Daddy, Take Me Ch. 18

David and dad were off on their yearly, two-week holiday together, this time kayaking around the coast of Croatia. They were like a couple of kids getting ready, leaving 'us girls' to fend for ourselves. Hmmm, as if we'd have any problems with that, eh?

I felt so much at home right away at Healy's. Martin, one of the partners, mentored me and helped me settle in. I got to grips with their CAD program easily, and in no time, he was taking me out to watch how they dealt with prospective customers. This is where it all started; developing the relationship we would need to bring their ideas to fruition. He had asked me to look over the proposals he had written up, and to come up with a design, knowing he was also working on the same design. I'd say he was impressed, as he incorporated a lot of my features, plantings and designs in the final plan.

Maisie finally heard from the board on her PhD. They arranged a final board meeting, and she asked me to go along, more for moral support than anything else. Martin and Sean, the partners at Healy's agreed to give me half a day off so I could be with her. They knew of our relationship, and saw no problems with it. Maisie and I never gave them any concerns that our personal life would crossover to our work.

The day arrived and we headed for the university, Maisie's supervisor joining us. Her supervisor, Sandra, had a lot riding on the outcome. It was two years of her support, too. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to calm Maisie's nerves like she had calmed mine, but promised I would that evening. I sat outside while she went in and addressed the board a final time, then came out and sat with me. She was as calm, as I was nervous. So much rested on this. She had spent three years to get to this point and we both knew, not everyone was successful on the first attempt. Not a word was spoken, as we were both too excited. Finally, one of the exam committee came out. She walked to us and extended her hand to Maisie.

"Dr. Ferguson? The board will see you now," she smiled, and we all yelped...quietly. I hugged her and kissed her chastely before she walked in, Sandra following my lead, and going into the room with her. We all thought it was a wonderful way to let Maisie know she had gained her diploma.

Her mom had a small party that Saturday, my mums and dad, of course, were there to congratulate her. I bought her an exceptionally smart (and bloody expensive!) tan leather briefcase-cum-satchel, monogrammed with her initials. It suited her, if I do say so myself. Her house was filled with friends, colleagues from work and all of my family. Even David put in a short appearance! She cheekily asked Martin and Sean if she would get a raise now. Martin smiled and told her it was already taken care of. Maisie was flabbergasted, as she had asked jokingly, but they saw the value she brought to the firm. Her father surprisingly made the trip down from Edinburgh for the occasion. I had never met him 'til now and found him charming and extremely forthright. I breathed a sigh of relief when he accepted me as his daughter's partner.

The rest of the year went too quick. I decided not to go for my PhD and concentrate on work. I was learning so much and thoroughly enjoyed the work, and everyone I worked with. Christmas came and went, as did birthdays and anniversaries. Maisie and I had grown into our positions at work, and our relationship grew.

By the early spring of the following year, Martin had let me be the 'lead' as a first contact to a likely customer. Of course, these were the 'smaller' jobs, ones in the mid-to-high five figure sums. I grabbed the opportunity to learn as much as possible, Martin critiquing me after every appointment, but I was learning quickly and absorbed all he had to feedback.

Maisie and I still spent two or three evenings together, either at her house or over at mine. Eventually, it was ours, and everyone's, new 'normal'. There were no more snickers from my sisters or raised eyebrows from my mums.

But one day was to change everything.

Maisie was at mine and picked up the phone, her mother on the other end. All I could make out were a series of, "Ayes," subtle 'hmms' and long sighs. I didn't like the pained, furtive look on her face, as she exchanged quiet, halted words with her mom. Something was up but I couldn't put my finger on it. Maisie hung up and turned to me, her face ashen.

It was then that my life changed...