted his thoughts with, “Joe, I haven’t seen you around the hospital much since you solved that case of the missing laboratory materials. Are you still dating that cute pediatric nurse?”

”I’ve been around, Gail. In fact, I still have my sources. I heard about your dramatic rescue today. Congratulations on a job well done.”

”Honey, you didn’t tell me about this. What happened?” inquired Lee.

“Oh, nothing, really. I was just doing my job.”

”How modest, Gail.” Joe turned to Lee and began telling the tale he’d heard from one of the nurses of Gail’s saving the young mother from suicide.

“It really wasn’t that big of a deal, fellows. As I said, I was just doing my job. She was hurting and I was there to help.”

”Gail, they had already tried talking her down off that ledge. You were the only one that could get through to her. She would have jumped if you hadn’t taken over the situation.”

”My heroine!” Lee exclaimed.

“Quit making a fuss. I really feel bad that I had to just leave her. My own patients had to wait two hours extra because of her so I couldn’t take the extra time, that I wanted, to continue counseling her.”

”You mean you turned her over to someone else?” asked Joe.

“She was in a worked-up state, so we sedated her. I’ll check in on her later. I’ve already briefed Dr. Callahan, the psych resident on call, so I feel sure she’s in good hands. I just would really like to help her get to the root of her problem.”

“You’ll end up being her counselor, Gail, if I know you,” smiled Lee. “You’re just that type of doctor.”

”Yeah, she’s one in a million, Lee. But, tell me, Gail, is that why you look so glowing tonight? Or, Mr. Baldwin, are you the reason she seems so happy?”

”I’m afraid being Mrs. Baldwin isn’t the cause. It’s being Dr. Adamson that has her flying high right now.”

”Something in addition to today’s excitement?” Joe queried.

”Oh, another victim for me! Thanks for asking, Joe, I’ll be glad to tell you.”

”Now you’ve done it, Joe. Don’t say you didn’t ask for it,” laughed Lee.

Gail recounted all the details of her trip, while Lee kicked back and watched her enthusiasm. He just couldn’t help loving her; she brought such vitality to an otherwise dull and boring life.

“I’m sure you’ll knock ‘em dead, Gail. Who knows? You might even embark on a new career, while you’re at it.”

”Shhh, don’t give her any ideas, Joe. I need my wife close at hand. I’m gracious enough to share her with Port Charles, but that’s about the extent of my generosity.”

Joe was going to hate Gail being gone. Just knowing she was around town was so comforting. ‘Perhaps I have mother issues,’ he mused. ‘No, that can’t be it. While Gail is older than me, I never would have thoughts like these about my mother! Besides, there have been plenty of mother roles in my life, between my aunts and my assorted stepmothers. I’m just plain hooked on her. Too bad I’ll never get anywhere with her. Nowhere, is where I’m at, as long as she has Lee.’

It was time to go and the trio said their goodnights. Joe wished Gail well on her trip and promised to keep Lee company whenever he needed it. Then he watched the two of them stroll hand-in-hand as they walked out of the restaurant, happy for his friends, sad for his loneliness.

---

Chapter Two

Part Six

Lee was driving and the car was incredibly quiet.

“Honey, everything ok? You certainly aren’t talking much.”

”Everything’s wonderful, Lee. I’m just mulling over some things in my head. Thinking about the trip. And I have to say that I’m kind of worried about Joe. He didn’t seem himself tonight. Very somber.”

“Oh, he’s alright, Gail, he just has woman problems, I think.”

”I noticed that when I asked him if he was still dating Sheila, he just glossed over it. I hope everything’s ok.”

“I don’t think Sheila is his problem. It’s someone else.”

”Oh, really, I didn’t know. Maybe I should talk to her. Can’t have your law partner in a depressing situation,” she teased impishly.

“I think it would be great if you talked to her. You can march yourself home and talk to her in the mirror.”

”What?”

”Yes, that’s what I said. You should have a good, stern talk with yourself.”

“Whatever for?”

”Because his main problem is you. He’s got it bad for his boss’ wife. I sure wouldn’t want to be in shoes, “ Lee said laughingly.

“Oh, Lee, you’re teasing me. That’s not in the least bit funny, anyway.”

