Once we were outside Sam asked were we going? I simply said stadium. I was fucking pissed and dressed in shorts and flip flops and would need another shower. Once we were at the stadium we sat in the top row and I leaned back against the press box and tried to calm down. Sam, to his credit, sat quietly. Finally, I looked right at him and simply shook my head. Ok MJ, what's the issue and I almost fell out of the bench. Sam you are conflicted. When you line up as QB for the first meaningful snap I would ask you to look around and take note who is protecting your ass. It won't be any of your Sophomore buddies, it will be a bunch of Seniors and a few Juniors. We will do that gladly as it serves our purpose. We collectively will make you better. You are not QB1 yet and might not be, I wouldn't be counting Jim out just yet. I have played with 3 quarterbacks and all of you are egotistical and self involved. Throwing passes to JJ with third team defenders isn't reality and you haven't been hit yet.
I took a big breath and continued. I haven't been to practice on Saturday because of work and other shit. Jim is in and out as is JJ. What that means for you is that you are earning your creds with the upperclassmen, or should be. Sam, of all the high school quarterbacks I have been around you have the most potential. THAT'S POTENTIAL, you haven't earned anything yet. While, each of us including me need to hold up our end and fit the fuck in. A class turf war will not help anyone and I promise you it is one that you will not win.
Sam said MJ, I bet that by the second scrimmage I am QB1, then what. Sam? That could happen and you could be successful or on the first pass play, we might need a shovel to dig you out of the turf. Sam, with everyone on the team and that includes me it's next man up. Sam, a Sophomore QB on a senior laden team, who is replacing a senior, has a lot of work to do and a lot of growing up to do. Sam, none of this is a threat. What it is? High School football 101. Now do you want to spend Saturday afternoon with me? I want a state championship and what do you think will happen to you if we win that with a sophomore at QB? Sam was quiet and I said dude, you will have more offers that I had. Sam, build your group and help coach build the program, just don't make it a competition.
I stood up and Sam said MJ where are you going, I'm not done? I laughed and said, well I am and now I need another shower and I will be late. Sam, we can hang out Saturday after practice for a couple of hours. That's up to you and it will give us both some time to think things over. Sam said MJ, I don't need to think things over you are right but I need to keep my creds with my dudes? I laughed and said well actually they should have to keep theirs up with you. Sam laughed and said, fuck now I need to think about that approach. I put my arms around his shoulder, nicely this time. Back inside I took another shower and drove home.
At home I saw Colleen was at the stove and I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a beer and as I opened the bottle I asked, what smells so good? She turned, shook her head and said, breaded pork chops, baked potatoes and asparagus. All of that is better than what's in your hand. Do you drink every day or just when I'm here? I laughed and said well every day I'm not flying a airplane, by the way I have a business trip and won't be here for dinner tomorrow. She said well then I won't have to stock the refrigerator with beer, will I? I simply went to my room and called Jace. He was all excited as he had passed his test and check-ride. I was really happy for him and he said JJ was in the air on his check-ride. Now I was super excited. We chatted about that for a while and I said so Jace, I'm betting you need something from me? He was quiet for a minute and he said I have no idea? I laughed and said me to vote my shares so you can manage the fucking grapes. He laughed and said, well I was hoping to manage bottles of wine. Well Jace here is the deal, I need to go up there tomorrow and talk with Charlie and the employees. It's an overnight and back Friday early evening, you joining me? He said MJ, absolutely. Well celebrate with JJ and since I'm flying the fucking plain I can't drink. Oh wheels up at 9:00 and don't be sick, if you puke I'm dumping you out. Oh, it's just the two of us and this is very much a business trip and the palace is rented so we are at a motel.
Just then Cole came in and sat in a chair and said, I need a damn beer. So dude, what's stopping that? He said the housekeeper is right beside the refrigerator. I almost fell over laughing and said well open the damn refrigerator and grab two beers and if she says anything tell her Mike's thirsty. A few minutes later Cole returned saying well she is worried we will ruin our dinner. Ok Cole, spit it out, how was the meeting? He said well I got three new sets of clubs and for an old guy he can still hit the ball. We talked a lot at the range and then in his office. MJ, he was direct, blunt and honest. While I sell a lot of tickets, they don't want me on the Tour on a regular basis and to accomplish that they were very generous. I get 1 sponsors exemption this year, 5 next year, the Masters invite if I agree to use my one years exemption when I turn 18. Oh, I also get an invite to his tournament. Liam was thrilled as it doesn't overly disrupt his school and we can stay together. Just then I heard Megan yell, guys dinner.
