Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:47:05 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 144 I woke to the big test day and shit I was nervous and excited, I had worked hard, done all the work and here I was about to take a test in a course that was two years ahead of me. Cole was waiting and we raced thru the now 6 miles in about the same time it took us to run the 5 miles. I was sweaty and starving. At home it was a very quick shower and toast and coffee and then Cole and I were off to school. He kept looking at me and asked, are you like this every time you have a big test? I smiled and said, I guess so as I've never had a test this big. I dropped Cole off and couldn't resist breakfast at McDonalds, we'll drive thru and I ate and drove. At school, there was the usual Carrie drama as she was waiting for me. Determined, not to fight I said, hi babe and went to class. Paying attention was hard and again, I was told to focus. After Spanish, JJ let loose with a couple of sentences of Spanish, directed at me and I said, JJ sure we can do that but English pleas. Lunch was typical and Rob joined us for the first time in over a week. I was determined not to say anything but fuck, JJ said so the prodigal fucktard returns. What's the occasion? Rob ignored the remark and continued eating. If he was waiting for me it would be another day. Afternoon classes were very typical and I spent the study hall reviewing math, for the test. I was one of the first cars out of the lot and drove to CMU. Parking was parking, in other words not easily accomplished. I got to the Deans office and the secretary asked, what I needed? I said that I was Mike Simmons and was here to take a test. She said, I'll let him know you are here. I said excuse me, we haven't met, would you share you name with me? She smiled and said Mrs. Shuttleworth. Then she added most students never ask, thanks you. I had a very short wait and was told, please go in. Inside the Dean motioned me to a seat. He asked how I was doing and there as small talk, and a somewhat sarcastic remark about football. Then he said, Mike I had a chat with Dr. Williams yesterday, it seems like you got an advanced copy of the test. I said, that's correct, my math teacher gave me a bunch of papers and said, "you might want to look there over". I simply put them in my backpack and when I got to the office, I showed them to Kyle. Kyle said most likely it was my upcoming test and he tore them up and threw them away. I never even looked at the papers. The Dean said, Mike, Dr. Williams agrees with that statement and we both appreciate how you handed that. How about we set you up in the conference room for the next hour and see what you know? Do you have a calculator and I said, absolutely the no calculator ship sailed a while ago and the Dean laughed. In the conference room I was handed a folder and a note pad and I was told to include all my calculations with the solution. I looked and saw three equations to be solved and decided to take them in order. The first one was done in a little under 15 minutes and the second one was done within 30 minutes. I looked at the third one and thought damn, I'll never get this done in 30 minutes. I was 15 minutes into it and was stuck. Then I got up walked around the table for a few minutes and started over. Fuck a light went off and I had just set the pencil down when the Dean came in. He asked, how it went and I said, all done. He looked at me and said let me see that. He spent the next 20 minutes studying the work, I had just completed. He looked at me and said, Mike, you always have a very unique approach but get to the solution. Then he said, if you had gotten halfway through that third one, I would have been thrilled. Then I asked, so were the papers I got this test and he said no. Dr. Williams pull them out of the trash after you left and had them sent to me this morning by messenger. To answer you next question, you were not given the test I had ready for you, the reality is that the test you just took was harder. Then he asked how challenged was I in high school? I said not very. So Mike would you like to take two classes and finish them up in late July. One is very easy and it is an intro class and the other one is more difficult. I said, so that would give me 9 credits to start my senior year in high school. He smiled and said, correct. Then he said, great job and we will email you the documents and the fees. I said thanks and started for the car. On the way I called JJ and said, please pick up Cole and let's eat at the Tavern. He laughed and said, I guess the math thing went well? I said yup I'm still in Oakland and need to call Cole. Cole was glad to go to the "famed" Tavern and said I like iced tea. I told him JJ would be picking him up. Driving to the Tavern, I was wondering how fast I could finish here? I put that out of my head and would save that for tomorrow. At the Tavern it was the typical event, but I ordered an Arnold Palmer and that's what I got and JJ and Cole, having ordered iced tea got beer. JJ just