Once back at home I grabbed and iced tea and went outside an sat in my special chair and was joined by Cole. I looked at him and said what's up bro. He said, I'm just seeing what is so special out here as you spend a lot of time here. Cole, when I'm here I just put myself in the one place that I was the happiest with the entire family. Mentally, I am there happy and relaxed. So MJ that place really exists, I laughed and said yes, it is very special, do you have a place like that? He said, somewhere, I guess I should think about it. I said good idea and rule 1, please. We sat quietly and at some point, which I was unaware of, I noticed he was gone. I grabbed my still full glass of tea and went inside. Dad was in his office and I went in to say hello. He said, shit Mike that was a long trip to North Carolina. Yup, it was and very productive and I'm all ready for the fight tomorrow with the Mayor and this nightly call with Carrie. Dad, I really think, I want to hang out with other girls. Dad said, shit Mike by hanging out you mean sex? Dad, I'm not sure it would go that far, but who knows. If I turn that switch on at school, they will me lined up. However, I am not the chick of the month type. Michael, if it's another chick, please, I'm actually begging use condoms. Dad, that's a deal and that's a concession Carrie is going to have to make if we fix this. I said, thanks for the talk but I have school work and calls to Carrie and Jim and then Cole who I need to spend some time. I'll see you later.
Figuring I would get the worst over with I called Carrie. She answered and I said, I babe how are things. Regretting the moment it slipped out. She said well that's a change, I haven't heard that in over a week. We talked about the business issues and finally I said, how about a compromise. You take all your business concerns to Tim and he will deal with them and if I need involved, which is likely, he can present them with the other issues he has for me to discuss. She was quiet for a minute and said, I feel that that will work. I said, Carrie I am very serious about that, I simply will not discuss business with you, ever. That will also end the fucking me into submission. Her tone changed and she said, Michael you always take it a bit too far. I said take it or leave it. Again there was silence so I said, oh by the way Adam and I had a chat today. So where are you with him? Again there was another pause and I said please answer the question. She said he is so different than you. I laughed and said well every dude is different than me. Please answer the question. She said, I like him but in a different way than you. Last time, babe answer the question or I'm hanging up. She said, we are close and have been out a few times. So besides the finals, you went out on a date with him? Again there was silence and she finally said yes. Last question on this topic, have you had sex with him? She said no but we made out the other day. I said fine, so while we work this out, or rather, try to work this out we are seeing other people? I said, don't answer I already know. Just be aware that it a two way bridge. Have a good night and I hung up. Damn, that was unexpected and perfect.
Then I called Jim and he answered with Mike, I'm glad you called. I laughed and said, well meet me tomorrow after we workout, if you still do that, and I'll buy you a phone with an exciting new feature, one that call out. He laughed and said, well I'm glad to see your not mad. Jim, I have never been mad, I was just very busy and you seemed to disappear. So what's going on? Well I have visits scheduled at Michigan, Pitt and the Naval Academy. I said, really you going to learn to salute? He said possibly a JAG lawyer. I said, those are all great schools, any leading candidate? He said not yet. Mike are you mad about VT and I said not at all, we were never a packaged deal but they are disappointed. They feel that all they did was recruit a player and wanted to see where that went. So how are things with Ash? He said great and we are in a very good place. Then he said, I understand you and Carrie are not doing well? I said that's an understatement as we just tonight, while trying to work thing out, agreed to see other people. He laughed and said, so Adam is the new toy. So wingman was I her old toy? He laughed and said well a lot of the time and she is very, very good using sex to get what she wants. Damn, that's what caused this blowup, we had a disagreement and she said, I'll just fuck you into submission and I got furious. He laughed and said well it was about time. I said well wingman, why didn't you say something, that's what wingman do. He said Mike, I know and I admit that I have been slacking in that area, I'm sorry. Jim, you are important to me and I'm always there for you even if you choose to salute. We talked for a few minutes more and I said I had school work to do and need to figure out who the next GF would be. He laughed and said, I'm sure there will be a ton of applicants.
