Once the girls were gone JJ and I grabbed another beer and chatted about the girls and that developing relationship. We pretty much decided that it was a good thing as it wouldn't require much from us. We both liked the fact that they didn't seem to need us all the time and fuck, I didn't even call every night. JJ said well if the season goes as expected they would be dating high profile jocks and we would have reasonable chicks hanging on us. MJ, these two might be keepers but definitely Prom dates. I asked JJ what he would be doing the Friday night before camp in Texas and he said I would be sitting at a fire too drunk to fuck the two girls hanging all over him. So JJ, do you miss that? He looked at me and said nope and that's your fault. I haven't been drunk since we met and I'm in the best shape of my life. Thanks dude.
The subject turned to Sam and I said JJ, I bet he shows up on Monday and coach caves. JJ laughed and said dude that's a bet and when I win it is the kinkiest debt you ever paid. I laughed and said deal. There was one last beer while I told JJ about Wyatt and my golf event tomorrow. JJ said well don't go jumping on a side until the Sam drama runs it course. JJ, I understand but if the kid plays some and does well, it will be a real zoo. Then JJ said, I need to shock the shit out of mom and get home. It will be so funny when I walk in sober. We hugged and he left and said MJ, I'm done running and don't call me before noon. I laughed and said good night.
I jumped in the shower and damn, I needed that haircut and decided first thing in the morning. I was surprised when my phone rang and I got worried as it was Major Jim. When I said hello, Jim asked what did you do with my son? Major he left here a while ago saying he was going right home. Mike, someone looking a lot like JJ walked in sober and with flowers for his mom. I said Jim, that has a lot to do with the fact that he is playing football for a team that is expected to win. Jim laughed and said well that and whatever the hell it was that you did, thanks and get some rest and he hung up.
I woke up around 7:30 and thought well that was an extra hour. I put coffee on and was thinking about breakfast and when I open the refrigerator I just laughed as there were two bottles of beer and a half bottle of white wine. I figured what the fuck and went to the house and made French toast and was reading the paper when dad came down and said don't you eat at home? I laughed and said well even I can't stomach beer for breakfast. I'll shop tomorrow. Then I was asked so who is John Carson? Well he is Wyatt's father. Ok, so who is Wyatt? I laughed and said Freshman QB and Sam's likely replacement, they just moved to East Club Drive from Dublin, Ohio. A job transfer or something. Dad, to buy a house on that street they have money and he has applied for membership at the Club, so be nice. Back in my room I changed into shorts and a Latrobe Country Club shirt, grabbed some coffee and drove to the mall. At the hair salon I was told that Caleb wouldn't be in for a while and I said that's ok, just a quick trim and sharpen the edges and this all needs to fit into a football helmet. As I was passing the frame shop I was stopped by the owner who asked if I wanted these and I was handed a package. Shit I had forgot about all the pictures. I said thanks and drove home.
I had plenty of time as East Club was like two blocks away and I opened the package and there were 2 framed pictures of Ray and I, 2 of JJ and I and one of Mary Ann. I would give JJ his tonight and ship Ray's from the office on Monday. A few minutes before 11:00 I jumped into the car and drove the two blocks. The street is unique as there are houses on one side and the Club is on the other. Every house is different, all built a while ago and some are large and yet others are actually small. The common factor is that it is a tough street to find a house for sale and when you actually find one it costs more than it should. As I pulled onto the street I was amazed at how level it was, just sitting a ridge. I didn't have to look for the house as I saw this kid in the distance swinging a club in the front yard. He was tall thin and had sandy blond hair and in a wild mess like mine used to be. I pulled in the driveway and Wyatt put his club in the bag and we shook hands. He had grey shorts and a gold, golden bear golf shirt. I asked if he had met Jack and he said yup as dad was a member at Murefield. Mike, why we playing golf? Wyatt so that we can get to know each other. Jim will start as our QB but he has had neck issues and none of us know about Sam. He smiled and asked is there a chance, I'll get varsity snaps, in a real game? I simply said yup and we loaded the clubs in the car and I laughed as we could have walked in less time.
