Date: Sun, 9 May 2021 16:12:19 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 245

I was on the way downstairs when the door bell rang and I opened it stuck
out my hand and said Mr. DiVito thanks for coming this morning. We shook
hands and he said please call me Carlo. I asked if he wanted to walk and
talk or simply chat on the deck. He said well the deck will work as I can
take notes. As we walked through the kitchen I asked if he would like
something to drink and he said well ice water would work and I started to
get that and an iced tea and JJ' mom said Mike, I'll get that for you
and bring it to the deck. I said, thanks but I got this as you already
cooked breakfast. With the drinks in toe we went to the deck. Carlo said
Mike, this is nice and yet I hear you don't really like it why is that?
Well it I a big rectangle trying to fit into a square hole. It is simply
overbuilt and an insult to the location. In the spring we will be
starting construction on two log cabins much simpler. In due time and
when I can, this will be torn down. I am all about protecting and
honoring the past and recognizing how we got to the present and using
that to build a future. Mike, how does that work in respect to the C & J
Winery? Well Carlo, it is very much a vintage winery with a very proud
tradition. A couple of months ago I bought a business but Charlie sold a
lifetime of work. He still has 10% and access to the his house so I am
trying to respect all that. We will eventually replace all the equipment
but certain things won't change like the oak barrels. We might have the
best variety or quality vines in the area. Hell that how my family got
this land. Charlie sold 5 acres to my grandfather so he could buy some
Italian grape plants. This is not a toy for me and it needs to be a
profitable business.


Carlo laughed and said, damn Jim was right about you. If I asked open
thoughtful questions you will fill volumes and if not I would get one
word responses. Mike, did you know about your grandfather and how he got
here when you made the offer on the Winery? I said well just the surface
but there was feeling that I had a history here. It was not quite a
memory just that I felt very comfortable here. Mike, what the plan for
returning the place to its previous glory. I said continue to produce
quality wine and to marked the heck out of it. This weekend is just the
start and so far it is more than a success. Tonight the event is sold out
and that provides us with a little breathing room before the harvest.
Mike, the harvest won't matter as more than half your grapes go to what
you call the jelly people. I said yes it does and that's unfortunate and
we are trying to negotiate that away and at any rate that contract won't
be renewed. Mike, are you sure you have the right people in place to do
that? I shrugged and said yup. Well what happened with the along time
general manager, Bob? Well, that's an employee decision and I don't
generally reply to those. We offered him a new position with the same
money and he rejected that offer and resigned. Other than that I have no
comment.


We talked for another hour about my business philosophy and my age and
how all this started. My football accomplishments and I managed to fit in
that I wanted to be the first freshman to start at linebacker at VT since
Moses was in diapers. He laughed at that and asked about pro football and
I said, I simply wanted to play 3 years at VT and move on, hopefully in
one piece. Ok Mike and your education? Well in high school, I take every
advanced course I can take and have tested out of every math class and
have a bunch of comp sci credits at Carnegie Mellon so I'm a pretty good
student, but like everything else I work at it. Towards the end I was
asked how much I was worth. I simply asked, me or my companies? Well
let's make that easy just combine them and give me a rough estimate. I
thought for a while and Carlo said I thought you would know that off the
top of your head. Well, I know all the numbers and while I can do
advanced math I pay something to balance my check book. When he finished
laughing I said around 175. So how much was given to you? I said, oh just
51% of the company, I own the 2 buildings and all of Enterprises and 49%
of a startup. Mike, would it be ok if I chatted with Jace and Mike? I
said absolutely and walked him out.


With that done I looked at the time and it was almost 1:00. There as a
note from Mary Ann saying she was at the Winery with her dancing shoes
on. I laughed and decided to simply walk over. I really enjoyed the walk
and once again things were humming. Great crowds and everyone having a
great time. In the store I saw Jack and Riley selling wine and helping
fill orders. Then I ran into Major Jim and we talked and he said he
understood I was very cooperative but that I needed to remember the other
reporters. I said, actually I would like to be just like Jack and run the
register. Mike, just give them 45 minutes and then you are free. I smiled
and said fine and went looking for Mary Ann. I had no luck and I went
back to the store and the place was packed and Mary Ann and Terri were
helping Jack and JJ was restocking shelves. As it was almost time I went
to the office and found everyone waiting. They had all done their
homework and the interview was many of the same questions and the entire
process was easily accomplished in under an hour.


