Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:06:38 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets393

When we got to my place Cole want right to the refrigerator and grabbed a
couple of bears and  I stopped him as I already had three scotches and
wasn't mixing drinks. I simply filled a glass with ice and added the
scotch and joined Cole on the loveseat. I looked at Cole and asked, are
you having fun? MJ, when you have a chance to win it is pure work and
while I still visit the ropes and chat with spectators I don't do it as
often when I'm in contention. Making the cut and having not much of a
chance to win then that's fun. Not making the cut is totally
unacceptable. So Cole, how are the guys treating you? Cole laughed and
said for the most part really well. MJ, I have moved ahead of a number of
players and some resent my support group. You have to understand, when I
won last year it was in a reduced field and everyone thought it was a
fluke. People started to pay attention with the second place finish in
Hawaii and with the second in the Palmer event, eyes were wide opened.
Being in that last group with Fred provided me with a pressure free
learning experience. MJ, it's all about learning how to deal with the
pressure and still hit the shots. Liam is fantastic and sometimes he
scares me as he lives in my head, knows what button to push and when to
do that. MJ, I have a real advantage in that I don't have to worry about
money and as I'm playing well neither does Liam. There are the stars
that have it made and there are many guys that are struggling
financially.


Cole got up and went to the refrigerator and opened another beer. When he
sat back down he asked MJ, how did you make the time to get everyone
there, it was really special. Cole you might have a hard time believing
it but dad asked me to make it happen and the Major was a lot of help. So
MJ, how you doing or you still in a funk? Well Cole, we are breaking
ground with a big ceremony at noon on Monday. I'm starting both
buildings so I don't have time to be in a funk. MJ, that's good as you
have been weird and a pain in the ass for a couple of weeks. So Cole you
miss me? MJ, I miss all you guys and especially Jessica and you. I
laughed and asked, so when the wedding. MJ, Jessica and have talked about
that and that will happen at Christmas of her Sophomore year. I suspect
we will be living together before that. Too much grief and we will elope.
Damn Cole, you two need to slow down. With that Cole said MJ, I'll see
you for the run in the morning. I have a conference call with my agent
and then practice at Oakmont and lunch with AP. MJ, the Jessica thing is
real, we need each other.


I went to my desk and started to read and then I just started to laugh as
I realized I was having lunch at Oakmont as well and I was looking
forward to seeing AP. That might blow Rocco's mind. I finished scanning
the documents and sent a note to Tim asking for him to meet but not
mention anything to Hobie Moore. With that I prepped the coffee, set the
alarm and jumped into bed naked, pulled up the blanket and was quickly
asleep.


I woke before the alarm, always a good sign, and instantly assumed it was
was a great day for the run as the room was brightly lit, even with the
shades down. I dressed in a jogging suite and went outside and smiled as
I saw Cole emerging from the house. It was always more fun when he was
around for the run. JJ met us at his place and he greeted Cole with a hug
and said, congrats on the win Champ but can we get on with the run.  Ole
laughed and started out. He set a rapid pace and we had to hustle to
catch up. When we did Cole slowed to our normal pace. When we finished at
JJ's place I was reminded about the workout and JJ rushed inside and I
wondered what the hurry was. Cole and I went to our place and I told him
I would see him at lunch as I had a business meeting. Then he said, well
change to the men's grill as that's where AP and I will be right at
12:30. I smiled and said sure and we went our separate ways.


It was the usual shower and I shaved again, maintaining the clean shaven
look but wondered how in the hell I was going to fit a haircut into my
schedule.dress was black jeans and a lone ale Ed shirt and a sweater that
zipped a quarter of the way down. I then filled my travel mug with
coffee. I sent an email to Rocco about the location change and that he
could wear casual clothes and started for school. There I sat through 3
lectures totally board and was feeling more and more the need to move on.
I had a total case of senioritis. I signed out as quickly as I could and
stopped for coffee and headed for Oakmont.

I was early and decided to stop at the Pro Shop and see if Bob was
around. He had a winter gig in Florida but was usually back by now. It
was a fantastic day as late March in Western PA, had the ability to
pretend it was Spring and this was one of those days. I looked around and
there were a lot of members playing golf. Then I saw Cole in an animated
discussion with his Pro. I wanted no part of that so I simply headed to
the men's grill. There were just a few members there and I greeted those
I knew and sat down waiting for Rocco who was always a bit late.


