Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2021 23:40:22 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 301 It was game day and damn the weather would be perfect and 45 degrees at game time and dry. I showered and dressed in better school clothes and made coffee then it was off to school. As usual JJ pulled up and parked beside me and he stood there looking. I said what's up? MJ, you are actually at school and at the usual time. Hell I haven't see you for days. I laughed and said well how about We have breakfast and I'll drive to Latrobe and we can watch golf. Fuck if you can spend the night and Cole wins, I'll buy dinner. Mike, it sounds like you are paying for sex. I looked at him and he burst out laughing. MJ, I'm just fucking with you and I am spending the night so ditch Mia after the Tavern. Mike, we can even drink as you are driving. Heather was waiting and I gave her a big kiss and said thanks for last night. Mike, you better be good on TV on Sunday as I'll have to watch it with Dad. Heather there are almost 4 hours of material and they will cut it to 50 minutes. Classes were classes and I sat and watch gym and went to lunch. Both JJ and I were in good moods and we sat with Heather and Mia. Apparently my classmates thought they were at South Hills because at least 15 people came up and and said have fun tonight, but win. I realized I needed to do lunch here more often. With nothing to do I remembered the two boxes and spent the rest of the afternoon looking at pictures and I was happy but sad that Pap wasn't around. Hell he would have been around 71. I was surprised how much I remembered and how much I loved the two grandparents. It was time for the pep rally which was basically to recognize seniors in Fall sports and damn there were a lot of us. Our class was not the largest that ever went through the school but we numbered just over a thousand and we were a very active and involved group. The band would have its own recognition event and the cheerleading would be recognized during basketball season so it was Football, Cross Country. Girls volleyball and Soccer would have their own events. We were introduced individually and I was #24 Senior Captain Mike Simmons, Mike will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall majoring in Computer Science. With 23 of us it took a while and it was a loud and excited student body. Determined to maintain as normal as a routine as possible in the Cafeteria I grabbed a soft drink and a couple of slices of pizza and went to the stadium and sat in my usual spot in the top row of the bleachers. JJ joined me and we sat silently for a while then he said MJ, I'm sad this is all coming to an end and I can't imagine what you must be feeling. JJ, we aren't done by a long shot and I'll bet we have one more game here. MJ, all I know is that if I was back in Texas this would be my last high school game. I looked at him and said well let's get to work. It was quickly into game equipment and warmups. The band came on the field for the school fight song and we were lined up. Each of us were introduced individually I was #24 team captain Mike Simmons accompanied by his dad Mike Simmons, Sr and his mom the Honorable Megan Simmons. The place was going nuts and I had tears in my eyes as the emotions of the evening set in. We were all lined up and when the intros were completed the band played the alma mater. We all sang and I barely made it through the song. I hugged dad and kissed Megan on the cheek and said thanks mom and ran into the locker room. It was a quiet room, filled with emotion and when I heard the national anthem completed, I yelled let's get to work and for the first time ever I ran through the paper sign the cheerleaders were holding. The coin toss was called TAILS by the visitors and it was HEADS and we deferred to the second half and I was thrilled as I want to hit someone. I joked with Referee and said just put it on the 20. He laughed and said that what I hear. Rod's kick actually went through the uprights and the visitors started on the 20. They broke the huddle and I heard Josh say what the fuck. Like me he had paid attention through two film sessions and neither of us had seen this lineup before. I yelled purple hot. Which was a full out blitz. Lucky guess or not but it was a pass play and the QB ended up on his ass and the pass was incomplete. For the next play Josh and lined up in what was becoming known as the LB I. We were simply stacked behind Chad. We were counting on a run and it wasn't it was a screen pass to and JJ made a tackle 6 yards down the field. He shook his head and said would you three pay attention that was obvious from the formation. I had no idea what to expect on third and 4 and when they broke the huddle and lined up JJ yelled PURPLE PASS. I laughed as that meant it was a run. I knew I had this and the QB and the running back the ball and I had a