Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2021 19:34:04 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 240 I was up with the alarm and quickly jumped into the shower. Then as I dried off I checked the weather and it would be warm upper 80's with a chance of afternoon storms, typical but shouldn't bother the golf. I dresses in navy Nike golf shorts and a three toned red Oakmont polo shirt a red belt and grabbed a navy hat and went to the house looking for coffee. In the kitchen I found more than coffee as dad was there with Wes and Joe. I filled a cup with coffee and joined the conversation. Basically I was just listening. Then I asked so are we riding or caddies today and I what I thought was a simple question resulted in a debate that lasted 10 minutes and finally 3 guys in their mid 40's decided that they needed to ride. I shook my head and said fine, I was going to ask about what tees they wanted to play but thought we didn't have time for another debate. Dad was driving and three sets of clubs were loaded in his trunk and I was asked where my clubs were and I said well at the club. When we drove right past South Hills Joe asked Mike, I thought we needed to stop for your clubs. Dad laughed and replied, his clubs are also at Oakmont and then he added and Latrobe as well. That resulted in a very quiet back seat. I smiled and thought those 2 are in for a very interesting day. We pulled up to the bag drop and 3 people descended on the car and when I got out I was told that my clubs were already at the range. I said thanks and asked dad to take is buddies to the range and I would join them there. In the pro shop I checked in and when asked about caddies, I said nope carts but two fore caddies that are new and would not usually get out. If that's an issue, I'll talk with the caddie master. Then I went in the club house and found Clark and said, I know the rules and what I agreed to but for today only with my dad and two of his buddies could I please use the men's grill? Clark, looked at me and said well as you are on the Open Committee and Carole and AP would have me fired if I said no, sure. However you are not drinking anything remotely alcoholic and no scenes. I said thanks and grabbed a cart and drove to the range. I wasn't all that interested in warming up but hit a few iron shots and was watching the three of them and I knew dad would be ok but the other two would easily shoot over a 100. The two guys showed up in caddie suits and I went over and one of them said Good Morning Mr. Simmons I am Justin and this is Dusty. I said guys, it's nice to meet you but I am Mike, my dad over there is Mr. Simmons and we can figure out the other two. What I need from you guys is good lies in the rough where they will be often and reasonable distances. My ball stays where it is and I'll be good with yardage. Just have a fun relaxing round. Then I told everyone we had about 20 minutes and that they should putt. One of the things that is the most fun for me is watching a guests first putt here at Oakmont. Wes dropped a ball and I just started to laugh when it rolled 10 feet and he stood there with his mouth open. A little while later I handed everyone a score card and said please just pick a tee, it really doesn't matter as I'm playing the Pro tees. Joe said, well I have always wanted to do that and I smiled and said Joe, walk with me and I took him to the back tee on number 1 and said, it's a nice par 4 from here. He said shit that would be no fun so I check with the other guys and they had already picked the white tees. We went to the tee and they stood back and I hit an average drive right center and watched them hit and dad was on the fairway and Wes was left rough and Joe was right rough and I got a thumbs up from both caddies, indicating they had the balls. Dad and I were riding together and I was using the time alone to fire questions at him about the company, mom, bill and I was playing pretty well and on the 5th hole walking to the 6th tees Wes asked Mike, what's you handicap? I replied the 6" between my ears and dad laughed and said Wes, it has ballooned to a 1 as he is preoccupied with work. I was even par at that point. I kept peppering dad with questions and yet he calmly answered them and some were really personal. It would give me a lot to think about later. Number 9 is a uphill par 5 for members and a par 4 for the Pros. I sank a 20 foot putt for a three and and I finished with a 35. Dad had a 44 and Wes was 53 and Joe was 54. On the way to the half way house, I told the caddies to order whatever that wanted and they were not limited to a dog and a drink. The back nine went the same way but dad turned the tables and was asking me questions. It was a casual and fun round and on 17 I pulled a Cole and hit driver into a trap and it was plugged and I was 2 under at that point and was kicking my self. It turned out ok as I got a par and was thinking never do that again. I hit a great drive on 18 and was watching the others hack it out of the rough when I noticed two guys standing behind the green. As I got to my drive I kept looking and then just laughed and though this will be awesome. I collected my self and took a 6 iron and laced it right at the pin and it took one hop and spun back and I had about 8 feet for birdie. As I got in the cart dad asked Mike, is that who I think it is? I said yup, isn't this fun and all he could say was shit those two might stroke out. I laughed when Wes and Joe figured out that AP was standing there and they each 4 putted. I took a minute to collect myself and looked the putt over and put it right in the middle, finishing at -3. I handed my putter to one of the caddies and walked right to AP and we shook hands and he laughed and said a cart? I replied, being a good host. Then I said I believe you have met my dad and they shook hands and I introduced Wes and Joe. Then AP asked Mike, would it be ok if I joined you guys for lunch? I smiled and said hell, you never have to ask and he put his arm around