”I know it’s not funny. It’s serious, especially for Joe. He’s in a tough spot.”

”How can you say that? I don’t know how to take you. Are you serious?”

”Yes, I’m serious. I assure you that it’s true. He has a huge crush on you. It’s as obvious as the cute nose on your face, Honey.”

”Did he tell you that?”

”No, of course not. But I don’t have to be told. I have eyes. I can see. And besides, I know all the symptoms first-hand, you know? I can spot a fellow Gail-lover, a mile away.”

”I think this is the most bizarre conversation we’ve ever had. You must be joking.”

“What can I do when I feel the same way?” Lee’s face was all grins and there was a genuine sparkle in his eyes.

”I think you’re being facetious. But even though you seem very flippant about it, I think you’re serious, somehow.”

”I told you, I am serious. I’m not upset about it, though. How could I fault his taste in women? How could I expect to adore you and think that no other man possibly could?”

“Or perhaps you’re just making this up. You sure seem to be enjoying it.”

”Right, Sweetie. I do enjoy it. I love you and I’m sure and confident of our love, and I know that Joe Kelly doesn’t have a chance of stealing you away from me.”

”Hmmm, well, that seems healthy enough. I’m going to have to crack open Freud’s manual and refresh my memory on his take on that,” Gail said sarcastically.

“Now, you’re making light of it. Even though I’m not upset over it, I do think it’s serious. Darling, you’re going to have to let him down gently, that is, if you intend to let him down at all.”

”You know, I don’t even want to think about this now. I would prefer to bury my head in the sand and just forget this conversation,” Gail replied with annoyance.

”Ah, I completely understand. I did that myself, until I did some major evaluations. But you go ahead and pretend to be oblivious. You can deal with him when you get back. Just let me know who you pick, ok?”

”Very funny. Drive me home, Lee.”

Part Seven

After puttering around the bedroom and getting her things ready for the next day, Gail found Lee in his den.

“Aren’t you about ready for bed, Honey?”

”In a minute, Gail, I want to note this address so my secretary can write a letter tomorrow. I’ll finish up in a flash.”

As they were lying in each other’s arms, Lee kissed the top of her head and said, “I hope I didn’t upset you tonight.”

”No, not really. But you did give me lots to think about. I don’t see the same things you do, men and women being different, and all that. For now, I am going to hide my head in the sand, it’s safer that way.”

”I’m certainly glad that women and men are different. Normally, it’s YOU that can see things I can’t. I’m just surprised you didn’t notice. Besides, I don’t recommend you do anything about Joe. I was just teasing, in a way. Either he’ll get over it by himself or he’ll approach you about it. I could be totally off base, but I just don’t think so. Give him some time and everything will be back to normal.”

“Normal? Normal? What’s that?” laughed Gail.

“I love to hear you laugh, Sweetheart. That low, sexy laugh is a tonic for me.”

“I save it only for you. Good night, Lee. Sleep well.”

”I will, as long as you’re in my arms.”

Part Eight

The next afternoon, Lee took time off from the office to drive Gail to the airport. They were remarkably quiet and pensive, each wondering how slow the time would go. It would be 8 whole days before they saw each other again. Sitting down in the airport lounge, Lee pulled her as close as those waiting room chairs would allow and kissed her ear.

“Lee……. We’re in public,” she halfway pleaded.

“I know, but I don’t care. I won’t have access to that ear for 8 days.”

“Oh, ok, since you put it that way, I’ll let you.” There was a smile in her voice, mixed with apprehension and excitement. She was leaving Lee, but she was going on a new journey.

Suddenly, the gate attendant called her flight and asked the passengers to start boarding. Lee held her back as long as he could and then held her hand as long as he could reach it. He thought he saw a little tear in her eye, but he blew her a kiss and mouthed, ‘I love you!’ to her.

Little did either realize that their lives would never be the same after this point.

Part Nine

Stepping off the airplane, Gail searched the crowd to find out if anyone was waiting for her. Ron had promised to have a car pick her up and take her to her hotel and she was looking forward to checking in and getting comfortable. It hadn’t been a long flight, but combined with the excitement, she felt herself fading. A short nap would hopefully cure that.

