I woke a little after my usual wake-up with morning wood and an urgent need to pee. I cleaned up and threw on a pair of sweatpants and a tee and went to my desk and fired up my work laptop. It was a new feature to access shit remotely. There is a device that plugs into the computer and you plug a phone line in and the computer connects to the server. I laughed when I saw my calandra as Liam had it filled in for the week. My concern was Monday and it was packed full. After school it was an hour meeting with Tim and the Major, 30 minutes with Amy, brief meeting with Dillon and that was tagged Naval Academy and finally the meeting with Bill. There was a tag that suggested Tim be there. I was impressed as my week was laid out. Just then I smelled coffee and quietly left the room and went looking for coffee. JJ and Mia were in the common room waiting for coffee. Thankfully there was enough for everyone and it was quickly ready. JJ and Mia were fully dressed as we talked when Winnie appeared in a football jersey she had collected from my closet and undies. JJ laughed and asked, did you two get any sleep? Winnie you look like crap. Winnie just looked at him shook her head poured a coffee and went back in my room. Mia looked at JJ and said dude, you can be an ass and none of us look presentable this morning. She simply followed Winnie into my room. About 5 minutes later Mia appeared and said Mike, Winnie needs to see you. Then she looked at JJ and said dude, take me home.
In my room Winnie was sitting on the bed and was pissed. Mick, you didn't even bother to react to JJ comment. Winnie, I was leaving that to you and he is more than aware that I didn't appreciate the comment. Mick, do you honestly think that is enough? Yes I do and hell it wasn't 7 hours ago you want a 4 fucking way, so please make up your mind. Mick, I just don't like him. I smiled and said babe take a shower and we will talk once you have had a chance to calm down and I actually have work to do. I just left her sitting on the bed and returned to my desk. I was looking at the financials and they were not the best. While we weren't bleeding money there was a slowdown in revenue. Looking closer I saw that it was the grade book program as sales were slow. I decided to check with dad and Dillon on that. I had been sure that it would be a hit and it still might be but I was going to watch it closely.
I hadn't looked at Enterprises in a while and when I opened those financials I smiled as they were fantastic and a quick look indicated Standard Properties was the reason. Just as I was about to get into that when there was an arm around my neck and Winnie asked Mick, how do you do that? I shrugged and asked, how do I do what? You switch from one thing to another so easily. We were having a spat and you simply switch into business mode as if the spat never occurred. Winnie, I have always been like that but how about we go in the other room and have a coffee and see where you and I are? I put a fresh pot of coffee on and sat beside Winnie on the loveseat. Winnie looked at me and said Mick, you are very special to me. She smiled and said hell, that's not true I'm in love with you. It is also a good thing that we didn't hook up in 8th grade it would never have lasted. I kicked my self for a long time about that and now I'm glad I waited. Hell I would have hit on you earlier but I wasn't going to be a rebound but damn you barely rook a breath between girls. With our random pairing in class I just started to flirt and hear we sit.
The coffee was ready and we both poured a cup and sat on the loveseat again. She started right back up saying Mick, I know you aren't in love with me, yet and I know what holds you back. She smiled and said, there are simply too many in people in your head. First there is the ever present JJ. He is very special to you and he feels the same way about you. You cut him more breakers than anyone in your life. Hell today was a perfect example of that. Yes, I am aware that he knows you were unhappy about it and that you two communicate on a different level. That didn't really upset me once I thought about it. What upset me was was your response to my question about a 4 way. Dude, I knew you wouldn't do that but Mia wanted me to ask. I laughed and said, JJ said no as well. She said that's correct. What pissed me off was when you asked me if I did everything I did to help you relax, was to get you to do something. You see, you have trouble dealing with how badly Carrie hurt you and she lives rent free in your head. I can deal with JJ but please explain how I am to deal with a ghost? Fuck, if she was still alive I would kill her myself.
