Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:09:13 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 151 I woke at the usual time, which was too early for everyone else and I looked out the window and saw a beautiful morning. I went downstairs and put the coffee on and was sitting on the deck, looking at the ocean and wishing I had been up earlier to see the sunrise. That would be for another day and from my sand dune. Just then JJ pulled up a chair and said good morning. I asked, so how is the trip so far and he said, I like hanging out with a spoiled rich kid. I just laughed and got up and poured coffee and handed JJ a cup. We were discussing the golf and wondering how the others played and JJ said that he was more than a little rusty. I suggested switching partners every 6 holes and play, dollar-dollar-dollar. He thought was a great idea and him and I could partner last so we could figure out strokes. Then I looked at him and said, you get 2 strokes a side and I beet I beat your ass. He said so what's the tie breaker? I said fewest putts. He smiled and said that's a bet. I was thinking about the activities for the rest of the week when my phone rang and it was Mason. I said good morning dude, but I'm on vacation. He said well I was too excited to wait till you got back but I have the second floor rented. I said, you do? Details please? Mike. It is perfect as it is DinaVox they are a Technology company and it is for 5 years and $20.00 a sq ft, no build outs, Mike, Tim is finalizing the deal and he will follow up with you. I said, well that's amazing and we need to figure out the compensation. He said, Mike I've done my homework on that and we can talk when you get back. I said, great job. So when do they want occupancy? He said, with the Union lease and this we can start right away. Mason, see if we can get an option on another 5 years at the same rate, or whatever you can work out. Thanks and have a great day. I sat back down and was wondering what a fair commission rate would be and it will be interesting to see how fair, Mason would be. Well that left space for startups funded by the Foundation and the Boat Club and Marina. JJ was watching this all going on in my head and he said, asshole I thought you were on vacation. I laughed and said, let's find the other two golfers. In the kitchen, Jim and Alex were dressed for golf, drinking coffee. We Jumped into the SUV and JJ drove and it was the Point Golf Club and it was a very nice costal course. There was no grief about only 2 sets of clubs as we were required to rent clubs. I was good with than and it made things easier. I bought a dozen balls and paid for the rentals and green fees. On the first tee a shortish par 5 we set up teams. I took Alex as my partner as he was the only wild card and damn, the sandbagger could play. It was a fun round with me playing very solid and all the matches were close. Well except that JJ and I were tie on 18 after his 4 strokes were exhausted. I laughed as this was the only really long hole on the course over 600 yards and a par 5. I just pounded a drive way down the middle and JJ was 20 yards behind me, but I was still 280 yards away and I was calculating a club that would leave me about 80 yards or so. I wanted to hit a sand wedge. So is was either a 4 or 5 iron and decided to hit a 4. It was well hit and left side of the fairway and JJ was hitting a 5 wood. We were now right beside each other. We looked at each other and laughed. I smiled and said, it always comes to this. I took out my sand wedge and hit it perfect and it was 3 feet from the hole and I just looked at JJ. He smiled and said not bad. His shot was just past the pin and it spun back and it was inside me by a few inches. We high fives and once we were on the green JJ said good- good and picked up both balls. We were having drinks on the veranda and counted putts and fuck that was a tie. JJ laughed and said, so we both won it will be an interesting evening. Back at the SUV, I said I was driving and we started out and Alex said, Mike I'm new to this place but you are going in the wrong direction. Jim just laughed and said, no he isn't but who know what he is doing. We pulled into the marina and I said, stay put I'll be a minute. I went inside, talked about a fishing boat for the morning. I was told Wednesday would be good as tomorrow the weather would not cooperate. I said fine and was told to be here at 7:00 Wednesday morning. I said thanks and went back to the SUV. Alex asked, so now what did you pay for? I said a morning fishing trip for anyone who can be here Wednesday at 7:00 AM. He said, Mike as much as he will love it Sean will be pissed. I said, Alex I have this just let me tell him. He said, well I'm not doing it and we all laughed. We talked about the bets and the calculations were so involved it was hysterical and it ended up that the big winner was Alex and he won $2. It was a fun day. Back at the house, I was starving and I grabbed a beer and made a sandwich and was sitting on the deck, thinking about the business and what would be next. I finally remembered that I was on vacation. Eventually, I simply dozed off sitting there. I woke up wondering where everyone was and I found them on blankets on the beach. I put on swim trunks and went down and joined them. Easily bored I went in the water and rode some waves. Being a semi private beach there were very few people, that was one of the pluses in my mind. I got out of the water, grabbed a towel