Not only had Ron arranged for someone to meet her, he’d sent a limo for her! The driver snapped up all luggage before she knew it and led the way to a shiny black Mercedes.

“Dr. Stone wanted you to see a little bit of Boston on the way to the hotel and thought this car would be more comfortable for you,” explained Ted, the driver.

“How very nice of him. I haven’t been to Boston in years, it will be great to see some of the city before it gets dark.”

Ted skillfully maneuvered the limo through some pretty amazing situations. Many of the streets of Boston are old and narrow, but he didn’t seem to notice and carefully worked his way around to some of the most impressive and historic sites in New England. Gail had always been a lover of history and she never tired of seeing the famous landmarks that told the stories of the nation’s past. She was still amazed at how much was contained in such a small area and was grateful that her little space in Port Charles didn’t seem as crowded. The city was exciting and pulsating at a remarkable pace. Just being there, seeing and smelling and hearing Boston was invigorating. Fall had definitely come, along with Mr. Wind, and Gail was appreciating her new all-weather coat. Lee had insisted she buy a new one, and this was a good opportunity to test it.

Once she arrived at the hotel and had checked in, the bellman showed her to her room on the 12th floor. When he opened the door, Gail was certainly not prepared for what she saw. The room was flooded with flowers! Lee had sent her 12 long-stemmed scarlet roses, in the most beautiful vase. A fall bouquet was there from Monica and Alan and Steve and Audrey. Ron and the institute had sent her a huge basket of white daisies and there was a small bud vase with an orchid in it that didn’t have a card. She wondered if it came with the others, but put it quickly out of her mind. The room was literally teeming with the fragrance of a florist. Before she even started to unpack, she called Lee. His secretary reminded her that he’d gone to a deposition that afternoon and wasn’t reachable for the next few hours. She left him a message, thanking him for the roses and hung up.

Her next call was to try to find Ron. The desk said he wasn’t in, but that they had received a message for her, in the meantime. It was from Dr. Stone. It simply said, “Be ready for anything at 8.”

Close to 5, she unpacked and took a short nap. To be ‘ready for anything’ could take the starch out of a girl! But that was how Ron was; fun-loving and not in the least serious. She always thought he would be successful, but she never imagined it would be at this career, instead of something like cosmetic surgery. He evidently picked the right field, though, because when he came to her door at 8pm, he looked like a model off the pages of GQ. He was tall and very lean, with a bronze tan that almost glowed. His blonde hair was more sun-streaked than actually blonde and he smelled divine. Ron literally whisked her off her feet when she opened the door.

“There’s my Gail!” he exclaimed. Twirling her around, she came face to face with a woman standing in the doorway.

“Uh, Gail, this is Judy, my fiancé.”

“Wow. Hi, Judy! Nice to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure for me, too,” came a half-hearted reply.

“Gail, are you ready to go? We have reservations downstairs. I hope you don’t mind, but we are just beat from the tournament today.”

“Of course I don’t mind. What tournament?” asked Gail.

“Judy and I played in a tennis tournament. Won, too, by the way. My Judy is an excellent tennis player.”

“My, my, congratulations to you both. I’m thoroughly impressed.”

“Thanks, Gail. It’s just a hobby, but we enjoy it.”

“You both certainly look fit and healthy. Guess it isn’t hurting you too much,” Gail smiled.

Part Ten

The dinner went very well. The food was tasty and the company really very enjoyable. Ron and Judy seemed to be happy. She was a lot younger than Ron, but Gail knew that Ron was young in spirit and that they seem perfectly matched.

“Where and when did you two meet?” asked Gail.

“Oh, we met on a blind date about 2 years ago,” replied Judy. “I wasn’t going to go, either. I’m glad now that I did.”

To which Ron replied, “Well, I’m certainly glad, too, Judy. But I’ve always had good luck with blind dates. That’s how I met Gail, too.”

“Yes, that was a real set-up, wasn’t it?” reminisced Gail.

“Everyone thought we’d be the ones married for 50 years,” Ron smiled.

“Everyone?” asked Judy, suddenly really interested.

“Not everyone, just the kids we ran with. There were about 12 of us that were really close. Six couples in all. I haven’t heard from many of them in a long time, though. I wonder what they’re all doing?”

