Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:07:46 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 288 On the way back to my place I wondered what happened and why I just stood there and let that happen. When I got to my place JJ's truck was gone and I figured he was taking Mia home. Sitting with an iced tea I was thinking about the night and how much fun we had. Then I thought about Jeff (former QB at the start of last year) and how different I was at the start of the season last year. I was a carefree jock with brains and a growing ego. The parties after the games could be fun and the three way I had with Jeff and his girl was upsetting and wondered if I could have slipped down that path. I thought that if he hadn't tried to push me towards drugs we could have had a blast. Then I thought about the Trust and how that was a damn defining moment. I was still a jock and school was still important but the Trust came with it responsibilities. School was now a pain and football was a job and less and less fun. Was tonight a throw back to what I was or was about to be, or was it what I really wanted. The dancing was fun and sexy as hell. More importantly Heather was more than enough fun. I wasn't thinking of her in a romantic way or even as a girlfriend but as a partner who encouraged my carefree side which I had abandoned. Damn, this might a fun trip. At this point It appeared JJ wasn't coming back and I was dying for a beer. Tempted as I was I decided to take a quick shower and jump into bed. I slept well and was glad that everyone had agreed to get to the airport in their own and with that I realized that 7:00 was a bit optimistic. I put on jeans and a polo shirt and grabbed a hoodie and the paper and jumped in the car. I stopped for coffee and was the first one there. I went inside and filed the flight plans and when that was done I found JJ doing the pre-flight check. I asked JJ how his evening was in Jace's room? He laughed and said, thank god there were condoms in the nightstand. MJ and your night? I replied well I didn't need condoms but the blowjob was nice. He laughed and we continued with the business at hand. JJ asked about Jim and I said well he will be here if he can and I think he really wants to come. Right at 7:00 the girls arrive together I check my phone but there was no message from Jim. JJ started to give the girls some good natured shit about being late. He took Mia over to the plane and asked, what do you see? She smiled and said an airplane. JJ said correct and where is it? Now she was confused bus said, sitting in front of us. Well where should it be? He got a blank look and said well 25 miles from here and 13,000 feet in the air. Heather and I just stood by and laughed. Just then my phone buzzed and it was Jim saying please tell you are still there. MJ we are 5 minutes away. I said take your time the girls just got here, this isn't a scheduled flight. I was thrilled that Jim was in the mix. Once Jim and Kathy arrived it was quickly wheels up and JJ instantly asked MJ, what you doing? I laughed and said different route a bit more direct and I filed and an IFR flight plan was filed before you got here. Dude a copy is in my log. He looked and said well on the way back it's the old way. JJ, feel free to choose your own route but this route is quicker and there are no Comms until we land. After we were in the air for 30 minutes and everything completely normal I asked if I could have some time with Jim? JJ, said sure as 3 girls should be fun. Jim was quickly there and after struggling with the harness I said put the headphones on and we can talk without screaming at each other. Once situated I told Jim I was so glad he could make it and I apologized for the late invite. He looked over and said, damn I was glad to be included. So Jim how are you and what's the story with you arm or neck or whatever. Mike do you remember the rules we had? I laughed and said absolutely. Well then in this order Rules 1, 4, 2, 5 and 3. I laughed and said well you forgot rule 6. It was Jim's turn to laugh and he said MJ, it is always you business. Ok, Jim just to be sure you want me to shut up, listen, keep it between us, stay in my lane and always have you back, is that correct and in the appropriate order? He shook his head and said that's correct and I hate your damn memory. Jim took a deep breath and said MJ, I went to too many camps this summer, 4 in all and they were 3 days each and cost a lot of money. I threw way too many balls and it was never enough, they fucked with my delivery and motion and my arm got tireder and it just kept going and going. They all had that in common and what was good at one camp wasn't good at the other. They all told me how great I was and shit I knew better. I simply thought rest would fix the issue and then the pain started and the doctor visits and they were very quick to offer pain help. Mike, the drugs weren't like Jeff and Ray, they were prescribed by a doctor. Finally, dad noticed the amount of scripts and refills