I was up early and it was a great late May, morning and I considered a solo run and thought a quick shower and I would make pancakes and sausage for everyone. I dressed in jeans and a painted on tee and went downstairs to the kitchen. I put coffee and the sausages on and then doubled the recipe for the pancakes and was lucky as there was just enough milk. I grabbed the paper and tended to the sausage. I turned right to the sports page and saw an article about the interview. The article started by saying that a clearly agitated Mike Simmons defended high school athletes across the country and continued to stress his opinion that reporters on occasion take short cuts. Using himself as an example he confirmed his decision to play at VT and let the four reporters present know what their less than accurate report did to people at VT and Pitt. The article went on to say that it was a side of Mike that was vastly different than his post game interviews where he answers questions and says very little.
Just as I finished reading dad came down and I said breakfast is ready and put pancakes on. Dad just looked and then asked, ok what's up? I laughed and said I felt like cooking and there was no run. Dad laughed and said so we driving to the office together? I said, nope as you have cleanup duty and I need to be on my own schedule. Dad said well you need to be in on Monday and work things out with Tim. I looked at dad and asked and Brian? Dad said, it's simple he is done but the legal team is an Enterprise issue, I'm done. I said fine, I'll think about it. I said, I should have saved the egg shells from breakfast as he will be walking on them for a while. Dad shook his head and said Michael, make it fucking work, it's the right thing to do. Ok dad, I get that but they work for us, not the other way around. Dad, please don't turn this into a fight. I'll do this right and we will talk but as you said they are Enterprise and I'll deal with it, but you have a voice. We hugged and I finished eating and left for the office. Leaving the others to make their own breakfast.
Being Sunday it was an easy drive to the office and I was shocked by the number of cars in the lot which included Dr. Williams and Dillon. I thought shit, this is silly. I went to my office and started on the piles on my desk. I was about an hour into it when dad came in and closed the door. I looked at him and said dad, if this is about Tim and he said Mike it isn't, I trust you on that. Ok, so what's going on? Mike as soon as you left my phone blew up. Megan's confirmation vote is set for Tuesday and she want Cole and I there and you if can make it. Then Jay called and he is naturally pissed over her success and he wants Cole for the summer. Mike, don't react he was already told he could do that if he spent the summer here and did not interfere with Cole's golf schedule. Oh, Megan and I did a virtual phone wedding. I said holy shit, congrats. I guess a Federal judge can do anything? Dad laughed and said well almost. So if you are good we will leave tomorrow night and and you and Cole will be back Tuesday evening. The Judge and I will fly back commercial Sunday. The Major is aware. Then he handed me an envelope addressed to M. J. Simmons, Jr. confidential and I laughed. Then I said dad, Megan better have talked with Cole. Mike, it should be happening now. Mike, Dan Quale will be swearing her in at the Rose Garden in the White House. I said shit, how is all this happening? Mike, she is very good and must have connections up the ass. He said thanks and left.
Once dad was gone, I opened the envelope and there was a transcript, resume and references for Jack. It was indeed impressive as were his performance reviews and he was asking for 30k salary. I thought that might be an issue as he was making about 24k flying jets. Then I called Kyle. He answered laughing and said, I see everyone is working today. I asked if him and Dillon had a minute and he said sure they would be up in a few. I was thinking about Tim and wanted to meet his team. I was about to call him when Kyle and Dillon appeared. I handed them the information from Jack and said, this is totally your call. They divided up the papers and started reading. Kyle looked at me and said is this dude for real? I said yes and sometime this week he gets the Distinguished Flying Cross. He splashed 3 bogies but had a unrelated mechanical issue and had to eject and spent 3 hours in the water and his back can't take combat any longer. It is either sit at a desk running the flight school or a medical discharge, he is looking at options. He looked at the papers again and said 30k is a bit high, but we will have him in for a chat. Looks like he could run the Giant Eagle thing for us. Kyle, you guys decide, I'm out of it. They said fine and went on their way.
I called Tim and we were having a nice conversation and then he asked what was I doing? I laughed and said, well I'm at work talking with you. Then he asked if we could meet somewhere and I said sure South Hill and he said, perfect and that he would see me there in an hour. We hung up and I was glad to be able to get out of the office. There was more to do but I could always talk with the Major on the flights and damn, except for Cole I had the house alone and that solved a lot of after prom issues. I needed to call JJ and work that out then deal with Jan. I thought about her and thought, we don't have much in common but fuck she is a good trophy hanging all over me. Hmm, is that what I want, someone to fuck and hang on me?Then I thought about Jack, as I knew Kyle would hire him, how would he react. Then I thought about Riley and him and how the fuck he looks at me and damn this could be drama filled. I found dad and told him I was meeting Tim at the club and that I would be home for dinner.
