Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2020 01:04:23 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 187 The alarm blasted me out of bed and instantly brought on an ugly mood but I dressed for the run Ray was waiting but not Sean and JJ was waiting when we got to his place the run was good and the guys worked to keep my pace reasonable when we were done I asked about Sean and Ray said he was sleeping in as he was leaving around noon and had to be back at school for something tomorrow. I checked my emails and there were a few insignificant ones, well except for three interviews for Mason's job on Tuesday. Thankfully they were scheduled after my update with Riley. With the furniture delivery I would be busy and I would be leaving at the crack of dawn on Wednesday for the Cape. I was actually starting to look forward to that. I put coffee on and scrambled some eggs added toast and picked up the morning paper. Just as I started eating dad came in poured some coffee and asked, girlfriend problems? You were in very early last night. I said yes, a nasty and semi public spat that resulting in me taking her directly home. We should never have left her driveway. So Mike, have you called her yet and I shook my head saying nope. I ran and was hoping for a quiet breakfast but I'm glad you are here. How was your day, yesterday? He said good and inquired if I knew we might see the Shuttle Launch? I said yes and I am looking forward to that but not sure of the rest. Well Mike, our NASA team has developed a new less bulky spacesuit material and it has passed every test here and will be tested during a space walk hopefully, Thursday. We were invited to be there for the launch and to hang around for the reviews. Dad, I don't even know what the fuck we do for them. He laughed and said well that is a small part of what we do. We also rewrote some software for them and that is a mission test as well. Mike, it is important that you be appropriately dressed, as it's a conservative bunch. Dad, trust me I'm not sitting in the Florida sun for hours in a suite to watch the launch. I'll simply dress like Jim and Jack. He laughed saying you can do that when you have done what they have done. They could watch nude and no one would think twice. Ok dad, I get it. I have nothing else to do I'll simply buy some clothes. Thankfully the topic switched to more mundane stuff and I asked for the cabin over the 4th and he said that was fine and that him and Megan were going to fly to Denver to visit a college friend and they would be flying commercial. I simply said thanks and that I guessed that the company was shuttered for Friday as well? He said well that a nice thought and even nicer that you let Dillon do it. With breakfast done I went to my room, stripped and got on the scale and it was still 228. It was a very quick shower and when dressed I called the VT athletic office and asked for Coach B. When he got on we chatted about Sean and Ray and I asked about what weight he would like me at. He said well that depends on your quickness. If that doesn't drop off I would say 230 would be about right. I said, well I'm 228 and have no idea about my quickness. He said well camp will tell and you will most likely lose some during that. Then he added lay off the beer. I laughed and said well now that Sean is leaving that will be easier. He said, take care of Ray, we like him even with a few red flags and you along. I laughed and said, well that hasn't always worked but he seems to be back to the Ray I grew up with. Once we hung up there was nothing left to do but call Beth. I actually thought about not calling. I still wasn't mad but damn, for some reason she hurt me. I thought about the contraception issue and knew how the pill worked, simply stopping ovulation but not the other messy stuff. Why couldn't she trust me with that, damn we are having sex and that stuff is important to me and should be to her. If she got pregnant it would be her call what to do. I would support her and the kid or help with the other alternative. I'm not sure I would go so far as to marry her, I did know I wasn't in love. Fuck and double fuck and I picked up the phone and called. It went to voice mail and I left a message saying hi babe, give me a call, if you feel like it. I drove to the mall and the first stop was for a haircut and Caleb was there and he took me right away and the debate began immediately. After about 15 minutes he agreed to a trim and I was thrilled that it only took that long. The next stop was at a men's clothing store and I selected two very stylish and expensive suits. On was a very light grey and the other would be best described as Air Force blue. Then I selected a light grey shirt for the blue suit and a white shirt for the grey suit. I asked when that could be ready and was told a week from Tuesday. I smiled and said how about this Tuesday and I want the shirts tailored as well. I was told that it was simply impossible. I reached in my pocket and