Date: Tue, 7 Jun 2022 01:02:12 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 332 It got to be 10:00 and I was fucking struggling with the latest CMU thing and my usual breaks a walk about simply didn't help. I set all that aside and grabbed a beer and laid on the loveseat. For some reason the damn closing on Friday had me in a mood and the fact that Heather would be there had me unsettled. Ex girlfriends have never bothered me before, well except for Carrie. This was different as she was a pain in my ass and would always get a dig or two in. Then there were all the requirements as to dress and how to act and my need to be me. Damn I was struggling. Just then Winnie returned my call and that helped a lot. Well it kept my mind off the closing and all that shit. We agreed on lunch tomorrow in school and a movie after my work out and that actually improved my mood. With that I turned out the lights and jumped into bed with a pile of covers covering my naked body. It was another unusually ugly morning and there was no run so I took a very hot shower and changed into work clothes and had two cups of coffee while I looked at stuff for class this morning. With that all done I was running a bit late and found JJ sitting in his truck waiting for me. He asked if the weather always this ugly and I replied, well not usually this early but February is the worst. He said that he would meet me at the gym and we were off to class. Classes were ok but both lunches were a blast. I told JJ that I needed to skip the workouts and was spending the time with Winnie and he shook his head, then smiled and said well be back early as I'll be at you place at 10:30. In the second lunch, I asked Winnie if she was free right after school she smiled and said, sure. I told her I would pick her up and we were going for a plane ride. The second lunch wasn't as much fun but the time with Winnie was special. I drove home called Nemacolin and alerted them to my arrival at the air strip and while it was expensive I didn't care and I reserved a car. I wasn't eating there and had a better more relaxing and romantic place in mind. The Stone House, located on US 40, the nation's first highway. Then there was a call to the airport and I asked that the twin engine plane be available and fueled for 3:30. That was no problem and I went home, showered, shaved and changed into clothes that were of the same level as what Winnie had on. Then I thought about my 3 gold medals and drove to the mall. The owner of the frame shop and I had a long chat about how to display them and we decided that we would use my favorite shadow box and that there would be a picture of Three Rivers Stadium and the two district gold medals. The state medal would have a PAAA logo in muted colors. The District stuff would be a bit larger. I asked if I gave him a picture if he could reduce it? He said sure and I told him the medals and picture would be there over the weekend. The picture being reduced and framed was the one of Jim and I, as that was still special. With that done I went to the hair salon and Caleb was off so I got a quick trim and more of a return to my older look. I was determined to be me and this latest hair style wasn't me, well yet. As I was walking to the car my phone rang and it was Tim. He said Mike there is a slight change tomorrow. I stopped dead in my tracks and asked, now what? Well Mike, the closing is moved to 1:00 and it will be in your office. I laughed and asked, how did that happen? Well Mike, the attorney handling the closing is a friend and apparently Kirkpatrick ask for 1:00 and he told them that he place was not available and moved it to our place. I laughed and said well my place my rules, so the rules change, I said jacket and no tie. Tim wasn't happy but said whatever, just be professional. Tim, thanks for all the hard work on this fucking disaster. Tim laughed and replied, well that's why I'm here and Liam will have your office ready for the party. Tim, please no media and no statement from us, no comment works. Mike, the Major and I have talked about it and as he put it "the lid is on". I laughed and said, I'll see you tomorrow morning as I'm not going to school. On the way to school to pick up Winnie, I was thinking about my schedule. Today was Thursday the 19th. The bachelor party was the 20th through the 22nd. We had school on the 23rd and were off until the 5th and I had an an appointment with Mr. Ramo in guidance on Monday the 23rd. Winnie was leaving with the rents on the 24th nd returning late the 26th. The wedding was the 28th and the rehearsal dinner was the 27th at Churchworks Brewery in Lawerenceville. I needed to check with Charlie as the best time for me to visit was the 3rd nd 4th and I needed to make sure Chuck would be there and I was hoping this was simply JJ and I. That would be a busy time and I still needed a gift for Winnie. That was hard and complicated and fuck, I was falling for her. At school Winnie jumped right in the car and I got a quick kiss and she asked so where we going? I smiled and said for a ride in a plane. She laughed and said ok, I won't ask any more questions. It was a quick 15 minute ride to the airport and I asked her to get us some water and I checked in saying we were going to Nemacolin nd then a ride and no idea