As soon as I was alone I called JJ and he answered saying, I have no fucking idea. I laughed and asked, did you mean the girls or something else? MJ, what else is there? JJ I'm to play golf with Mary Ann tomorrow so I'll try to figure it out. I would just as soon play 3 than to put up with her shit. We moved the topic to Josh and Wyatt and JJ was on board with all the potential issues. We agreed to watch from a distance and be ready when they asked for advice. I told him I would let him know how it went with Mary Ann and hung up.
I went looking for Cole and found him with dad and Megan outside on the patio. I grabbed an ice tea and joined them. As soon as I sat down dad asked how I was recovering for the game? I shrugged and said well it was physically easy, but what did you think? Well, it was a meaningless game in August and you almost took the night off. Cole chock on is drink and I sat there with my mouth open. So is the Mike Simmons show on hiatus or are you folding the tent and waiting for next year? Mike, you play like that and Moses will still be wearing that diaper. Mike, playing at 3/4 speed gets people hurt, so figure it out. I quickly asked if Jessica was still coming and he said, very much looking forward to it. So after Friday is Mary Ann still invited? I don't even want to know how you heard about that and I don't know. I said good night and went to my place. I was, after that dressing down, in a perfect mood for dealing with Mary Ann. I called and she asked, so am I still invited tomorrow? I said I don't know, it depends on which version of you shows up and if it's that bitch from Friday night just stay the fuck home. Mike, I'm so... and I stopped her and said if the next word out of your mouth is SORRY, you are not invited. For some reason this day is very important for Cole and neither of us will fuck it up. There is a 9:00 tee time and lunch with AP. So you still want to come? She said, yes please. I said ok and it is wheels up at 7:00 please don't be late. So Mike, I don't get picked up? I said well I need to be at school as soon as we get back so please get there and if need be Cole will take you home, good night.
I immediately called coach and asked if I could look at game films alone tomorrow evening? He laughed and asked, how did you figure it out? I said, dad. So Coach how bad was I? Look Mike even on an off night you are damn good. Mike, every time you were doubled teamed you just let Chad and Josh take care of business, you didn't get through one double team all night. Coach, why didn't you say something? Mike it wasn't obvious until we saw the films. So to answer your question, you can't see the films tomorrow night as the entire staff is taking the day off, see you Monday afternoon. I said thanks and hung up. I immediately called JJ and told him that Mary Ann was playing tomorrow, I think and don't care. He said well I just got off the phone with Terri and fuck, did she fall on her sword. I laughed and said, so shit for brains, how bad was I Friday? MJ, not bad at all but not the world class backer I was expecting to see. You were better in the scrimmage. So when was I goin to hear about that? He laughed and said tomorrow evening when I collect my bet. It was my turn to laugh and I said call me, actually I need an intense session with you. With that we hung up. I was tired but went looking for dad and it was an easy find as he was in his office. I sat down and said thanks, you are the only one with ball enough to tell me. Mike, it scares me that you didn't know. Hell you are good on a bad night but get your head in the game. I smiled and said, yes sir and went to my place in bad need of some rest.
In my place, I set the coffee to be ready at 5:45 when I was getting up. I showered and actually shaved and laid out Latrobe clothes. I scanned my log book and realized it was just over three weeks that I had flown that single engine plane.
I was up with the alarm and never a good start and to make matters worse I didn't set the coffee pot right and there was no coffee. I simply got dressed jumped in the car and stopped at McDonalds for a large coffee. At the airport I started the pre-check. Cole and Jessica were the next to arrive and introduction were made and fuck was she hot. Then Mary Ann appeared having been driven my TJ. I went to the car and said TJ, how's business and he got a sick look one his face and I smiled and said no worries how about we hang out Tuesday night, say 9:00 and bring your buddy. He smiled and said absolutely. To prove a point I grabbed Mary Ann and kissed her shoving my tongue in her mouth. When she recovered she said, well I guess you aren't mad anymore. I said babe if you ever act like that in public again we are finished. She said I get it and she went to talk with Jessica. Cole helped unsecured the plane and asked if he would sit up front. I said sure and with the clubs for the girls on board we were set. We got the girls fastened in and I asked that they stay that way. Upfront Cole was fastened in and headphones were on and I explained things and asked that he doesn't touch anything. I contacted Allegheny Ground identifying my self as Piper N75298 told them our location Nd asked to permission to taxi for takeoff. Once in position it was the same this time for Allegheny Tower and we were cleared for takeoff. Just over Mt. Pleasant I contacted Latrobe Tower and was told to enter the pattern and that we were third for landing.j
The flight and the landing were calm and easy. We secured the plane and loaded the two sets of clubs in the shuttle. It is like a 5 minute ride to the club and Mary Ann asked, so Mike where are your clubs? I smiled and said with Cole's in a cart by the first tee. She asked, so how many sets of clubs do you have and I said 3 and Cole said I don't know but around 15. Everyone laughed at that. We adjusted who was riding with whom and went to the range. Cole was as relaxed as I have seen him in a while. I knew Mary Ann could play somewhat but it depended on the green speeds. No idea about Jessica but she looked like she could play. About 20 minutes before our tee time we went to the putting green and I went in the Pro Shop. I checked in and soon enough we were on the tee. Cole and I played the tips and fuck he was relaxed and hitting great shots with a par on 1 and a birdie on 2. He didn't try to duplicate his record drive on 3. Mary Ann and I were back to normal, whatever that was. It was a fun relaxing day and Cole shot 4 under and I was even and Mary Ann shot 89 and Jessica shot 84 and played better than that.