and ended it. He didn't care about the pain and he found an orthopedic guy who ran a ton of tests and X-rays. Consulted with a neurologist and hopefully they regenerated my arm. I took only one pain pill after the surgery and dad has the rest and I haven't asked for any. MJ, I have accepted an offer from Ohio University and it will hopefully be a year off from football, pre-law and Pitt Law School. MJ, I need you to be there for me and I would not be able to deal with all this if I thought you didn't have my back. I know you hate drugs and dismiss people out of hand for that. MJ, that's not me. MJ, I'm sorry I kept you at arms length, I needed to do this by my self and now that I'm settled, I Ned your help. Just Rule 3. I smiled and said Jim, always have and always will have your back. Then he asked who is flying the plane? I laughed and without looking, gave him our speed, altitude, compass heading, oil pressure and the RPM's. Then I said Jim, thanks for the talk would you mind sending Heather up and please play nice with JJ. Heather appeared and sat down and strapped in and I handed her the head set and she put it on and I said well good morning babe. She laughed and said well good morning, I see you are back in old man mode. I found that hysterical and just let it go. So what do you think of the view? She looked right at me and said pretty good but over dresses. This time I laughed and said, please don't distract me as one mistake and we're in a shit load of trouble. That settled her and she asked so what are the meetings for? Well Heather, I need to pay a contractor and do a walk through and see where the grape harvest stands. So once that is done then what? Well if it was warmer it would be skinny dipping but we will walk from my new cabin tot he winery and stop at a very special space, well special to me. At the winery you can taste some of the wine we make. Then it's a ride to town and lunch and some time in a boat on the lake. She asked, so will there be private time? I believe we will manage that. That brought a big smile. Then she said, just be the Mike that showed up at the dance last night. I smiled and said babe, please send JJ back we are almost there. JJ came back and asked trouble in paradise as we are 45 minutes away? Nope, I just needed a sane person in that seat. Damn, I have changed if I'm the qualified candidate. So how was the talk with Jim? I smiled and said JJ that's Rule 6. JJ laughed and asked what the fuck is Rule 6? Oh, I forgot you don't know the Rules, it's code for none of your business. JJ shook his head and said that's ridiculous and I don't want to know the other 5. JJ, even dad knows the Rules. Then I simply contacted the tower and started the landing procedures and checked ATIS. Everything went well and the landing was smooth. I let JJ secure the plane and got the rental van. When I got back JJ was still working on the plane and we finished it together. It was now 10:30 and I had an 11:00 with the builder. The ride to the property was fun and I turned onto the driveway and when we went around the bend and the "palace" came into view Heather said holy shit, is that what you had built. JJ and I just burst out laughing and JJ managed to say isn't that marvelous? I parked in front knowing that it was empty till tomorrow evening and tossed JJ the keys and asked him to pick us up at the Winery. Then I asked Heather to walk with me. We walked a hundred yards or so and she saw a cabin and asked is that what you have been building? Heather this one is Cole's and we kept walking closer to the lake and another 100 yards away. I turned to her and said well this is mine. She laughed and said when you come home drunk some night you might go the wrong one as they are identical. I laughed and went inside and she followed me in. We walked around the first floor and everything was perfect and I took her outside and I leaned on the railing and looked at the lake and it was perfect. Then I heard the door and looked and as expected it was Jacob, my Amish contractor. We shook hands and I introduced Heather. I asked about his family and he asked what my dad thought and I told the story about this being identical to the original cabin down to the railing around the deck. Mike all I know is that you knew exactly what you wanted. We went to the second floor and walked around chatting while I looked things over and as expected the place was perfect. Back down stairs I reached in my pocket took out my wallet and two checks and selected the final payment for my place and handed him a certified check. Then I said let's look over the other place and he looked surprised and said your dad and your brother along with a friend were here Thursday and settled everything, it's paid in full. Mike, your dad asked a lot of questions about the design and how that was done. Jacob, what did you tell him? Mike that you knew exactly what you wanted and that there was no chance of changing your mind. We shook hands and I thanked him for a job very well done. Once we were