I drove to the club and was stopped by 3 people and thankfully the Manager Mike said, your guests are here and I hope you don't mind they are on the patio. I asked, guests and he said yes 3 guys. I said thanks and headed towards the patio. I saw Tim and went over to the table and they all stood and introduced themselves. So it was Tim, Paul and Rich. Paul and Rich were very young and must have been right out of law school. I noticed they were drinking iced tea and I motioned for Jake and said said Jake, please clear the table and take new orders. Everyone ordered beer and I winked at Jake and said iced tea. Paul and Rich just looked at me. We chatted while waiting for the drinks and when they came and mine was beer, I shrugged and said, well what can I do I ordered iced tea and everyone laughed. Then I said ok, who's first and Paul said well it will be a joint presentations, we were roommates as under graduates at Brown and were both accepted at Pitt for law school so we move here together. Then Rich said we are a couple in every sense of the word and if that is an issue for you, we will move on. I took a deep breath and said, I'm good. I didn't need to know who or whom you are fucking. They laughed and I said so why Pitt law after Brown? Mike, Paul said, we were on scholarship at Brown and we don't have a lot of money. I asked about grades at Brown and Rich said, we both graduated and both passed the bar. I looked at Tim and said, I'll need a drug test as usual and Tim opened his brief case and handed me two reports and I didn't even look and said thanks.
Jake came with another round of drinks and took orders. They ordered various sandwiches and I ordered a chicken salad with house dressing. Once Jake was gone Tim said Mike, that first day we met when we walked from the City Club back to the office you said Brian would not last, how did you know that? Tim, I hired him for the Trust and he couldn't turn that over fast enough. He just underestimated me one time too many. By the way you are off the Trust not because I'm mad but because I need and want distance between those legal issues. It won't be Brian as I was just fucking with him. I looked at Paul and Rich and said, thoughts? They both said at the same time nope. I laughed and said guys that the last time that will happen when I ask I want an opinion and in fact I should hear an opinion when I don't ask. I take a lot of chances and at times need pulled back. I looked at Tim and asked so how is all this being finance? He said Mike, I'm asking for the same fee terms that have been in effect with Technologies and a similar structure from Enterprises. Ok, where you guys working from? He replied the offices at Technologies and looking forward to the new building. That location works as it isn't far from Court. I said fine and switched the conversation to general stuff and was learning more about Paul and Rich. Their interests were pretty similar with both playing golf, exercising and with vastly different tastes in music and cars. The food came and we continues with the casual conversation and I ordered an Arnold Palmer and they got another round of drinks.
Rich looked around said this looks like a great course, Mike do you play here a lot? I thought for a minute and said, I am playing more but I haven't played here at all this year. He asked, so where are you playing? I said Oakmont and last week the Field Club and I really need to get to Latrobe. There was a collective shake of their heads and I looked at Tim and asked, what do they know about me? He said very little as I wasn't sure they would be up to your standards. I looked at Tim and said if you mean that they are gay, you owe all three of us an apology. Paul said Mike, we both know all the public side of you the athletics, the buildings, we watched the interview Sunday, well a couple of times. You are intense and we're totally in charge of two veteran reporters and we assume everyone else. I laughed and said well not the girl I am currently dating and for that matter not most of the woman in my life. Guys sometime this summer we can play Oakmont. Jake appeared and asked if there would be anything else and I said just the check. When he came back I signed the check and asked about the wife and the kid and tipped him $50. He smiled and said little Jake appreciates the toys and contributions to his college fund. With that we all got up and headed towards the car. I just laughed when Rich climbed in behind the wheel of a new T-Bird and Rich got in beside him. That left me wondering what Rich drove and Tim said Mike, it a BMW. They have more money than they let on and those cars and the apartment are their only extravagant items. I looked at him and said ok, why Pitt Law, it's a good program but right out of Brown? Mike they both grew up here and there is a sick parent. I said ok, I want bios, transcripts or I'll run my own background check. Tim, I'm good with what I see, so relax and have a good evening.