At the bottom of the steps Mrs. McGuire looked at me and said lad, I hope there is room for dinner 3 beers is a bit much. Cole laughed and said well actually one was for me. She shook her head and walked out the door. Dinner was good and we all listened to Cole tell stories about his day. Megan wanted to know about the new clubs and she was told that there were custom to match my old set and while I would not be paid there was an endless supply as long as I used that brand. Apparently in watching me play it was determined that the groves on my clubs were flattening out. Liam was thrilled as he got my old sets. I said, sets? Yup he is keeping one and selling the other two sets. He feels members will line up for them. Cole, speaking of members would you like to play in the member/guest event at Congressional. They will all bet on your score and 75% of the purse goes to the charity of your choice. It involves an overnight, early Wednesday and back by noon on Thursday. He shrugged and asked if Liam could come and we might as well make the show the whole nine yards. Oh, I'll order Washington Redskin clothes. I laughed and said, I'll check.
Once dinner was over Cole and I cleaned up and I went to my room and called David. I told him that Cole was good but he wanted to bring Liam to make the show complete. David laughed and said well they will be the only two walking but sure. He said, we will put the 3 of you up for the night and there is an airport in Bethesda that will work, I'm sure you will figure out the restrictions. He said lunch was at 11:00 and shotgun at 12:30. I said thanks and I'll see you Wednesday and we hung up. I confirmed things with Cole and asked him to set things up with Liam.
The next call went to Mary Ann and it was a good call and no drama about my schedule. We talked for a long time and decided to meet up Friday night. Damn this was different and I was thrilled about the way things were going. I was liking where this was going. Once we hung up I spent a lot of time reviewing the situation at the Winery. Then motel reservations were made and a van was rented. I knew it would be interesting as the sale just closed and we were not expected, by the staff. I also wanted to bring a bunch of wine back and sell it to South Hills.
Cole knocked on the door and was unhappy as there were no plus 4's in Redskin colors that could arrive in time. I laughed and said just dress like a normal human. He said MJ, you just don't understand, that's me. Ok go shopping and find the correct colors and a normal Redskin's hat. Once Cole was gone, I spent a lot of time reading and retreading the various employment contracts. Then there were the migrants workers needed for the harvest. I would need to contact those responsible. In looking through all the papers it seemed that were paid about $5.25 an hour and to keep them I would raise that to $5.55 well at the most. We had a month to turn it back into a functioning Winery, a very tall order.
Finally I called Jace as asked him to pack upscale business casual clothes and we didn't need to show up as the "Dudes from the big city". He laughed and said he got it and that we had a lot to talk about on the flight up. I said well actually you have a lot to read and study on the way up. This time it was a nervous laugh and dead silence when I told him he was meeting with the General Manager and that I had agreed not to have him back. Jace, it's actually in the sales agreement and Charlie wants to help him pack. Also, Charlie is never more important than this year. You want to run the show up there, put your helmet on and buckle up. He simply said, I'll see you in the morning for the run.
I started packing and then jumped into the shower and while drying off the phone rang and it was Major Jim. He asked if I was going to New York tomorrow. I said yes wheels up early and he said wheels up at 7:30 and I want you at least an hour ahead of the weather. What plain are you taking? Jim we are taking the big one as I want to bring wine back. Ok, that's actually good but who is we? I laughed and said Jace. MJ understand he does not fly that twin engine thing, no matter what, unless you are having a heart attack. I said Ok, what else? You coming back Friday? I said yes, hopefully right after dinner. Jim said that works and don't do anything stupid. Then he said that means flying and business and keep Jace on a short leash. I said, well aren't you the typical shareholder. He laughed and hung up. I called Jace and said, change in plans wheels up at 7:30 Mr. Weather, and the Major wants us at least an hour in front of the rain. I could see him shaking his head but he said ok I'll be ready at 6:15. With all that shit done, I went to bed.
