Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:49:32 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 402

I spent Thursday night packing things that I could take to Virginia,
things that I wouldn't need here. I packed 5 smallish boxes as there
wasn't a lot of room in the single engine plane that the Major had
reserved for me. He bitched some as the flight school was very busy and
him and JJ were booked most of the time. His partners were running the
maintenance and repair part of the school. JJ was good with my trip but
pissed that he was working. With things in the car I jumped into bed but
sleep didn't come easily as I was really excited about the trip. I was
hoping to let loose get drunk and see what else would pop up.


Friday brought a sunny warm dad and the run was quick and JJ laughed
saying, I haven't seen you in a mood this good in a long time, I can't
wait to hear all about it. I laughed and said JJ, I'm hoping not to
remember much of it. He laughed and said well don't forget to pack
condoms and we both laughed. I dressed in jeans and a Nike polo shirt and
drove to school. It was a fun first two classes as I was involved but
decided to skip Science and signed out for "work". At the airport I
loaded the boxes as best I could did the pre-check, checked the fuel.
Then I went inside to file a visual flight plan. I was so excited that I
had forgot to do that first. That made me realize that I needed to have
my wits about me as I was the only person on the plane and I wanted to
get there without and further mistakes. The plane started right up and
before I knew it I was in the air heading south looking for I-79. As soon
as I got to Washington, PA I changed from a south direction to south east
as it cut the dogleg JJ and I had used originally thus cutting 15 minutes
of the flight. It was a great weather day but was windy and I could have
easily been blown off course but I was constantly checking the compass
readings as I didn't want to give back any of the time I gained with the
short cut.


The first surprise of the day was when I contacted the tower. I was, as
always, spot on with my comms as I wanted to give the guys some grief as
they were usually a bit casual and I want to let Pat Scullen know it was
me so that there was minimal grief, I really disliked that dude. Damn
what came back in my headphones was sharp, concise and totally spot on
and a voice I didn't recognize. I was quickly cleared to land and once
on the ground I asked to be cleared to taxi to my hanger. I was asked to
personally identify myself and with that done I was told that I would be
met by ground services to open it and secure the plane. I almost said
WHAT, have I landed at the the wrong airfield. Keeping it professional I
simply said, Rodger that. I was expecting to be there a while but almost
immediately a pickup truck arrived and a guy, mid 30's jumped out and
unlocked the side door and almost immediately the hanger door started to
open. I went inside and the guy came up to me and said hi Mike, I'm
Mark. We shook hands and I was told that a Major Messer had hired a
company in Roanoke to manage your hanger and service you various planes.
With all the changes here I moonlight for them and my other job is
assistant manager of the airfield. We will always have a space in the
hanger for your jet but as you can see you have a tenant. I smiled and
asked so what changes were made here? Well Mike the entire staff was
fired and he wasn't sure how it happened but it was right after that
Major was here checking on the hanger. Something about gross incompetence
and him not wanting his son to fly in and out of here with people in the
tower and on the ground who didn't know what they were doing. We loaded
my boxes in the back of his truck and a fuel truck appeared. Mark said
that he would put the plane inside in a bit and we drove to the terminal.
There I found a car waiting for me and I was told that it was a rental
and I needed to pay and sign for it. I smiled and was liking this new
experience and being pampered but wondered what this was all costing.


Once all that was done I called Sean and asked him to meet me at my
apartment. He laughed and said nope, late lunch and you know the place
and that he would be there in 10 minutes. Parking was a bitch and I
finally found a spot a block away from the restaurant. As soon as I got
inside I saw Sean standing at a table in the back waving his arms and I
went back and we hugged and I sat down. I immediately saw a pitcher of
beer and 2 glasses. I smiled and asked how did that happen. Sean shrugged
and said well I guess I know people and he poured each of us a beer. The
waiter appeared and Sean said, I'll have the usual and I ordered a
cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce and tomato and fries.