looked and I said those 2 officers are back to wok, so I'm taking no chances. The rugrat will be driving with me and you need to be careful. We ordered and I ordered a Ruben with double fries, JJ Oder day a burger and said he would help me with the fries. Cole ordered a chicken salad. I said ok, dude what's up? This morning it was an extra mile in record time fruit for breakfast and now a fucking salad, please explain? Training, I think you might remember what the fuck that involves. I laughed and said, I do but all you need to do is walk a few miles. He shook his head and started to say something and changed his mind. The food came and I devoured the sandwich and another drink and started on the fries. JJ asked, so Mike you trying to get moved to the defensive line? I said shut up and just then Cole got up and was having an conversation that ended with him saying, I don't care I'm no longer your problem. So just stop with the crap. He came back and continued eating like nothing happened. I said dude, what's up with that he said, is there a rule for not now? I said, well I'll look around and see if I can find that, later tonight and he almost fell out of the chair laughing and JJ just sat there wondering what was so funny. I said ok, that's rule 8. JJ asked what is rule 7? Oh, coach put that one in it is "speak your mind". JJ laughed and said, now that's one that is never necessary around any of us and especially Mike. We all laughed and Cole asked, if we could head home? I said, absolutely and I need to talk with dad. He needs a tuition check for the 2 classes I'm talking at CMU. In the car, I asked Cole what's going on? He said, Mike when dad was here him and mom listed the palace for sale and I'm guessing the for sale sign went up and the golf coach went nuts. Mike, if I qualify for the Amateur, I won't be playing high school golf anywhere. I said, Cole please stop saying if you qualify, he shrugged and said my head doctor said the same thing. At home I was thrilled to see dad was home. He was sitting in the kitchen with a beer, a cigarette and and a large steak and bake potato. I laughed and said, I see you cooked? He said well I had to you have Ryan working overtime and you and Cole weren't around to help. So Mike, judging by your mood the test went well? I said very well and I need a check to cover tuition for 6 credits at CMU, a bill will be here shortly. He said no problem, I'll just dock your salary. Dad, just so you know, Cole had a call from his golf coach furious that his house is for sale. I know you had to be aware but I guess the sign went up today. Cut the dude some slack. I assume he is on the phone with Megan. One other thing, when he qualifies for the Junior Amateur this year as a high school kid, that's a very big deal. Dad, one last thing, I really want that jet and Cole will need it some to get around. Dad laughed and said, in due time. Ok, last thing who is the head doctor I am seeing tomorrow? He replied Dr. Carolyn Adams, she is in late 20's or early 30's and from what I have been told very good. Well, as far as I'm concerned this is an interview. Mike, I have not talked with her but Dr. Jenkins has and has forwarded his notes to her, I'm betting she is ready for you. Dad, thanks and I'll keep you filled in so don't hover around those sessions, if there is more than one. I said, I'll see you later. Upstairs I went looking for Cole and found him laying on my bed. I said, is it that bad? He said, it's all over school, judging by my phone. I turned it off and came here looking for you. Cole what did your rents say? Mike, she listened to me rant about no heads up on the sign and for hiding out in DC while I dealt with this shit. I left dad a nastier voice mail. Ok Cole, where do you want to start. He said he was fine and that he just hated the drama. He said he was going to ask my dad, if he could stay home the rest of the week. I said, don't ask, simply tell him. Cole, does your head doctor do this stuff or just your athletic head? He laughed and said all of it. So Cole, who is this doctor? He said Dr. Adams. I said Carolyn? He said yes. I said fuck, I'm seeing her tomorrow, I'll cancel that's a bit much. Cole said, Mike that's on you. It won't matter and it might help both of us. I said, well I'll go tomorrow and lay this out and see what she thinks and then you and I will chat before I decide. I looked at Cole and said, just hang in. I asked if he was coming with me to Oakmont on Saturday, he said if I'm still invited. I said absolutely, would you like me to call Liam and see if he wants to hang out with you. He won't be Caddying. Cole said, that would be awesome. Now, unless you want me to start looking for rule 8 you need to go and talk with my dad. Be calm and tell me what you think about all this. It's about time he does something besides cook. He laughed and said, get a search warrant for later. I said, get a move, I need to call Carrie. Once alone, I called Kyle and he answered saying congrats. I here you blew that test out of the water. Well, it wasn't easy, but all is good. Then