I woke with the alarm, for some reason that did not piss me off. I quickly dressed, grabbed my bag and went downstairs. Cole had coffee ready and that was a pleasant surprise. I filled my travel mug and collected my log book and bag and Jace was just arriving. I forgot the papers so ran upstairs collected them and found the car loaded and Jace in the passenger seat waiting for me. It was a quick drive to the airport with a quick stop for Jace to get a coffee, I was tired hearing about me not thinking of him. At the airport, I filed the flight plan and I did a very complete pre-check. Inside it was the same and Jace was watching. I said dude, it the same just that there are 2 engines. Why don't you do something constructive and check ATIS, so I know what the fuck I'm dealing with, which was an interesting crosswind. I contacted ground control and then the tower and we were immediately cleared for takeoff. Once we were off the ground I quickly adjusted for the wind with the rudder and raised the landing gear. Once we were at cruising altitude Jace asked, how the fuck do you do that so easily? I said Jace you do it enough times it becomes routine, actually it is very simple. Jace asked, you do know how to get there correct? I said well there is a flight plan and I have done it a number of times. Grab the employment contract for the GM and tell me what you think.
I was enjoying the flying and it was very relaxing and damn we were making better time than normal and I remembered the approaching weather and thought we had a good tail wind. I saw my first marker and made a slight turn NNE and was all set when I saw Beaver Stadium on the Penn State Campus. I looked over at Jace and I asked, so you finished with that? He said, yes. Ok now read the contract for the assistant, then we can talk. This time it was a quicker read and I noticed only once. I just concentrate on the flying and keeping us on course as the wonderful tail wind was now pushing us East and I had a constant eye on the compass and looking for my markers. I felt better when the stadium was where it should be. I loved flying but this was close to work but it is fun. Jace then grabbed some of my attention by asking so what are you doing about all this. I laughed and said well I'm waiting to hear how you want to deal with all this. Because you are dealing with it. Mike, I have a list of things I don't know and it is two pages on a legal pad. Jace so how do we start? Mike we start with a long chat with Charlie. Then have lunch and figure it out. Look Mike, harvest is a little more than a month away. We need to kick it in gear or simply sell it to the jelly makers. Mike there is also a contract with those people, have you seen it? Just then I saw my next visual marker so the flight was still good. There was only one more marker and then I needed to contact the airfield. I asked Jace to hold those thoughts and we could talk more on the way to the Winery.
While we on course it was damn hard to keep it that way. I would want to talk with Major Jim about this in case I was doing something I could be doing better. It just might be that I have never flown in wind like this and I started to worry about the landing and the winds. I simply focused and when we checked ATIS the winds were not awful and within my range on the simulator. Not only that but it was raining. Jace looked at me and asked, are we ok? I said absolutely. When I contacted the tower, I asked to enter the pattern and was told, negative. Cleared to land I acknowledged the instructions and started the approach. The rain was pelting the windows and visibility was shit and I was watching the instruments closely. I was totally dependent on the information they were providing and I was hoping they were accurate. I fought the crosswind and kept the plain level and we hit the ground a little hard, hopped once and settled on the runway. The runout was a little long but within the standards. Jace looked at me and said, fuck that was impressive. We secured the plain and did the paperwork for the rental car. I asked Jace to drive and was giving him directions. While that was going on Major Jim called and asked how we were? I said it was a fun landing. MJ, I betting the entire trip was a fun ride, that front picked up speed. Jim, we are fine and it was an experience that will serve me well down the road. Thanks for checking and I check in tonight.
