Date: Mon, 7 Sep 2020 20:23:29 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 169 I was up early and my first thought was get me to Saturday. However is was a sunny, warm day and the run with Cole and JJ was a perfect start. Cole sensed that I was out of sorts and pushed the pace. Back in the house I put coffee on and then took a quick hot shower and dressed so that I would be professional at work and thus way over dresses at school. That always got an interesting reaction. I was in the kitchen thinking about the rest of the week when Cole came down and said let's go, I have a long day of tests and then I'm going car shopping. I laughed and said it will be rusted out by the time you are old enough to drive. He just looked at me and said, I don't give a fuck, dad has to fucking pay for it so I want it now. I laughed and said, well let's go. Once at school it was very obvious that the year was coming to an end as there were a lot less kids and many seniors were missing. English and History were uneventful as Carrie was not there and I was wondering if she had a prom date after Rob said they were done. Putting that thought out of my mind as JJ, for some unknown reason, had a running discussion with the Spanish teacher all in Spanish. I was able to follow most of it and it was hysterical. JJ and here were debating the need for foreign language classes in schools and JJ was winning. I was glad for the diversion. It finally switched to English and JJ was asked, Mr. Messer, just why are you in this class? He said an easy grade and to help Mr. Simmons. Everyone looked at me and I said: y una gran ayuda fue (and a big help he was) everyone laughed and the teacher said, "class dismissed." In the hall I got to JJ and said you are a total ass. He smiled but I took a lot of class time simply fucking around. At lunch Rob joined us and I was asked, if I was still taking Jan to the prom? I laughed and asked, why are you looking for a date? He said no, I was just wondering if you wanted to switch and JJ and Alex almost fell out of their seats laughing. Then he said it will be a long night with her pining over not being there with you. Then I said just fuck her senseless and move on, by the way Jan is available. He said, Mike the entire school is aware. All Jan ever wanted was a prom date with the hottest guy in school. I laughed and said well all I wanted was a date. As I was walking to class coach Weston saw me and said, Mike let's talk in my office. On the way coach didn't say much and when we got to his office I said hello Nancy and we went into the office and he closed the door. I sat down and he sat in a chair beside me. I simply waited for the topic. Finally he said, Mike this might be unfair but what's going on with Jim? Coach I have no idea and he is going to a after prom party tomorrow night. I think that is being directed by the girlfriend. I told you we have grown apart. Well Mike, he hasn't worked out in well over a week. I said coach, I had not noticed. Mike, you are so intense there is a lot you don't see. He was quiet for a while and then he said, I will put up a notice in the weight room and we will be having a "voluntary" team meeting on Tuesday. The meeting will be at 1:30. At that time I'm laying down the law about workouts and expectations and you, JJ and Jim will be announced as team captains and the other captain will be Sam. Understand I expect you to rally the groups and take over your team. I was quiet for a while and then said, ok I'll clear my schedule for Tuesday after school. He said thanks and I went to the school office and signed out for work. Once in the office, I chatted with Ruth and she asked about the trip and when I told her the details about the trip all she could say was "that's unreal." I went and found Kyle and we talked about Jack and he said that as far as he was concerned it is FUCK YES. I told him about the trip and how Jack and I were good together but what was the proposed salary? Kyle said 26k and he was good with that. I said, well so am I, but have him drug tested. He has back issues and I want to make sure he is not relying on drugs to deal with that. Kyle laughed and said Mike, I'm simply waiting on the results. I said Kyle, things seem to keep working out. He laughed and said all good things come to an end. Back at the office, I asked Ruth to find Riley and I would like to meet with here before Jodie came in for the meeting. While that was going on I called dad and it went to voice mail and my message was that I was just checking in. There was a knock on the door and I looked up and it was Riley. I said please come in and have a seat. I got up and joined her in the guys chairs. I said Riley, I hear you are dating Jack and I'm sure you know he starts here June 1. She smiled and said Mike, I was going to talk with you about that. I said, no need, I don't care but be discrete and don't let it get in the way of work. She said Mike, we have talked about it