me and we walked into the grill. On the way in he whispered Mike, we need to have a word in private before you leave. I have arranged a few minutes alone after lunch. He said, basically I need a favor. I said sure and we went into the men's grill, an actually it was my first time. It was a fun and relaxing lunch and there were lots of stories and laughs. Once lunch was over an assistant Pro came over and asked, who would like a tour and I looked at dad and nodded indicated pleas do that and dad and his buddies were off. As soon as we were alone AP motioned for the server and orders 2 of his usual iced teas. Then he said Mike, we are having a fundraiser at Bay Hill for the hospital Winnie and I sponsor and it is Thursday and while I have tried not to ask, a lot of people want to see Cole and his caddie play there and I thought you me Cole and Fred could play together. Fred has been wanting to see Cole anyway. We could fly down Wednesday afternoon and I will have us back Friday morning well before noon. There was no way to say no, and I thought about the staff meeting and figured I would move it up to 7:30 and asked if it would be possible to be picked up at the Allegheny County Airport as I had morning meetings, I could not change. If that's hard, I'll simply fly down alone and Cole and Liam can go with you. The Allegheny airport was fine and we walked outside. When we got outside Liam was fussing with a members clubs and I looked at AP and asked, would you like to ask him and I went looking for the guys. I found dad and the guys and we headed for the car. As soon as we were inside Wes asked, ok how in the fuck did that all happen? I laughed and said, strange thing happen to me a lot, I simply go with the flow. Dad laughed and said Mike down plays everything he is co-chair of the US Open committee when it will be held here. So that was more than likely a business meeting and the reason for our tour. I simply said correct and listened to the chat. When we got home said I hope you enjoyed your day and we shook hands and I started to walk away and realized I forgot something and I went back and said I can't change the scores but if you look at the back that's is something you might want. Yup, AP had signed two score cards. With all that I went to my room and jumped into the shower. While I was drying off I looked in the mirror and was thinking I actually looked great, lean and mean. I simply pulled a pair of baggy gym shorts and laid in bed. It was a very interesting day and dad had really opened up. He said mom and him met in college sophomore year and were almost instantly madly in love. He said it was like Carrie and me and how thrilled he was that that ended, if it was actually over. He saw a repeat of him and mom. He said at the time the sex was great but looking back it was controlling. Then he surprised me and said both of us used it to get what we wanted. There were no details. Then he blew me away when he said they were married on spring break, senior year and both sets of parents flipped. He said especially his dad. By this time I was making money with the computer shit and she was unable or unwilling to find a job with a degree in Public Relations and suddenly she was pregnant. Dad told me he flipped as they hadn't talked about it and she said she was on the pill and insisted on no condoms. When dad demanded an abortion things got really turned around. After that every time I didn't give in there was a blowup. He said his dad said that he needed to grow up and raise the kid. Dad was told by mom that he had no say as he didn't want the kid and she chose the name and turned Bill into Bill. When I asked how I came to be in that environment dad laughed and said well it wasn't quite rape but heavy negotiations. The deal was one more kid and she would have nothing to do with it. He said he was totally thrilled when I was a boy. He said in retrospect he should have simply divorced her but they would have starved and within weeks of my birth she started drinking. I realized it was more of a mess than I had thought. At least I understood dad's insistence on condoms and him never being into Carrie. Dad did say that while it was painful to watch he was glad Carrie and I hurt each other before there was a child or a marriage. When I asked about Adam, dad said a college roommate Junior and senior year. When I pressed for more he asked if Rule 2 would work and I said well no, it won't work for either of us. Dad looked at me and said ok, to answer your question all you have to do is think you and JJ. Then he said I would guess that at the start it was always about the bets and moved to where I am uncomfortable discussing it as then it moved to where bets were an excuse and finally not needed at all. Mike, JJ spends a lot of nights in your room and sometimes he leaves in the middle of the night, so yes I know how you would answer if I asked the question. When I asked dad do you care? He said Mike I always knew at some point I would say "He'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me" do you know that song? I said yes Harry Chapin. When I added dad now that I understand that, I'm good. Then he said when I see you around your girls, I know you are looking for one that can deal with both you and JJ. Then I asked if the Major had come to the same conclusions and was told, he would have to be totally out of it not to have a very strong sense of that relationship. I was told that neither of them care as it is obvious that it's a thing between two very close friends and won't get much more into other areas. When I asked about the business I was told that I am philosophically different, more detailed and yet very much more reckless. I was told that I definitely have a horse shoe up my ass and that I use my youth as an advantage as people don't take me seriously until it's too late. He laughed and said while you consider that, well thought outs bets, he views it as a crap shoot. Then he said you give people the impression you care and while you treat