alone I went out on the deck and put my elbows on the railing and both hands on my chin and just stared at the lake. Heather came up beside Ann put an arm around me and asked Mike, what you thinking about? I looked over and gave her a quick kiss and replied, how happy I am here, it's like I belong here. She was quiet and I said with all the technological advancements that will happen and with a jet 20 minutes away, this could be my world headquarters. She just looked at me and I took her hand and said let me show you something equally special, well to me and a few others. We locked the door and started along the path to the Winery. We were now about 600 yards from the house when the rock came into view. I smiled and we kept walking and I simply sat on the rock. Heather looked at me and ask why? I looked at her and said I have no idea but it is driving me nuts. Babe, if it were 10 degrees warmer we would be in the lake nude, well I would be. It is a special place where people have done that for generation, my grandfather, my dad and me. Earlier this year, the first time I came her, I stripped and jumped into the water. I didn't check it out I just did it. I explained to JJ that I had done that before and I have no memory of that, I just innately knew it was safe. She looked at me and said, someone or something here had a big impact on you and it happened here. You somehow remember but on a very deep unconscious level, but you are not looking hard enough as you are afraid it will scare the shit out of you. We made out for a while and as it was getting pretty hot, I suggested that we walk to the Winery. I helped her over the silly fence and jump over. She was amazed and asked is this all yours? I said mine and the investors. She looked at me and said damn, no wonder you are so complicated. I shrugged and said let's go to the store and see what's going on. We found that there were no customers and one clerk. I asked if Jace was around and was told that he was expected soon. I said thanks and was looking around. I started towards the warehouse and the clerk said excuse me but you can't go back there. I said sorry I should have introduced my self, I'm Mike Simmons. She just looked and all of a sudden it registered as she said damn, Jace said you would be here today. I motioned to Heather to follow me and we went into the warehouse. It was all organized and emptier than I expected. Then we went to the wine making area and I was surprised to find thing humming and Charlie directing things. I got a big smile and we went over and I introduced Heather. He said the Italian grapes were ahead of schedule and that Jace found some workers and we did the one acre by hand and started making wine. He was all smiles and he said that majority of the harvest would be in about 10 days. We chatted about that and I saw Jace heading towards us. I asked Charlie what he thought about the cabins that were built. Mike, it was like a return to the past, did you have old pictures or something as they are exact on the outside. Charlie, I have no idea how that happened. Mike you were very young when you were here last and would spend time with you grandfather until you were 5. You dad would drive up and you would spend a week, hell you learned to swim jumping off the rock. Your grandfather was instant that if you were here near the water you needed to know how to swim. You and him were close and he was amazed your mom let you spend so much time here. Charlie I would like to chat with you about granddad next time I'm up here. I saw Heather shake her head. Jace stood by watching the exchange and I said let's walk and talk. I asked Heather to hang with Charlie. As soon as we started Jace gave me a quick update of sales and the tonnage of the harvest for the Italian grapes and said that he had scheduled the harvest crew for a week from tomorrow. Mike, I will leave a half acre for the ice wine and that even Charlie was in on that. Then I told him I needed wine for Oakmont. Mike, do you want to take it back or have me ship it? Jace, I don't have a minute and while I can get it home, it would a week before I could get it there, what's quicker. I do have meetings there about the US Open on Saturday and Sunday. Then I asked, would I be a help or simply in the way on Monday? Jace laughed and said Mike, if you have to ask that question you know the answer. We are good and it will happen with you watching or not. Well, I'll be up here in two weeks for the weekend. We need to review the wine making equipment and see what needs updated and if we have the money to do that. Jace, thanks as I can't imagine where we would be without you. Mike, I just love this shit and it keeps me sane. Jace, once my cabin is furnished feel free to use it, generally it will not be for rent. He shrugged and said thanks. Jace, I'm not renting it to you, it's yours to use. Mike, I get it and I'm really good and so are things here. Jace, I'm not checking on you as I had to pay the contractor, this little meeting marked it a business