Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2020 21:08:03 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 184

I woke to an ugly rainy Monday morning so I jumped in the shower and
dressed in a grey suite and red tie and went downstairs, put coffee on
and scrambled a couple of eggs and added toast. I was eating breakfast
and dad appeared and simply shook his head. I smiled and said just
dressing for the day. I pulled into the parking lot at 7:30 and went
right to my office. I started on the crap on my desk, fired up the
computer and scheduled a meeting with Mason for tomorrow at 3:00. I was
enjoying the quiet start and my desk was cleared off by the time Ruth
asked if I needed anything? I said thanks but I need coffee and I'll get
it. She said, ok but I see you have a busy day. I said yup and headed for
the cafeteria, filled my coffee mug and was back in my office as Riley
walked in and sat down. That review took almost 90 minutes with me
thanking here for a job well done. Next on the agenda was accounting and
I went to their area and asked for a detailed report on Mason's
expenses. I was told it would be 15 minutes and it would be in my email.
I sat down and chatted with the clerk as she worked. I asked how thing
were and she said Mr. Simmons things are great and the system easily
proved all kinds of information. I said please, I'm Mike and her printer
started and she handed me the report and I said Jane, thank you very
much. Are all the reports that easily obtained and she said yes. I smiled
and asked that she email me the report for Dillon.


Back at my office I started looking at the report for Mason. I took out a
highlighter and started marking "items of interest" when that was done
I made a copy and then scanned the document and emailed it to Jack. I
simply asked for comments. Things we're moving quickly and when I
checked my emails Dillon's expenses were there. I printed it out and it
was only 2 pages and in looking at it there was one strange item and I
compared to to Masons and it was identical to an $98.00 charge that
appeared on Mason's report a number of times which was a hotel charge. I
thought that was strange to say the least. I marked that item and made a
copy and Ruth said Mike, I can make copies for you. I said Ruth, I'm a
big boy and you have enough to do. I had just sat down and Dillon
appeared all smiles and asked how my vacation was? I said great and I
hope you were not over worked. He laughed and said I was busy but it was
fun. There was only one real issue and we had a meeting and worked it
out. I said well, that's great and I appreciate that. We discussed
everything on his agenda and I was really pleased with him. When we were
finished I asked if he had ever been to the Sleep Inn in Robinson. He
looked and me and asked where did that come from, I've never even heard
of that place. I asked if Mason had ever borrowed his corporate card and
he said well not that I'm aware of as he has his own. Mike is there a
problem? I handed him the expense report and Dillon looked at it and said
that's not possible. I looked at him and said, Dillon it is possible but
I know it wasn't your charge and believe me when I say you are in great
shape in my eyes and in the eyes of Kyle. You have no reason to be upset.
He asked, so should I be looking for a new roommate? I smiled and said, I
hope not but you never know. Ask Kyle to stop in anytime. He looked at me
and I said Dillon just relax you are very good. He finally said Mike,
thanks I really like it here.


I called accounting and asked for Jane and when she got on the phone and
I asked if I could have all of Mason's expense reports and receipts. She
said well that's takes time you will have them tomorrow morning. I said
thanks and as I hung up Kyle appeared and asked what did you do to upset
Dillon, he is a mess. I handed him the expenses and picked up the phone
and asked Ruth to have Dillon come back to my office. Kyle looked at me
and said thanks and Mason appeared to be an ass and I opened my desk
drawer and showed him the pictures. He looked and said holy shit. I asked
how his time away was and he said great and the wife really appreciated
dinner and me being home. I said well you need to do more of that and
Dillon is able to cover and you being available by phone would solve all
the issues. Just then Dillon appeared and I said please have a seat. I
looked directly at him and said Dillon, there was no way I wanted to
upset you, I'm sorry I needed to check. Besides we both knew that was
not you but your roommate has a bunch of charges there, all during
working hours and those were very expensive lunches. He actually laughed
and said, I have no idea how my card was used. Dillon, just watch where
you keep it. Now what do you want to ask us? He said well I guess I'll
be looking for an apartment I can afford on my own. I asked so how much
does Mason contribute towards rent? He said $400.00. Dillon for three
months you can expense that much and by then you have time to work this
out. He said thanks and him and Kyle left. At the door I asked Dillon,
are you ok? I got a big smile and he said well as good as possible and
thanks for trusting me. Kyle put his arm around him and they went on
their way.


