Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2022 19:02:49 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always bout the bets 323 Once I was alone, I grabbed a bottle of water an sat in one of the club chairs and was just looking outside. That lasted about 5 minutes when Major Messer appeared and he grabbed a Diet Coke and joined me. He wasted no time at all as he said well there have been more than enough people touring the building and I get the sense things went smoothly. I smiled and said well that's good to hear and I had a good day with my couple of groups and met a lot of people here in the office. Major the only drama was with VT and that's resolved, for the moment. The Major laughed and said well I guess today the coach was playing bad cop as JJ said the same thing. Well Jim, I guess at some point we will compare notes. Then I was told that there was about 25 reporters there for the last group and that Dillon and Liam would split the group. Mike, it would not play well if you took one group as the others would be pissed. The common room is being set up so that you can meet with them and answer a few questions. I took a deep breath and said thanks, I promise there will be no drama. What I will talk about is how important these two building are to me, the company's somewhat rapid growth and that there are no future plans at the moment. Oh, I would like Kyle with me and also include Dillon. Jim left and I was sitting there getting myself in the right frame of mind for the meeting with the media when my office phone rang and it was Security. Mike, there are two girls and a guy here saying they are friends of yours? Then there was a pause and the Major got on and said Mike, it's JJ and his girl and I assume your latest. I'll get them passes and put them on the elevator to 4. Please meet them there. I smiled and said sure. When the elevator door opened I just glared at the 3 of them and said, you guys are lucky as there was a change a few minutes ago or I would be conducting a tour. As it is I have about 30 minutes before I have to meet with the media. JJ said well we figured that you would be wrapping thing up and we thought we could all get something to eat. Winnie said besides I need to see your office. At the office JJ attacked the snack table and the girls simply looked around. I went outside to be alone. I really needed the time to get ready. Eventually Winnie came out and put her arms around me and we kissed. Then she said Mike, that's an awesome office and everything flows, well except for one thing. I said I know and the club chairs need to be changed out. She laughed and said well i think it's the coffee table that doesn't fit. Babe, first of all it is a classic piece and is in the museum of modern art, second it was a gift from the CEO of Herman Miller. Liam had the club chairs delivered and I simply haven't had the time to do something about them and I'm thinking the lobby. Ok Mike, what you replacing them with and I said well I'm considering Eames Lounge Chairs in black leather, they are classics and will go well with the table. Then I laughed and said, as a future architect you need to know this shit along with some of the things that Florence Knoll did. Mike, in due time and there was another kiss and we went inside, I wasn't back inside long when my office phone rang and when I answered it I was told they would need me on 2 in 10 minutes as the media was setting up. I said ok, I'll be right down and I hung up the phone. I threw myself in the chair and screamed FUCK. Winnie came flying over and asked, what happened? I shrugged and said show time with the media and I fucking hate doing these. I took a deep breath and said let's go and get this over with. I grabbed Winnie's hand and we started towards the elevator. Winnie kept looking at me and I thought that was strange but I started to block everything out. I don't know how or what changed but when the elevator opened on 2 I was in a completely different frame of mind and ready to get on with it. The common room was basically a place to eat lunch or dinner and to simply relax. It was set up with about 30 chairs and there were only a couple empty. There was a podium and I walked right up to it and picked it up and moved it out of the way. Then I noticed standing in the back was Ken and his cronies from Continental and now I was really ready as those 5 were my real audience. Then I actually laughed as the Mayor appeared. I shook my head and said, Good Afternoon and I hope you all enjoyed your tour of the building. It appears things have changed as this media event has attracted some guests. First of all the Mayor of Pittsburgh has decided to honor us with his presence. Then there are the Executives from Columbus and Continental. Finally there is my best friend and teammate JJ and his girl Mia and my very special gal Winnie. Then I spent a few minutes talking about Kyle and Dillon and their parts in the company. Finally I welcomed the local, regional, state and national media and said that I hoped that their time was well spent. Having wasted enough time on this I said, well before you get to grill me I have a few things I would like to talk