The order for the first hole was AP, Fred, me and Cole and we were each introduced. Fred and I got polite applause and AP and Cole got cheers. The three of us hit acceptable drives with Fred a good bit longer that ours. When it was Cole's turn the games immediately started as Liam handed him a driver with the head cover still on. Cole look at the club shrugged did his pre shot routine and, fuck it looked like he would hit it with the cover on when Liam went over and tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the club. Cole acted surprised and took the cover off stuck it in the back of his pants and started over and laced a drive way down the fairway left side. Then he turned his back to Liam pointed to the cover which Liam pulled out of his pants and covered the club and we were off. We were all on the green and as Cole was just a tad longer than Fred, he walked the ropes and chatted. Just before Fred hit Cole went to his ball, conferred with Liam and they decided a 9 iron and that would be a shot of 145 yards. I was thinking it had to be short. It was that typical pre shot stuff and a very high shot that was dead center of the green and left him with a 15 foot put for a birdie, which he drilled.
On the next hole a 230 yard par 3, Cole and Liam had a lengthy discussion while the green cleared a head of us and Cole was handed a wooden driver that was at least 40 years old. AP immediately went over and inspected the club and simply laughed. Cole was up first as his birdie gave him the honors and damn if he didn't use the wooden driver. The shot hit the front of the green and rolled to the back fringe and from there it was a chip and one putt and a par. Josh came up to me and asked, is there something every hole? I said dude, I hope not. Things settled down and on the par 5 4th hole he hit it in 2 with a drive and a long iron and was 2 under par. Then on the short 5th hole a par 4, Cole went to his bag pulled out a 3 wood took the cover off and handed it to Liam and motioned for him to hit. Liam just stood there and Cole handed him a ball and a tee and said just hit the thing and keep it in play. Cole hit a big sweeping hook and it took one bounce and hit a spectator. When we got to the ball AP said well there are advantaged to a big following as they keep things in play. Cole went to his bag grabbed a sharpie and signed a club cover and gave it to the guy, saying it isn't much today but hopefully it will be valuable at some point. Liam hit the shot and two putted for a par and Cole laughed and said, that's enough now I'll finish.
The round went on like this and I was even par at the end Fred was -3 and AP was -2 and boy wonder was -6 but never pushed it. I asked Fred how good he would be without the games and he said well, not as good and in a couple of years the Tour is in for a big adjustment as he will be a rock star if we can keep him focused and his ego in check and Liam as his caddy. Cole immediately signed autographs and was at it for about 30 minutes when I noticed him stop and look at someone. He reached in his back pocket tore a page out of his distance book and signed his name and walked right to David and handed him the paper. Cole said something that I didn't hear and David stormed off. Later I discovered that Cole had changed his signature and told David that was the only signature he would ever get. Cola so added if he ever tells anyone that's my autograph he will look like a fraud. As soon as I heard that I made a mental note to call Jace so he was aware.
I found Josh and gave him a $50 tip and he said thanks but he was already paid and I said just keep it and nice job today, I hope you had fun. Dinner was actually fun as all I had to was sit and watch. Cole was asked to say a few words and his response was Liam first. Liam said well I got to play a hole today and I guess a Par wasn't good enough as I wasn't asked to play more. The place just erupted in laughter. Then he said, I'm sorry about hitting that spectator and after I knew he was ok my next thought was I might need a new part time job. Then he said seriously, Cole is great to work with and we have become a great team. We agree most of the time and I only had to snap one driver. We are both young and he is ridiculously young but I'll find a way to be along for the entire ride, whatever that becomes.
He handed the microphone to Cole and he said that it was an honor to have been invited and it was great to spend a couple of day with the two people who have helped me in so many ways not only with golf but with dealing with all this notoriety. It means so much, I can't say thank you enough. The he said and that included MJ, the mystery member of our group today my brother, closest advisor and my friend. Then he took a deep breath and said, I really appreciate how many people were here today. When we are between the ropes, absolute quiet is expected and that's a lot to ask, hell we appreciated that but in between shots, we should need to be more human and not animals in the zoo to watched. I know that's a huge change but I'm hoping we can at least move in that direction. Heck, I know I'm different as all I have to do is look at Liam and do my pre shot routine and I'm good. Liam actually scares me because when I'm not focused or disagree a club gets broken. Thank for letting me be here and I'll be around later to chat and answer questions.