When we got to the bag drop the poor kid was astounded that I was called Mike and our bags were put in carts. I asked the attendant to look for Mr. Carson and my dad and please see to it that Mr. Carson gets a locker. With that we were off to the range. There I saw Wyatt was bigger than I first thought and he had a nice swing and I would bet he took lessons. I asked Wyatt what his handicap was and said he wasn't sure as he simply submitted scores and never checked. He asked about mine and I said I don't play here much but I am about a 2. Just then my phone rang and it was Wyatt's dad saying he was finished with the meeting. I said we would meet him at the pro shop and I was wondering where dad was. When we got to the Pro Shop I shook hands with John and Wyatt asked where the putting green was and I pointed and took John to change. I asked about the meeting and he said typical and they will let me know. I set him up in my locker and went looking for dad. Dad was with a buddy eating lunch and he said he would find John and they would go to the range. I went looking for Mike, the manager, when I found him I asked about John Carson and he hesitated and I stood there staring holes through him and he finally said, well it was a no brainer. He has a big position with Highmark and great recommendations from Ohio. Mike, he is using my locker, please just go tell him. With that I turned and walked away.
I stoped at the Pro Shop and they called Murfield and checked on Wyatt's handicap and he was an impressive 4. I went up to Wyatt and said well you are a 4 and I am a 2 but I'll give you 2 a side from the tips. He smiled and said bet 10/10/10 and I said fine. Our dads joined us and we said we are playing the tips and they laughed and said not us. During the match I learned that his school in Ohio was bigger than ours and that he played on the 9th grade team last year and started. He played some on the JV but not much at all He said his dad thought it was a big enough of an upgrade. So Wyatt what would he say about varsity this year? Mike, I have no idea because his new job is really a big change and he is still after a couple of months still adjusting. Wyatt, what about you? Well it's complicated as somehow I'm in the middle of the QB thing. I just want to play. I've met some kids, in my class on the team but it's hard as I already feel I won't be playing with them as I'll be moved to JV. Dude, we are very, very good and the there is pressure up the ass. Mike, how did the media thing occur? Wyatt, let's leave that because your dad will ask the same question. He said fine and I asked about his classes and he said all the tough ones I can get and eventually AP.
With the strokes we were about even as I putted better than him as he found the greens very fast. He asked about Jim and his health issues and I said a nerve in his neck and one never knows when it acts up and it zaps his arm strength. No matter what QB2 will play a lot as with a couple of TD's ahead in the second half Jim will be rested as will a lot of us. So Mike how did you guys get this good? I said an exceptional class, a coach with a light hand. Then you buy in totally all season and after the season, work out, stay involved and at the same time do your own thing. Play other sports and be a solid student. Dude, it's harder than you think. So have you met Sam? Nope, my buddies here think it's best to let you guys work it out. What happens if it's a fight for the position? Wyatt, smiled and said it is what it is but know this, I'll be busting my ass and from what I see I have the strongest arm. After 9 holes I was 1 under and he was 2 over and neither of us were barely aware that the dads were playing as well.
At the half way house which is actually after #10 I ordered an Arnold Palmer and Wyatt found that funny and asked what is that? I handed him the drink and ordered another. Mike, why all the umbrella logos, I know that's AP but you have no South Hills attire. You said you don't play here often do you play there a lot? I smiled and stuck a tee in the ground and smacked a 3 wood right down the middle. He picked up my tee and hit a driver about 30 yards past mine. I looked at Wyatt and said game on. It could have been a made for TV event. We were a collective of 7 under for the last 8 holes and when we finished I was handed $10 as the match was very even. I was impressed with the mental toughness and his calm demeanor.
After the round dad suggested the patio for drinks and snacks. We chatted about football and what the school was like. I asked about John's new job and damn he was CFO of Highmark medical insurance. I asked if that was Blue Cross and he said yes. I asked about the course and he said well, it was fun and the greens keep you on your toes. We chose this place as the wife and the girls can even walk to the pool, it is very convenient. Then Wyatt asked, Mike you said you don't play here much, where do you play. I hesitated trying to figure out how to answer the question and dad jumped in saying, well Mike uses this place for business meetings mostly, he plays some at Latrobe, mostly out of obligation, but when he really wants to play serious golf it is Oakmont. John looked at dad and asked so your a member at Oakmont as well? Dad smiled and looked at me and I said well, I'm the member there and at Latrobe and here as well. John, just looked and dad explained things in very general terms. I knew instantly that I would be checked out, first thing Monday morning. Wyatt looked at me and asked is that for real, would you please take me there to play? I looked at him and said sure when you throw your first varsity TD pass. John smile and said well there is a little more pressure, not that you need more. With that John looked at Wyatt and said champ, thank these two and we need to be going. Then John asked, so which one of you ripped the manager a new one? I said, guilty as charged and welcome to South Hills. With that John went to the locker room and claimed his dress clothes. Dad went into the grill and I thought, Megan will be pissed. Wyatt threw his clubs in his dad's car and said thanks Mike, today was the first day I felt at home here. John appeared and everyone went their separate ways.