and dried off and started on a walk at the waters edge and Sean caught up with me and we were just walking and talking. It was a light conversation but on the way back, I asked so have you ever gone deep sea fishing? He laughed and said, fuck no. I laughed and asked, would that be fun for you? He stopped and said, you didn't, did you? I laughed and said, yup. I booked it for Wednesday 7:00 AM. The weather should be perfect and I have used this Captain for simpler stuff before. So Sean, its happening and I hope you will be joining us and not be piss about the cost. Besides, there was more good business news as a Tech company is renting the second floor of the new building. Sean laughed and said, some vacation. I said, you have to take what you can when it is there to take. Sean laughed and said, I guess that's correct. I left Sean with the guys and went back to the house and cleaned the sand off and started to look around the house. The new furniture was great and the real estate and the designer did a great job. I wasn't sure how long it would last but was thrilled that the place was rented for the season. Then I started to think, that the Trust has ownership of the place and in about 6 months should I move it to Enterprises and build up the Trust for the next opportunity. Then I thought nope, I'll keep it in the Trust as Enterprises need to grow and make money on its own. I needed to have a real conversation with Tim. Then I went to the dunes and sat with my back against the fence post and was instantly relaxed. There wasn't an unpleasant thought that entered into my head. I must have been there a hour or so as Sean sat down and asked, what is so special about this place. I smiled and said, it just is and we can talk about it another time. He said that's great as dinner is ready, you joining us? I said, definitely, what we having, I'm starving. In the kitchen there was beer, barbecued chicken, corn and a salad. I was amazed and it was fucking healthy and delicious. We had a fun time and it was a great group, I was really wishing Jim would change is mind and come to VT but that was on him and it didn't seem to effect the growing friendships. Cooking on the grill was awesome as the clean up involved no pans or pots and I might insist the corn always being cooked on the grill. I asked Rod if it involved anything special. He laughed and said just peal back the husk, smear a little butter on cover back up and slap it on the grill till the outer husks and dark, you can't really ruin it. I laughed and said, well I have a hard time with burgers. I excused myself and went to my room, went on the "private" deck and called dad. He answered saying well it's about time. Dad, it's been one day and I'm sure the Major told you about the trip down. So how are thing at home? He said well, I hear you might be retiring as your team doesn't need you. I laughed and said, Mason is very very good, and I don't want to lose him. Keeping him will be a challenge. Dad laughed and said, he is a different kid, money is important but the freedom to act independently is important. Dad, I would let him run Standard Properties, but I need a Broker and he doesn't have that yet. Dad just said, Michael are you sure? I said, well that's true, I'm not. He asked, how I was feeling and I said, I'm following orders and eating healthy, was in bed at 10:00 last night and played golf and sat on the beach today. Dad laughed and said please define eating healthy? I said last night it was steak, salad, and corn on the cob. Today it was BBQ Chicken, corn on the cob and a salad. Dad laughed and said, so one of you friends from VT can cook. I said, living alone on campus must do that, all three of them cook. I asked about Cole and he said, the dude comes home for the course exhausted and he said he would be calling you tonight. I asked about Megan and was told that she was good and nervous about the vetting that just started. I said dad, she knows what they will find, they find everything so if there is something get out in front of it. Mike, I had Brian bet her a while back and there is nothing, not even a questionable client. Dad, any chance you could get us 2 cases of beer? He laughed and said, sure I'll have the Major fly some down to you. I laughed and said, seriously? He laughed and said well there is the beer in the shed, and in the locked storage area on the ground level, you will find what you need. Dad where is the key? Mike the Real Estate has one, you were sent one and I bet it's in your room. I said ok, how does that help? Just dig around your fence post. I laughed and said thanks. We talked for a while and I said that the weather tomorrow would not be good and that we were going deep see fishing on Wednesday. Dad said, Mike have a great time be safe and careful. I said, I love you and I'll call Wednesday. Oh by the way, I'm thinking about a Yacht Club in stead of a restaurant. I will need to be called a marina or a boat club as there are no yachts on the rivers. Dad just laughed and said vacation and hung up. I went downstairs and found JJ and said, walk with me. We started to the dunes and he said, MJ I love you like a brother but I'm not just sitting here. I said, I bet you have not dug for buried treasure in years. He laughed and I said let's dig around the post and see what we find. It didn't take long and we found a small tin that was red and had 8 O'clock Coffee and it was for coins. I just laughed as it was mine from years ago. I took the lid off and