Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2023 20:55:09 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 377 I woke before the alarm and looked out the window and just laughed as it was raining and snowing at the same time. We were just a few day into March and in Western Pennsylvania it was truly a transition month. The days we're getting longer and the weather could and usually provide a lot of things from warm temperatures and shorts to massive snow storms and everything in between. Sometimes all in the same day. I wasn't tired so I put coffee on and scrambled some eggs and made toast. It would have been nice to have the paper but I wasn't going to get wet by sneaking dad's paper. The day wasn't off to the start I had planned and the time in the air was in jeopardy because of the weather. A total regroup was necessary for the day and the only thing still on the schedule was a workout. Thinking about the day I decided to eliminate the workout, unless JJ was up for it. The plan now was to do as little as possible and I would call Winnie around noon. I decided to go to the house and have another coffee and read the paper. At the house dad was at the kitchen island with a cigarette, coffee and the paper and Megan was surrounded by papers and Ashley was in the pack n play having a blast with her toys. I grabbed a coffee and Megan said Mike join me I need a break from these briefs. I sat in a club chair so as not to disrupt her papers. As soon as I was settled she asked, so how was Cole? I laughed and said Megan the first I talked with him was last night was, how is mom? You two should talk. Mike, he tells you shit that he would never tell me, how is he? Mom, you son is living a dream, played with AP yesterday and is learning the course. He is pleased with Colin but senses that players are aware of his upcoming announcement. He has asked Colin to stay away until Wednesday. Oh and he asked me to read his opening remarks and I told him to just be himself as that has worked so far. Megan smiled and said Mike, I miss him. Megan, we all grow up some faster than others. So Mike, how are you? Mom, extremely busy. The smaller building is about to start, I'm opening a marina and a sports bar, there is finding a replacement for Liam and Kyle is about to hire a COO. Megan smiled and asked what about Winnie? Mom, it has become complicated and I think it is about 60/40 she freaks up with me. That could happen as soon as this afternoon and it will be with her saying we should slow down. Mom, we are well into our second semester of our senior year and things are about to change and none of us know what we will become. The change from high school to whatever it is we try to do will be massive. Mom, I'm pretty set on what I want to become but at this point I will be what I become and people and events always have an impact. Mike, so it's Winnie that has the problem? I laughed and said mom, I never said that. Thanks for the chat but I need to talk with dad. I went to dad and poured a half a cup of coffee and sat down. Dad smiled and pushed the part of the paper he was reading and asked, do you know about this? I read the first paragraph and said yes, I believe he will be appointed Assistant Attorney General very soon. That's why the work can start on our new buildings, he doesn't care and pushed it through in a couple of hours. Dad just looked at me and I said dad, Jake and Sam asked for a meeting tomorrow do you want me to pull the plug on the offer to them. Dad smiled and said no just don't have them resign on the same day and don't let them hire anyone else. Servers and bartenders quit all the time, just lay low but I'm good. Thanks dad, I have to go and see what has Winnie being a bitch. Dad laughed and said, I remember those days. Back at my place I called JJ and asked if he wanted to workout? He thought for a second and said, nope I have school work and an interview with a potential Prom date. I found that hysterical and said have fun and hung up. There was nothing left to do so I took a deep breath and called Winnie. She answered saying Mick, I left a message for you last night. Winnie do you remember that I told you I had things to do and would call you today? I just did that, so now what? Mick, we need to talk and your place isn't a good idea. Winnie the only other place I have is my office and there are security checks involved. Mick, that doesn't work for me either. Winnie, call me back when you figure out what works for you. I simply hung up. About 15 minutes later Winnie called back and asked Mick will you meet me in 30 minutes at the mall food court? Winnie, I'll meet you in 30 minutes but at Eat n Park. She was quiet for a second and said fine, this time she hung up. I went to my room and put on jeans and a VT shirt and casual shoes and a leather jacket. I wasn't going to be early or late so timing was critical. The restaurant was a bit less that 