I saw Jace and he said how about you ride with me? I asked where are we
going and he said to the bank and make a deposit there is too much money
around. I asked what we were depositing and he said yesterday's receipts
and some from today. I laughed and asked can I spend receipts? Mike there
is 60k and that's doesn't include the money deposited for the dinner
tonight. Just look at the registers and some of these characters bought
wine yesterday. We drove to the bank made a "night deposit" and went
back with no issues.


Back at the store things had slowed down and they were busy stocking
shelves in anticipation of tonight. I helped with that and then we all
stood around talking. Mary Ann and I, along with JJ and Terri went to the
big tent for tonight and slapped a reserved sign on a table right off the
dance floor. I was starving as I hadn't eaten since breakfast and we all
went to the food area and each had a hotdog and an iced tea. We ended up
watching the kids ride the ponies I was all into that. I looked at JJ and
we both smiled. Then my phone vibrated in my pocket and I looked at the
number and it was Coach Weston. I took a few steps away from everyone and
said hi coach, what's happening? Mike, I know you are out of town and JJ
is with you but can you please have that meeting with team about the
media? Mike, I'm sorry to ask but I checked and the coaches can't do
it. Coach no worries we will set it up for Tuesday at Snyder field for
6:00. I'll call Jim and JJ and I will work on it together. Anything
else? Mike, that's more than enough and permission slips will be in you
mail box when you get back. I said that works and hung up. Well that
figures but when we have that meeting camp will start 6 days later, ouch.


I told JJ on the flight back we needed to set this up and I was done
fucking around. You are either all in or all and and that for those of us
that were in we would have each other's backs. JJ looked at me and said
well it's about fucking time. Back with the girls we just wondered
around there wasn't much for us to do, so we simply took in the sights.
I was wondering if this could be an annual event but I didn't want it
near harvest time. I put that out of my mind but that was the next worry.
One that would have to happen without me, the first of many.


The table we had reserved had 8 places and we rounded up Jack and Dillon
and it turns into a great night. We talked and laughed and Jack got us a
couple of beers. The DJ, like last night, was outstanding with a great
mix of songs. We even did a couple of circle dances as a group. I had to
admit, I should do more of this. Mary Ann would occasionally feel me up
and I was wondering what was going on? Then remembered there was nothing
up as she was everything Carrie wasn't. THERE SHE WAS AGAIN, ALWAYS
THERE BUT NEVER IN A GOOD LIGHT! But there none the less. I didn't want
this night to end but end it did and just before the last song, Jace and
Judy joined us and I saw Cole dancing with a local girl. Damn he looked
like he was having a blast. Mary Ann and I danced the last dance and made
out more than danced.


Jace assured us that the cleaning crew would start very soon and there
was nothing for us to do and that things were from noon to 6 tomorrow, we
all piled into the van and in the house it was beer and wine for a couple
of hours and Jace didn't even pretend as he and Terri simply said good
night and they would see us in the morning. Mary Ann looked at me and
smiled and took my hand and said good night. We had a fun night and even
managed some sleep. I was up early as usual and just laid there looking
at her and was content and waking up with a chick beside was unusual. I
wondered if I could get accustomed to that. I tried to get up without
waking her as I really had to piss and my morning wood was at full mask.
I was half way to the bathroom and I heard her say, hurry back. I took
care of business and got back into bed and thankfully she just put her
head on my shoulder and we just laid there. She looked at me and said,
well I guess we better get the day started. With that I got a kiss and
she dress and went upstairs. Up stairs Riley and Jack had pancakes made
and I simply grappled a coffee and headed for the deck and fuck it was
raining. I turned around and went back to the kitchen area and Jack said
no worry as it will stop but won't be warm.


I immediately called Jace and he answered in a great great mood saying
this has been a great weekend. I laughed and asked if he had looked out
the window? He replied have you looked at the forecast?  I said yup, not
real warm and a muddy mess. He said Mike, it doesn't matter as we
covered expenses on Friday night and yesterday and today make it all more
than worth it. Wine sales set a record yesterday, according to Charlie
and there was a lot of repeat business.  Jace, I'll see you around 11:00
and thanks.