meeting and it was a 4 yard loss. It was a great punt and the ball rolled dead on the 30. In the huddle, I almost shit as it was Jim at QB and we had 2 tight ends and we were telling the world we were running the ball. Jim said ok assholes I have one series and we all know I can't throw so let's just shove it down their throats. The first play was Todd around the right side and it went for 8 yards and the second was to me and it went for 20. Then I noticed JJ was in as a tight end and that was almost funny as at 190 we were giving up about 30 lbs. the play was to be an end around and JJ carrying the ball. Jim handed JJ the ball and he started left and he ran a few steps and pitched the ball to back to Jim who lofted a soft pass about 10 yards and JJ was off to the races. we were up 6-0 and Coach was going nuts on Jim and JJ. Jim took off his helmet and coach handed it to the trainer and we all heard coach tell the trainer to take it to the locker room. In spite of playing well it was a much closer half than we had hoped for as the score at the half was 21-10. There were a number of different formations and obviously they had prepared differently for us. Not only that our offense was conservative and there were few passing yards. Todd and I were both near a 100 yards. JJ had limited play time as coach was pissed about the pass play he cooked up with Jim. In the locker room Coach was the last one in and he screamed SHUT THE FUCK UP. I have put up with a lot from you guys this year but I'm drawing the line with you clowns risking your health on silly assed screen passes. Understand ITS FUCKING OVER. if anything like that pass play happens again the involved people will be dismissed from the team. AM I CLEAR? There was no reply and the Josh replied YES SIR! Coach said ok we will open up the play book and I was three scores this quarter, go out there and kick some ass. I found Josh and but my arm around his shoulder and said dude the team you just claimed is next years team. I still have this team. He laughed and said Mike you shadow goes back more than one year, we are good. Wyatt and JJ simply blew the third quarter out of the water and we scored 3 times on offense and JJ had a pick 6. Clark played all but the last play of the game and Jim was given the opportunity to take a kneed and finish yet another blow out. After the handshake we went to the band and sang the song again and then ran past the parents clapping. Josh, JJ, Jim, Wyatt and I were tagged by the reporters and when the first question was asked we all stepped aside and I turned to the seniors and asked who wants to answer that question. Chad said thanks Mike and answered the question. It went that way until Jim was asked about his TD pass. He shrugged and said it was sill, stupid and irresponsible. Nothing like that will happen again. Then Josh looked at the reporters and asked, how many of you guys will be at Latrobe for the golf championships? There was a very limited response and Josh said we will be there and he walked away shaking his head. I thought damn, they will have their hands full with him next year. It was a quick shower and out to meet the rents and the girls. I immediately got a hug from Megan and she said Mike, I'm happy to be your mom, thanks for making tonight special for both of us. Heather gave me a giant kiss and said I'm hungry. I talked with dad and the Major and was asked if we were going to the tavern? I said yes and tea is ice tea. Major Jim said Mike, that's smart. At the Tavern it was the usual greeting and it was JJ, Jim, Josh, Chad, Todd and me all with chicks. The usual table for 10 was a thought fit but we managed. It was fun and the food was good as usual and we stayed a bit later than usual. As we're getting ready to leave Major Jim came in and came up to our table and said, stay put, well except for Mike, JJ and Josh. And I need you guys outside. Outside there were two police cars with lights on. One officer went inside and another came up to us and said well, it's Friday and we got another call saying you three were here and drinking. When we arrive the Major hear showed us your cars and handed us a plate number and a description of two guys who placed beer behind you rear wheel and placed these notes. The officer game out of the Tavern laughing and he said well, I have an owner, a bill and about 150 people who will say these dudes haven't had a drink here. We stood around while the Major and the officers had a somewhat lengthy chat. It was finally determined that the police would follow up on the plate and when they found the car owner they would see if the Major could identify them. I asked for the beer and was told no way in hell and besides it was evidence. Back inside we explained what had happened and we started for the cars. JJ said he better just get home and I drove Heather to her place. I would have liked to stop in but it was late and I