Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:48:49 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 173

I was up early as I was excited because of the flight lessons and in a
real airplane. Downstairs I started coffee and made poached eggs and
toast. I could get into this breakfast things and then again it would add
to my weight. I cleaned up the kitchen and went upstairs and took a long
shower and dressed in comfortable clothes. Then I checked my emails and
there was nothing noteworthy and I started thinking about golf. I was
kicking myself for not asking dad more questions or at least who was
playing. Dad came down and grabbed a coffee and the paper and sat down. I
asked who I was playing with today and he said he said just the president
of city council and a congressman, that is if you are still alive after
your lesson. I looked at him and said, I'm doing this, I understand the
risks and please try to relax, I'll see you at the club and I left for
the airport.


At the airport I found the Major and he said follow me and we went into a
small office and said Mike, please have a seat and relax. Then he took a
deep breath and said, a lot of people think football is a dangerous
sport. As you know there are way to make that sport safer. From what I
hear you, for the most part, play tough and yet mostly safe, yet when you
need something to win it's all out. I see that in your business activity
as well. Mike, this can be the most dangerous thing you will do in your
life, if you don't do it the right way. Mike, I will insist on the right
way and will be very tough. I get that you are a very intelligent guy,
you have great reflexes and seem to be calm under pressure and combined
with the first phase of this being easy you will get this done quickly,
even to my satisfaction but never a short cut. There will be times when
you want to impress people and take them for a plane ride, you will need
follow the procedures every time. Hell that girl might think that's
it's sexy if you are professional. Mike, when we go to a 2 engine craft
it gets much more complicated and that 2 engine jet that Jack, Owen and I
fly so easily, isn't easy to fly. In fact it is at least 10 times harder
than what we will do today. There is very little room for error. You can
never be distracted and George, can only do do much. He handed me a check
list card and said let's do this.


Outside he took me to a small Cessna craft. I immediately opened the door
and looked in and Jim said what the fuck are you doing? I said looking
inside, this is the same as the simulator, correct? He said yes,
CHECKLIST. I looked at it for the first time and 20 minutes later I was
strapped in the left seat. The Major said Mike, we both have control of
the craft. We are taking a big loop and landing with me dealing with
landing and taking off, you will fly some but you job is to watch the
instruments and pay attention to communications. No chatter, you can ask
questions when we land. The second loop you will do takeoff,
communications and flying the loop, most likely I'll do the landing.
Then he said Mike fire her up. Looking at the check list I primed the
engine and it started right up. I checked the RPM's to idle and looked
at the oil pressure and was asked those numbers and the Major actually
smiled at my immediate answer. He asked about the fuel gauge and I said
doesn't matter we check the fuel levels before we got in but it shows
3/4 full. He said correct. Now I got this so pay attention to comm's and
listen. Also, the instruments. He then checked the controls and contacted
the tower. He handed me an airport plan and he turned the RPM's up and
asked the number and I said 1500 and he said correct. We taxied and
stopped at the runway and he said NP15 holding. We heard back NP15
cleared for take off and we move forward immediately and heard NP15 hold
for left turn. Then I heard NP15 left at your convenience. We made what
appeared to be a 90 degree turn and I confirmed that with the compass. A
few minutes later the Major requested another left turn and was asked to
confirm traffic on left, he replied confirmed and we turned left again. A
minute later he asked, Mike, you ready? I said yes and he said light
touch and steady course. I replied confirmed and he said the craft is
yours.


About a minute later and he said without looking what are the instrument
telling us? I gave him the heading, RPM's speed and oil pressure. He
said that's great, no sight seeing. Pay attention. I said, yes sir. Then
I heard Jim asked for another left turn and was told clear and I was told
to turn left to a certain heading. I took a big breath and started the
slow turn. Once at the compass setting I straightened out and was told
good job. Then the Major said ok Mike, I need the craft. There was tower
communication and we were soon cleared to land. It was a very smooth
landing and we taxied near the terminal. He turned off the engine and
said, ok let's start over and if you do it right you get to take off and
fly the loop and we will see about the landing. I said Rodger and started
the routine, I checked the list once or twice and turned on the plain
without priming the motor. Then I contacted the tower and was told to
proceed to a different runway, checked the layout and taxied to the
runway. I told the towers our position and was cleared for takeoff. I
noticed the Major looking at the readings and instrument settings and he
was ready to take over but damn we were airborne and it was a smooth
loop. The Major said ok Mike, you can land but if I say hands free let go
and I got it. Don't over correct the wobbles, for the most part they
take care of themselves. I said Rodger and was cleared to land. We hit
the runway and bounced once and then settled down to a smooth landing.
Jim laughed and said nice carrier landing. Back at the terminal I was
asked was that fun? I said well I was scared shitless and Jim laughed and
said well you are a fast learner. I said it was like the simulator but I
get why everyone is worried about this. The Major said log book. I handed
him the book and he listed 2 hours and signed. We went inside ordered
coffee and he critiqued the flight, especially the landing. Basically he
said, it was much better than he expected and don't get over confident.
I laughed and said thanks, now looking back it was fun.


