Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2020 17:12:02 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 121

Once I got back home I went outback and tried to relax and figure things
out. Dad was first on the list. Either Megan and Dad we're lying to me
or Cole was way off base. I thought I had to give dad the benefit of the
doubt and realized he said things weren't that far along. On the other
hand there was Megan when Carrie and I got home from school. He obviously
wanted us to meet me and Carrie. I could not believe dad would set me up
like this. There would be no chance of me living with Megan if she lied
to me like that, in my room. I had to get dad alone and it would be what
it became.


Then there was the issue with the vacant plot of land. It was important
if we needed it for growth. I wanted to house Enterprises as I knew
Technologies would need the sparse soon, if not immediately. Then there
was money, the land could be used as a down payment for the construction
loan and mortgage. I did not want to tie the Trust into any of this. Then
there would be a lot going on while I played football, well that first
year. What I concluded was that I needed to assemble the team and get a
shit load of information before I could make a decision. Then I realized
the situation with dad could really complicate this.


Back inside, I made a sandwich and poured an iced tea and grabbed the
paper. I went right to Sports and saw the article about the game. It was
a very detailed account of the game. Rob was interviewed and I saw that
he was worried for nothing. He gave everyone credit, including the coach.
He said that he didn't know who the opponent would be, but knew it would
be a tough game and that the team would be ready. Then there was a
positive reaction to the country theme to the students and the anthem.
Then it went on to say that a problem was adverted as 4 students broke up
2 tailgate parties. Beer was collected and turned over to campus police.
The police refused to identify these 4 students as they were minors and
students. The school also declined comment.


I put the paper down and called Rob. I congratulate him on the game and
the newspaper interview. He said that we would be playing Wednesday at
8:00 but there was an issue of finding a gym that would hold the crowd.
Then Rob asked what the event would be and I said besides a basketball
game we were thinking about fatigues. He said awesome and we talked for a
while and I said remember we have a chat tomorrow with the Freshmen. He
said we needed to talk before and I said, I set something up in the
morning. He said fine and hung up.


I decided to do some math while I waited for Brian to call. The math was
hard and I was struggling and I went downstairs grabbed a beer and went
back at it. Something clicked and I was making progress when my phone
rang and it was the Major. I said Major WHATS up? He said, Mike have you
heard anything yet? I said, nope, I was waiting for Brian. He said, Mike
it was the Mayor and there are a group of investors he assembled to make
an offer on the land. Mike, you will like the offer but they want to fast
track a building and it will tie up union workers and materials. I
thought for a minute and said, well our materials are unique and the
structural steel is on site. I get the union workers but we have very
happy workers. He said that's all he knew and Brian or I will get to
you, I'm thinking a team meeting in the Board Room. I said thanks and
hung up.


It was back to math and I finally gave up, being unable to concentrate.
Everything the Major told me I had already assumed. I figured Brian was
still gathering information and that he would be to me when he was ready.
It was hard as I hate waiting. Then I decided to call Cole. He answered
said, hey Mike what's up? Cole, I'm conflicted about our talk last
night and this morning and have a few questions and please be honest and
if you are unsure or don't know just say so. He said, Mike always. So
Cole, how long have your mom and my dad been seeing each other? He said
Mike, off and on for over a year? Seriously, Cole he was married? Mike,
my mom doesn't want to get married and your dad went in another
direction. I said thanks but what's changed now? Your Dad is willing to
have her, well us move in. I said thanks and thought calm down. Cole said
thanks for calling and we hung up.

I went downstairs, grabbed a beer and went looking for the cigarettes.
Before I found them the phone rang and it was Brian. He said, Mike this
is a mess. I said, ok Brian calm down. We own the property and nothing
can change that unless we agree. Look, Brian I know the Mayor is behind
this and it will be an offer hard to turn down. What I am thinking we
have a team meeting tomorrow afternoon say 3:30 in the Board Room. Please
invite: dad, Tim, Ryan, Dr. Williams, Allen Wallace, the CEO of the
construction company and the appropriate union Steward. You can brief all
of us and then you me and Tim can figure this out. Mike.... I stopped him
and said, right now I have not forgotten to include anyone. He said ok,
I'll set it up. I said just include the people I want there and who is
involved in the final decision will be what it becomes. He said, yes sir
and hung up.