I took a sip of my coffee and said Winnie, let me try to clear things up for you. JJ is my very best friend. We each committed to VT before we met and before he moved here and I hired his dad. We are very different and have different goals. We will do anything for each other and that is never in doubt. He is more of a get along guy and that has to deal with being a military brat, yet he pushes every limit. I simply take charge and stir thing up. The present situation is rarely good enough. JJ has led a wilder life than me and he has matured and changed, as have I. Winnie, no matter what he will live in my head and yet he pays rent. As for Carrie, I was actually in love and that love she took it, she used it and then hurt me very, very deeply. What I am left with is that my first love, at 17, used me and that will haunt me for many many years. Possibly for ever. Mick, what was it that she did. Winnie, we had a fight and she said well I'll just fuck you into submission. Winnie, that was so hurtful that it ended it on the spot, or so I thought. Then she gets pregnant by some client she is screwing to get a project. Winnie, I don't know or care how that happened but when trying to blame Rob didn't work the dude took her somewhere for an abortion and she got an infection that killed her. Winnie, I'll share this with you and JJ hasn't even heard this. Her brother Sam, frantically called and said his sister had hours to live and wanted to see me. When I got to the hospital, I took her hand and she opened her eyes and managed a slight smile and said Mike, I love you. I swallowed and whispered well I loved you and she was gone. That exchange bothers me and might always bother me for ever. Winnie, I didn't mean to hurt you by asking if you did what you did, which was beyond fantastic, to get something. I always wonder when someone does something nice to or for me if they want something.
Winnie, you don't have to compete with a ghost, I do. Every time I move her out of my head, some crumb remains and she has a reincarnation and strikes without warning. I wonder if I had said I love you if I would have been left alone. Then she looked at me and asked Mick, with all that are you capable of falling in love again? Winnie, please just keep being you and if we survive our time together as we grow and mature, I know I will fall in love with you. Hell, I'm close now. We finished our coffee and held each other and finally I said that I needed to get to the gym and work out and I took her home, promising to call before bed.
Once that was done I called JJ and he answered asking if I was pissed? I laughed and said it wasn't your comment it was Carrie. JJ simply said, oh shit so I guess we are working out and I said yes at 1:00. He then asked if I had heard from Cole and I simply said nope but I'm about to check it's the rents. In the house I found Megan and Ashley but dad was at the Club. Megan said that Cole had called a bit ago and they were in the hotel and that he was going to practice and that jet lag was going to be a bitch but he would deal with it. He would call after practice and a nap. I laughed and Megan asked Mike, when did Cole grow up? Megan ask Jessica as it is her fault. Mike, that's no funny. Ok Megan, why is he in Hawaii? Mike, Mr. Palmer thought it would be a good idea as most top players make the trip for fun. The golf is secondary and all he needs to do is make the cut. Megan that's not as easy as it sounds and he is 17 and guys twice his age can't do that week in and week out. Then he is expected to show up "once in a while" and make the cut. Megan, when will he turn Pro? Mike, I don't know but if he wins again there will be a lot of pressure but definitely not before 18. Megan in the modern era of golf from the 30's on only one amateur has managed to win more than once and that was Bobby Jones and he never turned professional. Megan it is unlikely that could happen today, well in mens' golf. We talked about a bunch of other things and then she asked if I had contacted Dr. Adam's. I said nope and thanked her for the chat. Then said I need to get to the gym. She laughed and said well that was one of your worst pivots ever. On the way back to my place I had to laugh, it was a pivot but I also had to get to the gym. Usually the workouts are more effective than the head doctor.
At the gym JJ was waiting in his truck and as soon as he saw me jumped out and asked MJ are you mad? I laughed and said JJ you had a point as she looked like a tramp in my football jersey but at least she had undies on. He shook his head and as we changed for the workout I asked about the 4 way and he said Mia put Winnie up to that and I told Mia it was a shitty idea. Ok JJ but how about reigning you woman in. Winnie and I had a fight but it was over Carrie living in my head. Then I shrugged and said let's get at it. Get at it we did and when we finished we were both drenched in sweat. It was so bad that we rinsed off before we went to the sauna. We were talking and making plans for the trip to VT and very high on my list was to check out the weight room and when I could have access to it. Then I said to JJ that we needed off campus living arrangements and that I might just buy a building very near campus. JJ was concerned as we would be breaking both and University rules about freshmen living on campus. I laughed and said well we will be sharing a room on campus as well. It it makes you more relaxed we can talk with Sean about it as I'm sure he did the same thing. Just then the door opened and the manager said both of you out now and he handed us a bottle of water and said get in the shower. We were told in no uncertain terms to pay attention to how long we were in there and that we were old enough not to need a baby sitter. As we were changing into street clothes I asked JJ to check about us taking the jet to campus. Ok MJ, how hard do you want me to sell that? I laughed and asked dude, what do you think, we both need hours.