At home it was a quick change into jeans a nondescript polo shirt and dockers with no socks. I looked in the mirror and liked the haircut and drove to get Mary Ann. When I knocked on the door she answered saying, let's get out of here. I smiled and asked, the Twins acting up? She just shook her head and jumped in the car. We drove to Eat N Park and she laughed and said, so we are ruffing it tonight. I said babe, I was at the Club all afternoon and I need something more normal. We both ordered the salad bar and I added a burger. It was a long dinner with multiple trips to the salad bar. I warned her about my football moods and told her I was usually a mess on game day. I eventually paid the bill and we drove to my place. Once inside she was all over me and I have to admit I was all over her. My shirt was off and so was her top and I loved those form perky tips. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and said, just a second and almost immediately the door floor open and there was a smiling JJ and a befuddled Terri. JJ said MJ, you said a second and Terri blasted him on the back of the head and even Mary Ann laughed. Mary Ann took my hand and we started to my room and I stopped and said, Jace's room is off limits and that, indicating the loveseat and said it can open.
Once in my room I picked her up, placed her on the bed and pulled her pants off and stripped and she laughed when I was commando. I laid beside her and asked it she was ok? She said pay back is a bitch and we started to make out and it was a sweet and romantic two time event. Once we were decent we went to the common room and JJ and Terri were going at it and I grabbed Mary Ann and leaned against the door. As soon as JJ saw us he pulled out and said, what the fuck? Mary Ann said well JJ, we knocked and when there was no answer we felt it was all clear, but don't let us stop you. All of a sudden Terri sat up and slapped JJ hard on the face and said, good you have been a sex starved jerk all day, this isn't fucking Texas. Then she kissed him, threw is underwear in is face and said, I wouldn't want you any other way and everyone laughed. I simply took Mary Ann's hand and went to the car and drove her home. At her place, I walked her to the door and we kissed goodnight and she looked right at me and asked so will there be a lot more nights like this now that you are in football mode. I said babe, wait till you experience the Tavern after the game. I simply got in the car and drove home to find the place deserted and the loveseat back upright.
I turned on some relaxing music and went back into the play book. I knew there would be deletions and additions but the basics would not change. In my heart, I knew Sam would not play and was certain in my mind that he would transfer. He had no following here and while I knew he did that to himself, I would be blamed. His class, every bit as athletic as my class decided to buy into what coach was selling. Damn it was a different approach as it required a total comment during the season and simple interest the rest of the year. Other sports were actually encouraged. Weight training was more than encouraged especially in the summer. Then I thought does it really matter what I think as this is my last year and I'll go from BIG MAN ON CAMPUS to ROOKIE. Just then there was a knock on the door and I yelled ENTER. I was expecting it to be JJ and there stood dad.
Dad sat down and said everyone was asleep and I knew you would be up stressing out over football. Then he said Mike, I had a long chat with Tim and you can't simply sign over the shares in the startup something of value needs to be exchanged and he handed me a stack of bills. I said ok, what is this and he said $49, a dollar a share. Ok dad and who pays Tim for that long chat? Dad smiled and said well he is your attorney. I shook my head and asked what else and it better not be costing me money? Mike, today was fun and John is a nice guy and while I tried to explain to him what was about to happen to his son, he didn't quite get it. I suggested that he work closely with coach and that you would help with Wyatt. He said, so that's why the interest in Wyatt? He is now aware of the Sam issue and that mess. Also, you impressed him as he said the Club manager respects you but you also scare the shit out of him. Dad, I get that but as things progress my only membership will be at Oakmont. I'm spending a lot of money on memberships and I am definitely dropping the Duquesne Club. I don't need my ass kissed while I'm trying to eat. Then dad said, let's talk about your schedule. Well camp goes from 6 AM till 10 or 10:30 and from 6:00 till 8:00 and those are mostly meetings. Monday will be to see who is in shape and who pukes. Monday night will be play books and meetings with position coaches. I'll need a twin as it is mainly linebacker and some running back. They better have my number 24 in my size. Dad laughed and said you can be at the office on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and an occasional Saturday. You Security pass only work on those days. I looked at him and asked, how the fuck did that happen? Well Kyle, Amy, Zaid and I had a meeting with security. If something comes up Zaid and Amy can clear you for work. I said fine, I'll just work from home and fuck all of you. Dad smiled and said nope as there will be no ability to access the system. Then he said behave yourself for a week or so and adjustments will be made. Dad, I'll go along with this till I don't but I'll be there if I fucking feel it requires me to be there. Dad looked at me and said, I'll bet you those $49 sitting on the table that there will be nothing for you to do all week. Hell, you have been busting your ass covering the details for 2 weeks. Just be a high school kid, if you remember how to do that. I got a big hug and dad started for the door. At the door he stopped and dad dropped the big bomb when he said church tomorrow it started at 10. Once alone, I thought that I could have handled that better. Dad was actually being a rent and the message was that I could shove my freedom up my ass and he was still my dad. Damn, church an hour out of my life, I'll never get back. I turned out the light and jumped into bed.