found a single key. JJ said, well a key is not a hidden treasure, I win the bet. I laughed and said well you might but not so fast it all depends on what we find once we use the key. Back at the house, I gathered the guys and went to the ground floor and to the storage closet. It was marked "PRIVATE" in red letter and I used the key to unlock the door. We went in and it was empty and JJ started to laugh. Then I noticed another door and this one had a combination lock on it. I just looked at it and there was a saying above the lock on the door. It said, " In days of old by rural decree". I started to laugh and everyone was looking at me. Once I stopped laughing, I entered the combination and when we opened the door there were 5 cases of beer multiple bottles of various wines as well as bourbon, gin and multiple bottles of scotch. I grabbed a bottle of scotch and said, well help yourselves and JJ said, shit that's a bet I'm glad to lose and Sean just looked. Then I said, just a gift from dad. We locked up and went upstairs. I filled a glass with ice and added scotch and we all went outside on the deck. Everyone was amazed about dad being so cool and I said, well that depends, there is also tough love. He was here last week and apparently stocked the place. Two lock should keep the tenants out and it is only rented to families, no college kids and the security deposit is $1,500. Sean sat beside me and asked, so JJ lost a bet? I said yup and it will be interesting tonight as we tied at golf today so we both lost. Sean just started laughing and said, fuck I'm going to change our rules about ties, yours sound like more fun. I said, well bet one of us and ask JJ if we could do a three way. He said, damn for a buttoned-up dude, you do let your hair down. I said, work it out with JJ. I'm horny as fuck and earn you way. He said, I've never had a guys only 3 way. I laughed and called him a perv. I got a second scotch and Rod asked, Mike how can you drink that stuff? I said, it an acquired taste and you don't get hung over. Just limit the water intake the next morning or you drunk all over again and he laughed. Then I said, Rod please do what everyone else does and call me MJ. He said, I thought it was for special people? I said it is and you qualify. He smile and grabbed another beer. Just then JJ said, MJ a minute please. He asked about Sean and I said, your call but I know he is open to a lot. He laughed and said, he will have to be as we both haven't had sex in days. I just laughed and said spit roast, the question is how many loads do we have and JJ just laughed. It was either have a third scotch or go to my room, instead I asked, what we doing tomorrow, I have Wednesday covered and an early dinner at a sea food restaurant would be perfect. Sean immediately chimed in with and you are not playing for dinner. The damn boat is enough. I said, Sean pleas don't make me play the spoiled rich kid. I bet I can do this out of pocket change. He said that's a bet, how much pocket change do you have? I simply tossed him my wallet and said see for your self. He opened the wallet looked at the bills and said, holy fuck and tossed it back. I said, Sean I'm great with you guys buying dinner but you need to get over the fact that I have lots of it. I told you and now I'm telling all of you, I DON'T BUY FRIENDS BUT I SPEND MONEY ON SELECTED PEOPLE WHO DESERVE IT. Please get over this, you guys are my go to group to fucking relax, so please just let's all be who the fuck we are. Sean said, MJ paying my own way is who I am. I laughed and said, how about we both adjust and I'll do less and you can always pitch in. I got up went over to Sean and said, dude can we please talk in my room? He smiled and said sure. In the room, we both sat on the sofa and I said Sean, please let's work this out. I get it about paying your own way and actually, I'm paying my own way. Sure there was a boat load of money from dad and the company but fuck, I'm paying my bills and growing the company and actually earning my way by working my ass off. He said, Mike I get it and the fishing thing on Wednesday is something I could never get to do. I know the house was sitting here empty and you are just talking advantage of that. But the food and the beer? I said hold on a second the beer was dad. You guys want to pitch in for the food, it was $200 but I haven't even been near the grill to cook. So here is the deal, well from my point of view, decide what you want and I'll try to help you get there, open a few doors but you are not now nor will you ever be a charity case. He smiled and I said ok, get naked, you owe me a task for the stupid bet. As he was stripping JJ came in and saying, good, I see you guys are done fighting. Before a minute passed the three of us were naked and hard as a rock. I said, very few rules but anal requires condone and JJ said, fine but get on you hands and knees and suck Sean's cock. While I was doing that I felt a glob of lube on my hole and JJ just rammed it balls deep and I was the one with a dick in both holes. I noticed Sean and JJ kissing while they were working on me and Sean yelled, FUCK, I'M GOING TO SHOOT and my mouth was filled with his load. I held it there and when JJ shot, I stood and kissed Sean and we shared his load. JJ was just looking and I said don't just stand there get me a scotch and Sean a beer. Oh, no clothes, part of your task. Sean said, what the fuck, I'll drink scotch, like the big boys. Once JJ was gone I grabbed Sean