I ordered an iced tea and told the waiter that I had a guest coming. Just
as that occurred AP and appeared and headed straight for me. I stood up
and we shook hands and he asked, what brings you here? I said a meeting
with the President of the Union as I'm breaking ground on two projects
and I'm dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Mike, it's good to see
you I'm having lunch with boy wonder. I laughed and said well I just saw
him having a discussion with his swing Coach. AP laughed nd said well
that's right on schedule. He is playing well and suddenly knows all the
answers. I'll deal with that and he isn't changing anything nd he
doesn't need to hit it and longer. In fact he has more distance than
anyone else. He needs to let them catch up with him. Just then Cole
appeared and AP immediately stood up and said Mike, don't be a stranger
and he went over to Cole. There was a handshake and a hug and they went
to a table at the other end of the room. I simply waved to Cole and he
waved back.


I was just about finished with my tea when Rocco appeared, we shook hands
and he ordered a beer and I had my tea refilled. Rocco immediately
apologized saying he couldn't find the grill and needed directions. I
laughed and  said Rocco, I expected to hear that traffic was bad. He
laughed and picked up the menu. When the drinks came Rocco was ready to
order and it was a burger and fries. I simply ordered the same. Once we
were alone Rocco asked Mike, what's up. You are starting on Monday and
we have a deal. Rocco, I'm checking to make sure that we both understand
the deal. Rocco laughed and asked Mike, what's the real reason for
dragging me all the way out here? I took a drink of my tea and said,
Continental. Mike, I'm meeting with there guy this evening for dinner.
You have nothing to worry about as they are tearing something down and
you are building a couple of things. Then my guys like you and want to
work with you. Trust me you have our best men. Besides they need to
implode that old rusted mill. Oh, them starting is complicated as they
have three municipalities to deal with and two school districts and
everyone wants something. Mike, they get o special deal, unless you run
into a snag. Then I have to keep my guys working. Then we discussed in
very general terms the factory and how that would be run by Managers and
interns from CMU. Rocco wasn't happy with that but finally agreed that
they couldn't organize undergrads. We finished eating Rocco left and I
went over to AP and Cole and just said goodbye. The drive back to the
office was smooth.


It was about 2:45 when I pulled into the parking lot at work. I easily
cleared security and when I got off the elevator I asked the executive
secretary to let Tim know I was in and would be in my office. I went
outside on my patio nd was looking at the vacant land and the muddy river
when there was a knock on the door and The Major came out. We shook hands
and he said Mike, I don't have much h time but the event on Monday is
taken care of and I have contacted everyone you haven't and arranged for
the stage, and sound system. Mike, I'll. Heck but it should simply
happen. Oh, JJ said to remind you about the workout. I said thanks and
the Major simply left. I went inside and just sat in the lounge seating
and waited for Tim.


Tim took longer than I expected and he was all business when he sat down.
Mike, what do you want to do with this. Tim, I want to meet with the old
man alone, let him know that I read the deal and saw the change and
simply accept it. All it says is a branch in the building. Hell, I can do
that but he won't like the location or the size or the rent. I can't
afford not to have this loan go through. Oh on Thursday, after we close I
will withdraw every penny left in that bank. Mike, you talking to your
dad about this?  Yes Tim, tonight. However that won't change anything.
Mike, this will make for an unusual business relationship. Tim, if you
have another deal I'll gladly do it. Understand they will cooperate or
I'll let everyone know what happened. Mike, your dad is going to throw a
shit fit. Tim, I don't give a fuck, I'm tired trying with him. Michael,
you need to go slow there. He doesn't show it often but he loves you.
Tim, every time he is involved the deal sucks, he is totally behind this
offer. I just need to find out how. Mike, I'm not aware of that but they
did approach me. I shrugged and said thanks Tim, what time tomorrow? Mike
11:00. Ok Tim, make sure you are late. Tim laughed and said Mike, I'm
expecting some moderation to that plan. Unless you dad has money into
this deal it's very good. I looked at Tim and said, I'm thinking there
better be a backup but we are not canceling this groundbreaking or
delaying this . Tim shook his head and , I'll contact the bank with the
next best offer. Tim left and I knew he was right, I needed to calm down
and I knew this Brentwood bank deal wasn't happening as dad had somehow
guaranteed it. I just sat there thinking how complicated my evening would
be. Then I smiled as I thought about the workout and the time with JJ.