Once the event was over Cole grabbed Liam and together they spent an hour answering questions. I simply went looking for AP and found him in the bar with a bunch of Pros. When we saw me he waved me over and introduced me and he ordered me a special Arnold Palmer. The conversation was fun to listen to as the stories were hysterical. Then things changed when AP asked about the Winery and questions flew about that and what else I did and I tried to keep it on the down low and had limited success. When AP said that I was a pilot and flew his plane for about 30 minutes everyone was amazed as not many people get to fly his plane. The the thing that pushed things over the edge was when AP told them that my fellow Oakmont members has chosen me as co-chair for the Open. Now I was truly the center of attention. That went on for another hour and when I said good night I was told to be in the lobby by 6:30 tomorrow morning and I relaid that message to Cole and Liam they said good night as well and everyone spent the night in their own room. I showered, laid out clothes for the next day, set the alarm for 6:00 and was fast asleep.
Friday morning arrived way too soon and I was up with the alarm. I grabbed my bag and went to the lobby stoping on the way for much needed coffee. A shuttle was there and we were off to the airport right on time. I was wondering about AP and when I asked the drives said he was returning tonight as he was counting money from the event, I laughed at that. The flight was great and I actually managed a nap of about an hour. We landed about 10:30 and I was thrilled about that. I immediately called Jace and told him about David and he said that he knew something had happened as he would be up Sunday evening to get little Charlie. He said his old man didn't seem to care as long at the grandson was there. I was told to have a safe flight and that things were running smoothly and under control. Liam had immediately gone his separate way and Cole said dude, I'm fucking starving. We drove to a near by Wendy's and I ordered a double with lettuce, tomato and cheese, fries and an iced tea. Cole ordered a triple and everything else this same as mine. We ate in the car and we're back at the airport by 11:30.
I immediately filed a flight plan, simply resurrecting a previous version and saw that people were starting to arrive. JJ had the girls and Dillon was there with Kathy. I started the pre-check and we were ready to go. We were cleared for takeoff and were on our way right at noon. I had checked the weather and we were a little more than a hour ahead of a front and I told JJ we had to pay attention to the route as we would be drifting off corse if we didn't pay attention. He just shook his head and said, asshole I got this and I know what the fuck I m doing. I said sorry and JJ immediately started playing with his head set. I asked if there was an issue and he said, well there must be as I heard you say sorry, I know that not in your vocabulary. I smiled and said well you are fucking special, even this weekend with the babes around. JJ and I took turns flying and I was wondering if a jet would be worth it with the added expenses and training.
The flight was uneventful and there was a van waiting for us and the 7 of us loaded our luggage and I was driving and Mary Ann and I were up front and everyone else chatting in the back. She looked at me and said, I can't believe this is happening. I just shrugged and said, I'm glad it did. When we pulled into the "cabin" we were greeted in side by JJ's mom. She looked at the girls and said follow me your room is upstairs and you two are downstairs same as last time. I figured what the fuck and looked at JJ and asked, do you think two stories will be enough? He said well only if mom is up all night. Poor Dillon and Kathy just looked and went looking for an unoccupied room. I said if you two are uncomfortable there are rooms paid for at the motel down the road and just take the van. They were gone in a second and both JJ and I were wishing we had that option. Once we were all settled JJ and I grabbed the girls and said we will just walk over. Naturally the walk took us by the rock and when we got there I sat down and grabbed Mary Ann and we started making out as did JJ and Terri. I knew we didn't have long and that things would be heating up at the Winery. I took her hand and said I wish we had more time but I warned you this was a working vacation. She smiled and said well let's go see what you own, or rather control. JJ and Terri were still making out and we simply left them behind.