and understand. I hear you had a fun ride and Jack was not pleased that the barf bag was still on the floor. I laughed and said well let's talk about J & J. She said Mike it got better for a while and now it's the same shit. I get that you and her broke up but this move in is complicated and to be honest I would just as soon work with Bruce at the dealership. I said, ok so what do you need from J & J? She said final drawings, no changes and damn they better be checking on actual measurements. She said, I have asked for those for over a week. I then went to my desk sat down, picked up the phone and called Bruce. When he answered I asked how thing were going and he said slow? I asked, why? He said well we need to schedule the Zeeland trip and you to approve the finish changes. I asked what changes? He said on the entire 4th floor. I said I was unaware of changes as I have not seen the new scheme. He said shit, please resolve that ASAP. I hung up and looked at Riley and she simply smiled. Just then Ruth appeared and said Mike, Jodie and Carrie are here. I said put them in the conference room and is Tim in today? She said yes the new legal team is all here today. I said, please have them all come to my office NOW. Riley and I sat in silence and Tim and the guys came in and I said, I need Tim in this meeting and would like you two to watch. Paul and Rich just shrugged and said it sounds like fun. I asked them to go to the conference room and that I would be there shortly, just get acquainted. Once they were gone I motioned for Ruth to come in and I asked that on no particular schedule, please come in the conference room and ask for a minute of my time. She laughed and said, so you need to appear busy? I said correct. I waited for a coupe of minutes and when I got into the room there was an empty seat at the end of a table and Riley and Tim were on either side. I said Jodie, thanks for coming and it's good to see you, however I was expecting it to be only you or Jorden. She said Mike, I thought I would bring the appropriate parties. I simply ignored Carrie and asked so why the drama at this point? She said Mike, it seems like our teams are not compatible? I said, well find a way to make your team compatible with mine, I believe I'm the customer. Mike, that's unfair as we were hired to make this process smooth. I said well actually you were hired to design and specify the building and that according to the contract that includes the furniture. She said well we are doing that in spite of the lack of cooperation from your team. I was furious and Ruth had perfect timing and opened the door and said Mike, you have a phone call that you need to take, I'm sorry. I went to my office and sat there for about 4 minutes and went back in and said sorry, where were we? Jodie said, discussing cooperation. I said well there isn't any so let's move on, what with the finish selection Chang's on the 4th floor? She said you tell me they were made at your request and we all need a sign off. I laughed and said, well that's total bull shit as I have not requested a change, Carrie do you care to explain? Carrie said Mike, you told me at the start of this that the finishes were up to me, I had other ideas so I made changes. Jodie, just looked at her. I said so where are the new finish boards? She said at the office? Ok, go get them and bring them all back here, we will be here for a while, it seems. She looked sick and said, I didn't drive here. I said so call a cab, now get going. Jodie said Mike, I'll drive her and we will be back in half an hour. I said fine and while your at the office please bring the "built as drawings" we requested over a week ago. Jodie and Carrie got up and left and Rich said damn this is fun. Tim said well guys it's only starting but let's go back to work. Ruth will call us for Act II. I went back to my office and called JJ and he answered asking, so you playing businessman? I said yup but we need to talk about football. He replied, I was told. I said well we will have all Friday night to chat. He said well actually Dee and I have other plans and we both laughed. I said well I'll be reading in my room you and Cole can have fun. I was going to fix up dad's room but I think I'll hang out there and let you use my room. We chatted about football and Ruth appeared and said Mike, everyone in the the conference but Carrie is not there and Jorden is. I said thanks and you don't need to come get me. She laughed and said well that was fun. I got up and went into the conference room and sat down. I looked at Jodie and said so you brought the heavy hitter, please explain. Jorden said Mike, it seems there has been a miscommunication. I looked at him and said, YOU THINK? Then I looked at Tim and said, I bet you looked over their contract during the break, is there a move management provision? He smiled and said, there is not. I said ok, where are the as built drawings. Jodie said a work in progress. Then added