about. Today's event was set up to celebrate an award for something that we collectively did. These two buildings are special to me, both as outstanding buildings and what they mean to the Region. This is the first time since the French and Indian war that something has been build along side this river that hasn't been industrial. It was designed to display the possibilities of what we could and should do with this massive amount of shoreline. Sure the green space protects the buildings from floods but more importantly it provides a clean and eco friendly area for my employees to enjoy and relax. We need more of that along the rivers. Besides office buildings we need housing that is both stylish and affordable. I've said it many times before but STEEL is actually DEAD. Industry doesn't need to dominate the river fronts there is a place for all but industry needs to be clean and respect the needs of everyone. I would suggest that you visit Zeeland Michigan and see how Herman Miller managed that on Lake Michigan. This was a great award but we need to remember is is recognition of what we have already accomplished and we have accomplished it better than anyone else in the country. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the recognition we have brought to the city and the region. No building built in the region has been recognized on this level. We need to continue to perform on this level and continue working with the Unions, architects like J & J and manufacturers like Herman Mille. Continue to grow our company with additions like Bell Helicopter, The Naval Academy, Cessna and others. Kyle and Dillon are very busy growing the company while dad and I continue to try and manage that growth. I mentioned dad as he had snuck in and there was a quick introduction. With that I called on Patti and she asked Mike, why the pause in the next phase and what is in that phase? Patti, the pause is not our fault as there were plans for the property but we were unable to close on that over zoning issues. As for future plans there is the restaurant and a marina in the smaller property. A local reporter asked, well what are the zoning issues? I replied that the property is zoned Industrial and we need it changed to commercial. A follow up please? I said sure and was asked why is that so hard? You should ask the Mayor, I have no idea. The the reporter from the local ABC affiliate asked Mike, why the need to continually grow and when is enough simply enough. Well, if you don't grow you become obsolete and wither and die. It is not what is enough. Hell I have enough and could move to my cabin in New York and grow grapes and make wine and get married and raise a family and not need another thing. If we grow the company the entire region prospers and grows and there are more jobs. Hell at some point you should ask Kyle and dad about their startups all housed in the other building and funded by my foundation, Then a Harrisburg reporter asked if you got the zoning issues cleared up in a couple of weeks could you move forward? Well I'm leaving for Virginia and college football in July and we would be starting more than 2 months late, besides I don't deal in hypotheticals. It went on like this for another 30 minutes when the Major ended it. I said thanks and the 4 of us using the freight elevator went to my office. We just hung out long enough that everyone would be gone and then JJ and Mia went to his truck and Winnie and I went to my car. It turned out to me unfortunate that I had that parking space as the Mayor and one of his cronies were waiting. I went around the car and opened the door for Winnie and once she was situated I walked to the drivers side reach into my pocket took out my wallet took out a dollar bill and handed it to the Mayor. He looked and asked, what the fuck is that? I said it is a dollar bill. Look you punk, what's it for? Well Pete it is for you to buy a fucking clue. You need an appointment to talk or meet with me, now get out of my way as we need to eat before practice. He just stood there as did I and we stared at each other. That lasted a few seconds and the Mayor's flunky said, Pete let's get out of here before this gets out of hand. Back in the car Winnie said, holy shit that was intense. I shrugged and we drove to the Tavern. We had an absolute blast but Winnie kept looking at me and I was wondering what was going through her mind. Well actually JJ was looking at me a lot as well. When we finished eating I drove Winnie home and as soon as we got in the car she said Mike, we need to talk. I said so babe just talk. Mike, as soon as we left your office you started to change. It was amazing as with every step you matured, even walked differently and then the way you controlled 30 people and dealt with the guests. Winnie is there a question there? She laughed and said well how many people are housed in that sexy body? Winnie, I would say there aren't different people but different modes. Oh, I just love how, without trying, I manage a crowd. Babe, what you need to know there is just one mode when I'm with you as I'm Mike, high school kid, falling hard and fast for you. Winnie laughed and said I know and you can relax