took out my wallet and produced a $50 bill and asked if that would make the impossible, possible. The sales guy hesitated and I said well there is another shop a bit down the mall, I guess I'll have to go there. He said please hold on and he indicated that he would be right back. He returned a few minutes later saying that the items would be ready after dinner on Monday. I said thanks and I'll see you then. I was starving and went to the food court and got a salad and ice tea. I was just looking at the sites and all of a sudden Beth was sitting beside me. I looked and said well this is a surprise. She laughed and said Mike, don't worry I won't need cab fare to get home, Wes will be meeting me here soon. Look I didn't expect to see you here but I think we might be better talking in public. I said, well actually I think you should call Wes and we can figure this out in private. She said well I can't do that as he is on his way, how about you pick me up at the house around 2:00? I said fine and threw the rest of my salad away and took the iced tea to the car with me and drove home. I went right to the apartment and Sean was talking on the phone, I got a big smile and when he hung up he said he was just waiting for the rental car. Dude, next trip I'll fly you back he laughed and I said seriously? Yup, I almost have enough hours. MJ I'll have to get ready for that. Well dude, think about that about 5 hours in. We hugged and I thanked him for staying and said hopefully I can get there sometime soon. We hugged and I went back to the house. I found dad and told him about the purchases and said well that cost me 2 weeks salary. He laughed saying well they better be form fitted I laughed and said Rule 9. Ok, what the hall is that? I said you can bet your sweet ass, it is. Dad laughed went into his office. Upstairs I changed into teenage stud clothes and left to pick Beth up. I was early so I parked around the block and waited pulling into the driveway at 2:00 on the dot. I knock on the door and Wes just laughed saying, I've never seen you play this game can I come along and watch? I laughed and Beth appeared and I said your late. She said, just about as late as you were yesterday. I looked at her and then at Wes and said, dude it might happen right here. Beth simply went outside and tried to get into the car, turned out it was locked. She was leaning against the car and I went over grabbed her and started kissing her. She got into it and I stepped back and said, so this shit is over? She said for the most part but what happened? We got in the car and I founded a secluded and empty grove and sat on the table. Ok Michael why that reaction? I said you hurt me when you didn't tell me the real reason you were unwell. She laughed saying unwell is a good word for that. Look then you stood me up and the pushed my ass for being late. So the issue my less than honest approach to my cycle. I said yes, that's important and there should never be games. Mike, what would happen if I got pregnant? I said well it would be your call. I would support both you and the kid. Neither of you would ever have a problem. Mike, would you marry me? I said Beth, I don't know. Do you love me and she said not yet and I looked her in the eyes and said me either. Beth is there a chance we could eventually love each other? Mike, let's just settle for a high school romance and see what it becomes. I grabbed her and we started making out and one thing led to another and my cock was being sucked. I tried to stop her and she resisted. I moaned saying I'm going to shoot and he stayed locked on and I filled her mouth. She immediately stood up kissed me and filled my mouth with my cum. I was shocked and thrilled and said well that's never happened before. She laughed and said well there is more, if you can keep up. I just burst out laughing. Once things settled down I said please understand you really hurt me with the misinformation about something so important. She said well at some point we can share all our secrets. I said well you are certainly different from that shy girl I met a while ago at McDonalds. She said well I can do that and there are things you do like that as well. You are whatever you need to be and so am I. I said well there are no games on serious shit. She smiled and replied, correct. We drove to her house, kissed good night. When I got home I went right to the apartment and asked Ray how it was to be alone? He said MJ, Sean is a great guy and it will be fun being with you guys at VT. I said Ray, I couldn't be happier. So dude, how are thing with you and the new babe. I said complicated and it more like a mutual business deal that a romantic thing, but the sex is fun and sometimes different. He laughed and said well if you ever need a third. I simply shook my head and said good night. As I was walking to the house Cole called and said he had a great day and won both matches. He said that it was a small field and that he is in the quarter finals after 3 and 2 and 