Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2020 18:52:07 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 178

I woke at 6:30 and went for the run and was joined by JJ. Then it was a
shower, grey shorts and and a lime green Latrobe golf shirt and a
matching grey hat, that barely fit. I drove to the club and arrived at
about 9:00. I went right to the Pro shop and checked-in. Then I scheduled
a tee time for Tuesday and checked with the Pro about Wednesday and I was
pleased that it was canceled because of scheduling issues with the
others. I was assured it would be rescheduled. I grabbed a couple of bags
of balls and saw that my clubs were loaded on a cart and that there was a
second cart. I didn't want Liam and his buddy to have to lug the clubs
that far. Just then I saw a car pull up with Beth and her guys inside. I
drove a cart over and we loaded two bags in and I carried her bag to the
other cart and we were off to the range. I hit a few shots and saw Liam
and a guy his age who was introduced as Bill Swanson. We chatted for a
while as the others hit balls. About 20 minutes before tee time I moved
everyone to the putting green. I joined them and showed Beth the
scorecard and said, please pick a distance you are comfortable. I was a
little surprised when she picked a tee with about 6,600 yards. But we
could always adjust. I laughed when Liam and Bill came up and handed me 3
plastic bags. Liam said we don't need to lug all this around. I grabbed
Beth and we put the bags in their car and we went to the first tee.


They made me hit first and I smoked one way down the middle and I heard
Liam say, shit I should be on his bag and not Cole's. It was a fun day
and it took about 4 holes for people to feel reasonably comfortable.
Walking and not dealing with clubs, provided a lot of opportunity to talk
and get to know people. Beth's dad wanted to know how I pulled off a
membership at my age and I said well a lot of disposable income and a guy
named Palmer. He stopped dead in his tracks and said that's unreal. Then
I said well it is with restrictions as lunch will be on the patio. I have
business meetings here and an occasional dinner with family but mostly
it's golf. Then I said, I really have to get to Latrobe more often, I
was there Friday but it was to watch Cole play in a tournament.


Walking up the 9th fairway I caught up with Liam and said, make sure you
get enough to eat and drink. Then I added, you and I need to talk about
my brother. He smiled and said we certainly do. After 9, I was one over,
Beth had 41 and was ahead of he brother and dad by 3 shots. Everyone
seemed to be having a great time and walking was not an issue. We were
having beverages and Wes was eating a hotdog when the Pro came up and
motioned me over and he said that the round of golf that was cancelled
for Wednesday can be Friday and 9:00 would be a good time. I asked who
was playing and he said, just two very important members. I said fine, if
I can bring an unannounced guest as well. He said, well if that's a
problem I'll tell them you are out. I asked what tees they played and he
said tips. I said perfect. I went back to join my guests.


Play on the back was more relaxed but that resulted in me being asked a
lot more questions. Wes was easy as it was about college and why VT. All
of which I gladly answered. It was the financial questions and I
deflected those. I finally asked her dad, why all the questions as the
loan officer for my construction loan, you know most of it. He said just
getting a read on you. He said, you are different today than other times
I've seen you. I said well today is me other times are what I need to
be. Other than that it was a fun time. We got to 17 and Liam handed me a
driver. We both laughed and I hit what I thought was a great shot. I
found it was over the green and in dense rough. I swung like it was a
sand shot and it stopped a foot away and a birdie. Liam found the entire
thing hysterical. He said, I wish I was there when you tell it to Cole.


