Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 19:20:47 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 307 The damn gym was crowded and I had to wait some but it was worth the wait as I really missed the workouts. Once football was over and I would be using this gym on a regular basis, I needed to find a time with less people. In talking with the manager after my shower I found out that while membership had increased this was an unusual turnout. I thanked him and drove home. I went into the house and found Megan and Cole watching TV and damn Cole was holding Ashley. We had a nice chat and Cole said it was nice to have a golf free day and Megan chimed in with well you should be using that time on some school work for a change, no honor roll an golf. Well at least I'm not paying any of the bills and she looked at me and said neither are you. I said, yes mom and that broke the tension. I asked about dad and was told that he was at the club. With that and I went to my place. Once at my place I grabbed an iced tea and checked my phone. There was two calls and a voicemail from Heather asking me to call. I ignored the calls and simply called Heather and when she answered I said, hey babe what's up? Mike, I just wanted to give you a heads up as my dad is pissed as he said you are not returning his calls. Babe, I know he called and I had a busy day as there was a 2 hour meeting with Senator Mike Dawida and then we were planning our business trip NASA on Thursday. Then JJ and I went to dinner as I had to skip lunch. I'll get to him tomorrow once I get to the office. Heather, he doesn't need to hear all that. I like it when he is pissed off as he tends to make a mistake. We talked about how much free time I had with no game this week and I reminded her about the business trip NASA and that I would know more once coach gave us a schedule. Then I asked that she try not to let her dad upset her about our business deal or lack of one. Finally I told here it didn't matter as there were other locations. She laughed at that and said, well that location is special and everyone knows it. With that we said good night and hung up. I was getting the idea that Heather was is in a very tough spot and I made up my mind that I wasn't telling here shit about my business and would try not to let that come between us. I was aware, based on past experiences, how many problems that could lead to. The last thing I did was to send a message to Amy and asked her to just put Mr. Kirkpatrick calls directly into voicemail and I promised to call him during my first free minute. I turned on the local news and sure enough the "Big Story" was about the football meeting. We drew a lot of attention and Coach was interviewed for a few seconds and we were seeded #1 and had a first round bye. The only surprise was that the second seeded team was Central, Sam's team was seeded #2 and as they had a full 16 team bracket they had a game Friday and it was against the 15 seeded team and shouldn't be an issue. Then the Executive Director said that in his opinion as we had 2 transfer, who were key players, we should have been seeded 3rd. I was pissed off, I simply laughed out loud. There was no way he believed that or that's exactly where we would have been seeded. Besides the league approved both transfers and in both cases they moved into the district from out of state. Naturally there was no mention about Sam and Ray. Once I reflected on the situation, I figured fuck him and we will see how he feels when he hands me the trophy. Just something to play for. Tuesday brought snow flurries and a very cold and windy day and a quicker than normal run. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot I was mobbed by the media. I had three no comments and and I don't know and went inside as soon as I could. English started and it appeared that it was going to be another week of self study but almost immediately the teacher dude was handed a note and he said Mike, your presence is required in the Principal's office. In Dr. Johnson's office I was told that there were local print and TV media as well as national media in the conference room and I was going to talk with them and that no comment and I don't know are not acceptable answers. I was told to be polite and not cause any drama. Then Doc said let's go. Dr. Johnson started by saying, we are recording this session for Mike's protection and that of the School District. I have asked Mike to answer your question as he always does, honestly and directly. Doc looked at me and I said good morning, what's up? The first question was about my comments in the parking lot. I said, well it was cold and windy and I didn't want to be late for class, yet here I sit and I'll miss all of AP English. Mike, what do you think bout the seeding? Well it was earned, expected and is appreciated. Mike the league Executive Director had some comments did you