I went looking for Cole and found him sitting at the desk in his room and I said dude, some night this week we are buying you furniture that is more you for this room. He smiled and said this is fine. I said correct but it's not you. So MJ we can just do that? I said, dude that's what I did, just told him it was happening. He laughed and said, I can't wait to see you negotiate with the furniture people. Ok, Cole I need an answer to this question and I don't give a fuck what you think, who is the girl at our school you like? He didn't hesitate and said well she is a sophomore and her name is Michele. I said the cute blond with perky tits and a nice ass? He laughed and said if her last name is King, that's correct. I said, well she is a classy bitch. Ok, MJ why was that important? Well about an hour ago Carrie and I agreed to see other people while we tried to work this out. He said, damn you looking for a fuck of the month or something more permanent? I laughed and said something in between for now, but definitely sex. Ok, Cole so where are you and Michele? Mike we are developing and so far it is light making out. Cole, as soon as I find a chick, we should double date. He laughed and said so where we going Friday night. I laughed and said, later dude, I have school work.
In my room I checked my voicemail and thankfully there were none. However, there was an interesting email from the Dean at CMU asking me to make an appointment to plan out my course of study for next round and to take a final exam for the course I was doing. I was excited at all that, new and different challenges. It was perfect for my current situation. I looked at my school work and saw I was current so I checked my phone found the number for Sean, the freshman at VT who was part of that group that I liked there. He answered saying, it's about fucking time, how the hell are you? I said, I'm good and girlfriendless and was thinking about a trip to campus. Would you guys be free next weekend? He said well if you bring a case of iced tea we would be and I laughed and said, fuck you should have a source of that on your own. He laughed and said there is never enough. I said, there is a potential recruit that I might bring with me, Jim Messer do you know him? He said JJ, fuck does he want another visit or are you dragging him along? I said, he wants a no coach visit. He laughed and said, that figures, he is a very good athlete but a lot different than your buttoned down version. I said true but he is special to me and I manage to keep up. Ok, Mike where you staying? Sean, I have no idea yet and while I want and need a casual time,I will have to talk with the coaches. He said no shit, if you pull a Jim they would all shit their pants. I said, well I'm not doing that and might be in class for second semester next year. Dude, don't do that, second semester senior year is awesome. I said, I get that but I'm too buttoned down to enjoy that. He laughed and said, dude do you realize that can't recruit another linebacker because of you. You are the #1 rated backer in the country. I said I was told that just the other day. Sean, for me on a scale of 1 to 10 that's an 11 but I don't celebrate that shit. I simply use it to my advantage. He laughed and said, I call before you come down. I said that's a deal.
I decided to call JJ and he answered and I said English and no bull shit. He said ok Mike, what's your issue. VT, where in the fuck are you with that and don't you bull shit me. He said, Mike those coaches are tough but I love the campus and if the guys on the team are like Sean and his buddies they could be my first choice. Well, I just got off the phone with Sean and I'm going there next weekend, Carrie and I agreed to see other people tonight and I might want to fuck some older chicks, you want to come along? MJ are you serious? I said yes but understand I will need to meet with the coaches and I know you don't want to do that. How can you meet with them you used your visit and so did I. I said a casual event in a restaurant, nothing planned. JJ don't take this the wrong way but I don't give a fuck where you go to school and it it's VT that's on you. MJ, I understand. I said be sure, there has been enough drama down there.