10 minutes and involved one traffic light. I jumped into the Mustang and pulled into the parking lot with 2 minutes to spare. Inside and Winnie was standing by the window and as I walked in she went to the counter and said a booth for two and I added in a quiet spot. We were seated at the end of a row of booths and sat facing each other. I looked at her and similes and said well you wanted to talk so what's on your mind? Mick, are you breaking up with me? Winnie, I'm not as I figured you're were the one who was breaking up with me. Mick, where did you get that idea? Winnie, from the conversation we had when you said you wanted to go to VT and didn't want to stay in the same building with me as it would be uncomfortable if we broke up or even if we were together. Then there was all that talk about how we would change. Mick, you were rude the entire trip and even told my mother off. Winnie, I wasn't rude I was doing what everybody wanted. I thought everybody had their own thing to do and to be honest I felt like I was funding a field trip. Winnie, I rarely think about money unless it is business related but this up and back wasn't cheap. There were landing and takeoff fees at both airports, fuel, car rentals and even dinner. Hell I was glad I didn't have to pay for shit at the bookstore. It would have been nice if someone paid for dinner as this is a 6 hour drive and not doable in a day. As for you mother her and your damn Uncle have us sitting here trying not to tank what we have going. You know until the plans for the new building were released we were in a pretty great place. Oh, I get it you are having a hard time at home but I could write the fucking book about a shitty home life. Winnie and I hate hearing about OSU and those other football mills, I never even talked with any of them as I want an education and a diploma from a school that doesn't have a football embossed on it. Understand I could have gone to any school in the country. Now what do you need to tell me? Before she could say anything the server came over and said, I'm sorry to interrupt but what can I get you two. Winnie ordered an iced tea and the salad bar and I simply said I'll have the same. Mick, I get all that and dad should have paid for dinner. You need to understand you intimidate him, hell you intimidate a lot of people and in some cases you seem to enjoy it. You were right about mom and dad is still laughing about how you told her off, without raising your voice. Mick, dad has decided that I will be like every other freshman and living in a dorm. He said he will find a way to pay for housing over the summer. I'm going down there in mid June and will take some classes but basically I'm getting away from mom and I told Uncle Bill he might be invited to graduation there but I didn't want to see him anywhere in Virginia till then. I just laughed at that. The drinks came and we went to the salad bar. As we ate Winnie asked what all I did yesterday? Winnie, I checked out the hanger, rented a 3rd car, talked with Coach, had lunch with him and a recruit, looked at the apartment, visited Sean as I needed him to check the apartment on Tuesday and sat on the player's bench in the empty stadium and talked with Coach Conn, you know the rest. Mick, can we hangout at you place when we are finished eating? Winnie, define hangout as I don't have makeup sex. She laughed and said well that's cool as this isn't the best time. Mick, we just need to spend some time together. I smiled and said sure. Then she asked about the tournament and I said well the flight down will be JJ and I, you and Jessica. There will also be a guy from California, Trey. He might be working as my assistant. I am in need of a replacement for Liam and I met him at Pebble Beach. I want to be on our way as soon as possible on Friday. Winnie smiled and asked, wasn't he your caddie? I just shook my head indicating yes. We finished eating are we walked to the cars holding hands. At my place I grabbed a beer and as there was no wine Winnie had a beer as well and while it was an ok time, we just talked and listened to some current rock music there was very little physical contact. Things had changed and I was glad that she wasn't in my building and equally glad it was in a dorm with a roommate. I was wondering what was behind her dad's approach, I smiled to my self and thought it might be a message that college life shouldn't be a privileged life. I would be in the athletic dorm, well most nights, and that was more than a normal college experience. Around 5:30 Winnie said she had to get home and we kissed and I walked her to her car. Back inside I checked my email and saw that Cole had sent his statement, I hit print and went to the house laughing as I still hadn't bought a printer. I knew dad would have something to say and that would be fun. I opened the door and dad came right up to me and said Mike, next time print on both sides