At my place I grabbed a bottle of water and started to think about my meeting with Uncle Bill. I knew he had a big time reputation as an industrial designer but had no real feel for how good he actually was or how he was to work with. Then I had no idea what he wanted or if he wanted anything. Possibly he want me to help him on his project and I wanted no part of that. The politics was way more involved as I had only the City of Pittsburgh assholes to deal with. Continental, his company, would have Homestead, Munhall and possibly McKeesport to deal with. That would be 3 mayors and 3 sets of Council members. Then there was the issue of Winnie as she had a very tight relationship with her uncle. Based on past experience work and girlfriends were not a good mix. Then again Winnie isn't Carrie. While I really wanted the restaurant and a marina I needed that to be done right as both could increase traffic. As is the trend with me lately I didn't have a path forward. That was becoming a concern as I was running out of time and possibly being too careful. As I was pondering why that was I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door to find Megan.
I immediately thought something happened with Cole but I got a hug and she took off her coat and sat on the loveseat. So Megan would you like a glass of wine or something to drink? She said Mike, I'll have whatever you are having. I laughed and said well I'm having bottled water sure you don't want to change your mind? Mike, that's fine as I'm here to talk and I'm actually glad you are drinking water. I opened a bottle of water and handed it to her and sat down. Megan, before you start that comment about you being glad I was drinking water was not appreciated. I am totally aware of possible genetic tendencies as I was very close to the events in the lives of my mother and brother. The drinking, the drugs, the pills all of it. I drink socially and never to excess and I've never been drunk or high and have tests results that will back that up. I promise you that I have that under control. Ok Michael, that was an unfortunate comment and in fact your drinking isn't even on my radar and I was hoping to get off to a better start.
Well Megan, what brings you here to talk? Mike, what is it that stops you from calling Dr. Adams? Megan, it is a waste of time as we meet talk for an hour and we do that till I figure it out. Sometime it happens quickly and other times it takes a bunch of appointments. Megan simply laughed and asked, so what's bothering you? Really, is that why you are here? That comment earned me a stare that I'm sure she uses from the bench and I said Carrie and work issues. Mike, what brought her back in your head? I laughed and said, well something Winnie did that was nice and that was followed by a request. Megan smiled and said Mike, that was nicely stated. So she did something special in bed and you thought she did it because she wanted something? I shrugged and Megan said Mike, I have no answers but some thoughts, so listen and then think about it. Not every girl you date is Carrie or even a version of her. Carrie will live in your head until you find someone to love as much as you loved Carrie. Finally, when she got you to her death bed and said "I love you" that was her final victory. She didn't give a damn about your reply. As for Winnie, she is good for you, patient and is further along in the relationship but won't hang around forever and won't compete with a ghost. Mike, those are the issues but dealing with this won't be easy and you should get help. I laughed and said Megan, I don't think so and you just saved me a couple of hundred bucks.
Megan laughed and said, well with what Cole is spending this week I'll need that and we both laughed. Ok Mike, at work is it people or buildings? Megan, it is the new buildings and I simply don't know what I'm looking to do. Well actually you do. You want another home run and that is almost impossible. Then last time anything you did was a positive change and it was only money. This time you have employees to think about and a growing company to oversee. The responsibilities are getting in the way, much like Carrie gets in the way. Mike, "JUST DO IT" like the Nike slogan. Not ever building needs to win a national award. Megan, it most certainly does and second place is simply the first loser. That made comment made her just stare and she seemed to have no reply. But damn she did saying that standard is impossible and you will be in a psychiatric ward by age 30. I laughed and said well Megan doing something that's impossible simply means it takes longer. She simply said Mike, I'll have that glass of wine now.
