Once settled, I found Cole and told him I was going to be busy dealing with all kind of shit and I was not in a bad mood at all, just busy and he at some point order dinner and let me know. He said understood, bro and rule 3. I said thanks and locked myself in my room. The first call went to Ryan and I asked what progress was there on the standing of my Trust. He said that the money for the Foundation had not been transferred as it took a Trust meeting. Besides the value of the empty lot there was a lot of money. I said what's is a lot? He said all told 3.75 million. It was all invested in sound mutual funds and stock. I said ok, that is good news. I asked about Enterprises and he said that the Majors salary and rent on the space in the strip district were the only negatives. That there was a surprising amount of revenue from J & J and the rent payments from Technologies were regular. He said last month it was up $49, 398. I took a big breath and started to relax. He said there would be a detailed summary as requested on Wednesday. I reminded him we needed a BOD meeting first Sat in May and he should notify everyone noon at Oakmont and I would set it up.
Feeling good about things I called Tim. He answered asking if I was relaxed and I said yes the time away was good and drama free and with the good news from the Trust and Enterprises, I was ready to move on. I simply said just sell the lot and get it done quickly. He said, Mike something changed as they want the property ASAP. I said that I didn't care, dad and I want it over with. He said fine. Remember Technologies owns half of it and the Trust the other half. Just split the proceeds that way. He said well that's not a problem, I said I'll see you Wednesday, 3:00 correct? I said thanks and hung up.
I decided to call Carrie and get that over with, she answered saying thanks for calling. I said Carrie, I told you I would hookup with you Sunday, are you surprised? She said, Michael, I don't know what I am. I thought for sure you would call before this. Carrie, I said Sunday and if you wanted to talk, you could have called. Mike would you have answered? I said, I guess we will never know as you didn't call. I was thinking this isn't going well. I asked how was your weekend. She said boring and long. Then it happened, she said Mike I hear you we're at the game, I thought you were in Washington. I said change of plans and you didn't fucking hear I was at the game you saw me or did Adam tell you? There was a long silence and she said, Mike can I please come over? I said why, so you can fuck me into submission? I don't think so, in fact I get the sense we are done and you can break up with me over the phone. Mike, I don't want to break up, please can I come over? Well then why the lie? Again a long silence and I said if you come over you are not getting in and I'm breaking up with you. I simply hung up.
I sat in my desk chair for a minute or so and thought, shit you are not even upset. Then my phone rang and it was Carrie. I answered saying, we are not doing this, please don't make me change this number. She said, please let's talk this thru, I love you. I said look Carrie, I love you too but this isn't working for me and I'm not reliving what my parents went through. She said, Mike that's bull shit and you know it. Carrie, I didn't care if you went to the game with Adam, I cared that you were going to lie about it. As a result I have to ask, what's with that and how is the sex? She said, there wasn't any and I resent you thinking there was. Well I only started thinking about that when you were less than honest with me. Babe, it was only work and now it is work and trust and I hung up. Again she called begging can I please come over and talk? I was silent for a minute thinking don't give in. I took a deep breath and said, you can't come here but I'll pick you up and we can go somewhere public and talk. Understand I want no physical contact, we will just talk. On second thought meet me at Eat N Park. I'll be there in 30 minutes. I simply hung up and turned my phone off.