I looked at Cole and asked, now what? He said Mike that's a silly question, we are having lunch. Get in the cart and follow me. As soon as we started down the driveway I knew. We were going to AP's office. They were obviously alerted as AP's long time secretary met us and said the guys have been here before, how about a tour? They jumped at the chance and I heard in here guys. We went into the office and were warmly greeted. He looked at Cole and asked so how is high school golf? Cole told the story about how players were trying to disrupt him and when he heard Cole's line about playing in front of tens of thousand people he laughed out loud. Mike, thanks for bringing Cole here today and I'm guessing he asked you to fly here? I smiled and said correct. He got very serious and said Cole, your proposed schedule is approved with one small stipulation. Cole asked, how small? No amateur event during any month you play a Tour event. Cole was quiet for a second and asked, so when is the Walker Cup? AP said son, I have no idea but you getting on that would be very heavy lifting. I smiled and said next month and ship has sailed. Cole shrugged and said well at least I made the Masters. We started to the club for lunch and AP said Mike ride up with me. He told everyone we were eating on the deck.
I got into the golf cart with AP and we just sat there. Then he said Mike, is Cole in a good place with all this, that is an aggressive schedule. Well it's well thought out and Liam's school schedule has been considered. Mike can he mentally pull it off? All I know is right now he is relaxed and playing golf for fun. It all depends if that is enough, in which case he can be a club pro. That brought a laugh and I was told, that kid has more talent than I have in my arm. It is a lot to ask from a kid his age. Just keep an eye on him and keep me informed. I said sure and we started for the patio. Halfway there he said I hear you are looking for Architects, do you have a project or is it for a bridge? I laughed and said well there might be a project and the bridge isn't on my radar, well not right now. Well good luck with Highmark. I just looked at him and asked, how did you know? Well I'll save you the trouble of tracking it down. Doc heard it at lunch over at the Duquesne Club. I was thinking Hillgrove or Carson. Mike that's all I know but Doc said the guy was a bit overdressed. Three piece suit but Doc also mentioned fake handkerchief in is jacket pocket. I just laughed and said thanks, I know who it was. When we got to the deck/veranda I excused myself and called Tim. As soon as he answered I said I've changed my mind on Hillgrove. Well Mike I had a meeting with him scheduled for tomorrow mid morning. Tim, we can talk in the morning, enjoy the rest of your day.
Back at the table I was the only one with iced tea. Cole had a beer and each of the ladies had a wine and AP had his tea drink but I knew it had more that lemonade in it. The girls were enjoying the entire thing. Naturally the food was good and while it was fun, I wanted to get back. This wasn't the time to push things. I was watching Jessica and was impressed how calm she was and totally comfortable in this somewhat intense atmosphere. Cole would sneak a look at her and there was a very slight smile. Mary Ann was being very involved with the conversation and I was hoping whatever was going on was over. I looked at the time and it was just about 3:00 and I said, I hate to break this up but we need to get back as I promised dad I would be back for dinner.
We loaded the clubs in the van and started for the airport. I asked Mary Ann if she wanted a ride home and I got a kiss and she said, yes please. The airport was a busy place as some commercial flights were ahead or us and we were 4th for takeoff. It gave Cole and me a chance to talk and he immediately asked so what was that private conversation about? Hell you could have walked quicker than you two rode up. I looked over and said well you and Liam have developed a reasonable schedule. Well for a 25 year old and I was asked to watch you closely. I told him you were having fun and playing relaxed golf. Cole, I'll stay out of it until you get too stressed.