Once we were alone Sean said Mike, I have no idea what you have in mind
for this trip but I need to explain a few things before you decide. Mike,
we gave out 22 scholarships this year and 13 of you guys could, most
likely, play on any team in the country. On defense you are far and away
the highest profile recruit we have. Yet you are here the lease and
contact the coaches less than anyone of them. JJ is highly respected and
is here about as often as you are but he makes contact every week and
sometimes twice a week. I am sure that within 15 minutes of you landing
at the airfield Coach B was informed you were in town. I would suggest
that before you leave the restaurant you let him know that you had some
unexpected free time and decided to visit, he might want to meet with
you. Oh, he might want to know why the Dean was given a heads up and he
wasn't, just saying. Mike, it's fucking Friday and there are parties of
all types going on tonight. Once the Athletics office was alerted to you
being here the entire fucking team is aware. So, I'm here to get you to
whatever type of party you want to go to and there will be teammates at
all of them. Understand first impressions are important and the coaches
are watching to see what kind of a leader you are. Personally, I care but
will not influence any decision you make. I'm here to make whatever you
want happen and to pick up any pieces. Oh, I can help with some police
issues. At that I burst out laughing. Just then the food arrived and Sean
had ordered ribs and fries.


I took a bite of the burger and a sip of beer but before I could say
anything Sean asked so do you want a couple of girls to fuck or just one.
I laughed and said, neither. Sean shrugged and asked, so do you prefer
guys, I can set that up as well. Sean, cut the shit, what you doing
tonight? Mike, I told you, hanging out with you. Ok, are there other
recruits here? Mike, there are 3 not counting you? Ok Mr. activity
Director, what they doing? Mike there is a party at a pavilion near the
duck pond and 2 are going there and there will be about 50 people there,
mostly teammates with dates and a few curious people. The other on is
going to a Frat house and he is looking to see how many condoms he can
fill. You want to give him some competition? I took  another drink and
started on the fries. Sean, tell me about him? Mike he is a QB from a
small town in Alabama. Sean is he any good? Mike, does that matter? Sean,
why didn't he go to school at Alabama? Mike, why didn't you go to Pitt
or Penn State. Sean, cut the shit as you know why I chose to come here. I
chose not to be under a microscope but with all this shit you are
throwing at me I might have chosen poorly. Mike, it is what it is and you
knew how important you were to this program. I took a big breath and
another drink and said Sean, I be a leader on this team from the first
day of camp till the season ends but I'm not babysitting teammates 12
months 24/7. They are adults and need to figure things out, I'll help if
I can but don't forget I'm responsible for feeding more that 500
families and that number seems to grow every day. For good or bad that
trumps football and everything else. Sean, now I'll go to the party at
the pavilion near the duck pond and I know where it is and I'll see you
there. I simply got up and found my car and drove to my apartment.


I was beyond furious and I left the boxes in the rental car, made sure it
was locked. In the apartment there was a loveseat and furniture in both
bedrooms. I sat on the loveseat and called the Athletic office. When the
calls answered I said, good afternoon I'm Mike Simmons is Coach B
available? Hi Mike, I'll check, just hang on. About a minute later Coach
was on saying, hi Mike what brings you to campus? Well coach, I have a
meeting tomorrow afternoon with the Dean. I hear you had lunch with Sean,
how was that? Well I had a few fries, half a burger and a few sips of
beer. Coach laughed and I asked, did you expect me to say something else?
Mike, I'm not questioning your integrity I just wanted to hear your side
of things. Coach, the expectations Sean laid out are unacceptable. Coach,
I'm here for an education and then football but none of that matters if
I can't pay the people who work for me. I have spent more than a year
putting together a team to run the business. I can't do things here year
round nor do I want to babysit teammates off season. Mike, no one is
asking that of you, especially me. Just be focused on football and
teammates during camp and the season. Mike, we have a great class coming
in. I need  you and everyone else need to work as a team and check your
egos. Mike, I saw that in you last year as you let your teammates
participate and didn't take over. Mike, if you could meet some teammates
this weekend and just be Mike, it would be appreciated. I'll settle Sean
down and enjoy your visit. Oh let me know how things go with the Dean. I
laughed and said, Rodger that and we hung up.