as I'm feeling the same way. I dropped her off and drove to school and JJ arrived at the same time and walking to the film session, he put his arm around nd me and said dude, you are so sexy when you deal with a group of people. I laughed and said well, you free after practice? He smiled and said as far as I am concerned we can skip this bull shit and just get right to it. I smiled and said well, the wait will make you hornier and I like it when your kinky side appears. He smiled and said, that wish is easily filled and we went inside. As usual JJ and I sat in the back and were joined by Wyatt, Clark, Jim, Josh and Chad. Coach droned on and on about how senseless it was to try settle an old score on the field, it only moves it to the next game. Jim looked at me and said MJ it sure as hell worked for me and I laughed and gave him a thumbs up. I watched the other team and they were smaller and faster than what we have had in the previous couple of games. I thought the game would be less physical and that we could dominate physically. The entire event lasted about 90 minutes and as we were leaving Coach Weston asked for a minute of my time. In his office he sat down and indicated that I should as well. I took a deep breath and asked, what's up? Well there are a lot guys being recruited by D1 schools and I'm wondering if you know what Wyatt is thinking. Coach, I do not and unless you and him find some common ground he will be back in Ohio with his Grandfather. Besides why are you asking me? Mike, Wyatt won't talk about it. Coach I just made that point a minute ago and just so you know he was right the other night, he however could have been less publicity vocal. You should know that it means a lot to everyone to play on that field, is there anything else, I've had a long day and would like to get home. Coach said well back in a day you were more helpful. Coach, the kid is a Freshman and there is a lot of time for a college decision, good night. Outside JJ was talking with Jim and Wyatt and they all wanted to know what that was all about. I looked at Wyatt and said, he wanted to know about your recruiting. Mike, I'm not going down that rabbit hole this year and I have everyone at arms length and most of those coaches know Granddad and that isn't always a good thing. I looked at JJ and asked, my place? He said as soon as I drop the phenom off at home. Back at my place I stripped and tried to throw my clothes in the laundry basket but there was no room and I realized that I hadn't done laundry in weeks. I jumped into the shower and was enjoying that when a naked JJ joined me and fuck it was an intense flip fuck in the shower. It all started with me getting on my knees and JJ pounding my throat until he was rock hard and he pushed me on my hands and knees and knelt down behind me and simply drove it balls deep and he wasn't playing around and he grabbed my waist and held is cock as deep as it would go and unloaded a massive load. We both stood up and I didn't need sucked to be hard as I was so fucking hard it actually hurt and was jumping with every beat of my heart. I had him move away from the shower wall and put his hands on the wall and spread his legs and shoved one then two and finally three fingers in his hole and as I was dripping I yanked the fingers out and drove into him as hard as I could and smiled when he yelped. Being as horny as I was it only took about 7 or 8 thrusts and I unloaded deep in him. We kiss and as we were out of hot water dried off. Looking at him I asked dude, have you been working out? He smiled and said well you make money and I keep busy making muscles. I had him get on the scale and he was 198 and an even 6' with that short hair scruffy look. I was hard again and we simply went to my room and sucked each other dry. We dressed grabbed a beer and sat there chatting and it was a perfect ending to a good day. Tuesday was the usual run but a blast at school as Winnie was waiting for me with the others. That was very unusual and she kissed me and said thanks for letting me wear this for a few days and she put my gold metal on over her jacket. Heather's reaction started with you mother fucking bastard, all I want was the fucking jacket and you let that bitch have the God dam gold metal, what the Fuck? I took Winnie's hand and we walked into the building laughing. At work, Tim and the Major were pleased with the open house and Tim said he talked with 4 State House members and Senator Costa and he thought the Mayor and Kirkpatrick were having an interesting day. The Major needed calmed down when I told him about the incident with the Mayor. He finally decided that hell would freeze over before he got to talk or meet with me. I shrugged and asked Jim, is the astronaut on the ground yet? The Major looked at his watch and said 10 minutes ago and him the Admiral and your jet will be here Thursday afternoon. I said that's great so let's schedule those two along with us three and Riley for dinner at South Hills. Then I looked at Liam and asked dude, do want to come as well. He smiled and said sure, I thought I was being excluded. Once Liam and I were alone we moved to the conference table and I laid out the plans