Then I heard Latrobe Ground, Piper N75298 taxi to runway 6/24 and stand by. I knew which runway that was and and when we got there I said Piper N75298, Latrobe Tower, at runway 6;24 ready for take off. I heard back Latrobe Tower, Piper N75298 cleared for takeoff. As soon as we hit altitude, I looked at Cole and asked, you want to fly? He smiled and said fuck yes, I have been watching you. Ok dude but if I say hands free that means instantly. He said sure and I said your craft. No subbed moves and simply follow route 30. After about 10 minutes I said Cole, my plane and I contacted Allegheny tower with our location and was told to enter the pattern. The ATIS information was good with a slight head wind for landing. The landing was easy and we were quickly on the way to the cars. I went up to Jessica and gave her a hug and whispered, I see why Cole thinks you are special, just don't hurt each other. With that Mary Ann and I jumped in my car and we were off to her place. The roof was up with the AC on and the radio low and she asked Mike, are you still mad, you were a bit distant all day. I said it's like I'm disappointed. I'll get over it. Understand we won't do the Tavern after every home game and rarely after an away game. She looked at me and said it's not the Tavern it's the adults. Ok Mary Ann, sit with the other students? She said Terry doesn't like that as she fees she is eye candy attached to JJ. Ok Mary Ann and you? Damn, I like hanging on your arm and I hope I'm eye candy. We pulled into the driveway and I walked her to the door and we kissed goodbye. I drove home and went into the house and found it deserted.
I just went to my place and grabbed a beer and sat on the loveseat and checked my messages. There was nothing so I went to my room turned on the computer and scheduled an 8:30 meeting with Maggie and Tim. I listed the topic as Hillgrove. As Labor Day was approaching, I scheduled an 11:30 lunch with Kyle on Wednesday. After that the meetings would need to be later as school was starting a week from tomorrow. I knew my schedule and as promised Mr. Ramo had me off at 11:50. Busy morning but I would have a couple of hours free for work or whatever. Just then the door flew open and Cole said, dude let's go. I just looked and he said mom is having our brother. I said dude, I bet it's a girl and he said bet but let's go. With Cole driving we arrived at McGee hospital and were directed to a maternity waiting room. We eventually found someone and asked about Megan. We were told to sit tight and a few minutes later dad came out and said Megan was doing great and they were not expecting any issues but the baby was about two weeks early. He would let us know and to sit tight. An hour went by and I was tired sitting tight and went to the gift store and bought a paper and a gift for both a boy and a girl. I gave Cole the boy gift and started to read the paper. I went to the Sports page and there was an article about Sam and his game on Saturday. There wasn't much about him in the article but the stats indicated he threw for 238 yards and 2 TD's but also 3 interceptions. I thought well not as good as Wyatt but respectable. The difference being that we won.
About 30 minutes later dad appeared all smiles and asked if we wanted to meet Ashley Megan Simmons. Cole smiled and said well it's not like I have a choice. Dad put his arm around him and said well we have them outvoted 3-2 and even Cole laughed at that. In the room we found Megan sitting up and Ashley munching away on Megan's right breast. I said damn a fast learner and Cole said EWE. We were told she was just under 7 lbs and was 16 inches. Dad took the baby and handed it to Cole and the poor kid turned white. He couldn't hand her off quick enough and I was totally smitten. While holding Ashley I looked at dad and he said, not 4 more years at the earliest. I just smiled. I went over and took Megan's and and asked so with a perfect baby how is mom doing. She smiled and said, I'm good and glad it's over. I said I can't even imagine. Cole went over and gave Megan a kiss on the cheek whispered something I couldn't hear then said just so you know there is no way in hell she is a cheerleader. We all burst out laughing.
It was well free midnight when we left the hospital and as we drove up RT 51 we were pulled over. Cole got the owners card and license and rolled down the window. The officer from Brentwood asked so what has you two out so late? Cole said my mom just had a baby and we are headed home. He looked at the two of us and laughed. Your mom just had a baby? I said yes sir and before things get complicated please all McGee hospital and ask about Megan Simmons. He looked at me and said id please. I simply complied. He went to his car and a few minutes later another car pulled up but the officer stayed in the car. The original officer returned handed us our papers and said straight home, please. Cole asked so officer why was I stopped? The reply pissed us both off as Cole was told great car, tinted windows, late at night. Cole looked at me and said I guess he was shocked out of his shoes when we were white. So officer if I had the roof down it would not have resulted in wasting our time as you would have known our race. The officer said just go straight home and your not, on a Junior permit, to drive after 11:00. Cole replied yesem sir and started the car. I thought that there would be a scene and we were actually followed home. I got out of the car in the driveway and waved.