didn't want to see her dad. We made out a little and I simply headed to my place. I at my place I grabbed a beer and sat on the loveseat and since I was alone my thoughts turned to my high school football "career" there were all the honors. Highest rated high school linebacker in the country, top 10 running back in the same poll. There was the Fab 22 as a Junior and player of the year also as a Junior. Those were local awards but meaningful. All the recruiting drama and the negotiating with VT and accepting that offer to play there. Then there were the guys. Jim and our Junior year and how much fun that was. Jeff, I really liked him but if he stayed would I be different as he tempted with wild sex and drugs and deep down I knew that might have been an issue. Then my cousin Ray and how we grew up together and the bets and how much fun they were. Mostly I remembered the good times with Ray but I will never forget the day I lost the bet and Ray smiled and said, dude suck my cock. That really threw me and I laughed when I remembered what that lead to and the kinky stuff and how innocent that first BJ really was. I realized the bets had stopped for the most part as JJ and I had a very special relationship and we didn't want anyone in control. I really was missing the bets and fuck, I really wanted JJ here tonight. I grabbed a second beer and as my ass hit the seat the door flew open and there was JJ. He laughed and said MJ, you should really lock your door. He went right to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer and he said no worries, I'm spending the night. I smiled, and leaned in and kissed him and it immediately became a contest to see who could get the others clothes off first. Once we had our shirts off and I managed to remove his tongue from my throat I said JJ please turn out the lights and lock the door and meet me in the bedroom. I went right to my closet and found my bag of rarely used toys and took out two blindfolds and was taking my jeans off and JJ came in and just looked at the masks and stripped. We sat in the bed and I said please put this on and don't cover your eyes just yet. We kissed again and I said ok at the same time we will cover our eyes and anything goes, just no looking. The last thing I saw was a smiling JJ. At first it was tentative as we explored and experienced each other. With the visual senses lost others took over and it got very romantic. We explore each other with our tongue and it was a race to each other's ass, which I won and after I tasted that hole I filled his ass with a big load and then JJ took a turn on my ass and he punished my hole with is hard cock as I won that first contest. Then it got intense and a bit nasty as his cock was placed at my lops and he said clean you ass juice and my load and I eagerly did that. Then we just held each other and I started to remove his mask and he said MJ, no way in hell as I'm not done and this is fun. The second go around was us simply sharing and swallowing each other's loads. The masks were removed and we fell asleep in each other's arms. We were up early and went for a run. Then it was a joint shower and other that soaping each other it was non sexual. Breakfast was at the diner in the West End, which was a bit out of the way but the banter and the food was worth it. We took our time as I knew Cole was in the final threesome and it was Cole, the Meyers dude and a dude named Whitecroft, he was from Shadyside Academy. The pairings were based on qualification scores. There were 54 finalists and the top 3 advanced will advanced to the state championships. That would be played at Heritage Hill in York, PA. next Saturday. In looking at the qualifying scores the winner of the District's would come from the final group and it would either be Cole or Jim Meyers. However they play the event for a reason. The 75 minute trip to Latrobe Country Club took 90 as the diner was further away. At the club entrance instead of turning right into the Club I'm turned left int a private drive and there were a couple of houses one of which was AP's house. At the end there was a smallish white aluminum cottage and I parked in one of the few spaces. Doc, the king's long time secretary shook hands and said, he is at the course. I said thanks and started out and was stopped and Doc said, Mike keep the car here and take a cart. The lot is almost full and there was actually a bus full of kids. I smiled and said thanks. The first group was on the third hole and I figured Cole had about 2 hours before he teed it up. If he was sticking to his routine we was sitter around relaxing and I would bet Liam was already here and they were chatting somewhere out of the way. AP was bust taking pictures with each finalist. They would be signed and returned to the golfer's school. In-between groups there was time and I went up to chat. He asked if I was interested in a late lunch after Cole