hear that? I did. Mike any thoughts? Yes, definitely. Ok Mike, please share. Ok, he like all of us has an opinion and he shared his. Please note he failed to mention 2 key transfers from our team, Sam and Ray. Mike, will the bye week be a problem? I laughed and said well we have played one game this year when we were all healthy. We lost Jim early on and I'm looking forward to being at full strength. Mike, will Jim be back at QB? Guys that a question for coach. Mike, ABC News, there are rumors that the Legislature is looking into the PAAA what do you know about that and are you involved in any way? Guys, go slow here, there is a committee of 4 Senators and 4 Representatives that will be looking into the operation of that group. Yesterday I was invited to be a witness and will be making a statement and answering questions. I also have met with the League Director and he shared his thoughts on what I should say. It was a friendly back and forth conversation. I told him I was sure I would work some of his ideas into the conversation with the committee. Yesterday Senator Mike Dawida asked if I would come voluntarily or would something more formal be required. I told him I would be more than happy to meet with the committee. It will be sometime in January and my high school athletic career would be over. So Mike, what's your fondest memory of your outstanding career, so far. Guys, winning the district championship at the stadium. Mike, will you be playing in that stadium as a professional. I smiled and said well I never say never, but no I will not. I just want one more game in that place. Oh, I like Hershey chocolate and they all laughed. Mike, what do you think about Central? Well if you mean the football team, they gave us a very tough game a while back. They are very good and well coached. Heck, I have a friend and future teammate at VT on that team and I'm hearing there could be another one. I'm looking forward to making a Western Pennsylvania statement in Virginia. Mike, there are rumors that you could graduate in January, is that true? I took a deep breath and said that is being discussed and when there is a decision my PR department will let you know. Then I asked, anything else? Mike, are you on the committee at Oakmont for the US Women's open? No, I am not. Doc looked at me and shook his head but said guys, Mike answered that correctly but as always you need to pay attentive to how you ask questions. Mike, is on a USGA committee as a representative of the host club. Now, I would like to get back to my job which is finding a way to educate some high school kids, thank you. When we were alone Doc said Mike, thanks but a few more things? I said sure, what's on your mind? So were you going to tell me about the committee? I laughed and said Doc don't do that. I was going to tell you on my way out of here today and after all this time you should know that, what else? AP English, can you guys do well doing the class this way, working independently? Doc, I can and I have no idea about the others. Nothing last week was new to me and I haven't seen this weeks work yet. Mike, was it too easy? I shrugged and said well how were the essays and he said not even close to yours. Doc, I actually think that dude you have sitting there would do a good job, just let him teach to the damn test. Then I was asked what's the real answer about a January graduation? I smiled and said, I'll be here with morning classes again and nothing that requires work. He laughed and asked, and if not? I shrugged and said I watch graduation from the bleachers. With that I went to Science and watched gym and drove to the office. At the office I went straight to the 4th floor and as I opened the door I heard Amy on the phone. Hearing her was very unusual and I simply stopped to listen and what I heard pissed me off. In a loud voice I here her say, sir I have told you 3 times today that he simply isn't in and usually gets here around noon. When he gets here I'll beg him to call you back as I've had enough of your attitude. She was quiet for a minute and then said well if you don't believe me ask your daughter about his schedule or buy a clue. He simply isn't in yet and she hung up. She looked up and saw me leaning against the door laughing and I said Amy, thanks and don't be sorry I'm sure I wouldn't be that nice. Then I asked that she would find Tim and have him join me in my office and I'll call Mr. Kirkpatrick. She said thanks and started working on finding Tim. At the office I saw Liam in his office and waved and he finished up what he was doing as Tim arrived. I explained the situation with Amy and all the calls. Then I looked at Liam and asked him to call Kirkpatrick and asked that when he was on the line to say please hold for Mr. Simmons. It took a while for him to stop laughing and once he was composed he dialed the private number. I heard Kirkpatrick here and Liam politely said