Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2020 21:41:59 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 179 Cole and I went downstairs together and dad was there and shit dinner was in the dining room, damn twice in the same month. The food was salmon and asparagus, there was also a salad. It was really a great meal and I learned about cooking asparagus on the grill. The conversation was great and pleasant and for the first time, Megan talked about what she was doing. Once we were finished, it was a quick cleanup as it was all cooked on the grill. Cole was picked up by Sam and I went to the apartment. I hung out with Ray and Sean until about 10:00. I asked them to find something to do tomorrow afternoon as I would be home by 1:00 and was busy Friday with a "special" golf event. I said good night and went to my room. Once there I grabbed a beer and went to my room, where I sat at my desk and was thinking about Mason and then I remembered the financials. I spent 20 minutes on the foundation and I saw that the library and police had exhausted their funds and I was happy about that. There was too much money set aside for the caddies. Naturally we had not funded a startup so there was all that money. I was now thinking full scholarships for the caddies. I went back downstairs and grabbed a beer and a cigarette and went up and looked at the Trust. I went right to the bottom line and fuck it was amazing. I actually had a lot of debt but that was 2 loans for the building and the reality they were tagged to Enterprises, LLC. The bottom line was there was the 51% of Technologies, the investments were doing well. I added it all up and thought, why am I killing myself, I'll never spend all this. Then I thought, well there will be a Jet and I think, I'll but it and lease it to the company or companies. That thought was not settled in my mind when my door flew open and Cole threw himself on the bed. I said, so you have had a good night? He said MJ, Mandy was fun and Sam is a hoot and him and Kathy are very, very tight. Ok, Cole so you blew in here to tell me you had a fun night? He said MJ, I'm sorry I'm excited and this is my last weekend off. Beside that I realized Michel and I were done for a long time? Really, how did you come to that conclusion? Based on how much fun tonight was, it's been a long time since that happened. I said Cole, keep having fun and skip the sex. He looked at me and said, yeah right. Then he said, well in a few more weeks, I'll have a car and I laughed and said but no license or insurance. She shook his head and left closing the door. I thought Driving School, turned off the computer and jumped into bed. The morning run was fun and I really liked the group of 5 and we were all in good enough shape for some banter. At home, I grabbed Cole and said, I've been thinking and you should call a driving school and see when you can start lessons. He looked at me and said thanks. It was a quick shower and grey slacks and a dress shirt and a damn tie. At the office the day started with what was becoming normal a brief meeting with Riley. As she was leaving Mason came in and asked for a few minutes? I motioned him to have a seat and asked, what's up? He got real serious and asked, do you want my resignation? I said not at all, you are a valued member of my team. What I want is you to be able to work with others. He said well Jodie is a bitch. I said well what about Riley? He looked at me and said, I thought her and I were good? I said, dude think again and make it happen. As for Jodie, I have that so don't worry and build me a fucking boat club. Then I said, just so you know Kyle and Dillon really went to bat for you. He smiled and said thanks and left closing the office door. I was working on getting the company structure in my head and put question marks where I needed a better understanding. There was a knock on the boor and Jim and Jack were standing there and I suggested the conference room. We had just sat down and Ruth appeared with three coffees. I said thanks and asked, ok guys what's up? Jim said well we have a list, which he handed me. It included; flying lessons, PR, GE, the building, Cole and Riley. I looked at the list and said ok, why is Riley on the list? Jack turned three shades of red and said well, we got engaged last night. I said congrats when is the kid due. Jack tensed and said Michael, it's not like that. I said, sorry I couldn't resist that. Then Jim said Mike, Sunday you and Jack are spending 3 hours flying, I don't care where, but don't do anything stupid. Then Wednesday you and I are leaving after work and it will be a 5 hour flight. That will be a IFR flight. Then on the following Saturday it will be another 5 hours. Two with Jack and 3 with me. Then we will have a meeting and if Jack and I agree I will certify a solo, which will be one loop. If you manage that, we will see what happens next. I was stunned but had a giant smile. Then Jack went over the GE project and he said, that thing is a cash cow, I want a raise. I said well soon enough you will have to move them to the strip district location and not miss a beat. Then we can talk, oh Dillon is off limits as I have plans for him. Then Jim said Mike, I didn't care about the statement the other day, heck it was fun watching people squirm in their seats but the PR team, that includes me, will only be providing talking points for you from now own. Press releases will remain the same. I looked at Jack and asked so when is the wedding? He said we were thinking Christmas holidays and she has a favor that I will let her ask. I said sooner than later please, oh dinner on me so pick a nice place. Then I asked why is Cole on the topic list? Jack immediately said, I'm good