I called dad and asked if he had a minute? He said he would be right over
and about 10 minutes later he appeared and asked what's up. I showed him
the expense reports and then the pictures and waited for a response. He
said Mike, do you have a choice? I said well I'm looking for one but not
finding any. Then dad said Mike, Megan has two housekeepers for you and
Cole to interview on Wednesday. Can you do 6:30 & 7:00. I said sure but
some notice would be nice. He said Mike, that's on me, I forgot. I shook
my head and said that's happening a lot. Then he said well when you deal
with Mason have the HR lady with you. Remember he works for Enterprises.
Dad remember she works for both companies. But I send a request for her
and I scheduled a meeting with Mason tomorrow at 3:00 and I'll meet with
her in the morning. He looked at me and said, I'm sorry he was a good
hire. Dad can we have a good hire that is a total jerk? Mike that's why
we pay you the big bucks. I laughed and said and that's why you did what
you did yesterday. Michael, just do what needs to be done and you know
what that is. I sent an email to HR and asked Maggie for an early meeting
and then again at 3:00.


Wow, what a morning, I ordered lunch from the new restaurant and started
on the company. Dad was President, Kyle was CEO and I was moving Dillon
to COO and Jordan as CFO. I would remain as Chairman of the Board. We
would have to adjust responsibilities. All that brought me to the new
board of directors. I really needed that done and I wanted an active
group of advisors. That would me my main focus. Lunch came and it was a
better chicken salad than the other place. I simply worked through lunch
and finally simply stopped and drove to the building. It was a hub of
activity as they had started on building 2. On the tour I ran into Allen
and he asked me to stop by the trailer on the way out. I said sure and
damn the building was moving along. It was almost all closed in and I
stood in dad's office space and marbled at the view. On the way out I
saw Bruce from the furniture dealership measuring. I stopped and he said
that the furniture for the display was on its way and that the building
looked better than he imagined. I said thanks and asked how Riley was
doing. He said that she was great and very helpful. I asked about Mason
and he laughed and said, not at all as he is running around looking for
clients. I said thanks and went looking for Allen.


I went into the trailer and Alan was on the phone and I amused myself
with drawings. Once he was off the phone he said that he discovered the
source of the over order and that it was JJ architects and was signed off
on by Jodie. I thought that's not like her, she signed off on something
put in front of here. Allen said that the thing actually saved money and
the building looked much better. I said well I guess lucky is better than
good. Then I said that in any case they were not on building 2 and that I
had my doubts about further involvement and that things were not moving
along as fast as I wanted with the restaurant. He said whatever as he was
too busy to deal with them but that things were going very smoothly on
both projects and it really helped to have captive workers. Mike these
guys simply love working on this project. Allen thanks for the help.


