Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2022 21:08:07 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 338 I was up early well rested and excited for the day as it was December 28th and wedding day. The Holidays had been really nice and I had avoided the car drama, although the thought was really nice and more than a bit over generous. The time with Cole both in North Carolina and in bed was fun and brought us closer together. Then the night with JJ as we both required a bit more from each other in our relationship. Then I laughed as I thought how when your naked and in bed with someone you really care about (well love) how it is impossible to lie. As for the wedding I would continue to deal with the bridesmaid who was my partner in a polite way and was really looking forward to the party. It had been a very long time since I was at a party. I cleaned up the place a little and dressed for the run. I went outside and there was no Cole but JJ was waiting for me and it was a leisurely run and we talked the entire time. JJ agreed to have Winnie at Oakmont no later than 5:45 and added, well if she is ready. I laughed and told him I would ask he to be ready before 5:00. Back at my place, I changed the sheets again and thought I needed to do the laundry discretely as it would be difficult to explain how three sets of sheets were cum stained. Damn, I have had a lot of sex these past few days. I showered and shaved and dressed and went to get the tux. The clerk at the store just shook his head and said I hope the hell it fits as you should have been here a day or two ago. I tried it on and it was perfect. I was then handed a pair of shoes and they were too small and that was easily remedied with a size 13 instead of a 12. The tux was repackaged and I laid it in the back seat and drove back to my place. I left the tux in the car and went into the house as I wanted to check on Cole. I found him eating breakfast and looking a bit done in. I smiled and said, rough night? MJ, it was Jessica as she had me up all night. Dude, how did that happen? Well MJ, she was home alone and will be again tonight. I laughed and said if you need condoms there is a bunch in my nightstand. He shook his head and said, thanks. So dude, where are the rents? He shrugged and said returning your Christmas gift and mom is still laughing and telling dad, she told him that car was a bad choice. With that I started to my place and retrieved the tux and shoes. Once inside I stripped and stood in front of the mirror and looked my self over. I was still in more than great shape, in fact better than I thought. I smiled as the happy trail was a bit more filled in as was the bush around my balls and cock. I immediately went for some scissors and trimmed a bit and needed to do some more as I didn't like the hair on my balls. Well I would check with JJ about dealing with that as he was always neatly trimmed. The tux was basically a black suit and thankfully is was a plain white shirt. The cuff links were a pain in the ass but the tie was easy as it was a strap that fit around my neck with a bow tie attached. It was a bit early but I wanted to be early as I felt I should check on things with Clark at the club. I would have stopped to see the rents but dad's car was still missing. I pulled into the Club at about 1:15 and had about 45 minutes so I went looking for Clark. He was in the office and as soon as he saw me he waved me back to the office. As soon as I was seated I asked so how are things going for the event tonight. Mike, there are 200 guests and the dinner will be no problem as it is a salad, wedding soup, roasted prime rib, asparagus, potato's and wedding cake. The only issue was that I turned down a request for fireworks. I laughed and asked, so who would stand outside and watch the damn things. Mike, your deposit has been placed in you club account as the event has been paid for and the check cleared the bank. I had to laugh at that. Mike, the only strange thing is that 30 cases of wine were delivered to the club at no cost and what we don't use at the wedding is for our use. Clark the best man runs a winery for me and it's all good. Mike, are you aware of the guest list? I shook my head and Clark said well there are 2 generals, 4 admirals, too many others to mention with ranks above captain. Clark the groom is an astronaut and recipient of the distinguished flying cross, I was at the White House when it was presented. So that was expected and I bet the air base at the airport has a few extra fighter jets parked. Clark, please from my account see to it that everyone working the event tonight get $25 from me and you should get $100. Mr. Simmons, that is very generous but the bridal party took care of a generous gratuity. Clark, that is as it should be but please do as I requested. Mike how was the trip to