Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2020 19:20:23 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 174

I woke in a fantastic mood and went downstairs and put coffee on and Cole
came down and JJ joined us and it was a great run. I grabbed a mug of
coffee and went upstairs and it was a shower and I shaved. I decided on
khakis and a blue shirt and selected a tie. Then it was off to the site
and a meeting with the Army Engineer. He looked things over and said that
it would work but some dredging needed done and that he would start the
permit process and he would gladly help as he wanted a place to manage
the river traffic that seemed to grow every day. I said thanks and the
drive to the office was good and I smiled when pulled into my parking
space. I went right to the cafeteria and grabbed a coffee and then to my
office. I went in and found an organized desk with three piles,
important, interesting and junk. Naturally I started with the small
important pile and things weren't all that important. I heard Ruth and
said, good morning and that I had an appointment at 9:00 with Major
Messer. She laughed and said Mike, it's all on your calendar so I'm
good. I laughed and went back into my office.


By the time 9:00 rolled around my desk was clear and there were two
things to discuss with Tim and right on time the Major appeared. Ruth
immediately stuck her head in and asked if we needed coffee and we both
said we were good and she left closing the door. I got up and joined him
in the guest seating. He smiled and said Mike, it's nice you don't sit
behind your desk and we really need to get you a conference table. I said
there are times when I do sit behind that desk to talk with people. He
laughed and said I bet those are interesting conversations. Then he
handed me a list of people invited to the ground breaking. I looked at
the list and added the congressman. I said Jim, he wants to run me for
President so I'm playing nice. I said that I would also invite the
workers as they will still be there anyway and that I would be wearing my
special hard hat. He said, well I hope your clothes don't clash with
those awful school colors. We then moved to the short ceremony and I was
handed a statement to review and read. I simply sat it on the desk. Then
Jim asked if my schedule was free Friday and I said that it was as it was
my off day this week. He asked if I was interested in a more advanced
trip and I said absolutely. He said that he needed to go to Latrobe and
thought I might want to fly there. He said that it's different than
loops around the airport and that he would file a flight plan. Then he
added that I would need to deal with tower and landing at Latrobe. He
said wheels up at 9:30 and that I should be there at 8:00. I was so
excited, I could have hugged him.


Then he got serious and said Mike, this is your last summer home, in all
likelihood, so make sure you find time to have some fun. I know this work
shit is fun for you but at some point you will resent all this and how
you grew up too fast. I asked if he had been talking to dad? He said no
and that he had just had the opposite chat with JJ. Mike, he needs to get
a job and some responsibility and if you hire him, I'm resigning. I
replied Jim, I already knew you didn't want me to hire him and just so
you know he hasn't asked. As he was finished with his agenda, I asked
about Jack. He said Mike, he will be very good once he adjusts. Jet
Jockeys as good as he was sometimes have a tough adjustment. He is
different in that he physically couldn't do it anymore. That was more
that a 3 hour swim and he earned that metal, which I bet he has stashed
in a drawer. Him and Riley are good together and damn she dumped that
serious boyfriend as soon as she knew he was back for good. He is or
rather was a top fighter pilot but we will see how good a buss driver he
becomes, so far so good. Then he said, you and him seem to have developed
a good relationship, quickly. I said yup for an older guy he is fun and I
like Riley. The Major laughed and said the reality is you and him are the
same age in spite of the chronological difference. He said I assume you
wear an XL shirt but like to squeeze into a large, to show off? I said,
that's correct and he left.


I spent the next hour working on the Board and decided to change the name
to advisory council. I got up and went into dad's office and he said
what's up, you're not on my schedule. I said get used to the fly byes.
He said, I have 10 minutes, what's up? I said your list for the advisory
council. He just looked at me, shook his head and handed me his
recommendation. I said, thanks and I'll email you the complete list but
I think we have duplicates. I stood and said, sorry for the interruption
and I'll be more mindful of your schedule. He said Mike, thanks and you
are never a distraction. I gave him that rye smile and went to my office
thinking message received, we each have our parts to play and schedules.
Back in my office I compiled the list in an email and requested dad to
find 2 additional people and I would find 2. I sent the email to dad, Tim
and the Major. I got up and started for coffee and Ruth said, Mike you
better not be going for coffee, that's my job. I said Ruth, that is not
your job and it give me an opportunity to be seen and to explore, please
let me, most of the time, get my own coffee. She sat back down and
continued doing whatever she was working on.