I went down to the car and grabbed a couple of boxes the entire process
took three trips. I had left my phone on the counter. When I looked at it
I saw a call from and a message from Sean. I didn't listen to the
message and simply called him. When he answered I simply said, now what.
I told you I would see you later. Mike, I understand you chatted with
Coach. Sean, this isn't junior high school. I'm not talking to Coach
through and you don't need to tell him what the fuck I say or for that
matter what I do. You have a job to do, I get that. We might not be
equally connected right now but I promise once we get here for camp you
won't have a chance keeping up with me. I'll see you later unless you
feel the need to give me directions. With that I hung up. I smiled to
myself thinking, I'll let him up as he already sold his sole for the
team. Besides all that I liked the dude.


There was a quick shower which included a shave. I dressed in jeans a
Nike polo shirt and added a Nike hoodie. I knew where the duck pond was
and even the pavilion. I was walking and it was early but the duck pond
was at the other end of campus. I got off campus and stopped at a coffee
shop and got a coffee and a danish. I enjoyed the snack and I was glad it
was a warm evening but I was also sure that there would be a fire. I had
no idea who was paying for all this but that event was happening if I was
there or not. I checked the time and it was 7:00 so I started to the
Pavilion.


When I got there I figured there were about 25 people there and there was
a mixture of guy and girls but many were couples. I saw the first and
almost everyone had a beer so I went looking for that. I quickly found a
table with two guys standing behind it acting as bartenders. I asked for
a beer and they both looked at me and one asked, are you a student here?
I smiled and said well not till the fall. So will you be pledging a
fraternity? Well guys, not first semester as I'll be busy with school
and football. They looked at each other and it appeared a light went off
in both heads and one guy said you must be Mike Simmons. I'm Ken and
this is Paul, we heard you were on campus, welcome. Then Paul said when
you are looking for a fraternity look us up. I said thanks and took my
beer and moved towards the fire. I was standing there just looking at the
fire and the guys most of which were bigger and obviously football
players. I saw Sean in the distance and he had is girl with him and
naturally Karen was smoking hot. I already knew that I would let him off
the hook.


Before Sean got there someone yelled, look who is here, the wannabe
linebacker. I didn't have to look as I knew it was the three starting
linebackers from last season. The trio I callLeft, Center Right. I said
thanks guys for the introduction, I was just starting to feel ignored. So
I thought one of you were graduating? The center line backer said well
football eligibility is up but I'm not graduating. The final semester
will let me watch you sit on the bench. I laughed and said well I'll
make sure you have tickets. I hadn't realized it but this exchange was
drawing attention. I wasn't being rude or nasty but was pushing back in
kind. It was actually amusing. They moved on and a number of guys came up
and introduced themselves and that was fun and very interesting. I wanted
another beer and as I started  in that direction Sean caught up to me
laughing and he said. I see your fan club is still in tact. I ignored
Sean and said hi Karen, I see you are still hanging out with this
asshole. Mike, it is more than hanging out and she showed me her hand and
damn there was a diamond on the ring finger of her left hand. I hugged
her and said congratulations. Then I pulled Sean into a hug and whispered
in his ear and said dude, your good but don't ever pull any shit like
that again. Then I added, you know you don't deserve her. Sean laughed
and said Mike, by the way she isn't pregnant. I laughed and went on my
way to get another beer. There was a bit of a line and in front of me was
a very attractive girl. A number of people came up to me and said hello
and introduced themselves. The line moved quickly and as I started back
to the fire the girl in line in front of me said well Mike, thy are you
so popular? I laughed and replied, well you have me at at a disadvantage
do you have a name to share? She laughed and said I'm Erin and do you
always answer a question with a question? Well that depends the question
but I guess people think I'm special. Well Mike are you special? I
laughed and said I guess so. So Erin are you a student here? Mike, I'm a
second semester freshman. Wow, when I start here in August we will be in
the same class. Erin took a sip of beer and asked Mike, how is that
possible. Well Erin, AP credits and a boat load of Comp sci credits from
CMU. You are taking Computer Science here, that's impressive with
football. I looked at her and she smiled, then she said Mike, I knew who
you were before I asked why you were popular. I just wanted to check out
your ego. You know Erin, I hate those games and I turned and started to
walk away when Erin said Mike, please stop.