“Gail, I’ve run into quite a few of them, actually. I’ve been in contact with John, Dan, Bill and Stanley. They’re all married and told me that Bruce was killed in a motorcycle accident and that no one has heard from Dean in ages. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth.”

“What about the girls of the group?” asked Judy. “Did anyone in your group stay together? Did anyone else really get married to the one they were dating then?”

“Hmm, let’s see,” mused Ron, “I….”

“Did John and Belinda get married? And I thought Stanley and Linda did,” Gail said.

“So, why didn’t you and Ron get married, Gail? What kept you from making the plunge?”

“She was scared,” answered Ron. “She thought I was going to keep her from a career. But I wouldn’t have. I knew she loved psychiatry. I wouldn’t have stopped her.”

“I don’t think it was that, Ron. I just wasn’t mature enough to make a commitment. I wanted so much and, truthfully, I was selfish.”

“Selfish? Right, so that’s why you spent all those years in a convent, serving orphans,” scoffed Ron.

Feeling left out of a conversation that seemed really personal between Gail and Ron, Judy interjected, “You did that? Gail, how admirable! I can’t think of many things more wonderful than that.”

“It was strictly by accident. I fell in love with helping children. But I didn’t necessarily want to bring any children into the world myself. I saw too many children with lousy parents, or no parents, and I tried to take up the slack. I thought Ron wanted children, and I was never that keen on having any.”

“Gail, you have it all wrong. Having kids was the last thing on my mind while I was in college. I always thought it was your career that stood in our way. I would have never insisted that we be parents, never put that requirement on you.”

“How sweet,” said Judy sarcastically.

“Judy, let’s just say that a lot of water has gone under the bridge and no one should be feeling any regret at this point. Let’s change the subject,” apologized Gail.

With an audible sigh, Ron agreed. “That’s right. Let’s not let the past ruin our relationship. I think we should drop the whole topic.”

”No, I think I should just leave so that you two can resolve this between you, once and for all. I would never want to stand in the way of true love,” chided Judy as she flounced away from the table.

Ron didn’t make a move to go after her and this surprised Gail.

“Aren’t you going after her?”

”No. She’s right. We need to clear this. Honestly, I feel cheated. I can’t believe you never told me how you felt. I thought we had honesty, at least, between us.”

Gail was taken aback. ”Ron, that was a long, long time ago. There’s no use in beating this to death. It’s over, if you want to blame me, I deserve it. Let it drop, please, for Judy’s sake, if nothing else.”

”I have very mixed emotions about this, Gail. I will acquiesce, for the moment. I’m not going to promise that I will never bring it up again, but I will let it drop for now.”

“And you won’t bring it up in front of Judy. Please promise me that.”

”Do you think it’s fair to leave her out of it? After all, it could change her future, too.”

”I don’t see how it could, Ron. I’m committed to a man that I love very much. I don’t think that anything we could resolve would change that.”

Ron lowered his head and shook it for just an instant. “For now, we won’t beleaguer this point. I know we have to work together and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable or angry.”

”It’s not a problem, Ron. We can work together, I’m confident of that.”

”Now, I’ll go find Judy.”

Ron gave Gail a long glance as he pulled a wad of bills from his pocket. “This is for the tip, go ahead and sign the ticket and have it charged to your room bill, which of course the company will pay. I’m sorry to duck out on you like this.”

”Go after Judy. I’ll be able to take care of myself. See you in the morning.”

”Yes, at 7am for breakfast. In this dining room, I believe.”

”Very good. I’ll see you then.”

She hated tense situations like this. Even though she was a professional, she still wasn’t open and willing to have conversations of this nature in a public place. Gail looked around the room and, even though she felt fairly conspicuous, she didn’t notice anyone looking. The room was a large one, with a fair amount of patrons, but it was quiet. The waiter came by and offered her coffee, which she gladly accepted. As he removed the used dishes, she looked across the alcove and saw a handsome gentleman looking her way. She smiled. He smiled back. She looked down and then up again. He was still smiling. She couldn’t help smiling back. Just at that moment, her cell phone rang.

Fumbling through her purse, she managed to retrieve it just in time, “Hello?”

“Hi, Darling. I love you.”

”Oh, Lee, I’m so glad to hear from you!”

