I woke in a strange mood and dressed for the run, there was no sign of Ray but Jace was there. He asked if he minded if he tried to keep up as he needed some exercise and he was tired nursing his knee. I said sure and JJ was waiting for us and it was a slower run but Jace did a great job with the last stretch being tough for him. Back at the house I put coffee on showered, shaved and again it was business casual. I filled my travel mug and drove to the office. Once there I realized it was an easy day. I was more concerned about the offer for the winery than anything else. With little to do I was thinking about lunch with Mary Ann. I knew I wasn't in love and that she was only becoming special. I at least wasn't to that point and I wasn't sure where she was. So it was either meaningless sex simply to get my rocks off or put this off, if it happens at all. It was taking all my time to figure all that out.
Thankfully, Tim appeared and said that he got a call from David's office with a couple of technical questions and that there seemed to be no big issues. Mike, I think there is nothing to worry about and we should know for sure by tomorrow. I thanked him and called JJ. When he answered I asked JJ, the first time you had sex wit Dee where was your head? He laughed and said between my legs and all I cared about was getting laid. I laughed and asked has that changed? He simply said, yea. Ok JJ one last question, would you rather have sex with me or her? Mike, just do her and get it over with and stop thinking, but use a condom and he hung up. I just looked at the phone thinking well that didn't help. I laughed when I realized he said dude, just don't over think it. Then I realized it will be what it becomes. JJ was right, I'm over thinking this, but why?
Just then Ruth appeared asking if I was ok? I smiled and said just waiting for some news and I don't do that well. Ruth looked right at me and said, well there is that and I also think girl problems. I laughed and said, damn Ruth you are good, was it that obvious? So which is it an end or the next step? Ruth, isn't that the same? She laughed and said you are complicated and no it isn't. I will admit the next step often leads to the end but not necessarily. So Mike who wants to have sex and who doesn't. I looked at her and blinked and then just stared. I hadn't said anything and Ruth finally said, damn I'm looking at an 18 year old guy who doesn't want sex with a very cute and smart girl, you really are different. Ruth, I need to have very strong feeling to have sex, hell I could have a different chick every week, that's simply not me. Then her tone changed and said Mike, in the relative short time I have know you you have had sex with three girls that I know of, why is this one different? I laughed and said, I'm tired making the same mistake over and over and expecting different results and Carrie was different. Mike, she certainly was and she was scamming you for your money. Ruth, it didn't start that way but let's not go there. Ok, Mike but this isn't a business deal, don't over think it and plan it out, just go with the flow. I have 3 grown kids and both guys were different so I know what you are going through. I'm here if you want to talk. I said thanks and tried to put it out of my head.
I really needed to do something so I went to the construction site and walked around. Everyone was friendly and when I stopped in the trailer Allen said that the OSHA people had cleared the site easily and everything was moving in the right direction. I was there about an hour and drove home. There I changed into jeans and a tee and waited for Mary Ann. A little before noon I went downstairs and poured an iced tea and sat in the game room. A little after noon there was a knock on the door and there stood a very sexy looking Mary Ann. She smiled and asked, so where is lunch and I said a salad here or whatever at the Tavern. I was surprised when she said the Tavern. At the Tavern it was my usual welcome and questions about the team. Once that was over I introduced Mary Ann and ordered an Arnold Palmer and she ordered an iced tea. I gave a slight nod and when the drinks came hers was white wine. She smile and asked if I was trying to get her drunk? I said babe, I didn't think that was necessary. Once we were asked for our food orders, she asked if I ask for water, what will I get? She laughed when she was told to ask Mike. I smiled and said water. I almost shit when she ordered a salad. I ordered a burger and a small salad. Once we were alone, I asked what's going on? We could have had a salad at my place.
There was no answer so I let it go and we sat silently. I finally took her hand and softly said please just tell me what you are thinking. Mike, I want you so bad and it almost happened in the woods last night but neither of us are really ready for that step. However, if you keep wearing those tight tee shirts I am going to simply jump your bones. Lunch continued in a very casual and pleasant way. She laughed when I was not permitted to pay the bill and we drove to my place.
