I woke the next morning and it was still dark and I woke Cole and said put a pair of shorts on and let's go, we are watching the sunrise. He rolled over, grabbed my cock and said, I would rather see this rise. I slapped his bare ass and said let's go. We got to my fence post and I sat with my back against the post. Cole sat beside me, put his head against my chest. It started to get lighter and the sky started to have an orange glow. The few clouds were an interesting contrasts of grey and orange an then a small sliver of orange appeared as a line on the horizon. It always amazed how slowly it turned into a complete very orange ball, it was something I wish I could see every day. The cool morning breeze added to the experience.
Once the sun was completely above the horizon I squeezed him and said, thanks bro. I never thought this spot could get more special. He looked at me, smiled and said, just shut up and he kissed me. We just sat there holding each other, enjoying the moment. I started to get up and he stopped me saying, now this spot is special to me so just sit and rule 1 and let's enjoy it together. We must have been there enjoying the experience for an hour or so when he said as soon as I win my first tournament as a pro, I'm having my own post installed. I laughed and said, Cole it doesn't need to take that long. He looked at me and said, Michael James, I'm you fucking brother not some kept toy. I laughed and said, bro I get it, the fucking post can wait till you put it there and we kissed again and I saw Sean starting up the path and I said Cole let's just get out of here and we went to the house where we found French toast bacon and coffee. I was feeling great and totally relaxed.
We decided to spend the morning at the beach. This was perfect for me as it meant a lot of time laying around. The other good thing was that my phone was in the house and turned off. We were tossing around a football and Jim was showing off a bit and was taking a ribbing about being a PANTHER. Then it morphed into touch football finally ended as it got too serious. The rest of the morning was body surfing. I laughed when I thought these 4 hours are the longest any of us have gone without a beer. I was just laying on a blanket when Jim plopped his ass beside me, I looked at him and said, what's up dude? He said, MJ did I make a mistake with PITT? I said Jim, you made that decision based on projected playing time, has that changed? He said MJ, I have no idea. I looked right at him and said, you have always thought you are not as good as you actually are. I'm good with whatever you decide, but if you are changing your mind because of a few unproven players, you're an ass. Just do what you feel is best for you. Oh, make sure this is all settled before high school football start, I want a fucking metal of the same color and I don't want to have the shit beat out of me again. Jim replied, MJ I get that and I am totally aware how hard that will be to accomplish and besides our class any help fill come from the current Freshman class. Your ex-brother-in-law is important so keep him close. Jim, we need to talk about this with a bunch of guys and soon, so do the QB1 thing and organize it. I'm hoping not to play offense at all. Jim just started to laugh hysterically.
I started towards the house and everyone followed and it was sandwiches, chips and beer. I noticed Cole and Alex were hanging out again and was hoping that they both had this. I was
in a chair on the deck and Sean came over and said, MJ I have never seen you this relaxed. I said, it is rare and something I'm working on. You know I decided this morning to keep the place. He laughed and said, why would you sell this place? I said, it's an investment but it is also has special meaning for me. If it looses that special feeling it's not worth keeping, sure it makes money but the actual return isn't that great. There are fees, insurance and risks up the ass. Not to mention the economy and people's ability to travel. MJ, I have to ask again, why to you want to play college football? Sean, I'm good and need to prove how good I am. MJ, don't you think you would need to play PRO football to make that point. I laughed and said, that's simply not one of my goals. I simply don't need the money or want beat up like that. By the time I graduate from VT I want to be worth 250 million. He just shook his head and said, fuck I really want to watch that happen. I laughed and said, I'm halfway there, well almost as I need to live to be 18 for that to happen. I want dad retired and enjoying life when I graduate. He hasn't said it but I'm sure that's his plan. Sean and I switched to much less important things and then he blew we away when he said his sister had it bad for me. I list laughed and said damn a long distant relationship. He laughed and said well she graduates and will be looking for work in Pittsburgh. He smiled and asked, if I knew anyone hiring? I just shook my head and got up and got another beer. I sat back down handed Sean a beer and said dude, I'm not sure about all that. I was attracted to your sister at the party, but that's all. I don't want to fuck up our relationship as well it is becoming important to me and I hope to you as well. Let's just let that be what it becomes. He laughed and said, I doubt that she is your type. I laughed and said, damn I don't even know what my type is, or if there is a type. The rest of the afternoon was beach football, sun bathing and wave riding.