people well as soon as they cross one of those line you have they are toast. Using Ray as an example he said you destroyed him over the drugs, rightly so, then helped him up, patted him on his ass and moved on. He is your friend for life but that is one sided as you simply don't really care, well enough to matter. I knew I had to think about that. Then I jumped out of bed threw a baggy tee on and went looking for dad. Thankfully he was alone in his office and I leaned over and gave him a big hug. He said Mike, I was hoping for that reaction. I laughed and said, fuck we need to play golf more often. He laughed and asked was that better than a head doctor? I said yes but it didn't need to take 18 months to have that conversation. He got very serious and said, yes it did and I wasn't sure you were ready now. I stand corrected, you were more than ready. Just then Cole stuck his head in and said hi guys. Then he looked at me and said, I thought you lived out back? Cole, it's good to see you in a good mood have you talked with Liam today? He said, nope should I and I said yup and soon then talk with me. Cole shrugged and said if it is golf that's rule 6. I said well it's golf and you can, in this case, shove Rule 6 up your ass. You owe me for the Congressional thing. I thanked dad again and went to my room knowing Jace would be there. I found Jace sitting on the sofa drinking a beer and watching golf. When I looked at him I laughed and said what happened to the clean cut Naval Cadet? He laughed and said I left that dude on a rugby field in Annapolis and I have never gone two day without shaving before and trimmed up, I like this look. So what you watching and he said Cole. The tournament is rained out and they are playing the final round when Cole won. I immediately called Cole and told him and grabbed a beer and joined Jace. I was interesting hearing the commentators reaction to the clowning around and the outfit. Basically they couldn't believe it. At one point Jace asked Mike, how does he fuck around with the spectators and then immediately focus and hit a great shot. I simply said Liam. There is a thought process and a routine and Liam focuses him before the shot. They are an ultimate team. So Jace, how are things in New York? He said great Jack and Riley are flying up Friday morning, something about an additional plane. I said well, I'll bring a crew up Friday leaving around noon, Cole and I have to play golf at Bay Hill and that just came up. Mike, this has become a big deal as they haven't had anything like this in years and other Wineries want in and I'm telling them next year and reservations are up as I even ran an add in a few local newspapers and it seems to be paying off. I also hired for the weekend some college kids and Mark has been training them for the wine tasting and the tours. I asked Jace and if it rains? He said a large tent and tables outside no matter what. Then Jace turned back to golf as Cole was being interviewed and Jace asked, why is Liam there and why the first question to the caddy? I laughed and said it the only way Cole will talk with them. They need to treat Liam as an equal. Jace said fuck he is more grown up than I thought. Jace, what you won't see is the hour he spent signing autographs. Hell I had to drag him away. So Jace will we make any money next weekend? He said I think so and all we have to do is wait for the harvest. I asked about old Charlie and he said very helpful and involved. Then I asked if he was aware that David and little Charlie were going to be there and Jace said yes and Charlie knows to keep them out of trouble. I refreshed our beers and I was told how good the place looked and that he had stuck his head in my room and thought the desk was amazing. Then he said speaking of amazing that's a great haircut. I said thanks. Oh Jace, we have a cleaning lady a few hours a week but not in our rooms. He said thanks, I'm sure you will be better than Ray and it looks like I'll be here less and less. So Mike, how is the financial review going? Jace, I know what's in my checking account and how much money I actually have in investments. I will have the rest on Monday when I get there. My big concern is the FBI and SEI review. I'm sure the finances are sound. I'm just cleaning stuff up so I can play football. We were chatting and Cole came in asking if he needed to knock? I said just on bedroom doors and tossed him a key. Well MJ, I talked with Liam and we are both stoked and a ride in a jet with AP flying would be awesome. Before any of you start on me I talk with AP and Fred every other week so I don't want to hear it? Mike, this will be a fun few days and then right to the Winery event. MJ, I'm looking forward to all this and the time we will have together. Then Cole said he needed to spend some time with his mom and said good night. Once we were alone I asked Jace, how does Jack have a plane? He said Mike, I have no idea. We spent about an hour chatting and I was really liking this dude. I went to my room and called JJ and we both said at the same time we need to talk. After we were done laughing I asked so you had a talk with your dad? He said nope, while you were playing golf we went for a plane ride. What I thought was out of the blue he asked me about you and I said well my best friend and that's important to me. Well MJ it was a good thing he was in control of the plane as he said so is the sex important as well? I answered by saying rules 2 and 6 and he laughed and said well, as I'm sure Mike told MJ that won't work so it won't work with me. I said that's a complicated question and yes we are that close. He said JJ no shit as you spend a lot of time over his place and in his room. Mike, I told dad it was a bet thing and he said, you mean it was a bet thing, now bets are not always necessary, is that correct? I said yes but how do you know so much about this? He smiled and said JJ, it might not be as unusual as you think. MJ then he said one special guy is ok, just be careful and make sure it is