you are wasting my paper. I laughed and said well at least it's no more ink. We both laughed and went into the game room to join Megan. Megan smiled and said, so Winnie was here most of the afternoon, did you two have fun? I smiled and said mom, we have had a bad couple of day so we met at Eat n Park and had lunch then went to my place. I do do make up sex and I'm not sure we made up. It wasn't a fight but we seem to be moving in slightly different directions. So Mike, is it a Senior year thing? I shook my head and said, I don't know but her mom and I don't get along at all and Winnie is starting VT a bit early. So how is Cole? Megan laughed and said Mike, most guys your age would have told me to mind my own business and you pivot to Cole, smooth but I'm on to you. Cole is fine. I looked at the comments and then handed them to her and said well he needs a speech writer. She scanned the paper and shook her hard and said well, we'll just start from scratch and lighten it up a lot. Megan, it isn't awful but needs to be a bit less formal. Mike, have him show it to his agent. Megan, he asked me and I got this. Actually he needs to be straight forward and funny with the Q & A's. Megan said Mike, you are never funny with the media? I laughed and said, correct as don't have to be but Cole does. Megan laughed and said well he better get a full time speech writer and he isn't funny at all. Just then Colleen appeared and said, well dinner is ready and I already set a place for the lad. I quickly got up and went to Colleen and handed her $50 and said thanks for doing the room. Lad it's been a long time since you had so much fun, I just hope it was safe fun. I just smiled and said Colleen I'm always safe. I sat down and was putting salad in a bowl and dad asked Mike, what was that about? Oh, I owed her for cleaning my place. The salad was good but I could have jumped out of my chair and hugged Colleen when she came into the dining room with lemon chicken and wild rice. It was one of my favorites. Dinner was fun as we discussed the week. Dad said they were leaving for Orlando around 6:00 on Tuesday and Jim was taking them down in one of the jets. Then he asked Mike, when you going down and who is traveling with you? Well we are leaving Friday morning and JJ and I will fly the jet. Winnie, I think, and Jessica. Then there will be Trey. He is in for the week and was my caddie at Pebble Beach. He needs some work as his course is closed because of the Open. I'll get him set up at Oakmont. Megan was pretty quiet and I knew she was missing Cole. I looked at her and said three more days. Yup, but I was thinking that having you and Cole together for dinner is coming to the end. Mom, we will both see that we keep that going. She smiled and said, I hope so. I sent dad and Megan to the game room and cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. With that I said good night and went to my place. Once there I opened my laptop and opened the email with Cole's statement and made a few suggestions. My only real comment was reminding him that all he needed to do was be himself. I hit send send and closed the laptop. It was too early to go to bed but I was exhausted and I hadn't looked at school work in a long time and I had no intent of starting that as almost everyone was going through the motions as well and at Spring break it would be over. All that would be left was Senior "SKIP" day, Senior Prank, the Prom and the parade down the stadium ramp in caps and gowns. Then again it was early March and 3 more months. I jumped on the loveseat and started to think about Sam and Jake. I felt that my offer was very fair and covered them if this turned into a bad bet. Then I laughed as I remembered that JJ owed me a task. Back to Jake and Sam, I wasn't going to give much more as this place needed to make money and neither of them had experience as a manager. Then I was thinking about Winnie and basically I knew we would start our college lives apart. I was sad about that but it will be what it becomes. I prepped the coffee, set the alarm for the morning run, stripped and jumped into bed. I should have stayed on the loveseat as people had settled in my head and there was JJ, Winnie, Cole, Jake, Sam, Bob the real estate guy and Trey, all needing my attention. It was midnight before I sorted them all out and fell asleep. The alarm blasted me awake and I ran to the window to check the weather. I just smiled as we have a saying that March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb. Apparently the weather was confused as it was sunny and calm. I would bet it was warmer than it should be. I dressed for the run and JJ came out and it was a great run and as it was becoming our thing we pushed it and I was glad for the extra time. JJ confirmed that he was good to leave Friday morning and that his dad said we would have the new Jet. At my place I turned the coffee on and took a long