for the new space. Liam asked Mike, your that sure? I said yes and I get the feeling I will owe that to too many people in Harrisburg. We worked on that and reviewed the architects and the plans. I gave the schematics to Liam and kept the building renderings. I need to think about that a lot. Finally I packed up and drove to school and practice. Practice was full pads and we ran the new plays we put in but didn't use in the District Final. That went well until Wyatt threw that pass across to the opposite side of the field and Coach exploded. No one reacted and once he calmed down we ran the next play but there was a difference as it was less than full speed. It was amazing as there was no discussion it just happened across the board. If minutes later the Offensive Coordinator gave up and told Coach, obviously they are done for the day. Coach Weston said we have 15 minutes they can either run play at full speed or run laps. We all simply went to the track and ran laps. On the way to the locker room, Wyatt said Mike, my granddad would like to see us for about 30 minutes, there isn't much but he found something he wants to share. I said I would be there found found JJ. Dude, what happened out there? He shrugged and said MJ, all I know is that in the huddle the Prince of Wales said slow it down. I laughed and said, who? MJ that what all the underclassmen call Josh. You know the heir after your gone. I found that hysterical and looked at JJ and said well he needs to stop making things more complicated. I showered quickly and got the hell out of there before this became my problem. At Wyatt's house his granddad was all set and said that he had 15 minutes of films. The first play was a pass play and according to what we were told they ran it in their playoffs but not in the district finals and not in the regular season. The best description was that it was the receiver on the right ran a slant, which they run a lot, but then he cut straight down the center of the field. In each case it went for a big gain. JJ asked that the play be run 2 more times. The next play that they ran a lot was a screen pass but then on occasion the would fake the screen and pump fake the pass to the screen and the QB would run the other way and lobbed a pass to a wide open wideout. Then there was a few minutes of a playoff game where they were physically dominated. We breezed through a quarter and I smiled and we were told you can't be fast if you are knocked on your ass and they aren't that much faster than you guys and nowhere as physical. On the way out I grabbed Josh and asked dude, do you know what the Prince of Wales does. Josh just looked at me and I said well two things. First, he waits his turn. Second, absolutely fucking nothing. Look, piss Weston off all you want but he is right about that pass. There isn't a coach alive that would say that it's a good idea and that's exactly why it will work, once. Just make sure when you do something, I don't get shit over it. I'll gladly give it to you after we play 96 more minutes. Josh smiled and said, yes Sire I get it. I laughed and rubbed his head and said, if it was me I would abdicate. He laughed and said Mike, it will be easier as Weston won't be back as Coach. Josh, it will be what it becomes. I spent the rest of the evening on schoolwork which took an hour and then I started on CMU stuff and did that till midnight. Wednesday brought snow and a 2 hour delay. I hates those days a periods were shortened and for me totally useless. It also meant that practice would be shitty unless they cleared the field and the way things were going that wouldn't be done and we would be inside. I wasn't all that much snow but the busses were a mess. I simply set the alarm again and jumped back into bed. The alarm woke me and I looked outside and it was still snowing. Outside we had about 6" and I found out that school was cancelled for the day. I jumped in the shower and dressed for work and traffic was a mess but I just took my time and got there safely. I would have a full day as with no school there was no practice. I went to the common room and poured a giant cup of coffee and took the freight elevator to the 4th floor and my office. My computer wasn't even loaded when Chief Evans was at the door and she said Mr. Simmons do you have a few minutes? Chief if you want Mr. Simmons his office in on the other side of that wall. She laughed and said well I guess I misspoke. Mike, do you have a minute and we both laughed. We moved to the casual seating are and I asked, so what's up? Mike, I was told yesterday that my team is being transferred, do you know anything about what's behind that? Honestly, I do not and I'm not at all happy about that. I got up and called Tim and Jordan and asked them to come to my office. Then I asked if that included her entire team? She just shook her head indicating yes. Then she added that no one is happy about it. Jordan was the first one there and was clearly unhappy to have been summoned. Jordan, I need to know what we pay for security? Mike, it would have been helpful if you had asked that as we are getting to the end of the year and I have no idea. I'll get that and send Alice up