It was the morning typical run and I managed to get Sean and Ray the address for the gym and told them it was all set and they were expected. Back at home, I noticed dad was already gone and that there was coffee. I grabbed a cup of coffee and went upstairs to shower. Selecting appropriate clothes was hard as I wanted to be professional, yet casual and set the tone that this was a young vibrant company. I finally selected khaki pants and a blue shirt and blazer and somewhat casual shoes and no tie. Then I thought about dad's reaction and put one in my jacket pocket. I refilled my coffee in the travel mug and left for work.
I pulled into the parking lot and was stopped by security, apparently the lot was unavailable for parking. It took me almost 10 minutes to find a spot. Once inside Ruth said, well this is a different day, your dad is a hub of activity before your big meeting. Mike, I sent an email out for an 11:30 meeting and the place is all a buzz. I said thanks and went into my office, closed the door and looked at the emails. The company wide email said there would be an 11:30 company update, in the parking lot and that there would be 3 food trucks and that lunch was on the company, simply order what looked good. Riley appeared and asked if I still wanted an update as she suspected I would need to work on the update. I told her I was good and we met for the usual hour. I was updated on both building and things were going well. Maggie was conducting initial interviews for Mason's job and I would get 3 candidates to chose from. Apparently there were 15 applicants. Allen had sent J&J an invoice for the extra steel they had ordered and that was not received well. I asked that both J's meet with me Friday if possible. She laughed and said sure. She thanked me and left closing the door. I looked at the time and I still had two hours, so I called Tim. I asked him to set up a 1:00 meeting Friday with my investment manager and he said sure and that a complete run down would be emailed to me. Then he added Mike, things are very good, just cut the cash out of that silly savings account.
I went for a walk out side and was surprised that chairs were set up and that there was a platform for me to stand on while I talked, so I could be seen. There were the food trucks and I thought, fuck I better get my thoughts together. I went around the block a few times, thinking and finally headed back to my office. I ditched the blazer and put on the tie and rolled up my shirt sleeves, wishing I had a white shirt on. At about 11:10, I went outside and got comfortable with the venue and checked the microphone. It was a little loud but should be good once people were around. Jack appeared and said he would not miss this for the world and that there was a video link to the Harmerville and Strip District sites and that blew me away. People were starting to arrive and dad came up and said, dude I'll make the introductions and then it's all you. I sad dad, please don't complicate this and I'm ready. Dad laughed and said I know.
Right at 11:30 dad took the microphone and asked everyone to find a seat. He barely waited and said sometime ago, I dumped a bunch of things on my son, Mike. Some of those things impacted the company. Last week, I dumped a bunch more things on him and they all impacted the company. Earlier in the week there were some changes and naturally the rumor mill started up. Being aware of the building drama, Mike asked to have an opportunity to talk with you. I am proud of Mike and the plans he has for the company and it is best you here from him directly. He simply handed me the microphone and moved away. There was polite applause and I immediately got the sense that they all wanted this over with and could eat lunch.
I said good morning, I am Michael James Simmons, JR and the quickest way to get fired is to call me junior. There was again polite laughter. I am a rising senior in high school and am currently taking Computer Science classes at CMU. There were murmurs over that. I continued saying a lot of people have underestimated me because of my age and that has worked out well. I am a high school football player, first in my class and I will be playing college football at VT. Oh, I am the least educated person here today and I rely on each and every one of you, I could not do what you do. When dad said he disrupted my life, he understated what he did. He turned me from a carefree teen into a teen with a lot of responsibility and a lot of money. He set up a Trust and it was controlled by Dad, an attorney and me. One of the first things I did was come down here looked around and was shocked about the horrible environment you all work in. There was land purchased, architects hired and permits and loans negotiated and a ton of meetings. I gathered, and continue to gather, a team of very young people, like Dillon and Riley. There is also Tim the attorney and the Majors, Jim and Jack. To end this long and boring story, we will all be moving into a new building on Second Avenue, with free parking which was designed for this company specifically. The exterior with steel, glass and aluminum will reflect where we were as a region. The interior will reflect where we are hopefully headed. When we move in we will be the only company with this furniture and it is made in Michigan and is state of the art. There will be a fitness area and a decent cafeteria.
