Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 22:26:42 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 154 I woke before the alarm and went for a run alone as I was tired of Cole monitoring everything I did. When I got back to the house, I put coffee on and jumped into the shower. I saw Cole and asked if he wanted a ride to school or was I too sick to drive. He just shook his head, said please and went to his room. I had time to grab some toast and Cole was pissed the whole way to his school and he got out without saying a word and slammed the door, harder than necessary. At school, I parked in my usual place and went right to first period. Carrie was in here usual seat and I sat down beside her in my usual seat. I laughed as she was told to focus. The rest of the morning went well, until I was asked to stay after AP Calculus. I was told I could test out of the class anytime I wanted. I said fine, give me a few day to get an advanced copy from CMU and I walked away. The teacher had no comment. Lunch was good and Rob continued to sit with another group and Carrie was with the girls. I went to 2 afternoon classes and signed out for work release and drove directly to the office. I parked in my space in the lot and found Ruth and asked for her to find Riley and ask her to stop in as soon as she was free. Ruth said fine and asked if I wanted coffee or iced tea, I said tea would be great and thanks. I stuck my head in dad's office and he waved me in. Once he was off the phone, he asked how I was feeling? Dad, I'm good and please tell that to Cole, he simply laughed.Then he asked about my agenda and I said Riley and then Mason. Dad said Mike, go slow and remember you have an HR department. I looked at him and said dad, I know I hired that pain in the ass. I found Riley chatting with Ruth and we went into my office and I left the door open and we sat in the guest chairs. I asked what she found interesting while I was away? She gave me that smile and said not much as I basically ran errands for Mason. I simply said well that ends today and she said thanks. What I have going on is the need to get people in the new building ASAP. That involves working with Jodie and my ex at J & J Architects as well as the furniture company and Bruce, while you are keeping most of that off my plate, I'll be starting on building 2. Does that work for you? She said absolutely. I said, there are times you will have to make decisions, without me, just think first. Mistakes happen and I'll never get mad about a mistake, just don't make the same mistake over and over and we will be good. Then I shocked her and said, if Mason is still around and he give you shit please simply go to HR and it will be dealt with. She just looked at me and asked, if Mason was in trouble because of her? I said Riley, you are just one part of a vey long list. I asked if there was anything else and she said she will get everything she needs from Ruth and will keep me in the loop. I said, feel free to call or mail. I saw Mason chatting with Ruth and as Riley was leaving I closed the door, sat behind the desk and called Ruth. When she answered, I asked that she tell Mason, to hold on and I would be with him shortly. I then called Kyle and checked on Dillon and was told that he continues to work his ass off and is very cooperative. I asked if he was around and Kyle said, right her beside me. I said please send him to my office ASAP. Kyle laughed and said, so it's game playing time with Mason? I said yup and hung up. I called Ruth and asked that when Dillon got there to send him right in. She laughed and said, damn you are something, Mason is here shitting his pants, I laughed and said perfect. It wasn't long at all when Dillon opened my door and we chatted and I was updated on his activities and his needs and I told him to take Friday off paid and enjoy the long weekend. He was all smiles as he left the office and closed the door. I called Ruth and asked that she wait 5 minutes and then send Mason in. Right at the 5 minute mark my door opened and I motioned for Mason to have a seat. I thanked him for the hard work and for keeping me updated and he visibly relaxed. Then I said we can discuss all that later, but how was Riley? He said Mike, she makes a lot of mistakes and isn't all that interested. I smiled and said, so what was the problem too much cream in your coffee? He sat straighter in his chair and said that unfair. I said, possibly but she was not here to run errands for you. I said, I bet she would have been more interested if it was meaningful work that was assigned. Besides all that you seem to be getting more than your share of people pissed off. He said, well I'm busy and have no help. I said, I understand with all the lunches you have been ringing up, oh I almost forgot the dinner at the City Grill. So Mason, when was the last time you paid for your own lunch? He sat there and I said, the silence says a lot. We sat there looking at each other and I opened a desk drawer and took out a folder. I laid it on the desk and took out a check and handed it to him. Mike whats the check for? I said, your real estate classes, I promised to pay for those. Then I reached for the non-compete and tore it in 4 pieces and handed it to him. He just looked and again we just looked at each other. Finally he said Mike, now what? I said you have a choice, you are free to simply walk out of here and never come back. The other option is to accept the position of President of Standard Properties at the compensation