I figured fuck, one way or another it was over tonight. I changed into jeans and a form fitting shirt and went downstairs. I found Cole, in the game room. I told him that I was going to have it out with Carrie and was meeting her at Eat N Park. He said, well that's public enough that you won't be having sex and he laughed. I waited in the lobby and asked the receptionist that when my guest came we be seated in a booth as privately as possible. A few minutes later Carrie showed up and we were seated without a word being spoken. I ordered an iced tea and Carrie a Diet Pepsi. Once we were alone she said, Mike I really get the business and I promise that I will not ask for special consideration for an employer but would reserve the ability to keep you informed about difficulties. I smiled and said, Carrie that's all I ever wanted you to understand. I'm never opposed to helping but it must make sense. However, I have a real problem with being fucked into submission and now the lie. I had no problem you being with Adam until you lied. Let's talk about the fucking me into submission? Mike, she said, that was an unfortunate choice of words. I laughed and said Carrie those moments when the truth slips out are the most telling. She said I have never viewed sex with you as a means to an end. Carrie, no matter what you say next, I'll be a very long time getting over it and very vary about when and how we have sex. The waitress came and I ordered coffee and a sticky bun and Carrie said, that sounds good, I'll have the same. I sat looking at her waiting for a reply. She said, Mike, that was a mistake and I apologize. Sex should never be a tool to get what I want. I laughed and said, babe, often it is and I know it and typically it doesn't matter but you crossed a major line. Mike, how can it be fixed? I said you tell me? Mike, women always use sex as a tool, I'll find a way not to do that. I said you won't have to the minute I think that's the reason, I'm getting dressed and ending it. Michael, you are winning a lot of things. Carrie, you set that tone and were sneakily taking total control and yes, I was letting you, that's over. This is two way street and I'm taking a stand. I need a wife that is a partner can you be that? Mike, I thought you knew that answer? Carrie, until this past week, I did but not so much now. This is serious, very serious as you proved to be devious and sneaky. Words don't matter to me your actions indicated otherwise. I saw a tear and said if you go down that fucking path with tears, I'm leaving. She said excuse me, I'll be right back.
While she was gone I thought well I think a restart is in order. No sex, just see what happens. Carrie returned looking composed and I said, babe I have a proposal. Ok Mike, what is it? We put everything behind us and start over like it's our first date and see what it becomes. She smiled and said, that works for me. Carrie, I am wondering if you fully understand what that means? Mike, I get it totally. I said ok, I need to get to VT and will do that in two weeks. I'm going alone as we have no deal about that, just a clean slate. Oh, by the way, Jim has opened his recruiting so you should talk with Ash, about her plans. She said, fine will you please take me home? I said absolutely. We pulled in her driveway and she got out slamming the doors. Then she stopped and said, damn you play hard and so much for no total victories. I politely said good night.
Damn, that was intense and yet not resolved. For some reason, I was calm, too calm and needed dad. Back at home, Cole said there is a package here for you from Ryan and I saved dinner. You hungry? I said starving where is the food? He said bro just sit and it will appear. Then he asked what you drinking? I said iced tea, if there is some, if not water will be fine. I opened the package and it was a detailed summary of the Trust. Cole set a plate of ribs in front of me and a bunch of chips. I was eating and reading and Cole sat there drinking a beer. I had read 3 or 4 pages and Cole was still sitting there. I said dude, thanks for dinner, what's up? He said, I'm simply waiting for you to tell me what happened with Carrie? I laughed and said, later but if you want something to do read and tell me what you see? I handed him the papers, I had read and continued reading. I sent Ryan an email thanking him for the information and asking for a detailed report on the investment firm. I took the plates and loaded them in the dishwasher gave Cole a hug and said, thanks for dinner and grabbed a beer and sat in the game room.