Just then Mary Ann appeared carrying clothes and a towel and went down
stairs. Jack looked at me and said JJ's room was beside ours and it is
hard to believe they are at it again. I laughed and refilled my coffee. I
found the local paper in the door and was disappointed to find that there
was no article about our weekend event. Then I thought with all the
publicity we had more today wouldn't matter. I moved to the common room
and was still enjoying the coffee when Mary Ann sat down beside me and I
asked if there was a problem? I said nope, why? Well Mike I thought your
were distant this morning in bed. Babe I didn't want to give that
impression as I was good with just holding you. She smiled and said, yup
that was nice and I have never woken up with a guy beside me before. I
leaned in and kissed her and said well that was a first for me as well.
She laughed and said well next time we will know what to do. JJ appeared
and as it was only Jack and Mary Ann around I yelled over good morning,
did you finally run out of cum. He blushed and Jack bent over laughing
and JJ replied that's rule fucking 6. Then he grabbed a coffee and
joined Mary Ann and I and I was waiting for a crack directed at me but it
never happened. I figured it would happen later when we were alone.


It was still raining when we left for the Winery and I was starting to
wonder about the forecast. At the Winery store the sign said closed but
the door was unlocked and we went inside. The shelves were still in need
of stocking so everyone pitched in and I found Jace and Mark in the
office talking. They were both in a good mode and not caring about the
weather. I was a bit concerned as I wanted every dollar we could get out
of this weekend as is was all expenses from this point on as it would be
harvest and wine making time. I asked a lot of questions about things not
related to these events. The negotiations with the grape people were not
progressing as they wanted the grapes. I asked them who they were
negotiating with and would have Tim check him out. I just didn't have a
great feeling about it but at least it would be over as the contract
would not be renewed. The upside was that they paid to harvest their
grapes. Well it would be what it became, but things were looking up.


The weather never got nice and I was anxious to get on the way. There
were a few kids riding the ponies and at 4:00 the guy closed that down
and the food people finally simply moved inside. Through all that Jace
and Mark remained in a fantastic mood. By 5:00 things had ground to a
halt and I went into the office, found the check book wrote a $1,000
check to both Jace and Mark white a quick note and left the two envelopes
on the desk with their name on it. I rounded our gang up and it was a
quick trip to the house and straight to the airport. I laughed when we
were held for takeoff as a plane was landing and it turned out to be
David. It didn't matter and we were in the air at 6:45. JJ was upfront
with me and it was quiet in the back I knew everyone was asleep.


We talked about football and we were 8 days away from the start of camp
and Sam still had things a mess. JJ said I should simply take over and
deal with the media. I Agreed to that but I wanted to have a team
election for Captains but needed to talk with the coach. I finally asked
JJ about Terri and all he would say was that she was a keeper and his
Prom date. I told him I was starting to get that feeling about Mary Ann.
I also needed to spend some time with Cole and find out about the girl he
had in New York, or seemed to have. Then I needed to have his back about
David and that tournament in Ohio and I might be able to get there for
Sunday if he gets that far. It would be a very tough field and a
difficult course. JJ was just laughing about the story I told him about
David and AP. Which reminded me I needed to thank him. I enjoyed that
trip. Flying the jet was awesome. Sadly, I knew it simply wasn't in the
budget. Time flew and the time to chat with JJ and the mental recap of
the weekend simply made the time fly. 2:15 minutes from wheels up we were
on the ground and unpacking the plane.


The twins were there to pick up Mary Ann, something about a family event.
I went up to JT and said JT, thanks for the help? He laughed and said
well you will be thanking us in a very different way some evening this
week so clear an evening and if you don't we will just show up. I simply
said ok, kissed Mary Ann good bye and said, call me later. Cole was with
me and when we pulled into the driveway I said dude, if you are up for it
come and visit once you are settled. A big smile indicated he would be
right over.