he said, don't take intro classes at CMU, save those for VT as it will make your life easier. I said, thanks. Anything I need to be aware of? He said, no and at some point we are going to lose the Dynamic Duo, they are simply too good. I'll let Mason fill you in. I said thanks. I thought, let's get this over with and I called Carrie and I was happy when it went to Voicemail. Hopefully she was busy with J & J. I then called Liam and we chatted for a while and then I told him about the weekend. He said everyone is talking about it, they are astounded that there is a member young enough to caddie. I said, damn I was hoping to avoid that but couldn't say no. He said, well call the Pro Shop and get a professional course book. I said ok, I was going to ask about that as I'm guessing no range finders. He laughed and said correct. Mike, do you need anything? I said well, I guess not. Are you available Saturday? He said yes, as the course was closed. I asked if he remembered Cole. He said, yes that young guy you had along the first time you played. I said, that's correct. So what do you think of his golf game? Mike, it is very good and he has balls. As he takes chances yet know when do do so. He will be very good. I asked, Pro good? Mike, I'm not the dude to ask that. That's fair enough, will you hang out with him at the club? Liam, Ill pay for your time. He said, well he was going to be there anyway and there was no need to pay him. I said, well that's what happening. Thanks, Liam I appreciate this, I'll see you Saturday. I went downstairs and found dad and told him Cole has Dr. Adams as a head doctor. Dad, that's basically for his golf. Dad thought for a minute and said, Mike don't let that happen. Dad, I won't but I want to see what the practice does. There might be someone else there. Hell they have my records and it should be easy to figure out. If there is an issue I'll simply walk out, no fuss and make an appointment with Dr. Jenkins. Ok, so what did you do with my son? I laughed and said goodnight. I went to my room and called Rob. We talked for a while and I finally asked what the sudden reappearance at lunch? He said, he hoped I wasn't mad as he over reacted about Carrie. I laughed and said, dude if you want to date her go for it. He said, Mike that's a shitty thing to say, I thought you two were back together. I said, well we are but not like it was as she hurt me deeply and I'm slowly recovering. Beside, why is my relationship with her your concern? Mike, she is hurt as well and is having a hard time. Well Rob, that's because, I won't let he fuck me into submission. He said what? I said we were having a fight over business and she said well I'll just have to fuck you into submission. Rob said, damn I didn't know that. Rob, you managed to jump firmly on her side, when there should have been no sides to take. So where are you and I? He said eating lunch together and becoming buds again. I said that works, I'll see you in school. I was now just laying in bed thinking about the day and how good it was. I laughed and thought you don't have many days this good, enjoy while you can. Then, as I always do, I started to think about the days ahead. I need to talk or email Doc, Palmer's secretary, I need to meet with Ryan and Mason and the head doctor. Then there was no call back from Carrie and I thought that's a perfect ending to the day, no drama. In fact no drama all day. I fell asleep and at some point I must have been awake enough to pull the covers up. Suddenly Cole was sitting on my bed and said, dude you picked the perfect day to sleep in, the weather is totally fucked. There is coffee on when you want to come down. I said I'll be there in a sec. So you going to school today? He said yes and the story will be the fucking house is for sale because of the divorce and I have no idea where I'm living, so leave me the fuck alone. I laughed and said, you are hanging around me too much. He said, that he was already showered, so get downstairs. I said, yes sir. It was a quick shower and not only was there coffee but there was fruit. I thought what the fuck and sat down to a mini fruit salad. We drove to his school and I laughed as Jessie was standing there with her hands on her hips. Cole shook his head and said so it starts and it figures she is first, Mike have a good day. I said enjoy the drama. I parked the car in my usual spot and went inside, with Carrie no where in sight. First period English she wasn't there as well. I simply proceeded with my day. Lunch was typical with no sight of Rob and the rest of us had a blast. I was debating on going to the office for an hour and then thought some Mike time was in order, so I signed out of study hall and went to the stadium and did a very light workout and drove home. A quick shower and a debate with myself about an outfit and I decided on preppy upscale and it was khakis, Oakmont golf shirt and deck type shoes, no socks. I wanted to be casually in charge. I drove to the doctor's office, went inside and told the receptionist that I had an appointment with