Back at the house, we were figuring dinner out when I noticed Cole and Alex were missing. I figured WTF. I finally looked at my phone and saw a message from Cole. It said don't cook, I got the dinner stuff. When Cole and Alex returned it was a seafood smorgasbord, clams, oysters, shrimp and lobster. We asked who paid for all this and he said, just shut up and eat. I just laughed and said ok so it's rule 7. The guys asked about the rules and Cole said here's the damn list and asshole just added the a new one and reused a number.
Rule 1 - no talking
Rule 2 - what happens here stays here
Rule 3 - always have each others back
Rule 4 - listen
Rule 5 - stay in your lane
Rule 6 - none of your business
Rule 7 - just say what you think
Rule 8 - shut up and eat
They all laughed and Cole said, they actually work with MJ just say Rule 1 and he shuts up, it's amazing. We were all laughing and the dinner which included a salad looked awesome. Sean asked so these are Mikes rules? I said they sure are and everyone around me that is important follows them, even me. Alex yelled RULE - 8 and we all laughed and started to eat. The meal, was tremendous. I was wondering if it was dad or Megan who paid for this and I was betting Megan. We all cleaned up and the card game started and I went outside and called dad. But when I turned the phone on there was a message from Mason, which I did not listen to and called dad. He answered asking how I was doing and if I was getting enough rest. I laughed and asked it that was why he shipped the helicopter pilot down. He laughed and said, while that a definite plus Cole needed a break. He was working his ass off on things that weren't working. Dad, we have become very close and grew closer in the short time he has been here. Then I asked, so dad who paid for dinner tonight? He said that he understood it was Jay and that he talks with Cole, twice a week. We talked about nothing important at all and then I asked about Mason. Dad said he is very, very driven and Mike you are going to have to pay him to keep him and that Ego needs the settled as well. I asked about Dillon and he said, workers his ass off and likes the stability or a regular income, but paid none the less and is very happy in the current situation. I sad, dad I will have Kyle deal with Dillon but that ego is all mine. Team player or he will be on his own, I want him but I want him my way. He left me a voicemail, that I have not listened to. Dad, do you know anything about it? He said it's all good, but it won't help the ego problem. I laughed and said I won't return the call and have Ruth schedule a meeting with him Tuesday at 4:00. Dad said sure and I said, thanks and I love you. Dad said Mike, I know and hung up. I then listened to Mason's message and just laughed as Standard Properties had just become the exclusive leasing agent for Allegheny Commons. Thinking about it, that was the spec building J & J designed. I was thinking good job. I left him a message saying great job and we would have a long talk it's him when I got back. I left a message for Tim about the situation and asked if he could have an outline of a comp package for Mason ready for Tuesday afternoon. With all that done, I turned off my phone and went inside and joined the guys. As usual the card games bored me so I went to my room and took a badly needed shower. I jumped into bed and was listening to music and trying not to think of school or work. I was actually more worried about school and coming back from break with no girl attached to my hip. None of that bothered me but I had no date for the Junior Prom and didn't like the image involved with that. Just as I was about to turn out the lights and there was a knock on the door and it was JJ. I got out of bed, put a pair of shorts on and asked, what's up? He smiled and said that damn initiation from the VT guys. I smiled and asked was that fun for you? He laughed and said in a perverted way, it was a lot of fun. We chatted for a while and he said get some sleep. He got up, turned out the lights and closed the door. I was pretty much instantly asleep.
The next morning was one of those days where you just knew it would be a perfect weather day. I made pancakes and bacon for the troops and while they were making plans for the day, I went to my spot and sat there and just relaxed. It was a great last day with dinner at a nearby restaurant with every one pitching in. Back at the house it was all business as Sean, Rod and Alex wanted an early start. I called the Major and asked when he would be there and he said 3:00 was the best he could do and I said thanks and said fly safely.