please hold for Mr. Simmons. Then I heard what the Fuck, now I need to hold for him and Liam pressed the hold button on the land line. I slowly counted to 10 and connected the call and said good afternoon Mr. Kirkpatrick I here you have been trying to reach me, what can I help you with? Tim was simply shaking his head and Liam was trying not to laugh. Kirkpatrick screamed, you snot nosed punk, you can't treat me like this just because you have a bit of money. Sir, with all do respect, you need to treat my people better and once you realize that you should understand, I have more than a bit of money. Now that you have disrespected Amy and Liam, I'm going to give you a chance to calm down and I am going to wish you a better day and when you are ready to act like a mature professional please call me back. I'm here till 3:30, please use this number and I hope you have a better afternoon and I hung up. Tim, Liam and I were chatting about the trip to the Cape for the launch and after about 10 minutes the phone rang and Liam answered Mr. Simmons office, please hold. He handed me the phone and I said, this is Mike, can I help you? Kirkpatrick said so you are still playing games? I simply asked, what do you want? Mike, we have to get this closed. Well sir, get your people to stop playing games with the zoning approval and it will close. If not I'll simply move on. Ok Mike, how about we meet Friday and David Cummings will be available. Look, what does David have to do with this? Well, we were undergraduates together and even though we were a few years apart we were close and then we went to the same law school. So is that a complicated way of saying he is an investor? Mike, that's correct. Ok Mr. Kirkpatrick, here what I'm thinking. We don't need to meet as I'm sure you two can read a sales agreement. Friday doesn't work for me as I'm NASA for a couple of meetings and the shuttle launch. So you and David should simply get your part done and you can quit growing weeds next to my building. Mike, so you are not interested in a meeting to work this out? I laughed and asked we have a signed sales agreement, what is there to work out? Actually we are looking for a few concessions as you lowballed the price. Mr. Kirkpatrick there will be no concessions either close the deal or not. Understand that should you chose not to close, we will see you in court and I willingly spend a bit of money to make you and David look very, very bad. Then I said I hope you have a good afternoon and hung up. I looked at Tim and said the next call will be from David Cummings. Tim looked at Liam and then asked Mike, can we have a few minutes alone? I looked at Liam and he said Mike, it's up to you as besides you the people I don't want to piss off around are Tim and Major Messer. I smiled and said well you two decide and I went to talk with Amy. I asked Amy to tell Cummings and Kirkpatrick to call my mobile number and to tell Kirkpatrick that he owed her an apology. She laughed and said, well I'm not holding my breath, but thanks. Back in my office Tim was there alone and I could see that Liam was at his desk. I looked at Tim and asked what's up? Tim said Mike, I trust the kid and he makes a good point. Tim, what point did he make? Tim smiled and said, that he learned a lot about you yesterday and that he needs to know what you know so when necessary he can react similar to you. Ok Tim, does he stay in his office of come back here? Tim laughed and said your call, dude. I simply got up and went to Liam office and sat down in a guest chair. Liam immediately said Mike, if this is a confidentiality talk, I'm leaving as I know that shit, am I in or out. I smiled and said your in. Liam said thanks, that was important to me. Liam, why is it important to you? Mike, I need Tim and the Major to know they can trust me. Ok Liam, what about me? Mike, you wouldn't be sitting here if you didn't, unless I'm here because I'm Cole's caddy? I laughed and said don't be an ass hole, let's get to work. Back in my office the three of us us sat in the club chairs and Tim said well let's start wit MR. Cummings. Except for his need to hire prostitutes, both male and female, he is a very normal guy. Married for 12 years and he is very well connected and is the managing partner in a large DC law firm. His financials are good. The only cloud on the horizon is that there appears to be a growing number of his partners who dislike his remote management style. He has a number of high profile clients but that work is done by associates at the firm and he does the PR shit. He spends more time with his dad than with either his wife or Charlie. Charlie is in a very expensive private school and is an excellent student and an excellent soccer player. Mom, is always there at the games and his dad occasionally. Cummings and your father-in-law were in college together 2 years apart and in the same fraternity. The same for law