shower and shaved. School was school and for the first time in months I wasn't looking forward to Physic but it didn't matter as there was no experiment, a long boring lecture. I quickly signed out for work and stopped for coffee and drove to the office. At the office, I grabbed the stack of folders that Jordan had provided about financial advisors and started to sort thru them. Nothing jumped out at me as I wanted someone young who was already working with a good group of investors who was conservative yet willing to take reasonable risks. I was about to start over when my desk phone rang and it was security saying Jake and Sam were in the lobby. I told them that I would be right down and I grabbed my jacket and started for the lobby. At the elevator Tim stopped me and said he needed about an hour of my time. I told him I was free all afternoon but need an hour for this appointment. With that settled I went to the lobby. We shook hands and I said, let's walk to the bar. Once there I asked what they needed to discuss. Jake said Mike, the offer is very generous and we both are willing to give this a shot. Well guys that's good to know. Mike with us both in charge if we disagree on something who decides? I smiled and said well I do and it better not happen often. What else? It was Sam's turn and he said the outside entertainment is a great idea but neither of us know who to get to do the music? That stumps me and I thought for a minute and replied, well you guys work a lot of weddings and bands play there. That would be a good place to start. I'll work on getting you two some contacts. Sam said Mike, that would be awesome. There is a wedding Saturday and we will both give notice and be done after the wedding. Guys, that sounds great feel free to hang around and I'll have Tim start on your contracts. With that I went back to my office. I got off the elevator and just shook my head as there was yet another person at the receptionist desk. I saw Kyle in his office talking with Rob Westfield. I stuck my head in and said, excuse me but one of you need to fix that, it's been going on for a month now. Rob laughed and asked Mike, what is it that you think needs fixed? I took a step inside the room, closed the door and glared at Rob. Kyle said Mike, I know we need a regular receptionist for up here. Dillion and I haven't found the right person. Then Rob asked Mike, isn't that something for Human Resources? Kyle immediately said Mike, I got this? I shook my head and said Kyle, I know he is new here but don't start covering for him on day one. Then I looked at Rob and said, I don't care how you do it but you need to get a permanent person for that position. I'll expect that to be done my Monday. Kyle, when you have a few minutes please stop by my office, thanks. With that I left leaving the door open. As I was leaving I heard Kyle say, Rob seriously, you pissed him off on day one. At my office I started on the financial adviser stuff and was having the same reaction as before, no one jumped out at me, but I needed this done. Tim appeared and looked at the folders on the Noguchi table and shook is head. Mike they are all good people. Tim, I'm looking for someone to grow with and these are all very established people. Tim someone like you, someone I can thrust, always. Tim smiled and said thanks but we need to talk and one of the items will set you off. I laughed and said well, please start there. Ok, Richard Caliguiri's office called wants to know if you are free for lunch this week. Mike, I assume you know who he is. Tim he is currently President of City Council and soon to be our next Mayor. Well I looked at you calendar and the only day you are available is tomorrow. I took the liberty of accepting the invitation for tomorrow. It's noon at the Duquesne Club. Then Tim handed me an envelop and I asked what are these? Tim looked at me very serious and said a stack of business cards to hand out. I burst out laughing and said thanks. Well Tim, what's else? Mike, I'm sending Heidikamp to Blacksburg to meet with your current agent and he will be driving. Tim, did he piss you off? We could have flown him down. Mike, we have become too dependent on the various airplanes and he isn't that busy. I shrugged and said Tim, I get that, thanks. Mike, lastly are you and Kyle aware that Wakefield is on a 30 day leave from Oracle? I just sat there and stared out the window. It took a minute but I got up and called Kyle. When he answered I said Kyle, Tim and I would like to talk with you in my office, please come down now. Kyle appeared with Rob and I said Kyle, Tim and I need to talk with you alone. Please have Rob wait in Liam's office. Kyle returned, looking confused and asked what's up? Kyle, has Rob signed a contract yet? Mike, his attorney is reviewing it and he assures me that there isn't an issue. Kyle, has he resigned at Oracle? Mike, I believe so but I really don't know as