Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:02:46 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 140 On the way to school I asked Cole when would he be 16? He said July 14th. I laughed and said, I can't wait as this driving you around sucks. He smiled and said, deal with it. He got out and Jessie was waiting for him and I made a note to ask about that. I was hoping for a easy day as I would have to deal with dad when he got home and that would be long and involved. At school Carrie was standing by the door, obviously waiting for me. She gave me a giant hug and said Dee's parents said if there were separate rooms and I was going, she could go. I said, Carrie relax, I'm glad you will be able to go but we still have a number of thing to work between us. I got that cute pouty look and said, that doesn't help at all and she laughed. I said, I'm working out after school, can we talk then but not at my house. Besides I need to talk with JJ. She said, ok and went to class. I was just standing there thinking, damn we are in the same class and she just left me standing here. Oh well, change is slow, but necessary. After Spanish, I told JJ that we really needed to talk about this trip. He laughed and said, nomshit. We went our separate ways and I thought lunch would be interesting. In AP History Carrie was her cherry self and I was not buying in. At lunch JJ and I sat at our usual table but a one end and the message was we had stuff to talk about. He said Mike, first of all I get the separate rooms but there is no way Dee and I are going to be away and not have sex. What are you and Carrie planning in that area? I said, JJ I am not there yet and she tried that pouty look earlier. Ok, MJ whatever you do is on you. I laughed and said, I'll just book a third room. He laughed and said, it must be nice to have as money as God. Then I said, JJ I want to spend some time with those guys that we both like and I'm avoiding AJ. He said well, I met him and you won't be getting a Christmas card from him, so relax. The girls can find something to do Saturday night, I need to find out what those dudes are like without the coaches. I said same here and I'm calling the compliance jerk and see if there are any rules. JJ said, let's talk tonight. I went to where Carrie and the girls were sitting and told her that I was working out early and that she should meet me at the stadium at 3:00. She smiled and said, sure I'll need a ride home. I said fine and went to class. I was thinking about the trip all afternoon and in physics, I was told twice to focus. I figured this was useless and I signed out to work release and went to the stadium to work out. It was an intense workout and coach Weston spent a lot of time watching me. The sweat was dripping off me when I finally finished and I did a bit on the stationary bike to cool down. As I was heading to the shower coach said, Mike once you are showered a minute please. I thought, damn now this along with Carrie. I said sure coach, I won't be long. A quick hot shower and towel dried hair and I knocked on the coaches door. I went in and he said, well that was quite a workout? I said my doctor told me I was getting flabby. Coach laughed and said have a seat, this won't take long. I sat down and he said I hear you and JJ are going to VT, is that correct? I said yes and we are taking significant others. Mike, go slow down there. I said well tomorrow I'm calling their compliance guy and getting the rules. He said that's a great idea. You were high profile before but your stock has skyrocketed and people are watching. I said thanks. Mike, JJ is getting a ton of interest where is he? Coach, I'll let you know Monday. He just had an official visit and was pushing to go back, we will see. Then I asked about Jim and he said, I think Pitt and Michigan has an outside shot. I shook my head and said thanks. Outside I found Carrie waiting patiently. I said, I was delayed as coach needed to touch base. She laughed and said, how many directions are you pulled in right now? I said three, you JJ and VT. Let's just sit in the stadium since it nice and the fresh air would be great. I took her hand and we went and sat in the top row, in the bleachers. I looked at her and asked, so where are we in your head? Mike, I'm shocked about your reaction to most of this. I said, really those lines you chose to cross were always there and you watched me react when others crossed them. Did you think you were exempt from that. Mike, we both get to the point where we need to win but we were always able to compromise. Carrie please think for a minute and tell me one occasion where you did not get what you wanted. She thought for a minute and said, on major issues there wasn't. I looked at her and said exactly. Without realizing the issue, I took a stand over business issues and you could not deal with it. To win you would do anything, and the ultimate weapon was sex and in a fit of anger you admitted it. You see, for me sex with you was special. It always was especially at first when you were ready weeks before me. I thought it was special for you and it really threw me that it was a tool. I turned and looked at her and she had tears running down her cheek. Then, I took a break and there was a change to my schedule and all you had to say was Mike, I saw you at the finials, what's up with that? Instead you were hoping I didn't see you there with Adam. You see strike 1 was business, strike 2 was sex as a tool and strike 3 was the lie. How in the fuck you think I would react. So I engineered you breaking up with me. Why? So you could save face. Well now that you know where I am the question remains, where are we in your head? She said, amazed with my eyes wide open. We were so natural together, so compatible that I took advantage of you when you were busy. I took advantage of you being involved in so many things. You never took the easy way out and I found a way to get you to take the easy way out with me. I know you hate it when people say that they are sorry, but I don't have another word. Carrie, I don't need words, I need you to prove you recognize all this and that it won't happen again. So Carrie that's a work in progress and I'm willing to try, but it will not be resolved this