We pulled into the Winery and went into the shop and was approached by a well mannered guy in his mid 20's. Jace asked if Charlie was around and we were told he is visiting the grapes. I'll radio him. The attendant came back and said if either of you are Mike, Charlie asked you meet him at the house. I said thanks and we drove to the house. Charlie was on the porch and he asked if we wanted coffee or something stronger and Jace and I said well a beer would be nice. Charlie got the beer and wine for himself and sat down and said let's talk while you still have an advantage, no one knows you are the owner. Jace said well actually owners and I am Jace McBain and I am the new General Manager and I don't know shit about growing grapes and making wine. I can however make jelly and none of us want to do that. So Mr. Cummings can you please find a way to help me? Charlie laughed and said absolutely, but you need to be a very fast learner as it looks like the harvest will be mid September. Jace asked about Bob Westfield and Charlie's entire expression changed. Jace, what about that lazy asshole? I was watching Jace intently and he simply took a swig of his beer and calmly said, why don't you tell me? Well Jace at first he was doing a great job and the wine was good and I gave him more responsibility and a very nice long contract. Then things changed and there was a bad weather year and we sold grapes to the damn jelly people. Every year it was less and less wine. We fought constantly and now we barely speak. I made a mistake by having a local guy do the contract and naturally David flipped but what was done was done. The result was that David became more involved here and I get to see my grandson.
Then Jace asked Charlie if we could go for a walk and get the lay of the land. It had stopped raining but the wind remained and the place was soggy. I kinda lagged behind just watching the two fo them and Charlie was discussing the various plants and how the grapes were different. We got to an area that was just a little separated and Charlie turned to me and said Mike, these plants, some of the best grapes in France and were the reason I sold your grandfather the land your family owns. These grapes produced a select wine for us that sells out every year, even this year. This is always a fight with Bob. Jace said, well let's leave him for another discussion after I meet with him. Charlie then said so son, tell me about you, please? With that I simply took a different path saying I would see them in 30 at the house.
As the shop was close I walked there and went inside. The same guy was there alone and he was helping two women select wine. I watched the process and was impressed with his knowledge of the product and how he was dealing with the customers. He packed up the order and helped them to the car. When he came back he asked about the meeting with Charlie. I asked his name and was told Mark. Mark, my family owns the adjacent property and we were just catching up. Oh, so you are Mike, I thought the owner was older? I laughed and said he's my dad and we both laughed. So Mike, what can I do for you? Well I would like 10 cases of wine. He said damn that's a lot of wine. If you are selling it be very careful, especially in PA as it requires a license and ours for PA was left to expire. So various kinds and I'll load the van? I said yes various kinds and I'll pick it up tomorrow. I asked so how long have you worked here and I was told 5 years after I graduated college. I just looked and he said yup, I'm a young looking 27. So how are things? I've been here a couple of times and business seems slow. He replied, it gets worse every year but I am well paid and there is a lot of freedom. I'm the assistant general manager and I cover the store 2 days a week and then tend to the vineyard most of the time. I enjoy the entire wine making process and it fits my agricultural degree from Penn State. So how is the boss and Mark replied good and changed the subject. We chatted for a while and I said, I'll see you later for the wine and headed to the house.
At the house I found Charlie and Jace sitting on the porch. I went up to them and said Jace, we have an appointment with the builder you coming or staying with Charlie. Oh damn, I forgot about that. I can't wait to see those plans. As we walked to the parking lot Jace said, damn that was a great excuse. I laughed and said well lunch and we are picking up plans. They are ready and it is a very quick stop. I had sent a rough sketch a couple of weeks ago. We parked and went to the same restaurant I had been to with David. We ordered drinks and I asked Jace what he discovered? MJ, I think there is a shit load of work to do here. Charlie is a cool fun guy but his ideas and methods are outdated. He means well and will be helpful, this year. Next year we will need to have updates up and running. I got nothing about Bob, the GM. Charlie simply hates him. Jace, went I asked about it in the shop the assistant GM changed the subject. He also said business was declining. I ordered wind and was told we can't sell it in PA as the license has expired. Jace said, shit any good news? I said no and the server came and I ordered a fish sandwich and Cole slaw. Jace said I'll have the fish but with fries.
Jace we should go back to the Winery and walk around and see who and what else we run into. Jace, I'm hoping this wasn't a bad investment. MJ, it's a good investment, just not right now. The timing simply sucked. The food came and we quietly and quickly finished eating and drove back to the Winery.
NIFTY COULD USE YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION.
THANKS FOR READING AND FOR REACHING OUT WITH THE COMMENTS.