he is hear today ready to start? Tim said Kyle, is it smart to have him here without a contract? Tim, I was told that he would sign it no later than this afternoon. Today has been very general and nothing important was discussed. Rob was watching through the glass that separated my office from Liam's so I just waved him in. Tim immediately said guys, I got this. Rob came in and I said, please close the door. He shrugged, closed the door and sat down. Tim looked right at him and asked Rob, why isn't the contract signed? Well, Kyle is aware that my attorney is reviewing it. Tim said Rob, you shouldn't be here without that being signed. Rob didn't say anything, just looked at Tim. Tim then asked Rob, have you resigned at Oracle? Tim I'm waiting for the attorney to review the contract. Well Rob, I have learned that you haven't resigned and in fact you are on a 30 day leave at Oracle. Kyle, clearly pissed said Rob, I need an explanation and I need it now. Then he added Rob, just how long were you going to string this out with the contract. Kyle, you were always so straight laced that it had you back, I was just protecting my family and wanting to make sure I fit in here. Kyle laughed and said Rob, let me assure you that you don't. Then Rob looked at Tim and asked, how in the hell did you find out about the leave? Tim, simply got up went to my desk and called security saying that he needed a guy walked out. When Tim returned I looked at Rob and said well now I'll need your pass. Rob laughed and said, so the puppet master speaks. Kyle was furious and stood up and Tim immediately said Kyle, please sit and while that is tempting it solves nothing. Just then two security guys appeared and I said guys, thanks for being so quick. Please retrieve his pass and use the freight elevator. The guards both laughed and said no problem Mike. The bigger of the guards went over to Rob and said sir, I'll need that pass, now. Rob stood up and complied and the guard said sir, let's go. Rob hesitated and I was thinking he had something to say and the guard said sir, when I said let's go I meant NOW. Which that Rob complied. Once we were alone Tim stood up and said Mike, ask your father-in-law about an advisor. Tim, I might not even have a girlfriend but definitely not a father-in-law. Tim then said, well I need to get some work down and I assume that you two need to chat. Once we were alone I said Kyle, please just listen. I did not have Tim run a check on Rob, I would never do that. I would have suggested that you consider doing a check on a prospective employee. Yes I know that position is more than an average employee. Hell, on paper and what I knew about Rob, I would have hired him as well. Tim runs those checks as a matter or routine and I never ask and he only does so to protect me and now obviously you. Most of the time, with no issues uncovered I wouldn't have know a check occurred. Kyle asked Mike, why didn't Tim come to me with that information. Kyle, I don't know but I'll make sure that it doesn't happen again. Understand, Tim has been with me from the the start and you and him are both very important to me. If I lose either one of you guys I simply will not be able to cope. Now please take a deep breath and find us a qualified COO that will fit in. Kyle said Mike, thanks for understanding and for the record, I fucked up and hopefully I won't do it again. Kyle, I have a commercial to make with the Textron people in Orlando on Saturday. Would you and your wife want to come along, there is also a golf tournament that Cole is playing in. You get along with the Textron people better than I do and I have room in the Jet and an extra room in the lodge. Kyle smiled and said Mike, that's a yes. Well we are leaving mid morning Friday. With that Kyle, left to rescue his day and I packed for the gym. I felt bad for Kyle as he was deceived by a friend but I wondered what Rob wanted to accomplish. Well eventually that would all come out but right now I didn't have time for additional drama. I drove to the gym and JJ pulled into the parking lot at the same time as me. Inside it was a quick change and an intense 90 minute workout. As was becoming our custom we stripped at our lockers, wrapped a towel around ourselves and went to the sauna. JJ went in first and I entered and when the door closed, I noticed we were alone and I leaned giants the door and said JJ, remember that stupid bet you lost? Well it's payment time, you need to suck my cock and swallow my load and I don't care I'm a sweaty mess, get on your knees. JJ shrugged and knelt on the floor and grabbed my balls and swallowed my semi hard cock. It wasn't semi hard for long and he kept going all the way down on my cock and was was fucking his throat. It was so hot I quickly shot a massive load in his mouth. He then went and sat on a bench. I sat beside him and he said MJ, you better not lose a bet because if you do I'm fucking