Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:26:36 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 368

Wednesday was a great day and the weather was pretending it was spring.
Monday would be Presidents Day a national holiday and I would have a full
day at work with most of the people taking the long weekend. The run was
great and Cole and JJ were both in a great mood. When we stopped at JJ's
after the run he said that tomorrow he wanted to fly into Teterboro
Airport. He said it was close and private only and it is easy in and out.
I said well I get on that. Cole laughed and said guys, I'll be needing a
flight to Orlando as I got an invite to the AP invitational and it is the
first weekend in March. I laughed and said well it might be commercial as
JJ could be working and my schedule is getting jammed. Oh, Cole would you
and Jessica like to go to the cabin this Winnie and I flying up this
weekend. Don't tell me you need to practice as you have a fucking
simulator there. Cole laughed and said MJ, you are sounding like the
women in my life. I laughed and went to my place.


I put the coffee on and jumped into the shower and this was going to be a
tough dad and I was going to do something that would totally piss dad
off. Well it would if I got what I wanted. I dressed in dress pants and a
light blue colored shirt and draped a tie around my neck and found a blue
blazer. I poured a coffee into my travel mug and left for school. I went
to first period and that lasted all of five minutes. The classroom door
opened and Dr. Johnson appeared all he said was Mike grab your stuff and
come with me. He wasn't in his usual great mood and by his tone I knew
he was a good bit less than happy. In the hall he said Mike, we are going
to Chuck's office as the track coach wants a word with you. At the
office Nancy was on the phone and she pointed to Weston's office and I
said well there is more room in there and I pointed to the conference
room. Nancy laughed and Doc just shook his head and said, well I'll get
the others. I simply went to the conference room and sat at the head of
the table, well where Coach Weston always sat and waited.


They all came together but Coach Weston was first and he took one step
into the room and stopped and just stared at me sitting in his seat. I
simply got up and moved to the other end of the table. I was closer to
the door and as far away from the Athletic Director as possible. Doc sat
beside me and Coach Bob Plewa (track coach) sat besides coach. I decided
to take this in my hands and said, ok here is my side of things. Bob JJ
told you a while back that I would run in a few relays and yesterday he
told you that neither of us would. At no time did I tell you that I was
in on this and at no time did you say anything to me about the relays or
anything else. Coach Weston said Mike, you are a student here and as such
you will appropriate address the staff. Well Mr. Weston if everyone was
so concerned about my status as a student, I would be in AP English right
now. Then Plewa said Mike, the people at VT would like a certified 40 for
you and JJ and if you are not on the team we won't be doing that. Bob,
again that was JJ needing the 40 time and you need to find a way to
separate us, we are best friends but not joined at the hip and we don't
speak for each other. I looked at Chuck Weston and said, I heard you but
when he starts calling me Mr. Simmons, I'll stop calling him Bob. I
don't care about the 40 yard time and if I did as a resident I would
rent a field and have it done. If you want to play games I'll set it up
at Central and let their entire team get certified times. I'M NOT
RUNNING ANY RELAYS and neither you or Bob are going to buy a state
championship. There are Seniors on the track team who have paid the dues
and deserve those slots. Is there anything else, I would like to get to
AP history. I simply stood up and Weston said Mike, SIT DOWN. I stopped
at the door and before I could say anything Doc said Mike, get to class
I'll deal with Bob and Chuck and please close the door.


