I took my time getting to the office and when I pulled into the parking lot there was security at the door. As I approached a security guard opened the door and said, good afternoon Mike, a lot of people will be glad to see you. I headed straight to dad's office and he said have a seat. I sat down and he said that Tim and Brian were in the conference room. I asked dad, to what point? He said falling on their swords and asking for another chance. I asked dad what he thought and he said, it never hurts to listen. I said fine and we went into the conference room. Once there I asked the security guy to wait outside by the door and that we would let him know when we needed him. I looked at the two of them and said, I have a business meeting at South Hills at 5:00 and I will not be a second late, so get to the point and dad and I sat down. Brian started to say something and I said if you are about to say how sorry you guys are this meeting is over. I don't give a fuck about that, what I need to know is what the hell your end game was in all this and the first time I think you are lying it's over. Brian immediately said, so does your dad matter? I simply got up and left the room and went to my office.
A minute later there was a knock on my door and it was Brian accompanied by security. I said Brian, work it out with dad but tell Tim, dad and I voted and he is no longer legal council for my Trust nor does he he have a vote. I nodded to security and Brian was escorted out. I just started on the formal notice to Tim about the trust and when that was completed I asked Ruth to type it on plain paper and give me 4 copies. I asked that she include a place for dad's signature and she had it back to me in like 5 minutes. I signed all the copies and stuck my head into the conference and asked for a minutes of dad's time. Dad came out and security went back in. I showed him the notice and he asked Ruth for a pen and signed it as well. He left a copy with Ruth and said Mike, have a good meeting with the Major and Jack. I'll see you tonight. I hugged him, thanked Ruth and went home as I had time to change. It was khaki pants and a long sleeved shirt. I said hi to Cole and left for the club. I went inside and the Manager, Mike said same table as yesterday. It was nothing like yesterday as I was stopped twice on my way to the table. Both guys were there drinking beer and Jake asked Mike, the usual iced tea? I said absolutely and sat down.
Jim laughed and asked, so how was your day? I said it was pretty shitty from about 8:30 last night till now. Jim replied, I heard and that you stormed out of the surrender. I looked at Jack and said, how are you? Just then Jake came with my drink and I said thanks and keep them coming, I'll walk home. Jack laughed and said well we figured that so, we came in one car. I smiled and put my keys on the table. The chat was friendly and Jake appeared with another round of drinks an I asked so Major Jack, what's going on with you, I understand you have a PR event in Washington? There was that smile that I sometimes got from Jan and he said, either my sister has a big mouth or I have been checked out. Either way, you seem to be informed. He then said it's a simple metal ceremony and I hate those but I get to fly down.
Jake was there again and I ordered another round of drinks and changed mine to an Arnold Palmer. Just then my phone rang and it was dad and I excused my self and took the call. Dad said Mike, I might have resolved this but we need to vote? Dad do what you want but right now I'm a no and no matter what Tim is off the trust. He said, Fine we can talk tonight. Dad don't be mad, I promise I'll have an open mind.
I went back to the table shaking my head and Jim asked well what happened? I said, I think dad took the ceremonial surrender sword and fell on it. They both laughed and I managed a smile. Jake came with the drinks and we all ordered. I then asked, so Jack what's going on? Mike, it appears I'm done flying combat, that pisses me off and I hated flight school when I was there and I don't want a bump in rank. Ok, so then what? He said a job and career in the real world. I said Jack as a graduate from Annapolis that should be easily done unless you were a political science major. Jim laughed out loud and Jack said, so I see my sister has a big mouth. If you had me checked out you would know that my major was information technology and I was 6th in the class. Oh and the damn award is the Distinguished Flying Cross. Jack, that is impressive but how will you adjust from flying jets and saving lives to working on fucking advantage cards. Then again your cranky back from that swim you took when your F-16 had mechanical problems. So how was that 3 hour swim? Jim laughed again and said, damn this is fun. Jack said, ok I give up you are amazing. I'm out of combat because my back won't hold up to the G's. You see it is run the flight school or get a medical discharge. Then he said, well if I get accepted in the masters program at CMU, I'll be good to go. The food came and while we were eating I said Jack, please send your transcripts to me at the office marked CONFIDENTIAL and include salary requirements. I added, I need to run this bu a lot of people and it is looking like there won't be a legal department for a while. He said that works. Jack our relationship and my relationship with your sister need not get in the way. He smiled and said that definitely works. While we were eating I asked about Riley and he said Mike, you have a set of rules and if I said rule 6 would you understand? I just burst out laughing and sad absolutely.