I went back outside and sat in my chair and tried to simply relax and
calm down and sort thing down. Cole tonight seemed to be very coherent.
However some one is not telling me the truth. I just sat there and
eventually relaxed. I was suddenly cold and went inside and directly to
my room and grabbed my headphones and put a Kenny G CD on. I might have
dosed off but I heard a knock on my door and it was dad. He said, Mike
can you please come downstairs? I said sure, why not, let's get this
over with? Dad said, what did you say? I said it's not important, what
do you want? He said a better attitude. I just went downstairs and found
Cole and Megan and thought fuck. I sat down in the game room and waited.


Dad came in, handed me a drink which I set on the coffee table and calmly
waited. Dad, sat down and said Mike, we all owe you an explanation. I
said, I know that and I'm all ears. Mike this isn't about just you as
Cole is involved. Megan and I have been seeing each other for about a
year and until recently it has not been romantically. We are not getting
married and Megan is not moving in with us. Ok, so what's the rest of
this drama. Well the drama is that Megan has been assigned a major
federal case that requires long hours and much time out of town and if
you and Cole can agree he would move in here during the week and spend
weekends with his mom. Ok why the drama and not just be up fucking front
about this? Mike, Megan wanted to meet you and we wanted you and Cole to
get to know each other. You know what? That's is absolute bullshit or a
complete lack of trust in both of us, which is it!? Before you answer you
should have a team meeting and figure out what the truthful approach is.


Megan started with Michael please..... I said don't you dare try that
approach with me. Cole and I deserve the unvarnished truth from the two
of you, I'm willing to stay here all night till that happens. You will
have to ask Cole how he feels. Megan said, Mike I'm sorry and I totally
get it. I have a massive case that is in Federal court in Washington, DC
and it involves a lot of time in our office there and I don't want Cole
alone. Your dad and I have been friends for a very long time and yes our
firm has been dealing with his legal issues for a long time. When the
relationship with Adam went south I took over. That's how I know so much
about you. Yes, we started to date a couple of months ago and is starting
to get serious. How serious is a work in progress and while we spent a
weekend together that in neither of our minds indicates wedding bells.
What I need to know is if you and Cole can live in the same house
together?


Cole said, well first of all I'm not changing schools, second you work
ridiculous hours and I'm a lone a lot why have me move here? You can
stay in your school and there would be days I would be Washington and I
will not leave you home alone for days. Then I said, ok Cole and I need
to talk, we will be back. We started upstairs and I stopped in the
kitchen, poured us two scotches proceeded towards my bedroom. Once in the
room I asked, so Cole you want to move in? He looked at me and said sure.
How do you feel about it? I said dude, I have always wanted a brother and
I think you need one too, let's do it. He stood up started for the door
and I said please sit, I don't want them to think it was that easy. He
laughed and said awesome. Besides, you need to clarify the school
situation and we will need to have an understanding about the girls in
our lives. Then then are our friends, we need to keep them, no matter
what our relationship becomes. We finished our drinks and he said he
wanted another one and since she wants a new start so to speak let's
start with letting her know what I drink. I laughed and said perfect.
Downstairs we freshened our drinks and went into the game room. We sat
down and Megan said so Cole what the hell you drinking? He said what I
usually drink when it is available, scotch. So tell me how does this
school thing work? She said, I have worked it out and you will be driven
to school and home, you just set the schedule or a buddy can help you
out. He said mom, that's strike one and a foul ball not a swing and a
miss. Details please? I almost fell off the sofa laughing. Cole, I get
that you are upset but I talked with the superintendent and they
understand the situation, your residence has not changed just where you
are sleeping because of a work situation. A limo service will get you to
and from school, just try to keep them informed as to your schedule and
no it will not be a limo, a simple car. Then he said, I'll need access
to the house. She said fine but you sleep here every night. Then she
smiled and said, keep the sex life to a minimum and if she gets pregnant
you are enlisting in the army on your 18th birthday. Cole laughed and
said well that hasn't happened yet and it won't. Then Megan looked at
me and said so are we good? I said that depends on your definition of we,
Cole and I are good. I said, Megan you and I were good now I would
describe it as a work in progress and don't ever use your mom voice on
me again and I am Mike, only dad and Carrie can call me Michael. As for
dad we are better than when he came home tonight but to be totally honest
Megan that is Rule 6. She looked at me and dad said it's none of your
business. As for Cole and me, we both want a brother so it will be what
it becomes.