There were now a lot of chit chat and smiles. Then I said, over the weekend dad did it again, he turned the Trust over to me months ahead of schedule, pulling my safety net. I now control the Trust, which includes control of the company. Now there was total silence. I smiled and said well that changed the mood. I said there will be changes and here are the ones that will occur July 1st. I am Chairman of the newly formed Board, someone here will be asked to be on the board. Dad is President and Kyle is CEO. I laughed and said big changes, correct? Then I said Jordan will now be CFO and Dillon will be COO. Ok, I admit nothing changed but their business cards. That's it until we get settled in the new building. Then it will just be a more structured organization. Now I will answer almost any question you have and when there is no answer, I'll explain why. I was expecting softball questions and that's not what I got. So Mike, why not sell the company and be a spoiled rich kid, you have that tendency? I thought for a second and said well one has three choices; to follow, to get out of the way or to lead. I never follow and I never get out of the way. So my approach was the only option left. In what way do you see me as a spoiled rich kid? He said the hot car, the country club memberships? I said well the car was a birthday present from my parents and that was rear ended and the insurance company paid for this one. I am a member at South Hills because dad is. I am a member at Latrobe because I did Arnold Palmer a favor, it costs me nothing. Oakmont because, I want it and it helps with business. The next question was about doing all this and football in Virginia. I said a jet and a very good team, mentioned earlier, and long hours. School work will not be an issue as I'll have 15 to 18 credits when I walk on campus. I said, please understand that the team is very good and we work well together. There are 3 buildings underway in the region and the team and I are responsible for 2 of them as well as securing tenants for all 3 buildings.
There were a few questions that were softball and finally I said, it's time for lunch, order what you want and feel free to take your time getting back at it. I'll be around and feel free to say hello and ask me anything you want enjoy lunch. I was shaking my head and unhappy with the event when Jack came up and said, MJ that was much better than you think, you disrupted their day, they wanted to eat and you told them nothing new. On top of that you offered change down the road and that worried them, so go mingle with the masses and be charming. It was vintage MJ. I laughed and said so you want to jump my bones? Jack simply laughed and said get to work. Mixing with the crowd was fun but meaningless and slowly they finished eating and by 1:00 the parking lot was being cleaned up. Major Jim came up and threw me a towel and said dry your ass and clean off the lipstick? I tossed the towel back and started to laugh.
Back at the office Dillon was there and he said well so much for the big secret. I asked if there was any feedback and he said none negative. Then he said well, you were a hit. I laughed and said really? He said absolutely but I hear Mason is trying to get out from under the non-compete. I said yup and that Brian, who helped write the fucking thing, is his attorney. Then he said Mike, just so you know he is out of the apartment. I asked if he was ok and he said, yes just a little quiet. Dillon left saying he had a meeting with Maggie. I said good night to Ruth and drove to school to workout. The place was packed and I needed to wait till it cleared out some. I found coach in the office and knocked on the door. He looked up and laughed and said it's your fault. They knew you would be here. I simply laughed and went to change clothes and looked for some weights. It took a while but I got all the work in, showered and drove home. At home Cole was packing for the golf weekend as he had a practice round Friday and 36 hole match play and could be the same Sunday depending. He was concerned about match play as it was different. I avoided the topic, telling him to relax and not fight with Liam. The event was at Pinehurst and uses 2 courses and Cole was playing the front nine on both courses on Friday. He said that Major Jim had said wheels up at 6:00 AM.