Sunday morning was the last run for a long time and Cole was actually disappointed. Once we were done I asked JJ to stop by after I got back from church. He just looked and me and shook his head. Cole and I had coffee together and I was glad to hear that he was getting excited about the tournament. He said he had talked with David and asked him not to come to the event. He said that he would be there but promised not to bother me. Cole, just have fun and I'll see you Sunday. Then it was a shower and khaki pants and Cole and I drove to church and waited for Megan and dad. When they came we all went inside. It was a very routine Catholic mass and the priest droned on and on. I was able to pay attention for most of it.
Back at home, I decided to wash and clean the car. I had just finished the interior and JJ appeared. He asked what's up and I said just washing the car. He laughed and said damn, I thought that involved driving to a car wash and handing a guy $10. I laughed and said well I want it pretty for the start of camp. Ok, so why am I here? Oh, on the table outside my room there is a gift for you. He simply went to the apartment and returned with a big smile. I said JJ, that's a temporary one as I want a real football one with a metal or two. He said MJ, this is a fucking keeper and another one will be special but this one means a lot to me and that fucking frame and mounting is special. I got a big hug and he started for home. I finished with the car and went out in the back yard and for the first time in days sat in my spot and took a mental trip to the rock in New York. Eventually camp flew into my head and I had no idea what it would be like as Coach Weston took over right before the first game. Then there was that party where I met Carrie and had sex with Jeff and his girl. Then there was getting out of there before the police arrived and the start of all that shit. I was wondering how Jeff was and if he was still in the wheelchair. I wished I had current contact information. Then I grabbed my phone and called Ray. He laughed and said Mike, I knew you would call today as Camp starts tomorrow. I said that correct but I wanted to give you a head up as I'm sending you a gift and I need the address. I got the address and he said he needed to go but would call when he got the package.
I was chatting with Megan when my phone rang and it was coach. I answered with coach what's so important that it couldn't wait till tomorrow? Well, I see you are rounding into football mode and that better not mean you will be a pain in the ass. Well, I approved or rather didn't object to Sam's transfer to a catholic school in the south hills. We just want him out of our here and to be happy. They are 2 classes below us so there is no chance he could play against us. Mike I understand you spent the day with Wyatt and his dad, is he up for this? Coach, he has played up on every level and I put the pressure on him at golf today and he is calm, intense and fucking determined. If he plays 10 minutes the scouts will be all over him. Make sure his dad gets it. He said, ok and hung up.
Back with Megan I asked who was here tonight for dinner and she said just us. So what would you like to eat and she surprised me with chicken wings and a salad. I said great as I'll have ribs and a salad. I got up and placed the order and poured me an iced tea and got the ice water she requested. I asked about Cole and she said I think he is ready as he actually loves the attention. Megan, I have the same feeling, he is ready. Then she said painters were scheduled and they were starting the nursery. I asked about the colors and she laughed and said gender neutral and animals. The food came and she asked about school and my CMU classes. I said Megan, they are hard but not as hard as doing my check book. She laughed and when we finished eating I cleaned up and went to my room.
As I was settling in for the night my phone rang and it was Coach B room VT. He ask how things were and how it was to be a star on the top rated high school team? I said just practicing for when I get there. So Mike, I'll be at your first game is there anything besides you and JJ? I said well a Freshman QB. He laughed and asked will he even get in and I said absolutely and if I'm right at least a half. Coach he is 6'2" and 185 and is 15 his arm is very strong and he is calm under pressure, well on the golf course. Ok, Mike have a great year and don't get hurt. I laughed and said well that's the plan. Then he said, I forgot I'm going to see Allen at Central on Saturday. Well coach enjoy that and have him call me. Finally, I checked in with Mary Ann. Then I set the coffee for 5:00 AM and packed a couple of sets of practice cloth and shoved then in a gym bag, set them by the door and set the alarm and jumped into bed nude.
THANKS FOR CONTINUING TO READ AND FOR THE COMMENTS AND PLEASE REMEMBER NIFTY, IF YOU CAN.