Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:25:20 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 104 NOTE: BEING STUCK AT HOME LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, I WILL TRY TO PUBLISH DAILY, NO PROMISES! I woke before the alarm, that always helped my mood, went downstairs put the coffee on and went to my room, shaved, dressed and called Carrie. She answered saying, damn you can be a pain, I said babe I'll pick you up after school, my place, then dinner then the game. She said well, Michael you are not such a pain in the ass after all. I love you. I hung up, went downstairs poured a travel mug of coffee and left for the office, fuck that all seemed strange even to me. At work the parking lot was empty except for one car and I was betting it was Ruth and that the coffee was ready. Sure enough, she was at her desk and asked, if I wanted coffee, I said yes, please. She came back with the coffee and I asked her to sit a minute. She looked confused, I said Ruth, I need a favor? She relaxed and said wow, that's a different approach, usually it is Ruth do this or Ruth do that. I laughed and said, I'm not like that, well most of the time, I'm not. She said, Mike that's true and I appreciate that, what do you need? I said, I was told to hire and executive assistant and was told I could not have you. She laughed and said, I can't imagine anyone telling you that you had to do something. Would you please interview candidates for me and select two that I can interview. Then I added, you seem to have a pretty good feel for how I act and work. She laughed and said, Mike that was easy, just the opposite of your dad and we both laughed. I told her that I would have Brian get a list of possible candidates, she said sure, that would be great. I was reviewing my organizational chart and Kyle came in and sat down. He looked at me and said, boy wonder, answer your emails please and fill out the fucking calendar, then he added please and got up and left the room. I thought shit I forgot about the new technology. I looked at the computer and saw the envelop icon with a red 5 on it. I thought shit 5 emails. I opened them thinking, professional replies only. Then I went to the calendar and thought, damn no more privacy. I filled things in for three weeks, including weekends. I listed the personal items as Mike time. Then I thought shit I have an idea and I called school and asked for the principal and asked, since I have study hall last period could I get out after my last class for work. I was told have a parent make that request and it would be no problem. He expressed his sympathy about Bill and hung up. I changed my calendar to office Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:30 on those days and wondered about my workouts. Just then Ruth appeared and said Mike, your dad would like a word and you appointment in is the conference room. I said thanks and went to find dad. In his office it was coffee, cigarettes and the paper and I shook my head and said, good morning what's up? He smiled and said I see you have already had a busy day. You filled you schedule in and the school called and you answered emails and you appointment is here and it's 8:30. I said that about right what's the issue? You are working here three days a week? I said yes work release, it happens all the time. He said, Michael here's the deal it is two days a week not three. I said how about two days every other week and the other weeks three days. Dad shook his head and said no and I fucking mean it. I took a deep breath and said thanks dad, I appreciate the concern, I'll change the schedule. He smiled and said get to your meeting, I'll stop in later but you are out of here no later that 2:00. It is an emotional day tomorrow and I'm betting Carrie needs some attention. I laughed and said dad look at the calendar and left for the meeting with Jordan and Jodie. In the conference room there were drawings all over the place and I asked if they needed anything and Jordan said water and Jodie said black coffee. I went and found Ruth who already had a tray with the required beverages. I looked at her and said, damn hire someone for dad and you be my assistant. She laughed and I sat down and Jodie went full steam ahead. Jorden and I just sat by quietly and finally I said Jodie, that a breath and Jordan laughed. I said what's the perfect choice? She said Herman Miller for the workspace, Steelcase for the files and Knoll for the cafeteria and public space. I laughed and said that's what I determined last night. However, I think that's not a workable approach, too many players, too much coordination and higher prices. Jodie shook her head and said, that's correct. We talked some more and I said, I like Herman Miller but the panel thickness and the 24" grid is weird. Jodie laughed again and asked, if I really needed her input? She said there is a new product they are developing that has thicker panels and tiles, but she is not sure it is ready and it is more expensive. However there might me a prototype mock up. You willing to wait? I said no, are they able to move forward production? If not I will wait for Enterprises. She said the mock ups will be in the rental space in the strip. How about we meet for breakfast next Saturday and schedule a presentation for each vendor. I said that works, what does Bruce's company represent? She said, Mike you are lucky Miller and Knoll. However he is only presenting Herman Miller. What would happen if we chose them and I wanted Knoll products? She said she was not sure about the discounted structure. I went to the phone and called Bruce. When they put him on the line we chatted for a few and then I said dude, this is not a social call, I would like to talk about your presentation for next Saturday. He laughed and said so I have a presentation next week, I did not know that. I said cut the crap, what are you presenting and he said action office2 and something I know nothing about and a company VP is flying in to make the presentation. Ok, that's great but if I wanted some Knoll product how would