where but would be back around 9:00. Winnie was waiting and I was handed a bottle of water and we went to the plane, which was ready and the fuel tanker had just pulled away. She watched intently as I did the check list and laughed when I manually checked the fuel. On board she put on the head phones and strapped in. I started the engines and she was quiet. I did all the communication to taxi and we were quickly cleared for takeoff. Once in the air I thanked her for being quiet and told her that we were headed to Nemacolin. She laughed and said well turn the fuck around, I hate that place. I laughed and said well we will be there long enough to get into a rented car and I have something much nicer in mind. I simply headed down Rt 51 and turned East and followed Rt 40 and it was a short trip and a no wait landing. The car was waiting and I took care of all that and the landing fees and we were off. I headed West on 40 and 20 minutes later pulled into the parking lot. Inside it was very Casey and we were seated in a quaint dining room. Drinks were iced teas and waters and Winnie was smiling and asked Mick, how much did this cost? I smiled and said well less than I have have on me. We both ordered an Asian pear salad and the Salmon. Either the service was slow or somehow they knew we were in no hurry and we talked and on occasion held hands across the table. I knew it and I knew Winnie knew it but we were closer than ever. When we finished eating I ordered a cappuccino and Winnie said we'll make that two. As soon as we were alone Winnie said Mick, I thought for sure we would be going upstairs and here we sit having just ordered a fancy coffee. I took her hand and said babe, today is about the 6" between my ears, not the 7" between my legs. Willie laughed out loud and squeezed my hand. So Mick, the adjustment to no football isn't easy? Winnie, this is different as I'm no longer on the team and it is fun yet strange watching that unfold. I have been on a football team since 5th grade and now I'm not and that's fucking weird. She asked about VT and I said nothing is official until letter of intent day. Winnie, I just needed a sane uncomplicated day as there is a big business deal tomorrow. We talked about that and I answered every question she asked in detail. Then she asked Mick, where does all this money come from? I replied, well I sell drugs on the side. She looked at me and said don't ever do that or say that again, it isn't funny. Babe, Wyatt's dad and I had a big deal as we found 5 locations for Highmark and built 5 mini clinics. Enterprises made millions on commissions, construction fees and I have the the best relationship with the Unions. So now it will be another building and an industrial building to manufacture drones and make more millions. She looked and me and asked, is there ever a number that is enough? I looked at her and said babe, I don't know and so far the money is secondary. Technologies was a mess and the old building was so bad I can't get a buyer and I might just tear it down. We finished our cappuccinos and I paid the bill with a credit card and we started for the car. It was a quiet trip back to Nemacolin and we were quickly in the air and I asked if she wanted to go straight back or check out Deep Creek and she said, well anything but straight back as you need the time in the air for the more complicated 6". I laughed nd said thanks and we headed a bit south and mostly east. There wasn't much to see except snow covered fields and trees with no leaves. Then I noticed some dark clouds in the distant west and realized the weather down here would be great so I made a sharp turn and headed straight north. She looked scared and asked, is everything ok? Winnie for now but they get a lot is snow down here that don't get and it appears that is going to happen here in about an hour. We will be long gone and safe before that happens. As we flew north I kept my eye on the weather and said, babe, I think I'm taking us home. We were safely back on the ground about 90 minutes earlier than I had planned. In the terminal I was told that the weather had changed and that there would be some squalls and wind gusts but not much snow. Once we were in the car, I noticed that our single engine plane was landing but before I could comprehend that Winnie leaned over and kissed me and it was way more than a casual event. When we separated she thanked me for one of the best day of her life. At her place the make out session was longer and more intense and I ended it as I wasn't having sex in my car or her driveway. I walked her to the door and we kissed again and I told her would not be in school nd that I would call her after dinner with the Union President. At my place I went to the house and checked in with the rents spending 15 minutes chatting and told them about my day tomorrow. Dad indicated he would sit in on the closing and I said good night and went to my place. At my place I grabbed a beer and as you as shut the loveseat my phone rang and JJ said, I see you are back early you alone? I laughed and said get you ass in here and clothes are optional. MJ, in due time but I need a beer. I simply hung up and JJ was serious about the beer as he gulped half the bottle at once. Ok, JJ how are you? MJ, it's the damn girls, as Mia has