trip. I'll let you get back to work. JJ and the gang were there and we quickly got in the van and left for lunch and JJ remembered the restaurant and it was a great day so we were outside on the deck. It was fun and the girls all knew each other and were getting along. I was concerned about JJ and Jim but had no indication there was a problem. As lunch was wrapping up I asked if they were interested in a boat ride. Everyone agreed and we were off to the marina. JJ immediately asked if he could waterski I shrugged and said, it's you ass that will be in the freezing water. He went into the men's room and came out in swim trunks and a tee. He grabbed a tow rope, selected skis and paid the rental fee. When we got to the boat I laughed as it was big and would be fast. I knew JJ would really enjoy this and show off. I also knew I needed to be careful about him and skis. I got JJ aside and told him he got hurt and fucked up football, I would simply let him drown. He laughed and said MJ, I got this. I asked for help releasing the boat from it's mooring and started out slowly in the no wake zone. A few minutes into the ride and just before no wake zone ended Heather said stud, does this go faster? Heck the lazy river at Sandcastles is faster than this. I didn't reply but once we were well clear of the zone, I looked at her and said babe, you should sit down. She smiled and said I'm good. I looked towards the rear and saw everyone was seated and shoved the throttle forward and the damn boat almost jumped out of the water and Heather had landed in the seat. She looked up at me and said Mike, why are you such a jerk? I shrugged and said well it must be the company I keep. JJ made his way up and reached for the throttle and slowed the boat down. He smiled and asked MJ, the point? Oh, people were claiming we were on the lazy river. He laughed and asked is that a new name for the no wake zone. MJ, I'm ready to ski are you ready to be reasonable? I said yup and put the boat in idle. JJ jumped in by the look on his face it was colder than he was thinking it would be. He simply skied and only when I saw him heading for the jump, I simply steered away and he gave me the finger. Finally after 15 minutes or so he simply let go of the rope and I turned around and picked him up. At this point everyone was ready to get back to the cabin. Once there, I took Heather's hand and said let me show you my room when I stay here, hopefully this will be my last time here as my place is ready and I finalized the furniture last week. We went in the room and she looked around and asked, how could anyone hate this room. I grabbed her and we kissed and somehow were sitting on the bed making out. Then we were undressing each other. The sex was different well for me at least. It was hot and intense and we were both very much into it. It was not romantic and in thinking about it, it was two people having sex with a friend because they both needed to. There were no expectations no emotions just raw sex. When we were done and I had filled two condoms we laid there in each other's arms and I kissed her and asked, now what? She smiled and said well, your place next weekend? I smiled and said absolutely. Wondering when the strings would appear? We decided on a quick dinner and then head to the airport. At the airport, you could sense a change in JJ as he was all business and did a longish pre-check. We loaded 10 cases of wine in the plane and we were ready. It was a quick takeoff VFR and the old route. For the first half hour JJ and I talked about the trip and the girls and we both said it was a fun time and had to figure the girls out. JJg said that it was like Texas, sex because we were both horned. I laughed and said I know what you mean. At that point I sent Mia up and Jim and I talked as did Kathy and Heather. All in all it was a fun yet expensive way to waste a day. Once we were home the wine was loaded into JJ's truck. Jim and Kathy left and I kissed Heather and JJ kissed Mia and they drove away. JJ and I secured the plane and I got our log books and jumped in the car and started to update my log. JJ joined me asking if I had any cigarettes and I shrugged and pointed to the glove box. He found a pack and a lighter lit two and handed me on and started on his log. Once we were finished he said thanks that was a fun day. Then he said MJ, you know I'm not delivering that wine to Oakmont, right? JJ I have to be there both Saturday and Sunday it will be two trips. Then I looked around and said I'm trading this ride in, I'm getting a Jeep. He laughed and said I can't wait to see the peeps react to that. Why a Jeep? Well, an image change and more practical, yet fun. He shrugged and we went home in our very different rides. At home I went right in the house and found dad in his office and Megan and Ashley in bed. Dad looked up from what he was reading and asked, how was your day? I said great but we used the palace today and I know it is rented so I scheduled and paid for the re-clean. He smiled and asked so