Once we at my place we sat in the game room drinking iced tea and chatting. She wanted a tour so we started to look around and finally all that was left was my room. We went upstairs and she looked around and said she like the desk and the picture with the metal and Jim. She asked if I really knew AP and I said absolutely and we occasionally have lunch together. She laughed and said the twins would kill for an opportunity to even see him. I laughed and when we opened the door and walked out we ran right into Colleen and I got a very ugly look. Mary Ann didn't miss a beat and said, hi I am Mary Ann and I don't know who you are but I resent your assumption that I was doing something with Mike that involved any for of sex, in fact I haven't even kissed him today. Then she turned and grabbed me and gave me a giant kiss which I returned. Once we separated Mary Ann said, there now you can be upset and we went downstairs. Mary Ann laughed the whole way to the patio.
We were in neutral seats and chatting when Colleen came out and said lass, I am Mrs. McGuire, the housekeeper, I owe you an apology and Mike as well. She turned and went inside. Mary Ann and I just sat there talking when dad and Megan came out and asked if they could join us? We said sure and dad went inside and returned with a drink and an iced tea for Megan. Introductions were made and the conversation was polite and drama free. Megan asked what we did today and dad said well he took the afternoon off. Mary Ann simply said we had lunch and hung out, you might want to check with your housekeeper. Dad said, well I forgot about that. She needs a raise. We all laughed. Megan asked if Mary Ann wanted to stay for dinner and she said, that would be great. Then I asked Megan, have you talked to Cole today and she said it was too early as he had a practice round then practice and she would call later.
Dinner turned out to be a salad and lasagna, which was very good. Once dinner was over Mary Ann and I cleaned up and I walked her to the car and we kissed and she drove home. Back in the house I went to my room and checked my messages and found it was truly a light day. I called JJ and he immediately asked how the sex was and he laughed so hard when I told him he dropped the phone. We didn't talk long and once we hung up, I went to the apartment to check on Ray. I knocked on the door and Jace answered. I asked about Ray and was told he went to look at a school. I was shocked as he had asked me about going to VT. Jace laughed and he said well he is at the Air Force Academy. I just shook my head and asked when would he be back? Jace shrugged and said I think late Friday. At this point I was hoping the trip to VT wouldn't happen and I wanted Ray to go somewhere else.
Jace got up and returned with a beer, which I gladly accepted. He thanked me for letting him join in the run and I said anytime, we pretty much do it every day. I asked about the knee and he said well two Tylenol and some ice and it's pretty good. I'll be ready in the morning, I need to stop being a baby. I looked at him and said well it obvious that you are working out, but how you doing? Mike, I'm just hanging out and waiting for school to start. I'm all registered and things are cool. I asked if he had a significant other and he said nope and to be honest he wasn't looking. He would see what happened but he was going to concentrate on classes and pretend he was at the academy. I laughed at that and said, well let me know if you need anything. Mike, I am really good and I will let you know if things changed. I had a second beer and he asked if I thought Ray could play D1 football? I said well JJ seems to know about that shit, ask him tomorrow. His new position will require him to block as well as catch a few passes. Time will tell and we have other issues besides Ray, a QB issue. It was good to catch up with Jace but I needed to call Cole. I thanked Jace for the beers and went back to my room.
As soon as I got to my room I called Liam and asked, so how is it going? MJ, things are fine and he was human today, just a ton of pars and we worked on course management. He is in a good place and a little pissed at me as I ended the bets. I laughed and said thanks. I asked if he could put Cole on and he said well it's mom time and so far there is no yelling. I asked if he could call me when he had a minute. Liam said, Mike make it short as he has an early tee time. Oh new clothes were delivered today and the change isn't back to normal shit, but I'm not sure of the details but they are Nike. I said thanks and we hung up. That worried me some as I had now idea what he knew and what he could accept.