I decided once I had my coffee that I would walk around and simply be
seen. People just looked and I simply said hello and moved on. I ran into
Paul and stopped and thanked him for dealing with Jim. He said he is a
good kid who simply fucked up. Mike, how the hell does he play QB? I
laughed and said he is different on the field and Paul's said, he would
have to be and we went our separate ways. Back in my office I added
"flight school" to my calendar and started thinking about the new
approach to the Board and was wondering what dad thought and what he was
up to as we really should not be taking on any new business. I then added
the strip district offices to my schedule for the afternoon. Then I
picked up the phone and called Bruce at the furniture dealership, we
chatted for a while and I asked him to contact Major Jim and set a
schedule for the over night to Herman Miller. Then I asked how soon he
could get a large whiteboard installed in my office and we discussed
sizes and I measured the wall and we decided on 8' by 4' and he said
that it would be there by Friday. I said thanks and was looking at the
other recommendations when Ruth appeared and said the accountant is here
and Mason called and said he was running late. She was waiting for a
reaction and I simply said thanks. I though well I did spring this on him
at the last minute. I thought why hold Jordan up and I laid out what I
wanted to do and that I needed a cost estimate. He laughed and said cart
before the horse as I need to know what I'm getting a cost estimate on.
I laughed and said well that's why Mason needs to be here and I have a
list of what he needs to do with J&J. I said, thanks for the time and
I'll have Mason circle back with you. He said thanks and went back to
work.


I called Jodie and asked when could she start on the restaurant drawings
and I said if the marina gets approved I would want something to reflect
what we were developing there and if not a sports bar. She asked about
the marina and I said very early and Mason would be Mason. There was
still no sign of Mason and now I was getting pissed. I looked at the time
and it was noon, I told Ruth that I was going to the strip district
offices and that when Mason got here tell him that he needs to make his
calendar available to me and that running a little late was not being an
hour late. I then said I'll be back by two and don't really care what
he does but I want access to his schedule.


I went outside put the roof down on the car and drove to the Strip. I
parked in the visitors space and Dillon yelled you are not a visitor. I
laughed and asked, so what you doing here? He said meeting with the
management team here. I asked how often that happened and he said weekly.
I said let's go inside and if you have a minute please show me around, I
have not been here in a long time. He looked at his phone and said Mike,
I have 10 minutes, so let's start. I said Dillon go to your meeting, I
know I would need that 10 minutes and you and I need to schedule a
meeting. When you have a minute give me some times and dates for an hour
meeting, or possibly lunch. He said thanks and we went our separate ways.
Inside I was walking around and was like a fish out of water. I realized
that it would be hard to reorganize the company without a lot of help. I
pretty much got the lay of the land and spent just under an hour and
drove back to the office.


As I pulled into the parking I noticed Mason's car and thought stay
calm. I found him in the reception room on the phone and I went right to
my office and picked two additional names for the advisory council and
sent an email to dad. A few minutes later Ruth came in and said, Mason
would like some of your time. I said, sure send him in. When he arrived I
sat beside him in the guest chairs and asked, so what's up? He said
Mike, I couldn't get away. I said I understand but you should have just
canceled instead of pulling that "I'm running late shit". I know that
was last minute. He said, thanks and I shared my calendar. I said thanks
and you need to get with Jodie, ASAP. She will get you up to speed.
Mason, I'm not checking on you, I just want to be able to schedule you.
Is there anything else? He said well the spec building is fully rented
and now I'm hunting for space to rent. Well actually tenants as there
seems to be lots of rentable space. Mason, I really believe that will
continue for a while as we are over built. Concentrate on the restaurant
and possible marina and I'll see to it that you are covered financially.
Then I ended it with have a good rest of the day. Once he was gone I
called HR and asked for a check on his payroll account. Then I remembered
the as built drawings and sent an email to Jodie asking where they were?
With all that done, I turned off the computer said good night to Ruth and
left for the gym. On the way I was thinking it wasn't a very productive
day and how much I would be relying on others especially Dillon and Kyle.