moved into my head. JJ in a good or bad way? He looked at me and asked how in the fuck could that be good? I laughed and asked so you two are getting too close for comfort, correct? Well MJ, we have been together for a while and I'm usually ready to move on but with Mia it's anything but moving on. Well JJ, I'm in the same place with Winnie. JJ, all that aside let's get naked and enjoy each other. JJ quickly swallowed his beer and I left mine half finished and we went to the spare bedroom and I knew the sex would be intense and fun and possibly a bit nasty and messy. In the room we stood there looking at each other and I finally grabbed him and slowly unbuttoned his flannel shirt and gently took it off and tossed it aside. Then I grabbed the waist band of his tee and lifted it over his head. I reached up and grabbed his nipples and pulled closer and while we kissed I unbuttoned his jeans. They unbuttoned but were so tight they didn't move and I stopped kissing him and pushed him backwards on the bed. I quickly pulled off his shoes and grabbed the ends of his pant legs and with one hard pull had them off. He was just laying there with his boxer briefs with his hands behind his head smiling. I roughly took off his underpants and was pulled on top of him and he asked MJ, do you want to do all the work or can I get involved. That resulted in a massive make out session and JJ finding a way to get me naked. We were licking, kissing and tasting each other and before long we each had a dick in our mouths. Before long and almost at the same time we filled each other mouths with a bunch of cum. I hadn't swallowed and before I knew what was happening I was flipped over and JJ spit my load on my hole and I don't know how he was still hard but damn he rammed his cock in and started to pound my ass. When that happened I spit the load in my mouth on the sheets. JJ kept it up as it took a while but he pounded and pounded me and I was begging him to cum. He laughed and said dude, I'm working on it. Soon after that he pushed in hard and held it there and unloaded again. He collapsed on me and laid there but I was having none of that and rolled over flipped him on his back and I stood up grabbed his legs and pulled him to the side or the bed lifted his legs as high as I could, spit two big hockers on his hole and drove in balls deep and pounded his ass until I shot a load deep in his gut. Then we just fell asleep in each other's arms. It turned out that was a nap and JJ hurried home around midnight as he had school in the morning. I simply rolled over and was sound asleep very quickly. The weather was again ugly and the squalls overnight produced more ice than snow and there was another 2 hour delay for those going to school. It was a long shower and I thought long and hard about what to wear and decided to simply give in and grabbed my grey suit and a blue shirt and a bright red tie with grey accents and cordovan loafers. I poured a travel mug of coffee checked the roads and headed for the office. There was really nothing on my schedule and I thought I would spend some time on ideas for the new buildings and decide which to start first, the office building or the industrial building. I also needed to chat with Lee, the new director of robotics. I was thinking that we would build the fun toy drones here but the heavy duty military and commercial drones needed build at another location and we would also need an expansive area to test all of this. I laughed at my self and thought about doing this while at VT with a full class schedule and football, I must be out of my mind. I did the security shit and when I got the elevator on the 4th floor Amy stopped me and asked if I had a few minutes to talk. I said sure as I was free until 12:30 and she said I'll get someone to cover for me and I'll de right down. I smiled and thought now what and I really didn't want to replace as she had her hand in everything and had the 39 secretaries simply doing their jobs. I looked around and wondered how there was enough room for everyone to sit and sign papers. I fire up my computer and was looking at the financials for Enterprises when there was a commotion outside my office and there was Liam and 6 maintenance workers and a flat bed dolly with a large Eames conference table and behind that was another dolly with 4 Aeron Chairs. The table was moved in and my smaller round marble table was removed and in less than 16 minutes my office was outfitted for the closing. I looked at the table and it was a walnut veneer and aluminum legs and was a classic Eames table. Liam asked if I needed anything and as I was good he left with the workers. I simply went back to the Enterprises Financials. Amy finally appeared and we went and sat in the club seating and she seemed to like that. I simply asked what she needed as this was unusual for her to need to talk or need anything for that matter. She was very direct and said Mike, when I became aware that Riley was leaving I sent a resume to RH as I'm interested in the position. I was a bit stunned but smiled and asked Amy, dig Maggie reply or even acknowledge the resume? Mike, I haven't heard a word. Well Amy we haven't discussed it at all except to start looking, very generally, and I need to work out a few things with Riley and it is