I grabbed Cole and hugged him and said dude, relax about the sister. MJ, I'm good and I told mom that just practicing for when the boys start wanting in her pants. I simply laughed and said goodnight. It was a very quick shower and prepped the coffee, set the alarm and jumped into bed. I was up with the alarm but the coffee was ready. I looked in the mirror and said shit as I needed a haircut. I downed some coffee while getting dressed. Then I filled my travel mug and left for the office. I got a strange look from security and I headed straight to the cafeteria for more coffee. When Amy saw me she laughed and asked, tough night? I smiled and said yup just not what you think, mom had a baby girl last night. Any said well congratulations but I'm sorry to say you have a very busy morning before you lunch with John Carson. Oh that David from DC called and this time he asked that you call him back. I said you have the number get him on the line and put him through. My ass had barely hit the seat and my phone rang and I picked it up and said this is is Mike. Mike we need to talk about grapes. I said good morning David how are things? Look Mike, we have been sparing with your people for days and the demands are over the top. I'm hoping we can work something out. Mike, I shouldn't have to pay for grapes I'm not talking. Well David what to you want me to do with them, open a farmer's market? He laughed and said we both know you need those grapes and since we knew you would not sign another contract we made another deal and it works for us to take their grapes this year. Mike, here is my final offer you keep your grapes and we will pay 25%. I laughed and said well that final offer will need revised I want full payment as I don't a really care if you dump them in the lake. Then I said dad's on the phone and as Megan had a baby last night I need to take the call give me 10 and I'll call back and I simply hung up. I called Tim and asked where his final deal stood with David? Tim said well they take no grapes and we get 50%. I laughed and said call him back, right now and tell him that his end run resulted in a 25% loss as we need 75%. Tim he just offers me no grapes and 25%. Tim laughed out loud and said, fuck this will be a fun call. I said thanks and told him about the baby. I hung up saying, I'll see you soon.
When I saw Amy I asked if she could call John Carson and cancel lunch and schedule it any day he is free. Explain that Megan had a baby girl last night and I was up till 2:30. She smiled and I said well 1:15. She laughed and said, well there is, Liam O'Toole holding on line 3. I said thanks and punch line 3. He Liam how are things? Mike things are great and I'll graduate in January, I have a sweet apartment and my girl moved I a few weeks ago. So what can I do for you? Well Mike, AP called and asked me to caddy for him next weekend at Pebble Beach, we would leave Thursday evening and be back Sunday night. I simply said sure then he said that if I didn't have one I should get a passport, do you know what's that's about? I would guess next year mid July in Scotland. Liam was silent and then he said Jesus fucking Christ, two majors? I said I have no idea. I asked what is degree was in and he said a BA in Business and added with honors. I said damn impressive. So do you have any openings. Liam I'm not involved see what Maggie and HR has. He said ok and we hung up.
With that over I called Major Jim and asked for a meeting around 11:00 and he said sure. I then asked him to send a company email letting everyone know Ashley Megan Simmons was born early this morning she was 6' 12 ounces and 16". Mother baby and dad doing well. He said consider it done and we hung up. I looked up and there was Maggie and Tim. Maggie started by saying I understand you came to your senses. I laughed and said have a seat. Once they were settled I said Maggie please review for me the drug testing company for hires. She laughed and said ok just because you grew a set doesn't mean I get a hard time I screwed up. I laughed and said you are forgiven. Just so you know I was playing golf yesterday at Latrobe CC and at lunch was congratulated on my new project with Highmark. I asked how he knew and I was told that his Secretary was at the Duquesne Club on Friday and some dude in an expensive 3 pieced suit and fake hankies in his jack pocket was telling everyone he was hired by MJS Enterprises to run a big project with Highmark. Maggie just laughed out loud and said I knew he was a big mouth jerk. Just then Amy knocked on the door and said a Mr. Hillgrove would like some time. Amy we are just about done here so take Wayne to the conference room and we will be right there. Amy, have 2 uniformed security guards stationed outside the conference room once he is situated.