I stood up and sad, Cole I'll see you whenever and dad please check your
work schedule for tomorrow and yes, it is a shit show. Call Brian for the
details. Then I looked at Megan and said, please don't fuck this up and
cut the crap. Cole and I are fine, good night. I went upstairs and was
laying in my bed thinking, shit a drama filled week. I called Carrie and
we discussed the theme for the game and I suggested combat attire and she
said actually the beach party was the most fun so far and we should carry
that theme thru the finals. She said that she had talked with Ashley,
Hannah and Dee and they agree. I said well I guess the woman's auxiliary
has it under control. I laughed and she didn't. Then I told her about
dad, Megan and Cole and she said, so how pissed are you? I said very
pissed with everyone but Cole and he is a good dude. Then I told her
about the business issues and she suggested that Jordan or Jodie be at
the 3:30 meeting and I thought shit, that's a good idea. She said they
were busy but was sure that they could be free for a meeting with me. I
said, I would send an email and ask that one of them to try to attend. I
asked if she knew anything about their thoughts for the vacant lot and
she said yes and that there were three options. I said really were you
going to share? She said, she was staying in her lane and I laughed. Then
I said, if they can't make the meeting ask them to send you. However be
warned this will be intense. She said, Michael I love you and good night.


I sent an email to Jorden and copied Jodie. With all that done I went and
took a long very hot shower. When I got back to my room dad was sitting
in a chair smoking a cigarette. I shook my head and said seriously and
opened a window. I put jockey briefs on and sat in the chair shirtless.
Dad looked at me and said, damn you do keep your self in great shape. He
asked, so what do you weigh and how tall are you? I shook my head and
said, I don't know but what's up I'm tired. He asked so how are you? I
said you asked 30 minutes ago and answered, there has been no change.
Then he asked, am I still invited to the meeting tomorrow? I said yes but
with questions like that I am in a less better place. So do I need to
worry about Megan being a bitch like the other woman in your life were?
He said, Michael only if you force that issue or hurt Cole. I'm not sure
she likes you but she respects you more than she will let on. Dad, you
know in my personal life I like, no need, thing to be upfront. I should
not have to explain that to you, now please let me get to bed, I have
school and an interesting afternoon and evening. You keep testing me with
the women in your life, but I love you good night.