Once I was in my space I threw the dirty clothes in the corner, grabbed a
beer and called coach Weston. We discussed the Tuesday evening event and
I told him I was just taking over that media circus and he said that was
what he had hoped. I said that once camp started I would like a team
election for Captains. He said Mike, I need to think about that. Then he
asked, how I would deal with Sam? I replied like any other Sophomore and
he said he was good with that. I told him well it might not be an issue
as he might not show. Mike, just so you know I had Jim invite the
freshman QB. I said great and I'll call Tuesday after the shit show.
That left me sitting there trying to figure out the twins and what was
going to happen. I was damn sure that they would not be demanding and
dominant. I knew I could get one before they eventually got me, as there
were in shape enough to be trouble together. I was well aware that they
would be on the same page. Of the two I seemed to like JT better than TJ
but there was no real reason for that and to get things under control I
decided that I would have the two of them for lunch and deal with
whatever came up in that Sports Bar near work.


That thought ended as Cole bopped in and sat down saying how much fun he
had all weekend. The Golf was fun but starting in the morning it was work
with his teaching pro. I asked if he was concerned about the tournament?
He said nope but he was regretting the ticket sals and he would need a
way to stress HAVE FUN, RESPECT THE GAME. He said him and Liam would wear
hats with FUN on the front and RESPECT on the back and the same message
on his bag. He said if he made the weekend on Sunday it would be the
Scottish outfit and he would stick with it. I said IF? He laughed and
said MJ this is a big deal and a very tough field. For the first time he
seemed overwhelmed. To change the subject I asked about the girl in NY
and he said nothing special and simply a friend to hang out with when up
there. Cole, did Liam have a good time at Bay Hill? MJ definitely but why
did you ask? Well Cole, it would have been great if he could have played.
MJ, I involve him in everything and I am actually concerned because he
got an offer from a Pro. He called me over and told the Pro, very
politely, that we were a team and he didn't need the money. Cole, he
gets $275 every round, even in these exhibitions and and you would have
won a lot at that tournament and he would have earned 10%. I paid him 5%
so he is flush. Also, he won a scholarship from Oakmont so school is
covered. Cole said MJ, I'm not sure I could do this without him and yet
I know I might have to eventually. Then Cole said MJ, I have to go and
won't be running tomorrow as I have to be at South Hills to meet the
coach at 7:00 and it will be like this all week, well except on Wednesday
when Liam and I have a practice round in Ohio. The Pro is conducting a
playing lesson and Liam is coming to map out the course. He gave me a hug
and said good night.


Once Cole left I called Mary Ann and she laughed and said damn, I was to
call you. We talked about the weekend and how much fun we had. She said
how impressed she was with how well I flew the plane. I laughed and said
well babe it was stressful as I was responsible for 7 lives. Mike, I
never considered that as I felt safe. Babe that's why JJ was upfront the
whole time as he is certified. I asked about her brothers and if they
were dating anyone and she said yup and TJ is in a very serious
relationship and JT just started with a new one. She laughed and said, I
can't imagine one of them married and one not. I asked what they did for
fun and she said other that fuck with people about who is who, she had no
idea. I left it at that and we just chatted. With that, I was in need of
a shower and then I jumped into bed and was fast asleep.


The run the next morning was just me and JJ and it was fast and thus
quick. I told him I would make time this morning to chat with Jim about
things. I asked what his mom thought about the weekend and he said no
idea as it will be days before I bring that up. I laughed and went inside
showered, shaved and dressed for work. I needed coffee and hadn't made
any so I stopped for some on my way to the office. The first thing was to
check the calendar and I saw that there was a 10:00 meeting with Kyle and
Jordan to work out the new two building concept. There was a meeting with
Zaid and Riley at. 9:00. Then at 1:00 there was a meeting with the Union
President and it was strange as it said Union President and no name. That
bothered me some but it would be what it became. I also indicated that I
was gone at 4:00 as I was in need of a workout. With time to spare I
called Jim and was pleased I did not wake him up. I briefed him on things
and he was pretty much up to speed. He asked about Sam and I said lots of
rope and if he chooses to wrap it around his neck, I'm pulling hard,
this ends tomorrow. MJ, I have been working with Wyatt the freshman QB
and he has an arm to die for and is smart and football savvy. Jim, where
did this kid come from? MJ he transferred in as his parents bought a new
house. I laughed and thought, so it's starts. Transfers from 8th to 9th
grades are automatically legal.