Dr. Adams. I was told to have a seat and they would be with me shortly. I thought "they" was strange but took a seat. I was reading SI and after about 10 minutes I was ushered into a nicely furnished seating area. About a minute later two people came in and introductions were made. Dr. Adams said, Mike, Dr. Drennan and I have spent a lit of time reviewing your records from Dr. Jenkins and we feel it would be best if you saw him instead of me. I asked why is that? She said well, two reasons actually. First your stepbrother sees me and Dr. Drennan thinks he would like to work with you. I said well Cole isn't my stepbrother yet but I was hoping you would recognize the conflict. She laughed and said, well actually we don't see a conflict but knew you would. She stood up and said, I'll leave you with Tim. I said, thanks. Once we were alone he said please call me Tim, I said well that will not happen you earned that degree and if we are proceeding I'll refer to you as Dr. or Doc. He said, that's fine and what should I call you Mike, Michael or something else? I said Mike will be fine. He said, ok, so why the change from Dr. Jenkins? I said he is too close to my dad and I will continue seeing him for medical issues. He said, Mike you are 17 and your dad controls you medical care. I said, he will be informed by me what goes on here and no one else. Mike, if he asked a question, I am required to answer. I stood up and said, well in that case, thanks for the time I'll see you in mid September when I am 18. I started for the door and he said Mike, please sit a moment longer. I sat down and stared at him. He said, so you were really going to leave? I said well you got that fucking right. He said well, that outburst, is uncalled for. Look if your relationship with your dad is so fucking good he won't ask anything. So understand something I'm on your side and will play and beat you at any game you want to play. You want to play in the gutter, I'm good. You want to be civil, I'm good. You want to be a businessman, I'm good. You want to be a jock, I'm good and if you want to play the spoiled rich kid, I'm good. However, what will it take for you to be Mike or don't you know what that is? I said well Doc I am actually all those things? He laughed and said, shitty answer. You play all those parts, but you aren't any of them. You can do that if you want but if you are just yourself it will be better for all around. We were quiet for a while and I said, ok let's get going. Mike, who are you yourself with? I said, dad, Cole and JJ. He looked at me and asked, so why them? Because, they as as close to my equals as I can find. I can't control them. Who else can't you control? I said well Carrie. Ok, besides the girlfriend issues what other issues do you have? I said, Doc trust me that's enough. He asked, what about your business agenda? I said complicated and in total control, well as of 3:00 today. He said, well we are going to leave the girlfriend thing alone for a while as those issues are most likely related to your real issue. I said no shit as I'm not spending my life with a bitch like my mother. He laughed and said, damn Dr. Jenkins said you were direct and to the point. Mike, if you know that why can't you deal with it? I replied, because I simply refuse to be fucked into submission. He said ok, so who do you have sex with? I took a deep breath and said, well not that many people but it involves different flavors. He said, so there are both males and females? I said correct. Are you bi, gay, experimenting or straight? I said bi and just coming to realize that. I just like sex and with any gender and it doesn't fucking matter. I told him about the latest VT trip and mentioned Sean who I was very comfortable with as well. Then I said, I just want to have sex that is special and one that is not used to get something out of it. Sex with people, I care about and no hidden agenda. Mike is that long term special or convenient special? I said long term. Damn, Mike you have a lot figured out, well think you do. What about your brother Bill? I asked, what about him, he was never my brother, although we both tried. He was a self centered, game playing, drug addict. Everything I am not. Well Mike, you are addicted, not to drugs but to success, and doing a damn good job being successful. Mike we have covered a lot of ground today and I would like to see you same time next week. In the meantime think about what pisses you off so much about being fucked into submission. My fucking head was spinning as I got in the car and drove home. I don't remember a thing about the ride. At home Cole and dad were eating in the kitchen, I said hi guys threw my backpack in the corner and went outside. I heard Cole say, Mike give him a minute and I'll go out and see what happened. I was there for about 15 Minutes and Cole said, ok asshole rule 7. I laughed and asked if I could search for that rule? He said yes, but later. I said count on it but I'm hungry and the three of us can talk. He pulled me to my feet gave me a hug and said damn you are a complicated