I drove home and a quick change of clothes and left to pick up Beth. Wes answered saying that she was sick and had a temperature and a very sore throat. I drove home and went and changed into very casual clothes. I was hungry and went downstairs and made a sandwich, a salad, then grabbed an iced tea. Soon I was joined by dad who said so slim pickens tonight? I said yup but after that big lunch this works. Dad just laughed and said it's not easy feeding a couple of hundred people and oh you have quite a bill as both remote campuses had lunch as well. I shrugged and said well it was a waste of time and money. He laughed and said Michael, you don't understand it was as good as it gets. Well dad if you say so. Then he said both him and Megan were pleased that Cole was so business like. Then I blew him away and said if, he makes it to Sunday, I'm flying down to watch, alone. Dad said Mike, please take Jack with you. I said dad, he needs to be with Jim in the jet. Look dad, I'll plan it out and fly VFR and it will be fine and I need the hours. It's getting close and I have the book memorized and the coms are good. Your only chance is to hope he loses. Dad just shook his head. I went up to my room and called Major Jim and we discussed the possibility of me flying to Pinehurst. He said Mike, it's a long flight and a shitty airport but you can do it, weather permitting. You need to be ready for a crosswind as it's near the ocean and don't you even think of a ride over water. I'll check the weather and let you know Saturday afternoon.
I went to the apartment and found Sean and Ray cleaning up after dinner. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer and said guys it's time to deal with Jim and his new attitude. We will go from a favorite to runner up without him. We talked about that some and Sean didn't give a fuck about that and was very quiet. I looked at Ray and said, I bet Sean is the first one to talk next. Ray said that's a bet and Sean almost fell out of the chair laughing. Ray got a sick look and I said dude, suck my cock. I stood up as Ray was on his knees and I pulled down my pants and said open. When he did I grabbed the back of his head and fucked his face. He was gaging and tears were in his eyes and I kept it up as long as I could and unloaded deep in his throat. I sat back down and said that's a partial payback for the nasty play last time. He got up grabbed a beer and took a big swig. He said MJ, I know but there is this dark side. I laughed and said no shit. I finished my beer and went back to the house.
I was tired and simply jumped in the shower. When I got out I weighed myself and it said 228. I got off and back on and it was still 228. I didn't realize it but Cole was standing there and he said, have another beer and another cigarette or two and let's see if we can get to 230? I looked in the mirror and was pleased with what I saw but Cole had a point. Definitely the cigarettes and cut down on the beer. I was laying on my bed with my headphones on and Mozart playing. My phone vibrated and I saw it was Beth. I flipped the headphones off and said, hi babe, how are you feeling? She said it's a summer virus and won't be long. Then she laughed and said, just checking in and seeing what's up? Well, you should have called and let me know you were sick. Not pushing things, I said well it's been another busy day but you want to do something tomorrow evening, if you are feeling better? She said well how about a double date with Vince and Amy. She said he is a teammate and she is a cheerleader. I laughed and said, Vince is a big guy and he blocked for me last year, I'm hoping that doesn't have to happen next year. I said that's cool, where are we going? She said miniature golf and I was hoping you would agree to the Tavern? I said babe, that works. Are you sure you will be better by then? She said well time will tell. We talked about nothing at all for a while. I hung up and put Mozart back on and relaxing. I was thinking, just how sick is she or is this the start of game playing? Well it will be what it becomes, but I really like this drama free girlfriend. I spent the rest of the night studying for the FAA, Private Pilot's Exam and then started a new book Noble House by James Clavell and was instantly into it. I ended up reading way too long and eventually simply fell asleep.
Friday was the typical run except Cole was on his way to the golf event. I was really wondering how all these armatures could afford this travel and lodgings. We were lucky as Megan had money and so did dad and I. What surprised me some was that I had this concern. After the run JJ said MJ, where was your head this morning, you were miles away? I smiled and said thinking about Cole, he has a big event this weekend. Then he asked if he and Dee could hang with Vince, Amy and you guys tonight. I said sure, that sounds like fun. It was a long hot shower and khakis and a golf shirt and dockers with no socks. Downstairs dad was reading the paper and I asked, with the paper read here what you doing all day at work? He laughed and said so casual Friday means no socks? I said well dockers means no socks, it's the style. Dad shook his head and went back to the paper. I filled my travel mug with coffee, with dad saying, hey leave me some. I stopped and put new coffee on and said, have a great day.