After the round, I got Bill and Liam together, thanked them for the great
job and gave each of them 100 in cash. Bill looked and said, holy shit
and Liam said Mr. Simmons, enough is enough. I smiled and asked what are
you two doing Tuesday, I have VT people here for golf. They both said
they were available. I said I'll give you plenty of notice if it
changes, thanks for today. Lunch was next and when we were finished
eating I asked Beth if she wanted to ride with me. Wes said seriously,
that's the dummest thing you have said all day. Wes and his dad thanked
me for a very enjoyable day. They got up to leave and Beth and I sat
there and I ordered us more drinks. Once they were gone she said Mike,
you were awesome and so patient today, very different from the guy at the
ground breaking. I looked at her and said, That first Friday, our time at
miniature golf and today was me, all the other times, I was what I needed
to be. She asked, will you ever be what you need to be with me? I smiled
and said well I never say never, but I promise I'll do my best to always
be me. Try to understand business is different, always legal, always
ethical and filled with intrigue. I hope you understand or will
eventually. She smiled and said fair enough. Just then a guy approached
and introduced him as Mark Schlage. I introduced Beth and he said Mike,
I'm sorry to bother you but I was in the group behind you today and
needed to compliment you on your round, very well played. I said thanks
and he moved on. Beth asked what was that all about? I shrugged and said,
I have no idea. Generally, with few exceptions, I'm looked at as a
spoiled rich kid and yet they all want a piece of me. So Mike, why we
sitting here? I said because it is one of my favorite places to be and I
want to share it with you and yes I like the attention. A few other
people stopped to chat and I said well enough is enough, let's get out
of here. We went inside and used the rest rooms and I found the manager
and let him know that the Head Coach of VT would be my guest on Tuesday
and he thanked me for the heads up. We kept the roof up and drove to her
place. At the door I kissed her, longer than appropriate and said I'll
call tonight and drove home.


As I pulled into the driveway I saw Ryan and Caleb loading boxes into a
small truck. I went over and asked, you moving out? Ryan said, didn't
your dad tell you? We have rented an apartment and it's time to move on.
I looked and he said, don't worry, I still want to work for Enterprises.
I said well you better not be quitting on me. Looking at Caleb I said, oh
and I need a fucking haircut. He shook his head and said well you always
need one, in my opinion. I asked where the apartment was and was told
Lawrenceville. They said it was slowly developing into a great spot. We
shook hands and I went inside, found dad in his office, went in and sat
down and said WHAT THE FUCK. Dad, looked at me and said, I simply forgot,
but I was asked if it was OK a couple of weeks ago. He said Megan, will
be looking for a housekeeper and you have final say. Then he said, NO! I
laughed and said, good as I don't want to move into the apartment. Dad
just so you know Sean will be here starting Tuesday for a week or so and
if it is ok, I'll set him up in the apartment. Dad immediately said that
works. What else is on your mind? I told him about Friday and the
mysterious golf at Oakmont. Then I asked if he would play? He looked at
me and said, absolutely, I said thanks grabbed a cigarette and a beer and
went outside, to my special spot.


I sat there thinking about Beth and how uncomplicated she was and
wondered when she would stop collecting information about me. Right now I
was starting to get into a good place with her. I was just sitting there
and was mentally sitting against that fence post, very relaxed when Megan
came out and simply sat down. She was quiet and just anyone being there
distracted me, I asked what's up? She said well I was hoping not to
bother you but I wanted to discuss the replacement housekeeper. Mike, I
am hoping to find a young guy that both you and Cole can relate to and
someone you can trust. I looked at her and asked, why the fuck didn't
dad find you sooner. We both laughed and I said thanks, let us know. Then
I said, try to do this without an agency, that dude shouldn't have to
pay them for the job. With that I went upstairs, fired up the computer
and checked my calendar and saw I had meeting with various staff people
on Monday, Tuesday was a early meeting with the legal team then golf,
Wednesday was  a morning meeting with Jodie, Mason and Riley and an easy
afternoon so I claimed it with "Mike Time", Thursday was a meeting with
the Majors, in the morning and again an easy afternoon, Friday was that
mysterious golf thing. I was planning on taking the weekend off as Sean
would be here. I was about to shut thing down when, FLIGHT SCHOOL
appeared for Sunday at 7:00 AM and was listed for 3 hours. I confirmed
and was pleased with the week as there was a good bit of time for me,
that was becoming more and more important.


