I want to think I am an intelligent individual. Although my reputation is as the "silent partner" in the business relationship with my best friend since we were kids, it does not signify that I am the "dumb guy". I graduated near the top of my class from college. Many of the things we pay our lab techs, engineers and such now were the things he and I did when we started the company. Technology comes second nature to me.
However, I have ignorance for other things. When Missy, my late wife, and I were getting our house built, Missy was the one who designed what she wanted. The only two things I desired from her for the design were a computer room and the pool we had in the background. Everything else about the house was her idea. It was one reason why when the house became Aubrey's later, she didn't have to do many things to make it hers. Being Missy's best friend from college and having similar taste was a plus.
One of the ways I supplement my knowledge is to have experts that I am friends with. From Sabrina who owns the flower shop to Ben who handles the car maintenance to Sal who owns the pizza place, I have a great group of friends who help me with the non-technical stuff. Add Deb and Janet who keep me out of trouble at the office and Aubrey who makes sure I know what's going on, I have a great network. I also have a wonderful therapist who has been helping me with my emotional stuff for years.
One person who had been there for both Missy and I was our friend Pierre. I bought Missy's engagement ring from him, then we bought her wedding ring and subsequently, her collar after. Pierre also helped me when it came to finding a collar for Marcie before he helped me with her ring and necklace when I proposed. This was something that came up the week after Thanksgiving when Marcie was looking in the mirror.
She bought herself a new casual dress to wear when she visited the office. It was an idea she had that if she was married to the CFO of the company that she should look more proper when she comes in. I never had a problem with how she dressed. Neither did Matt or Aubrey or anyone else to be honest. It was just something she thought about. It was then she was looking at her wedding ring. She smiled warmly as she looked at it. It was then she saw me watching her.
"Penny for your thoughts," I said.
That was always her phrase when I was in thought. I saw her smile warm a little more before she answered.
"I am curious how you came up with this design for the ring."
I smiled back.
"Honest answer, Pierre designed it."
She looked at me a bit more curiously.
"He said you had a hand in it."
I walked closer before I held her from behind, looking in the mirror at the loving couple before I answered.
"I thought about what Mitch would want to include to remind you of him while at the same time sharing you with me."
She kissed me gently on the cheek before she looked in the mirror. I could tell her mind was working a bit. It was then she turned to me.