I arrived at work and damn there was a line waiting to see me. Maggie was first and she said she had worked things out with Dillon and it needs your signature. I said ok, but I need to look it and I'm sure it is fine. She laughed and said, I knew weren't the sign here please guy. Don't let it hang. I thanked her and Riley was scheduled next but I asked Kyle to come in. It was short and he said that I really needed to outline Dillon's responsibilities. I said he is due here this morning and I was thinking a working lunch. He smiled and said perfect. Then there was a security issue as Mason had swiped his card, hoping to get in. I asked that they discuss that with Tim and they agreed. Finally, I apologized for keeping Riley waiting and we spent an hour on the update. She indicated that the furniture for the Herman Miller event would arrive on Monday and they were hoping to do the pictures and case study on the following Monday. I said perfect as I was at the Cape Wednesday and Thursday and wanted the time Friday to catch up. As we finished I said I was considering a July 4th get away at the cabin and was wondering if you and Jack wanted to come? I said just so you know I'm asking Beth and if that is a concern, I understand. I said fly up Wednesday after work and return Sunday afternoon. Then I said that I would be closing the company on Friday, so everyone could enjoy the long weekend. She said Mike, I don't have a problem at all but let me talk with Jack but I'm guessing you need him to pilot the trip? I said correct and the hard part is that I'm inviting Major Jim, his wife. Oh I forgot JJ and his girl. I said separate rooms for the girls and JJ and I would share a room and she said, well if you think I'm buying that, think again but good luck.
I still had 15 minutes before Dillon and I quickly reviewed the compensation package and was pleased that it was fair and that both Maggie and Dillon had worked this out without me. I signed it, thinking damn that's the first time it really mattered. Dillon appeared right on time with a bunch of papers and I said, please put them on the table and let's go. He asked where we were going and I said lunch. We went around the corner and were quickly seated and Dillon said Mike, we had lunch here the first time when you hired me. I said correct and this is a working lunch. We ordered iced teas and a sandwich and I went directly at it. I said Dillon, we are not the typical company and executive responsibilities might be different. I said just so you are aware I own a controlling interest and what I say will usually occur. Your job as COO is to make the damn place run smoothly. I'll listen and always consider your ideas and requests. You need a team and need to manage them. For example a Marketing Director, you will deal with secretaries, security and a bunch of other things. However, my dad is unique in this structure and he is a born salesman but loses interest immediately after the deal is done and that leave a lot of pieces to be picked up. We simply have to accept that. Then there is the move and all that. Tell me honestly, are you up to all that? He laughed and said well that stack of papers I left on your table will answer a lot of those questions, the short answer is yes. I said, please review all that with Kyle as he is your direct report, then have him inform me of the decisions. He smiled and said that's great. Then I added you can get to me about anything. We finished eating and on the walk back tot he office, I asked about him joining us on the 4th of July weekend. He said Mike, this is really complicated as my girlfriend since senior year in high school is Mason's sister. She doesn't live at home and never got along with him. If you don't mind, I'll ask and see what happens. Dillon, I don't care about that drama, you and her are inviter. Leave after work on Wednesday and return Sunday. As a thought, you should give everyone a paid day off on Friday. Yes, I'm good with that, coming from you it would be a nice gesture. He said thanks and I'll send an email out this afternoon and use my new title for the first time. When we got back in the office as he was collecting his papers, I handed him the folder that Maggie had given me and said, I approved this and this was the first time my signature really mattered. He said thanks and went about his day.