Pinehurst? I smile and said complicated and went looking for the group. I found the group in the room set up for the wedding and I was 15 minutes early and the last one there. Then I noticed that the bridesmaids had two different colored dresses. I looked at Jace and he was in a tux like mine and the other two were in Navy dress uniforms as was Jack. It wasn't a large bridal party and I liked that. I was wondering why we were taking pictures here at the club in the winter and damn we outside and on the steps to the porch. There we lined up and took pictures. The only surprise, well for me, was that a picture was taken with Riley, Jack and me. Time was an issue and the 8 of us piled in a van and Jack and Riley were driven in a limousine. Thankfully the seating was boys on one side and girls on the other. Jace and I talked and he asked if I heard about the wine? I just shrugged and said, whatever, that's your call. Jace laughed and said well MJ, I sold it to Jack at retail -10%. The club won't charge Jack for the wine and there will be about 5 cases left for them. Mike, a win for the winery, a win for the club and Jack got a deal on wine. Jace that was outstanding and you continue to amaze me. At the church we had 45 minutes for pictures and it was just the couple then the moms and dads and finally each couple in the bridal party. When it was our turn Karen put her arm around me and said, stud smile nice. If we do this quickly we would have time to make out. I laughed so hard I had to leave the church and compose myself. Once I had managed that we were the last couple to have a picture taken. Karen was furious as Jace had heard what she said and managed to tell all the guys. Well you have been mentally undressing me ever since we met.. she laughed and said I don't need to do that I just have to imagine the statue of David. Hell if your hair was a tad longer you would be a clone. Well Karen that might be true but there are parts of me that are bigger. Well Mike is that other part of you are referring to your ego. Nope, it's another part and I walked away. Jace came over to me and said dude, just put up with her, that's what happens when you are the Admirals daughter. I shook my head and said, sure. With pictures done we were ushered into rooms in the basement and guys and gals were in separate rooms. At exactly 4:00 we were lined up in the back of the church and things went smoothly. It was a typical Catholic service and sitting upfront looking at the people in the pews was interesting. As always at church I was a bit uncomfortable. The older I got the less I cared about the Church or religion for that matter. I felt it was an outdated way to control people. For us Catholics it was follow the rules and God will let you into that gated community, HEAVEN. Then there was that place were if you almost made it your spirit went to be punished until you earned your way in. Finally there was hell and being damned for all eternity. For me eternity was how your were remember here after you had died. How the people you interacted with remembered you and kept you in in their memory. That was what really bothered me about the little I remembered about my granddad. For me I was in my own world as the ceremony dragged on until it was time for communion. If I was sitting with everyone else it would be no problem as I would simply stay in my seat. Upfront with people watching it was another issue. When the priest came up to me for Communion I simply crossed my arms across my chest indicating that I wasn't a practicing Catholic and I received a blessing. I just couldn't pretend and this was the only reasonable way out. I didn't care one way or the other. When the service was over Riley and Jack along with Jace and the Maid of Honor jumped into the Limo and were gone. The bridal party, with two less members were loaded in the van and we were off to the club. In the van, one of Jack's buddies sat beside me and said Mike, I am Eric Diskin. I smile and said nice to meet you Major. Mike, Eric works just fine and how is it that you are a member at Oakmont and can sponsor this event? Well Eric, membership at Oakmont requires an invitation and a lot of money. So Mike who got you the invitation? I laughed and said, oh a golfer from Latrobe. How do you know Jack? There was a smile and he said flight school and who was that golfer from Latrobe. Eric, there is only one golfer from Latrobe matters. Mike, I'm sorry to pry but at the bachelor party when Jack and Jace talked about you it was in more than glowing terms and that's not like Jace. Jack on the other hand tends to suck up to people he likes. Eric, you mean people who can help him, correct? So Mike do you have a date tonight or are you just going to do that slut Karen. I laughed and said I have a date and I have one last thing to do with her. Well Mike, that Admirals