As we made our way through the grapes we could hear the music and Mary Ann said dude, do you dance? I smiled and said well let's find out. Once we got to the store I thought that it was a good thing we walked as there was no parking and the lot was full. We were walking around and we ran into Charlie and his grandson. Little Charlie was all excited as he wanted to ride a horse, he said that he had never even seen a real pony. The 4 of walked to the pony rides and old Charlie started to laugh and said so Mike, some of your friends put my son in his place, when I heard about that I laughed so hard David hung up. I looked at Charlie and said, well I didn't say a word. He smiled and said well Cole did with that autograph. I said again, I had nothing to do with that. He laughed and said well you are the best puppet master I have ever seen. I simply smiled at that and helped little Charlie get on the pony. It was only two loops but little Charlie had the biggest smile and was holding on tight. Scared shittless but having the time of his life. He immediately got in line for another ride and I was thinking damn a kid would be fun. Just as I helped him on for his second ride, JJ appeared and I said just watch this is awesome. JJ watched and when he saw the Charlie's face and the smile he looked at me and simply nodded.
I finally went inside and there was a line for the wine tasting and there were 4 college kids doing that and the cash register also had a short line. I saw Mike and he was leading a tour and I simply waved. Jace was just finishing a tour and I waited till he was finished and he was almost as excited as little Charlie, it was fun to see. We shook hands and told me there was a media tour in an hour and asked if I would also follow along. I said sure and that we would grab a bite to eat and I would meet him and his group at the store. He said fine and started another tour. JJ, Terri, Mary Ann and I went to the food area and we all had a pulled pork sandwich and a lemonade. Not my favorite but I had to admit it was very good. Once we were finished eating I said that I needed to go on a tour and Mary Ann asked if she could tag along? I said sure and JJ said well count us out. I grabbed Mary Ann's hand and we went back to the store. Things were a little less intense and Jace came up and said we have 5 are you ready to go? I said well I guess but I don't know shit about making wine. Jace laughed and said I have you covered.
Jace introduced me as the as the majority share holder of this rebirth of a once proud Winery. I introduced Mary Ann as my girlfriend. Then I explained I relied on Jace and Mark to run the show and that this tour would also be a learning experience for me. Jace started the tour in the vineyard by describing the various plants and stressed that they all had their origins in various parts of France, Italy and Germany and that each produced a unique grape which is enhanced by the soil we have here. It produced a very unique wine. As we moved through the harvesting and the process of making wine and Jace was asked it appears that the equipment is vintage? I laughed at the pun and said well it might be old but it has been maintained in excellent condition, it might take a bit more work but that's what we are all about, doing it right. Jace thinking it needed worded differently said, hell we are here about a month and there are a lot of things that need updated and we will get to all of it. When we were at the end and they saw all the oak barrels Jace was asked about them. He said that they were imported from France and had a lifespan but were essential to the taste of the wine.
Then I was asked about how I got involved in the Winery and how at my apparent young age could that all happen? I said ok here is the deal, how about you guys go somewhere and research Michael James Simmons and once you have some background, I'll meet you tomorrow afternoon and I'll answer almost any question you have and everything about the Winery and the purchase. Then I suggested that they check the local Pittsburgh papers and Patty at KDKA. Once you have a basis it won't take that long. You will find me very cooperative, so what time tomorrow works for you guys? We settled on 3:00. Then I asked Jace to introduce those guys to Major Jim. Jace please tell Jim I said to fill them in so we can meet tomorrow. Mary Ann asked, why not answer their questions tonight? I said, I thought wanted to dance? She said Mike, please do do that if you don't want to answer just say that. I smiled and said well that's part of the reason as I was not in the mood for a long interview, and none of them are ever short. She kissed me and said that's better. Jace came back and said Mike, that Carlo dude is Carlo DiVito and he is important as he runs the East Coast Winery which is published by Rutgers University Press. The Major is filling him in and the other local guys were deft to fend for themselves. You are meeting him at noon and Jim said he will deal with the others. I said thanks and I really appreciate you knowing and dealing with all that. Jace smiled and said, well that's what I get paid for.