who was with you? I said JJ and Jim and our current girls. So Michael you needed the common area cleaned as three bedrooms cleaned, correct. I said yup and got up and poured a scotch. So what else, I know there is more? Dad, why did you pay for Cole's cabin? He smiled and said damn, I forgot about this and opened a desk drawer and handed me an envelope. I opened it there was a check for my cabin. I looked at him and said don't play me. Mike, Megan said since we were leaving the big place to your sister, I had to pay for the other two. I shrugged and said well, I ordered custom furniture for mine and this is appreciated. Dad, how much was I up there with granddad? Mike, until kindergarten a lot. Ok, so why don't I remember it. Dad smiled and said you obviously do and it will come to you. Dad, I need more than that? Mike, you need to wait till after your 18th birthday, that's all I can say. Dad, one other thing what's the best way to get a new car? He laughed and said so you need an image change? I said yup, any thoughts? Yup, have the company lease you one and offer your execs. a $300 raise or the car. All of them should get a lot of miles and yours as you will at school get a few miles per year. If you feel guilty cut your salary by $300. I laughed and said dad, technologies doesn't pay me. He laughed and said well then a car is a perfect solution. At any rate talk with Jordan about it. I asked about and he said, school work in his room. Cole was in his room and he was awake and studying. When he saw me he asked how the trip was and then asked about Jace. Cole, both were good but I think Jace was pissed as he thought I was checking on him. MJ, were you? Bud, not at all I needed to meet with him to write the trip off, well the plane costs. Great, I'll pass that along to him. MJ, Liam is good for Sunday but we would both like to know what the heck is going on. Well Cole they are a bunch of old windbags and I drive them nuts. MJ, that's nice and you do that well, I'm sure. What about Sunday. Cole, they come for meetings eat lunch and dinner and stay over and play golf in the morning the next day. AP changed it to a noon tee time. The rough will not have been cut in two weeks. The greens will be rolled and doubled cut. The pins will be Sunday tournament placements and the greens, well you know how they get. Ok MJ, why? Well, I shot 3 under last time they were here, from the tips and easy pins. They thought the course was too easy and that the course wasn't up for an Open. Cole I want you to shoot as low as you can and play it like a first round Open. You are a winner on the PGA Tour and that and your age will drive them nuts. Oh, we have arranged for an official to be with each group. They will have 4 groups and we will be off third. Cole laughed then said damn they are not the only ones you are driving nuts. I haven't played competitively in weeks. I asked, what about high school golf? MJ, now you being silly and I have work to do, good night. I shrugged and headed towards my place. I knew Cole would be ready as he has been practicing his all off and there is no one who knows the course better that him and Liam. I was also betting he was dressing up for the event. At my room I finished the English that I was behind on and jumped into bed. Monday was a sunny seasonal late September morning and I was still very much in a playful mood. I dressed for work and while looking for clothes found a letterman jacket and it was one from my freshman year. I took it out of the closet threw it on the table and made coffee. Once the coffee was ready I filled my mug grabbed the jacket and was off to school. I parked in my usual spot and went up to Heather and said babe I have something for you and handed her the jacket. She laughed and asked what's this? Well babe you wanted to date a carefree, fun and hot jock. This jock is just laying clame to your ass. I thought for sure she was going to try to slap me and she smiled and handed the jacket back and said I'll take the old Mike back as soon as he is available. We both laughed and I threw the jacket in my locker and went to English. I turned in the backlog from last week and when class started I was immediately asked a question on the material for today. I had no clue so rather that BS her I said I have no idea as I was catching up on last week. Mike, can you please explain why you are now behind this week? I had a busy weekend with the dance and a trip to New York. I'll be current tomorrow, well it the admin let's me attend. She actually smiled and moved on. The rest of school was uneventful and I skipped lunch and went to the office. Once there I went to my usual work area and found a number of phone messages there. I looked at them and the only one that sparked some interest was from David Cummings. I simply called his private number and when he answered I asked David what can I do for you? He said sell me the Winery back? I laughed and said well it's not for sale. It's not quite a cash cow but I like the trend. Mike, my dad is