I handed her the wine which was a Chardonnay from the winery. She took a taste and asked, so how are things at the Winery? Well it's winter but sales are up over a year ago and the updated equipment is being installed. I was up there recently and it's moving along. Then she asked, why was the PAAA thing so important to you? Megan it is screaming for change and it is a win for me and for Senator Costa. It will make a change in the short term and I'm not sure about the long term. Personally I got a lot of exposure on the State level and it was a great resume builder. Then there will be some national exposure as the old white men at the National Federation of State High School Association will make changes and then so will every State organization. All that will be forever be my fault and I'm more than willing to live with that. She laughed out loud and asked when I would be running for elected offices. I smiled and said I'll announce that on my 25th birthday. She finished her wine and grabbed her coat. At the door there was a hug and yet another request that I talk with Dr. Adams
It was great that Megan weighed in and now it was later than I had hoped and I called Winnie. She answered with wow, I was just thinking you forgot. Babe, Megan stopped by for what turned into a long chat. Besides after how portly I acted last night I would never forget and I'm thrilled that you didn't let it go to voicemail. Winnie, please understand I am not in love with Carrie and she exists in my head as a sparing partner. Her appearance is never pleasant and always causes me a problem. All I can do is to promise to try and not let the effect us. You are very special to me in more ways than I can list. Please be patient with me. You are not a rebound chick and never were. Oh, as soon as I get to the office tomorrow I'll call Dr. Adam's and get an appointment. Mike, that's all that I can ask for, at this point, and I really do love you and I know you are dealing with a lot, so let's move on. Then she threw me a massive curve saying that she knew that I was meeting with her uncle tomorrow and that she didn't care how that went or if anything came of it. Her dad had already told her that my company ran a financially stable, secure and honest company and if anything it was a bit too conservative. Mike, Uncle Bill is more that a free spirit but is very well respected and does great work. He however sometimes requires some attention. Then I laughed when she said use him as a contract hire but never employ him. I won't ever care about what you do at work and all I would ask is that when you say you are working late you are actually working. I laughed and said babe, I only deal with one babe at a time and I believe you already know that. She laughed and said for sure or we would still be flirting in science class. Mick, have a good rest and I'll see you in school, I love you. When I didn't reply she said Mick, just let me in and together we can beat that bitch. I laughed and said good night.
I was cleaning up and washing Megan's wine glass when Cole called. He said it was a long trip and they got in very early local time and they slept until 8:00 AM and walked the course and took a bunch of notes. Then he practiced for a couple of hours then went to the pool. Now it was dinner time and then more practice. He said he had no trouble getting a group together for practice rounds for Monday and Tuesday and with the Pro Am on Wednesday he was set. He said the course was not overly long and it all depended on the wind an he would hope that some developed during practice. I asked how did you get partners for a practice round? MJ we were there early and I just put my name on a time one morning and one afternoon and an hour later the slots were full. Everyone is being so nice. Then he said Liam wants to talk. As soon as Liam got on I thanked him for organizing my week and he said well Dillon will look after Amy but she doesn't need much babysitting at all. MJ, Cole has grown up so much he is a different guy. For the practice rounds he is wearing normal golf clothes but bought a hundred leis, to give out. Also, they quit selling tickets and I'm hoping it's not because he is playing but they have a daily limit. I laughed and said Liam, seems like you have your hands full keep me up to date. Now it was really time to get to bed and the coffee was prepped and the alarm set and I stripped and jumped into bed nude piling on the covers and was soon asleep.