I called Ray and when he answered, I said dude, great news the apartment
is all yours as the guys moved out for better digs. He said well that's
not the only good news as I have an offer from Pitt to play football and
a few other places. I said congrats but what happened to Annapolis? He
said still in the mix. We chatted for a while and he seemed to be in a
really good place. I asked when he would be here and he said last week of
June and before July 1st. I said great and I'm sure we will have a
blast. We hung up and I called Beth. We talked about the day and she said
Wes wants to know how such a sculptured, jock could be so damn polite,
yet calmly in charge? I laughed and said well figuring that out might
keep him up more than a few nights. I summarized my week so she wouldn't
think I was ignoring her. I promised we would spend some private time
together. With all that done I went and took a shower.


I went back to my room and found Cole sitting in a chair looking at me. I
smile and said, so do you see anything you like. He laughed and said well
yes but a chat would be nice. I pulled on baggy shorts and sat down and
said, ok what's up? He said Michel and I had a wicket fight and a lot of
things were said, how much of that was real? I said from my experience
with Carrie, all of it. Now the question is can you or do you want to,
talk it over and move on. With Carrie, there were several attempts and
then it became, for me, a bridge too far. Then I laughed and said, makeup
sex is a lot of fun. He laughed and said thanks bro and left the room. I
thought he is more mature than I was at his age. I made a note to call
Liam and chat some about the dude.


Monday started out shitty with a stormy morning, I had really wanted to
run but there was no way. I shaved and dressed for work and selected a
tie to keep dad happy and packed a bag for the gym so I could workout
after work. I went downstairs put coffee on and grabbed the paper. In the
sports page, I saw that Jim had called a reporter and reaffirmed his
college choice of Pitt. I didn't bother reading it and when the coffee
was done I filled my travel mug and drove to the office. I immediately
settled into my office and Riley appeared and said, I have a busy day and
she went into a detailed review of her activities. It was informative and
she said things were going well. I said thanks and then it was Mason,
Dillon and a call from Jodie that didn't go well as we discussed the
change to building 1 and the need for rechecking the specs for the entire
building. It ended with me saying that i was paying the bills and there
would be no change orders for stupid mistakes and I hung up. I called the
Mayor on his private line and he answered with, shit kid don't you even
eat lunch. I simply hung up. He called right back screaming DON'T YOU
EVER HANG UP ON ME AGAIN and I screamed back DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME A
KID AGAIN. That helped some and he asked what I needed? I said a permit
to build a marina. He immediately asked, so what's in it for me? I said,
my good will and he laughed. Then I said well how about I throw in the
Union good will? There was quiet for a few seconds and said talk with the
Army Engineers. I said done. Again there was quiet and I said well I
guess I need a press conference saying the construction is delayed
because of unforeseen complications? Then I said Pete, think it over and
figure what the fuck you want and let me know. I'll wait till Friday and
said have a good week.


I got up to stretch my legs and Jack appeared. I asked why he wasn't in
the hinterlands? Well, I'm here to pick up Riley and wanted to say
hello. Well actually Ruth said to check on you and to see it I could get
you to go home as it's 4:15 and you haven't stopped at all today and
blew right through lunch. Then he laughed and said shit dude, don't you
have to pee? I laughed, looked at the time and turned off the computer
and headed for the gym. At the Gym it was a quick change of clothes and a
rather intense workout. I went into the sauna took off my shirt and was
sitting there relaxing in gym shorts. I reached a reasonable time limit
and jumped into the shower. As I was drying off Allen Clarkson, the kid
who transferred to Central came up and shook his head. I said hi Allen
what's up? He said I'm just trying to figure out how the fuck we are
going to control you, you get bigger every time I see you. He sat down on
the bench , looked at me and said, I have no reason to even ask you, I
was such a jerk but can we talk? Allen absolutely, what's on your mind?
He said college. Damn I thought you wanted to go to VT? He said well, all
of a sudden there are a lot of offers? I asked are you meeting with the
Coach tomorrow? He laughed and said well I assumed you knew but yes
Tuesday evening . Allen, he didn't tell me. Look he is bringing Sean
with him and he is a cool dude, he is spending the week, you can hang
with him all week. Also, JJ will be around. I'll help in whatever way
you need but dude, this is your decision. I've said the same thing to
Jim and he is going to Pitt. He said thanks, I appreciate it. I drove
home starving. I had just started to look around for something to eat and
dad called saying he and Megan would be home soon and they were bringing
dinner.