At this point I simply went to the gym and had an intense workout. The
time in the sauna was great but did nothing to relax me. The entire time
I was thinking about Mason. If the ass hadn't issued that vailed threat
about Jack and I it would have been a while before this surfaced if at
all. I don't care about who or what he has sex with and I don't care
that he apparently payed for it or how kinky it gets. Fuck I have no room
to point fingers. However, it matters that it was during work hours,
apparently a lot, and the the company was paying for the room. I tried to
put it out of my mind, with absolutely no luck at all. Still thinking
about it I called Tim and asked for the earliest morning meeting he could
do and we settled on 7:00. I thought damn no run but I could afford to
miss a day and there would be another afternoon workout. Then I
remembered that I wanted to call Coach Weston. Not being a fan of talking
on the phone and driving and that I once again had the roof down I pulled
into a McDonald's and ordered an iced tea and called the coach. When he
answered he said Mike, you were on my list of people to call, we haven't
seen you at the school for workouts. Coach, I have been swamped. He
laughed and said I see that as there isn't a week that goes by when you
are not in the newspaper. Coach, I have been working out at my gym and
actually, I have grown to appreciate the sauna. Coach, I'm still 6'4
and last time I checked I'm 222. He said well that's fantastic but it
would be nice if you made an appearance here at school. Please put that
on your to do list. Coach what are the hours that the workout room is
open. He said Mike, it open every day from noon to six and Saturday from
seven till three. I said ok coach I'll be there twice a week. He laughed
and said well it will matter to your team, thanks. Then he asked about
Ray and the QB. I laughed and said well that requires a very long talk,
how about lunch some day, very soon. He said absolutely and I suggested
Thursday and it was all set for the Tavern.


I drove home, put the roof up on the car and went inside looking for dad.
With no luck I found Cole who said that he needed a ride to the super
market as he was tired of the shit for dinner. It was a quick trip as he
knew what he wanted, which was t-bones, baking potatoes and salad. At
home the potatoes were cleaned, smeared with butter and salt and wrapped
in aluminum foil and put on the grill. He handed me an iced tea and said
thanks. We went back on the deck and we talked about his stress level for
golf on Wednesday and I assured him that it was a routine event and that
I bet Fred was in town for something else. He laughed and said that's
not what has me worried, who is the fucking 4th? Look Cole the club has
two Opens in the next 3 years so it could be anyone and besides Liam will
be there. Mike that's just it he won't be as we will be in carts. I
promised to try to find out and just then dad came in.


Dad had gone directly into his office and was pouring a drink and I
laughed and asked, was your day like mine? He said well things are very
good but that he needed to get to the Cape for a PR event. It's a waste
of two days. So dad, you taking the jet? He said damn, I forgot about
that. Look dad you should see if the Majors are available. They both
might enjoy the trip. He said that was an excellent idea but actually I
was thinking you needed to go with me. I said dad, that's your gig, why
me? He laughed and said because of the other day it is now our gig, if
they want something it is up to you. I looked at him and said, are you
fucking kidding me, you are the fucking President and this is your deal.
He laughed and said Mike, I was just fucking with you, I have this until
you say otherwise, but you need to make the trip. He said it is next
Wednesday and I put it on the calendar for 2 days. I changed the topic to
Mason and asked if he saw any way I could keep him? Dad thought for a
minute and said make him your assistant and in charge of the GE move to
the strip and pull his fucking credit card. Then I asked what he thought
about Dillon? He said well he needs a raise and a promotion. I said to
what position? He laughed and said you already know, directly under the
CEO. Then I asked so dad how did Dillon and Mason get so different? Mike,
you know that as well, they both have the same interests, both work hard
yet one cares about others and one doesn't. Then he said well one has
integrity and one is a born salesman and he needs watched closely. Just
then Cole yelled dinner is ready.