Once alone I went back to the patio and took the coverings off of a chair
and sat there just thinking. Dad was the topic and his old friends like
Adam and it appears now Mr. Moore and God only knows who else. While I
was running out of patients this was not the fight I wanted to end it
with. However I was more and more sure there was a hill that my
relationship with dad would end on. I just sat there enjoying the view
and thinking. As the sun followed the Monongahela River and started down
the Ohio, I started to get cold. I recovered the chair and went inside
and closed down my office. I laughed all that involved was turning out
the light as I never powered up the computer. It was still early enough
so that I could stop at home and get fresh gym clothes.


I also changed into jeans and a hoodie which was more me that what I had
worn all day. Feeling more comfortable I threw the fresh clothes in a gym
bag and started for the gym. I was there before JJ and opened the locker
and removed the disgusting dirty clothes and put the fresh clothes in the
locker and the dirty shit went into the bag. I stripped and pot on a
jock, the new shorts and a teeshirt, I added ankle socks and appropriate
shoes. JJ still wasn't there so I started to stretch. It wasn't long
when JJ appeared and changed quickly. I started my routine and JJ spotted
and stretched. It turned into a long and intense workout and we decided
to skip the sauna and headed to the shower. As we dried off we decided on
the salad bar at Eat N Park. We asked for a seat in the corner in a booth
away from things. JJ told the waitress 2 iced teas and that we were doing
the salad bar. Do the salad bar was accurate as we might have ate it
empty. In between multiple trips to refill our plates JJ asked when
Spring Break was. I laughed and said, well it isn't over Easter and that
complicates shit. It starts with half day at school on the 15th and we go
back on Tuesday the 21st. The problem is rents and the need to go to
church. ThenI laughed and asked if his new girl would drag him to church.
JJ thought for a minute then said so we go somewhere on Wednesday and
come home late Friday and humor the rents and GF Sat, Sunday and Monday.
MJ, I'm thinking warm, sunny and ocean. I laughed and said deal but
let's think about it. Once we finished eating JJ paid for the food and
we headed to our various places.


It was almost 8:00 when I pulled into the driveway. I got out, thought
about it for a second and went inside to talk with dad. Turned out Megan
and Cole were shopping for what Megan called"decent clothes" and Ashley
was in bed for the night. Dad was home alone in his office with a drink
and a cigarette. Dad looked and asked Mike, what's up? Well dad, I
putting the finishing touches on the new buildings and there is a very
large construction loan I'm closing on tomorrow. Dad smiled and said, I
hear you are using Brentwood Savings Bank. Dad, that's the plan but
there are a couple of things that need worked out. Mike, I thought there
were great terms and this was a no brainer. Well dad from everything I
was told it was but as usual, thanks to what I learned from Adam, I read
the entire document. Dad, it was great until I got to the next to the
last paragraph on page 37. Mike, then what? Dad, would you like to tell
me? Dad, before you respond you should hear me out. You see, I know that
they reached out to Tim with this deal. If I used the money that I had
with them as the down payment the terms were fantastic. Dad, I paid cash
for the land and wanted to use that. The result of this deal I'm
relatively speaking cash poor. Mike, I know what you have in various
accounts and you using the term cash poor, makes me laugh. I just let
that go and decided to just get his name off those accounts. The Will was
sounding better all the time. Dad, I said relatively but the point is
I'm spending cash when I don't have to. However, we are getting off the
topic which is that paragraph on page 37. Dad, I need to know do you have
any involvement or potential involvement in this deal? If you knew about
their need to include a branch bank in the terms.