I asked Jim about JJ and his new ride and he said well he has been working his ass off, college is paid for and I figured he deserved a break. Mike, half that ride is yours. I said dips on the truck bed when we double date. Jim just shook his head and said, JJ doesn't know that I know about that. We finished eating and Jake came with the bill and I signed using my number and walking out Jack asked what I was doing the rest of the weekend and I said well I'm going to see if there is a tee time available at Oakmont. He said so it's spoiled rich kid tomorrow? I said well to a degree, I'll find someone to make it deductible. I shook hands with the Majors and drove home to deal with dad and the legal team. As I pulled into the driveway I noticed another car and was pissed when it was Tim's.
Dad and Tim were on the deck and before I went outside I called Oakmont and secured an 12:30 tee time. I found Cole and told him about golf and that he should find a 4th as I was asking JJ. Then I added make sure the dude can play some. Back downstairs I grabbed a beer and joined dad and Tim, lit a cigarette and waited to see who would talk first. Dad started with Mike, rules 1 & 4. I nodded and he said, once again this was Brian and he either wanted to blow up the new deal or paint you in a corner as the young power hungry snot nosed kid that he feels you are. He has resigned and as he is a partner in that firm they were willing to do anything to keep this from the media. So Tim was released from the firm with a 100k severance package. He has agreed to resign from the Trust and has two associates from the firm who have agreed to join him at Three Rivers Legal Services. If you agree starting Monday they will be our legal team. Now I believe rule 7 is appropriate. That seldom needed rule, speak your mind rule. I looked at Tim and asked, why that approach? Mike, to plow it up before Brian made the presentation. I said fine, I'm good. Dad I want Brian to be the third vote on the Trust? Dad looked stunned and I said, I want him to be totally wasting his time an I want his signature on the documents when the trust goes away. Both Dad and Tim laughed and I said of course I expect this to be pro bono. Better yet, how about a dollar a meeting, I'll pay in cash. I shook Tim's hand gave dad a hug and said, just so you know, I have a 12:30 tee time at Oakmont tomorrow with Cole and someone he is asking and JJ. I said good night and went upstairs.
Dad was pretty much right up as he said Tim had headed home. I said dad, it will be a long time till I completely trust him again, but I get the Brian thing and I told you a while back that at some point it would be necessary. Thanks for today. I told him about Jack and said that, I liked the guy but it would be up to Kyle and Dillon to decide, however I hear we need a dude in that position. Dad last thing, Major Jim and I will be starting flying lessons and I'll be paying for that. We will start right after school is out. Dad you and I need to talk about a schedule once school is out. Dad, rule 7 do I take too much control of things and make you uncomfortable? Michael, you are just a little ahead of where I need you to be, we are good. Now good night and less cigarettes. I gave him a hug and said good night. I found Cole in his room and he said that he had a buddy to play tomorrow and the dude was on the golf team? I asked, he knows how to dress for the place and Cole said, Good Night Michael.
I called JJ even though it was late and told him about golf and that he needed to drive. He laughed and said well that truck will be a different look for that place. I hung up showered and jumped into bed and was instantly asleep.
Saturday morning was a run with Cole and JJ and back in the house, dad was up, coffee was on as was bacon and French toast. Cole just looked and asked so Mike who the heck taught you to cook overnight. I grabbed a coffee and thought damn, what's up? There was no point is asking as it would be what it became. Breakfast was fun and when finished I said, I'll clean up. Dad said thanks and then he asked to see Cole in his office for a while. Cole got up and went into the office and dad followed. The kitchen was a mess and Cole was in with dad the entire 30 minutes it took me to clean up. They came out and Cole was all smiles and went directly to his room and I heard the shower. I simply went upstairs and since everyone was happy, I really didn't give a shit. Once Cole was out of the shower, I jumped in and enjoyed just being alone. Back in my room I chose a pair of navy golf shorts and a pale blue Palmer golf shirt. I needed a hat but figured I would find that at the club.
I was in the kitchen reading the paper when Cole appeared and there was a knock on the door and I was introduced to a kid I had seen at school. He said, hi Mike I'm Austin thanks for the awesome invite. I said well Cole actually invited you and it appears to be a good choice. Just then JJ came in and introductions were made and we threw Austin's club in the bed of the truck and we were on our way. Once we were at the club, I purchased the hat, I needed and checked in. Cole was in a deep conversation with the Head Professional. The three of us went to the practice area and I was watching Austin hit a few shots and he seemed that he might be reasonable on the course. On the way to the putting green, I told Austin that we would be playing the tips and he could play any tee he wanted. He smiled and said, I might never play here again, so I'll play with you guys. I said fine and noticed that the greens were reasonable. Cole had skipped the warmups and was putting. I put my arm around him and said, your friend seems cool but what the fuck are you up to? He said MJ, just have fun and I promise, I'll talk tonight, it is really all good and me taking control of things around me.