I stopped to talk with Nancy and she smiled and asked, am I getting a new
boss? Nancy, I thought you and Chuck got along. Mike, he has changed and
you would think that he won those two championships. It's that damn
State Championship that went to his head. Well this was a track issue and
that Coach should be glad I'm not involved. Nancy, I just want to move
on. She smiled and said well you were half the local news. Two new
buildings a marina and a restaurant, that's a lot. Well Nancy, I am
flying to New York tomorrow for an appearance on Good Morning America, so
I'm not here tomorrow. Well, I'll be watching and it will be
interesting to see how Chuck deals with me being off. With that I went to
History and then physics. I went to the office to sign out and was told
that Doc Johnson wanted to see me. The door was open and stood up and
said Mike have a seat. He didn't waste any time and said Mike, you had
some good points about the track team but you should have dialed it back
some. My concern however is about your relationship with Chuck, what's
going on there? I shrugged and said, there is nothing going on as we
haven spoken since Christmas, well just before that. Mike, why is that?
Well he isn't my coach any longer and he has nothing to talk with me
about. Besides, we have both changed, well I have. I've grown up, don't
always need to get my way and need to move on. Oh and I'm extremely
busy. There was the trip to the east coast and tonight or very early in
the morning I'm flying to NewYork and will be on Good Morning America.
Mike when you say you are flying you actually mean you are flying the
plane, is that correct? Well Doc, it is actually a jet. Doc laughed said
of corse it is and JJ is going with you as copilot? That correct, Doc.
Mike you have missed 2 days last week and it appears at least 2 days this
week, are we an inconvenience? I laughed at that and said well I have
given all I got to this place and to be honest there isn't much return
for me at this point. I've told you I'm ready to move on. I have a ton
of stuff to get started before mid July but I'm trying to be here and as
productive as I can. Doc you will need to talk with JJ about what his
plans are, or rather what his dad is requiring of him. He is almost as
busy as I am. Mike, one more question? Ok Doc shoot. What about the
football team next year. I smiled and said they can 3 peat but someone
needs to find a muzzle for Wyatt's grand dad and you need a coach who is
more concerned with the team than his legacy and reputation. Doc, I
really have to go. I got up and started to the door and stopped. I looked
at Doc and said, I have been in this district for 12 years and it has
molded me and I have grown and achieved a lot because of people like you.
While it's time to move on I will always remember and appreciate this
place, and you in particular, Thanks. Then I left and headed to South
Hills Country Club for lunch.


Things started out well as I asked for a seat in the corner by the window
and that was easily done. I really wanted to talk briefly with Jake but
quickly discovered he wouldn't be in for a couple of hours. I ordered a
small salad and a club salad along with an Arnold Palmer. Thankfully Sam
was working and I wanted to talk with him as well but not here. I went to
the bar and grabbed a couple of drink napkins. Back at my table I jotted
down messages for both Sam and Jake to call me when they were not at
work. That took a while as people kept coming up to me and chatting about
the new proposed building. It was just like dad and I was polite but
hated every minute of it. Thankfully it stopped while I ate. When I
finished I signed the bill and added a tip nd stopped at the bar. Sam
immediately came up and asked Mike, what do you need? I smiled and said
an AP to go. While he was doing that I placed the napkins on the bar.
When he returned with the drink I said thanks and said Sam, those are for
you and Jake, please read yours when you are not busy. He shrugged said
OK. With that I drove to the office.


At the office I was handed a new pass and told that executives were
excused from the usual security checks. I smile as and asked Pat, who
came up with that idea? Mike it was Amy. Well Pat that doesn't work for
me and any changes need to come from me, back to normal please. Then I
was told there was a guy here from Continental that insisted to see me
and that he was in the small conference room on the first floor and that
a security guard was with him. Pat, I'll get to him as soon as I find
Tim. Pat smiled and said Tim is in your office as he wanted you before
anyone else got to you. I said thanks and went to my office. At my office
I found Kyle, Tim, the Major, Jordan, Dillon, Liam and Amy. I just
laughed and said well Tim, Kyle and Jim can walk with me while we talk.
The rest of you can get back to work and Amy you can wait for me here.
I'm not sure who noticed but there was a security guy outside in the
hall.


So Major you are telling me that JJ and I aren't flying into Teterboro
and your partners will do the takeoff and landing. Jim laughed and said
well, I'm also telling you JJ isn't on the trip. He will be at school
as he is missing Friday. Oh, Mike you will be able to fly once the jet is
in the air and it's wheels up at 4:AM. Also, I talked with ABC News and
there will be a limo there for you at 5:30. I simply said thanks. Then
Kyle said Mike, now that Amy is cooling her heels in your office I am
good. Will you be firing her? Kyle, I'm going to listen but have Maggie
on standby. He said thanks and went to his office. As we waited for the
elevator I briefed Tim and the Major about what was going on in the small
conference room and said that I would listen but not talk to Bill or
provide any answers. Tim this basically all your show, I'm here so we
can say I met with him. Tim laughed and said well we will see how long
that lasts. As we approached the conference room I saw that Bill was
seated at the head of the table and I laughed as I had played that game
earlier today. I simply opened the door and when Bill didn't stand to
greet us I simply took a seat on the side of the table in the middle and
Tim and the Major were on either side. Tim said good afternoon Bill, I'm
Tim, legal council and this is Major Messer and is public relations nd I
believe you know Mike. Then Tim said Bill, if we are going to continue we
will be recording this meeting. At its conclusion we will provide you
with a copy of the recording. In addition we will be sending a copy to
the legal department at your corporate office. Bill then asked and if I
refuse to being recorder? Tim replied, Bill the meeting will be over and
you will be escorted out, I believe you are familiar with that process.
Bill smiled and said well I don't give a fuck.