had finished. There was nothing to say to that but sure. So Mike, who is controlling this group that is here? I shrugged and said we will see but this isn't the first time they have showed up to support Cole, but it is a bit larger. I simply stayed away from Cole as for whatever reason I have never spoken to him before a match, well unless he approached me. I was very curious about his dress today as he was in a suit suit and could easily play in that. By now have the qualifiers were off and Cole and Liam grabbed a cart and went to the practice range. Shortly Lim joined us on the porch saying, well he simply started his usual warmups and I really think he is ready. I got a ride back from one of the coaches so Cole has a way back. We were watching player tee off and almost everyone was hitting Driver. I didn't understand that because this wasn't a grip and rip it course. Driver was the only club that could get you in trouble off the tee on this hole. Cole appeared and went right to the putting green and it was all as usual. Whitecroft was there also putting and him and Cole chatted. There was no sign of the defending champion Meyers. The next to the last group was on the tee when Meyers appeared and he hit about 6 putts and went and talked with an older guy, who I thought was his dad. Just then Megan appeared and said that Mike was trying to park the car. When I told her most of that was here to support Cole she was astounded. It wasn't long and the final group was called to the tee. Pictures were taken and instructions were given and the walking official was introduced. Then each player placed a golf ball in the starters hat and he lifted the hat so you couldn't see the balls and the order was determined by the drawing on the balls. Whitecroft was first, Meyers was second and a smiling Cole was last. Cole went to the back of the tee and off to the side and grabbed the waist band of his sweats and yanked and pants fell off revealing purple plus fours and white and purple socks. Then he removed the jacket and there was a purple and white argyle sweater. The place went nuts and the 100 or so of his supporters were screaming. All of a sudden in the group about 6 sets of hands went up in the air and the place went stone silent. I saw Josh, Chad, Wyatt and Todd were the masterminds. There was a handshake and while shaking hands with Meyers he said something to him that enlisted a curt response. Later I discovered Cole had said good luck Jim and you know this is the only time all day I will be hitting last. The procedure is that the player with the best score on the previous hole hits first. The first hole today was playing about 400 yards and down hill to an elevated green which sloped from front to back. There were bunkers right and left of the green but none on the fairway. There were larger Oak and Maple trees on the left separating holes 1 & 18. The right side was a mixtures of Oaks, Maples and pine trees and the driveway dissected the fairway. The best drive was to be just short of the driveway leaving you with a 7 or 8 iron to the green. Anything shorter would, if hit correctly, produce a bunch of spin which could easily spin off and down the hill. All the players were carrying their clubs and Cole had a canvas bag with few pockets and I would bet just an extra globe and 12 golf balls and a handful of tees. The bag also had an attached stand. Whitecroft hit what appeared to be a great drive and it ended up about 25 yards past the driveway center cut. Meyers was next and he had driver. He hits it almost as far as Cole but his natural ball flight is left to right, basicity a power fade. It started down the right side of the fairway hit in the fringe and bounced straight right. They had a spotter there and he signaled safe, meaning they had the ball and it was in play. Cole stood for a second over his bag and took the cover off a club. Tossed the cover beside the tee marker and stuck a tee and ball in the ground and I knew it wasn't driver. Liam standing beside me said, it's a 3 wood and there was the usual pre shot routine and the ball started right center of the fairway and it stopped in the middle just short of the driveway and he was about 145 yards away. Meyers went up to Cole as he was picking up his head cover and said dude, you will have to play faster but nice clown suit. Cole laughed and replied and you will have to hit it straighter. Cole grabbed his clubs and him and Whitecroft walked down the fairway chatting. Liam looked at me and said Mike this might be pistols by the 9th tee and damn Cole has Meyers isolated and they have hit one shot. This is like a mental chess match. Well Meyers had to pitch out to the fairway and the third shot was 15 feet to the right of the hole and Cole smiled and said nice shot. Whitecroft not wanting to be short had a 10 footer down the hill for a birdie and Cole was 12 feet away left and pin high. Then