Dad lit a new cigarette and took a massive drag and slowly blew out the
smoke and asked Mike, is there someone who you would do almost anything
for? I just burst out laughing and then I sad dad, I'm sorry you are
unaware of all this. However, you once again jumped down the fucking
rabbit hole and helped Adam, yet again. You got him a job at the bank,
correct? Dad didn't answer and I didn't push it with him. I started to
get up when dad asked Mike, now what? I sat back down and said dad, I
have told you over and over again that I will not deal with Adam and that
hasn't changed. Dad, I'm asking again, and this is for the very last
time, that when you need to help Alan again please make sure it does not
involve me. As for what I am going to do tomorrow, Mr. Moore has a lot to
say about. I can't afford to delay this start and Tim is working on plan
B. I'll see you tomorrow. Mike, I had no idea Adam was working on that
project. I'm thinking he just needs to get something over on you. I
shook my head and said good night and went to my place.


At my place I immediately placed a call to Tim and filled him in on the
situation. Tim recommended that we pass on the deal and at the same time
make life as difficult as possible. Tim then added that he would file an
ethics complaint with the Bar association. Then Tim said I'll have a
final answer from the other bank tomorrow by 10:00 in the morning. Mike,
I'll be there early with you and I'll deal with it, you just sit there
and look offended. I was thrilled to see Tim beyond pissed off as that is
new.


I called Winnie and she asked what was going on as she said I was very
distant in school? Babe, I'm very busy and had a lunch meeting at
Oakmont. Then I ran into AP and Cole. I'm just busy. Mick, who did you
have lunch with? Winnie, I told you it was a business meeting and you
don't know the guy. Mick, did the meeting have to deal with my Uncle
Bill. Winnie it was business and we are not dealing with it. Actually he
didn't come up. Winnie, we have been over all this multiple times, move
on or say good night. I laughed when she said well Mick, will you at
least meet with Bill? Winnie that has happened twice and neither of those
meetings went well. Look, I'm booked every day till Tuesday and then
I'm guessing that the media will be all over me. I won't even be in
school tomorrow as I have a closing on a construction loan. That's what
I was doing , dotting all the i's and crossing the t's. So if he calls
my secretary I'll find a way to fit him in. Understand, there is not
much I can do for him. Mick, is that code for you won't help him?
Winnie, have a good day tomorrow and I'll call tomorrow night and I hung
up.


I went to my room, stripped and headed for the shower. It was a long hot
and relaxing shower, something I needed, to relax. I dried off and put on
baggy cotton sweat pants and a matching sweatshirt. When I went back in
the common room to put some music on there was Cole drinking a beer. I
just looked at him and asked Cole, how was your day, guessing by the beer
it could have been better. MJ, practice was awful as I don't think I hit
a pure shot for the entire time. Then, I asked about a swing change to
hit if further and he threatened to quit. The AP lectured me saying I
already hit it long enough and everyone needs to catch up to me. Both
suggested I take the rest of the week off. MJ, I'm doing that and going
to the next event Tuesday morning as I have scheduled a 6:15 AM flight to
Houston. This is a practice tournament and it will be what it becomes. I
laughed at him using my line. Then he said another week off and then the
Masters. Ok Cole, what can I do? He laughed and said keep the beer cold
and just listen. Cole, I'll listen and I'm not your mom but watch the
beer. MJ, this is the only place I can drink and I'm not dependent on
it. Have a good night and thanks for letting me vent. Once Cole was gone
I locked the door, turned off the light and went to my room before
something else happened. I threw the clothes I had just put on and jumped
into bed after setting the alarm and was quickly asleep.


I woke to a loud clap of thunder, looked at the time, turned the alarm
off and rolled over. I was up at 7:30 and put coffee on and started
selecting clothes. I knew the bank people, Tim and Adam if he showed up
would also be in suits. My options were to dress to their level, wear a
suit better than yours or to be comfortable and casual. I poured a coffee
and decided on the blue blazer, grey slacks and taylored light blue shirt
and a red, blue and grey tie. I then selected cordovan loafers and filled
my travel mug. The drive to the office was slower as it was rush hour. On
the way I called off school, sick. I pulled into the parking lot around
9:00 and as soon as I opened the door to the lobby and just stood there
as Doc Johnson was going through security. I went in and said good
morning Doc. He turned, smiled and said damn, you don't look sick. I
laughed and asked, your excuse. He shrugged and said personal day. I have
a meeting with Dillon. I shrugged and went through security. We took the
elevator to the 4th floor and Doc asked if that security check was a
constant thing? Doc the last person who questioned that was fired. It
happens every time you come or go. When we got off the elevator Dock
asked for Dillon and I went to my office.