complicated and I have been swamped with this building thing. Amy smile and said well don't forget football. Well Amy, I'm actually working through all that. I asked for a resume and she handed me a copy. I set the resume aside and asked, so why are you qualified for the COO position and what do you see as your responsibilities? Amy smiled and said, I view the responsibilities as follows: * Oversee operational policies and procedures. * Oversee day-to-day operations, including finance, human resources and sales. * Oversee planning, maintenance and efficiency. * Prepare operational reports and management reports. * Ensure compliance on a company, state and federal level. * Drive sustainable growth and minimize losses. * Head outreach and business relations. * Review budgets and staffing. I smiled and asked so what are your qualifications to accomplish all that? Well as my resume demonstrates I graduated with Honors from PSU with a major in business management and minor in finance. I took the job here and started the day after I graduated and am finishing a masters in business management. I was actively looking when you asked me to take over for Ruth. I saw how you promoted from within and like the way the company operated, so I took the promotion and decided to wait for an opening. Look Mike, I was over qualified for the position but wanted out of my parents house and the pay here was above average and I had the time to work on the masters. I continue to listen and then said ok Amy, here is what I can do. I do like to promote from inside and I will talk with the warlock in HR. Then Kyle and I will talk, once I settle on what Riley will be doing and that might be nothing. I need you to get a resume to Kyle and give me a week and we will talk again. This conversation surprised me but there are no guarantees. She smiled and stood up and said thanks. Liam arrived as Amy was walking out the door and as soon as Amy was out of earshot he asked, so did you promote her? I looked at him and said sit the fuck down. Mike, here or at the desk? Look Liam, this isn't the time to get smug with as you let her blindside me with that. Mike, I simply told her to talk to you as Maggie most likely sees her as a secretary or an under achiever and she is anything but either of those. Well Liam you need to give me a heads up or are you personally involved with her? Liam laughed and said well we aren't fucking or even dating but we work together a lot. Besides when have you had a secretary in here with a complaint. I laughed at that and said, well if that happens and such bull shit reaches me a lot of people will be collecting unemployment. Liam, call the architect and have them design a doghouse as you might be needing a new office. I simply said thanks for the conference table but have them get it out of here by the time I get here Monday. Liam replied, Rodger that. Liam for the closing the only people I want in here before 1:00 is the closing officer and our people which is Tim, dad and the two of us. Understand we can't be late but I want them waiting on us and if they are late ask the Chief to a complete rectal exam at security. Something just short of a strip search. Liam found that hysterical and said, damn I hope they are late. Tim appeared and joined Liam and I and said well Mike, this has been a lot of work and I hope it is worth it. I smiled and asked, was it worth it the last time? Well Mike this time you won't have the support of the Mayor or City Council. Tim, I promise you if they get in the way my next press conference will fill Three Rivers Stadium. The Major appeared and said Mike, there is already a large press contingent here and the closing isn't for 90 more minutes. I said well Major, let's have some fun. We went outside and it was in the low 20's and I was in a shirt and no coat. As soon as the door opened the media rushed forward and flashbulbs went off and every one tried to ask a question at the same time. I put both hands up and there was quiet and I said, I have a very brief statement and will not take questions. What will happen, hopefully, in 90 minutes will happed today a couple of hundred times in the city today. There will be a real estate closing. That's all. Things will progress and the Major will keep you all informed. My immediate plans for the property is to shovel snow and cut grass in the spring. Now, that's all I have for you today, stay warm. Back inside Tim laughed and said well add the media to the people you are pissing off today. We piled into the elevator and I got off on the second floor and asked if anyone wanted coffee or something to drink. I was surprised when everyone got off. I was lucky enough to find some fresh coffee and everyone els opted for a bottle of water. At the office dad had arrived and I let the adults chat and I opened the door and went outside and looked at the river and the city and was thinking about the jobs we would house here and what this could ultimately mean for the region. While it was cold I really didn't notice as I was focused on what we could achieve. At some point dad appeared and said Michael, get you ass inside you are turning blue. I laughed as as we walked inside he rubbed my head and said nice hair cut. I said thanks and joined in. At about 12:40 the office phone rang