and we were kissing and making out. JJ came back and asked do you two want me to come back? I said, nope suck our cock while we make out. He put the drinks down and started on Sean and fuck he got hard right away. JJ was back and forth and Sean and I were kissing and he, innocently, rubbed my nips and I filled JJ mouth and he joined the make out session sharing my load all around. All of a sudden Sean said damn, these three ways are fucking awesome. I asked, better than your usual three ways? He said well different and fewer rules. I said, I didn't notice rules the time at VT. He said, well you are special and she will do you alone anytime you are on campus. I laughed and said, fuck I am graduating early and everyone laughed. We finished our drinks and everyone went to their rooms and I took a quick shower, jumped into bed and was instantly asleep. I woke, just after dawn, to a nasty ugly looking day. There were dark clouds and wind and a light drizzle. I put on a pair of gym shorts, nothing else, and went to the beach and at the shore line with no shoes on went for a quick run. It was t a long run most likely 2 miles but it rely totally awesome. Back at the house, it was all quiet so I showered put another pair of shorts on, no shirt and made coffee. Sitting in the common room, I checked my emails and then called Cole. It went to to voicemail and my message was, "FUCKING CALL ME". Back at the emails, I saw little of importance, except a message from Mason. It was a short message, "Boss, just keeping you in the loop, I took my Brokers Test yesterday". I replied, Fuck, it's about time, LOL. Seriously, we will talk when I get back, you are at the top of the list. I was thinking that if I paid him 4% of the monthly rent, it would be about $2,000 a month. Just for that one property. While we wouldn't have more property to rent he could talk with building owners and sign them up. Unser those conditions, we could split 50/50 on what the owners payed Standard Property and we could pay his benefits. If he passes the test there will be a promotion and a corner office overlooking the river and the boat club. Then I remembered, I'm on vacation and JJ appeared to take my mind off things at home. He asked if I needed more coffee and I said, thanks please. He returned with coffee and a danish and said, your new musketeer is a great guy, I'm glad to have him on the team. I said, JJ I'm glad you feel that way. I really like the dude. He laughed and said, no shit, when you two getting married? I laughed and said when he can get pregnant? Just then Rod and Jim came in and Rod asked if he could, join us? JJ said, of course, there are no secrets. Rod laughed and said, I know better than that. He sat down and we talked about school and VT football. He said, MJ is there any chance you would change your mind about VT? I said, only if my dad gets sick or something and I need to stay home. The only place I'm playing football is at VT. He smiled and said, the team is betting you change your mind. I laughed and said, can I get in on that? He said, that would t be fair. So Rod why are they betting against me coming to VT. He said, MJ as aware of things as you are how do you miss how highly rated you are. None of us believe that a high school junior would say I'm not talking with the highest rated programs. I said it's easy, I want to graduate in three years, I have negotiated a joint degree here and with CMU. I already have 3 credits and am taking 6 right now. I want to be a sophomore when I walk on campus. The education works here and I have no desire to play pro ball. Rod simply laughed and said, I'm betting a $100 Right now on you coming here. Just then my phone rang and it was Cole. I said, excuse me, I need to take this. It had stopped raining so I went outside de and said, bro how the hell are you? He said thankful it's a shitty day here and golf is moved inside. He said, MJ I never thought I would say this but golf is hard work. So how you playing? He said, I hit about 2,000 balls a day and ever swing is picked apart. I get yelled at a lot when I revert to my old habits. Also, I spend an hour on the putting green every day. My scores haven't changed but I'm not hitting it square all the time and my short game is unreal, even at Oakmont. Oh, the Pro would like a word with you early next week. I said, ok I'll call him later today. I said, so is the coach a keeper? He said, he is way too intense. However if that's what it takes, I'll adjust. Cole, is it fun at all? He was quiet for a while and said, not sure. Immediately I knew what the Pro at Oakmont wanted. I said, Cole remember you are in charge. He asked, how I was feeling and I said, good and lots of rest, the golf courses here are different and shorter an we were going deep sea fishing tomorrow. He said, eat well and rest and hung up. I immediately called dad, he answered saying what's up? I said Cole. He laughed and said so he finally called you? I said no, I left him a FUCKING CALL ME DUDE voicemail. Mike, Megan and I got this. She is flying up tomorrow and that coach is being fired, this is simply silly. I said, I have a better idea, the Pro at Oakmont wants to talk with me, let me see what's up with him? Dad said, ok but don't push. Dad, I'm not he wants to talk with me. Dad said fine and we hung up. I immediately called the number I had for the Pro and knew it wasn't the course number and it was answered on the 4th ring and he said Mike, I thought you were on vacation? I said well I