About 10 minutes later Cole called and he said MJ, things are good and Liam and I worked on the course today and I shot par. That lowered the expectations a lot, which is good. I asked about the bets and he said, I am pretending to be pissed at Liam about that but it's good. So Cole, what's the new attire? MJ don't worry, I have been assured by Nike, in writing that it protects my status as an amateur. Besides MJ, it's a tribute to my brother, I hope I make TV, if not I'll send a picture to the local media, they are on my ass anyway for an interview. I said Cole, play well and if you make the cut, I might see you, no promises. MJ, that would be awesome and flying back with you would be fun. We hung up and I checked my messages and there was nothing of interest.
I really hated this waiting and yet I knew it was too early and if it was an issue, my phone would have rung. With nothing to do I called Mary Ann and when she answered I said, thanks for a great day. She agreed that it was a fun day and enjoyed the housekeeper. I laughed at that and told he I honestly forgot about her being here on Wednesday. Ok Mike, what day isn't she there? I laughed and said Tuesday and Friday and the weekend. She laughed and said Mike, I might have to talk with one of your exes to figure you out. I was immediately pissed and said well the the ex club will quickly grow by one. Or should I ask Rodger what the two of you did while you dated for 2 years. She immediately said TRUCE. We talked for a while about nothing special and I hung up thinking, damn she tires me out. With all that, I was tired so I stripped and jumped into bed.
The next morning was the typical late July morning and you knew it would be a hot one. Jace was waiting and as usual we picked up JJ and it was a great run and Jace was already doing better. Once the run was over I asked JJ to talk with Jace about Ray and to give me his thoughts tonight. I went inside made coffee and jumped into the shower, shaved and dressed in Khakis, light blue shirt and put on a tie. The dress reflected my attempt to focus at work. There also needed to be a workout and a call to the coaches at VT. I was trying not to think of the winery proposal. I had the roof down on the way to work and left it that way when I parked in my "special" spot. I stopped at security and checked on the appointments, just making sure that was still happening. Satisfied that was the case, I went to the cafeteria and grabbed a bottle of water and went to my office.
Once there I checked my schedule and saw that Riley had added a meeting and in looking at the time I knew I had 15 minutes. I went outside and sat on the corner of Ruth's desk and said thanks for the talk yesterday, it helped. She looked right at me and said Mike, you have no idea how your mood effects this place and I'm thrilled to see you in a tie today. Lots of people have noticed and all you did was walk in the door. So Mike, how did it go with the girl? We just postponed the inevitable. She laughed and said so I should watch out for raging hormones? I just shook my head and went to my office and waited for Riley.
Riley appeared right on time and said she just had a quick update on building 1. She said the first floor would be ready for people in mid to late September. And each floor about 60 days later. I did the required math and said so it will be complete some time in March about 3 months ahead of schedule? She smiled and said correct. Then she said the NASA medallion would be here next week and would be installed right away and that it was small enough not to block any views. Then she asked, when would you want a grand opening? I thought for a minute and said why not hole an event for the NASA sign and invite them up. Don't schedule anything till I talk with dad and Major Jim. She agreed and I asked, so how is the other Major? She laughed and said good but worried about Jace as he just lays around doing nothing. I said Riley, tell Jack he is running with us the last 2 mornings and is tired sitting around. Work, Jack will be glad to hear that. Once she left I called Major Jim and asked if he was free for lunch and he said sure. We met in the parking lot and walked to the sports bar. Determined not to eat my self fat, I ordered water and a salad and Jim had a burger and small salad. I immediately launched into the idea of a early grand opening or a salute to the NASA program when we hang the medallion. He thought the NASA idea was the best option as I could drone on and on about the future of the region. I simply laughed and said well let's see what the NASA people think. Once that was out of the way I asked him to recommend an airport near DC and one near Pinehurst. Major, I said, I'm thinking about flying to watch Cole play Sunday, if he makes the weekend, I would bring him back freeing you up from all that. I'm thinking about asking JJ to make the trip and also Michel, Cole's girlfriend.