package I am about to show you, adopt a totally different approach to dealing with people, you can hire an experienced commercial real estate agent. Understand I am expecting a major check on you ego and there will be a tough assed non-compete. I handed him a folder with all the Information he needed. I then told him he had till close of business tomorrow (5:00 PM) to give his answer to Tim. He looked at me and said, Mike I'm sorry, I didn't realize what an ass I had become. I stood up from behind my desk, shook his hand and said, dude I hope you stay and words are unimportant simply show you are serious by your actions. Then I said have a good night and if you feel you need an attorney either Brian or Tim will recommend one. As he was walking away, I said Mason I appreciate all the good work. I started towards dad's office and Ruth stopped me and said, damn you did that well. I said thanks and went into dad's office. Dad asked so how did the Mason thing go? I said, I tore him a new one, in essence fired him and gave him a way back with a 5:00 deadline tomorrow to accept. Then I patted him on his back and told him I hope he stays. Dad smiled and said nice job. We talked about the Enterprises Board meeting and the 3 tee times. I said, I'm playing in the first group and I don't care about the rest. Dad laughed and said, Michael I have that as well as the changes. With that I headed to the parking lot and drove home. At home, I went right outside with an Arnold Palmer and simply sat there. All of a sudden there were two hands on my shoulder and I knew it was Cole. I jumped up grabbed him under his arms and pushed him harder than intended and said please park the fucking helicopter and I planted a big kiss on his lips and he kissed me back. We were both instantly hard and I asked so what do you want? He smiles and said your ass right here. I said nope, but upstairs. He kissed me again and we went to his room. It was intense and as he was working my ass I shot a load on the bed. He looked at the mess and slapped my ass and deposited a load deep in my ass. We kissed and jumped into the shower and continued making out. We were drying off when dad called up saying dinner was ready. I thought shit that was close and was hoping Ryan had cooked and dad had not ordered. When I saw the ribs and fries, I knew it was dad but thankfully he had also ordered a salad. I asked Cole, so what's with golf? Mike, it is 3 days a week and the Oakmont guy is the best. There are no changes to my swing, just making it work under pressure. Saturday, I'm playing Oakmont at 12:45 as some asshole has the course tied up at 1:00. I'm playing with almost every pro there. Changing after nine. I laughed and said well play fast as I'm the 1:00 tee time. He laughed and said well count on 5 hours. I laughed and said, the fucking members will kill you. As dad cooked, Cole and I cleaned up. Upstairs I checked my messages and there was one from Mason, asking that I give him a call. I thought about it for a while and figured WTF and called him back. He answered saying Mike, thanks for the call but I wanted to let you know, I'm going to pass on your offer. I said, thanks and I hope thing work out for you. I was about to hang up when Mason screamed, MIKE FOR CHRIST SAKE, IM KIDDING. I said welcome aboard. He laughed and asked, so did either decision matter to you? I said, yup and have a good night. Then I thought well that was harsh and said, dude you are important and you were my first hire, I'm happy you are staying. Remember to let Tim know, now good night. I was actually very pleased, I liked him and damn he does get things done. I really want the drama around him to stop and we will talk about that sooner rather than later. I was having a great day and then I saw a message from Rob and he wanted a returned call. I simply returned the call and he answered saying he didn't think, I would return the call. I said, well I did so what's do you want. He said he didn't want the Carrie thing to come between us and I said, last time I saw that ship they were playing anchors aweigh. So I thought that ship had sailed. He laughed and then said I guess it's going to be that way? I laughed and said, dude, frankly I don't give a fuck, good night. Then I saw a message from Sean and my mood immediately got better. I called and he thanked me for an awesome week. I said, dude you already did that like 5 times, so what's up. He said Just a heads up. Jim is trying to change back here and the coaches most likely be calling you, soon. I said thanks and I really don't care what they do, I'm a Hokie. Sewn, laughed and said dude I told them that and they just shook their heads asked about the time we spent together. No details naturally. I said thanks and hung up. Just then my phone rang and it was Carrie, I answered so it would not go to voicemail and immediately hung up and blocked her number, knowing full well that there would be a scene tomorrow in school. Let the games begin, but I'm not playing. I just put my phone down and it rang and it was Tim. I said Tim, you calling to tell me Mason is onboard? He laughed and asked, so how did you get him so cooperative? I laughed and said I fired him and offered him a new job and told him I didn't care which he chose. Then I patted him on the back and let the chips fall where they may. Well they fell in the exact place you wanted them. I said thanks, what else? He said, golf on Saturday we need to find a place for one more, we have 13. I said, well I won't play or