I figured he had checked with his mom as Megan was seated at the kitchen
island drinking red wine. I was starting to enjoy these meals. There were
relaxing and rarely was there a cross word. Once dinner was over, dad and
I cleaned up and Cole and his mom went outside and we're chatting.
Feeling a good bit better I went to the apartment and found Ray and Sean
drinking beer and talking. I asked about their day and Sean said that
they went on the boat ride that we blew off the other day. He said damn
it was fun and this asshole, pointing to Ray, actually know shit about
this town. I told Ray, I had talked with coach Weston and he had asked
about you. He replied Mike, we had a long talk this morning right after
the run, he asked about your involvement in all this and I said that
there was none, except for your dealings with Mark and Janet. Then he
said, oh I didn't tell him about you. Sean immediately asked, so what
about you, Mike? I looked at Ray who immediately said oops. I looked at
Sean and said dude, I'll never lie to you so let's go for a walk. We
went outside and I said Sean, not a word about this to anyone. You know
about my Trust, correct? He said yes that in a few months you will be in
complete control of a lot of money. I said well and a lot of money and 2
companies and 3 subsidiaries. The only thing is that for some reason dad
moved that up. As of the other day I am in total control. To do this he
also relinquished parental control, so like Ray I am an emancipated
minor, with legal standing. I laughed and said well technically I'm
homeless. He stoped walking and asked, now what? Sean, it's the same in
many ways, well except that my safety net is gone and I am in the process
of building new one. Then he asked Mike, the two buildings who owns them?
I said well the bank and I. The construction loans were secured with the
tenants and the land which I paid for and bought before anyone realized
their value. So I owe 20 and they are worth about 30. He said I assume
that's millions and I replied correct. He laughed and said thanks, I
can't comprehend all that. I laughed and said it boggles my mind as
well.


Sean went to the apartment and I went to my room and called Major Jim.
When he answered I asked if it would be possible for me to solo for an
hour or so tomorrow afternoon? He asked why? I said I have a tough
morning at work and want to be alone and do something that is totally fun
that I have and none of my buddies have. Mike, I don't have a problem
with that but it depends on the weather. I'll check around noon and if
it is almost perfect, I'll get the plane to the service line. There
should be, then he stopped and said you know the fucking rules and this
is me trusting you. I said thanks and understood. I spent some time
developing a plan for Mason and called Dillon. When he answered I asked
if he could talk and he said yes as the asshole was out somewhere. I
asked if he had said anything to Mason about what we had talked about? He
said no and that Mason had asked about my last meeting with you and I
just covered work issues. I said thanks and I hope this doesn't ruin
things between you two. He laughed and said well we are growing apart and
moving in together wasn't the best idea. But as you always say, it will
be what it becomes. Thanks for the call and the trust in me, it means a
lot to me. I work through things for about an hour and went downstairs to
join the real world.


Everyone was in the game room and everyone had a drink and I grabbed an
iced tea. Dad looked at me and said, so you are flying tomorrow? I said
yes, just an hour or so alone in the plane and he said, oh shit does the
Major know? I said yes and the weather needs to be perfect. Megan said,
so I here you have an involved morning tomorrow? I said very and I have
it all worked out and it will be what it becomes. Then I hope to have
wheels up by 5:00 and home here by 7. Then Cole said Mike, mom and I have
a question. I said ok shoot. Megan said we have nixed Cole's choice of a
car as it is too over the top and should be something more fun and
reflecting his age. Cole jumped in and asked if I minded if he got a
Stang? I said not at all just so it is a different color, I don't want
to have to think about which car I'm getting into. I got a giant hug and
he said he was thinking silver with a black rag top. I said perfect and
you have no idea how happy I am about your car, heck it would be great if
you had to peddle it, as far as I'm concerned. We chatted for a while
and damn, that was a first, a stress free family evening.


Back in my room I was finalizing, in my mind, what I wanted to do with
Mason when there was a knock on the door and I said Megan please come in.
She laughed and said how did you know? Well I have had conversations with
everyone else today so process of elimination. She said thanks for
understanding about the car. Megan he always wanted that but didn't want
to rain on my parade and he was concerned I would think he wanted to be
like me, I'm good. Then she threw me by asking, so you afraid you are
becoming your dad? I laughed and said well the cat is in the cradle and I
assumed that's why I got an early release. She laughed and said, damn
you are good. Look Megan, dad and I are alike, well somewhat in business
but different in many ways. She leaned back in the chair and said please
enlighten me. Well, dad does things to point, then gets board and dumps
the pieces and moves on. He is a very good salesman with integrity. Me, I
couldn't sell water to a nomad in the desert. I pick up the debris make
sense out of it and make money. She was quiet for a while and then said
well you forgot something. I asked what that was and she said well you
care more about the people working for you than he does, something I'm
working on. I asked if there was anything else and she said nope, what
about you? I said just thanks for letting me be me and for not being a
bitch. She laughed and said Mike, actually you are easy. Just treat you
like an adult, giving you some rope, well a lot of rope and you are easy.
I smiled and said well thanks for the chat and enjoy your evening.