The three of us chatted for about 10 minutes and when I was sure security was in place, we went in the conference room and found Wayne pacing like a caged lion. I said Wayne have a seat and he took one at the head of the table. I just looked and said Wayne, I believe you know Maggie and Tim. They tell me are a tough negotiator. He said Mr. Simmons, I am when that needs to occur. Mr. Simmons, I was expecting a signed agreement on Friday. Well Wayne, Friday is a complicated day for me and I generally don't work. Be assured that Tim tried and I was given your contract to approve. I assure you I thought about it all weekend and it wasn't until lunch at Latrobe Country Club yesterday that I decided. I was congratulated on my new project with Highmark. I was taken aback as this was closely held and still being negotiated. I was interested in how this all came about and I asked. I was told that his press secretary was the Duquesne Club for lunch on Friday and this blow heart was telling everyone who would listen that he was hired by MJS Enterprises to manage a big project with Highmark. I asked who this guy was sure that it was a Highmark leak. I was told that they didn't know the name but his hair was slicked back, he wore a 3 piece suit, white shirt with cuff links and a fake hanky in his jacket pocket. Wayne do you know this blow heart? He started to say Mr. and I said shut the fuck up. First of all what you were going to do was select 5 parcels of land and sell them to Highmark. Then you were finished. You were never in a million years going to run the project. What I want to know is how did you pull this off with my dad. He smiled and said ask you dad. He got up to leave and I asked are you in a hurry? Well I have things to do. Well Wayne don't bother looking for a job as it is now my life's work to see that you never work in Allegheny County again. Wayne understand the minute that door opens you will be escorted out my uniformed security. Please understand you are not welcome here or at any of my property. Enjoy your day.
He opened the door and security said this way Wayne. I had to laugh at how Amy set that up. Maggie said, well Mike that was interesting. Well Maggie I'm glad you enjoyed that. Tim, please call Wayne's current employer and give him the Cliff Notes version of all this. Then cancel my membership to the Duquesne Club. Tim said Michael we are not doing that and you never have to go there. Tim the place is loaded with second tier executive who run their mouths and seek favors. Mike, I'm done talking about it you will remain a member. Maggie laughed and asked why can't I get away with that? Tim simply said, I'm special.
With that nastiness over I gave Amy a thumbs up and went to my office. I called the hospital and was connected to Megan's room and dad answered and said the girls are sleeping. He said things are good and home tomorrow. He asked if I worked things out with Hillgrove and I said yup. I decided to go in a different direction. Dad said shit and I said for sure and we need to talk about a lot of time and energy was wasted on this and I need to understand why. Mike, I'm sure you did the right thing. Well I'm sorry but you are going to explain all this. I said dad, I love you and kiss the girls for me and we hung up.
I was exhausted and was just sitting there when Major Jim came in and sat down and asked if I was ok? I said I was out late with the baby thing, stopped by the police for driving after 11:00. It was good thing we were white. Then there was this Hillgrove thing. But I'm ok. Mike, why did you go down that Hillgrove path again? Well Jim, dad pushed me in that direction and I was hoping it was an easy solution. Mike does this with your dad upset you? I shrugged and said well it is starting to. First there was Hillgrove, then Zaid and Ruth. He moves her to a start up and then sells it. Buys me out then puts me back in and I get a ton of money. Mike, I don't know your dad all that well but he has a bit of a reputation as a seat of the pants guy. Born salesman and not much follow up. Jim that doesn't make sense about him recommending Hillgrove. Mike, I simply don't know but it is obvious he loves you. Jim, I look around here and can't figure out how it is so successful and simply prints money. Mike think about it you dad sold and the company (your dad) said tell us what you want and we make it happen. I laughed and said correct. Mike who made it work? I said I guess Adam and now me. Mike, you forgot Kyle he has been here from the start. Look Mike, talk with Kyle but there is nothing sinister going on with your dad. Mike I'm sure of that.
Jim, thanks but what's the status of your flight school? Well all the certifications are current but we need planes and a simulator. Jim how much money do you have. Well I have a pension and Jack has disability. We can apply $15,000 a month. In addition we each have $2000 k. Mike we simply don't have enough money. Jim if you had 3 million and you leased two planes and a simulator would that be enough? Jim, dad sold the startup and I netted 3 mill. I'll invest that. The Major just looked and asked what do you need? I smiled and said my money back eventually and a jet. Jim, Cessna is introducing a new jet. So I would like a deal. Pull all this together, get the numbers and let's talk. Oh, JJ and I get free training on the jet and we could also charter it out. Jim was still in a state of shock but said Mike, you just did what your dad does. Layout a program and say make it work. Oh, Jim I expect both of you to keep working for me. Well Mike we will need those jobs to live. We shook hands and I went to my office and closed things up and started for home.
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