I'll see if I can play with Cole at 12:45 so it's cool, I can play any time. I had no intention of messing with Cole's event. Damn, it was a full evening and I was tired but tired in a good way. I decided to take a shower and get to bed at my new time of 10:30. I said good night to dad and Cole, set the alarm and tried to sleep. The Rob and Carrie thing made it hard to sleep as I didn't want a scene. I was up before the alarm and looked out the window to see a rainy morning. With a run out of the question, I showed, dressed in preppy clothes as I had that doctors appointment. Downstairs it was coffee, toast and fruit. I drove Cole to school and then went to what I knew was a drama filled morning. I parked in my usual, spot and sure enough there was Rob and Carrie waiting at the door. I went right up to them and stood there and just looked at her. Neither of them said anything so I turned and went to class. Carrie came in and sat beside me an I simply ignored her and focused on class. After class I started to get up and Carrie said Mike, why are you being a jerk? I gave her a rye smile and went to class. It was like that all morning and at lunch Rob sat with us and JJ said dude, what fuck is your problem? He said Mike won't talk with us. JJ almost fell off his seat laughing and said, ok asshole give us one reason why he should? If you do that I'm sure he will talk with you. Just then Sam came up and sat between JJ and Rob and said, Rob if you don't get out of here right now, I'll beat the shit out of you and Mike can wait in line, you are a total jerk, just go and GO NOW. To everyone's surprise Rob got up threw his food away and left the cafeteria. Sam looked at me and said, I'll keep that ass in it's place. I laughed and said thanks. Going to class, I thought I should get Sam and Cole together. That might be a fun group. Afternoon classes were back to normal, but I was wondering where the wingman was in all the lunch drama. I was loosing patients with the dude. I actually wanted him to stay at Pitt. I signed out of study hall and went looking for coach. Nancy said he was at administration and had a meeting. I talked with Nancy for a while and drove to the doctors. I was early for the appointment and settled in the waiting room reading a magazine. Right on time I was taken to an exam room, weighed at 220 lbs and 6'4, normal temperature and great blood pressure. I was sitting there and Dr. Jenkins came in and started with the questions. He felt my glands and said Mike, you are cleared for normal activity, run, work out and it was good to see your weight didn't go up with less activity. So basically I still want you in bed by 10:30 every night. Keep, doing what you are doing. Then he asked about the Spring Break and the various flavors? I said it was fun and very limited and always safer. He said, fine but I wish it didn't happen at all. I said well now that I'm single, it will continue. We discussed that and I said doc, I have a head doctor for that. He laughed and said, I know and that brings me to tell you that we will be sharing information, generally. Me providing specifics and them providing general information. They will have you sign off on that. I said fine, but their general information does not go to dad. Dad and I have a deal with that. If that's a problem, I just hold off seeing either of you till I'm 18. He laughed and said, you are so predictable, we assumed that. You have my word. We shook hands and I headed home. On the way home, I stopped at the gym and used my mobile locker room and went inside and did a moderate workout and fuck did that feel good. At home, Cole came flying up to me and I was going to get a hug and he backed off saying, damn you stink get a shower and it's leftovers and your dad will be late. It was a quick shower as I was hungry. Downstairs I grabbed a beer and it was a salad, reheated ribs and fruit. Cole was pissed as he thought we should be eating better. He is a pain in the ass but he is correct, ribs two nights in a row isn't good. I made a mental note to mention the food situation to dad and then Megan. Cole and I could gang up on them. I needed to deal with long neglected school work I spent 45 minutes on Spanish and the rest of the night was reading for History and a stupid poem for English. With that being complete, I spent half an hour on the CMU stuff. I checked my phone and sent 7 emails to Riley, deleted 3 and saw a strange one then I realized it was from Palmer companies. It was an invite to play golf at Latrobe on Saturday with a tee time of 1:30. I simply replied, I was available and would not need lunch as I had a BOD meeting in the morning. I figured I would get directions at Oakmont. Well that solved the golf situation. Then I sent a follow up email to Palmer's secretary and asked for details. With all that done I went downstairs and saw that dad was still not home. I left him a note and went upstairs. I found Cole and and said goodnight. I set the alarm and found that this early bed time was a pain in the ass and sleep didn't come easily, now that I was feeling better. Then the Latrobe thing flew into my head as I was thinking it wasn't an innocent round of golf. I eventually fell asleep. I woke to a beautiful day and Cole and I did the morning run in record time. I put coffee on and joined Cole in the shower. It was a quick shower then coffee and an English Muffin with strawberry jam. The usual ride to school after dropping Cole off. I laughed when there was an essay to do based on the poem and I