shithead. I laughed and we went inside. Dinner was spaghetti and meatballs and a giant salad. I filled my plate and started to eat. Dad asked, so guys how was your day? Thankfully Cole jumped in saying it was actually a blast. It started as soon as I got out of MJ's car and Jessie was there and I simply told he to fuck off, we have been done for a while and I didn't want to hear from her. Then there were golf team members and I told them I wasn't playing next year as I was going to qualify for the Amateur. They laughed and said in whose lifetime? It went on like that all day. I found it fun, but there are not many bridges left to burn. I said, like I told you this morning, I'm rubbing off on you. Dad said, good God no! It was my turn and I said that I was seeing Dr. Brennan and he was intense and he tried to open every box in my head and left a number of them open for me to rummage through. It was intense and the best session ever. I like the guy. Cole asked, so how old? I said I'm thinking very early 30's. But I'm going to research him and see what he is about. Dad said, Mike don't game him. I said dad, I'm not sure I can, he seems to be that good. Dad was all smiles. I said I have an appointment same time next week. Dad, please put something on my calandra but don't give it away. Then I said that Carrie didn't return a call last night and wasn't in school today. Cole said, she might be hooking up with a dude? I laughed and said well that would save me from rummaging thru that box. Both dad and Cole, laughed. Then I said, since you two, ruined my quiet time, I'll be in my room and dad, I'll be in the office tomorrow as soon as I can get there. Dad, said please stop to see me before you turn. I said, sure and went upstairs. Upstairs, I called Carrie and got voicemail. My message said, babe what's up please call. Then I called Tim and we talked about a half hour and he ended by saying we need a Trust meeting. I asked why? Mike, there has been a lot of activity, all good but none of it was voted on so we need to get things formed up. I said, I didn't realize that we needed all that. Mike, there are a number of these issues and I'll be a pain until we get it cleaned up. Also, there are foundations issues that need cleaned up. Ok, when can we meet? He said, he would pull it together and it should be at South Hills with a light dinner and about 4 hours. I said shit 4 hours? He laughed and said if you don't stir the pot, yes. I said, ok we can start at 2:00 and let me know and I'll set it up. He said thanks and good night. I was just about to put the headphones on and Cole came in and closed the door. I said ok, what's up? MJ I'm taking tomorrow off and really am looking forward to Saturday. I really want to see these touring Pros up close on a tough course. Well you should have a great time and Liam will be hanging out with you. He asked if there was any chance we could play? I said Cole, I'll ask when we get there. I need to be there for a warm up session and earlier than that to be organized. MJ just take care of business and this is important for you. It could be more important than you know. Cole, I have no idea what you are talking about, I'm carrying a damn golf bag. He laughed and said for one of the most famous person in the world. Shit has a way of happening. MJ do you know who is playing? I said, Mediate, Perry, Ford, Palmer, Daily, Faxon, Couples and Azinger. Damn, MJ, I have always wanted to see Couple's swing up close, it looks so smooth. Oh, I bet the bets are unreal? Cole, what bets? MJ there is no way there won't be a few thousand exchange hands. I said, shit this is a bigger deal than I thought. Cole laughed and said well for you, it typical for them. Cole this will have me up all night. He said good because I don't have school tomorrow and you haven't had sex in days. Then he kissed me, I pushed him away and said lock the damn door and get naked. Before we knew it we were naked in bed and sucking each other's cock and I moved to his balls and were licking and moved lower till I was at his ass hole and I started eating his ass. I kept it up until he said MJ, if you don't stop, I'll shoot. I flipped him over and jumped on his cock and rode and rode till he unloaded in my ass. All of a sudden I was flipped on my back and Cole started on my cock and balls he had one of my balls in his mouth then two and he was sucking and I was in heaven, he released my balls and dove on my cock and sucked and licked until I filled his mouth with cum. He didn't swallow and we kissed and I tasted my cum. Finally we fell asleep. The next morning, I snuck out and went for a run. When I got back Cole was in the shower. He joined me for coffee and I said, I was calling in sick and going to Oakmont and walk the course. He asked, can I please come? I said sure and we will take our clubs, but I have to be in the office around 2:00. He said, so why we sitting here? I said, get your clubs and put something decent on. We jumped in the car and drove to the club, it was early nearly 8:00. I went to the Pro Shop and asked if