school and by law school they had become very close. Cummings joined the law firm and used his school connections to hit a couple of big clients and quickly became a partner. When he works at it he is very good. He is a minor partner in the land we currently have under contract. Kirkpatrick, moved back to Pittsburgh after law school and started his own law firm and grew it into a big time player and as named partner he runs a very tight and hands on firm. You know the family. His son is in school at Pitt and is generally an average student, parties a lot and lives off his name and has a reputation for being willing to fuck anything and everything in a skirt. His Major is pre-law and he is currently a Junior. He hasn't worked a day in his life. Kirkpatrick, tries to run the family like the firm but his wife often intervenes and dotes on her son. Again the financials are excellent. Kirkpatrick seems to care more about Heather that his son. Mike, in conclusion these two are friends from college days. Both are respected attorneys. Both for various reasons dislike you. I believe Mr. Cummings had no idea he was involved in the land deal as it was an insignificant investment. I believe he might have even forgot about it. Cummings dislikes you because of your control of the Trust for his son. He was pleased with the winery deal and him and is father both needed out. I have no idea how you got involved with the Trust. Tim, I was asked and David was aware and he told me he was fine with it. Mike, I think he was until it started making money. As for Kirkpatrick, your fucking his daughter and you made him look bad and he needs to teach you a lesson. Then, I believe that Kirkpatrick never looked at the agreement as it isn't a large investment for one of his clients. He simply signed it after a discussion with an associate. I would bet that associate was terminated. Mike, I have no idea what was discussed when they met but at some point you were on the agenda. I really think this deal isn't all that important to them other than image and not at all for Cummings. The two college buds simply decided to fuck with you. They will close at the last minute. You can and should let this play out. You could have the Mayor get involved but there is a cost for that and I'm sure you don't want to pay that price. Just do what you are doing. Ok, Liam what do you think? Mike, Tim is correct and you of all people should understand how someone can have a detail slip bye. You, like them, need to focus on the big picture and as a result details slip past you. You, however, have an excellent team and things get caught. I think that the Press Release, you outlined and the Major wrote has them thinking of other ways to piss you off. This proposed meeting, for example. As for the personal issues, please don't ever go there. I looked at Liam and said, the only way I'll get personal with David if he hurts either Charlie, thanks for the insight. Liam, that will be after a lot of thought. With that all in place I turned the topic to the NASA trip. The Majors would be flying and we had room for 6 more people. Dad and I, JJ, Liam, Kyle and Tim were all going so we were set. Liam said well he had booked 8 rooms at a place 30 minutes from the Cape and that Major Jim had said that we would be landing at the base so that things were good. The lunch was scheduled for 1:25 Saturday afternoon and that we had meetings all day Friday and lunch with the Admiral. I was thinking damn, I needed time for dad and decided, on the spot, that the two of us would have Friday evening to ourselves. I would rent a car and find a restaurant that dad would like, meaning a steak house or something close to that. I thanked everyone for the input and time and scheduled a meeting with Kyle and Liam for 1:00 tomorrow and left for practice. Practice was in the gym as coach had us working on play for the playoffs. The doors were closed and the media was asked to stay away and we walked through 5 things that I hadn't seen since sophomore year. I was wondering how coach had retrieved this crap. Once we could all walk through the plays he had us run them at half speed. He only real thing of interest as Jim and Wyatt split the number of snaps equally. When I had a chance I asked each of them individually it they were good with the shared time. Both said absolutely and Wyatt added just so we fucking win. I laughed finding his new vocabulary interesting. I guess he was one of the BIG BOYS now. When we were finished Coach had us sit in the bleachers and told us that we would practice live and outside tomorrow and be off for the rest of the week. He said next week will be the usual practice week. Films on Monday, live drills on Tuesday and Wednesday. A walk through and special teams on Thursday. Friday would be a Pep Rally and we all groaned. He laughed and said well we have already sold our allotment of tickets and that there