Golf was fun, even for Cole, but he was taking a lot of notes. The caddies were younger guys and that added to the fun. Austin was indeed holding his own and had a 41 on the front. Cole was a very easy even par, JJ was 3 over same as me. We were eating hot dogs and JJ said, Cole, with 3 shots I bet I beat you? Cole laughed and said well you will need to shoot even to do that. I thought shit this might ruin the entire day. On the tee Cole entire body language was different. There was the pre-shot thing and a practice swing and he blasted it and Austin said fuck. It was a 460 par 4 and he had a 9 iron and hit it to 6 feet and an easy bird. He then birdied 12 & 13. So he was 3 under after 4 holes and it went that way till 17 when he hauled out his driver and two puts later he was 4 under. He one putted 18 for a par. JJ was in shock and Austin was just amazed. Cole went over to JJ and put his arm around him and whispered something in his ear and JJ just shook his head. Cole looked at me and said Mike, they are going to name that hole after me. It was about 4:30 we sat on the patio and ordered sandwiches and soft drinks and were home by 6:30.
As soon as I got in the house dad said, Mike we need to talk. In his office he poured me a scotch and I lit a cigarette and he said Mike, thanks for understanding about Tim. Then he said Mike, Cole has a lot going on right now and he feels that he is putting too much on you. I said dad, how did he get that impression? Mike, he is scheduled for 6 tournament between now and July 1st that's almost every week. Then he has an invite to Play Bay Hill and needs you to go there with him and Liam then he need you to take him to Latrobe. Ok, dad I'll deal with Bay Hill and Latrobe but I can't do all those events and I'm betting they involve multiple days and rides in the jet. Oh Mike he is entered in the Junior Amateur and that final is July 29th at Bay Hill. Oh, and there is a special ride to Bay Hill. I laughed and said dad, if you say OH one more time I'm going to lose it. Dad laughed and said I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A BROTHER, haven't you always said that? I said dad, I'll see you later. I closed his office door and screamed COLE GET YOU FUCKING ASS DOWN HERE, NOW.
I laughed as Cole came flying down the steps, I gave him a big hug, put my are around him and whispered, if you ever need anything and I find out about that from one of the rents I'll simply kick you skinny yet sexy ass all over the fucking place. I said Cole, let's see what you need and what I can personally help you with and what we have to workout. Cole got up went into the kitchen and came back with iced tea and a pad and pencil. We talked for an hour and when we were done, I thought shit, there is a lot there. So Cole from this schedule you will be playing High School golf and I'm looking forward to that as well. Cole, I need you to do some things. Tell all this to the Major so he is aware of the required flights, then talk with your rents and don't take any shit. I assume that Liam is aware of all this. He said Mike, he does and is every bit as excited as I am, he also understands that when I want a 5 iron and he hands me a 6 iron, i hit the fucking 6 iron. Mike he said he would break my 5 if I tried to hit it. I laughed and said, get out of here I now have a shit load of work to do.
I went back into dad's sat down and asked, where are Cole's parents in all this? Mike, Megan is aware and knows the expenses involved and is all in. Once again it is Jay that poses problems. It's everything with him. I said dad, I don't want to deal with him. However, I want him involved with his son's life, it's important for Cole. Mike, my concern if Jay goes away, you lose a brother and gain a son. I looked at dad and said, I have a year and then everyone needs to understand I'll be at school, in Virginia. I can't be Cole's dad when I'm here let alone when I'm hours away. Dad, pleas have a man to man chat with him, we need him focused for more than a day here and a day there. Mike, I couldn't agree more but I have no idea how to accomplish that. I guess as you say it will be what it becomes.
I called the Major to alert him on the shit show he was about to descend upon him. We reviewed what I could and told him to expect a call from Cole. He said thanks, but I need you to do something. I said sure what is that? He said a physical from an FAA certified doctor, there is a list in your email, just step one. Oh, you will need a form filled out by the doctor that is attached in the same email. I was so excited, I forgot to say thanks. We hung up and I immediately opened the email and was disappointed that Dr. Jenkins was not on the list. I picked up the phone and left a message for Dr. Jenkins asking for a recommendation. Then I printed the required forms. Once again dad said, Michael get your own printer. I thought I better get on that as he as moved from Mike to Michael, if he inserts my middle name , I'm toast. I made a note to ask Kyle.