With that and everything else out of the way, I grabbed my headphones and
jumped on the bed and listened to Kenny G. I had fallen asleep and woke
at 2:00 put my headphones away and stripped, set the alarm and jumped
under the sheet. I was up early, showered and dressed in a suit and tie,
packed a bag in case the plane ride worked out. Downstairs Cole laughed
and said no running today, I see. I said correct, and grabbed some coffee
and started for the office. It was 6:45 and I love this early start as I
was alone. Right on time and Tim appeared and we discussed the Mason
thing and I even showed him the evidence. He asked a few questions and we
discussed the possible changes. He said well you are trying to be more
than fair, I'm not sure that's a good idea. Then I asked to make sure
to bring a couple of copies of his non compete. All that took about 2
hours and I went to the cafeteria and made fresh coffee and when I got
back Maggie was waiting for me. I thanked for her time and we went in the
office and sat in the guest chairs. I outlined the issues and the
proposal I would make to Mason. She just sat there and asked, well if
this is all decided, why an i here? I said as a check to make sure I'm
not overboard. She said, it fine and got up to leave. I said pleas sit
back down. I said ok, what's you problem? She said you run around here
doing whatever you please, people get hired, promoted and moved around
and I don't even get a heads up. Now there is something unpleasant and
you want input from me. I told you when you hired me, I don't work that
way. I smiled and said you also indicated that you were not able to stay
in a place for long and here you sit. I'm not always this blunt but
adjust to me and my style or move on. I expect to see you here at 3:00,
enjoy your day. She simply got up and left. Ruth came in and said well I
knew it wouldn't take long for her to piss you off. I laughed and said
Ruth, I really don't care about her. She laughed and said I'll start
looking for a replacement.


Well that short discussion save 30 minutes and I went outside for a short
walk. The fresh air was great. Back inside I went to Kyle's office and
asked for a minute. We talked about Mason and he asked if what I was
doing was to placate Dillon? I said he is part of the equation and we
discussed his abilities and his areas in need of improvement. Then he
said Mike, I need this kid and you have no idea how important he his.
People around here really like him and are more than willing to do what
he wants. I said thanks and ask him to see me after lunch, around 1:00. I
want to explain what I am about to offer Mason. He said Mike, thanks that
will help a lot. When I got back to my office Ruth handed me a sealed
envelope from Maggie. I opened it and it was her resignation. I laughed
and in a marker I wrote not accepted and added GROW UP and asked that it
be returned to her. Ruth was laughing so hard she had to sit.


I ordered lunch which was a club sandwich and iced tea and started on the
reorganization of the company. Maggie appeared and sat in the chair. She
looked at me and said well no one has ever done that before. I asked, so
you staying? She said Mike until you piss me off again. I laughed and
said so till 3:15? She laughed and said you should just fire that thief.
I said I would rather he quit and it will limit the reaction from Dillon.
She said, well Dillon is a totally different guy. Trust him with you
money, hell even your life. I said I'll see you later just stay outside
till Ruth calls you in.


My food came and the sandwich was great and I was reading the paper when
Dillon came in. I laid out the options I was going to give Mason and he
asked questions. While this was going on the desk phone rang and it was
Ruth asking if you could see Mason now? I said Ruth, please tell him I'm
busy and will see him at 3:00. A few minutes later Ruth called back and
said he said he would wait. I looked at time and it was 2:00. I said
thanks and I'm still busy. I looked at Dillon and said there is no other
way out of here so you can stay or simply leave. All I ask is that you
don't give him a heads up. He laughed and said I'm leaving and there is
no way, I'll tell him anything. Dillon got up stopped at the door and
said Mike, thanks I'll get that done.