daughter usually gets what she wants and has ruined more than a few careers. Well Eric, I have more than a few military connections and the Admirals and Generals I consider to be my equals. Well Mike, that's quite a statement and enjoy the wedding and I'll find a way to meet your date. Eric, I'll make sure that happens. At the club there was no sign of the Limo and we couldn't go into the reception so I took the 6 of us to the lounge and bought the group drinks. Eventually Jack and Riley appeared and the wedding planner immediately said, let's get going as there are 200 people waiting for dinner. Each couple was introduce and for us it was Karen Forester escorted by Michael Simmons. There was another picture and I walked Karen to her table and spied Winnie, in a fantastic red dress. Jack and Riley had their first dance and cut the cake. Then there were toasts by the best man and maid of honor. Jack and Riley were sitting at a table for two and Jack was handed a microphone he briefly thanked everyone for making the trip and for joining in the celebration. Then he started to hand the microphone back to the wedding planner when Riley stopped him and took the microphone. She smiled and said, I've been trying to teach Jack since 9th grade that I always have something to say and that I will always surprise him. Tonight is no exception. Then she said every girl grows up thinking about their wedding. I have always wanted my wedding here at Oakmont. That was made possible by Mike Simmons and she walked over to our table looked at Winnie and asked, can I borrow your date. She led me to the dance floor and music started and we danced and more pictures than enough were taken. When I returned to the table Winnie was all smiles and said, damn you can actually dance. I smiled and asked if she would be able to keep up? Dinner, as expected, was excellent and we were seated with Liam, Dillon, Kyle, Tim and their significant others. The conversation was comfortable and fun. Winnie was enjoying the company and I was thrilled that she fit in so well. I passed on desert and when the music started I took off my jacket and the tie. Then I dealt with the cuff links and rolled up my sleeve grabbed Winnie and said let's dance. We danced and danced an during a slow dance I pulled her closer and we kissed and it was a bit more than appropriate and Winnie stopped me and said slow down but I need a drink. Jace and Judy were returning to the table and I asked if he would get Winnie and I a drink. Jace shrugged and said, well one won't hurt. I laughed and said thanks. Jace got the drinks right with scotch and white wine and Winnie asked Mick, when did you learn to dance like that, it seems out of character? I shook my head and said babe, I have no idea. Well Mick we are done with the slow dances as you are making a scene with that kiss. I smiled and asked, you still spending the night? She said, yup and I said well I can behave for a few more hours. We finished our drinks and danced a bit more and this time with a slow dance Winnie kissed me and asked if we could get to my place. I said sure and it was no issue as it was late and the place had pretty much thinned out. On the way out I saw Major Diskin and introduced Winnie. We had a brief chat and at the end the Major asked if I get back here how can I contact you? I pulled out my wallet and handed him a business card and said call anytime. Walking to the car Winnie asked Mick, what was that all about? Winnie, I have no idea but when I get back to work, I'll find out. When we got to my place we went right in and I got her a wine and me a scotch. We talked and caught up about our Christmas and I refilled our drinks. We were both relaxed and had had a fun evening and she kissed me and said Mick, it was great to see you relaxed and having fun. Then she said, I'll be right back and grabbed a bag she had brought and went to the bathroom. I took the opportunity to get out of the tux. I was in my underwear when Winnie appeared in a robe. She opened her robe and was naked and said Mick, catch up. I smiled, stripped and it was a fun romantic time and we eventually fell asleep in each others arms. I was up first and found jeans and a sweatshirt and put coffee on and took care of things in the bathroom. With no sign of Winnie I put some bacon in the wave and started to scramble some eggs. Winnie appeared asking, what you doing? I smiled and said breakfast and she laughed and said damn you are full of surprises, I haven't ever seen you this relaxed. I handed her a cup of coffee and joined her at the kitchen island. We had a nice breakfast and she said Mick, I need to get home before the neighbors are up and see me coming home in red semi formal dress in the morning. I laughed and she dressed and I took her home. At my place I went into the house and Megan was eating breakfast and