While I was waiting I called JJ and told him about Allen. He laughed and
said well I really don't give a crap where he goes to school. We have
very little reason to be nice to him. Well JJ, I can't disagree except
if he goes to VT we will have to live with him. So please just play it
down the middle, if you can, it's your call. JJ said thanks and we need
to see where Sean is on all this. I said JJ, my guess is that this is all
on me. JJ laughed and said that's why I hang with you, it's always your
fault. I heard dad and Megan and got off the phone. Down stairs it was
Ribs, wings and ribs, I laughed and looked at Megan and said, well that
conversion didn't take long. Cole came in looked at the food and said,
how could you cave to that? She laughed and said refrigerator. Cole
opened the refrigerator and smiled and there was a chicken salad. He
grabbed a beer and Megan said, well that's a great combination. Once we
were finished Cole was stuck cleaning up and Megan went upstairs. Dad
motioned me into the office. He sat down and simply asked, WHY? I said
dad he pissed me off, so I took the gloves off. Dad, in this time and
place, who controls the union people? He said well you do, for now. I
laughed and said now is all that matters. He smiled and said, well
that's more than a little shortsighted. Dad, it isn't because he will
be gone as he he will run for governor and can't win. No matter what he
is out of here. Michael James, you better hope so. I laughed and said,
well at least you didn't add Junior.


Cole came in and I told him the story about how I played 17 today and he
laughed. I told him it would be golf tomorrow with VT, that Sean would be
in for a week and the guys have moved out of the apartment. I asked about
Michel and he said over and done with. She said it was her or golf and
that wasn't even close to a discussion. Then I told him about golf again
on Friday and it was an invite by some big time members. I invited dad to
even the sides and Cole laughed, saying well they are over matched. I
said, I hope it doesn't come to that. Then he asked if Liam had anything
to say about the tournament, I said it never came up. I asked Cole, are
you two good and he smiled and said yes. Then I said good night and I'll
see you for the run.


It was a beautiful morning and Cole and I ran but there was no sight of
JJ. I wondered about that but as we finished JJ was gettin into his truck
and waved. It was a shower and a shave. Dressed in my best Oakmont
clothes and it was off to work and a meeting with the legal guys. I got
to the work and went directly to my office and Riley was waiting for me
and there was a quick review of things and she went about her day. I was
looking at the financials for Enterprises and suddenly there were three
smiling faces peaking in the door. I laughed and said let's do this in
the conference room and I'll be right there. I finished reading the
financials and while I liked what I saw much of the strength was from
Standard Property and I continued to feel there would be a slowdown in
that area. I thought we would tighten things up and it would be what it
became. In the conference room, Tim handed me two envelopes and said,
those are financial statements for your Trust and the Foundation. I have
no idea what's in them, apparently your dad order those audits. I
excused myself and found dad in his office and closed the door. I showed
him the two folders and asked so what up? Mike, I simply needed you to
know exactly where you stood they are a reminder of how much you actually
have. Mike I have not and will not see them, unless you want or need to
share, happy reading. I shook my head but said thanks.