I stopped and Erin asked Mike, can we refresh these beers and go for a
walk, I would like to explain. I shrugged and said, why not as I need a
break from all this attention. We got back in line and Sean and Karen
appeared and Sean and Karen started to talk with Erin and Sean pulled me
aside. When we were alone he asked if I knew who the girl I was with was?
I shrugged and Sean said well Mike, go slow and keep it zipped. I shook
my head and said thanks. Sean and Karen got in the back of the line and
Erin asked Mike, what was that about? Oh, Sean just wanted to know if I
knew who you were. I shrugged and he said well have fun. We got the beers
topped off and Erin asked if I minded if we went to the duck pond? I
shrugged and said, that's fine as this is your talk.


We didn't talk much on the short walk and when we got there we found a
bench and sat down. Erin said Mike, this is my favorite spot on campus
and I grew up here. I thought that strange but realized that one of her
parents must work at the University. Mike, you never asked my last name.
Erin you didn't ask mine and it was just a very casual conversation but
I'm starting to get the feeling that you meeting me wasn't an accident.
Mike, that's correct as I have been impressed by you since you were here
with the other important recruits for a photo opportunity.  I know a lot
about you and I'm sensing that I really fucked this up. I laughed and
said, for the most part that's correct but enlighten me, what's your
last name? She took a deep breath and said McComas. I blinked and said
you the daughter of the President of this place. Mike, a lot of jerks
want to date me but almost all the guys I'm interested in don't want
any part of a relationship. Well Erin if you had me checked out why
didn't you realize I would hate all these games you found it necessary
to play? Mike, I'm not good with this stuff and with you I am mostly
insecure. That's strange as I'm not like this and I'm a great student.
I was wondering if her grades were a result of her dad's position, then
I thought that could be a two way street.


Erin, I have had a long day and all kind op people were playing games
with me and I had a long chat with Coach and I come here to meet some
teammates and here I sit with a very sexy girl who continues the trend.
Tomorrow morning I'm running early, then going to the restaurant on
Maine Street for breakfast. I'll be there at 9:00 and if you want
another try with no games stop by. Then I might take you to my favorite
place. I need to be on campus for a meeting with the Dean. Now I can take
you back to the party or walk you home. Mike we are very close to the
house so please ask me home. It was a short walk and I was hoping that
nobody opened the door. I simply said good night and went to my
apartment.


Bask at my place I put sheets on the bed and took a much needed shower.
There was no coffee or anything so I found some blankets and jumped into
bed tired and a bit confused which had me pretty much awake. I kept
thinking about Sean but my main thoughts were about Erin and how much
drama I could be in. Sleep eventually came but it was never a deep sleep.
I was up at 6:30 and quickly dressed in a sweatsuit and did 6 laps around
the drill field. It was another shower and I dress in jeans and a long
sleeved light weight Oakmont shirt. I called the airfield and asked that
the plane be ready for 10:45 as no matter what I was going flying as I
needed to relax. I lock the apartment and got in the rental car and
slightly before 9:00 I walked into the restaurant. I was waiting to be
seared when Erin appeared and we looked at each other and we boys started
to laugh. The table by chance was in the middle of the room so there was
no hiding. When the waiter came Erin said coffee and I said make that a
lot of coffee. Erin asked how my run was and I told her it was just 6
laps around the drill field and that was less than my usual run. We
looked at the menus and she ordered fruit and a ham and cheese omelette
and I ordered 2 eggs over, bacon and wheat toast. I asked about her Major
and she said well it's pre law and that she was doing well. I was asked
about why Computer Science and I said because I ran a technology company
and I didn't want to be the only one who didn't know how to program or
operate a computer. She then asked what I really wanted to do and I
laughed and said well that will be what it becomes. The food came and we
chatted about simple stuff as we were getting to know each other. When we
finished I asked if she was free for a couple of hours and she said sure.
I paid for breakfast and we got in the car. We drove to the airfield and
she asked Mike, what we doing? I said going for a ride. I took her inside
with me and explained that there was no flight plan as we were not going
anywhere just for an hour ride. Back at the plane, she watched as I did
the pre-check and she laughed as I manually checked the fuel. Inside I
had her strap in and put the headphones on. I put mine on and said Erin,
we can chat and no one will hear us but there are times when I need to
talk with the tower. Please don't touch anything and you need to be
quiet till we get in the air.