I was just about to go outside and try to relax and dad came in. I said damn, you made good time? He laughed and said no traffic or police, I was flying. Cole asked, Mike are you hungry? Dad said I sure am and Cole said look in the refrigerator, MJ and I will be in the game room. He sat down and said so MJ I don't get all the details but you have a shit load of money, why you working so hard? Cole because I'm Mike and it's fun. Then he said thanks for sharing and I said rule 2. He simply laughed and said do I need to search for that rule and we both laughed. Dad came in with a plate of ribs and a beer. I was thankful no cigarette. Dad, looked at me and said you seem to be good, everything ok? I said yup business is good there are a lot of eggs to count. He laughed and said and Carrie? Cole got up to leave and I asked him to sit as there were no secrets and I needed help. Well we agreed to the business aspects that started this, but I have issues with being fucked into submission and a lack of trust. She said she heard, I was at the game and I called her on that, resulting in a trust issue for me. Then she feel that my solution, which she agreed to is a total win for me. Dad asked, so what was the solution? I said a totally clean slate and me telling her I was going to VT in two weeks and she was not invited because we had no deal about that. Dad said, shit Mike that's more than a total victory as you eliminated every compromise you made. Dad, I'll give some back but she earns it. Then again, I might be scouting around for a date, it will be what it becomes. The scary part is that I'm good with the outcome wherever it falls. Dad, laughed and said, Michael you might be in control for the moment but when the chips fall you might be a total wreck. Cole said, MJ just give in you are toast. Ok guys, what would you have me do and Cole said, simply fuck her into submission. We all laughed out loud. Dad said, just give her something back. Dad you mean the VT thing and he said yup. Damn and I was about to go upstairs and cancel the credit card I gave her. I said, not to change the subject, Jim has opened his recruiting as VT recruited a QB that he doesn't think he can compete with and that leaver Carrie without Ashley. Dad, said Mike the Ashley thing wasn't in the works. None of the relationships between your friends and their women are as solid as you and Carrie are, in spite of the current situation. So I need to be nice, give in on VT and have makeup sex, is that correct? Cole said fuck, MJ how can that be bad? Cole, you would be surprised.
Just then my phone rang and it was Tim. Mike, we have a verbal and I had them pay both transfer taxes so that saved you $2,000. How did you do that? Mike for some reason they really want the property and I threw it in. I'm concerned about the change in attitude. Tim, I'm betting a lot that it's a ruse as we have things for the current under control. Well even if there is an issue we have more than enough eggs to manage whatever. I said thanks and hung up. I looked at dad and said we have a verbal agreement on the vacant land and it's 2 million. Dad asked, what's the catch, I said we just bet a lot of eggs that says we are good. Then again I have a plan B for everything but that bitch, I love.
I went to my room and called JJ he answered and I said, English tonight, please. MJ I figured as, I bet you have had a real scene with Carrie. JJ forget about that, how was VT? MJ it was good and they were giddy that you checked in. So what about Jim, they are unhappy but all they did was recruit a good QB. They are most upset about the exposure he got on your pigtails. Well JJ I'm still planning on going there and I'm making an unofficial visit in 2 weeks. Shit, MJ can I come with you? Well I'm relenting and taking Carrie so you need a girl to bring. Well Dee can come, I'm sure with Carrie along her rents are good. Then he said you owe me a task and I'm collecting tomorrow after we work out. I said wow, you are working out, I'm impressed. JJ, where you at with VT. MJ between you and me and no one else, I'm very good there but would like a trip without coaches being aware. JJ they will know and pretend not to. Same with me being there. The guys will be cool. We will need a Friday off and I'll get two rooms. You and I might be sharing a room if Carrie acts up. Mj, just fix that and do it soon, you are better with her. JJ, I know but my way. MJ, just relax but your all mine tomorrow for a unique session. I said good to hear, good night.
I called Carrie and when she answered I said hi Carrie, this is Mike Simmons, would you like to have dinner and a move with me tomorrow. She laughed and said, well I don't usually date self involved jocks but since you asked nicely, I'll make an exception and we both laughed. I said so would 6:30 work for you? She said sure and gave me her address. We both laughed and I said, good night and hung up.
I called Rob and congratulated him on a great season and the state championship. He said thanks and said he appreciated the kick in the ass. He said he was getting a lot of initial interest from colleges and asked if I would be willing to help? I said Rob, it's your call and every recruiting is different, however I answer any questions you have as best I can. Rob it helps if you know what you want to study and the type of school. Just be yourself. I said that the gift of the Hershey Bar was impressive and he laughed and said, basically I don't like Chocolate, I lied when you gave it to me and we both laughed.