I put the roof down and drove home and it was a quick shower and a shave
and clothes appropriate for golf at the club. Once there I went to the
range and spent about an hour hitting balls. Then I went to the patio and
ordered lunch, which was a chicken salad and house dressing and an Arnold
Palmer. I was thinking about the flight and the lesson and everything the
Major had said. Just as I was finishing, dad sat down saying well it's
good to see you alive. I laughed and he asked if I was hitting balls and
I said, I'm done and with a few putts, I'm ready to go. He said well
the guests are are at the range. I said ok, I get it and got up and went
back to the range. At the range dad introduced me to Mike, our
congressman and Gene the city council president. I laughed and said too
many Mike's MJ worked for me. I hit a few shots and then pulled out the
driver and blasted in the net at the end of the range. Then it was a few
putts and we were called to the tee.


The carts were set up so I was riding with dad and I suggested we switch
every 6 holes. Everyone thought was a good idea. My only concession to
customer golf was playing the "white" tees. The first hole a long par 4
with an elevated green. Usually a drive and mid-iron from the tips. Today
it was a great drive and an 8 iron and a 2 putt par. It was a bunch of
routine pars and I was just chatting with dad. On the 7th tee, I changed
carts and was with Gene from city council. He asked my handicap and I
said, it's a 4. I was keeping it casual but I had an agenda. I said that
we would have a groundbreaking next week and I would like him there if he
could manage the time as I knew he was busy. Mike, I would be honored. So
what can you share with me about the building? I replied Gene it is 4
stories, slightly smaller than the other one, currently under
construction. I said three floors are rented and the first floor will
house startups and I hope a restaurant. I'm also considering a marina.
He said a marina? Well that's something I'm considering and there is a
lot of work and planning into that. Then he suggested that I contact the
Army Core of Engineers and he said he would send me contact person. Then
he added, that will be very expensive. I said thanks and we move to a
much more casual conversation. Dad at one point got me aside and said, I
see business discussions have you distracted. I laughed and said, I
guess. I was two over par and I birdied the next hole and it was time to
switch carts again.


In the middle of that my phone buzzed and it was Cole. He was all excited
and I said so Dude, it went well? He said MJ, I finished solo 3 and was 2
under today. I said awesome. Then he got serious and said but that was 6
shots back. Then he said, I have to go and I hear we will be having
dinner at the club. I said correct, family night and he laughed saying,
oh yeah I forgot. Back to the golf, I was simply playing a stress free
round and that's exactly how I like it. However it required some thought
with the different tees and different club selections. The congressman
was more direct and more in control and he said MJ, I saw you on
television a while back and I have to ask are you always in control like
that? Two very experienced reporters were off their game with you. I said
well, generally I am but then there is my dealing with the women in my
life. He laughed and said well that won't change. Then he said, I found
the end of the interview interesting. I said so did I, when there was
money put into the trust. He almost fell out of the cart laughing. He
said kid, nice try but you won't get away with that with me. It was my
turn to laugh and I said congressman, you don't know shit about me and I
don't know shit about you, so how about we both stop trying to control
things and move to what's really on your mind. Then I said please call
me Mike and if you call me kid one more time your walking the rest of the
round. You see while I am young, I have two of the three building
projects, of note, in your district under construction and my company has
found tenants for all three buildings. He was quiet for a minute and
asked, so how did you conclude the economy will pull back? Well interest
rates, slow growth and over built region. He said and your plans? I said
finishing both buildings, collecting money as we go, especially
Technologies is set. Then snapping up land and leading the recovery. Then
adjusting for the local changes as the Mayor will run for Governor and
lose. He laughed and said. That's a huge leap as the Mayor will run but
win? I looked at him and asked, what can I do for you? He said other than
play football at Pitt, nothing I'm in a safe district. Besides that I'm
simply taking an early look at you because you will at some point want my
seat? I said, I doubt that but I thought that might be interesting. While
all this was going on I managed a birdie and and a bogie and we were on
18 and I was one over. That hole is a long par 4 with elevated tee into a
valley then up hill to a green and you MUST be below the hole. I blasted
a drive half way up the hill and hit a perfect 9 nine iron to the green
but it ended up behind the pin 3 feet above the hole. Dad laughed and
said, I'll bet dinner you don't make that? I said bet, looked the putt
over from every which way and I thought it broke 3 inches to the right
the issue was how on that line without putting it off the green. It was
my turn and I lined up and dad laughed and I hit the put straight left.
Hit it hard enough to go 3 inches and it immediately turned towards the
hole but picking up speed and it hit the side of the hole and spun around
and lipped out. Dad laughed and said well that was one hell or a try.