June 1st. I said the new finishes for the 4th floor and two boards appeared and I looked at them and said there will be no change. Jodie said understood. I looked at the two of them and said, after I get accurate drawings you are done with Building 1, except for working with the construction manager. I'm not involved. If you agree, here is what I have in mind going forward. First of all we have a PR trip to Herman Miller, the two of you are included on that as it will be a great building and you were very instrumental in all of that and the publicity, you deserve. The restaurant and marina project is still yours, if Carrie is still employed by J & J and she can work on that project, your contact on that will be with Standard Property. I simply will not be involved after I get zoning approval. That requires a yes or no within 24 hours. Enjoy your day and I went to my office. About 5 minutes later Ruth came in and said the architects would like a minute. I said sure show them in. Jodie said Mike, we agree with the terms and appreciate your understanding. I said guys, that's great and I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I said as for Carrie, Mason will absolutely deal with her shit, just keep me out of it. Once they were gone I found Tim and said we need to talk about the Tuesday Board meeting. I have a 1:30 school thing and was hoping it could be an evening Board meeting say 4:30 and a catered dinner at 6:30. He said well, are you aware there are upset board members? I asked if they were aware if the Chairman was upset as well and he said, damn. Then I said, no agenda sent out ahead of the meeting, hard copies delivered when they arrive. We will start with Financials, new hires, new business opportunities, building update, the jet and then their grievances (comments). Oh, dad will be aware. He said oh, boy. Then I laid out my plan to restructure the company starting with the Board and that I wanted a bunch of resignations. Please develop a list of 50 possible candidates. He just looked at me and said, so Brian was the first move? I said yup. With that I thanked Ruth and drove to the mall. It was a haircut and the florist and I ordered flowers for Ruth, Nancy the AD secy. and Riley then pale blue flowers for Jan. With all that done I drove home and grabbed a beer and sat outside. I was disturbed by a phone call and it was dad. He said thanks for checking in, how are things? I said good and I was just waiting for Cole to get home from golf, so we could eat together. How are thing there, he said great we are being wined and dined by lots of people and it is different not being the center of attention. Then I said later tonight I'll put a tentative schedule on my calendar for June. Feel free to edit it. Also, I have a football meeting at school on Tuesday and it will be 1:30 so I moved the Board meeting to 4:30 and a catered dinner at 6:30. Oh, no heads up on the agenda and I'm ready for the shit. Dad, this is a private company and they really don't have a say, I'll be nice, yet it is what it is. Dad asked, any thought about going public? I said well only if I own 51% and dad laughed. Oh, dad Tim was good today. Dad, asked if I was sure of the plan to get resignations? I said dad, it will happen as we discussed. Then he said, well it's dinner time so behave. Cole appeared and he was fuming and when I asked what was up he said well the tests were no issue but golf was a disaster. I had the shanks and was told my head was in the way. I laughed and said, head doctor soon. He smiled and said, already done and Liam said I need to stop overthinking. I said Cole, trust Liam and possibly tell the head doctor to fuck off. We. Looked in the refrigerator and there were pork chops and each had a slice of lemon and an onion and they were covered with a red sauce and there were mash potatoes and a salad. Damn, something different and I bet good. Cole started to relax and dinner was fantastic. Once we were done I went upstairs and started to fill in my calendar and I asked Cole to give me a list of tournaments. As I was doing that my phone rang and it was Sam he said Mike, please don't be mad but I'm delivering a message. Please call Carrie and he gave me a number. I said Sam, I'll think about it and Congrats, Captain. He laughed and said, talk about fucking with my mind. He hung up and I simply laid in my bed with headphones on and thought about a approach and settled on business like and calm. I got out of bed took a big breath and dialed the number. On the third ring Carrie answered saying, Mike thanks for calling. I asked so what can I do for you? Mike, I want to thank you for not having me fired. Carrie, I am not vindictive but you are lucky that you work for J & J and not me. You see I would have rejected the offer and fired your ass for being dishonest. Carrie when we start on the restaurant and marina don't make the same mistake and you will be working with Mason. Is there anything else? She