At my office I called Tim and asked if we could ride together to the
closing. He said sure as we will both be a tad late as I need to hear
from the other bank. Tim, they can't start without us. I called the
architects and the construction manager and confirmed Thursday and Friday
meetings. I made a point of saying that I hoped we didn't have to work
on Saturday. With that done I checked the financials. There were no
surprises but Jordan called and said Mike, I'll need some time with you
as I have your taxes done, can you give me two hours next week, on
Wednesday. I said sure but how bad is it? He laughed and said it's fine,
no worries. I just put that out of my mind as Tim appeared and said Mike,
we are all set and I can explain the deal on the way and it's a good
deal. We did the security stuff and jumped into Tim's car.


As soon as we pulled onto Second Avenue Tim started with a review of the
proposed. The bad news was that it was 1/4 of a percent higher. They
would include the costs in the loan amount and once an occupancy permit
on both buildings it would convert to a 30 year mortgage. The loan could
be paid off at any time and there was no restrictions on refinancing. Tim
said they could close electronically Thursday. Mike, it's with a major
regional bank with headquarters here in Pittsburgh. You will like this,
the bank was Founded by Thomas Mellon and his son Andrew Mellon in 1870.
They are very solid and want our business. Mike, Jordan has been working
his ass off on all this and he even finished you income tax. Tim, I heard
but I have no idea as to the results. Mike, I'm sure it's fine and
Mellon will let you use the land for the loan. We parked in the banks
parking lot and went inside.


Inside I went up to a person sitting at a desk and said, good morning,
I'm Mr. Simmons and I'm here with my attorney for a closing. Good
morning, Mr. Moore will be with you. A call was placed and Mr. Moore, Jr.
appeared and took us to a conference room. Once we were seated me said
Mike, it seems like you got a copy of the agreement that had a clause
inserted that neither my dad ori were aware of. We investigated and our
new Attorney was terminated this morning. We don't do business that way.
I looked at Tim and said well Mr. Moore. We made other arrangements but
with your information I will be leaving my accounts with you guys and
while we are moving in a different direction I will continue to support
your bank. We all shook hands and Tim and I left.


Outside Tim looked at me and said Mike, you dad alerted them and we will
never know what happened? Tim, those are stand up guys and I'll take
them at their word. Let's have an early lunch at South Hills Country
Club, it's close and I haven't been there in a while. As usual at the
Club, I was greeted by the Manager, Mike. He was very formal and sat us
at a table in the middle of the room. I knew he was pissed and I
understood why. The waiter came and I ordered coffee and Tim ordered an
iced tea. I had no idea who the waiter was other than he said he was
Russ. I ordered a Steak Salad and Tim ordered a Club Sandwich. We talked
and there were a few interruptions, fewer than Mike most likely had
hoped. Tim and I had a good time but we both had things to do. Russ came
with the check and I signed my number and slipped Russ a 20. He smiled
and said thanks. As we were walking out Mike came over and before he
could say anything I said Mike, enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for
the table, I enjoyed being the center of attention. He shook his head and
walked away. On the way back to the office I explained to Tim why I
didn't have "favorite member status". It was Tim's turn to shake his
head.


Back in the office I was going through plans and was deeply involved with
the manufacturing building when there was a knock on the door. I looked
up and it was Dillon and Doc. I got up from the conference table and
motioned to the club chairs. Dillon immediately said Mike, we have a
problem, Doc needs an office and the only one available is the one Liam
was using. Mike that's the simplest solution. If we move someone else in
there the extension numbers and stuff need reset. I laughed and said well
the person in that office has to deal with some of my shit. Doc laughed
and said well I've been doing that for almost 4 years, I guess I'll
manage. Then I said Dillon, there was no need to ask, just do it. After
all either of us can lower the shades. Then Doc said Mike, I have a bunch
of personal days and I won't be in much but needed a place to work when
I came in. Mostly at this point for interviews. Guys, it's fine, is
there anything else? As there wasn't they moved to Doc's new office and
I went back to the drawings.


As I was wrapping up Tim appeared with printed copies of the new loan
agreement. I looked at them and they were 15 pages and I threw them in my
back pack and headed home. For some reason I was hungry and called for
ribs and fries and I would pick them up on my way home.


Thanks for reading and notes and comments are always .


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