4 and 3 victories. He said if he won two matches tomorrow the finals would be 36 on Monday. I asked about the weather and he said the wind was up all day. I said well I was going to fly down but with that wind the Major will nix it. He said well I'm in a tough bracket but don't do anything silly. Cole, I'll fly tomorrow but it won't be to you. Tell Liam I asked about him and have fun. Once in my room I called the Major and when he answered I said, I know wind and he said correct. I asked if he would be comfortable with me flying and he said sure but where? I said to a small airport in New York as I want to check out dad's cabin. I knew he was checking something and then he said that's a grass field and those are tricky. It's about a 90 minute flight. Mike there is also no tower, I would rather you figure out something else. He said you are really just looking for hours. Why not fly north and hit all the Great Lakes and come back, it is a great view and relaxing flight. I said that sounds great can I do wheels up at 7:00. He laughed and said, I'm not there so I really don't care. Be safe and he hung up. Then I called JJ and said so Dude how was the makeup sex. I laughed and said it was a BJ and some cum swapping. He said she actually did that? I simply changed the subject and asked if him and Dee could get away for a long July 4th weekend. Before you answer I'm inviting your rents? I said the girls in one room and you and me in another. He said dad might buy that's but mom would be sitting by the doors all night. Look dude, just run it by your dad, it might be just you and me. If that the case, I try to sneak Ray in as well. I started to think about the flight and decided to flyover the airfield near the cabin and then head for Lake Ontario and see if I felt like doing all them. I needed to figure out the border as I had no idea of the regulations. I spent an hour studying for the Pilot test, I wanted to kill it and was already feeling confident. After about an hour I put my headphones on and grabbed my book and read for an hour or so and set the alarm for 6:30 and jumped under the covers. Yes the alarm woke me but I didn't care I dressed, put coffee on made some toast and grabbed some fruit for the trip and was off to the airport. The airplane was at the service line and completely fueled. I finished the checklist and filed a flight plan for the VFR flight. I finished the interior checks and got clearances and took off and headed North East. I had mapped the flight pretty well and while I didn't find the airfield I flew over the lake and I thought the cabin. Lake Ontario was much less an issue. The Major was right the views were fantastic and I stayed clear of Chicago and Detroit and once I saw Lake Superior I turned left and retraced then path back. The only drama was that it was raining in Pittsburgh. I checked the ATIS about 10 miles out and it was a rainstorm with minimal wind. I contacted the tower and was was cleared to land and it was only a little different. I was not a fan of the rain on the windshield as visibility could be better. I took a deep breath and started the approach. I was calm, as that is what usually with me under pressure. It turned it was a good landing and no hoops. I taxied to the service area, updated my log and went in the terminal and used the men's room and bought an iced tea. In the car I immediately called Major Jim. I told him the flight was uneventful. He said and the wet landing? I laughed and said not the best visual but uneventful. He laughed and said well I'm going to call the tower and check on that. I said, please do and we hung up. When I got home dad was in his office and the first words out of his mouth were, "How was the landing in the storms? I laughed and said dad, it wasn't a storm it is simply raining, I was nervous and therefore calm and is was like normal, well the windshield was not the best but there were whippers. Well Mike, I'm actually glad as it obviously is something you enjoy. I laughed saying, I wonder how you will feel when you are in the passenger seat of the jet and I am the pilot? Mike, please don't make me think about that. Well dad enjoy your evening, I have work to do, what's up with dinner? He said Mike, look at the clock it's mid afternoon and neither Megan or I have thought about it, can you cook? Ok, I'll simply order in and plan on 6:00. I was settled in my room at my desk reviewing my schedule for the week and Furniture delivery on Monday and decided to ignore that issue until Friday, there were the two day in Florida, it would be a week with no flying and I called the Major and asked about setting up something on Tuesday. He said Mike, I checked on the landing and was told it was spot on. How about you just do the some night work tomorrow and get you on that soft field landing in Rochester. It will be quite there and you can do multiple full stop landings. The reality is that once the soft field and night stuff is done you should be ready for the test and