After fitful sleep, I got up checked the weather and went for a run.
Fuck, I needed to clear my head. Back from the run I put coffee on and
took a shower, worked on my hair and dressed in khakis and a blue dress
shirt, grabbed a tie and sat reading the paper. Finding nothing of
interest I filled a travel mug with coffee and drove to school. I went to
the athletic office and found Coach Weston and said, Coach I need a
favor. He looked at me and said, so now what? I said, I have an important
business meeting today at 3:30 can you please attend? He said, sure but
what will I add to all that? I laughed and said someone to push back and
common sense advice. He said sure no problem. The he asked what was I
going to tell the freshmen today? I said, shit I forgot about that and
that I would have it down by lunch and I needed to talk with Jim and JJ.
Mike, he said, I have no doubt. I said thanks and went looking for Jim
and JJ and damn it was time for first period. I.didn't have to wonder
long as the three of us waste called to the Principal's office. We were
told to be honest and not to encourage drinking and that this was being
taped for everyone's protection and that school board people would be
watching live and that he would interrupt only if told to do so. Doc.
please understand we all drink and we will say that but there are ways to
do that. He said Mike, use the same approach you and Carrie used the last
time. JJ laughed and said well that worked throughout the building and to
more that the freshmen class. The principal laughed and said well other
districts have heard about that talk and we could sell it. I just shook
my head and said so when we doing this? He said does 30 minutes work for
you guys?  JJ said understand that I grew up in Texas and it is different
there. I mean there are few rules there about guys drinking. I said JJ
don't say that but say you don't drink and drive, have never had an
issue with the police and your dad the fucking astronaut know what you
do. Well to a degree and we all laughed. I said, let's go to the
auditorium and we can talk some more on the way.


 On the way to the Auditorium there was an announcement for all freshmen
to report to the Auditorium immediately. We got there and Carrie, Ash,
Dee and Hannah were there. They laughed at the expression on our faces
and Carrie said well you didn't think we would let you jerks take all
the credit. Just then Rob showed up and I thought perfect. I'm fucking
ready and so is everyone else. We were back stage out of sight. And once
everyone was settled in I walked out a lone and said. Well I was hoping
that another talk like this would be unnecessary but before we start I
would like to bring in some help. You all know Carrie and she walked out
and took my hand. ThenI introduced Jim and Ashley, Rob and Hannah and JJ
and Dee. I said, you know everyone here except JJ and he will bring a
unique prospective to this chat as he grew up in Texas. Like the rest of
us, well the guys, we are excellent athletes and work our asses off to
represent our school and community and to entertain you guys on the
courts and fields. With that being said we all have our own thought about
the stunt that was basically a freshman stunt Saturday. Sure you class
has come up with unique ways to enjoy the game and the uppermost were
thrilled to see that. You went too far, you tarnished our school's
reputation and embarrassed all of us. Your class did that, even if you
are smug enough to sit there and say I was not involved. You see you all
knew about this and did nothing to stop it. Everyone of us up here drink,
Carrie and I told you that a while back. We also told you it was with our
rents knowledge and permission. Not in public, we don't drink and drive
ever. What the hell did you think would happen if we had not intervened
and the campus police took over. How the hell do you think that would
look on a college application. You would have lost your driver's license
or not been able to get one for years. Grow the hell up and think. Shit I
already told you that. I stopped and Carrie jumped in saying you girls
are every bit as responsible than the guys. Hell I know some of you
encouraged it. Your job is to control the dudes you are hanging with, not
encouraging them.


Just the JJ whispered in my ear that he got this as well and said, well
let me tell you a story. I grew up in Texas, Houston actually and yes, my
dad is an astronaut and military. That's great for him but you should
try living up the standards NASA imposes on the families of the men who
risk their lives to fly in space. Shit, if I screw up dad could be
grounded. But before that I was in more places cities and countries than
enough. NASA's standards were a relief as it finally let me put down
some roots and yes, I got to fly in the back seat of fighter planes and
do things that others only dream about. Yes, I am a good athlete and an
excellent wideout with multiple scholarship offers to play football.
Because, I work my ass off have good grades and just as importantly
behave appropriately I can go to any college in the country. If I got
caught doing anything like you guys tried to do on Saturday those offers
and all the hours in the weight room would have been been for nothing.
Not to mention that dad would have strapped me in the back seat of a
fighter jet and I would have filled a couple of barf bags. As Mike said
grow up and think before you party. The rules for that should be: be in a
house, have responsible adults around, close friends only and with the
permission of your rents. There has never been a high school party worth
the risks and a tailgate party with beer on a college campus is
unbelievable even in Texas.