Ashley was in a high chair munching on a biscuit. I grabbed a cup of coffee and Egan and I chatted about the wedding. The she asked about the after wedding activities and I laughed and said awesome. Then I said Megan, thee tire holidays have been awesome. Megan then asked if I was serious about a Jeep Wrangler? Megan, I don't need anything but if you and dad are determined I would like that. Just finance it and not pay cash. Mike, I now have this under control and just so you know it didn't get lead to a fight. Megan that's great as I didn't need need that and did my best to avoid that. I was actually tired and went to my place. At my place I grabbed a bottle of water and sat at my desk with a legal pad and thought about what was on my agenda for the start of the year. I needed to meet with the team and decide on Riley and Amy and the COO position. I realized that I would need to skip school that day. Then there was plans to be made on the new land and how to get myself focused to figure that out. Friday January 10th was the Harrisburg meeting and I would fly up Thursday evening and I needed to check with dad and Megan if they were able to attend. That was truly a ugly week. This week I had no plans for New Years Eve and needed to talk with JJ about flying to New York to spend some time with Chuck. That would be the end of what was a great holiday season and I couldn't get over how awesome it had been. I was getting another bottle of water my phone rang and it was Major Jim. When I answered the Major said said he was glad to see that I had a great time at the wedding. I said, thanks, what's up? Mike, there are a lot of people staying and I was wondering if I could use the common area at the building for a New Year's party. I said sure but please check with the Chief. Mike, she said she was good but to check with you. Jim, I'm good. Mike, why don't you bring Winnie and I'll make JJ attend. I said, that's great and let me know what you need. Then I said Jim, try not to make this a working event for me, I'm on vacation. The Major laughed and said, I'll try. I hung up and immediately called JJ and when he answered I said let's work out and he replied anything to get the fuck out of here. I laughed and said 30 minutes, I'll pick you up. I backed a big with closes for the workout and drove to JJ's and he came flying out and threw his bag in the backseat and we were off. At the gym it was totally empty and we were both into it and I increased the reps and JJ wasn't ready to do that. The sauna was great and I was able to sweat a bunch of shit. JJ was. In a mood as he said his dad's party and all the last minute crap is out of control. Mike the only good thing is we can invite a "few" friends. MJ, I was thinking of seeing if Josh, Chad and Sam were interested. JJ, Sam? Yeah, I like that dude. JJ whatever as this is your gig. Hell, I better check with Winnie to see if she is up for a very quiet event, with old people. MJ, I didn't give Mia a choice. JJ, you know that at some point there will be a price to pay. With that we showered and went to Eat N Park for dinner which turned out to be a large salad and iced tea. With that finished, I dropped JJ off at house and spent the evening doing a CMU computer programming project. Around 10:00 I called Winnie and asked about the NewYear's Eve thing and she said sure and asked if Mia would be there? Winnie that's the plan. I was now truly exhausted and stripped and jumped into bed. I was up at the usual time and dressed for a run. Outside I was surprised that Cole was waiting and when we got to JJ's place he came out the door and we were off. When we got to where we usually turn for home Cole asked for another block and JJ and I agreed. Turned out that we finished in about the same time as usual. JJ said that he was busy all day with dad shit and Cole and I walked the 4 houses to our place. In the driveway Cole told me that dad want me to stop in to see him before I went to my place. Cole is he awake? Cole shrugged and said, yup. I thought, now what the fuck? In the house dad handed me a coffee and said Mike, I'm going to find you a Jeep today and I'm hoping you were free to come along. Dad is there anything I can do to have you reconsider doing this? Mike, it's you gift and I'm doing it with or without you. Ok dad, I'll tag along and see how good a deal maker you are. Dad said, great and I'll see you around 10:00. This entire thing was more than I expected or wanted and I checked and found that there were 5 Jeep dealers in the area that didn't require an hour in the car. The closest was near the high school in Pleasant Hills. Then there was a dealership in Peters Township and finally on West Liberty Avenue. Then at 9:00 I called a couple of the dealers and asked a few questions and got sticker price and very vague pricing information and was as ready as