Checkride. He said if you were up to it we could schedule it for Saturday as Jack and I need to re-certify as instructors. I said Jim that's great as I have the study material down pat. He said you mean memorized? I ignored that and asked how conservative I needed to dress for the NASA Executives. He laughed and said they will watch the launch in business suits. You will be lucky as you will be in an air conditioned building with a perfect view. So Jim are you looking forward to being there there? I sure am he replied, lots of old friends. By the way Mike, I hear that they are really looking forward to meeting you as they are impressed with the program here and you should be ready to discuss the new building in detail. Also, ask them to supply a NASA medallion for the outside of the building. Your dad is all business with them and they are in need of a real connection. Right now you are a potential rockstar. I said thanks, dad never gives me that type of information. Michael, you dad thinks what you do comes with no prep. I laughed and asked what time tomorrow and he said wheels up at 8:00 and be home around midnight and he said, goodnight and hung up. I went downstairs and found dad and Megan in the game room with a drink, I got an iced tea and joined them. I said, dinner would be here shortly and it was all Japanese. Dad was not thrilled and I said don't worry there is meat. Megan laughed and looked at dad and asked, so is there anything I need to know about the NASA trip or is my toned body and pretty face enough? He said, you being there is important just be yourself. Ok dad cut the shit, what do I need to accomplish? Mike, for Christ sake, be your self, answer questions and be professional. Megan looked at dad and said Mike, be reasonable MJ needs more information. Ok, I think they need a more human face to things. I laughed and said you mean someone not selling them something? Dad simply replied exactly. Ok dad, I bought a shitload of new clothes and you need to know right now, there will be no ties, especially at the launch. The public image of our company is professional and relaxed. Thankfully the doorbell rand and I got up paid for dinner and said, ok guys I'm done cooking and Megan at least laughed. Dinner was great and dad was pleased when he saw the package of ribs and fries. Megan and I enjoyed the oriental food. Dad at lease seemed in a better mood. After dinner we all cleaned up and dad asked for a minute of my time in his office. He sat in the guest chair which shocked the shit out of me lit a cigarette and handed me the pack and I simply shook my head. Dad started with Mike, every time I talk with them they rave about how smoothly run the operation is there and I have no idea how to answer that. Then the conversation turns to what a progressive company we are and I have no idea what to say. It simply time for them to meet the reason for all that. Then there is another small opportunity that we can get and they want to discuss numbers and logistics. You know the little shirt that I can't deal with as it bores me and turns out not to be so little. Dad, with this being the case I would like Kyle to be there, however his wife is about 8 months pregnant and that would be unfair, so I'm going to make Dillon tag along. Dad smiled and said that would be perfect. Then he said, I would like to leave Tuesday after dinner. I said well, I need a favor. He said what's that? Someone to pick up my new close at the mall, they are paid for. I'll just trust that they fit correctly. Dad looked at me saying please don't make this more than it is. Mike, we have 2 important things on that flight, they are wondering why? Just give them as little information as possible and you are a master of that. I said dad, I'm good but you need to understand I spend a lot of time getting ready for this. Ok, Mike neither of know what the other does it simply works. The big meeting is Wednesday afternoon and the launch is scheduled for 8:43. He will hang out and hopefully be on our way back after lunch. I said thanks and went to my room. I sat down and fired up the computer checked emails and called Dillon. He answered saying, damn this is late for a call from you, what's up? I said I just spent a hour with dad and I need you to accompany us to the Cape for a few meetings and a Shuttle Launch, we leave after dinner Tuesday and and should be back Thursday afternoon. Oh, the dress is business and that means a suit but no tie. The image is professional and yet casual and progressive. He said well that will work, is a blue blazer a reasonable option and I said yes but if you need something just expense it. I'll brief you tomorrow morning, they are trying to figure us out and you play a big part in that. The Majors will be flying us in the company jet. Dillon said damn, I'll see you tomorrow. He said thanks and we hung up. I called JJ and said that I was busy all week and after tomorrow I would not be running all week. He laughed and said thanks for tying