Robert turned to leave. He would go back later and say goodbye to Debbie when there weren’t so many people.
He went back to his office, but he couldn’t keep his mind on his work so went across to the hotel for dinner.
Around nine-thirty he walked to 4C.
“I wondered if you were going to say goodbye,” Debbie said when she let him in.
“Too many people earlier.”
“I know. Come on in, I just made some coffee.”
He smiled. “I’m going to miss that stuff. Nobody makes it as good as you.”
“You can come visit us in Boston. I’ll make you a pot when you come.”
“No, I don’t think I’ll be visiting. I think I have almost weaned her out of my life. You know the rule; never get too close to a patient.”
Debbie laughed. “Yeah, because if you do, you may just end up going home with her.”
Robert took in a deep breath. He would love to be going with Gini and Debbie.
“How are you going to like living with Ric?”
“That’s going to be the test. I haven’t had a man in my house since my father left when I was seven. We’ll see how long he stays.”
“Why? What do you mean? He has been asking for this day for a long time.”
“I know, but Robert, he just doesn’t get it. And until he does, I don’t think he will be happy with their lives together.”
“Well, thank goodness she has you to keep things stable.”
“She’s my baby, and I’m going to protect her for the rest of her life. I won’t allow anyone to hurt her, and that includes Ric. If he’s too hard on her, I’ll ask him to move out.”
“When are you leaving?” They had walked to the door where a suitcase, a handled bag, and two boxes were next to the wall.
“Ric’s coming about ten in the morning by train so he can drive us to the condo in my car.”
“Okay, good. I’m going to miss you.” He reached over and hugged her.
“Me too.” She squeezed her arms around his body, then stepped back. “We’ll be here every other Thursday to see Aaron, and once a month for Maggie and John. We can catch up then.”
Robert kept his hand on her shoulder and looked longingly at Gini sleeping, then looked at Debbie.
“Go on,” she said.
He walked to the bed and wrapped her fingers around his hand and kissed them. “Have a good life, sweetheart.”
Debbie watched him walk down the hall, shoulders rounded, and his head down. She knew she wasn’t going to see much of him now, or even see him at all. He had been pulled into Gini’s world; it was hard not to be if you were around her for any amount of time. She was sweet, determined, and loving. She had stolen his heart. But Robert was an honorable man, and he would not break his promise to Ric. Debbie would miss her dear friend, the exemplary doctor with magical skills and a bedside manner that eased all in pain, the captain of the ship.
Standing in the parking garage, he looked at the bag of cookies Debbie had given him, then looked out over the park for a long time, letting the cold wind blow on his face. He was losing two women who were important to him. Debbie, his good friend and partner—equal partner—on his team. They made it through the tough cases and rejoiced in the successes together. She was a no-nonsense person, but she knew her business, and the patients loved her. He had already missed her on the team, and now she would no longer be in his life.
And he had committed the ultimate sin of falling in love with a patient, a woman he could never have. Gini belonged to Ric, and Robert would keep his promise to not interfere in any way. He was starting a new journey as well, slowly leaving his profession and getting more involved in the administration of the hospital. Life was changing for a lot of people. On his walk to his condo, he smiled; Gini would have a good life now. At least he had been a part of that.
Chapter 10—The Move
Debbie slid across the seat next to Gini.
“Dee… bee… lah… uff.” Gini showed anxiety.
“I love you, too, baby. We’re starting our new life today. Just sit back and relax. I’m going to be with you always.”
“Dee… bee… lah… uff.”
Debbie hugged her tight.
Ric put his arm on the passenger seat headrest and turned to look at the two women. “Sweets, are we ready?”
Gini thrust her tongue. Debbie squeezed her again. “Yes, we’re ready.”
Debbie pushed the chair into the condo. Ric had the suitcase and bag. When the door closed, he said, “Home sweet home.”
“No… uff… moo. No… uff… moo.” Gini said, pulling to the front of the chair.
Debbie walked around and took her hand to help her up. “This is where we live now.”
“No… uff… moo. New… hafe… medy… call… hab… cener… four c.” She started to get frantic, flexing her hands and thrusting her tongue.
“I’m taking her to the bedroom to get her calmed down.”
Ric put down the bag. “I’ll get the rest of the stuff from the car.”
Gini became more and more agitated, repeating, “No move” over and over.
Debbie sat on the lounge couch in the sitting room part of the bedroom, holding Gini across her lap. “Gini, it’s okay. This is your home. This is where you lived before.”
“No… uff… moo.” She lost control of her body functions.
Ric walked into the room. “Oh, geez, what’s that smell?”
“She’s upset, Ric. This is too much for her. You go on,