Tim smiled and got up and went to the credenza and hit play on the
recording device. When he sat back down he said Bill, now that we have
agreed to the recording what can we do for you?

Bill looked right at me and said, I want to know what information you had
access to in making this decision and how you came to the conclusion you
reached? Tim said Bill, Mike went into great detail about each of the 11
proposals and why they were eliminated. He had access to your proposal
and the 10 others and any information that could identify who submitted
the proposal was redacted. The Major here had the only existing original
proposals. Well I would like copies of my original proposal nd the
redacted one. Tim smiled and said Bill, I'll make copies and overnight
them with the recording of this meeting to the legal Department at
Continental. Bill almost screamed, well I want. Opines as well. Tim
smiled and said well your attorneys can provide that information around
noon tomorrow. Bill slammed his hands on the table and said I'll sue
your fucking asses and delay the start of this shit show. With the slap
of the table the security guard opened the door and Tim said Paul, why
don't you stay but I think we will be ok. Tim looked at Bill and smiled
and asked, so how is your Homestead project going? Bill responded, it's
fine. You could however see that he got that very subtle message. With
that Tim looked at Paul and said why don't you escort our guest to the
parking lot. With that the three of us left. In the hall I thanked them
both and went to my office to deal with Amy.


As I got off the elevator Liam hurried to to get to me and said Mike, Amy
is a mess and is crying. I just shook my head and asked Liam to tell her
to calm down and to get presentable and I'll be there in 10 minutes.
Fuck, I don't deal with tears. While this was going on I called Maggie,
the HR witch and said I have to deal with Amy and want a witness. Maggie
laughed and said, oh my God you are learning, I'll be right up. Then I
went for coffee. When I got back Amy and Maggie were sitting in the club
chairs and I stood there looking trying to decide if this was at my desk
or more casual. I quickly decided to join them. As soon as my ass hit the
seat I looked at Amy and asked, why the security changes? Well Mike it
was an attempt to show senior staff that we trusted them. So Amy do you
feel that you are not trusted? She smiled and said, I feel trusted but it
is damn inconvenient. Amy, are you aware of how many government contracts
we have? Mike, I know we have them but I don't know how many but most of
that work is done on the third floor. Look Amy, I'm already tired of all
this. When I got here today I put the security checks back in for all of
us. It shows the people who work here that we all have the same
responsibilities and that senior management is no different than everyone
else. Most of the people working here are highly educated and extremely
good at what they do. So Amy here is what you need to do. Send a company
wide email apologizing for the unfortunate decision concerning security.
Stating that everything is back to normal. Then agree not to mess with
security issues without talking with Kyle. If you are unwilling to do
that, I'll accept your resignation effective immediately. Finally, you
are on unpaid leave for the rest of the week. I'll need a decision on
this NOW. I looked at Maggie and asked if we were good and she said well
give her till close of business today and we would be good. I shrugged
and said that works for me. Then I said Amy, your decision is due at HR,
by 5:00 PM. With that I got up and went to my desk and they simply left.
I picked up the office phone and called Kyle and got him up to speed on
Amy and told him he should be looking for an experienced COO. Someone who
knew what the fuck they were doing would be nice. He laughed and said,
have fun in New York.