am at the beach and he laughed. I asked, so I hear you want to talk with me? He laughed and said and I bet you know the topic? I said yup, it's Cole's new teaching Pro. He said, exactly but what does Cole tell you? I said, that it is a lot of work, he isn't hitting the ball as solidly and that his short game is fantastic, even at your place. Mike, I watched him play 6 holes yesterday and that is accurate. Also, the guy is in his face a lot. He said, Mike Mr. Palmer and I want him gone. I asked so who is doing it you or the legend? I then said, well Cole's mom is flying up tomorrow night to fire the guy. He laughed and said, that's good to hear but we will take care of that tomorrow as I'm joining Cole and his pro for a round tomorrow and Mr. Palmer will be playing the back nine. Then there will be a meeting and one of the two or us will pull the plug. I said, well lease talk with Cole. He said, Mike that's not happening the kid isn't having any fun and at 15 he needs to have fun. I'm having breakfast with Cole, you dad will get him here and pick him up around dinner time. Ok, so what about a new Pro? He said, I have a young guy here who is an excellent teacher and he will be riding along and watching. I laughed and said thanks for all this. He said just growing the sport with decent young people. Then he laughed and said, here I am asking advice about a 15 year old from a 17 year old. Damn I live in strange times. Mike, no other member has that phone number, so tread lightly with it. I said, absolutely hung up and called dad. I filled him in and said, just be there tomorrow to pick up any pieces. The teaching Pro is in for a long day and will be fired by Mr. Palmer and a new Pro is set, a young guy from Oakmont. Dad said, thanks and remember you are on vacation. I said well I am at the beach. Dad laughed and hung up. Back inside, JJ said, asshole I want that fucking phone, you are on vacation. I laughed and said, ok wideout take it off this well rested linebacker. Everyone laughed even JJ. At this point I was starving again and made a sandwich and added chips and a beer and went outside as it had stopped raining again. The guys were playing cards and Rod came out, we were talking and it was relaxing. He said, MJ thanks for doing this and including us. I said Rod, you and your buds included me or I would not me going to VT so I think we are almost even. He laughed and said, MJ you are a complicated dude. You have without even trying had a good business week and did you just fire a teaching Pro? I said, nope I simply told the Pro at Oakmont CC and Mr. Palmer that they should do it. He just looked at me and said you know Arnold Palmer and run in his circles? I said very distant orbit, but he has an interest in my step-brother. Rod, got up shaking his head and went inside. I was just sitting there shirtless and must have fallen asleep as the rain woke me, I just sat there realizing I love it when it is warm and rains at the beach. I went inside and needed to shower and put some clothes on. Once that was accomplished I went downstairs to find Alex cooking burgers and packets of something cooking in aluminum foil. I grabbed two beers and went outside. I handed him a beer and asked, what's in the packets and he said, just potatoes. Then he said well with butter, salt, pepper and parmigiana cheese. I said cool, so you enjoying the trip? He said, Mike it is awesome. I said, well I'm glad as you guys did me a solid and I always show my appreciation. He said Mike, I'm a Nebraska farm guy and this is all very different for me, this is my first trip to the ocean and I can't believe this place. Sean says you have a boat load of money and I should relax and enjoy it. I laughed and said, I wish Sean would take his own advice. So Alex, tomorrow we will be in a boat out of sight of land, will you be ok with that? He laughed and said, I hope so. I said, well if you are uncomfortable you and I can do something else. Mike, I'll be good. I said Alex like everyone else does call me MJ, that's for for people that are special to me. He smiled and said thanks. Alex is a big guy 6'6" and 275 and not fat. We talked about working out and I was learning a lot. Dinner was simple but when I opened the packet of potatoes, it was awesome and damn they were good. I had two new food ideas, corn and potatoes cooked on the grill. I was going to remember both those. I was really glad I had talked with Alex and no wonder he was so quiet. After dinner we just hung out and it was an early night as it was a 5:00 AM get out of bed and out the door by 5:45. In my room, I showered and sat in a chair and called Cole. He answered saying this is all unreal. I asked Cole, tell me about it. MJ so many big time people are watching me and looking out for me. Cole I know it is unbelievable pressure, but I know these guys and just be honest, respectful and know what you need, not what you want. MJ, I wish you were here. Cole you don't need me, remember when each of those guys get up in the morning, they put their pants on the same as you, one leg at a time. He laughed, out loud. I said, just keep your head, relax and most of all have fun. You have walked 18 holes with Palmer and Played with the guy from Oakmont, you have this, now say goodnight MJ. He said good night MJ and hung up. I went immediately to the shower and was asleep in less than 30 minutes. THANKS FOR READING AND THE COMMENTS, THEY ARE APPRECIATED. IF YOU CAN PLEASE SUPPORT NIFTY, TO KEEP THESE STORIES COMING.