Back in the conference room, building 1 was briefly discussed and we were
into building 2 when Ruth came in and said Mike, you construction manager
needs a word. Allen said there were a number of city inspectors here
already today and there were no issues, well so far. I laughed and said
the minute there is shut the site down and tell everyone they will be
paid. He laughed and said, here we go again. Does the Mayor ever learn. I
said thanks and hung up. The remaining topics were the Board, what to do
with the building when we moved, separation of Technologies and
Enterprises, I suggested combining them and that lead to a 30 minute
discussion. When we were finished Tim stayed behind and once we were
alone he said he would like to add 2 more young guys as there are
multiple opportunities for new clients. We chatted about that and I said,
just go slow and always make sure we are covered.


Back in my office I shut things down and left for the club. When I pulled
into the parking lot I saw JJ truck and thought shit this is too many
people. I checked in and was told that my gang was at the range. At the
range there was Coach, JJ, Sean and I just stopped dead in my tracks when
I saw Ray. I went right up to him and gave him a giant hug and he
whispered don't you fucking dare kiss me and we both burst out laughing.
Ray and I were talking and he was impressive as he was now 6' 3" and
every bit of 230 and fucking ripped. JJ and Sean were having a discussion
and when they joined us JJ said I've played here before so I'll see you
for food in 4 hours. I said, I would gladly amuse myself but club rules
requires a member with every group. Just then Liam and Bill appeared and
introductions were made and Liam grabbed my bag and coach's bag and we
went to the practice green and then to the first tee. They selected tees
well forward and I wanted no part of it so I proposed a bet where I would
play the tips my ball against their best ball. The bet was $5.00. Well
that was a stupid bet as I won 7 holes and tied two. Then I gave them a
stroke on every hole and I actually lost the back nine. Ray and I had a
couple of bets with me winning both. I paid the caddies another 100 each
and Bill asked if I could play every day. Then JJ appeared and we had a
great early dinner on the patio. It was fun and I didn't know who I
wanted to get alone with first Ray or Sean.


JJ looked at Coach and said I have a truck, not a jet, I need to get you
to the airport, unless you want MJ to fly you back. Coach laughed and
said that will never happen. Besides we have another stop, I need to try
to hold on to one. That left me to deal with Sean and Ray. Ray looked at
the car and asked, another new car, why? I said the other one was tin
cans by now, I was rear ended. I put the roof down so there wouldn't be
much conversation. Once we were home I took the guys to meet with dad and
it was determined that they could stay in the apartment. Ray again
surprised me by saying he was here till early August. I took the guys to
the apartment and we were sitting in the living room and I looked at Ray
and said, dude suck my cock. He asked here and right now? Sean just
started laughing. Ray stood up unbuttoned my shorts and exposed my cock
and started sucking. It felt  like the first time we did that. I just
leaned my head back and just enjoyed it. As I got close I grabbed his
head and held him in place and unloaded in his mouth. When it was over
Ray looked at me and said just so you understand, I'm different, well
like I was and you will fucking pay for that. Sean said fuck, I might
stay for two weeks. I said guys, Cole and JJ and I run 5 miles every
morning at 6:30, you are both welcome but we won't wait. I asked Sean to
come to the house and get some snacks and bed linens. The real reason was
to fill him in about Ray. Sean said Mike I know what you are going to
tell me, we all know. Ray was very upfront and he is someone we want, so
be nice and let him make up his mind. I said WE WANT? Sean smiled and
said you aren't the only one that walks on water. MJ the only reason you
were out of the loop is because you are in Pittsburgh and well your
history with him. If it wasn't good you would not have been involved.
Oh, that deal upstairs was hysterical. I said Sean, that's how if all
started. Then he said now can I get 6 beers and some snacks. By the way
we will both be running and you won't have to wait. I said Sean, bets
with Ray don't have limits but use a condom, they are now required.