The weather was great for the morning run and JJ was raring to go. He pushed the run the entire way and I simply kept up. When we got to the last block he sprinted and stopped at his driveway and waited for me. We briefly talked about VT and he said he would set that up with the athletic department and his dad was waiting on the weather report later in the week before he would weigh in about the jet. MJ, he is aware that you want to do that. I said, JJ that's great and jogged to my place and turned on the coffee. The shower and the coffee was great and I dressed in black jeans and a dark grey long sleeved crew neck, grabbed my bomber jacket and was of to school in the Wrangler.
At school I went right to the AD office and talked with Coach and asked that they not sell student tickets for Tuesday's away game and he said Mike, I have already been told and we are all aware. In fact some finals are being moved to Wednesday in the hope that people will stay home and study. That saved me a trip to see Doc Johnson and in English class our final was moved to Wednesday. History was moved up a day to Thursday as was Science. I stayed for lunch and damn, Josh, Wyatt and Rod had the word out and it looked like staying home would be the thing. With that I signed out and went to work. I was really hoping that the rest of the day would be as easy.
At the office there was yet another young lady manning the desk and phones on the 4th floor. It was a brief introduction as I was running late and in my office I found Tim and The Major waiting. They were seated in the club chairs and there was a carafe of coffee and mugs on the conference table. I poured a mug of coffee and joined them. The Major weighed right in saying that there was a press conference scheduled for 3:30 Thursday announcing the design contest for the exterior of wThe two new buildings. A survey would be supplied to each applicant and they needed to submit an exterior rendering and landscaping for each building and a list of exterior materials. Each candidate need to be an architectural firm registered in the appropriate state and include a list of current and former projects as well as the qualifications of their principals. All proposals would be required no later that Noon on March 1st at our offices. We discussed the final date as I wanted it earlier and we settled on February 22nd at noon. With an announced winner on the last day of February. Tim pushed back on that and we made it February 24th at 5:00 PM.
The Major said that local and national media would be in and I should plan on taking Diane from ABC to dinner and he suggested South Hill CC. I said fine and that I would set that up and see if Megan and dad were available. Then the Major asked if I had anything else that I wanted to announce and I told him possibly the marina and restaurant as I was meeting with Bill Kappel this afternoon. He would be hired as a contractor for Enterprises and this would be a one event deal. If we have a good meeting. Tim immediately said he wanted to be in on that meeting and I said sure. I though we were done when the Major said Mike, one more thing. I just looked and he said that the flight school at the airport was for sale and that he and 2 guys from NASA had made an offer. He then indicated that they were astronauts and as the manned flight program was winding slowly to a end they wanted something else to do. Mike, I would like you to invest as well as a silent partner with no actual involvement. Mike, I have had the financials looked at by the same people who did your forensic audit here. I almost cloaked on my coffee and was thrilled that I wasn't involved with that. Jim, that's a lot to digest and we have talked about this before so right now it's a yes, I'll invest. I'm not sure an announcement is possible Thursday. Jim reached beside him and handed me a thick 3" binder and said here are the details. I looked at Tim who said Mike all legally sound and no overlaps. Ok, who is the attorney of record? Tim shrugged and said Bill and my involvement in this was to protect you. What's the financials look like? The Major said Mike you CFO, Jordan, looked them over and he said squeaky clean and profitable. Ok Jim, when will you know? Mike, sometime tomorrow as the current owners want to retire. The deal includes planes and ..... at that point is said let me read but as of now I'm in. I saw Amy approaching and said thanks guys and my next meeting is here.
I waved Amy in refilled my coffee and Amy and I sat in the club chairs.Amy was looking around and asked Mike, with this view how do you get Amy work done? Amy, sadly you get used to it but it is great. So Amy how are you adjusting to things? Mike, I think things are going well and as I took over from a woman there wasn't that crap to deal with? Amy, I talked with Liam and he said you were doing well. So why the meetings? Well if I want to make changes do I just do it? Amy, what do you think? Well I guess I ask Dillon or Kyle. Amy, you can make changes but really big ones need run by those two. Mike, I get all that but what confuses me is Liam. He answers to no one and the only one he doesn't interact with is Kyle. Amy that's good to know and he works for me. So he is your personal assistance? Amy, he is way more important than that and we need to move on as your interaction with him will be minimal. Amy, it is hard to define Liam's job but in 6 months I'll be in Virginia and Liam's role will be more obvious. He will deal with things and filter what's appropriate to me. I'll have a jet in Virginia and I'll be easily available. Just keep doing what you are doing and work with Dillon and Kyle. So Mike, I can be on my own? Sure Amy, if that's what you want. She said thanks and went about her day.