having a blast and if that Jace guy would have been around we wouldn't have sold. I'll pass that along. David I have a meeting, what do you need? Well just to let you know that little Charlie and a friend of his will be there with me for the harvest. Jace asked that I check with you and I already promised I would not be in the way. David, understand that Jace will have you physically removed if you get in the way and what will Charlie and his buddy think. David laughed and said Jace already told me that. David thanks for the heads up and I hung up. I then called Jordan and asked for a meeting at his earliest convenience and he said well he wanted to meet with me about the plane usage. Jordan, I would need Kyle and the Major in that meeting. If I'm not around set it and inform Liam. He asked what do you want to talk about I said cars. Mike that involves Maggie as well. Jordan please pull that together. Jordan said give me an hour and Maggie and I will be there and I'll set the plane meeting up for 12:30 tomorrow. I said thanks and as I was hanging up Liam appeared and said Mike, I expected you later and I was at lunch. Liam I can be on my own for 20 minutes. He brought me up to date on a few things and then he said well Jodie, from J & J Architects would like to meet with you about your office. I thought for a minute and then said Liam, that's strange as my office is all glass except for one wall and that is in slate grey. The furniture ready for delivery, I don't know why she needs to meet. Ask for some specifics and unless it's a big thing tell her I don't want to meet. Mike, before I do that we should take a walk up there. I said well I have 30 minutes, let's go. Liam led me to the elevator and I asked, when did this get approved? Liam laughed and said well it failed inspection twice and Dillon lost it. He told them that for the next inspection he was having the media present to watch and he promised to sue them out of existence. I smiled, thinking a page out of my book. When the door opened on the 4th floor I just stood there with my mouth open and finally asked, how the fuck did this happen? Liam smiled and said well the Union people wanted your floor finished. They simply busted their ass. Also, Dillon is saying the 3rd floor will be done mid November and that is a month and a hall ahead of schedule. The furniture was being installed and the private offices were done. I stopped in almost every office and when we got to my office, I smiled as it was perfect. The first thing I saw was the larger version of my aluminum and glass desk with the unique legs and the burnished steel pedestal. Lining the entire solid was were matching three drawer steel lateral files. And there was on an "x" base a 48" round slate grey marble top. I went outside and Liam held back and took a phone call, he came out and handed me the phone saying she asked that I put the asshole on. I got on and said, pissed off asshole here, what do you want. She laughed and said I see nothing has changed. Mike our building reflects steel, glass and aluminum and people like Carnegie, Ford and Pitcaren. We forgot Mellon, Frick and Henry Oliver, the coal people and versions of their companies exist today as think CONSOL for example. Mike we forgot COAL. J & J Architects has a gift for your office and I would like James from James Gallery show it to you in your office. Mike, what works for you? I said Wednesday at 1:30 and you are welcome to attend. She said thanks and hung up. Outside the furniture was all metal and glass and the 60" diameter table had a big black and gold umbrella.I wasn't sure about that but would let it be as something had to block the afternoon sun. I was really excited about the meeting on Wednesday and was wondering what would be presented. Back downstairs Jordan and Maggie were waiting. Maggie immediately said well it's nice for you to finally show up. I ignored that and asked Jordan would you wan a $300 a month raise or a company car. Mike, a car but what about the insurance? I said well your share of a blanket insurance policy covering company cars. Maggie immediately said you better have a class of employees this would apply to. I said, well me, Kyle, Dillon, Riley, Major Jim and Liam. She laughed and asked so how does an executive assistant fit in there? I looked right at her and said, he does and you need to come up with an appropriate title for him. Oh, I'm thinking a high end Jeep. Ask, everyone on that list and let me know. That should happen by the end of the week. I said thanks and getting the message that I was done they left and Maggie stopped at the door and said welcome back. I thought it was a great day and I headed for school and practice, wondering if the agreement would last. PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE, CONTRIBUTE TO NIFTY, IT KEEPS THE STORIES COMING. THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE NOTES AND COMMENTS! NOTE, In the list of characters Liam was listed as Cole's caddy. He is now also Mike's executive assistant.