Very calmly the Major asked Mike, where is your log book? I thought for a minute and replied, I'm not sure. The Major leaned forward and in a low voice said, actually it's on your desk as I asked Ruth top it it there once you were gone. If I ever find it laying around again I am going to burn the fucking thing, understand? I said, yes sir. It's your attention to detail that really pisses me off. PAY ATTENTION! I thought shit and made a note to keep it in the desk at home. I said thanks and we headed back to the office.
Back at the building there was a new security guy and I actually had to produce my pass. I laughed when he blushed and said, sorry Sir. I said, no,problem you were actually doing your job and thanks for that. On the way to the office Ruth handed me a package that was marked, PERSONAL and CONFIDENTIAL. I knew it was from David's firm and I thanked Ruth and went in my office and closed the door. I carefully opened the envelope and started looking for changes. Damn, there were none. Finally, I sad David's and Charlie's signature and that of a witness. I leaned back in my chair, closed my eyes and screamed, YES! Almost immediately my door flew open and Ruth asked what's all that about? I said well I just not a bunch of grapes. Ruth shook her head and went back to her desk. I immediately called Major Jim and told him that we had a deal on the grapes and could he schedule an investors meeting for South Hills at 6:00 and dinner was on me, I just needed a number. Then I called Tim and told him and asked for the shareholders agreement and enough copies for everyone. He laughed and said, well that's all done and everything you need will be on your desk in the morning. I said thanks and went looking for dad.
I stuck my head in his office and said, well I'm guessing the Winery deal is closed. I laughed and said, YES IT IS. Now I can sell the place in the Outer Banks and build a log cabin, no traffic and lots of nude swimming. He said well congrats. Back in my office I called South Hills and reserved the private dining room and said I would want a buffet and I would let them know the number tomorrow. Just as I hung up my phone rang and I answered with, Hi David, I just got the signed agreement. He said great and dad is really happy you bought the place. So how can soon can you close? I said, how about two weeks as we need title searches and the such. Also, I need insurance. He laughed and said all I give a shit about is do you have 600k. I simply laughed out loud. Then he asked Mike, have you checked the golf tournament at Pinehurst? I said, nope, should I? He said well there is this crazy kid dressed in + 4's that are a bunch of strange colors, with a VT logo and Junior on the back of his hat and he is 6 under on 14. Oh, he has the biggest following of the event and he seems to be feeding off it. I simply laughed and said well I guess I know what I am doing Sunday. He said Mike, if this holds I'm going to bring young Charlie with me and we are going for the weekend. I said well JJ and I will be there and I'm thinking Cole's girlfriend. He said stay in touch and hopefully we will run into each other. I said count on it and we hung up. Now I was even more excited than before and was figuring a way to get there for Saturday and finally dismissed that as too much pressure on Cole, remembering the last time.
With all that done and still having some time I called Coach B at VT. It was the usual routine and when he got on, I said hi Coach, just checking in. He said, really as I thought you were making the trip here Saturday? Well my brother is at it again, he is using an exemption and playing on the PGA Tour, dressed in VT +4's and just finished round 1 at 7 under. I need to spend the weekend there. He said understood, what else? Well I closed on a Winery earlier today. He laughed and said well I was hoping for some football news. Well as for that I am still 6' 4" and 230. I run every day and workout 4 times most weeks, usually at school with the team. Then I said coach, I have a question. Mike, I was waiting for this and yes we recruited Ray and Jim because we thought it would help us with you. Neither of them would play a serious down for us? We figured they would figure it out and go somewhere else and apparently they did as Ray backed out this morning, saying he was going to a service academy. Mike, he is a good fit there. Ok, Coach tell me about Jim, please? Well a poor mechanic in his footwork and a very average arm. My guess is that JJ's speed is very difficult for him. Oh, understand JJ was on our radar before you two became joined at the hip. Mike, Jim should go to Pitt and be a backup and study hard. Then he said Mike work out 4 times a week more often. I laughed and said understood. We hung up and I was really wondering why all these games were necessary.