Rob was next and he said that team you have so much supported worked
their asses off and that stunt almost ruined it. There is no way it would
be the same for us if you punks were excluded for attending the games. It
is a damn good thing I was not with these guys because it would not have
been that tame. While you might have skated on this, those of us up here
have other ideas and Carrie and the girls will lay that out in a few
minutes. Just then a hand went up. Jim said WHAT? Well, who are you to
tell us how to party and behave at games?


I saw Jim turn red and take a couple of deep breaths. Then he calmly
said, I'm tempted to ask you who the hell are you to even ask that
question. However, I have decided to answer the question in a way that
even you will understand. I will answer for me and tell you why I can do
that. I have been in this school district for almost 12 years and that
includes kindergarten and in that time I have never even came close to
tarnishing this districts reputation. I am an out standing athlete and am
QB1 and even though I was better than the dude who started the season as
QB1 I did not complain, did not act out. Was I pissed, absolutely. Then
look what happened to him, drunken party, reform school and finally a
drunken accident and a wheelchair. I'm in the top 1% of my class
academically. Yes, I have smoked on occasion, I have sex and I drink.
Yes, both my parents know about that and we have an understanding about
that. We are not angles but damn we know what it takes to be responsible
high school dudes. Most importantly we have earned the respect of the
administration and the coaches and yes our community. So add all that up
and that's how we can tell you how to act. Before you get a bigger head
accomplish something.


Then I said, for the record everyone up here, trying to get a message to
you could say pretty much the same thing. Any other questions? I looked
at Carrie and she shook her head and Hannah stepped up. She said, you all
know now that I'm dating Rob, what you don't know is that I like white
wine so your shitty tailgate party was of no interest to me except for
the stupidness of even thinking about it, get a grip. A college campus in
public before a high school basketball playoff game. Oh and I would like
to point out that there was no tailgating, except by the adults, before
the football playoffs or finals. So here is the deal, Rob and the team
met and we agree that the beach party was fun so as long as the run
continues it a beach party and the team warmups will be Hawaiian shirts.
Cooperate or stay the hell home.


It was my turn and I asked any more questions? Someone asked do we get
any credit for supporting you and Jim with Allen. I said absolutely and
we appreciate that and the school unity but now I have a question for
you. How did the same group of people do that and then try to throw a
beer part in a damn parking lot? There was dead silence. I said this is
the last time I'm doing this and I hope you all get the message. Just in
case you need it clearly, we all and that includes the administration get
that kids do stupid things, they experiment with drinking, sex, drugs as
they find their way. There are consequences for that, some of those
consequences could and often do effect your entire life. Tread lightly,
go slow and seek approval from the rents, they are not the enemy. Have a
good rest of the day and learn new Beach Boy songs for Wednesday.


Then it was Dr. Johnson who said, I'll be brief. Anyone caught drinking
at a school sponsored event and that includes playoff games will be
expelled. Get to class. We were thanks for a great job and taken to the
conference room where there was sandwiches and I was guessing to make a
point iced tea. Carrie and I were pulled aside and Dr. Johnson said I was
serious as there is interest in you two talking to freshmen at a
neighboring school. I said, to what point? Seriously we have impact here
but outside the district? Mike sometimes you underestimate yourself
influence. Carrie said what about me? Dr. Johnson said damn, I can't
believe you asked that question, you two are joined at the hip, you are
not only the glamour couple here but you have a reputation as a couple
you don't even realize. I looked at Carrie and she said we would have to
think about it and I added, I would need to run it by my legal team. He
said today was great and thanks for taking control of that group, they
are special and could be very good. However, they are a challenge and we
are trying not to come down on them and you guys do that so very well.
Then I said, thanks for the iced tea and he laughed. I made a mental note
to limit things at the Tavern to real iced tea.