I was finally getting into the papers that appear daily on my desk when Tim came in with a guy who was introduced a Ron Dunbar. I smiled and said well it's finally good to met you. I appreciate the growth of the investments in my Trust. He said, thanks and we all appreciate the business. I said well I have 100k in checking and savings tat I would like to invest. Then I said I would like 10% invested in Microsoft and Apple. Ron looked at me and said well Microsoft is fine but buying Apple is like flushing that money. I said that fine we can easily flush 5k but I really want to do that. He shook his head and said fine, it's your money. Then I said I want to buy Qualcomm and Cisco Systems. Again he pushed back and said you would be very technology heavy. I laughed and said look around you, I am all about technology but that is 25k in each of those and that leaves 40k, any suggestions? He shuffled through some papers and handed me a prospective and I simply looked at the company, USS and said nope. Then it was PEPSICO and I said 10k. Then it was Home Depot and I said another 10k. Then it was Triton Energy, I asked and he sad a small oil and gas company in Texas and I said 5k. I said that leaves 15 what else you have in your folder of tricks? He said Merck & Company. I said all 15k. He said ok, how do you know all this as you have not looked at a single thing. I said I read and I pay attention, did anyone believe the local economy was going to tank, till I told them? He laughed and said well actually you downplayed that. I said, well it turned out that way, didn't it. I opened the center drawer on my desk, produced a checkbook and wrote a check for 100k. Ron looked at Tim and asked, can he do that? Tim said well it's from his personal account so yes. Ron said well nothing happens till that check clears. Tim opened a folder and handed Ron a paper and said, this will answer all your questions. Ron read the paper and asked if he could keep a copy. I said Ron, we will look at the Trust investments towards of the end of the year. Thanks for meeting with me and I don't like a lot of paperwork so please email me a summary every month and also a Trust summary. He stood up and we shook hands and he left.
Tim stayed behind and we talked about the meeting yesterday, which he said went well. I laughed and said please don't bullshit me. He laughed and said he would never do that, yesterday was good. It was way better that other meetings here, hell you fed them. Then he said, why do you need Ron, you had done all the work? I laughed and said that he could be right about Apple but I like the upside, it will take a while and I'll add to the holdings as this cell phone explodes and developed and besides I like their operating system and I'm willing bet that it will trend well. However that will be a slow process. By the time this is over I'll have a sizable holding in Apple. This 100k investment might be my retirement money. Tim laughed and said so you plan on loosing millions? I said you never know but I think everyone of those purchases were a lock, except Apple. However, I'm taking that chance.
The it was time to meet with J & J but only Jodie appeared. She said that they were very busy and asked if this was about the shitty invoice for the extra steel,which was, in all reality used on the building? I said well since you approved the estimate, I was hoping for an explanation. She said yes I signed off on it. Ok, so how did the actual work? He took a deep breath and said Carrie. Before you go off the deep end it was a math mistake? I said, one that was made in spit of numerous checks. She replied, yes. I looked at her and said, well we recovered all the costs so I don't care about the invoice. Understand, however, I would rather that we be good rather than lucky. She said, understood. Then I asked about the restaurant planning and her reply was a work in progress and Mason isn't around. I laughed and said well he isn't around because he said "it's a work in progress" one time to many. When can I expect something? She said well two weeks. I asked her to set a meeting up with Riley in two weeks. Then I thanked her for her time and she left shaking her head.
Once all that was done and my calendar was updated, I said good night to Ruth and drove home. As soon as I got home I called Beth and asked how she was? She said much better and can you pick me up at 7? I said sure and that JJ would be joining us. She laughed saying, I know. I said I'll see you at 7:00 and hung up. I called Cole and it went to voicemail and I laughed at his message; Busy being me, leave a message and I'll get at you later. I laughed and left a message saying that I simply loved that message. I went downstairs found some leftovers and grabbed an iced tea and the paper and tried to relax from a complicated day. I went upstairs in a very strange mood and had no idea what was bothering me. Work went well today I liked the investment choices and even liked Ron. I set my alarm for 6:30 and laid in bed. I was startled awake by the alarm as I had indeed dozed off. That did absolutely nothing to help my strange mood. I quickly put on shorts and a loose shirt and drove to Beth's.