Ruth called and said that Mason followed Dillon to his office. I asked
that she call security and have a guy outside my office at 3:15 and not
before. She said, I don't know what's going on but that sounds like a
great idea. Just then dad called and said he was around if I needed
anything. I said I'm good and asked for one security guard for 3:15. I
said oh, Maggie quit and I rejected her resignation letter and told her
to grow up and she is staying and dad hung up laughing. At 2:30 I got up
closed the office door and just sat there pretending I was on the sand
dunes looking at the ocean. It helped a good bit and right at 3:00 the
desk phone rand and I answered saying Ruth, send Mason in. He came in and
I said please close the door and have a seat. Once he was seated I took
off my suit jacked, which I had just put on and joined him in a guest
chair. He immediately asked what I needed? I said well to start your,
business plan for Standard Property. The excuses immediately started that
business was slow and that he was working harder to find clients but no
one was looking to move and there was a lot of space available. I said
well Mason, I think I told the world about that at the ground breaking.
Were you listening? He said well it was hard to hear with every one
yelling your name. I laughed and said so now you are bull shitting me.
What's the real reason the business plan isn't done. He said well,
I've never done one. I laughed and said well neither had I and plopped a
plan for Enterprises on his lap. Mason, just pay for one and expense it.
He said well my expenses are high enough. I said well Mason, that the
first thing you said that I agree with. I got up, sat behind my desk and
picked up the phone and asked Ruth to send in Maggie and Tim. Mason sat
straight up in his seat and his eyes got real big.


Once every one was seated I said Mason, I'm glad you brought up your
expenses as I pulled them form the past few months. He immediately said
well they are all legit. I said well I have marked a few I would like to
discuss. I handed him 5 expense reports. There were 12 noted all at
hotels and all for $98.00. I waited for a response and he said they were
lunches. I said Mason be sure because I know otherwise. Then I handed him
the receipts. He turned pale. Then I asked why he needed a room in the
middle of the work day? He said well they were not rooms. I laughed and
said the documents tell a different story. I reached into a desk drawer
and took out a founder and asked was it so you could entertain, Wesley
Stanko? Oh you might know him by another name? Mason was silent and I
handed him another picture and said or was it Janice McNiff or you know
here as Candi? Again he just sat there. I leaned forward on my desk and
said, I don't care if it is gay sex, straight sex with a hooker or a
bisexual thing and a three way. What I care about is the $1,200 this cost
the company and the time away from business when you were too busy to
work on a business plan. I looked at him and said, ok your turn. He was
still quiet and I handed him Dillon's report and asked for an
explanation as Dillon did not make. Well according to him and the hotel
clerk.


Masson on was still quiet and I said dude at some point you are going to
have to say something or I'll have you escorted to the police station.
He took a deep breath and said Mike, I just fucked up. I will gladly pay
the money back. I said you got that right. He got up to leave and I asked
where he was going? He said to write a resignation letter. I said SIT
DOWN, there is enough time for that. I have a proposal for you, so simply
sit quietly and listen. It shouldn't be too hard as no one is shouting
my name. You are released from your duties with Standard Property, you
will either via payroll deductions or a structured payment return $1,200.
You will assume the duties that you were originally hired for and at that
salary. Your job will be to move, under Riley's direction, the NASA
people to the new building and then the GE people to the strip district
space. The other option is to write that resignation letter and please
remember this and Tim handed him his non-compete. In addition you will
schedule a meeting with me once a week. Finally, you will voluntarily
submit to a drug test. Tim has prepared the papers necessary for you to
sign, agreeing to these changes. You have till close of business tomorrow
to inform Maggie of your decision. I will not accept calls from you or
read your email, which will be suspended immediately after this meeting
is concluded. Any questions? He said no and asked if there was anyone he
should contact with questions?  Tim said that would be me. I looked at
him and said have a fun night with Dillon. Once he was gone, I thanked
every one and looked at my emailed and finally the voicemails.
Thankfully, there was a voice mail from Major Jim saying the flight was a
go and to be careful and fly safe.