Realizing it was late I sent emails to Tim and Brian asking about project 1. That was followed my an email to Mason saying I would be at the project after school tomorrow and I wanted an informed tour. I wanted to be ready for the blow up that was coming with the Mayor. Downstairs I found dad on the phone and he waved me away, indicating 5 minutes. I got an iced tea and sat in the game room thinking about being in school tomorrow unattached. Cole came down, grabbed a beer and we sat talking. Dad arrived and Cole asked, so how is mom? Dad laughed and lit a cigarette and said we are both good. Cole got up grabbed the cigarettes lit one and tossed me the pack and I lit one. Dad said, ok you two what's up? Cole said, I would like furniture for my room, that stuff isn't me. Dad said, is that all? At the same time we both said yup. Dad said, Cole get what you want but I'm hoping the chairs are not leather. So what else? I said that next week JJ and I are going to VT. He said whatever what else? Well Carrie decided her and Adam are an item and that I should feel free to hook up with others while we see if our situation cane be fixed. Dad laughed and said, her idea my ass. I laughed and said she is the one sorta making out with Adam.
Dad thought for a minute and said, Michael I have been pretty open minded but understand there will not be a string of girls for your sexual pleasure and if I find you are not using condoms you will be joining Ray at Valley Forge. Dad, you made that clear earlier and I'm not looking for a babe of the month or a wife so expect something in between and at some point there will be sex so adjust. Cole, I'm working out tomorrow and we can grab some food and start the shopping. He said great but now that she is free I need to call mom. We both got up and dad said Mike a minute please. Once alone dad said, just so you know you will not have the freedom around here that you had with Carrie and I still think you will end up with her. The trip to VT is that NCAA compliant? Dad they didn't say I couldn't visit it's just no coaches. Dad, I'll let the compliance officer know and he will work out what they need. I just need a fun weekend with future teammates. Anything else? Yes, don't burn every bridge with the Mayor. I said, I'll try and good night. Upstairs I said good night to Cole and took a long hot shower and threw my self in bed.
I woke to a cold morning and Cole waiting in the kitchen so it was the usual run, mutual shower and off to school. Cole was quiet the entire morning and just before I dropped him off I said ok, what's up? He said Michele please don't tell her you know about us. I said deal now get to class or whatever happens in your building. At school it was a whole new event as I discovered there were girls there. Carrie and I stayed away from each other and Jim was in a better mood and Rob suddenly found new friends. JJ said, he chose Carri's side he will get over it. I laughed and said well that will be what it becomes. I said, Jim you see that sexy dark haired girls over there? He said Carley? I said, I guess ask Ash if she is seeing anyone? He went over and whispered in Ashley's ear and came back laughing. She is a Junior and is newly single as she was hooking up with Adam. I almost fell out of my seat laughing. I composed my self and went over and said, hi Carley want to swap boyfriends and damn I got slapped across my face. I remember Carrie did that the first time I talked with her. All of a sudden she laughed and said that was the worst pick up line I ever heard. I said sorry, I'm out of practice, it been a while. I asked if I could call her tonight and see if my game picked up? She laughed and sad, sure. So do I get a number or do I have to use directory assistance. She said, well let's see how bad you want to talk, happy hunting and she got up and went to class. I thought shit and then decided to have some fun and went up to Adam and said, dude what is Carley's fidgets and he said that's fucking hysterical we swap bitches. He gave me the number and I said thanks.
It was afternoon classes and a workout and home starving and Cole was sitting in the game room. I said dude, I'm starving let's go. We drove to the tavern and the place was almost empty and before we even ordered a couple of beers appeared. Cole, smiled and shook his head. I ordered a Ruben and fries and Cole asked for a burger with lettuce and tomato with American cheese along with fries. As we were waiting for the food he said so you found a new chick and apparently you need a new pickup line. Do you need her number? I laughed and said Adam gave it to me. He said damn, can you do anything without drama? I said WTF those two deserve it. The food came and we were enjoying the conversation and I tried to pay the bill and that went nowhere so I left a twenty on the table and we drove to the furniture store where I bought my furniture. Inside, it was obvious they didn't remember me as the same saleswoman came up, with an attitude and asked what can I do for you two? Cole, said I'm looking for some bedroom furniture and a desk. I said we will look around and we will find you. She said sure, meaning I'm not letting you two out of my site. We looked around and he didn't see anything he liked. I said what do you like? He said Mission style, I asked about a desk and he said a wood one with a glass top, the wood version of yours. I said ok, now it time for fun. We found the saleswoman and it wasn't hard as she was within 20 feet of us all the time. Cole said, we didn't find anything I like, all your stuff is too big and bulky. Do you have any Mission style furniture and she said, that they didn't. Just what's on the floor. I said, ok let's see what the manager has to say, please find him or her. Oh and while you are at it pull the order for Michael Simmons from earlier this year. She looked at and you could see the lightbulb go off. I laughed and said ok no manager find my brother what he wants or I'll go somewhere else. She said sure and before you ask and start to negotiate I'll give you the same deal we gave you.