It was the usual 5 minute ride home and when I got there Cole and dad were outback chatting. I grabbed an iced tea and turned it into an AP and joined them. Cole was in a great mood and I simply didn't pry. Dad asked about the meeting and I said pretty good and the two new guys are complicated and didn't share much, but one of them drive a fucking hot T-Bird. Dad asked about dinner and I said, I just had a salad at the club so I wasn't really that hungry and Cole said, before dad could say anything, Japanese sounds good to be. Dad laughed and said well that's fine but you are cooking. Cole left to order the food and dad said Mike, you know about the two guys? I said yes and they told me pretty directly, does that bother you, I asked? He said not at all. So dad why ask? Mike it could be a PR issue. Dad, please bring that on. With all the tech people we have, if we can hire more women we will be one of the most diverse companies in the region and I like that PR problem. He laughed and said you continue to amaze me. Then I said, Kyle and Dillon will be meeting with Jack. I told them I didn't want involved. Mike your current girl is Jacks sister, will that be a problem? I said well Jack and I have discussed that and she is not really my type but hot as fuck and I kinda like a trophy hanging around my arm. Dad shook his head and said, well just make sure there are not any smaller trophies in the near future. Dad, I have this covered, please trust me, I'll use protection and have a backup. Dad said what? I said rule 6. Look dad, Jim works in the pharmacy and things are available and safe.
Thankfully Cole yelled, guys I'm finished cooking. Dad and I went inside and I made another AP and Cole did the same while dad had another beer. I could tell dad was upset by our last conversation but it will be what it becomes and I would talk with him again. Dinner was fun and the fact that the food was different helped. Once we were finished Cole said, well I cooked so you guys do whatever. I said well dad and I will be done in a jiffy. Once Cole was gone I asked, so dad you don't like a trophy girlfriend? He said I don't like sex with a trophy girlfriend. Mike, what worries me the most is the change in you. You are less restrained and taking chances, not with business but with your personal wellbeing and health. There is shit out there that can't be cured and is fatal. Add to that you get less careful every day, I'm worried. Oh, in one sentence you are talking about hiring more woman and the next about a trophy girlfriend, for your pleasure. Seriously, what the fuck? Then he said, you are not the typical teen, I took that away from you with the Trust and you fucking ran with it, so no trophy girlfriends and one at a time. I just sat on a stool and but my head on the table. Dad hugged me and said Michael I love you but please slow down with the sexual conquests. I looked up with tears in my eyes and hugged him and said dad, I get it. You see what happens if Kyle hires Jack and I tell Jan to hit the road? Dad said Mike, please separate your women from your business, it's vital to your sanity. I asked dad can we please talk more in your office? He said sure and we went in and he closed the door and we sat down, with both of us in the guest chairs. I lit a cigarette and dad said Mike, that's another thing, you need to stop. I got up, saying I'll be right back. I grabbed a beer and sat down and asked, so how out of control am I in your eyes? He thought for a minute and said you have become that stereotypical kid with money and that scares the shit out of me? So tell me when was the last time you considered the cost of anything? I said today when I told Kyle, Jack wanted too much. Michael you know what I mean and it's not business? I thought for a minute and said Spring Break because Sean didn't like how I simply paid for everything. Dad laughed and said, hang out with him more. Mike, you salary from Enterprises is obscene and I did that and you don't really over spend. How about this, put yourself on JJ's budget for two weeks and see how it feels. I thought for a minute and said dad, that's a good point but most of the money I spend seems to go to things for Cole and his activities. Shit I got the bill from the Field Club and almost shit my pants. You see I manage the money, but think about it after it is spent and I have never came close to my Trust allowance and as soon as I had that salary I stopped that. I'm sure my SH bill this month will be nuts but there were a lot of business meetings and I haven't played golf there this year. Mike, you know they can be expensed? Dad, why I'll just have Ryan deduct it on my taxes. Dad thought for a minute and said, ok I over reacted about the money but not your choice in woman and your new sexual attitude, think about that and we hugged and I went upstairs.
Up stairs I went looking for Cole and he asked, you two ok? I said well sort of. Cole we have the place to ourselves most of the week, any plans? He said well I'm hoping to have Michel over Friday night. I said well, I have after prom issues Friday and I was going to have JJ and his date over. Cole said that works, we have enough rooms, just have to manage linens. Then I asked if he was spending the Summer with his dad and he said not happening. Mike, I'm excited for mom and the White House will be awesome. Cole I'm looking forward to that as well, it will be super cool. I said, well let's keep each other informed about Friday. To be honest I'm looking for a way to dump Jan. She isn't my type. MJ just make up with Carrie or clone her. I shook my head and said good night.
Back in my room I called Jan and we talked about things and she was excited about having the house available after the prom. She said she would find a way to spend the night and. Hi I thought shit, I just want her to go home at some point. We hung up and I called JJ and damn he was real excited about Friday. Well with everyone but me being good, I was ok with it all. I asked what he was wearing and he said a black suit as he wasn't doing a tux. I said great and that I would do the same. He said that he talked with Jim and that he was actually going to a party. I thought shit, here we go. I said JJ I don't like that at all, he should know better. Then he stunned me by saying, will might be going to this soon goth Jan in your life. So JJ you don't like Jan? He laughed and said neither do you, she is a chick hanging on your arm. I said, damn dad said the same thing. I said thanks and hung up.