there was a tee time available and they said clear till 9:00. I asked for my clubs and a cart and saw Cole on the putting green. The Pro came up and said, hi Mike, I understand you requested one of these and he handed me a Pro course book. I said thanks and asked if he was free to play a round? He said, he would be free to play the back 9 with us. I'll be waiting for you when you make the turn. I said great and asked would it be ok if we played the tips? He laughed and said, have fun and it is tough and ready for tomorrow. The greens were already cut and they are not for the faint of heart. I. Said, thanks and we'll see you in about 90 minutes. The clubs and a cart were at the first tee. I grabbed a couple of balls and went to the 9th green and behind the hole dropped a ball and it rolled 20 feet. I just shook my head and went to the tee. I was looking at the book and Cole said let's bet? I just looked and he said I'll give you three and 50-50-50? I said whatever. He stuck a tee in the ground, took one practice swing and laced it right down the middle. Mine was a touch left and in the first cut but it was about 15 yards behind Cole. What was a 4 iron last time was a hybrid and I couldn't remember when I hit more than an iron to a Par 4. I was paying more attention to the course and Cole was very focused on his game. I was taking notes and checking yardage, paying special attention to the greens and slopes. Damn they were fast and hard as was the entire course. Cole finished the front 9 even par with birdies on 2 & 9 and bogies on 3 & 8. I was 4 over but had tons of notes. The Pro was sitting a cart on the phone when we got to the 10th tee. Cole ran to the rest room and I got a bottle water for both of us. The Pro asked about our round and I said, it was ok I was 4 over and getting lots of notes. Cole stood quietly and when he was asked about his round he said pretty good and he loved this place. When asked about his score he said 2 of each and 5 pars. The Pro laughed and said, ok dude you are riding with me. Cole, looked a little sick, as we were moving his clubs. I said just do it and pretend he is me and relax. Don't blow this round. Cole had the honors and #10 is a long par 4 and he ripped it with a slight draw which I thought was right in the middle but was was in the left rough. Cole with a crappy lie managed to put it on the right front of the green leaving him a 40 foot putt. I laughed when I looked at it as it would break about 20 feet left and he almost made it. The round continued with him playing very well he had all Pars with a Birdie on 13 and a Bogie on 15 leaving him even par with 3 left to play then he parred 16 drove 17 and birdied. I was actually watching him more than playing and was another 4 over on 18 tee. The entire round Cole and the Pro were talking and having a good time. On 18 Cole hit a great drive but a little too far and ended in a bunker. He had no reaction. He managed to get it just short of the green chipped to 3 feet and here we were again. He just stood there and the Pro and I finished and he looked over the putt from two angles, didn't vary his routine and drained it. His only reaction was a slight smile. We shook hands and the Pro said kid you are unreal and smart with a big set of ball, to take that chance on 17. Cole simply said thanks. I asked if anyone wanted lunch and everyone agreed. Cole was finally relaxed and was asked if he was always that focused? He laughed and said on the course, pretty much so. I was told that I should be at the course by 8:00 tomorrow morning. I said no problem as we would be here, no problem. Cole said he wanted to see the Pros play up close and was told that they need to see him play. Lunch settled into a fun time and as we were finishing, I said, I hate to bring business up but someone from the club need to talk with Tim about the foundation. I was told that would be done by Monday, as things were hectic here and he had blown off things to play and damn it was worth it. I signed for lunch and Cole and I headed home. On the way, I asked Cole if he had any fun or was it all work. He said it was tons of fun and him and the Pro got along and that he disagreed with my choice of Driver on 17. MJ things were in place so i took a chance. My teaching Pro will most likely call and verify my score, so I'm glad the Pro was playing. MJ we are going to need to go shopping for golf balls. I said why, you haven't even looked for one? He said MJ I change them every 3 holes as they become useless at that point. I laughed and said, well just give them to me, I bet they work for me. Speaking of bets you beat me by 8 shots. He laughed and said, yup. We pulled into the driveway and I went directly to my room and headed for the shower. Decided on clothes and took off for the office. THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS THEY ARE APPRECIATED. PLEASE CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION TO NIFTY, AS IT IS IMPORTANT. STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AS WE WORK OUR WAY SLOWLY BACK TO SOME SENSE OF NORMAL