I immediately changed clothes and drove to the airport, I stopped in and
made sure that they saw my solo certification and found the plane. I
carefully did the checks and jumped in and was quickly cleared for take
off. It was a great day and I kept it around 3,000 feet and just paid
attention to things around me and followed Route 51 south and at
Uniontown headed East along Rt 40. At some point there was another plane
about 500 feet away on my left and the guy dipped his wings and I did the
same, just saying hello. I immediately thought the Major would kill me
for that. I decided it was time to head back and I decided to follow the
compass back and not follow the roads. As I approached the airport I
checked ATIS gave my ID and location and was asked to go around once and
then land. Indications were there was traffic. I laughed and not seeing
anything I thought it was the Major playing games. It was a smooth
landing and I had my log book signed and I called the Major. I said
thanks and it was a great time and a smooth landing. Then I added thanks
for the extra loop and he laughed, saying good night.


Back at home dad was glad to see me and I was starving. There were
leftovers and I gladly reheated them and was simply enjoying the quiet
and Cole flew into the room. Super excited saying that he is set to pass
the driving test as he did the course with the instructor and easily
passed. Then we talked about the event tomorrow and he said, he talked
with his pro and it was the biggest name in amateur golf. Mike, I said I
know as I'm playing who else? He almost hurt himself laughing. He
wouldn't tell me and apparently it is important for you. I said thanks
and that it would be right home as we have interviews to conduct. He said
that he knew and told him I didn't care and that he should basically
decide. I'm simply doing what I want, you have strings. But that this
person needs to understand our lifestyle. Then I said if I don't call
Beth, I won't have a fife style to understand.


Up in my room and I called Beth and she answered with hi stranger and I
thought here we go. Then she said so what have you been up to? I told her
about my days, since our last talk. She said well she has been busy as
well and wanted to know when I could take her up in a plane and I said,
babe not for a while. I need a bunch more solo hours and I did 2 hours
today. I asked if she wanted to hang out Thursday night, I was thinking
dinner and the Arts Festival. She laughed and said that sounds like fun
but you continue to amaze me. I said how so? Oh, the varied thing that
you are interested in, like the Arts Festival, what kid goes there. I
laughed and said well besides a hotel room what you have in mind? She
laughed and said dude, that actually sounds like fun. We hung up and
almost immediately Dillon called. I said look, I don't want to hear
about Mason. He said well I just threw him out and need to know if the
money offer you made was still good. I said dude, you are covered and my
office early tomorrow morning, I'll need 30 minutes. Oh and I have to be
on my way to Oakmont by 10:30. He said understood. I hung up and went to
find dad.


Naturally he was in his office and reading but with no drink and no
cigarette. We talked about my day and his day. I told him how much fun
the flying  was and he said that he was adjusting to it.  Then he said
nice try today. I asked if he knew something that I didn't and he said
yes and good night. Well that told me all I needed to know and I went to
my room and started to think about restructuring Standard Properties and
getting help for Riley. Then I was thinking about how I would deal with
Dillon. He was getting a big promotion and a raise that would blow his
mind. I was worried about his reaction. Well I had finally had enough and
set the alarm and jumped into bed. My head was spinning and sleep did not
come quickly. My last thought was please rain tomorrow.


Thanks for reading and for the comments.


PLEASE IF POSSIBLE FIND A WAY TO MAKE A DONATION TO NIFTY. IT IS
IMPORTANT