my dad up all week the free time opportunities are amazing. I laughed and said I thought you would have had a deal with Ray about that by now. He said, you devious jerk I didn't even think about that. Then I brought up Jim and that next week we had to deal with him, also we need to see how strong Sam's arm is and he is QB2. MJ I still work at the pharmacy and haven't seen Jim in two weeks, he is simply MIA. Ok, dude I'll see you in the morning. This work shit is out of hand, I'm having a hard time thinking how I will deal with this from Virginia. JJ said well if you change your mind Sean and I will fix it so you don't play anywhere. I said no worries and hung up. Next was a call to Beth, which was very normal and no objections about my wicked schedule. I asked if on Friday we could get all dressed up and have an Oakmont Dinner. I said I have new sexy business clothes that are tailored down to the dress shirt. She laughed and said all that for a Shuttle Launch. I said well, for you as well and she said you know I like you best nude. I laughed and said I understand that might be a possibility after dinner. She said damn, things have changed. Please call me when you can, I don't understand the business but I totally get the time requirements. Hopefully football will let you settle down. So by that you mean more available? MJ that would be nice but no pressure. I held off bringing up the July 4th trip as that was still very complicated. I hung up thinking about how business like this relationship was. Back downstairs I grabbed the paper and turned right to the business section and Megan walk by and started to laugh. Damn you might me the only 17 year old in the country reading the business section. I laughed and said, well I am the only 17 year old hoping I'm not mentioned in the business section. Oh, thanks for the support with dad. She said, while it comes pretty naturally to you you are always prepared, he doesn't realize that and neither do most people. I laughed and said I am working, thinking and planning almost every minute of the day. The she, as she can, got me off balance and said even while have sex with, who is it now, Beth I believe? I simply responded, well Rule 6 would cover that? She smiled and said, fair enough. She left and I finished the business section and went to my room with an iced tea. Needing to unwind I put the headphones on with a mix of classical music and grabbed my book. Which was immediately interrupted by Cole entering my room. I said so I guess you lost today. He smiled and said in the semifinals to that Woods, dude. I lost on the first playoff hole when he chipped in for an eagle. MJ, people were actually saying that it could be a preview for the Junior Amateur. I said, well that's great, thinking fuck how did all this happen? MJ, he is an awesome player and hits it a mile and totally focused and tries to intimidate you. I just kept smiling at him and eventually he stopped. Well congrats on a great weekend. Is Liam home getting drunk? Cole laughed and said we had a great couple of days and not one fight. I said well it's about time, one of you grew up. I said well goodnight and we are running in the morning. He said perfect and went to his room, I guess. Then it was a quick shower off to bed. I was up very early and dressed for the run put coffee on and sat reading the paper waiting for Cole. He appeared on time and in a great mood and I made a mental note to call Liam. The run was with JJ and Ray as well and when we finished, he said that he was determined to figure out where the fuck Jim was hiding out. I said well let me know as I'm trying to figure Cole's good mood out. Once in the house, I grabbed some coffee and went to my room, took a shower and dressed very casually for the office. At the office Ruth said there are a number of people that want to talk with you today, I laughed and said Riley, Dillon, Tim and Kyle in that order unless that is inconvenient for Kyle. Kyle said Mike, that's very inconvenient but it requires 5 minutes. I laughed and said well I can spare 6 minutes. We went in my office and he closed the door and sat down and said, this upcoming trip to NASA better not result in more business. Kyle I get the sense that ship has sailed and we have been too successful. Well, where will we put the people and more importantly where will we find them? Kyle, I understand and I'm taking Dillon with me and that's why we are meeting this morning. I asked, please tell me how to say no to these people? Mike, just manage it and buy us time. I said Kyle, I get it and I'll call you when I have something I can tell you. He said thanks for understanding. Next was Riley and the usual update we discussed the furniture and she said a union install tomorrow and that the manufacturer was paying. Then I said that I needed some information. When we move people from GE into the space in the Strip District. How much space would be available? I will need that information by noon tomorrow. She said she would