you here in the sauna. I shrugged nd said well I'm guessing that will happen soon enough. We chatted about the trip and agreed on wheels up no later than 10:30. I told him that we would have Kyle and his wife, Trey, Jessica and possibly Winnie. JJ said so I can bring someone? I said sure as I have extra rooms. JJ laughed and said of course you do. JJ, I hav one extra room as Trey's rents and brother are not coming. I gave one of those rooms to Kyle and Winnie, Jessica, Trey and you and I have rooms and I'm not sure about Winnie as things are not great. Our time was up and we showered and changed into street clothes and we both drove home. I was starving so I drove right past my place and went to Caste Village. It was a strip outside mall and my new hair cut guy was located there as were two restaurants. I settled on Frishe's and ordered an Italian hoagie, to go. When the order was ready it was less that 5 minutes home and I opened a beer and unwrapped half a hoagie and turned some classical music on, sat at the bar and ate, thinking about the day. Things were a mess at work and while I trusted Kyle, I'm not sure he didn't think I set him up. Next was the lunch tomorrow with Caliguiri. I was sure that was to set the ground rules for working going forward. I was really hoping it was better that the other guy. Just something straight forward and no drama. The sandwich was very good but next time I was ordering a half and I put the unopened half in the refrigerator. Most likely it would go in the garbage in a few days. I needed to check on Trey's flight and simply called him. When he answered he said that the current ETA was 4:45 and he would have a suitcase so baggage claim would add to that. I said that I would pick him up and we could grab a bit to eat and he would be staying with me. I told him that were were going to the Hockey Match Wednesday and that he should sleep in and deal with the jet lag and time difference. With that done my Tuesday was set, well until it was Tuesday. There remained just two more things for me to finish today, call Winnie and update dad on Sam and Jake. I called Winnie and it went to voicemail, I didn't leave a message and went to the house. It was like it always was as Megan was reading work documents. Dad was in his office with a drink and a cigarette and Ashley was playing on the floor. I waved at Megan and knocked on dad's door and was waved in. I sat down and was offered a drink and a cigarette and I declined both and said dad, one of these days we will be meeting in your hospital room. Dad shrugged and asked, what's up. I breaded him on Sm and Jake and he was still cool with all of it. Then dad laughed and said so you fired the new COO on his first day and deposited him on the loading dock. I said dad, we did and it was a good day. With that I chatted a few minutes with Megan and went back to my place. In checking the phone I saw that Winnie had called and her massage said Mick, I'm sorry I missed your call, I'm here all night, hiding out. I simply called Winnie back and she answered saying Mick, I wish we had had some time to chat today but these damn lectures are driving me nuts. How was your day? Winnie it was ok and I worked out and there was some insignificant drama at the office. JJ and I would like to to leave around 10:30 on Friday. Cole has a late tee time and we could watch some golf. Are you still going? Mick, I'm glad I'm still invited and dad said that I should go. Well you alright with missing school? Mick, it's cool as I rarely miss and a long weekend would be nice. Winnie, I have a commercial to make on Saturday morning then I'm free. You have a room to yourself. She laughed and said well I hope I won't need it much. I laughed and said, well that's good to hear. We chatted about things in general and after about 30 minutes we hung up and things seemed to be back to normal. I then turned on some classical music and spent an hour looking through my financials and was coming to understand what I had and what was working and what needed twinkled. Was once a again astounded about the amount of cash I had sitting in my investment account. I checked on the foundation and found that those investments were very solid and that the value was still a bit over 2 million. And the scholarship part had another 1.5 million as the other clubs had contributed but we were due to award scholarships for caddies at Oakmont, South Hills and Latrobe in May. That would be 6 full rides and we would easily cover all that. Exhausted I decided to get to bed early. First, I needed clothes for the lunch at the Duquesne Club tomorrow and as this was a first meeting image was important. I settled on a blue blazer, light blue shirt, grey pants and a grey and red tie. With that all done, I stripped and jumped into bed. PLEASE, if possible remember NIFTY and if possible make a donation. Thanks, for staying withe the story and for the comments.