Whitecroft said Jim you are away? The putt was missed and tapped in for a 5. Cole's putt was dead center but stopped about a half inch from going in and Cole started at the ball and I thought the damn thing would simply fall in from the force of the stare. Whitecroft two putted making a nice 6 foot up hill putt for par. The hill behind the first green was filled with Cole's supporters and classmates. JJ Liam and I simply went to stand behind the 137 yard par three which had about a 30' change in elevation, down hill. There was OB and a trap left and a trap, trees and water right. Steve ( Whitecroft) was still up first and hit a 9 iron and it was bit long and in the high grass just a foot off the green. Cole, did the pre shot routine and you could see that it pissed off Meyers. Cole's shot was very high and he didn't even look at it and Liam said that's very good when he does that and very good was an understatement. It was very high in the air and almost hit the flag on the way down and hit about 4 feet behind the flag, jumped forward and spun back hitting the pin and stopping 2' away. The place went nuts and after a reasonable time hands went up and the place got very quiet. When the hole ended the scores were Cole 6, Jim and Steve 8. They moved along the path to #3 which was a par 5 and a 90 degree dogleg. With a hill and a lake on the right and OB left it was level and then uphill to the green and the green was elevated. Cole was now hitting first and this hole worried me as he tended to take chances on this hole. I was thrilled as was Liam when he took an iron out of this bag. The shot worried me a bit as it started at the edge of the water but as usual with his shots it faded last and was on the right side of the fairway in great shape. Jim Meyers shook his head and mumbled something about slow play. He did however hit a good shot but Steve it it straight through the fairway. It wasn't a disaster as he then hit an iron to the middle of the fairway and could easily reach the green. Meyers also laid up and was about a 100 yards short of the green. No layup for Cole as he hit a 3 wood which ended up on the green about 20 feet left of the pin and two putted for another birdie and the other two had pars. Everyone birdied 5 and Cole was on the par 5 sixth with a P3 shot lead. Number 6 is a tight driving hole and with their length was a blind landing area. Everyone hits good drives and Cole and Steve continued chatting between shots and Jim walked no where near the two. Ole was messing with the classmates and having a blastEveryone hit good drives and each laid up. This is sometimes problematic as the green slopped from front to back and it was hard to hold the green if one hit it directly. First to hit was Jim whose shot hit the center of the green and bounce through the green into thick rough. Steve seeing this hit it short but it was a touch left and ended up in the trap that guards the left front of the green. Cole took a little more time than usual and hit a wedge and again he didn't even look at the shot. It hit 10 feet short of the green and rolled onto the front of the green to a front pin location. Poor Steve blasted out of the trap and he rolled to the back of the green and he took a 6. Jim looked at the shitty lie and shook his head and left it 20' short of the hole and he took 6 Cole's 8k putt was dead center and had a 4 and was now 5 up and Cole said Mike, I'm betting he gets very conservative. And sure enough it was a string of pars and maintained his 5 shot lead through 9. Cole parred the 210 yard par 3 and the others had bogies and now he was up 6. With that lead the clowning around increased and Cole and the group were having a blast. They cheered each shot he hit and the others got polite applause. Then Steve made a bit of a move and they started to vocally show him some support. There were now back to back par 5's and I knew Cole was going to make a move. He was 4 up on Steve and 6 up on Jim. Jim was more and more frustrated and actually complained to the match referee about the pace of play. The referee laughed and pointed to the group on the fairway ahead and asked where would you like to go. Just play and be polite. The first par 5 was #14 and for some reason the tees were up and when Cole saw the he immediately uncovered his driver. Steve was first to hit and his drive was in the right rough at the top of the hill. The thing about this hole was if you could keep it in the air and clear the top of the hill it was level and would role forever. Cole took his time and the ball started to the right on the same line as Steves but naturally bent left and cleared the hill. The place went nuts as the group at the top of the hill hooted and hollered. Liam just laughed and said Mike he will have a short iron to the green, this might be over. Jim seeing this swung from his heals as he knew he was up a creek. The result was he tugged it