I laughed at Cole's as she returned with a binder with exactly what he wanted. He very quickly picked out a bed and a night stand and we were looking for a desk and finally said that one but he wanted the top changed. It turned out that the design would not let that happen and he decided on a table with "x" end panels and the glass top. The file cabinet was special ordered and the finish on everything was a very light cherry. He got the same 2 chairs that I had but in a different color. It was very 1950's or right out of some architect that was famous, but the name escaped me. I looked at the price and negotiate free delivery. Cole was all excited and said thanks for the help.
Back at home I called Carrie as promised and it went to voicemail and I thought good. I called Carley and said hi, this is Mike. She laughed and said so good job getting the number. I said it was easy Adam was glad to give it to me and she burst out laughing. She said you didn't? I said, well I most certainly did. We talked about silly shit for a while then she asked what happened between Carrie and me. I said, well we are finished and I won't ask about you and Adam and you don't ask about Carrie and me. She said well that works for now. So how about we grab a bite to eat and catch a movie Friday? She laughed and said something to eat is fine but neither of us are the movie type. Ok Carley, what type are we? She laughed and said, I don't know but it's not a movie. Ok, how fancy of a dinner would you like, I can go from the very elegant to Eat N Park. How about you cut me a break and pick one. Mike, please define very fancy. I said Oakmont Country Club. Ok, please be serious? Carley, I am totally serious. Mike, that would be a hell of a first date. I said, well then South Hills or the City Grill. Mike, those are all awesome places. I said they are but all my usual haunts. Look, Carley we won't be drinking at any of those places but there are places that I go where iced tea is always something else. What path do you want to start on? The options are spoiled rich kid, business tycoon, big time jock with privileges or high school boy friend. She laughed and said is there one that is Just Michael J. Simmons? Nope, I'm all of them, just a complicated ball of me. She said, I'm Good Friday night, just the two of us and can I let you know tomorrow night when you call? I said absolutely. Oh, one last question does you phone call out? She said yes, it calls important people in my life, I'm starting to think I might enjoy having you on that list, but it is a work in progress. Good night Mike.
I thought about the conversation and was thinking Eat N Park and the high school jock was out. I was hoping for the bar in Greentree but my gut was telling me Oakmont. I was doing some reading for fun and Cole came in and asked for the furniture order and the receipt, I said dude I don't have it look in the car and I tossed him my keys. He was back a few minutes later, put my keys on the desk sat in one of my leather chairs and said, damn these are nice. I laughed and said well I'm glad for you. So MJ how was the talk with Carley? I said good, we are doing food Friday but I'm sorry it's just the two of us. He laughed and said, I figured so Michele is coming here. So where you going? I said not sure here choices are anywhere from Oakmont and Eat N Park and everything in between. He laughed and said knowing what Michele says about her call Oakmont now. He laughed and said good night. I went downstairs and said good night to dad and took a quick shower. Right before I jumped into bed, I checked my phone and saw no returned call from Carrie and I turned out the lights and jumped into bed.