I pulled in the driveway and she came right out saying, your late? I instantly knew what my mood was about. I looked at her and said, well I was giving you a chance to recover from whatever the fuck was your issue was yesterday. She just looked at me and I started towards Cool Springs. It was a quiet drive and I turned the radio up to discourage any conversation. When we pulled into the parking lot I put the roof up and got out of the car. Beth grabbed me and tried to kiss me and I gently pushed her away saying I don't want your summer virus. She said, well if that's how you feel take me home. I turned around and got in the car. She got in and said so what the fuck is your problem? I said well let me count the reasons; you let me drive to your place and had your brother tell me you were SICK; you were snotty on the phone an hour ago and then you snapped at me because I was 3 minutes late. Is that enough for you? I started the car and she said Mike, please stop. I pulled into another parking space. I turned the car off and just looked at her. She finally said well I didn't have a summer virus, it was my period. I said well that's good news because I don't want to get married. She tried to slap me and I dodged away and said, your not the first woman to try that, there were two others. One is dead and the other is dead to me, you want to join that fucking club? All you had to do was tell me that and I would have understood you funky mood. She said we playing golf or you taking me home. I said well to be honest I don't give a fuck. Just the JJ tapped on the window. I lowered the window and he asked is it pistols in the parking lot or golf. I laughed and suggested he ask Beth. She replied JJ we can golf and the putter can be a weapon if he doesn't change his mood.
I sat there a few seconds and asked calmly for her to get back in the car, we are going home. She replied not happening, I got out of the car, pulled out my wallet and handed her two twenties and said well call a cab and I got back in the car. I started the car and was not at all surprised that she got in the car. I pulled out of the parking lot and drove her home. We pulled in the driveway and just sat there. She didn't move and I looked at her and asked, please get out of my car. She continued sitting there and I pulled out my phone and idled directory assistance and asked for the number of the Yellow Cab. I was given the number and she laughed, saying you won't remember that number. I put the phone on speaker and dialed the number, it rang three times and it was answered asking where I needed a cab. She got out slammed the door and went into the house crying. I simply drove home. In my room I laid on the bed and tried to figure thing out. I wasn't mad, I determined, I was hurt. Hurt over an insignificant falsehood. Fuck it wasn't even a lie, she just changed the truth. However it was not a lie. I was pondering that when my phone rang and it was Cole.
I answered asking so you are done being you and can talk? He laughed and said thanks, I needed that. The conditions here simply suck, there is a 10 mph wind with silly gusts. I said and that's the same for everyone or just you? So you have been talking to Liam? I laughed saying, nope, just settle and adjust club selection. So how did you play? He said, shitty and 38 on each nine. Cole, match play is different, just stay in you own head and little things matter. If you get through Saturday I might fly down Sunday but with the wind like that the Major will nix that. Good luck and call me tomorrow. He said that it would be late as it would be a long day.
I started to read Noble House again and was really into it, appreciating the Chinese way of doing business, all long term. About 11:30 my phone rang and it was JJ. I answered and all I heard we WHAT THE FUCK DUDE? I said I know but I wasn't mad, I was actually hurt. Damn MJ, that's different but did you get your $40.00 back. I laughed and said well it was thrown in my face after she tried to slap me and missed. He just started to laugh and said so a page out of Carrie's book? JJ, it better not fucking happen again. So MJ, did you talked with her after you dropped her off? I said not at all and might tomorrow morning. I changed the subject and asked if he was running in the morning and he said nope, sleeping till the cows come home and turning the phone off. I said well enjoy and hung up.
I set the alarm so I would not miss the run and started to read again until I fell asleep.
AS YOU READ PLEASE REMEMBER NIFTY AND IF POSSIBLE MAKE A DONATION. IT KEEPS ALL THE STRIES COMING.
THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE COMMENTS.