left and it hit a tree but bounced to the fairway half way up the hill. He was at least 170 behind Cole and 70 behind Steve. Jim hit a reasonable long arm but the third shot ended up is the front right bunker. Steve in the pine straw but with an opening hit a 5 wood and it was hard hit but low and he shouted. RUN LIKE YOU STOLE SOMETHING. The ball did roll a long way but was 60 yards short of the green. Cole was on the fringe and had hit the drive about 310. The hole was 445 so he was 135 away or so and it was either a soft 8 iron or hard 9. Liam looked at me and said I hope he hits the hard 9, he does that better than 3/4 shots. As he walked to the ball the was cheered loudly and he tipped his hat. Just then AP and the league director rode up in a cart. They stopped behind and to the right of Cole's ball and I hears AP say you haven't wine yet. Cole nodded and took an iron out of the bag did his pre shot gig and he hit a shot a mile in the air and with out looking at the results looked at AP and asked is that good enough. AP gave that rye smile he is famous for and there was no chance that Cole heard the reply as the place erupted and Steve came up and patted him on the back and Jim shook his head and simply walked away. The ball was leaning against the pin and all he had to do was gently lean the pin in the right direction and it was an albatross (double eagle) 2 on a par 5. One of the rarest shots in golf. Steve birdied and Jim got up and down for a par and Cole was up by 6 again and Jim was left to finish the round with no chance of winning. Cole had a 4 on the next par 5 and parred the rest of the way for an unbelievable 6 shot victory. Jim tied for the last spot in the districts last spot in the state tournament and qualified on the first playoff hole, not hitting driver on #1. The award ceremony was awesome and the spectators went nuts and Megan ran to Cole and gave him a big hug which was outdone by the kiss he got from his girlfriend. We all shook his hands and the late lunch was a real group Dad, Megan, AP, A e and the girl had one table and Liam, JJ, Josh, Todd and I had another table. When we were finished everyone started for the cars and JJ and I need a ride and AP said JJ you are with me Ace wants to talk with Mike. I thought damn a drama free day just went into the shitter. Ace and I walked to the pro shop and he pointed to a cart and said jump in and I shrugged and did as requested. Then he started with the usual bull shit and said Mike you are one of the best football players in the history of our league and I don't say that without know what the hell I'm talking about. I smiled and said thanks. Not beating around the bush AP can't say enough good things about you. I emailed again but this time had no answer. Mike, you don't know this but you are about to be invited to a meeting in Harrisburg with a legislative committee. Another smile and I said well I was aware that was a possibility. Mike, how did that come up? Well sir, it had to do with Cole and golf and Federal court. The Judge asked me a question and I responded. I assume that I impressed a couple legislatures. Mike what do you think of Dr. Lombo? Sir, I think he is a pompous ass and should venture out of his office and attend a game or two, however I get the impression you want him anywhere but in the WPAIL. He laughed out loud and said damn they weren't kidding when they said you didn't mind speaking your mind. Well sir, to be honest I have a bet with bob that I would be asked to appear. Hell owe me dinner and it will be in Pittsburgh, would you like to attend. I was thinking Oakmont, I'm a member. He laughed again and asked, just how the fuck did that happen you are barely 18. It was my turn to laugh and I did money and connections. Mike, what do you think of our league? Well sir, it is well run but a bit heavy handed and you could use a bit of input from some of the kids who produce about 80% of your revenue. Mike, would you do that? I shook my head and said nope, I'm out of here in 7 games. Mike, there isn't much time today can we meet and talk? I said sure check with Major Messer about my schedule and I'll make it happen. Mike, do you know who I am? Sir, I most certainly do and you like most powerful adults underestimate who I am. Now can we please get to my car. With that we started to AP's office and I said sir, I hope you weren't offended but that's the only way people can meet with me. If you still want to meet it will be at your convenience and location. He parked the cart and I saw JJ and and asked dude you ready? JJ looked at Ace and said absolutely and we were on our way home. Ace went inside and I noticed dad' car was still there so I knew I would hear about it when I got home. Thanks for all the messages on the 300th chapter they were fun to read and much appreciated. PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE, consider a donation to NIFTY.