was a request for additional tickets. He expected the place to be wild and said we needed to play within ourselves and not react to shit on the field and just do our jobs and pay attention to our reads. It was a quick shower and I drove to my place. When I pulled into the driveway I realized I was starving as I hadn't eaten all day. I went in the house and saw Megan working and Ash was playing laying on a blanket on the floor swatting at a mobile and having what appeared to be a grand time. I saw Colleen and gave her a hug and she said lad that hug won't get you dinner as I had no idea you would show up. I laughed and said that's ok, I'll make a sandwich. Look lad you're in luck as Cole lad is apparently with his lass and I didn't expect that either. Wow Colleen that's great what we having? Lad go see Megan and just stop asking questions and when it's time sit down and eat. I laughed at that and went in the game room and picked up Ashley. Megan shook her head and said Mike, you should have left well enough alone as now she will need a diaper change and food. I shrugged and said go back to work I got this. Thanks Mike, what's for dinner? I laughed and said a special dish Colleen makes, she calls it SHUT UP AND EAT. I hear it's an Irish delicacy. Megan laughed out loud and said, I have discovered that it consists of many different things but always has the same name. I changed Ash and was feeding her when dad came in and he looked at me and said, I hope this isn't practice for an upcoming event. I just shook my head and dad went into his office and had wine for Megan and scotch for him and I. I returned a fed Ashley to the floor and the mobile. I asked dad if he knew of a good restaurant for dinner Friday night as I was hoping that the two of us would have dinner. He thought for a minute and said sure I'll check with Kyle about our schedule and make reservations. Don't get a car as we can take a cab because we will both be drinking. Dad, just the two of us please. He smiled and said absolutely. Colleen called us to dinner and we left Ash playing on the floor. I found dinned to be chicken cooked in tomato sauce with pasta and a salad. Just then Cole appeared and Colleen looked at him and said, well did you bring the MOT? Cole said nah, she is with her rents. Colleen said well lad in that case sit your arse down and eat, there is enough. The meal was great and it was super to have a family meal. Damn, it had been a while. Just then Ashley screamed and I went in and found her on her stomach. She was so mad that the toys were gone she was red. I said Megan you need to see this. Megan, laughed and said she has been trying to do that for days. Cole and I cleaned up after dinner and I said good night and went to my place. There I found Colleen cleaning and she said lad this isn't bad as you not a fecklen lout. Just then my phone rang and I said Colleen, it's my Mot and I need to take the call. She said poor lass and put her coat on. I answered by saying hi babe. Heather said Michael, get your ass over here, I need to get the fuck out of here. Babe, why is that? Well, dad came home early and started yelling at me about my shitty and arrogant boyfriend. So Heather, how will I help that situation? She laughed and said good point. Mike, did you hang up on him? Heather, I said I hope you have a better afternoon and hung up. However, I told him I was hanging up. Oh, I did tell him never to be rude to my people again, as they are doing their job. Well, that's a lesson he will never learn. Heather, just enjoy the fight. I learned first hand that you get useful information from that. How about we grab a bite to eat tomorrow after practice? Well Mike, if that includes me nibbling on your ear and nips I'm all in. I laughed and said, I'll see you in school. I went to my room and started to look for some warm clothes to hang out in and decided to strip and see how I looked and what I weighed. The look was average, in my opinion and the scale didn't have great numbers either. I weighed 229. I had lost a fucking pound and could do that by taking a dump. I put on warm sweats and was sitting on the loveseat when Cole came in and he handed me his letter and golf pin and I smiled and said congrats. He smiled and said well the gold metals mean more to me than a participation pin. I laughed and said well let's find you a jacket to go with that pin and letter. There were three different sized letterman jackets besides my current one. Cole shook his head and asked MJ, were these that important to you? I laughed and said back in a day they were but next year everyone will have one and a lot of championships. Cole, if you find one that fits and give it to Jessica she will thinks it's hot. The second one he tried on fit and he seemed pleased to have it. I removed the football pins and asked if he wanted a beer? He said nope as he had school work to do and said thanks for the