I was listening to tunes and my phone buzzed, I looked at it and it was Jan. I said, hey babe what's up and she asked if my phone called out and I laughed. She said Mike, that's not funny, it's hard being your girlfriend when you are never around. I said, well get used to it as I'm always busy and heck, I don't even have time to do my nails. She simply hung up. I thought shit, I better call back and play nice or I won't have a date for the prom. I immediately called back and it went to voice mail. I hung up and called the land line and Jack answered. I asked if he could get Jan to pick up and he laughed saying, trouble in paradise? I said well trouble, paradise is up in the air. Then I heard JANICE, CALL YOU BOYFRIEND. I said thanks and hung up. Naturally there was no call so I waited 5 minutes and called and she answered. When she said that's better, I almost hung up. Instead I said, Jan I'm sorry, I was being funny. So how was your day? She said lonely, how was yours? I said golf all day and dinner then dad and then Cole. I just got to my room when you called. Mike, I have no idea what we are doing with the Prom? I said doubling with JJ and Dee. We will also sit with Jim and Ash so we also have an empty seat if you want to invite someone. She said, I'll think about that. So Jan what color dress you wearing? She said, pale blue to match my eyes. I laughed and said great. Then we said Mike, did you get us a room? I said nope and it's not on the agenda. MIKE, SERIOUSLY? I said yes, if that happens it will be a last minute thing or I'll do you in JJ truck. I said Jan, stop pushing about sex, I don't plan that activity, have a good night and I hung up. I turned the tunes back on and was laying on the bed and Cole came in and handed me my headphones saying please put these on as you have shit taste in tunes. I laughed and turned the tunes off and said have a seat.
Cole sat down and I said dude that was some round today. MJ, JJ woke me up and I'm fucking looking forward to collecting that bet. I laughed and said well he is up for a lot. Cole said Mike, I promise he will have to be, want to watch? I said, not really but whatever. However I don't want to participate. Cole smiled and said, suit yourself. Mike, it was a fun front 9 and I'm sorry I was so intense on the back. I laughed and said there is such a thing as a fun relaxed round of golf. MJ, I am really trying to understand that. Well please make sure I'm around when that happens because I bet the score will be very low. Cole, I'm not running tomorrow and I'm to take one day off a week. He said OMG, did you hit yourself in the head? You are actually listening, but I'm guessing you are going into the office. I said yes, I'm listening and going to the office. I asked Cole, so how is the new girlfriend? He laughed and said well there isn't a girlfriend at the moment but I want to makeup with Michel. I'll never do 2 chicks at the same time again, way too damn complicated. He said MJ, enjoy your evening and thanks for the nice day. Oh, please use the headphones. I laughed and said, you need to do the same, with that no class shit you listen to.
I just laid in bed and there was nothing to do and that lasted about 15 minutes and I went downstairs grabbed a beer and 2 cigarettes and went back to my room. I opened the window, pulled the desk chair up to the window and opened the beer and lit a cigarette. I just started to laugh and thought, I'm getting just like dad, booze and cigarettes. Well that's not a good path physically. Staying in shape is hard and I might listen to what I just told Cole about relaxing and having fun. Well it will be what it becomes. I reached for the phone and called JJ. When he answered I said Prom plans? Mike, I was just sitting here thinking about that and was about to call you. JJ, it sounds like a dull time, dinner and a band. So MJ do you dance? I said when I have to and JJ laughed. Mike, a lot of people have rooms for after and there are a few after prom parties. JJ, I'm not doing one of those parties. MJ, I know that so what about a room and a few beers? MJ, one room? We having a 4 way? He laughed and said, I seriously doubt that. So JJ do you think the girls could be out all night? MJ who the fucks knows, Michel and I don't need to have sex that night but I betting Jan does and is pushing hard. I said that's correct and if we fuck that night how do I simply break up with her in the next couple of days? JJ laughed and asked, so was this just a Prom date? I said well not really but she isn't working for me, too pushy. MJ you just attract pushy women. I laughed and said, well I need a dating service. We both laughed and decided to talk with the girls individually and the make plans.
I looked at my phone and with all this fucking around it was 11:00. It was a quick shower and I jumped into bed.
THANKS FOR READING AND THE COMMENTS.
PLEASE, IF YIU CAN SUPPORT NIFTY!!!