We stopped in the men's grill and had two rounds of drinks with me
ordering an Arnold Palmer so there would no confusion, then I excused my
self and went home to shower and wait for Cole and Megan. Dad had said
casual for dinner and I was wondering about that but dressed in khakis
and a blue dress shirt and went downstairs and was reading the paper when
Cole flew in and gave me a big hug. I looked at him and asked, so where
is my brother? I grabbed Megan's bags and took them to her room. She
followed me sat on the bed and said, Mike that kid can play but where in
the hell did Liam come from? I said we met at Oakmont where he caddied.
He just finished his Freshman year at Pitt. Then I added that he is a
pretty good golfer and has caddied there for 3 years and knows his shit.
He is in the top 5 percent of his class with an undeclared major. Oh,
I've checked him and his family out, very solid and very middle class.
Simply don't worry. She said anyone who controls my son like he does
worries me. I looked at her and asked, so the Summer tour continues? She
said yes and the money is no issue and Jay owes him the car of his
choice. He aced every course. I said T-Bird and she said BMW Coop and we
both laughed. Cole appeared and asked about dress and I said similar to
me, stressing SIMILAR. I said 45 minutes and I'm driving. I went
downstairs stairs and collapsed on the sofa in the game room.


Cole joined me and he was dressed in Khakis and a Shinnacock golf shirt
and dockers no socks. I said dude, if you would have had a blue dress
shirt on I would have kicked your ass. MJ, I'm over that and it was a
great weekend and you and I need to have a long talk. I asked Cole, you
have an issue with Liam? Cole said, yes how to fucking keep him. Dude
that's down the road as he will be there for 3 more years. MJ, we need
to talk after this fucked up dinner and I'm tired of mom being in that
damn helicopter. I said Cole, she is on you side and I asked T-Bird or
BMW? He laughed and said neither and Megan appeared and it was off to the
club. Dinner was in a small private room and I was instantly pissed that
I drove. Dad and Megan ordered drinks and I ordered an Arnold Palmer and
so did Cole. Megan immediately changed them to iced tea and Jake simply
laughed. Megan looked at me and said, I'll drive so thanks and enjoy.
She looked Cole and said, that was damn impressive and you are good for
the rest of the Summer, school first. Cole smiled and said, thanks mom.
It was a nice dinner and something I was starting to enjoy. There was
another round of drinks and I switched to actual iced tea and Cole did
not. Megan asked me about flight school and I said totally awesome as I
took off, flew a loop and landed in what the Major called a carrier
landing. Then I added, sorry dad I'm hooked and I have a new respect for
that walk around the pilots do. I was starving and ordered shrimp scampi
and a salad with the house dressing. Megan ordered the same and dad and
Cole ordered t-bones, baked potato and a salad. I thought shit, I'm
paying for all this. After dinner it was coffee and no desert. The tab
came and dad handed it to me and I signed and Megan asked, so what's
that about and I said a 3 foot putt on 18. I tossed Megan my keys and
said your driving me and dad has Cole.


At home, I grabbed a beer and as soon as dad came in we went in his
office and closed the door. I lit a cigarette and asked, so how was golf?
He said the City Council guy is not a fan but the congressman has you
running for the Senate and then President and I almost fell out of my
chair laughing. Dad, I had that the other way. I said, business wise it
was a waste of a couple of hours but the contacts were good. We discussed
flight school and I told him how it started with a longish lecture on
safety and everything I did, which was a lot, was earned. To be honest
landing scared the heck out of me. Then I said it will be an early run
and I'll be in the office tomorrow by 8:30. Right now I need to spend
some time with Cole. I put the cigarette out and went to my room.


I started to change into something much more comfortable and Cole came in
and closed the door. I said, so a serious conversation and he came up to
me and gave me a big kiss and before I knew it we were naked and making
out. I pushed him off me got off the bed and locked the door and smacked
his ass and said, lock the fucking door when the rents are home and I
went right to his cock and started to suck and he started on mine. A long
stressful day for both of us and loads quickly exchanged. We laid in bed
nude and I said ok, how was golf. He said, half way through the round on
Saturday I felt that I belonged and Liam was so calming. It was Saturday
night after dinner that he was at his best. He told me that I was lucky
today as I didn't understand the course. That I didn't realize it but
every time I played Oakmont I play this type of course. I didn't realize
it but they are both links courses. True they are not nine out and nine
back but they play the same. I said I don't get it this place is
treeless and Oakmont isn't. He laughed and said Cole, imagine you are on
the third tee at Oakmont, what do you see? I said the fucking church
pews. He said correct what else? I said two fairways. He asked any trees?
I said there are none. Then he said imagine all the trees gone except on
the outside of the course. MJ, he was right, hard bounces, the ditches,
the fescue and the crazy rough. Only difference is the hills. It's like
#1 at Oakmont where the best second shot is 15 yards short on the right
and the ball ends up on the front. MJ, how do I keep him?