coat. I was thinking that he liked the coat and Jessica might be having sex while he wears the coat. I was determined to find nothing to do and put on some current rock music, something totally different and grabbed a book and started to read. It was the Tom Clancy book I had started and had put aside. I had another beer and read and listen to music till midnight. Tired and ready for bed I looked out the window and it was raining hard and I stripped to my underwear jumped into bed and piled on the blankets and was quickly asleep. I was up before the alarm and when I looked out the window, it was raining and it appeared it rained all night, there was no running and I decided to do the 50's. Something I did a long time ago, 59 push-ups, 50 sit-ups and 50 jumping jacks. When that was done, I was whipped and amazed how out of shape I was. In the shower I decided to do those every day until I would crush it. School was school and at the office I said hello to Amy and she said Kyle need you. I went in his office and he said Mike, there is nothing new at NASA and this is simply a PR trip and that's why it is so important for your dad to be there. He has the relationships there and we just service their projects. There is a large age difference between you and everyone there. That shouldn't insult you it is just a fact. Hell, I'm young compared to most of them. They need to see an old reliable hand and that is your dad. I know you want time with your dad but he needs to wine and dine them and he has a dinner with the Admiral Thursday night. You can have you night with him on Friday or Saturday. Ok Kyle, I get all this but this PR trip goes both ways and I want pictures and meetings as well. Kyle shrugged and said, naturally. Mike, I briefed Liam so he is aware and we all get the fact that he needs to know what you know, but you need to let us know if there is an exception. I said thanks and spent a quiet afternoon in the office. There wasn't a word about the purchase and I was more than willing to see what finally happened as it would be what it became. I drove to what was a very lackluster practice and I eventually simply took myself out and stood near the coach. I was content to watch. Coach eventually asked Mike, what's up? Coach this is 3/4 speed at best and someone will get hurt. Coach, if you think or worry about that, it happens. He shrugged and said good point and went to talk with a few other coaches. Practice went on for about another 10 minutes and we were called together and the schedule was reaffirmed and we were sent on our way. JJ came p and asked what I was doing tonight and I said Heather and a bite to eat and see what comes up. MJ that's perfect how about I grab Mia and we meet at the Tavern? I smiled and said ok see you there in an hour. JJ smiled and asked, so after that we going back to your place? I smiled and said dude, I don't know what you did all day but that was the dumbest question you asked all day. That's what I'm doing and I know you want to tap that pussy. It was a quick shower and I called Heather. I asked when she would be ready and that she come outside as I didn't want to deal with her dad. She laughed and said 30 minutes and I said how about we make it 45 minutes and she said sure. I drove to my place and checked things out as I knew we would need condoms and JJ would went smokes. Once I determined things were good and there was cold beer and wine I went to get Heather. Thankfully as soon as I pulled into the driveway she came running out. At the Tavern JJ and Mia were already there sitting in a booth. We joined them and immediately Heather had her hand on my package. We ordered our usual and it was soft drinks all around. We decided on an extra large pizza and JJ ordered a small salad and I made it two. The drinks were exactly what we ordered, iced tea and sprite. The entire time Heather was feeling me up and I finally leaned in and whispered in her ear, babe if I shoot in my pants, I'm taking you home. She laughed but stopped feeling me up. Then she looked at me and said I'm just priming the pump. I shook my head and started on the salad. At my place, JJ and Mia immediately went to the other room and Heather looked at me and said, damn I was hoping for a 4 way and wanted to see if you and JJ would make out while we got fucked. I laughed and said well keep dreaming and we went to my room. As with every time we had sex it was different. This time it was caring and romantic like we gave a fuck. As we laid there afterwards I wondered if we were starting to came about each other? Was this turning into more than a Senior year fling? As I lay there sucking her nipples, the only thing I thought well she is certainly drama free and it will be what it becomes. THANKS FOR READING AND FOR ALL THE NOTES AND MESSAGES. AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION. SMALL OR BIGGER IT DOESN'T MATTER, JUST GIVE IT A THOUGHT.