When I hung up with Jim, Ruth appeared and asked if I had a minute and I
said sorry. Find 30 minutes on my calendar and we can meet then. Mike
please don't treat me like that? Ruth this will take more than a minute
and I need to get ready for two meetings, find time on my schedule. She
turned and walked out slamming the door. I took a deep breath and got up
opened the door and said Ruth, don't sit down. You are going home as you
are done for the day. Please come back tomorrow. She looked at me and
asked, your sending me home? Just then Riley and Zaid appeared and we
went to my office and closed the door. Zaid said so she sends you to your
room and you send her home, interesting. Zaid, it's not like that she
asked for a minute and I said just block 30 on my schedule as I was busy
and she slammed my office door. You should note that the person to do
that to me hasn't been born yet. I looked at Riley and asked, so what do
you two have for me. They spent the next 45 minutes briefing me on the
building and Zaid said that basically it was a calm few days. I thanked
them and then asked Zaid to stay.


Once the two of us were alone, I asked how he was doing? I got a vague,
ok. I just looked at him and asked, really what's up? Are you having a
hard time adjusting to things? He looked at me and said, heck I don't
even know what to adjust to, I start on Tuesday and on Wednesday you are
gone for the week. Zaid, I'm sorry about that and I'm in all week but
next week it is hit and miss as football starts. Hell, looking at how
little is on my desk you did fine. Are there any other issues and please
don't make me ask twice? He smiled and said only that everyone is trying
hard, kinda like my future in-laws. Just then there was a knock on the
door and Kyle and Jordan appeared and the 4 of us moved to the conference
room. Outside my office I simply stopped as Ruth was at her desk. She
said Mike, I'm sorry can I please stay? I said Ruth, I'll see you
tomorrow and remember to schedule that meeting, my day is fairly open but
I'll need an hour for lunch. She immediately started to cry. I asked
everyone to wait for me in the conference room. I sat on Ruth's desk and
quietly said Ruth, you won't be fired or moved to another position but
we need to come to an understanding about some things. So have a relaxing
day, if you can, and I'll see you first thing in the morning. Then I
went into the conference room and closed the door.


As I sat down Kyle asked, so is that spat resolved? I shook my head and
said not yet and in a couple of minutes if she is still there I'll ask
security for assistance. She needs to understand that I am not my dad and
figure that out. She is very good but, I don't get sent to my room and
my door never gets slammed and that's just for starters. Then I added
Kyle, this isn't a spat. Then he said well it's a good thing you sent
her away to give you time to think. I looked at Jordan and asked could
Technologies, buy the second building using the reserve? I was told only
at a reasonable sale price and verified appraisals by 3 independent
brokers. I smile and said for sure but not yet as that would be telling
the world it was on the market. With that off the table, for the moment,
I asked about the current building and was told that process would start
next week, I was good with that as I wanted the influx of cash. I easily
agreed to give up the 4th floor and told Kyle he could maintain the first
floor for startups. He said thanks but just looked at me, a little
strange. I told them that I would be looking for a place to house
Enterprises and thanked them for their time. When we were finished I
asked Kyle to stay for a minute.


Once we're alone, I asked about how things went during the conference.
He replied it went very well and it is a great team. Mike, with you doing
what you do we will be in a great place. Also, thanks for keeping the
startup space. Kyle, I always keep my word and I will be buying the plot
next in line. I'll talk with Tim about selling building 2. How about an
addition to building 1? He just shook his head and said don't get
carried away.l


I was now free till the meeting with the Union guy and it was strange
seeing Ruth's desk empty. Zaid asked, if he could fit lunch in and I
said sure, just be back before 1:00. With all kind of shit floating in my
head I called Dr. Drennan's office and scheduled an appointment and it
was for after work on Wednesday. The meeting with the Union President was
just to tell me that Rocco had retired and he was newly elected and is
name was Fran Schultz. We chatted for about an hour and it seemed to be a
good start as we both needed each other. Zaid had left about half way
through and when I walked Fran out he was sitting at Ruth's desk
answering calls.


That about finished my day and I called Mary Ann's landline and was
hoping one of the twins would answer. Thankfully that happened and I
asked if they could meet at noon for lunch tomorrow and that their sister
needed not to know, I said just a talk. TJ said sure and I gave him the
place and time. With that all done, I closed up the office and drove to
school.


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