The guys were off by 7:00 and JJ, Jim, Cole and I just sat on the deck looking at the ocean. Around noon we loaded the rental SUV and started towards the airport. We stopped for a quick bite to eat and got to the airport just as the jet landed. It was a very quick turnaround we were in the air right at 3:00. I got to sit up front for half the flight and it was totally unreal. The flight was uneventful and Cole and I were home before 5:00. We found dad and Megan with drinks in the game room and there were hugs all around. Dad said Mike, you will be pissed but dinner is 7:00 at the club. I laughed and said that's fine, I grab a drink and then shower. Dad just looked and I said Rule 1 and everyone laughed. Cole and I grabbed a drink and sat and chatted with the rents, providing the "G" rated version of the trip. Megan asked if I managed to relax and stay away from work issues. I said yes, well until dad delivered two packages, everyone laughed. That stopped when I said, dad you and I need to talk after dinner. Cole said don't worry most of the time his phone was off and there wasn't much work and he slept and rested a lot. Then he said, with that I just landed the helicopter, he is all yours. Dad said, Cole thanks and great job. We chatted for a few more minutes, I finished my drink and headed for a shower and change of clothes.
I was in the shower and Cole joined me. I said dude, the rents are home and will be up to change soon. MJ, I simply don't give a fuck. I laughed and said, neither do I buy you can bet that sexy ass they will. So it was a very quick shower and khakis and a blazer and I went downstairs for another drink. Dad came down and we went in his office. He asked how I was feeling and I said flabby and out of shape. Monday would be all school, Tuesday would be work and school and Wednesday would be the doctors. Hopefully then there would be running and workouts. I can't stand how I look. Dad said Mike, you need to go slow. I just laughed and said, you don't have enough helicopter pilots to get that accomplished. He laughed and said, well I'll hold off until you see the doctor. Just then Megan and Cole appeared and I said dad, we have more stuff to talk about but that can hold till after dinner. With all that out of the way we piled into the car and dad drove to the club.
At the Club we were seated immediately and drink predestined were taken and I ordered iced tea as did Cole and dad. We almost fell out of our chairs when Cole and I got scotch and dad got iced tea. Dad just shook his head and Meagan just looked on drinking a gin and tonic. We ordered and the while we were waiting for the food the zoo started. One person after another came up to dad and chatted. Thankfully except for a classmates I was left alone. Dinner was t-bones for the guys with baked potato and Megan had shrimp scampi. Conversation was light and drama free. I passed on desert and ordered a cappuccino as did dad, Cole and Megan ordered strawberry shortcake. Once we were home dad and I went into the office and Cole and Megan were in the game room catching up.
In dad's office he immediately lit a cigarette and said ok what's up? I said the BOD meeting for Enterprises and he said the agenda is in you email, Tim was to send that to you at 7:00. I said thanks. Then I said dad, I have a meeting with Mason on Tuesday and he is off to a very impressive start but he is pushing a lot of my buttons. He even proposed a compromise. package which I can't live with. I'm also less impressed with the team aspect of things and his ego. Dad said Mike, you haven't been around many sales types and he is pretty much typical. Dad, either he gets on board or he is gone and while, I'll have a check for his classes, he did sign a non-compete. Mike just let it play out for a while and see where it goes. Dad, this happens my way, definitely not his. Dad laughed and said well he works for you and your fledgling company. Go, slow or not it's your call. I said, well I have a day or so to think about it, thank for a great week and trusting me, good night. I went to my room stripped, hung up the jacket and pants, opened the window and jumped into bed.