Having a few minutes I call Dr. Adam's and scheduled an appointment for Tuesday morning. That would involve a sick day at school and hopefully more time at the office. I was looking at the material the Major left and it was very well organized and in a lot of detail. Dillon appeared and he said Mike we have run a BETA test at the academy and the damn things works. So I would need you to meet with the cadet leaders next Friday in the afternoon. I figure we can fly up in the morning and be home for dinner. Dillon, there will be 8 of them is that correct? Mike, that correct. Oh, just us and no administrators as can meet with them at lunch. Dillon is there any chance we can meet off campus in civies? Mike, all I can do is ask. I said thanks and he started to leave. Dillon please stay. When he sat down I asked about Amy and Dillon said very good and in charge. I asked about Liam and he said Mike, he is fantastic as I would bet he know every employee and alerts me to situations and provides ideas. Ok Dillon what about Amy and Liam. Dillon laughed nd said oil and water. They get in each other's way. They are polite and civil but are too much alike. Dillon can they work together? Dillon laughed and said, well I already told her to suck it up as that was a fight she would never win and she said she is more than aware. Mike, Liam has no formal position in the company but we are all aware that we are better because he is here. Thanks Dillon, I'll talk with Kyle. Dillon laughed and said don't waste the time those two connect all the time and Liam knows that Kyle has more standing than he does. Dillon, what about you and Liam. Mike, we don't interact all that much as I'm working on things that don't involve him but we occasionally have lunch or a beer after work. Seriously, things are good here and Amy will adjust once she finds her role. Dillon, thanks for all the hard work and for the information and keep me up to date on the trip requirements.
Once alone and thinking about the appointment with Dr. Adams I decided to see if I could get into see Dr. Drennan my Primary Care Doctor. I called the office and asked for a general physical and was told that there was a cancellation at 9:30 tomorrow or there was an opening at 4:00. I scheduled the 9:30 and as soon as I hung up I called and cancelled Dr. Adams. I was instantly very happy about that change as I needed a head doctor I could relate with. Besides everyone was right I needed my head reset. Just then I heard, hi Mike can I come in? There stood Bill Kappel, Winnie's uncle. I was totally furious and after I had Bill seated I called the receptionist and asked that Amy come to my office and added NOW.
Once I slammed the phone in place I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. Bill said Mike, I'll have one. I laughed and pointed to the refrigerator. I needed to calm down so I took a drink and asked so Bill, what is your federal security clearance? Mike, I don't have one. Well Bill that's problematic as everyone in this building has various clearances. You were cleared to the 4th floor reception area. You decided to blow past the receptionist sayin some version of I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MIKE AND KNOW THE WAY. I looked at the door and the Chief was there with two security guys. Well bill you intentional disregard for our procedures and your cavalier approach to things have caused an embarrassment that I do not appreciate. I waved the Chief in who said Mr. Kappel you need to come with us. Bill, laughed and said, if I refuse? The Chief shrugged and said well then it will become a bigger deal than it needs to be. Bill said Mike this is ridiculous. Bill, we hold more government contracts than you can count on and we spend a lot of money on security. We will not risk those contracts because of you caviler approach to things. You were a guest here and cited poorly. Bill stood up nd started to the door and I said Bill, Winnie warned me about you but you need to leave her out of this if you are planning to work within 50 miles of me. I laughed when they took him down using the freight elevator. Amy appeared and I asked, so who called security? Mike the receptionist as instructed. Then she called me. I smiled and said nice job, sorry to have bothered you.
With all that done I grabbed my large binder and headed to my place.
Thanks for the comments and for reading. Sorry for the time between posts and summer got in the way.
As always please remember Nifty. Nothing is ever free even these free stories.