that work? He laughed and said well they know that the workstations are a long shot and they would be happy with a part in all this and we represent them as well. Oh, Miller wants to fly your team to Zeeland for a weekend tour so don't commit with them till that happens, it is a great trip on the private jet. I said thanks and hung up. I looked at Jordan and said where the hell is Zeeland? He said on Lake Michigan and you are not leaving the two of us out of that trip. I said fine, I'm already thinking, the three of us and Carrie. Jodie said, the girl friend? I said yes and your new design consultant. She shook her head and said damn. I said, look, I need to involve her is some small way as my business life is putting a strain on our relationship. You are in charge, just be nice. By the way how is the new company going? They smiled and said our first project is awaiting your approval? I said project one first, please. I excused my self and said I had to look in on another meeting and that they should talk with Ruth about ordering in and that I wanted a chicken salad and iced tea. I went to Kyle's office, politely knocked on the door and Kyle said well it's about time the money guy showed up and I said well I just spent a ton on furniture so the pockets are light. Introductions were made and Kyle said that it looked like a joint venture on the NASA side and a free for all, on the commercial side. I laughed and said, great more issues. They were looking at me strange and I said ok guys, what's up? Kyle said, guys I told you? We all sat down and I said, so you are wondering how this young punk is sitting here in control? Someone said well, I would not have put it that way but yes. I smiled and said here are the cliff notes, I am a high school junior, I'm rich, I have a wicked work ethic, my dad runs the NASA project and the day to day stuff. I through my trust own this place, the land and the new building and I have a very good very young team. Oh, I also own the adjacent land. I have a company MJS Enterprises that manages the new building. I am an outstanding athlete and have committed to VT for football, take a class at CMU. I run 5 miles almost every morning and work out 5 times a week. Questions? As there were none, I said have a good meeting and Kyle and I will talk later. Oh, Ruth is ordering lunch, feel free to add to the order or go out either way I'm buying. Back in the conference room, there were more drawing of the public spaces and I thought damn this will be a fun building. Jodie said, with all the glass, steel and aluminum we will have to punch up the colors. I said ok, please involve Carrie in that and I showed her pictures of my room and said, with very little input from me. Jodi laughed and said well there is some raw talent there. I said, Jodie you will actually like her. Just then Ruth came in with the delivery person in toe and said you dad will be here to join you and Kyle said they went out. I handed Ruth my credit card and it was immediately returned. She walked out shaking her head. Dad came in smoking and I said, please put that out while we eat. He shook his head but complied. Then we just chatted and I finally said dad, we need to clear a weekend for a trip to Zeeland, Michigan for a manufacturer's visit. He laughed and said so is next weekend just for show? Jordan jumped in saying, Mr. Simmons it is to get a very competitive price and possibly some very new product and a ton of free publicity. Dad, the trip will be us and Carrie. Dad laughed and said so much for you squeaky clean image, you taking your girlfriend on a business trip? I said yes and separate bedrooms. Dad laughed and said, I'm willing to bet she won't spend a night in that room. I said dad, I've told you that you are not permitted to bet. The rest of the lunch was relaxed and informal. As it was now approaching 1:00 I thanked everyone and went to find Kyle.His meeting was wrapping up and we discussed things and I asked if we could meet Monday afternoon and he looked at me and I said, work release from school, dad says two days a week but with the technology I'm thinking more at home. Then I asked if he wanted to go to Michigan to see the furniture, he said no but he wanted to go go and see how I managed the powers to be of a Fortune 500 company. I said, no sweat, I have something they want, putty in my hands and a very big discount, I'm thinking GSA discounts. Back in my office, I called Bruce and asked, was he sure this company could deal with my project? His reply shocked me as he said, Mike I don't know and neither does anyone else. No one remembers a project this big. You are demanding, yet fair and that will help. I said Bruce, I'm looking at GSA level pricing. He replied, I figured you wanted that and you will have to let me make money on the union install. I said, I understand but all the fucking cards on the table. He said, understood. I said you are last on Saturday and I really want to see that new systems product, and I hung up. Just then dad appeared with my jacked and said, get you fucking ass out of here and take Carrie somewhere nice for dinner. She is putting up with a lot. Oh, we are going to breakfast tomorrow before the funeral. I shut my computer down and got up gave him a big hug and said damn, I had a fun day and now I transform into a jock teenager, damn this is complicated. Dad said, Mike I want you to schedule a meeting with Dr. Jenkins. I said damn check my calendar it is after school on Tuesday. Oh, you might also notice that I am working one day next week, Monday as we have a long day Saturday. I hugged him and said, I'll see you in the morning. I was early getting back to school, so I sat in the car in the parking lot and thought about Bill and decided, I needed to say something at the service about him and our relationship. I was suddenly remembering some good times and was startled when the car door opened and Carrie got in. She smiled and said so we going to your place and I said yes and you lost a bet. Her smile disappeared and I laughed and said not collecting today. Today is about