I got the beer, snacks and linens and said we will do grocery shopping
tomorrow. Sean said, don't start paying for everything. I laughed and
said, I'm not, dad pays for Ray. Sean said, well that's the missing
key, who paid tuition at that military school. Sean, I was so looking
forward to having you here and now it's complicated. He said MJ, I can
stay 2 weeks as I have this great work study thing. We will have time
together and if I didn't want that as well I would have flown back with
Coach. I gave him a big hug and said don't be late in the morning, good
night. Upstairs in my room, I stripped and jumped into bed after making
sure the alarm was set. Sleep however was another thing and it didn't
come easily. The one thing was for sure, I was going to make time to
enjoy there two weeks. All of a sudden Cole came in and jumped into bed
with me and we snuggled and fell asleep.


The alarm woke us and we were quickly outside and damn Ray and Sean were
there and we started off and JJ joined us. It was fun group run and I
laughed as Sean was stressed at the end. As the guys were walking towards
the apartment, I stopped them and said, I have a busy morning but could
pick them up at 1:00 and there were things I wanted to show them. They
eagerly agreed. For me it was a quick shower and coffee in the travel mug
and I was off to the office. Once there I made the rounds again and went
to my office. I closed the door and started to work on what I thought was
the current structure of the company and very quickly it got murky. My
desk phone rang and it was Ruth telling me the gang was all here and I
laughed and said pleas ask the to wait in the conference room as I would
be right in. I looked at the chart, shook my head and left for the
conference room. I asked Ruth to keep everyone out of my office and there
would be more meetings in the conference room.


The meeting started with some light banter but was quickly to business.
There was a detailed review with what everyone was doing. Mason was
clearly unhappy as was Jodie. Dillon on the other hand was in a great
mood. Once the initial progress reports were complete, I asked Dillon to
go in my office and play with the whiteboard. Then I said Dillon, Ruth
will stop you simply tell her I asked you to spend some time working in
there. If she has a problem, have her ask me. I turned to Jodie and Mason
and said ok, what's the issue with you two? They were both quiet and
Riley said Mike, these two toddlers can't seem to be able to play in the
same sand box, together. I asked Mason and Jodie to please wait outside.
Once they were gone, I looked at Riley and asked what's up? She said
Jodie is a pain in the ass and Mason has difficulty working with anyone.
I called them back in and looked at Jodie and asked, where are my as
built drawings? She said the construction manager and Bruce have copies.
I said thanks but messenger me copies so I have them first thing in the
morning. As for you two here is what I need done and for the next 30
minutes laid out a long list of items to be well underway for the meeting
next Thursday. They both looked at me and I said if it's an issue I'll
find another design firm and Mason, I'll accept your resignation. Thanks
for being here today. Riley just looked and as the others were leaving I
asked Riley to stay. Once the door was closed, I looked at her and asked,
thoughts? She said start interviewing for Mason's position at Standard
Property.


I went back to the office and Dillon had a lot more filled in and I
looked in amazement. We talked about the current structure and he said, I
know you are out of the office this afternoon can I just come in and out
and work on this, it's great to see it laid out. I said sure. Then he
asked is my roommate still employed? I laughed and said well for another
week. Mike, all he want to do is work the Real Estate side and Jodie can
be a bitch. I know I have a horse in this race, but you won't find a
better Real Estate guy and design firms are a dime a dozen and you have a
pretty good one in-house. It's not my place to say this but cut that
last string and move on. I thought for a minute and said Dillon, your
right but let's let this play out for a week. Just so you know, I tend
to back my people over contractors. I asked if Kyle was in the building
and he laughed and said, I think he lives here. Dillon went back to work
on the current structure and I went looking for Kyle. He was in what
passed for his office and was on the phone and he waved me in and
motioned to a chair. He was quickly done and asked Mike, what's up? I
asked about Dillon and Kyle said don't you dare give him one more thing
to do, I need him. I laughed and said well he is working on my whiteboard
detailing the current structure of the company. Kyle said well I'll be
interested to see where he puts himself. If it's anywhere but right
under me, he should be fired. I laughed and asked about Mason. Mike, just
let him do is fucking thing and count the money. If this gets to be
between him and Jodie, that's such an easy decision I won't even talk
about it. Back at my office Dillon was still working on the current
structure and I grabbed a marker and right under Kyle I added Dillon. He
just looked and asked was I just promoted? I said not yet, just putting
you in your actual place. He asked and Mason? I said he works for a
different company and he still heads Standard Property, you and Kyle are
in the same place about him and I appreciate your bluntness, I don't get
enough of that. Then I said Dillon, thanks and get back to work.