could tell Carrie had not read it. On the way out I said your slipping, is bb boy worth it? She tried to slap me and I moved away laughing. It was funny until second period when I was called to the guidance office. I was told to have a seat and Mr Ramo would be with me in a minute. It was just that and I was taken into the office and Mr. Ramo said so how are things, Mike? I just looked and said, well that's a very complicated question, can you be more specific? He said, well you and I got off to a bad start and I feel that most of that was on me, assuming you were a spoiled jock. Since I owe you, well in my mind, I have been looking at a different schedule for you that could get you out of here at noon every day do do the CMU stuff and the work stuff. You need, English, History, math and Physical Ed to graduate. The math is covered by you testing out of math here and I am totally aware that you could take that test right now. If fact right now you are going to test out of this year, it seems you have been too busy to take the test. I laughed and said, it's a thing we me and the teacher. He laughed and said, so I was told. He said Mike, you can take it now or tomorrow? I said, now is good. He asked if I wanted a calculator and I said, well if one is available it will make it go faster, but not really. I was taken to a conference room, looked at the test and just started to laugh. Mr. Ramo said ok what's so funny? This is the CMU test that I was given before, I took the CMU test. I was asked if that was a problem and I said, actually it is three problems but while this is totally unfair, I have it. I'll need that calculator and about 45 minutes. The actual test took me 20 minutes and I didn't turn the calculator on. I handed the paper to Mr. Ramo and said, please tell my math teacher to go fuck himself, you see after I passed the CMU test, I did this to see what my original test was like. Like the dean said, my replacement test at CMU was much harder. However, I'm tired of the games and lack of ethics. Mr. Ramo said, so you just took and apparently easily passed a test on material not taught here, is that correct? I said yup, but can we get back to my schedule for next year. We went back into his office and he said, Mike you opened a lead for the top spot as you are #1 by 3/4 of a point and if I were to bet, that lead will grow. I asked, if he would be surprised to hear that this #1 thing doesn't matter to me? He laughed and said, not at all, you are one driven SOB. I said thanks. Mike, let me deal with this, you will have all the AP classes you want and I'll have you out of here by noon or so every day. I said, that would be awesome and I'll let the math dude alone but I will not be in his class again. Mr. Ramo said Mike, I'll change the schedule but you will have to go to study hall. I laughed and said, well I can actually use the time. I was done just in time for lunch and I found Sam and said, dude what you doing after school? He said working out. I said perfect so am I, how about you come to my place, there is someone I want you to meet and if he gets there in time we can get something to eat. He said Mike, that would be great, can we go to the Tavern? I said sure if Cole gets home in time. I said, I see you at the stadium. After the workout we put the roof down on the Mustang and drove to my place. Cole wasn't there yet as it was a golf day. Sam and I went into the game room and he asked for a beer and I said, ok but just one. About 15 minutes later Cole came in, looked at Sam and I and grabbed a beer and joined us. I made the introductions and said, when you guys are done with the beer we are going to the Tavern for dinner. Sam was excited and Cole was totally indifferent. We climbed into the car and drove to the Tavern. They ordered iced tea and I ordered an Arnold Palmer and that's exactly what we got. I ordered a salad, with chicken and cheese, the others ordered burgers and fries. My phone rang and I saw the number was Latrobe CC and I excused my self and went outside. It was Doc, Palmer's secretary. We chatted for a while and I was told that my group would include AP and the Presidents of Dick's Sporting Goods and The Giant Eagle. Then he said both might be looking for new HQ locations and AP wanted you to meet them. Then he said, this is not customer golf, it is very competitive. I thanked him for the call and went inside to Sam and Cole getting along. The food came and it was a fun time and those two seemed to be getting along very well. I dropped Sam off and Cole and I drove home. I went directly to my room and was working on the CMU courses when JJ called. When I answered he asked in Spanish if I had blue balls yet with no chick to get off on. I laughed and replied in Spanish, you're an asshole. He said Mike, what the fuck is up with Jim. He is like lost. JJ he is unsure about college again and is exploring VT again. That's all I know, I had Sean tell them that I didn't care as I'm a Hokie. I have not heard anything from them. It will be what it becomes. We talked about other things and when we hung up I went back to the CMU shit. I must have all in as Cole stuck his head in, said good night and turned the lights off. I got up checked the time and it was 10:50. I simply stripped and jumped into bed, thinking Cole is toast, well eventually. I was more tired than I thought and was immediately asleep. Please keep reading and be safe and comments are appreciated. Please if possible contribute to Nifty, it keeps stories like these coming Mike