with that information and he left. Tim was next and I laughed when he had a folder with him and he was aware and had the contract with the Security Company. Mike, the contract is pretty open ended so what's going on? We explained what happened and Tim asked, what do you want to do? I said, I want these people to stay. Mike, simply demand that and they have to do it or the contract ends. So hire the ones you want. Tim, I need to know we can afford that? Tim laughed and asked, so is that why Jordan had smoke coming out of his ears. I laughed and said well he has a point. Chief, I need to confirm this but I'm guessing that my fee to your company covers your salary and 20 to 25 percent in profit. So I'm guessing we can take you and your team on board. You should talk it over with your guys an we can talk when you are ready. She said thanks and left. Once Tim and I were alone I asked him to check or government contracts about an in-house security team. He smiled and said, look I'm on this but I'm passing that on to Bill as this land deal is about to break. Just so you know the pressure on the Mayor is extreme and he is loosing the party's support for Governor. I don't know what you said to the tour group but it fucking mattered. Tim, there were no promises, no threats I just stressed the environment and jobs and the future or the Region. Oh I did tell them that rivers belong to everyone and that Steel is really dead and that it was time to move on. Tim smiled and said well with all that bull shit you didn't need to do much more. Once that was over I went back downstairs and grabbed a coffee and chatted with some of the employees. Back in my office Liam and I continued on the plans for the next phase and one plan was starting to take hold in my head. I was starting to think about two buildings with a large plaza and the buildings set at a 45 degree angle so that it would maximize the view of the river. One building would have a great view of the city, in the distance and the other view would be up river. It was the material of the outside that was the issue. What we discussed and Liam agreed was that the Plaza would be coal and black and have a glossy wet look. How that would happen was yet another issue. Liam finished our discussion and he asked about Jack and what I was going to do with him? I laughed and said Jack is going to do what he wants and Riley will go along with it as I think she is bored here and NASA will for some strange reason find her a job. I care about her and replacing her will be hard. Liam, I don't want want you to be upset but I really want you where you are, but if I have to and if it means keeping you, I'll make you COO. Liam laughed and said, why would I take a step backwards? This is great and I like Kyle and Dillon as I'm treated like an equal. Liam, Dr. Williams is special and no one here is his equal, even me. Liam laughed out loud and said Mike, you have a distorted view of reality. With that he got up and said, well I have things to do and you need to sort out a bunch of shit as we are about to get very busy as Tim could wrap up the land deal by Friday. He said call out if you need me and he left. I got up went to my computer and checked the finances and noticed that for the year to date we were up 16% over last year and that we should be able to maintain that position. Then I checked Enterprises and with the end of the Highmark program and the real estate side of that we were in great shape. The project management side was also doing well with the tenants moving In. As a result there was almost enough money in Enterprises to pay cash for the land and then use that for the construction loan. Then I moved to my personal finances and was amazed at how much cash I had laying around and needed to do something about that and decided on a personal financial manager, the questions was who and it needed to be soon or I would pay a shit load of taxes. I decided to talk with dad and realized that it had been too long since that had occurred. I wondered if it was football or if we were growing apart or was I simply growing up? I called Winnie and asked if she wanted to do something and she said that there was a family dinner as Uncle Ken was leaving in the morning. We chatted for a few and she asked how it was to be at work all day? I said it's awesome and it was a short call. With a free evening I went to the mall and ate junk in the food court. While doing that I thought I need a better image as the mass of unkempt hair on my head needed an upgrade. I walked to the Hair Salon and found Caleb. Caleb looked at me and said you are an absolute mess. I said I know and I want a more mature look and we are not fighting I want to look like a 20 something executive. He laughed and said well that an a shave. I said nope just a trim as there is no clean shaving for two weeks. He laughed and when he was done I had very conservative medium length hair cut and looking in the mirror, I loved it and the scruffy look. Caleb got a great tip and I drove home, fling great and ready for the Jack and Riley scene. Thanks for ending and for the comments and Happy Easter and Passover. Please if possible consider a donation to NIFTY.