I thought for a minute and said Cole, have you asked him? He said no, I
haven't. We have talked about Pitt and his girlfriend and his work at
Oakmont, the fact that he can't get over how much money you have. Ok
Cole tell me about his school. Mike he is a very good student but isn't
ready to commit to a career. His dad works at a bank, middle management
and his mom teaches at a high school. I said Cole, if you are looking for
a full time caddy, it's more than a bit early. You will be a Junior in
high school and he will be a Sophomore in college, do the math. He is 19
and you are 16 for all practical purposes. Even if this works out and you
turn Pro, what does he do hang around and hope you make it? I don't see
how you can ask him to do that. I said settle for three more years and
see where it goes. MJ, can you help us work this out? I said well that
will take the two of you knowing what you want and the three of us having
a long talk. How about we get dressed and you let me get to work? He said
ok but how did you miss a 3 foot putt? I said above the hole on 18 with a
3" break and it lipped out. He laughed and said NEVER BEHIND THE HOLE ON
18. I said white tees and customer golf. He laughed and said well I
believe white tees but I'm not buying customer golf. With that he got
dressed unlocked the door and went to his room.


Once Cole was gone I sat there thinking and sent Jack an email telling
him I was working out tomorrow at the gym and that he should find a way
to join me there at 4:30. I will let them know he is my guest. Then I
thought he must be 25 and sex with an older guy, I smiled and thought
awesome and we will see how he likes it in the sauna. Then I called JJ
and he answered saying his dad was still shaking his head over how well I
did. I'm not to tell you this but dad is planning a trip to Latrobe and
he wants to see how well you do with a flight plan and multiple tower
communications. I said thanks and asked if he was running tomorrow? He
said yes but could we do 6:30 instead of 7:00? I said sure and didn't
ask why. We chatted about things and he asked about Beth and I said, well
I haven't called her I have been very busy. He said whatever and  said
see you in the morning.


I emailed, Mason and Jorden and asked them to meet with me Monday morning
at 11:00. I want to start a review of the costs on the marina. I also
thought that would fuck with Mason's lunch plans. He was not yet off the
hook about expenses and I wanted to press him about the business plan.
Then I emailed Jodie and asked her to set up a meeting with me, Riley and
Mason at her convenience and asked that it be coordinated through Riley.
I noticed that there were two emails and one was from Jack, confirming
tomorrow. The other was the Major asking for a 9:00 meeting tomorrow. I
opened my calendar and it was already there and I saw 4:00 ground
breaking Thursday. I was pleased at the time as it would be covered on
the evening news and it wasn't lost on a Friday news event. All and all
it was a great day and I thought damn it was 9:00 but should I call Beth
or just leave it be.


I figured what the fuck and dialed the number from memory. She answered
and simply said, hello. I said hi Beth it's Mike, you know that jock
from Friday night. She laughed saying well would you please put on that
polite dude, I was talking with on Friday. I laughed and said sure, I'll
find him and we both laughed. I laughed and asked about her weekend and
she said not much just golf with her dad and brother. I asked where she
played and she said Ceaderbrook gold course. I was asked about my weekend
and I said well after I hung out with Jim it was pretty quiet but today
was flying lessons and golf with dad. Trying to change the subject I
asked how she played and she said just ok, but Wes is just home from
college and it was a good time. Then she asked about my game and I said
it was pretty good but dad had 2 business guys along and thus it was
different. She said, so you played South Hills and I said yes. She said
I've driven by that so many times but never played. I took a deep breath
and asked so you free to play Wednesday afternoon? She asked, so how will
you pull that off? I said dad is a member so it's cool. I asked for an
address and once I had that I asked what time worked for her any time
after 1:00. She said ok pick me up at 1:00 and said that's great.


With all that done I went and found dad and Megan in the game room and
said good night. Then I said well have a fun first day. She said thanks
and you too. I found Cole and he was on his phone so I waved and went in
my room. I was laying in bed wearing my boxer briefs and Cole came in and
I reminded him about 6:30 and he was good with that. He sat on the bed
and said MJ, thanks for being my older brother and I got a hug. He got up
and as he was leaving he turned out the lights and all I could think
about was Jack and me pounding him in the sauna.


ONCE AGAIN, THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, ALL
THAT KEEPS ME WRITING.


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