I was more than a little stressed and went back to the casual seating and
put my feet up on the Noguchi table and tried to relax. That lasted
almost 10 minutes when Tim reappeared. He looked at me and asked, tough
day? Tim it sure was and very busy, what brings you here? Well Mike, I
contacted my counterpart in Columbus and informed him of our meeting with
the head of their Design and told him what we would be sending him via
overnight mail. Mike, I get the impression that they had no idea about
another possible project and he asked for a copy of the proposal. Mike,
we should do that but I wanted to check with you. I laughed and said damn
someone checking before doing something. Tim, it's fine and I trust your
opinion. What else? Well Mike, I think you need to set up a meeting with
the Mayor, I'm hearing he is pissed about not knowing about you
announcement. He felt he should have been invited. Tim, please have one
of your people set up lunch Wednesday or Thursday next week at Oakmont. I
need to make an appearance there in any event. Tim, one of your people,
not you. Tim smiled and said Mike, I get it.


As soon as Tim was gone Liam seeing I was alone came in and sat down.
Mike, I had a great time at pebbles and I am now a believer in Cole and
his ability. He has three events in March and the AP Invitational will be
a blast. I just don't know how I can do all that and work here. Liam, I
need to break ground on the new building at the end of April or very
early May. There will be a lot of decision to make a construction loan
and plans, I can cover you through the Masters. How does that sound?
Mike, that would be fantastic and Cole will make a decision on turning
pro about that time. I'll be around here as much as possible. Liam,
I'll pay your salary through the masters but I can't do that and pay
caddie fees, I will continue to cover expenses for you and Cole. I hope
that works. Mike, that's great and just so you know I have a couple of
Pros asking me to work for them. Liam, the second that happens I'm done,
I hope you understand. Mike, that's fine and I understand but I like
working wing Cole and have let that be known. Then Liam said, I'll see
you Friday, enjoy your trip.


Once alone again I was thinking I need more stable and mature people in
key positions. Everything and everyone seems to be biting me in the ass.
Just them my office phone rang and it was Maggie telling me that Amy had
resigned. I shrugged and asked her to remind Amy that she had a non
compete. I hung up put my head down on my desk and thought well, it will
be what it becomes. I called Kyle and told him about Amy and he said
Mike, I'm already on it, have a safe trip. With that I packed up my
things, grabbed my laptop and headed for my place.


I need to get some food and get ready for the trip and prep for the trip
to New York. Food was no problem as I called the Tavern and ordered a
Ruben and a small salad. This was big time national TV and a first
impression was needed to be good and yet be myself. I quickly ruled out
the black jeans and mock turtleneck, then I considered preppy and
dismissed that as definitely not me. Then I considered a more dressy
preppy look. I selected khaki pants that fit just right not baggy and not
uncomfortably tight. After trying on three pairs I found what I wanted.
Then I settled on a tailored blue dress shirt, open at the collar and no
tie and no jacket. For shoes I selected a much less formal pair of
Dockers made by Sperry. They were dark brown with a tan stripe above the
white bottom. I then selected a brown belt to match the shoes.


With all that settled I called Winnie. She answered laughing and asked
Mick, what did you do to my Uncle? Winnie, absolutely nothing, I didn't
even say a word. Mick, I know that and the poor boy has been ordered back
to Columbus. Apparently he was freelancing and used company letterhead to
gain more standing. Babe, I never saw that as it was all redacted. Mick,
did you know whose proposal that was that you picked? Winnie, it was the
one I wanted and it had the most innovative outside material, titanium
and a new glass coating developed by PPG. Most of all it had solar
panels, I wanted that on the first building but it was an add on and
expensive. It is still expensive but it is in the entire budget, that
makes a difference. So Winnie are you still going to the cabin this
weekend? Mick, I don't see why not. Uncle is fucking pissed but can't
stop me. I laughed, then asked so what will happen when he gets back to
Columbus? Mick, he thinks he will be fired. Ohio has different labor laws
and even though they have a reason they don't need one. Besides that
their Homestead project is behind schedule as there are a lot of
municipalities involved and everyone wants something different. I laughed
again and said, I tried o tell them about but they need to figure out
Western Pennsylvania on their own. Winnie, we will have fun at the winery
and Cole and Jessica will tag along but they will be staying at his
place. I promise very little work. Winnie, I have a big day tomorrow and
need to get up at 3 AM and should be back for dinner. Sleep tight.


I rechecked the clothes and set the coffee pot and the alarm for 3:00 AM
and jumped into bed.


Thanks for reading.


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