I could be and at 10:00 I went to the houses and dad was ready. We had the same idea as to where to start and we drove to the dealership in Pleasant Hills. The sign indicated that they were a 5 star dealership. Inside we were approached by a salesman and dad said that we were interested in a Wrangler. Very shortly we were show a Wrangler Sport. It was perfect as far as I was concerned as it was red with a hard black roof and a great sound system. After a meeting with his manager we were told that the with $2,000 down the payments would be $520 for 48 months. Dad asked, so what are we paying for the car? Well $24,000. I just shook my head and looked at dad and said, I don't know about you but I'm out of here and we should get this guy a mask an gun. With that I goy up and started for the car. The salesman said, let me talk with my manager? Well let's cut to the chase and get him out here. Son, thanks not how this works. I just shrugged and went to the car. In the car dad said Mike, you were right but you need to let them work their process. Dad, I would bet there was no manager to talk with. Dad laughed and said, good point. At the second dealership in PetersTownship it was the same story but the pricing was a bit better and I asked about a lease for 48 month and was told they were for 36 months. I told the salesperson that we would check with our bank and get back to them. In the car we decided to go to West Liberty Avenue and that dealership and if that didn't go any better we would simply wait till we had the time and dad talked with the bank about a longer lease. Inside as what was typical we were approached by the salesman whose turn it was. I said good afternoon, I'm looking for a Wrangler Sport and would like a red one with a removable solid roof. Oh, you are the third dealership visit today and we will pick the best overall offer. So that we can make this easy, I need three numbers from you, how much if we pay cash, a 48 month lease price and a 48 monthly cost if we own it at the end. Well would you like to see the wrangler? No we are good as we have driven one. I'll just need those numbers. Well let me talk with my manager but before I do that I'll need some information. Of you need a credit reference just call my bank. I'm Michael James Simmons, JR and I gave them the phone number. About two minutes later the salesman returned sat down, picked up the phone and handed it to me saying talk to your bank, please. I answered a few questions to confirm my identity and asked the bank guy to release any necessary information the dealership needed. The banker was asked information about income and savings and checking. Then there was a pause and and the salesman said around 18,500. Then he listened again and said thank you. The salesman laughed and he said the banker wanted to know if you wanted a car or the dealership as you could pay cash for either, I'll be right back. When he came back is said $18,000, $388 for 48 month and a 4 year lease At $202. I looked at dad and said well I guess we will have to think this over. Instantly the guy said let me talk with my manager again and see what I can do. How about you simply ask him to come out here and talk with us? It took 5 minutes but two guys appeared and I smiled and asked so do you want to sell a car today? You have a few hours to sell one more this month or don't you need another sale. The manager asked so what will it take? I smiled and said your best offer and I've been at this too long today. Mike, so there is no trade is that correct? I said yes and he said $17,500, $375 and $195 lease for 48 months. I looked at dad and he just started to laugh and said Mike, I'm never buying a car again without you. We signed the papers or rather I did and dad was on the hook for a 4 year lease. We shook hands and I said I'll pick up the Jeep on the second early as I need to get to the Winery later that day. They agreed and I said Happy New Year. In the car I asked dad if we could get into the club dressed this way nd he said, sure in the grill. I said well let's go, I'm starving. Dad laughed saying damn things have changed as you willing asked to go to the club. Dad was happy and I was hungry so it was all good. We were in no hurry and we chatted about everything but the business. I thanked him a couple of times for the Jeep and he was pleased. We ordered food and I was drinking iced tea and dad beer and it was club sandwiches for both. I told dad that he needed to treat Megan very well as "he choose wisely" at last. He laughed and said you and the damn movie quotes. We chatted for about an hour and dad had four beers and I drove home having stuck with iced tea. Thanks for the notes and for sticking with the story. NOTE: look for another chapter mid next week. As always consider supporting NIFTY as it is the only way these stories can continue.