I realized it was time to get to school and work out so I grabbed my log book and the sales agreement and drove to school. The place was packed and while that was good to see it made my workout longer. It also made it more fun as I was able to catch up with the guys. JJ appeared with a towel around him and I said, I know you have 3 things to talk about, Cole, Jim and Ray. He laughed and said, I'll wait for you. I said well with all these guys it might take a while. He laughed and said most are finished, they were hanging around so you would see that they were here. I shook my head and started my workout. JJ was right as the place immediately thinned out. I finished my workout and jumped into the shower and was getting dressed when coach asked if we had a minute. We looked at each other and said sure.
Once we were seated in his office Coach said Ray just committed to the Air Force Academy and told VT no thanks. I said coach, I talked with VT today and they don't care, they actually recruited Ray and Jim hoping they would move on and it would help with me. I looked at JJ and said ass hole they actually want you, god only know why. They think the Academy is a good fit for Ray and Jim should be a backup at Pitt. Coach shook his head and asked, why do I bother? JJ said well coach you have a decision to make at QB? Well JJ there is no decision to make, I know Sam has a much better arm but he hasn't thrown under pressure or been hit yet. JJ laughed and said well you and MJ don't know that but a number of us know. I'm telling you Jim won't make it out of the scrimmages. He knows there is an issue that involves mechanics and arm strength. Coach, it's not too late to find someone to work with him, if he will put in the time. Coach, I'm not a dumb Texas hick who can just run and have flypaper for hands, I have seen my share of Quarterbacks. Shit we grow them on trees in Texas and most aren't worth a shit. Jim hasn't worked out 20 times since last year and he has lost arm strength because of that. Sam has done the exact opposite and he is plenty tough enough and very very football tough. Coach just sat there then he said guys, you are totally correct but understand I'm the coach and I'll make the QB decision and I won't humor a Senior and lose what we have going on. We both said understood. As we were walking out JJ said have you seen a picture of Cole and he shot 65. I said not yet but I'm going to kick his ass over the Junior. JJ simply laughed and we walked to our vehicles. We stopped and chatted for a while and I asked for him and Dee wanted to go to the tournament Sunday? He said he was in but he would talk with Dee. Then I said, I almost forgot you and your dad own grapes, talk with him about how many. He said later Dude and I'll call tonight. With that I drove home.
At home I grabbed an iced tea and went to my room and started figuring how in the fuck I was going to do everything that I needed to do. Thankfully, I quickly realized that the price of the shares didn't matter, the more they cost the fewer there were and the less they cost the more shares there were. No matter what the only important thing was the money and that we needed 600k. I decided to take the middle road and propose $25.00 a share. That would mean there would be 24,000 shares. Charlie would own 2,400 or 10% and I would own 4,800 or 20%. I would then see what everyone else wanted and Enterprises would own the rest. I. Buckled at that as I would control those shares. We did need a manager and that would not be me and I was hoping Major Jim would get that vote.
Next on the list was the flight to watch Cole play. First though I needed to call Mary Ann. When she answered I asked if she wanted to fly to North Carolina to watch a PGA Tournament. I had to explain how Cole would make the cut and I wanted to be there. I said Dee, and Michele would be going and that I was the Pilot and JJ would be my helper. She said sure and asked if her brothers could tag along? I said no because we would have Cole and Liam with us on the way back and there was not enough room. We talked about other shit and left the final arrangements for later.
I checked my emails and as promised Major Jim provided the information for a local airport, which was Moore County. I immediately went to work on a flight plan and avoided the big international airports. I was just about finished when dad came in and handed me a scotch. I said thanks, thinking fuck this must be important. I smiled and asked dad, what's up? Mike, what have you noticed at work? I said nothing and things are running very smoothly and things continue to be ahead of schedule. Dad took a sip of his drink, smiled and asked, what about your schedule? I said very light, why? Mike, people have been busting their ass to free you up so that you can concentrate on football. Please do us all a favor and take advantage of that. I smiled and said thanks. Dad started looking around the room and I asked, now what? Oh I'm just looking for my son because the dude I'm talking to couldn't possibly be him. I laughed and said, so every time I agree with you, you can't deal with it? Then he said 3 mornings a week and other time only when needed and keep your phone on. I simply said, deal. Once dad left I finished the flight plan and jumped into bed.
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