I asked Carrie if she knew who was attending the meeting from her firm
and she said that she was and she was briefed and ready and Jodie would
be available on the phone. I said fine, would you like a ride? She said,
please and I told her I was leaving at 1:30 and I would see her in the
parking lot. On the way back we noticed beach party signs and we all
looked at each other and smiled. It was a couple of classes and at lunch
I grabbed Carrie and said let's try to sign out now and see what
happens. We went to the office and signed out for work no issues and we
drove to the office. I pulled in the parking lot and Carrie laughed at my
parking space and the title CEO. I said, babe that's just the
beginning.


Inside, Carrie said hello to Ruth and I asked where Mason was and she
said, it's not my turn to watch him. I looked at Carrie and said look
around, I need to chat with Ruth. In my office, I closed the door and
said please sit. I said Ruth the other day I was mad because the desk was
cluttered with shit that should have been taken care of, none of it
required my attention. Then while it worked out I did not appreciate how
you behind the scenes manipulated Mason and Dillon to get interviewed. I
am also aware that some of the other things you engineered did not work
out so well. What I need from you is for you to avoid the scenes and just
tell me, can you do that? She had tears in her eyes and said yes I can. I
said, Ruth there are times when I am pissed off and I act differently but
I'm good and I hope you are as well. She stood up and I went around the
desk and hugged her. Then I said, please stay until you are ready, I need
to find Brian. Outside the office I saw Carrie sitting at Mason's desk
and she said, I hope you were not a jerk with her. I said Carrie, in the
parking lot I told you the parking space was just the beginning, I need
to deal with people in different ways, sometime you won't like it but
please try to understand, there are millions of dollars involved and this
could all blow up this afternoon. I need to find Brian why don't you go
see how Ruth is holding up?  Just then Ruth came out of my office and I
went in, closed the door and called Brian, we had a long talk and while I
was not feeling any better at least I had an idea. Just then dad opened
the door and said, Mike can we talk? I said sure have a seat and I got up
and joined him in a guest chair. He said, Mike are we ok? Dad, I'm over
it and I like Cole and we are good together but seriously you made that
more difficult for all concerned than it needed to be. Please just be
upfront with me and stop listening to the women in your life. I said dad,
I need to find Carrie and have her brief me on the meeting.


Carrie was still chatting with Ruth and I went up and said Carrie can we
talk about the project? She smile and said sure. This time I sat behind
my desk and she was in a guest chair. She looked at me and said well
there are a number of choices. The cheapest is to slap up a hut and fill
it with startups, that's cheap but not much revenue. Next would build a
reasonably priced spec building and hope to attract an anchor tenant, it
is risky because of the location but if it pans out lots of revenue. Then
build a nice building and house Enterprises on the top floor on the
second floor house Technologies overflow and put offices and a restaurant
on the first floor, that's lots of eggs in one basket. Finally sell it
and hold the cash until something interest you. Jorden thinks you should
sell it. I said thanks and damn that was impressive and I'm not blowing
smoke. Just then Mason opened the door and said there is a Chuck Weston
outside looking for you, I said show him in. Carry said, I'll see you in
the board room and coach sat down. He laughed and said, damn I'm usually
the one sitting behind the desk. I got up and joined him in a guest
chair. So Mike why am I here? I said to listen and keep me in line and
tell me what you think. Then I added, my entire team is here and I want
help working this out as I have no gut feeling for this and then I have a
surprise for some of you. Just then dad came in and I asked if he would
take coach to the board room. I went looking for Mason and found him and
Dillon in the board room and there were drinks and snacks. I said thanks
and you two are staying for the meeting. They looked at each other and
said perfect at the same time. Others came in and once Brian and Tim were
there, I said ok, everyone let's get started.


THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS THEY ARE APPRECIATED.


PLEASE CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION TO NIFTY, AS IT IS IMPORTANT.


STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AS WE WORK OUR WAY SLOWLY BACK TO SOME SENSE OF
NORMAL.