just MJ and the girls you seem to like to fuck and to be honest I'm glad that that number is way down. JJ just so you know it should be very discrete, safe and while Mike and I are good there is a shitload of people who won't be. For the record I'm thinking like father like son. I laughed at that and said I got the same thing from dad as we played golf only dad quoted a Harry Chapin song saying "He'd grown up just like me". So MJ the dads are telling us it could all work out? JJ, I would bet that neither of them today are having sex with their best bud? MJ after that talk I'm not betting on shit. JJ, I have to work all day Monday and Tuesday and have a meeting on Wednesday morning then going to Bay Hill with Cole, Liam and AP then Friday I'm flying to NY to work on a Winery festival, would you like to come to NY? He said dad is going with Jack and Riley but I would love to come. I asked if he was running in the morning and he said sure and good night, I have to think about all this. I laughed and said well you are not alone. With a very complicated day over, I simply set the alarm and jumped into bed. The run the next morning was fun as it was Cole, Jace, JJ and I and once it was over we all stayed around and chatted. I had to get to the office so inside I put coffee on and jumped into the shower and the dress was my usual, khakis, blue shirt and a blazer and no tie. I filled the travel mug and drove to the office. At the security I reminded them that the executive staff was away at a conference for two days and that dad and I would be dealing with anything that came up. Also, any visitors should be escorted by security and I didn't care how often they were here in the past. I the filled my coffee in the cafeteria and stoped to chat with Ruth and asked that she screen all my calls and that if a David Cummings called, please tell him that I'm at the construction sites. She laughed and said, well I already told him you were in meetings? I laughed and said, ok when he calls again, keep him on hold but I'll take the call. Then I told her that I had hired an assistant over the weekend and that Zaid Mickens might be in at some point today. I went into my office and there were two large envelopes on my desk one was labeled Enterprises and the other Technologies. I was just about to open the Enterprises envelop when the phone rang and Ruth said Mike, Chuck Weston is on line 1. I said thanks and punched line 1 and said hi Chuck. He laughed and said I thought work would be easier but you screen your calls? I said yes or I would go nuts. Well we talked it over and would like to meet tonight at 7:00 but at the administration building and not the club. I said sure, is there anything else I need to know? He said no and thanks and we hung up. I decided to look at Enterprises first as it had the most risk. I saw the two building listed at a market value of 20 and 15 million respectively and a debt the of 21 million. The mortgage payments would be 68k for the first and mini me would be 38k and the income from rent would be 80k and 50k so we would be clearing 24k a month. There would be income from the law firm and Standard Property then I had not figured in rent for anything on the first floor. The expenses were the salaries of Jim, Alex and myself which came to about 10k a month. Also there was the rented space in the strip which netted another 5k a month. Things looked very good. Just then my phone rang and Ruth said Mike, David Cummings is waiting for you on line 3. I picked up the call and asked David what can I do for you? Well Mike, I know you have a busy week but I talked with Cole and he doesn't want anymore tickets sold, was that your doing? David just last night when I mentioned golf to him and the tournament and an event on Thursday, I was told in no uncertain terms that he and Liam had golf and I needed to respect that. So I have had no input on his deal with you. I actually think that is a good approach. So Mike is the Thursday event in Orlando? David please deal with Cole on golf and I would hope you would respect his wishes as he is young and has a lot to deal with. To change the subject I asked if he was going to New York this weekend? He said yes and I said, well I'll see you there and hung up. I was heavy into the Technology report and looking at revenue and expenses for each individual department and the government segment was doing well and robotics could be better up that was just starting. The GE thing was through the roof and simply generating money. The original dada segment and inventory was up and that amazed me after all these years. Then I noticed that the accounting segment was doing well. The video game segment had a sales increase but costs were up. Things looked good and I was about to look at the big numbers when dad stuck his head in and said there is lunch in the conference room. I took the time with dad to discuss what I had found out about the company's financial situation and he laughed and said Mike, that why I don't do what you are doing that often. I only take deals that make money and this place has become a money printing press. I just laughed and changed the subject to the meeting at school and I was shocked when he asked if he could come. DD, you can always come to those events but I have this. He smiled and said, I know but I want to be there and I said fine. Then I asked if both him and Major Jim were good as you both had serious conversations with your sons. Dad said that he talked with Jim this morning and we both had lives before you two were born and fuck building a company with 45 million in annual revenue doesn't happen without some adventure along the way. Mike, we are both good as long as you are good with things and are safe. With that I went to the office to continue the financial review. THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE COMMENTS, AS I ENJOY READING THEM AND REPLY TO EACH. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE IMPORTANT AND PLEASE CONSIDER THAT IF YIU HAVE THE ABILITY.