whatever you want. Besides, we are going on a business trip together with a few other people and I will introduce you to Jodie, our design firm project manager and you and her are going to pick things for the new building. Her face lit up and said damn that's awesome. I said, babe Jodie is in charge and you can't run to me when you disagree. She said, so I work for her? I said well yes but Enterprises is paying you and you and Jodie will work out the rate and the hours. I'm not involved, but be warned I will approve whatever Jodie recommends. The business trip is to Zeeland, Michigan and it will be a mid day Friday flight in the corporate jet and return home sometime Sunday. We pulled in the driveway she jumped out flew around the car, jumped in my arms and I got a giant kiss and hug. I said babe slow down or do you want to put a show on for the neighbors. She said shut up before you ruin my mood and get that sexy ass in your room. In the room clothes were torn off and thrown all over the place and the sex was intense and sweaty. We just laid there talking, something we had not done in a long time and damn we were just two kids in love. I suggested a quick shower and dinner at the club. I said she was fine and I would throw a sports jacket on and it would be a nice grown up dinner and then the game. She laughed and said, fuck that, I want a teen dinner which my jock boy friend so it's Eat N Park. I laughed and said Perfect. It was a quick shower and off to eat. We got to the restaurant were seated and just then JJ appeared with a girl. I motioned him over and they joined us. I said so JJ, you are not even here a week and already a date. He laughed and said yup, I assume you know Dee? I said that I did and was wondering why she was slumming with a dude with a Texas accent. She laughed and said, I was board so I thought I would cut the new dude a break. It was a fun relaxing meal and the girls got up and went to the restroom. JJ looked and me and said, Mike WHATS her reputation? I said if you think she is an easy fuck, you have the wrong date. I hope you respect that. He said, Mike I did the jock fuck of the month freshman year and then settled down. I'm a one trick pony. I laughed and said you got the right girl and when she is ready it will be awesome. You going to the game? JJ said sure wouldn't miss it. I hear it a big deal. I said it will give you an idea how big a deal football is around here. Oh, we are going to the Tavern after, I'll get a table for eight. Then I said, unless you two have a fight you lost a bet. He said fuck I did and I forgot all about that. I said we will see if Western PA tasks are as interesting as Texas tasks? He shook his head and we paid the bill and drove to the game. The gym was packed and the student section was full and a lot of fun. Somehow Jim, JJ and I and the girls managed to sit together. The game was a little competitive with a 19 point win and Rob having a triple double. After the game we all waited for Rob and I managed a word with Coach Weston and then we all took off for the Tavern. We walked in together and Rob was mobbed. We sat at our table and everyone ordered iced tea and Dee just looked. I said if you could drink anything, what would it be and she said white wine, I looked at the waiter and said, she changed her mind and would like Sprite. We all got beer and Dee got white wine and she just looked in amazement. We were the center of attention and people kept coming up to Rob and slapping him on the back and saying great game. JJ and Dee were totally overwhelmed. Our food came and another round of drinks and again beer and wine. We were having a blast and I invited everyone over to my place, but said it couldn't be a late night as it was an emotional day tomorrow. We piled in the cars and drove to my place. JJ came up to me and said, Mike who paid the bill? I said about 5 people that's why we get special treatment. He laughed and grabbed Dee and they went in the game room. Carrie and I were in the kitchen with Jim and Ashley. Rob and Hannah joined JJ and Dee in the game room. I got beers for the guys and wine for the girls and noticed JJ and Dee were in deep conversation. Rob asked for another beer and I said guys, you are all driving so no more, besides it late for me and I'm taking Carrie home. Thankfully everyone got the hint and Jim said he would be back and I said great. On the way home I said that dad and I were going to breakfast and that she could join us if she wanted. She said, Mike it a family thing and I said, yes it is that's why I invited you. She reached over and felt me up and said we have never had sex in this car and I laughed and said and we won't. I said call me in the morning if you change your mind. I kissed her good night and walked her to the door and I was pleased to see that Sam was nowhere around. Back at home, I cleaned up then went to my room and started to think about what I would say about my brother. I was sitting at my desk and dad came in sat in a chair and said, Mike I hope you invited Carrie to breakfast. Dad she said no it was a family thing, he said damn get her on the phone, please. I called and she answered saying, damn you can't get enough of me tonight. I said, babe please hold on a minute and I handed dad my phone. Dad said good evening daughter-in-law, I'm disappointed that you declined our invite to breakfast. Please reconsider. He immediately handed me the phone and I said, I told you so. I'll pick you up at 9, I love you. Dad said, so Mike have you finished your talk about your brother yet? I said yes, how did you know? Michael, you without realizing it have been working on that since that first night in the hospital, thanks and I got a hug and he left. I have no idea when or if Jim came back as I simply fell asleep. Comments are ALWAYS encouraged PLEASE!! contribute to the continuing operations of the Nifty Erotic Stories Archive website using a credit card or other methods of donation, we encourage our supporters to make a donation to the Nifty Archive Alliance. 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