Once I was alone, I called Oakmont and asked for the Pro. When he got on
I asked, please tell me what to expect on Friday? There was a hesitation
and I said, I have people in town for the week and if it isn't
important, I would like to cancel. He said Mike, please don't do that,
it's with the club president and our most important member. I said ok
and my guest will be my dad. He said fine and it is a 9:00 tee time and
lunch. I said, and the reason for all this and he laughed and said, no
comment. I said ok, can these guys play, or do I need to be nice? He said
just play your best, from what I have seen that should occupy their
minds. I said thanks and hung up. I sent dad an email about Friday. I
looked at the schematic for a while and then asked Ruth if she could find
something to cover that board with. She looked and saw what was there
said absolutely. With that done I closed up the office and drove home. It
was jeans and a golf shirt and I called Ray and asked if they were ready
or were they still sucking cock. He asked about dress and I said jeans
and a decent shirt. Then I asked if 15 minutes were enough time and he
said sure and hung up.


We piled in the car with a discussion over shotgun and I drove to the
construction site. We parked and Sean put his arm around and said, fuck
dude this is awesome. Ray asked, so why we here? I said well let's go
and we went to the construction trailer and I tossed Sean a VT hard hat
and Ray a white one and we went for a tour. Almost every worker said hi
Mike and some called me Mr. Simmons. Ray finally stopped and said so
asshole is this place yours? I said yes and a detailed explanation is on
the way. Sean thought the rusty steel was great. Part of the building now
had aluminum skin in place. Inside I was amazed at the progress. We were
even able to get to the 4th floor. I was in the corner looking out and
Sean asked, so your office? I said, nope it's dad's. Mine will be in
the other building. Together they said THE OTHER BUILDING? I said well
right now it is becoming a hole in the ground. I simply pointed to the
site. Just then Allen appeared and introductions were made and Allen said
well the storm of city inspections has stopped. I said well I'm guessing
the Major talked with the Mayor and political realities set in, but I
didn't do much. He laughed and said you mean nothing after your
political rally? I smiled and said yup.


We walked around some and I explained the design and back at the trailer
I collected the hard hats and Sean asked if he could keep his and I said
sure. Ray looked at me and I said, make a decision that matters, so not
yet. I can always have one made into a boat and we all laughed. Then it
was off to the bar in Greentree for a late lunch. I explained the rules
and the amount of food and damn it has been a while since I've had a
beer outside of the house. We had a great time and on the way home, we
stopped at the grocery store and stocked their pantry and refrigerator. I
helped them with getting the food in the apartment and said, I needed to
call the new girlfriend and they should call if they wanted to do
something. I went in the house and went right to my room. Beth was glad
to hear from and I told her about my week and asked if she was free
tomorrow night. She said absolutely and I asked her to figure out
something we could do. Just then Cole came in and sat on the bed he
looked at me and laughed. I said well what's up? He said MJ, I have a
date tonight and Sam and I are doubling. Wow, dude that didn't take
long, who is the chick? He said Mandy and she is in my class. I said well
have fun and thanks for the information. Then he said oh, mom says dinner
is ready. I thought shit there is no way I'm hungry but I needed to make
an effort and it was off to dinner.


Thanks for all the comments, they are appreciated and keep me writing.


If possible during these trying times please support NIFTY. Stay safe and
healthy