discuss that with Jack as well. I said thanks thinking I might need Jack in that meeting as well. I thanked her and she said well have a great complicated couple of days. I said thanks and got up hoping I had time for a coffee. Ruth was amazing in managing my flow of people and Dillon was waiting for me. I said well, I need coffee so let's walk and talk. Ruth Gabe me a stern look and I waved as Dillon and I started for the cafeteria. On the way I asked about his clothing situation and he said shopping tonight and he would get a couple of suits. Then he added, with my new position, I'll have to dress better, it's all good. Dillon just don't go overboard as I'm all in on the casual but professional approach. People will adjust if we keep performing. We both grabbed drinks and headed back. In the office, I laid thing out for him as best I could. We discussed potential additional business. He felt like Kyle and I could not disagree. Dillon, I need you involved and participating in these meetings. You managed that flawless move in for them, tell them how that was done and how well you work with others. Mention you graduate school. Mike, my only concern is that what we will do if we need more programmers? I said recruit, move people around and as a last resort spin off a low performing division. I said we are not farming out shit to India or anywhere else. I said I have interviews tomorrow but get to me with anything. It was lunch time and when Dillon left Ruth appeared and said I just guessed and it is a club sandwich and an iced tea. I said that's perfect and please send Tim in when he gets here. Then as she was leaving, I said thanks great job today. While I was eating I called Liam and it went to voicemail and I asked for him to call me before 8:00 if he was able. I was about half way through the sandwich and Tim appeared. He closed the door and sat down and I pushed my sandwich away and he said please finish. I simply asked how things were progressing with Masson? He said there was a hearing that did not go well for him. He had to surrender his security pass and he is restricted in Real Estate activity in Allegheny county. Other locations are fine. I said well that's how it should be. What else? Well he does not have to pay back the $1,200 as we approved that. I said ok, but I want accounting to review and approve every expense report. He laughed and said already in the works. I was pleased with that outcome. He said the investments were processed and that they are all shaking their head about Apple. I simply shrugged. Mike there is an outstanding issue that you will not like to consider. I said, well it's been a good day so what is it? Well, you need a will? I said a what? Mike, just think about it you are one wealthy dude. You want the state to take most of it? I don't care but we are doing it when you get back. I said fine I promise to think about it. Damn he was right but a 17 year old should not have to deal with that. Then I said do one right now, everything to dad and then to Megan and Cole. We can do this before the trip and revise it next week. He said thanks and give me 15 minutes. Just then Liam called and said Mike, Cole was simply outstanding and he damn near beat that Woods dude and he has been playing since he was 2 and even on TV. Everyone was wishing it was the finals. We disagreed a couple of times and talked it through and I let him make the decision. For the most part he listened. Listen that fucker could make a living reading putts and he figured out this Bermuda shit quickly as the grain really matters. Right now he is in a good place and it was a fun couple of days and the damn jet is awesome. I said thanks and hung up. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting my mind focused on the NASA meeting. Tim returned and I signed the will and Ruth acted as w wittiness. With all that done I decided to go to school and workout. The place was not as full as the last time and I was thrilled. I changed quickly and started the workout. I managed to get through it but wasn't into it. I decided to drive home and shower there. Back at home I found Cole looking for something to eat. It seemed that we were back to fending for ourselves and I was wondering where the new housekeeper was. Just then the doorbell rang and it was a delivery guy with dinner. He said it was paid for and I was thinking ribs and fries? It turned out to be chicken parmigiana and a salad. Cole and I looked at each other and sat down to eat. There was enough for 4 so the extras were put in the refrigerator and Cole and I had a nice dinner and just chatted. I went to my room and was pleased to see the new clothes I had bought laid out on the bed. I hung them up set the alarm for 7:15 and took a nap. The alarm woke me and I found Cole told him I had night flying lessons and would be home late. Then it was off to the airport. PLEASE IF POSSIBLE, DONATE TO NIFTY AND HELP KEEPING THESE STORIES POSSIBLE. THANKS FOR READING AMD FOR THE COMMENTS.