with whatever there and he got up and left. He said Mike, last week Arnie and I watched Cole play and he was very good. However neither of us liked the temper tantrum on the first hole with Liam. Liam by the was was correct, Cole just didn't hit a very good second shot. We are wondering how mentally patient Cole is and would like to see him play a tournament without Liam. I said Major, he is very tough and can be patient once he gets a lead. He is like me smart most of the time but a mild wild streak. I thought for a minute and said well there is one more low key tournament in Akron next week that they are serious and lots of plane rides. I'll have Liam come up with a diaper rash o something more believable and Liam's buddy Bill should be able to make the trip. I'm hoping it isn't an overnight. Jim said thanks and said, enjoy your afternoon. As he was leaving is said thanks for all the flying. He said Mike, Jack will be tougher that me and for some reason he thinks your wild streak is bigger than I do. No mistakes. Back in my office there were study materials and I realized there was a test involved in this flight stuff. It was lunch time and was done till Monday and time to fucking play and play hard. I wasn't counting tomottow as work and hopefully that was correct. At home I went right to the apartment and asked are we just drinking or we doing something. Ray said well I'm not laying around all day drinking. I said ok what do you have in mind? He thought for a minute and said something totally silly, let's go to Kennywood. Sean said what the fuck is that and I said an old school amusement park. They have great roller coasters, one of the best wooden ones in the country and a new one. It will be silly but lots of fun. Sean said what's the fuck, I'm in. I said give me 30 minutes and oh, they have the best French fries at the Potato Patch. Sean said, you Pittsburgh dudes are different. In the house Cole was home and I asked, no golf? He said no tournament this week so a few days off. I asked if he wanted to go to Kennywood with Ray and Sean. He laughed and said, can you do that without a date? Cole, is that a yes or a no? We are leaving in 20 minutes. He said sure, can you and I make out in the Old Mill? I said just get ready. I changed into jeans and tee and grabbed an iced tea. We were off and it seemed more and more like fun as we got closer. Sean went right to the ticket window and made sure he paid as did JJ, Cole just looked and slipped him money so he could pay. The first two rides were the Jackrabbit and the racer. Then Sean asked well they were ok but nothing special. I said ok, put your big boy pants on. We went to the Thunderbolt and there was a line. After that ride Sean said, well that's awesome. I just laughed and said ok now that we are all warmed up it's Fantom time. It is the highest coaster in the country and a very steep vertical drop. We rode that twice and then started on the games and the bets flew all over the place, it was hard to keep track. We were walking around and it was a fun time. Then I saw the Potato Patch and went right over and ordered fries and a drink and everyone followed. The fresh cut fries and cheese sauce was great as usual. We decided to forget about the existing bets and start over at a reasonable pace. The bets were now one on one and I challenged Cole to a balloon tart throwing game. I laughed when I won and said ok, you and me at the Old Mill. We headed towards the ride and it was a slow dark boat ride. Once we were in the dark I said dude jack me off and damn he started right away. The ride ended before I shot a load. There was a bet between Ray and JJ which Ray won and said well that won't be collected here. I just laughed. There were more rides and games and I finally had a bet with Sean which he won. About 7:00 we decided to call it a day and we called the Tavern and placed a takeout order. The idea was to eat and drink at the apartment. I was determined to take it easy and not be hung over for that golf event at Oakmont. It was a great day but at 9:30 I said I have to go busy day tomorrow and I need to call the new girlfriend before she joins the growing members of ex-girlfriends. I started for the house and I heard Sean yell wait up. I stopped and he came up put his arm around me and said MJ, I'm staying these two weeks to spend time with you. That's guys are cool but really..... I laughed and said so in other words your journey and just want to collect on the bet. He said MJ, I will collect on the bet, but not tonight. Tonight it is another beer or two and please a cigarette. I laughed and we went in the house, I grabbed the cigarette from dad's office, Sean had the beers and we went to my room. We sat in the leather chairs and caught up on things. We just kept looking at each other and were actually flirting some. After the second beer, I got up pulled him out of the chair gave him a big hug, he looked me in the eye and leaned in for a kiss and it was intense. I pulled back and said, why the fuck didn't we do this an hour ago. He said well it was more fun flirting with you. I kissed him again and we were naked and in bed in a flash. We were making out like crazy but it wasn't going anywhere serious. I was eating his ear and asked, if this is was all he wanted and before I knew it I was on my back with my knees around my ears and his dick in my ass, and damn he was working my ass with long slow strokes that were driving me nuts. I grabbed his head and pulled him close and kissed him and all a sudden he pulled out and shot all over my face. He immediately started licking it up and we were kissing again. I looked at him and said well now my turn, suck me off and when I was close I pushed him off my cock and shot