Date: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:40:56 -0500 From: Mark Arsenault Subject: I Woke Up 309 I Woke Up 309 by M.P. Arsent Copyright to this story remains strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed without the consent of the author. This story contains male-on-male sexual content both implied and explicit. If this offends you please do not continue. All characters and implied situations are strictly those of the author and are not based on real-life events or characters. If you are under 18 years of age please exit this story now. I welcome all responses to my stories. Please make sure that you list the name of the story in the email line. If your email is to alert me of misspelled words or improper punctuation or grammar save your time because it will be deleted. I hope you enjoy my vivid imagination. Please let me know what you think at mparsent@gmail.com and remember to donate to Nifty as they do an amazing job. "Want to probably not, need to yeah." I walked him into the office and closed the door. "You've been after me to know how I am going to stay connected to gymnastics after I get out of college. The "Y" building is up for sale. I'm thinking about buying it and turning it into a gym for everyone, as well as a gymnastics training center." Karl just sat there for a minute with his mouth open. "That is going to eat up a shitload of money. Can you really afford that?" "I'm doubting it. So, I think maybe at least part of the summer will be spent looking for investors." "You think there is a big enough market to support the gym portion?" "Other than places like the Rossmire that have their own, there isn't another gym in town anywhere that I know of. The next nearest gymnastics facility is the one in Edgeton. I'm pretty sure that at least the guys from the high school would use the place all summer to stay on top, and the gym portion of it should well keep the place in the black the rest of the year." "What's the asking on the building?" "No idea right now, I was going to call tomorrow." "Between the brokerage and that place, I'll never see you." "You know better than that lover. Besides who said we wouldn't be using it ourselves?" "There's that I suppose." At that point, Mrs Ohanlon called us to supper. The night passed pretty much without incident and the next morning we were up and at it again. We met up with Aaron and Roland and went and got our jogging done. Once back home and changed and fed, I made my way to the office. I called the realtor and found the asking for the building was $3.5 million. I went to looking at what the new equipment would cost and when I was done with it setting it up the way I wanted it, the bill came to just under $7 million. At that point, Stan looked into my office. "You've been pretty busy in here Dennis. What's up?" "A pipe dream I'm beginning to think." "Better explain that one." So I went through and ran it all down for him. "Well, I'll admit it does sound a bit ambitious. You'd have to give up a pretty good chuck of everything you own to do it alone." "Know anybody who is willing to take a risk?" "Not that big a one. Have you considered trying to maybe get a franchise from one of the commercial gym outfits?" "The thought did cross my mind, but then I'd have to run it their way, and it's not likely they would go for the gymnastics section of it. Too much potential risk for folks like that between the gymnastics and the pool." "So, what are your options?" "I could go to one of the larger investment banks and get a lone, or find some others who would want to kick in." "Either way you give up some portion of the control." "Yeah unless I hold the majority share of it. Either way, given my age it's going to be an uphill battle." "Sounds like you need to start work on a proposal and a business plan so you can start making the rounds." "Yeah, well I think that's going to have to wait until after the exam. Anything going on today that needs looking at?" "Not so far. Just regular trading as far as I can see." Stan got back to his office and I kept an eye on the markets for the rest of the day. Just after the bell, there was a knock on the door frame as the door was open. "Patrick, what can I do for you today?" "Just wanted to let you know boss, Alex wants to take you up on the offer to go to Edgeton with you on the weekends." "Fine and dandy. You coming along as well?" "Not unless you think I should be there?" "I just don't want there to be any problems, Patrick. I mean we will be in the same locker room." "Not a problem as far as I'm concerned. I know you wouldn't push anything." "But would Alex?" "I.....I don't know. I don't think so." "Do me a favor and have a talk with him. I don't want to have to shut him down. That might damn well put him off gymnastics, and I think he has a future there if he wants it. Speaking of which, if there were a facility closer to home would you use it?" "I will tonight and let you know tomorrow. As for a closer facility, yeah I'm sure we would use it. Wait, let me guess, you're thinking about buying the "Y" aren't you?" "The thought had crossed my mind." " If it's any help to you boss, I've heard a few of the guys that I hang with wish for a real gym to work out in. I bet there would be a lot of interest." "I'm hoping so. Well have a good night Patrick and let me know what Alex has to say." "Will do boss." I went into Stan's office and did a quick review of the day with him and then headed home. "So what did the realtor have to say, lover?" "$3.5 million for the building. I rough figure it will cost at least double that to get the doors open." "Damn." "Yeah to say the least." "You know the banks will be a real uphill battle right?" "Under the best of times and given I'm only 20 years old that isn't going to help." "What else can you do?" "I just might be able to do it if I liquidate everything I own and sell the house." "Not going to let you do that lover." "I had no intention of doing it. I'll find another way. That's for after I take the licensing test though. Between now and Tuesday I'm just going to coast." "If life will let you." "Well yeah. Before I forget, it looks like Alex will be going with us on Saturdays." "How long do you give it before he'll be doing all 4 of your triples?" "From what I saw, by the end of summer and I'm betting he'll be a primary next year." "After medaling this year, I have no doubt in my mind either." "Suppers ready boyos!" We went out and sat down to supper and afterward had another quiet night. So, bright and early on this Friday morning it was out to meet up with the guys and off to our laps and then back home. I was off to the office and before things got started for the day, Patrick was at my door. "Had that talk with Alex boss, and he says he'll keep his hands to himself as long as you do." "He's going to be a handful isn't he?" "He always has been, I don't see him stopping now. Here's the address. How much do I need to send with him?" "This is on me, Patrick. Call it an investment in the future." "That's not right boss." "The key word in that sentence being boss." "Point taken." "I'll pick him up about 9." Business was gotten down to when the bell rang. I watched the markets and did a bit of research on a couple of new offerings. They had potential, but I didn't see them going anywhere right away. I also did a little research to see which of the investment banks were being the most liberal right now. I was realist enough to know this wasn't going to be an easy sell. The day was finally over and I recapped with Stan and then headed home. Supper was ready very shortly after I got home. So we ate and then I went for a bit of a swim before calling it a night. Saturday and we were up and out to run with the guys and then a quick shower and breakfast. We pulled up to get Alex right at 9 and he was there with his equipment bag ready to go. "I really appreciate this Dennis! I want to be ready to go when school opens in the fall." "And I want to see you ready to go as well, Alex. I expect to see you at the all-state again next spring." "Nothing would make me happier." When we got to Edgeton, it was in to get the paperwork done for the both of us. Jason was there to see to us this morning. "Coach Mathews is still here Mr Sawyer. Do you want him as your trainer again?" "I wouldn't have it any other way, thank you." Alex and I got changed up and made our way out to the floor. "Well, I'm glad to see that you're not slacking off Dennis." "Wouldn't dream of it coach, and I've even brought you a new pupil." "Yes, I saw young Mr Greene at the all-state and thought you might bring him along." "Well, let's just say I want to see him succeed. Alex, coach Mathews was the one to see me through my high school years and was a great help to me this last year getting ready to compete." "A pleasure sir." "You may think so now young man, but I promise you by the end of summer you will be cursing my name."