said nope, just thanks. We hung up and I thought damn that was better than I thought. It was getting late and I decided to call JJ. thankfully he answered. He said Mike, we good tomorrow night as Dee can stay late but not all night. I said yes we are and Jan will be takes home directly from the dance. MJ do what you need to do. I'm running tomorrow but no school. Then he asked what we doing all weekend and it's a holiday weekend. JJ I haven't even thought about it. We could do golf as I need to get Cole to Latrobe and the pools will be open. We could go to South Park or one of the clubs. MJ we only have 4 days of school left. JJ or we can simply get drunk. So do you think we need to meet with Jim to talk about football? He said how about golf on Sunday and we can talk about it then, I might be recovering Saturday. I laughed and said good night. I went and found Cole and asked if he wanted to play Latrobe Sunday or did he still have the shanks. He said that would be awesome and can I bring Austin again? I said sure and went back to my room and jumped into bed. It was the usual run but since I was the only going to school it was an extra mile. I took a quick shower and Cole made coffee and it was off to school. I can't remember when I drove to school alone. At school the parking lot was virtually empty and there were very few Juniors and less seniors. I simply went through the motions and got out of there as soon as possible. Back at home I laid out my Black suit with a white shirt and a new tie it was a wild combinations or red and grey. I was eating leftovers for lunch and called JJ. He said he would meet me at the boat. I said fine as it would be best if we were not tied to each other. Then he said MJ, I'm not drinking until Dee is home and I am back to your place. I'm hearing there will be DUI checks. I laughed and said great. We hung up and I called Jan and asked, if she could be ready by 5:00 she said sure and hoped we could have a good time. I said, I'm sure we will and I'll see you later. I just chilled and relaxed and at 4:00 I took a long hot shower, toweled my hair and put the suit on. Down stairs, Cole said well, who died, you have a funeral suite on. I laughed and said it's not going to be that difficult. When is Michel coming? He said well 6:00 and she has a ride home so I'll be in all night. I said have safe fun and left for Jan's. At the house I rang the bell and Jan answered looking awesome and she said Mike, please come in John would like a few pictures. Then she whispered please try to smile and I actually laughed. I pinned the flowers and we quickly finished the pictures and drove to the South Side and got on the Gateway Clipper. There were the usual checks for illegal shit and we were reminded that any issues would be dealt with and parents would be contacted. JJ and Jim and the girls were already there and we joined them at a table which was for 6 so this was perfect. I took Jan's hand and we went up to the second deck and I spied a table unoccupied there and when we check that it was actually available I asked her to go and get the others. Damn this table would let us see the city on the 5 hour cruise. The weather was warm so I was hoping it would not be an issue. Jan returned with the girls and after a brief discussion they agreed to be outside. I went down and got the guys. We were sitting around chatting and the ship started on a tour of the three rivers. Dinner was a typical buffet and the down side of the view was we had to go downstairs for everything. After dinner Jan and I went down stairs and were dancing. Jan laughed saying, damn a jock with rhythm. I was having a good time and then there was a slow dance and I grabbed her hand and said let's take a break. She smiled and said Mike, there will be other slow dances tonight trust me. We went back to the table and I realized we were going up the Mon river and damn, would we see the project? I got up and was standing by the railing and sure enough in the distance on the left there it was. I was thinking please don't turn around. After a few minutes Jan came up and asked, so where is your head? I pointed at the building and said over there, isn't it fantastic? She looked and some of the skin was on the building and she said Mike, it's rusty and needs cleaned. I said nope a perfect choice steel that rusts as it reflects what happened to the area's steel industry. I leaned in and kissed her cheek and she turned and the kiss was intense. Jan turned and looked at me and asked, why are you so different night. I said let's go dance. Back downstairs there were a couple of dances and then it turned slow and romantic and she started to walk away and I grabbed her and held her tight as we danced. There was another kiss and the same question, why was I different tonight? I simply stopped and put my arms around her and kissed her again. This time there was a tap on my shoulder and it was Dr. Johnson who said you two need to take a