I was looking for a cigarette with none around I threw myself into bed and but my headphones on and was thinking about things and mainly Jan. I concluded that there was no way out until after the prom. I only hope Jack would understand. I eventually fell asleep fully dressed.
I was up with the alarm and met Cole in the kitchen and we started on the run with JJ joking us. In spite of my mood it was a good run. Back at home it was coffee, shower and a quick chat with dad and off to school. At school it was a normal day and at lunch I found Jan and had her join me at lunch. I had decide to try to make this work. I tried the sports thing and volleyball and softball but they had had a bad season and she was in a mood about that. Once lunch was over it was an afternoon class and I signed out of study hall and went to work out. The workout was intense and Coach was more than watching more like hovering. It was a quick shower and on the way to the car I called Riley. She answered saying Mike thanks for the help with Carrie. Apparently her two owners read her the riot act and she has been much more cooperative. I laughed and said, all I did was ask them to reign their minions in and she laughed. So Mike, what do you need? Riley, I was just checking in but we might be hiring Jack and I'm wondering if that is an issue for you? She laughed and said God no that will actually be fun. I'm glad you feel that way. I'm not actually not hiring him as Dr. Williams and Dillon are in charge. She said thanks for the heads up. I told her about the trip to DC and she said that and your dad getting married again is all the talk, have a great trip. I said thanks and hung up.
Once home I called the Major and discussed the timing for the trip and what was needed. He said he was planning on telling dad that we should leave as close to 4:00 as possible and that we would be landing in an executive airport in Hyde Park and we should be shuttled to the hotel by 6:30. I asked if I could sit up front some? He said that depends on the traffic and weather, but likely. I said thanks and oh the physical is scheduled. He just said fine and we hung up. Next on the schedule was Jim, as I wanted to get a read on where he was. We talked about general things and I asked if he wanted to come to my place after the prom. He said thanks but he had other plans. I said ok, just remember who was QB1 before you. He didn't appreciate that but didn't complain. We hung up and I was thinking those damn women in our lives. I put the phone on the desk and was just sitting there thinking when Cole came in.
He sat down and said a Mike, I have a problem in that I've outgrown my suite. I laughed and said well check the very back of my closet there are multiple suits there and I'm sure you can find one, let's have a look. Way in the back of the closet, I found a dark grey suit and tossed it to him and said try this? It was a little small and that was good because I had bigger sizes and there was a nice blue suit and it was a great fit and Cole was smiling and the pants fit. He asked Mike, you have never worn this the damn tags are still on. I laughed and said very possible I simply exploded into what I am today. Cole, the fact that you don't have what you need is inexcusable and I'm sorry. MJ there is no need to be sorry, how many times does a 15 year old need a suit. I decided to change the subject and we talked about the trip. Cole was good with the timing and that it wasn't a commercial flight. He said MJ, thanks this suit is perfect. I laughed and said let's send a message, no ties. Cole laughed and said that's great as I hate ties. Cole left and it was all I could do not to call a parent. I didn't even go downstairs to tell dad goodnight. I just took a shower and jumped into bed nude.
It was the typical run with JJ and Cole. Then straight for the coffee and a very quick shower. I dressed in clothes fit for the flight and was wondering what clothes I would need for dinner. Well packing would be when we got home from school. Downstairs I found dad drinking coffee and reading the paper. I asked, so dad what are the plans for today? He said well I assumed you knew as you didn't come down last night. Dad, I was helping Cole find something to wear as none of the adults gave that a second thought. Now that he is officially your step-son...... we'll deal with it. I got up yelled for Cole, who said he wasn't going to school. I simply got in the car and went to school. I was thinking, damn dad and I haven't been in the best of places lately.
It was a totally drama free day at school with excitement building for the prom. The only downside was that Jim was still pissed at me over the QB1 comment. I drove home and found a very excited Cole. I simply went upstairs and started to pack. Cole came in and hung the suit I had given him up in the closet and said, I don't know what you said to your dad but I have several new outfits along with a new suit. Then he handed me a bag and said a gift from your dad. I opened it and it was 3 new ties, I just laughed and threw them in my suitcase. With that done we piled into dads car and drove to the county airport.
At the airport I saw the Major watching the plain being refused and I went up to him and was chatting and he said great flying weather, I smiled and said that's good news and started a walk around the plain. I was concentrating on the plain and walked right into someone, I looked and said, what the fuck? It was Jack. I said so Jack does running into me run in your family? He just laughed. He said Mike, Jim feels I could use some time in this, so I'm the co-pilot. We walked back together and I climbed on board and it was off on yet another adventure.
Thanks again, for reading and all the comments and suggestions.
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