a load in his open mouth. It was more kissing and I pulled him close and we fell asleep holding each other. A loud knock on the door woke us and Cole asked, you guys running and we both instantly said NO. We both looked at each other and laughed. Sean said well I guess we will have to pay for that fun last night. I smiled and asked, do you give a fuck? Me said nope, but I need to get back to the apartment and we will see you for dinner. Sean left and I jumped into the shower and shaved and dressed in appropriate golf clothes and selected a South Hills shirt and a VT hat. The color coordination was a bitch and ultimately I didn't care. Nothing I owned would match the hat. I made a note to order VT Clothes. Downstairs dad was reading the paper, smoking and drinking coffee. I said so dad, looks like you have everything you need. I filled my coffee cup and dad said Mike, you are driving and the damn roof stays up. Dad was ready to go so I filled my travel mug and we were off to the club. At the club, I just laughed as dads clubs were taken out of the trunk. They were loaded into a cart with my clubs and dad got out of the car and I parked. We drove to the range and hit balls for about 30 minutes. That was more than enough for me and I was watching dad when Liam and Bill appeared and I was told that they were asked to caddy, Mike, the Club President and the most influential member, what have you gotten yourself into? I shrugged and said, I was hoping you would tell me. I said babysit dad and I'll see you on the putting green. I went to the Pro Shop and found the head pro and he looked at my hat and laughed. I said, I know you can't or won't tell me what's up but what can I expect with the golf. He said they will want to play medium tees and expect you to go solo on the tips. I asked about Liam and Bill and his reply was the course is set up tough and pins are set at second round of an open, enjoy the round. Back at the putting green Liam asked what's up? I said well I'm playing the tips and the course is set for second round of an open. He said, I'll be right back and he disappeared into the caddy area. He returned a few minutes later and handed me a book, with today's pin placements. I laughed and said you keep that and make sure you have my bag. Just then two guy pulled up in a cart and they both came up to me and I called dad over and I said, good morning. Thanks for the invite. I introduced dad to Morgan, the club president and Chester the member. I was told that they would like to play the Blue tees and I was free to play whatever I wanted. I said well I'll play the tips and dad will join you on the tees you selected. I went up to Liam and he handed me the Driver and said the pin is back left and if possible right fairway with your natural draw on the second shot would be perfect. Then he laughed and said, shit just hit the fairway. That was a bit more than I could do and my natural draw it was left center. I waited while everyone hit and it was obvious that dad would be an even match till he got on the green. We got to my ball and Liam said 180 and just hit the center of the green and everything goes left. Just take a 2 putt par and that will be great. The round continued and Liam was the best. The round was casual chat and was actually enjoyable. I had 34 on the front and the others were between 39 and 42. They were having a great time together and I was included in most of it but felt I i was being watched very closely. The back nine went about the same and when we got to 17 Liam handed me a 3 iron and I shrugged and lit it right in the middle. Then it was a wedge that was ended up inside 3 feet and it was an easy birdie. There was a par on 18 and I finished with a 69. Dad shot 81 and the other two were 79 and 42. I thanked Liam and Bill and said unfortunately this isn't my gig, but I got it next time. We had played 18 holes and spend 3 hours and 50 minutes together and I still had no idea what was going on. Well lunch would be interesting and it would be what it became. We went into the men's grill and it was actually my first time. I was instantly comfortable and once we were all seated drinks were ordered. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and everyone else ordered various beers. The talk was about the round and the good shots and the not so good shots. There was another round of drinks and food was ordered. There was still no hint what all this was about and we ordered. I ordered a club sandwich and just waited patiently. Finally Morgan said Mike it was great having you with us today. I said Morgan, it was enjoyable. I was asked so how did you know the pins so well today, I laughed and said, I know the little people who matter around here and are often overlooked. I got a look from day that indicated, be nice. Then Morgan said well we had our two best young caddies with us today and we would like to select them for your scholarship. I said well that would be great, we have however changed the rules. There was dead silence and I said, it's not $1,000 it's a full ride for both of them. I said members at the three clubs all contributed and at $1,000 it would be 2060 before we ran out of money. I asked that the Club award them the award at a special event. I was thinking this was a big fuss for that, but the food arrived and I was enjoying my sandwich. Then Chester said Mike do you know when we are hosting another Open? I had to swallow but said yes 1992 the Woman's Open and in 1994 the Men's Open. Chester said Mike, you are a very unique member here and a lot of very important people made that possible and we almost needed a new Manager when we approved your membership. We are all amazed at how you have handled all the rules we imposed. While