break. I laughed and said well we were but I get it sorry. We went back upstairs and were just looking at the city and we were back at the point heading towards the Ohio. I looked at Jan and said, the answer to the question you asked twice is simply, I'm relaxed, people are secured in the boxes in my head and you have not pressured me for sex all night. Yes, I like you and would like to start over. She laughed and said so I should bump into you in the hall Tuesday at school. We both laughed and I said well it would be nice if we eliminated the fucking games. There was another quick kiss and we stayed where we were looking at the city and talking. I said Jan, you were right Carrie was in my head, but not in a romantic way. However there was a giant step in eliminating that yesterday and last night. She said Mike I understand and you were always more than a trophy date. We hugged and she somehow reached for my crouch and I immediately tensed. She said sorry and I immediately took her by the shoulder looked her in the eye and said, Jan I would do you right now, right here but you need to slow down. I'm different in that I don't need to have sex, well all the time, and when I do it needs to be special like this moment is special. I said hi, I'm Mike Simmons. She said, nice to meet you I'm Janice McBaine would you like to dance? I said sure and we went back to the dance floor. We eventually joined the others at the table and JJ looked at me and just started to laugh. I noticed we were docking and I asked Jan if she wanted to come to my place and she surprised me by saying the rents are expecting me home by midnight and I don't have sex on my first date. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the damn folding chair. We all just sat and chatted while the boat docked and everyone got off. None of us were interested in waiting in line. As we were getting off Coach Weston came up to the three of us and said, no drama tonight. We all promised a quiet night and JJ and I looked at Jim, who then turned and took Ash's hand and walked away. I told JJ that I would not be long and that I was sure Cole was there but that he knew the code to the garage. As soon as we got in the car there was another kiss and she asked that I put the roof down and she no longer gave a fuck about her hair. Once that was done we drove to her place I kissed her good night and started home. I wasn't more than a mile from her house when there was a line of traffic and I just laughed a DUI check. When an office approached, I said good evening officer, what do you need? He said license and owners card. I said sure and included the insurance card. I was asked if I had a drink tonight and I replied, I have not unless you are testing for iced tea. He laughed and said please turn off the car and step outside. I complied and he said Mike, your choice, field test, breathalyzer or blood test? I said Officer, your choice and he produced a breathalyzer and I blew into it. He looked at the number and said, thank you and drive safely. I simply drove home, put the roof up and went inside. Cole, JJ, Dee and Michel were chatting and I took one look at Cole and knew he had a fun evening. He said MJ, Michel's ride will be here soon and we were just chatting. I laughed and said well then she better put herself back together as it looks like it's been a pretty intense chat and everyone laughed. Cole and Michel, went upstairs. I looked at JJ and asked, so why are you two down here and Dee said well it's not the best time. JJ said I was actually going to take her home. I asked if he had a beer and he said yup. Why? Well I was stopped at a DUI check so you should consider staying here. JJ said MJ, she needs to be home as promised. I said ok, Kiss her goodnight and I'll take her home. We got in the car and Dee said MJ this is so nice of you. I said I always have JJ back. I was stopped at the same check and the officer said, can't you stay home? I said just delivering my girl home. He laughed and said take another way home and drive safe. I dropped Dee off, walked her to the door and started home. No thinking I went he same way and there was a big commotion with lights and more police cars. As I was being waved thru I saw Jim standing beside a police car in cuffs and Ashley sitting on the curb crying. Once away from the area, I pulled over and called coach Weston and he answered saying ok Mike who was it and I said Jim. He was stopped at a DUI check and he was cuffed. Coach said that mother fucker, I knew it. Mike where is JJ? I said at my place and we are all good, I was driving Jan home. He said, I'll called in the morning and fill you in, just stay home. I said well that won't be an issue. Back at home I found JJ and told him about Jim. He said damn in Texas I would have been patted on the ass and driven home. I said JJ I just hope it's only beer and weed and not something else. Our entire season is in jeopardy. There will be a drug screen at the