It was getting late but I went and found Cole, he was just finishing some school work. We talked about my evening and my date with Carrie tomorrow night and he was laughing hysterically. He said, MJ, you are the one that needs to fuck her into submission. I said, dude it doesn't work that way. He said, it was good to see his mom and appreciated me being a buffer and that I had impressed her at breakfast. She thinks you should be a politician. I really laughed at that. I asked, about his new girl and he said rule 6. I said fine but you are not looking for that anytime soon. He said, I'll see you tomorrow we both need to run.
I woke after a great sleep and was relaxed for the first time in days. Cole, was waiting downstairs and we ripped thru the run. Back at home I made coffee and and we took a shower, which was just that a shower. I drove him to school and was a bit early getting to my school. Inside, it was all basketball and the excitement of a first ever State Championship. In first period AP English Carrie appeared and sat beside me, asking if I minded? I laughed and said nope. She then dropped the game and said can we please talk at lunch? I said, well why not dinner? She said, Mike, this is really a bit silly and we both hate games. I said, ok babe lunch it is. Well so much for a drama free day.
Finding a place to quietly talk at lunch was anything but easy and I figured fuck it and sat with the guys at out normal table. The look on the guys faces when Carrie came and sat beside me was priceless. She looked right at me and said Michael, I'm pregnant. My mouth just fell open and I put my head down. She lifted my chin, smiled and said Mike, I was kidding. I looked at her and started to laugh and said, what was the point of all that? Mike we tell the freshman about that possibility and sex needed to be with someone you wanted to spend your life with. So if that was true, then what? I said, Carrie no change, I would marry your sexy ass. She shook her head and said, Mike, I know that, deep in my heart. So I'm sorry and I love you and I'll never lie to you about anything. Please, I'm begging can we just move on and I get the business side of things. I said, babe that was a pretty shitty way to make a point but I love you so deal. So Carrie, you want to go to VT in two weeks? She said, sure. There is a complication, Jim has opened his recruiting so him and Ash will not be going. She said, damn that complicates the trip. Then when your with the guys, what will I do? Well, it looks like you won't have a roommate either. She said, fuck I don't know. I'll let you know. As we were leaving I held he back and asked so what do you think about Dee? Oh, Mike I like her, why? I'll let you know at dinner, tonight. I pushed her against the wall and gave her a big kiss and left her there breathless against the wall and went to class.
Afternoon classes were a breeze and I signed out of study hall and started to the stadium to workout. I checked my phone and saw a message from Tim. I sat in the stadium bleachers and called Tim. Mike, the deal is signed and there is a $20,000 check for hand money and I deposited it in an escrow account. Ok, so what's the issue? Mike you and your dad need to sign but the check is not certified funds. Tim, how the fuck is that possible? Mike there is no deal unless you and your dad sign and the check clears. Ok, Tim your thoughts? Mike, it would a PR disaster for them if it doesn't, so it clears. Tim, did you deposit it? Mike, I did immediately. Ok, I want to be ready so here is the plan, dad and I will sign when and if the check clears. Get a hold of Brian and have him run a complete check on that group. I want names, the works. I'm guessing a shell corporation. My question is and I need an answer, WHY AND FOR WHAT REASON, what was the win? Tim, when will you know? He said, Mike tomorrow morning. Ok please bring the Major up to date on the possibilities. If this blows up I want on the 6:00 news. Tim, thanks we will figure this out. I hung up and went into the workout room changed clothes and had an intense workout. There was no JJ and that concerned me as I had a task. I started towards the car and called JJ. I was thrilled when he answered. Dude, where are you? He said, I'm with Dee. Are things ok? Mike, it's fine it's just that I had an opportunity and chose her. I laughed and said, JJ that is really cool. So JJ is she pregnant? He laughed out loud and said fuck, I hope not. Dude, that's not funny. I said sorry, you sure you ok? He said absolutely. So why you talking with me and not fucking Dee? He said later and hung up. Damn, this has been a strange day.