I requested permission to taxi for takeoff and once in position we were
cleared to go. Once in the air I flew over the campus and we were at
about 1,000 feet and we both just looked at the campus. I asked if there
was anything else she wanted to see and she said there wasn't. The
conversation was light and mostly about what I was doing and how hard
flying was. I told her this was pure flying and when it was the jet it
was a lot more complicated and a copilot was needed. I told her about the
jets and that I had been in a fighter a few times and how awesome that
was. We were in the air about an hour and I contacted the airfield and
got the ATIS and started the landing procedure. I reminder her to be
quiet until we landed. Once on the ground we went to the service area and
we went inside and I told them I would need the plane tomorrow morning
around 11:30 and that it should be refueled. I paid all the fees using a
credit card and avoided doing that on Sunday. With all that done we got
in the car and Erin asked Mike, now what? I chuckled and said well I'm
taking you to your car. Mike, can we do something tonight? Erin, that
would be cool but I can't drink after 11:00 as I'm flying home. How
about I call you when I finish with the Dean? She started looking in her
bag for something to write the number on. I laughed and said just tell me
and I'm good. When we parked behind her car she leaned over and kissed
me on the cheek. I said thanks and I'll call. She shook her head and got
out of the car.


I drove to the apartment and called Sean. Sean answered laughing, then
asked so you going to date the daughter of the president. Talk about a
power couple and the shit that goes with that. Sean we had breakfast and
went for a ride in the plane and we did not spend the night. It's very
very early and I'm leaving tomorrow and who knows when I'll be back. I
have to meet the Dean and I said I would call her. Sean, what's going on
tonight? Mike, Karen and I are having a few people over and you are
welcome to stop in and Erin is also welcome. Ok Sean what time and Sean
said about 7:30. That's great I'll see you then but I'm not speaking
for Erin. Sean laughed and said Mike, she won't say no and if I were you
I would put clean sheets on your bed. I just hung up.


I hung around the apartment and then there was no need to ride to the
administration building. It was one block to campus and across the drill
field. I got there about 10 minutes early. I went in the Deans office and
told the Secretary that I was Mike Simmons and that I had an appointment
with the Dean. She smiled and said Mike Dr. Carlson is expecting you,
I'll let him know you are here, just have a seat. I was barely in the
chair when Dr. Carlson came out and we shook hands and we went into his
office, the door was closed and I was asked to sit down. Mike, I have
talked with my counterpart at CMU and he raves about you. In fact he sent
me your work and I'm impressed. I'm looking at you academic record and
I need to ask why didn't you just graduate in January and take full time
classes here or at CMU? Dean, I ask myself that almost every day but the
Principal talked me into staying. Well Mike with 8 AP credits and the CMU
Credits you are on track to enter here as a Sophomore but I think you
know that, so why are you here? Dr. Carlson, I took this path but I
don't see myself programming or sitting in front of a computer. I'm
wondering with a Masters in Computer Science what else can I do? Mike,
you have a very profitable company and Misters Jobs and Gates haven't
been in front of a computer in a long time and they are doing whatever
they want. Using your degree and the financial backing of your company
you can do anything you want. So get your degree, play football and get
out of here in three years and remember your time here and help us when
you can or when we ask. Mike, you have a fantastic math ability but I get
the sense you are headed for a mailing address in Washington. Mike, ever
since you and VT and CMU agreed on your path I have watched you. You are
better than anybody I have ever seen with a crowd. That is also the
opinion of a number of other high ranking people here. So I am telling
you that you should stay with your program, unlike most Comp Sci will be
easy for you. Just get it done and do whatever you want. I just hope you
don't retire at 30 and hang out at your cabin in New York. Mike, is
there anything else? No, I'm good, thanks. Mike, stop in any time. With
that we were finished.