“Is something wrong? You sound breathless.”

”No, I was just afraid I’d miss your call. I’m so glad to hear your voice.”

The call went on for several more minutes and when they ended, Gail felt much better. Now, she could face anything. The talk with Ron had unnerved her a little. That whole scenario had come out of the blue. But she wouldn’t let it ruin the trip for her; she was counting on having a wonderful time.



About that time, a shadow passed over the table. Looking up, she was greeted by the most gorgeous green eyes she’d ever seen. They were placed squarely in the face of the man who’d been smiling at her from across the room.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, as he pulled out a chair.

“I… I was just about to leave, Mr…?”

“Dr. Dr. Paul Thomas. And you are?”

“Gail Adamson.”

“So nice to finally make your acquaintance,” Paul said smoothly.

“Finally?………” Gail asked, perplexed.

”I’ve been dying to meet you for some time now.”

”Oh, really? I find that…….so……hard to believe,” Gail said, as she smiled sweetly. She tried to look pleasant, but firm.

“It’s true. Very true. I sat over in that corner for at least an hour, wondering when I would get the opportunity to meet you.”

“Ah, I can see how that must have vexed you to no end.”

“It most certainly did. And I was plainly delighted when your companions left.”

“And took full opportunity of it, I see.”

”I don’t know anyone who would blame me. Have pity on me and let me buy you a nightcap. A glass of wine, perhaps?”

“Thank you, no. I was just leaving.”

“Oh, please,” he pleaded, “allow me to show my appreciation.”

”Doctor, I’m afraid you must have the wrong impression of me. I’m not accustomed to having drinks with strangers. I really must be going along.”

”Let me see you to your room. You are staying in the hotel, correct?”

”Nice try, Dr. Thomas. But I must be leaving.”

”Well, all is not lost. You remembered my name. I’ll say goodnight, for now.” With that, he gave her the most charming of smiles and made a mock bow, never taking his eyes off her.

Gail walked quickly by him, as if he might grab her. Almost afraid that he might follow her, she purposely went toward the opposite side of the hotel than the tower in which her room was located. She stopped briefly in the gift shop and saw a very unique tie that she thought Lee would have admired. Having bought it and tucked it into her bag, she cautiously went toward her room. She breathed a big sigh of relief when she got to her room with no incident.

”I certainly hope he’s not one of the attendees tomorrow.” But after that, she gave him no thought at all. She soaked in a luxurious tub and watched the late news before ordering a wake up call and going to sleep. Surprisingly, she didn’t dream at all, at least, not that she remembered. She half-expected to dream about the very awkward conversation between Ron and herself at dinner. She had started out with thoughts centered on Lee, but, eventually, she just slept, and slept like a baby.

Part Eleven

The breakfast meeting went as scheduled the next morning. Introductions of the group were made and assignments given. Gail was delighted that she was sitting on several panel discussions and was only assigned two segments on different days for being a solo presenter. Ron had already outlined the segments and all she had to do was throw in her personal experiences and insights. She would have plenty of time to go over the notes, because her first segment wasn’t until Wednesday. The first day would be totally involved with meeting people and listening to the opening session, which Ron handled.

Gail was enjoying herself immensely, and it wasn’t until Monday that she spotted Dr. Thomas. She hadn’t seen him at all on Saturday or Sunday and had assumed that his being in the hotel was a complete accident. She was sitting on a panel discussion on geriatrics when she noticed him walking towards the microphone that was set up for the attendees to ask questions. For an instant, a wave of panic gripped her, as she feared that he might ask her something and she’d sound really stupid. But he didn’t. He made a very complimentary remark about the session and returned to his seat.

Then Gail felt like a real fool. She chided herself for thinking that he would do something like that. He probably didn’t even remember her. It was probably his standard line at conventions. She was just someone that was convenient. She felt herself suddenly flush and quickly looked down. When she looked up, several seconds later, she could see Dr. Thomas gazing at her. She flushed again. What was making her blush? She busied herself with her notes and hoped that when she looked up again, she wouldn’t see him staring at her. She began to get really irritated with herself and was startled by someone at her side speaking to her.

“Gail, aren’t you going to lunch?” asked Dr. Ann Conklin.