I got to the gym about 15 minutes early, grabbed workout clothes from the
trunk and changed into gym shorts and an oversized tee shirt. I started
my work out and Jack was there and he was watching. I took off my tee and
asked if that was a better view? Then I asked are you working out or
watching and he said yes. He eventually changed clothes and got on a bike
while I continued my workout. He was on the bike the entire time and when
I was finished I tossed him a towel and said sauna. Inside we were alone
and I sat down beside him and took a chance and kissed him and he kissed
me back. He reached under my towel and felt my hard cock and said shit,
we doing this here? I smiled and asked if he was up for that and he said
not at all. I said ok shower and I pulled him into a stall, closed the
curtains and asked, here? I was kissed and we were making out and I
grabbed a condom, put it on and said turn around and I fucked him in the
shower. Once I shot I said, please remove the condom, no hands. He said,
fuck that's disgusting but got on his knees and removed the condom. I
helped him to his feet and started to kiss him and sucked the condom out
of his mouth and then emptied the contents in my my mouth and kissed him
again. He hesitated at first then got into it and we kissed until the cum
was gone. I stuck my head out and saw no one around and jumped into
another shower and finished showering. We both dressed and I asked if he
wanted a sandwich and he said sure but you didn't let me cum. I smiled
and said, well my task and you can share it with Riley tonight. I know
you old guys can't shoot multiple times. He laughed and we found a
burger joint and had a quick bite to eat. I told him about Friday and he
said, that he had heard I was a fast learner. I asked about a flight plan
and he laughed and said, that is typical Jim, they are not required
unless you are IFR (instrument flight rules) and I'm betting you will
take off look for Route 30 and follow that to Latrobe. That's VFR (
visual flight rules) but it's impressive that Jim trusts you enough to
simply fly there. It's a larger private facility and he will handle the
tower. I said well he thinks he will handle the tower. Jack got serious
and said Mike, simply don't fuck with him, it a long walk back. I asked
his age and he said just 25, is that too old for you? I replied is 17 too
young for you and we both laughed.


We parted ways and there were no other bets and I think I pushed his
limits. It was a short drive home and when I got home Cole was sitting in
the kitchen drinking Iced tea. I joined him and we sat talking and I
asked about this weekend tournament and he said a home game at Latrobe, I
want to win this and it's a smaller field and 36 holes 2 days Friday and
Saturday and I just started to laugh. I asked how are you getting there
and he said Liam is driving but dad is going to be there. Are you going
to make it? I said possibly Saturday as I have a thing with the Major
Friday, flying lessons. He said, damn you are really into that and I
replied, totally. I asked Cole about his teaching Pro and he said he
isn't messing with my swing, just finding ways to help me not to fall
back to comfortable bad habits under pressure. I tend to get a case of
the hooks as I come through the ball too fast so it's a pull hook. That
also tends to happen when I go after one hard. Liam actually feels I play
better when I don't hit half shots. Given a choice I will lean on the
shot. Then he said I guarantee I don't hit it over #10 again. I asked
about dinner and if he knew about dad and Megan. He said shit, I forgot
they are staying in town for dinner. I asked what he wanted and he asked
if we could do those hoagies and eat in the park again? I said sure and
we were off but it was roof up and windows up and the AC on. Cole was
hungry and ordered a hole hoagie and I ordered a half and we both got
large iced teas. Cole asked why I wasn't hungry and I said I had a
burger with Jack after we worked out. Cole smiled and asked, so did you
settle your bet in the sauna? I said nope the shower. We took our time
eating and just chatting and looking at the people walking. There were a
couple of very cute girls and also some hot guys and damn I was looking
at dudes older like Jack. Then I thought shit dad's right I'm out of
control. Cole said he was ready to go so we drove home. Once there I made
a 1:30 tee time at South Hills. I called Jim and it went voice mail the
message said working, I'll call back after 9:00. I laughed and hung up.