 I left the administration building and decide to walk around campus. I
took two steps and knew where I wanted to go and that was to the upper
level of the Chapel. The upper level contains Memorial Court with eight
sculptured Indiana limestone pylons representing, from left to right:
Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and
That I May Serve. It was an awesome place that I just loved. They
represented what I should set my life to be about. I spent a good 30
minutes looking at things and the view of the campus. I started back to
the apartment and was loving the location as it was very close to campus
and I could easily walk everywhere. I was almost across the drill field
when my phone chirped and it was Cole. I just kept walking as we chatted.
He was all excited as he liked the course, was playing well and liked the
greens as they were very similar to Oakmont. He said that the courses
were very different as at Oakmont the fairways were harder and the balls
rolled a lot more. Also he thought that Augusta had more elevation
changes. As usual his goal was to make the cut and see where he stood
Saturday morning. Then he asked about what I was doing and I told him I
was at VT and went into detail about the trip. I just glossed over Erin
as I had no idea where that was going. Once Cole and I hung up I kept
walking and called Erin. She answered and immediately asked about the
meeting with the Dean and I said that it was great but didn't go into
derails. I told her that I would have called earlier but my brother
called and that hew was excited as he had just finished  practice round
at Augusta. Mike, is he playing in the Masters? Yup, I'll tell you about
that later. Then I told her about Sean and going to her place and I asked
if she wanted to grab a bite to eat and then stop at his place. She said
sure and I asked her to find a place to eat. She said fine and can you
pick me up here at 6:00. I said sure and asked her to be ready as I
didn't want a long conversation with a parent. She laughed and said dad
is never home Saturday night.


I was short on clothes so I opened a few boxes and found a vest as we
would be out late and the weather had turned a bit colder. I drove to
pick up Erin and as I pulled into the driveway she opened the door and
and was quickly in the car. The restaurant was just outside town and a
small Italian place. It was a bit more romantic than I wanted but we were
by far the youngest couple in the place. The Veal Parm I had was
excellent and Erin had a Shrimp and pasta dish that she raved about.
Again the conversation was aimed so that we got to know each other. When
it got too personal I simply did the Mike pivot to a different subject.
There was a brief conversation about Cole and the Masters. We both passed
on desert and we drove to Sean's apartment.


At the apartment over the course of the evening there were 5 couples a
freshman football players and their dates. Sean should have been in that
class but had need redshirted and would have 4 years of eligibility
putting him in my class with JJ and the other highly regarded recruits.
We talk football, what it was like to be a freshman in a D1 football
program. How the classes wher and what life was like during the season. I
was glad to hear that the off season was pretty much conditioning. Sean
had made a batch of Arnold Palmer drinks and I was told that I could
spike mine if I wanted. I passed on that as I was driving and flying.
Erin had two beers and about 11:00 we said goodnight and I drove Erin
home. I walked her to the door and she kissed me and this time I returned
the kiss. It wasn't a long kiss but was a bit intense and meaningful.


At the apartment I straightened up and took a shower and was quickly in
bed. I ran in the morning and it was much longer than Saturday's run. I
took another shower dressed in Jeans and a hoodie, locked the apartment
and drove to the restaurant and had a massive breakfast. I grabbed a
coffee to go and drove to the airfield. I saw the plane was in the
service area and appeared to be ready. I returned the rental car and
filed the flight plan did the pre-checks, including the fuel and was
quickly in the air. The flight home was uneventful and when I kneed I
started to secure the plane when some of the student from the school
appeared and took over. I went inside as I need to use the rest room and
then drove to my place. I pulled into the driveway and went in the house.
I waved to Megan as she was on the phone and I assumed it was Cole. DD
was in his office so we chatted a bit and I told him about the trip. With
all that done I went to my place and turned on the Hockey game as the
Penguins were moving along in the playoffs. It was a fun game to watch
and they would have a home game on Tuesday, I was thinking I should grab
some of the tickets and JJ and I should go and eat at the Igloo Club and
watch the game. I could also reconnect with some local leaders.


I but some classical music on as laid on the loveseat and was almost
asleep when the door flew open and JJ appeared going straight to the
refrigerator. He grabbed two beers handed me one and said not today bro
and put some country music on. I laughed and said I have a gift for you
and I tossed him a box. He opened it and burst out laughing. Then he said
MJ a box of condoms what the hell. I said look closely at it. He shrugged
and said ok, an unopened box of condoms. He laughed again and said MJ
that's a strange way of saying you haven't has sex in a while and your
horny. He got up took my hand and led me into my room and closed the
door.


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