weekend. As for the weekend, JJ and Dee will want some "private time" to achieve that you and I will need to room together, which will, for me, not involve sex. Can you accept that? She was quiet so I continued, JJ and I will also want some time with the guys and you and Dee and possibly the guys dates can hang out. I paused waiting for a reaction as there was none, I continued. The 4 of us will have the most of the day Friday and when the guys and their dates are free we will hang out. Saturday, will be us in the day and whatever develops In the evening. Sunday morning breakfast and heading home by 7:30. I just looked at her and waited. She was starring straight ahead with tears running down her cheeks. I waited for a response and she looked at me and said, whatever it takes to get you back, I love you and promise it will never get like this again. Carrie, what worries me is that this was a lot like mom and dad and I can't do that ever again. Let me take you home and we can talk again tonight, does that work? She said yes and we walked to the car holding hands. On the way home, I said Carrie all this was worth it for me as I love you, please work with me on this as it won't take much to go the other way. She said, Michael I totally get it and we both need to work on this. In the driveway, I walked her to the door and gave her a kiss and said I'll call you later. Think about all this and yes I love you. Back at home, Cole said his dad called and he was excited about the hockey game. I said Cole, that's great to hear, have dad give you the VIP parking pass and have him make reservations at the Igloo Club and his eyes got big and he said that's totally awesome. I told him that I was sorry about not being here to meet him. He said MJ next time and it's not a problem. I told him about the VT trip and the situation with Carrie. He shook his head and asked, so who fucked who into submission. I laughed and said you are a sick dude. I asked if there was anything to eat and he said, nope you need a new housekeeper. I said, order something and let me know when it arrives. Cole, I have to check with JJ and then figure out the discussion with dad so it doesn't go nuclear. MJ, I'm good and be calm. I called JJ and we talked about the trip and I laid out what I told Carrie. He said, MJ if we pull that off it will be outrageous. And I'm betting that you and Carrie will have sex at lease once. JJ, I'm tempted but I can't afford any complications. However, let's bet on something else. Ok MJ what do you have in mind? Well JJ, I bet I get fucked by a coed this weekend. He said, MJ that's a bet. We talked for a while and we agreed to leave right after school and stop in Princeton, WV. I said good night and hung up. I started to think about dad, the issues were the new NASA adventure, his hovering, the uncontrollable growth, the resulting logistics and finally Carrie. I also thought of the need to let dad be dad and the marketing and sales that he does so well. I was just sitting at my desk when Cole hollered, MJ food is here. Down stairs I found veal parm and a salad. I asked where did this come from and he said, MJ I was tired of ribs and Chinese, that seems to be all you guys eat. We were eating and drinking a beer and I asked about Jessie and he laughed and said, I just can't shake her, she keeps hanging around? I asked if she knew about the change in schools and he said no one knows and I hope to get out of there June 5 and not tell anyone. There have been questions about who drops me off in that smoking car. I laughed and kept eating. We cleaned up and I tossed him a beer and we were sitting in the game room, simply hanging out. We were talking about school and he was asking a lot of questions about my school. His was a good bit more upscale than my school. Both schools are upper middle class and very few minorities. Then I asked about his golf. He has a professional who he works with and he plays in a lot of tournaments over the summer. He said, it was a goal to qualify for the junior amateur. He said, just to qualify would be a feat. What would be really cool would be to meet Palmer as it is at Bay Hill. I said, dude, not only will you meet him, but you will get to play with him. You know I'm going to caddie for him in an exhibition next weekend at Oakmont or did I forget to mention that? He said, MJ I think you mention that. So Cole when you grow up what do you want to do? Besides play golf, that is. MJ, I'm good in math and science, but I don't know where that would lead. So you see any colleges you like? MJ, I should be able to go anywhere as golf will open a ton or doors. Basically, I have no idea yet and it is very, very early. Cole, a bit of advice, take your time and enjoy being a kid. So Cole, when does your dad get here? He said, sometime tomorrow and him and I will be staying at the house. I said that's great and don't forget to get the parking and the Igloo Club from dad. Then I remembered Ray. Cole, this is a heads up, my cousin Ray might be spending the summer here and staying in the extra room with Ryan and it's complicated. He laughed and said, MJ I was told. So Cole, dad told you? He said MJ, Ryan told me wanting to know what I knew about Ray. Well Cole, we can talk about that but not right now as that's one of the issues I have to deal with dad about. Dude, I have to go upstairs and pack and call Corrie. I'll see you later. Upstairs, I called Carrie and she must have been waiting for the call as she immediately answered. I said hi babe, are we good? She said, better than I had hoped and totally aware we have a long way to go. I sighed and said, I'm there as well. JJ and Dee are good and we are leaving right from school and you can put your stuff in the car first things in the morning. Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow. I was thinking about dad when my phone rang and it was dad. He said that they were just landing at the county airport. I asked about the trip and I could tell he was excited but he just said it was great and that he was just checking in and he would see me soon. I said great, I'm looking forward to our chat. I found Cole and told him at that would be here soon and he said thanks. While, I was waiting I called Jim. When he answered I said dude, last chance, you want to go to VT? He laughed and said, absolutely not. I laughed and said, I figured I was just jagging you. So where are you with football? He said Michigan and possibly Pitt. I said wingman don't you want to say Pitt and possibly Michigan? He laughed and said possibly and still a work in progress. So just those two and he said yes and Pitt is still hoping you will change your mind and stay local. I said well wingman, hope springs eternal. Then he said, I understand that Carrie is making the trip as well. I said correct and don't read more into it than there is. I promised, I would take her along a while back. Jim, this college football thing shouldn't get between us we need to spend more time together. He said, Mike I'm just getting my head together and both schools are great for pre-law. Well Jim, when I get back we can go shopping. He laughed and said why the fuck would we go shopping? I said so I can buy you a phone that actually calls out. He said, I get it and have a great trip. I said good night and hung up. Needing to relax, I grabbed my head phones, hit play and threw my self on my bed. It was a Kenny G tape and I guess I fell asleep as I woke with dad, in my room holding a couple of glasses of scotch. I smiled, took my headphones off and asked, here of your office? He sat in one of my chairs so I figured it was here and joined him sitting in the other chair. He laughed and said well this is a good start as you didn't choose the desk chair. I laughed and said, it will never be like that but I would really like some answers. He said, Mike that's why I'm here with drinks. Ok dad, can we please start with Ray? He took a big breath and said, well I assume you figured out that Ray's parents are having nothing to do with him and I paid for rehab and continue to pay for school. He will graduate from there as he actually is settling in nicely. This summer is awkward as he would like a place to stay and I have asked Ryan it he would be alright with him staying in the extra bedroom. Dad, I assumed all that and Ryan and I have talked. However both Ryan and I need to avoid a relapse and a scene like Bill. Mike, while there are no guarantees I really believe this is different and while it will be complicated he would like to try to get into West Point. I said, complicated is an understatement. Mike, that won't be your concern. I said well please work it out with Ryan and I am good with him being around. There is a lot of water under that bridge but I'll try hard, very hard. Dad, I have other issues but you pick a topic, please? He laughed and said, so how are you and Carrie? For the next 20 minutes, I filled him in on that situation and the trip to VT, leaving nothing out. He said he was glad that it was heading in the direction that it was meant to be. He got up went downstairs and freshened our drinks. When he came back he said, ok Mike what's next on your list? Dad, I think it involves two things your constant hovering and you not telling me stuff that I will eventually need to know or worse yet, find out on my own. Mike the remote helicopter was very funny and a very effective way to get the message across without a fight. I worry about you, you go 110 miles an hour and seem to have no ability to just relax. Dad, I do relax, I work out, I run and I sit in my favorite spot. As for you not tell me stuff, that causes stress because it gets me behind in dealing with it. Yet it is my part of the package to deal with it. I get that you have been frustrated as we are and remain unable to deal with more work and getting those projects is what you do. However, there are no qualified people to do what we do now, there is no space and I really don't want to buy more throw away furniture. So, if you want me more relaxed, please tell me what the heck is going on so I can deal with it in a reasonable way. We are both very good at what we do and what we do is very different and neither one of us can't do what the other does. So please land the fucking helicopter and share. Dad, it's your turn. Ok Mike, NASA has expanded the program and it will involve between 75 and 100 additional people. We have 90 days to gear up. I laughed and said, dad Kyle is going to hang you. Mike, back to you, what else? Dad, I have bet a lot of eggs on project 2. It's a big boy bet. Yes, there is a reserve in the Trust but what's the deal with the cheap price in the land transfer from Technology to Enterprises. This need to be legal and above reproach as the damn Mayor will pounce. He said, I guess you have been too busy to read the contract? There is a reduction in the rent Technologies will pay in the new building. Over the term of the revision, which you need to approve it will cost Enterprises $120,000. So it is legal. Ok Dad your turn? Mike the VT trip, tell me about that? Dad, I will meat future teammates, the girls understand that, that will happen, I plan to get shit faced drunk with my new friends and JJ and fuck anything with tits that walks and whose name isn't Carrie. Yes, I bought a supply of condoms. Anything else? He said yes and try to behave well enough that I don't have to get you out of jail. He said good night, drive safe and you know where to watch the speed limit. He got up we hugged and he went downstairs. I finished packing, loaded the car and found Cole. He said well that was calm enough. I said sometimes, well most of the time we get each other, this was one of the better times. Cole said, damn I wish my dad and I could do that. I said that I was going to skip the run tomorrow and reminded him that he needed a ride Friday to school. He said he was taking off and him and his dad would spend the day together. I asked if he wanted a tee time at South Hills and he laughed and said God no, we could never do that together. I laughed and said what do you do together? Well Mj, that's a complicated question and we try to compromise as we don't appreciate the same things. For example he will drag me to the museum and I will make him watch me hit golf balls. We will both however love the hockey game and yes, I need to talk with your dad. I said, good night and jumped into the shower, dried off and jumped into bed. 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