I called JJ and he answered, so you are dating a Carrie clone? I said,
WHAT? MJ I just kidding that's the best woman decision you've made
since you got Carrie to break up with you. JJ, seriously? What do you
know about Beth? MJ, she is great but from what I hear watch your ass if
you take her golfing. Also, she doesn't run in the Country Club circle
and she is as smart as you and Carrie. Oh, you won't de getting her
naked anytime soon. So JJ, you dated her or tried to? Mike, never tried.
She is out of my league or was pre MJ. I laughed and said see you
tomorrow for the run. Before I hung up I asked, so did you find a job? He
said you sound like dad, but yes. MJ, I'm working delivering drugs for
Jim's dad. I guess I'm cheaper and and more reliable. I laughed and
said definitely cheaper. I said good night and went downstairs to find
dad.


He was in the office and I knocked on the door and asked if I need an
appointment and laughed. He smiled and said not here but don't get into
the habit at work to just stop in to chat. Unless it's urgent just send
me a message. Dad, I get it but what do you think of changing the Board
to advisors? Mike it's a good idea but we don't need 20, let's make it
15 and hope 10 are active. Dad if you feel that way let's start with 12.
Then he said Mike, you are right we don't need them as we control the
company. Ok dad what is the problem we agreed on this and you have been
strange all day, so just tell me what's up? Mike, I'm bored. We are at
our limit and can't find workers. Then I watch you do everything you do
and today you were busy and thought it was an unproductive day. I'm the
one that's unproductive. All I do is watch you and count the money
rolling in. Hell, I would need a map to get to the Strip District branch.
I thought for a minute and said you need to find something you can buy, a
company. Develop it and when you are tired with it, I'll buy it and move
it to Enterprises. Dad, I'm the one that's counting the money
Enterprises netted over 200k last month and Mason has the spec building
rented and that gets booked this month.


Dad why don't you look into our tenant Dyno-Vox? That's might be in
your wheelhouse. Dad, if we took the company public or sold it what's it
worth? Mike, once we move about 400. So if we went public I would be
worth 200? Dad said I would assume. Well that's not enough, simply not
happening. So what would it take for you simply walk away. I looked at
him and said 30 years and at least 1B. Dad shook his head and asked so
why do you think Dyno-Vox is on the market? I said, oh the same tea
leaves that tell me there will be a Democratic President, the Mayor will
not be Governor and that the economy will slow down. Dad took a deep
breath and said, let's just slow down and run our little empire. I lit a
cigarette and sat down and asked if he would be too board to attend the
groundbreaking on Thursday? Shit, dad you are the chairman. He laughed
and said, of a meaningless BOD. We both laughed and I put the cigarette
out and said good night. Then dad said, hold on a minute, how do you know
what Enterprises netted last month? I get reports every 2 weeks, I look
at them and trash the email. Why do you think I let Mason off the hook
today? When you left and he wasn't in the office yet the betting started
and I won $150 when you kept him. Dad, I'll see you at work, I'll
schedule an meeting, good night.


Once in my room there was a knock on my door and it was Megan. I said
have a seat and indicated one of the leather chairs. She sat down and
said MJ, you have your dad figured out pretty well and I wish Cole had
that type of relationship with Jay. Thanks for having that talk with him.
Close the door if I shouldn't hear. Megan, he is really board and we
can't take on another thing. There is an option that I don't want to
discuss, well seriously, and that is to farm some non-government work to
India. I don't want to think about it but it's a growing trend. Hell,
we hired 80% of the CMU computer grads. Mike, when you involve him in
things he isn't interested in he gets different. I said I know, like
today. He considers it busy work. Megan, I'll be in Latrobe on Friday
and your son is excited as he thinks he can win. I'm flying, another
lesson and Major Jim is running a game on me. I did not know about the
weekend until tonight. This morning he said he had to go to Latrobe
Friday and if I had the day free we could do a lesson. I agreed and it
got complicated. I'm learning a lot but am behind on CMU stuff. I have 6
credits and 6 in the works. Megan, back to dad, this mood happens on
occasion and he will be fine and will find another project we will hunt
for workers and space and land for another building. Megan you know, my
hope for the region I just don't won't to be the only company.


THANKS FOR READING AND THE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED.


PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE SUPPORT NIFTY.