I was up before the alarm and found Cole and he would only do part of the run, until I was doctor cleared. That pissed me off and I said, so much for parking the fucking helicopter. I showered, grabbed some coffee and dropped Cole off at school and in the parking lot at school, I just started to laugh out loud as I saw Carrie and Rob going into the building holding hands. I thought, those fuckers have been flirting since they first met. In first period English we were in our usual seats. I didn't even look at her. I was totally focused on class and on the way out the teacher pulled me aside and said, it's good to see you focused again, I hope Spring break was good for you. I smiled and said Spring break was great but walking into the building today, totally focused me. The teacher just looked at me. It was that way all morning. Lunch was fun as Rob didn't have the balls to sit with us. JJ asked what was going on and I told him and he asked, MJ do you give a fuck? I smiled and said nope. I got up and went over to Carrie and whispered in her ear and said, babe I just cancelled that credit card, I hope you and Rob enjoy yourselves. She started to say something and I stopped her and said, "frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." The entire table burst out laughing. I simply put my lunch tray away and went to class. It was a typical afternoon and I went to the stadium and started an intense workout.
Jim and JJ were there and I saw Sam and went over to him and asked, so how is my ex-brother-law? He laughed and said, I'm good but how are you? I said I'm absolutely perfect and enjoying life. I went to the stadium and cancelled the credit card and then called Oakmont. I set up a room for Saturday for 16 from 9:00 till noon and called the pro shop and checked on tee times for Saturday. I was able to book 3 tee times starting at 1:00. With all that done, I drove home and went directly to my room and called Tim. We talked about a compensation package for Mason and Tim said, Mike he is a pain in the ass but a money machine. I laughed and said, well then there is that new ego and I don't act like I own the place, so you can bet your ass he will change or be gone. Please email me his non-compete. Tim said Mike that will easily work and a hard copy will be on your desk when you get there tomorrow. I said thanks and hung up. The next call went to Ruth and I asked her to find Riley and have her call me. Ruth said, Mike thanks for calling and I think she really needs to talk with you. I asked Ruth what's up? He said Mason and I laughed and said, he has 2 strikes and is fouling a lot of balls off. Thanks for the heads up.
I was starving and feeling great and Ryan had spaghetti and meatballs along with a salad for dinner. I poured a giant iced tea and went to my chair on the patio. At some point Megan came out and sat down and said, MJ do you have a minute. I said, absolutely, what do you need? She laughed and said, nothing at all. I just wanted to thank you for showing Cole a good time and letting him fit in with your friends. I laughed and said, Megan he has changed, that Pro who was fired might have been a shit coach, but damn Cole grew up a lot dealing with him. She said, yes and at some point I would like to meet that friend of your in Latrobe and thank him. I smiled and said that's easily done as I'm a member. We went inside and started to heat dinner. Dad and Cole were shortly there and it was a fun family dinner two nights in a row. Cole and I cleaned up and I went upstairs and found the email from Tim and sent it and the Comp. proposal to dads printer. I called the doctors office and using the answering service scheduled an appointment for Wednesday late afternoon. With that done I went and retrieved the documents and sat in one of dad's guest chairs and started to read. The non-compete was clear, if he accepted payment for the classes, he could not compete with Standard Properties or its subsidiaries for 3 years. There was another non-compete that was the same if he agreed to a compensation package. The Comp. package we were proposing was that for Enterprise properties he would be paid 3% every month the lease was paid. For properties leased for another building and that there was a one time fee. He would get 25% of the initial payment with benefits or 40% no benefits. The balance would go towards operating expenses for Standard Properties. He would be President of Standard Properties which was a subsidiary of MJS Enterprises. His only report was to me as President of Enterprises. We were both under the control of the Enterprises BOD. He would be able to develop a compensation program for his employees at Standard Properties, subject to board approval.
Then I switched to the Enterprises BOD meeting. I was good with the detailed financial review, we needed to get approval to start the second building and inform them of the properties transfers. I wanted temporary space for the Design/Architecture form and SP. Then there would need to be approval for Mason's job and package if he accepted. Then I realized that I had not heard from Riley. I checked my phone and there was a message from her saying, she was sorry that she couldn't call as it was late when she got the message but that she saw I was free at 2:30 tomorrow and would see me then. I thought well that was a reasonable approach. With all that done, I jumped into the shower and then into bed.
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