hospital and remember the rents own a pharmacy. JJ said that fucker better test clean. Then he said MJ thanks for taking Dee home. Dude I'll always have your back. I also have Jim's back and he will need all of us. Just then Cole appeared and said he has two calls what the fuck did Jim do? I simply shrugged and said he just fucked up big time, it all depends on how big. Then it was Sam saying Jim just got arrested. Sam I saw when I drove by, he went to a party after the boat ride and got caught in a DUI checkpoint. I already called the coach and he is aware, I'll call you in the morning. In your spare time look for a QB. Try to have a good night and I hung up and turned the phone off then thought better of it and turned it back on. I said well I'm going to my room and try to sleep, JJ you with me? Cole said nope, he is mine as the dude owes me a task. In my room I looked at the picture of Jim and me with the metal and was considering taking it down. I looked at it for a while and decided it was special, will always be special and he needs me to be there for him. I called him and naturally it went to voice mail. I left a message and said, dude call me I'm here for you no matter what. I didn't expect an answer till tomorrow at the earliest. I stripped and climbed into bed and fell asleep. I don't know when but JJ tried to sneak into bed with me but he woke me and we just held each other until his cock touched my ass and he got rock hard. I rolled over and he got the message and started sucking my cock. Then he flipped over and we were sucking each other's cock. I was wide awake and in no hurry so I was going slow and all of a sudden he grabbed my head and started fucking my mouth. I realized he was close and want me to catch up and we shot together and it was massive loads. I pulled him up to me and asked, so you were horny? He said you dame cum machine step-brother file both my holes and wouldn't let me cum. I laughed, rolled over and fell asleep. My fucking phone woke me but it was on the desk and by the time I untangled myself from JJ it went to voice mail. The call was from coach so I didn't listen to the message, I just called back. I asked coach, how bad is it and he said pretty bad but can you come to the stadium office around 9:00 I just want to talk. I said sure and hung up. I looked at the time and saw it was 8:00 so I went downstairs and put coffee on and jumped in the shower. It was Jeans and a tee and I grabbed the paper and didn't have to look far, front page. The gist was underage drinking and driving while impaired. Toxicology tests results were pending. In the parking lot I saw Jim's dad sitting in the car and waved. He waved back and I went to find coach. In the locker room Jim was just coming out of the office and I tried to give him a hug and he pushed me away and said "get the fuck out of my face". He started to walk away and I grabbed him slammed him against a locker and screamed, WHAT THE FUCK IS YOU PROBLEM, IM HERE FOR YOU. He looked at me and said TOO FUCKING LATE, YOU DESERTED ME. I was furious and I grabbed his ears so he had to look at me and I calmly said dude, you have been loopy since spring break, you have pulled away, you don't know where the fuck you want to go to school, you haven't called or talked with me in days, you are pussy whipped, you stopped working out and that's all on me? Dude, I have your back and will do anything I can for you. Well once you grow the fuck up and realize, that the shit you might be snorting isn't the answer. I released him and went into the coaches office. I opened the door and coach said well that was interesting. I said ok, how bad is it? He said bad but could be devastating with test results. He just swore up and down that there were no drugs. Mike, what do you think. Well I was with him on the boat and there was no indication. I knew about the party and warned him, didn't matter. I have never seen him use any drugs. I would assume he was telling the truth. Well yet you mentioned snorting things a few minutes ago, was there a reaction? I simply said there was not. Mike, I have a problem, we are out of season, it happened outside school there isn't much I can do. Oh, I already told him he was behind the 7th grade QB but really. Coach who would be his backup? Coach said, well that is a good question. There are two possibilities both current sophomores. I said so Carl and Rocco? Coach said correct. Ok, I'll talk with JJ and see if we can work them out in the next few weeks. Then he said Mike, you were totally correct in what you just told Jim. I said thanks and enjoy the rest of the day, I'll see you Tuesday, that's at 1:30 correct? He said yes and Jim is no longer captain. I said understood and drove home with the roof down and the tunes blasting. THANKS FOR READING AND THE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS. STAY SAFE. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO NIFTY AND LEEP THIS SITE UP AND RUNNING.