It was the usual start to the day and at school a calm and typical day. Rob continued to ignore me and that amused me. After school I started for the stadium to work out and it was the Mayor. I said good afternoon Mayor what can I help you with? He said you fucking asshole you set me up? I simply hung up. He called right back and I said in non vulgar language what has you upset? He said your set me up on that failed deal. Mr. Mayor, I said you weren't there because you must be busy and gave the name of the straw company you and your friends set up to mess with my head. I didn't go any further. Just the name so what's the issue? You made no off the record comments? Mr. Mayor that's correct, I didn't even drop a bread crumb. So please get off my back because the press grew a set. Have a great day and I hung up. Nothing to do now until the next shoe drops.
The workout was great as was getting back in the grove. Sam, Jim and JJ were all there but we all did our thing and there wasn't much conversation, which was a little unusual. I started for the car and I could see someone sitting on the hood and my first thought was Carrie, but a closer look the hair was darker and I laughed as it had to be Carley. I said, well hello but it has never been a good thing for me to find a girl sitting on my car, what's up? She jumped off the car and said let's go somewhere and talk. I said sure, thinking we haven't even been out on a date and already a "talk". I asked, so where we having this "talk". She said, I know it's strange but we could simply walk the track or just sit in the stadium. I said, the stadium works for me. We sat in the shade on the top row with our backs leaning against the press box. I looked at her and thought damn, she is smoking hot. I was clubbing up and was hoping she wouldn't notice. I said, so what do you want to talk about? She smiled and said the mystery that is Michael James Simmons Junior. Well here is a start, don't ever use the Junior again and she laughed.
MJ I have been talking with a lot of people about you today. I said well not many people call me MJ and at least that explains why everyone was keeping their distance at workouts today. So what did you uncover. Well except for the slip from Mr. Messer about the MJ thing him and Jim were not any help at all. Sam offered a little about his feelings about your breakup with his sister, but again nothing about you. I laughed and said oh, that's because of rule 2. She said what's that, you guys have rules? I said yup, but later, most likely much later. What I discovered is that you are bored academically here, that you pretty much run the place and you are most likely not looking for the fuck of the month or a serious girlfriend. I said so that all you got? She said well athletically you're are an elite athlete, but not the typical ego driven jock. You play hard and intense but alway fair. You committed to VT very early and for some reason don't want to play pro ball. I remained quiet and she said well that's all I got. What I need to know how the fuck can you pull off dinner at one of the most prestigious clubs in the country, or was that bull shit? I shrugged and said, well I'm a member so it's easy. Ok and South Hills? I'm a member so it's easy. Michael you mean your dad is a member? Carley dad and I are both members at South Hills and I am the member at Oakmont. What you didn't look into was my business activities and those circles I run in. I asked, do you have to be anywhere for an hour or so? She said no. I said, let go for a ride.
We got in the car and I started for the construction site. She asked where we were going and I said a crash course in MJS Enterprises. She said what the hell you talking about? I said please relax, this might be fun and it will tell you more about me than anything you could find out at school. We pulled into the construction site and she saw a new sign "Future home of MJS Technologies" she said so this is where your dad's company is moving? I said well yes, but it's not dad's company. Let me put it this way if we ever voted our shares, I would win. Actually my Trust would win. Besides that I own the land and the building and Technologies just rents it. As we were walking around a number of the workers, as they were leaving said " Hi Mr. Simmons, it's good to see you". Carley, I had this building designed and when finished will be dramatic, in an understated way, and state of the art. Then a security guard came up and said, Mr. Simmons even you need a hard hat. I laughed and said, we are just leaving. She though we were going to the car and I started to walk to the adjacent lot and said, see all these weeds? Well I own them as well. I turned and walked towards the river and on the bank I took both her hands and as we faced each other I said, Carley, I don't know where we are going but don't ask around about me simply ask. I'll tell you everything. You might not like what you hear but it will always be honest and legal. I pulled her to me and and gave her a big hug and I got our first kiss and it wasn't a peck on the cheek. I asked if she wanted to get something to eat. She said sure and I drove to the bar in Greentree.