and we were told that a Mr. Caldwell was here. Tim and the Major headed down to escort him up here and we all waited. Tim introduced me and we shook hands and I gave Walt Caldwell a brief tour and explained the wall and the pictures and the changes and the jet model and I let the Major explain the shuttle model. When we had finished he sat at the head of the table and organized his papers for the closing. A few minutes the phone rang again and the Chief asked for me. When I got on she said there are a bunch of pissed off people for the closing as I had 2 FBI agents do the security prep. I laughed out loud and said Chief your getting a raise, I hung up and asked Liam to get the rubble from the lobby. There was a mixture of laughs and head shaking but it looked like we were all set. The Mayor stormed in the room and came right in my face and said how dare you make a fool out of me? Well Mr. Mayor you should do what I do when I'm made a to look like a fool. He asked and what is that? Mayor, I have no idea as it has never happened to me. Why don't you have a seat and encourage the others to do so. Once everyone was seated I said, I hope the security check didn't upset you as we each go through that every day. We have government contract and they carry restrictions and obligations. Mr. Caldwell you are on. He smiled and said thanks Mike. Each of you have a number of papers to sign and you and or your attorneys have reviewed them and I have your assurances that these documents meet with your approval. The first document certifies that soil meets all environmental conditions and meets all the conditions for construction. I was the last to sign and Heather looked and shook her head. I smiled and that pissed her off. There were two Transfer Tax documents and again, I signed them but carefully. The next document was a lien release that certified there were no liens on the property. Then Mr. Caldwell the last document is the deed which transferred the property to MJS Enterprises once that is signed I will as previously agreed electronically transfer the funds less expenses. This document is for the sellers which details how the funds will be distributed. Mike and his team were made aware of their costs and fees and the property yesterday and those funds were transferred to my escrow account yesterday. Things were going smoothly until it got to Heather and she said daddy, I'm not signing. There was dead silence in the room and I just sat there composing a press release in my mind. While I found it absolutely hysterical I just sat there and calmly waited. The issues was that for some reason her dad had included her in this and she was 18 and could hold this up. M. Caldwell said Mr. Kirkpatrick I get $750 an hour so that's $12.50 a minute and I have all day but understand we are finishing this today and you already owe me $12.50 and the clock is running and you are on the hook for all costs from this point. Kirkpatrick looked at me but said to the room, I'll need a place to talk with my daughter. Liam said sir, you can use my office or the patio? I almost laughed at that but damn Liam had a sense of humor. Then Kirkpatrick said thanks son, I'm sure your office will be fine. I just watched and if Liam let him get away with that he would need that dog house. Liam stopped dead in his tracks and said sir, I am Liam O'Toole and that's Mr. O'Toole to you and I will thank God every day that I am not your son. Why don't you simply follow me and keep your mouth shut as a further insult will result in you and your child being out on the patio. I laughed as with the glass walls and father and daughter in the office next to us it was like watching a silent movie. The entire thing took 15 minutes and we all heard Heather yell, "Ok just, let that fucking asshole embarrass you more. I shouldn't have forced him to break up with me as he is twice the man you are". Heather was furious and she grabbed a pen and scribbled her name and threw the deed in my general direction. I slowly signed the document and Heather asked ok, why does it take you so long to sign your name? I smiled and said a good friend of mine told me that it is meaningless unless people can read it. With that she stormed out, leaving her dad to deal with the fall out which included paying Mr. Caldwell $312.50. He simply wrote a check. With that I simple left the office and took the back steps to the lobby. Heather was going through the security check out and I discretely made a motion that the process should be stretched out. I got a nod and went to see the Chief. I stayed in the security office talking with the Chief and her two friends from the FBI. I stayed there until I was sure the Mayor and his friend were gone. I noticed that they stopped and met with the media. I went back to my office and chatted with Walt, Tim and dad and that was relaxing and fun. I asked dad if he wanted to join me and Rocco, the Union President, and dad politely declined. It was a long tiring day and I was over dressed all day, well for me. I drove home to shower and shave before dinner. THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE COMMENTS AND THEY ARE APPRECIATED. PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE, REMEMBER NIFTY. EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS ARE HELPFUL.