you played today, I'm sure you know Chet and I were watching you. You are a very cool customer. We have a favor to ask. I said well I'll do my best, what do you need? Well Mike, hosting the Open is a real pain in the ass and we would like, you to be on the committee for both events. We are aware that you will be completing your first year at VT and it will complicate your life. Then you will be the youngest member of a host committee in the history of the Open. It would enhance your image and standing and we get to make a statement. I was shocked and simply said, I would be honored. On the drive home dad and I talked about the round and he asked why I stayed out of things during the round? I told him I was trying to be distant as I knew they wanted something and wanted to hear it on their terms. Besides, while they were watching me I was watching and evaluating them. They are both nice guys and one knows what he is doing and one does not. He laughed and changed the topic to Liam. He wanted to know if I had anything to do with his selection. I laughed and said dad, not at all but because of his relationship with Cole, I was willing to see to it that he was covered. Dad asked, and your relationship with him? Dad, it is what you saw today, nothing more nothing less. Then he asked about my new girl? I said, things are good and very early, her dad is one of the loan officers on project 2, so it's complicated. Then, having enough of the questions, I asked about Megan. He smiled and said very good. Thankfully we were almost home and I turned the tunes up on the car stereo. Once at home, it was a shower and looking at my self, it was right to the mall for a quick haircut and I was pleased Caleb wasn't there and it was a major trim. Once back at home, I called Beth, expecting a ass chewing. She answered with hey, how is the time with the guys going? I told her what we had done and about the golf earlier today. I asked what she was up to and she said shopping with friends and golf. Then I told her about Sunday and flying lessons. Before she could say anything, I asked when she might be free tomorrow. She said anytime, think we could double with JJ and Dee? I said ok, that sounds like fun, I'll check and get back to you a little later. I knew that might be an issue with Sean and Ray having nothing to do, not to mention Cole. I called JJ and asked if him and Dee wanted to do something tomorrow. I said I have not seen Beth in a couple of days and she suggested a double date. JJ laughed and suggested adjoining rooms at the Sheraton. I laughed and said I was thinking about Sandcastle. He said well actually that sounds like fun. Let me get back to you. Damn, I was exhausted but called Sean, He said he was working. I said, so you are recruiting Ray? He said yes and he was being shown around the city. I told him about tomorrow and Sandcastle and he said he understood and I said how about 7:00 dinner, just the guys on Mt. Washington. There was a few seconds of silence and he said Ray says awesome. I said well hit me up when you are done working for the day. He laughed and hung up. I grabbed my headphones, put on some quiet classical music and must have fallen asleep. I was suddenly awake as Cole was sitting on my bed, staring at me. Ok dude, what's up? He said just so you know Mandy and I are doubling with Sam and Kathy and we're are going to Sandcastle. I said really, JJ and our girls just planned the same thing. Then I said a guys only dinner tomorrow night in Mt. Washington, you in? He said that's a pass, I have early golf. I said, that fine but I have early flying lessons so it will not be a late night. He left and I thought damn he woke me up for that? Knowing better I got up went to his room, knocked on his door and found him laying on his bed with his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. I sat on the bed and said, ok same question as before. He looked at me and I said what's up? You didn't wake me up to tell me about you schedule? He smiled and said MJ thanks bro being my brother and including me in things. I said same question what's up? He said, golf as after next weekend it gets very, very serious. I said, yes it does and you knew that, so what's up? He said, Liam. I rely on him too much and I'm wondering if it is him or my talent? I smiled and said Cole, who hits the fucking shots? He said well I do. Then I said how about this, next weekend isn't important it's a fun round on a course you have not seen before, give Liam a weekend off and ask Bill to fill in. MJ, Liam might be upset? Dude, I'll deal with it and then you will know. I'm thinking you and Liam are a great team but if it came to it you would adjust. Shit dude, you are in high school with a steady caddy, chill. It will be what it becomes. I went back to my room and started looking at some work shit and got seriously involved. There was a knock on my door and it was Megan who immediately sat in a chair, I turned and asked, what brings you here? She said, well actually you. I laughed and said so now that you found me what's on the agenda? She laughed and said your inability to answer you phone. Sean and Ray have been calling you for over an hour, with no reply and they called the land line asking if you were still alive. I said, damn I was working and had the phone on silent for my nap. She got up and started to leave but stopped at the door and said, oh thanks for figuring out Cole, it helped him a lot. I said no problem, have a good night. I immediately called Beth and made plans for tomorrow and left for a fun relaxing night with the guys. Thanks for all the comments, they are appreciated and keep me writing. If possible during these trying times please support NIFTY. Stay safe and healthy.