Once there there was the usual greeting and we found a booth. When we sat down I asked wine or beer? She said beer and I laughed and said order iced tea. The owner came over we both ordered iced tea. While waiting for the drinks I told her that everything was very good except the Ruben's and was a lot of food. I said I usually order a half except for the burger. The beers came and she shook her head, I ordered half an Italian delight and a basket of fries. She ordered a burger and fries and I said we won't need those fries. Then she said, if it was your choice, Friday night we would have come here? I said correct. She laughed and asked, how did you find this place? I said, dad frequented this place in college and I like it, be warned if you order another drink it won't be beer. We chatted for a while and I asked about dinner tomorrow night. She said well this place is very much you but can I see the business version of you? I said sure but be careful for what you ask for, it won't be a quiet private night.
We were quiet for a while and I said, Carley I told you a lot about me today but you have shared nothing. Do you want me to find out or you want to share. She smiled and said, I'll share tomorrow will you please take me to Oakmont, I love that place. I go to tournaments there when they have them. I said, 7:00 too late for dinner? She said, that was good. I picked up the phone and called the club and asked for dinner reservations and a few seconds later the manager answered. I said hi Clark, this is Mike Simmons, he said, so Mr. Simmons what do you need? I said a quiet table for two, tomorrow night say 7:00. He said no problem and have a good evening. She looked at me and said damn, you were serious. I sat straight in the seat and said, don't ever fucking do that again. She was stunned and asked do what? I said, question my honesty again, that always pisses me off. I took both her hands and looked her right in the eye and said I'm honest to a fault and that when I'm questioned, I always get fucking pissed off. Then I said please don't say you are sorry, I hate that as well. She said, fuck I didn't mean to upset you. All you guys bull shit us girls. I laughed and said, I'm different. I said let's go, I need to get home and this was unexpected. I tried to pay with no luck and we started home.
We were quiet in the car and when we turned on to Rt. 51, I said I have no idea where you live. She laughed and said jerk, I live on your street. I said, of course you do. Then she asked if dinner was still on and I said absolutely, I'm not mad just explaining the reaction. Next time I'll be mad. At her house, I walked her to the door and got a big kiss and she reached for my package and I continued the kiss. When she broke the kiss off, I said the other stuff is a long way off, good night.
Shit I could have walked home it was 10 houses. I was tired and needed to think. I went right to my room grabbed my headphones and threw myself on the bed. Well that didn't last long as Cole came in and asked about my day and the new GF. I laughed and said later. JJ called and I let it go to voicemail. Jim was next and the same. Then Ray called and we talked for about 20 minutes about silly shit. Then I called Carrie and it went to voicemail and I left a message saying I was done calling, that enough was enough. Finally, I called Carley and she was surprised. I thanked her for a great time. We talked for a while and I told her that Oakmont was very old school and that I would be wearing a suit and tie. Did, she still want to go? I said great and if I didn't see her in school.
With all that done I went and found Cole. This time he was on the phone and motioned 10 minutes. I said cool and went looking for dad and fuck he was on the phone and I said good night and went upstairs and sent an email to Brian saying I needed info on Carley Sike and her family. Whatever he could come up with by 3:00 tomorrow, just a broad outline would be good for now. Cole appeared and sat down and asked about Carley. I asked how he knew and he said well you getting slapped across the face was a fun time for you entire school. Michele says Carley is not nearly as buttoned down as Carrie but that she might be a good match for you. She is pretty street smart. I said, that's it's a work in progress and we went to the building site and Greentree for burgers. I asked if he wanted to go to dinner at Oakmont and he said absolutely not. Him and Michele were hanging out here. I laughed and went to the night stand and tossed him a couple of condoms and he laughed out loud. He took them and said, good night. I'll see you in the morning. I checked my phone and there were no messages so I stripped and climbed into bed.
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