I drove home and went straight to my room and jumped into the shower. I toweled dried my hair and returned to that messy look. I but on jeans and tight form fitting shirt and left for Carries. Sam answered the door and I smiled and said dude, you owe me a task. He said, I'm aware, let me find Carrie. I said Sam, get back here. He turned and said, what do you want? I said you to have a a better attitude. He said then treat my sister better? I went up to him, put my arm around him and said, look you little punk mind your own fucking business and I rubbed his head. Now please find my date. Sam turned and walked away.
A minute or so later Carrie showed up looking sexy and I thought shit, I wasn't planning on sex and actually just dinner. I asked where she wanted to go and she said, can we just go to your place and order in? Carrie, dad and Cole are home so it would not private and it would be hard to be alone. Then she said, let's just get a room. Well Carrie, we will not need a place that private, well not tonight. I said we could go to the club? She said well neither of us are dressed for that. Carrie what do you want? She said to be naked in bed with you. Carrie, I'm not ready for that yet, we both really hurt each other and well I need more time. I need things to settle before I'm ready for that. She shook her head and said ok, that place in Greentree and then back here, I'm not in the mood for a movie. Carrie, would you rather we just not do this tonight? She smiled and said, I think you are right we need more time. I kissed her and said good night.
Back at home I went right to my room, changed into a pair of baggy shorts and a hoodie and went and sat in my favorite spot. Dad finally came out and sat down and said, so you and Carrie still at odds? I said she is moving much faster than me and when I said we were not having sex she said we need more time. He looked at me and said, are you calling Dr. Jenkins or am I? I said, dad I'll call, please relax. I asked if he had talked with Brian and he said that he had and I seemed to have things under control. I said, thanks. He said, Mike when you are ready there is dinner and he got up and left. A while later Cole came out and asked, if I wanted to talk? I said yes but how about later, I'll be in shortly. He got up to leave and I said, dude thanks you asking means a lot to me. I was finally cold so I went in the house and straight to my room, closed and locked the door.
I was just laying on the bed and decided to call JJ. He answered with a string of Spanish and I said in reply, thanks for asking I'm fine. He said MJ you don't seem fine? JJ where were you this afternoon? MJ I told you having sex with my girl, it's been a while and the opportunity presented itself, so I blew you off. I said, that's cool. I was just worried about you. MJ I'm sorry I answered while I was in her ass and that was strange. I burst out laughing and managed to say really? He said how could anyone make that up. We should have had phone sex while I did her. I said dude, that's sick. I'm glad you had fun and I'll see you tomorrow.
Downstairs Cole and dad were in the game room chatting and I poured a scotch and sat down. Dad asked if I was ok and I said absolutely, just moving boxes in my head and sealing a lot of shit away. Cole asked, so is Carrie part of the shit you sealed up? Ok, you two, Carrie has a big box and now there is a smaller box inside that box where there is a lot of shit and until I can seal that box nothing I'd going to happen. I guess I simply let her play games and it is going to become complicated. Dad asked, Mike what are the issues? Did, the fucking me into submission, the lie and today the the I'm pregnant ploy to get me off balance so she could manage me and the fact that she achieved that. Cole said, shit she actually did that? I didn't answer and I just sat there. I finished my drink and said, good night guys. As I was leaving for my room, I stopped and said, thanks guys and dad, I'll let you know what happens when I find out but I think we are having a press conference, an ugly scene and a second project. Oh, I'll make that call.
I had just started to settle in as I needed clothes for tomorrow, in case I needed to be dressed up when my phone rang. I saw it was Carrie and let it ring a few times and answered saying, what's up babe? She said, Mike I'm sorry. I said what again? I'm really sick of hearing that, good night and hung up. I turned my phone off and went looking for Cole. He was in his room and the door was open so I stuck my head in and asked if he would make sure I was up for the run tomorrow as I turned my phone off. He said no problem, amigo. I laughed and said don't start. Back in my room I got out the blue blazer, grey slacks, a white shirt and a red tie. School clothes were jeans and a sweatshirt. I stripped and climbed into bed and thankfully sleep came easily.
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