“Oh, my goodness. I didn’t know it was time.”

“You were really zoned out there for several minutes. Is everything ok?”

“Of course, Ann, I just got involved with the conversation and my train of thought just wandered.”

”I think it completely left the station or jumped the tracks, Gail. No one’s said a word for over 5 minutes.”

”Well, I do tend to get absorbed in thought sometimes.”

”Looks like you have an admirer,” Ann said as she lowered her voice and cast her eyes toward the audience.

“What?”

”Look,” Ann whispered. “Out there, in the middle of the auditorium.”

Sitting in an empty section of the auditorium was Paul Thomas. He was smiling and staring directly at Gail. He was sitting entirely alone; everyone else had left to go toward the luncheon. Gail looked around on the dais. She and Ann were the only ones on it. She could hear laughter, talking and all the other normal sounds of people making their way out of a gathering or theater. But Paul wasn’t moving. Gail quickly gathered her things and began another topic of conversation with Ann, as they walked off the platform.

“So what are you scheduled for next, Ann?”

”Aren’t you going to explain that? That man?”

”How can I explain him? I don’t know why he was out there staring at us. You were up there, too. How do you explain it?”

“It was definitely you. I was on the other end of the dais when I saw him fixated on you. Are you sure you don’t know him?”

“Ann, he introduced himself to me after dinner a couple of nights ago. I didn’t even know he was staying in the hotel or that he was registered for this convocation. I only met him, I know nothing about him.”

”He tried to pick you up?”

“Oh, no, it wasn’t like that,” said Gail, as she brushed it aside. She hoped Ann would drop the subject and she did, finally.

Lunch was the usual convention fare. Mystery meat and watered-down, cold potatoes crowded up an otherwise beautiful plate.

‘I’ll take off a few pounds, if this food doesn’t get any better,’ she thought.

She made it through lunch, visiting with some of the other doctors on the panels and some of the more celebrated attendees. She even enjoyed the afternoon session and worked up a new energy for sitting. Sitting was hard for Gail. Even though she was a psychiatrist, she was used to seeing patients in the hospital. It never failed that she saw very little of her office and was on the run most of the day.

Just after the session ended, Gail turned around to greet a new friend and promptly stepped on Paul Thomas’ foot!

“Oh, no, Dr. Adamson. You just stepped on my foot. By ancient Chinese custom, you are now responsible for my life.” He didn’t seem hurt at all; in fact, he had one of his most engaging smiles on.

“I think you’ve gotten your Chinese customs mixed up, Dr. That’s supposed to be when you save someone’s life.”

“No, I’m sure I’m right. In any case, I have some questions and I hoped you’d have a moment or two to spare.”

The group around them had started to wander off and it was really just the two of them now.

“I suppose that I could spare a few moments.”

”When we met the other night, you didn’t tell me that you were one of the presenters at this symposium, Dr. Adamson,” Paul said, with emphasis on the “dr.”

“I had no idea that you needed to know or that I would ever see you again. I wasn’t trying to impress you or anything.” Gail said this with as cool an attitude as she could muster. She couldn’t help being intrigued by this man, yet everything in her head told her to back off quickly.

”Well, nevertheless, I was thinking about something you said on the panel yesterday.”

”Yes?” Gail asked.

“You said you did your internship in New York City. I was wondering if you knew a Dr. John Baum.”

”I couldn’t have said that, Dr. Thomas.”

”Yes, I’m sure you said that you did your internship at Bellevue Hospital.”

”You’re mistaken, I couldn’t have said that because it isn’t true. I did my internship at St. Luke’s in St. Louis.”

”Ahha. I knew you came from a saintly background. I must have been mistaken.”

”Yes, you were, because I am fairly certain that I never brought up the circumstances of my internship yesterday.”

”I know, I confess. I just wanted to know where you interned.” The mischievous smile on Paul’s face made Gail laugh.

She knew she should be mad, but she couldn’t help it. Paul was so likeable. She didn’t know why she’d been frightened of him, because today he seemed so terribly innocent. This, just after he admitted to have lied to her, too!

“I’m going to have to watch you, Dr. Thomas.”

”I was hoping you’d say that, Dr. Adamson,” he said with another grin.

To be continued..............


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