Mary Ann grabbed my hand and said, I thought you ditched the reporters so we could dance? The DJ was playing a good mix of songs and when we got to the dance area the band started playing " That Motown Song" by Rod Steward and that worked so pulled her on to the portable dance floor and started she just stood there and said fuck a jock with moved and I grabbed her and saying, well let's we what you got. There were 4 fast uptempo songs and then it was "I Only Have Eyes For You" by Art Garfunkel and I pulled he in close and held he tight. She laid her head on my shoulder and we held each other and at the end of the song we kissed and it was a longer kiss that was polite and I heard, dude just get a room and when I turned to apologize it was JJ and we all laughed. We found a table and the 4 of us had a blast we danced and laughed and joked around and it was nice to see that Terri and Mary Ann got along. The only down side according to JJ was there were no country songs and no beer.
Jace came over and sat down and said that the place would be shutting down in about an hour and the cleaning crew would be here right after that. I told Jace we had walked and he said did the girls like the skinny dipping rock and I got punched in the arm and Mary Ann said you didn't tell me about that or is that male only. Jace laughed and said well that's not what I have bees seeing. I laughed and said, I'm putting up a fence. Then Jace said Mike, take the van that Dillon drove here. He is at the motel and I'll get him and Kathy back. I asked if anyone else was staying there and he said, I thought you knew, JJ's parents the Major insisted. JJ just started to laugh and said THANK YOU GOD. Jace said well I guess you guys are leaving and the keys are under the mat in the back, driver's side.
At the house the girls went right upstairs and JJ and I grabbed a beer and went outside. About 15 minutes later the girls came out with a wine and JJ was handed an envelope and Terri said JJ this was on the bed. JJ looked sick as he opened the envelope and he started to read and laughed out loud. He handed me the note. It said dude, make sure everyone is their assigned rooms when your mom stops by early tomorrow morning. Share this with Mike. Then I read you two owe me big time. Dad.
JJ grabbed Terri and said MJ, I'll see you around 3:00 and they went upstairs. Mary Ann and I just sat there and I noticed her drink was empty and I asked if she wanted another one and she said sure, this has been a great night and there is certainly no rush. I handed her a wine and opened my beer and was asked Mike, when were you most relaxed today? I said all night after we ditched the media. So not when you were flying? I said well that's the usual answer but I was responsible for the lives of 7 people that I care about so it was a serious job today. She finished her drink and came over and sat on my lap and we were making out and she asked if we could make love here and I said nope as there are others staying so let's go to my room. In the room we were quickly naked as we just undressed and jumped into bed the sex was wild, sweaty and we simply took what we needed from each other. It wasn't romantic or caring it was each of us getting what we needed and the other making it happen.
We laid in bed both a sweaty mess and her head on my chest. We dozed off and I was woken with a kiss and it was obvious she wanted more and I kissed her and she started to play with my nips and I grabbed her hand and said slow and sensual and this time we are a couple and not needy individuals. This time it was indeed that and we both managed to organism at the same time. This time I was roused from sleep by JJ saying well it's almost 4:00 so neutral quarters. Mary Ann gave me a long and intense kiss and said, damn I wanted to spend the night. I smiled and said, soon I promise. She dressed right in front of JJ and went upstairs to her room. I got up put on a pair of underpants and climbed back into bed and was quickly sound asleep.
I was blasted awake by a pounding on the door followed by guys, breakfast is ready. I yelled back, Jim please come in. The door opened and I jumped out of bed and said Jim, thanks for last night. He smiled and said, well thanks for cooperating as the wife was here at 6:00 to scope things out. She is being a good sport and is simply playing her role as mom. I shrugged and said, I have no experience with that. Upstairs the girls were already there and breakfast was French Toast, sausage and coffee and I gave JJ's mom a hug and said thanks. I was sure I reeked of sweat and sex but thought, hell she knows anyway. Once breakfast was over the Major said Mike, we need to chat. JJ left to shower and I grabbed a coffee and the Major and I went outside. Jim said that he had spent an hour with Carlo and had give him the basics and that he sees a feature story about you and how you came to own the Winery. Jim said that I needed to be very nice and totally cooperate as this guy has a big following. Then he laughed and said Mike, answer the stupid questions as if there were important. I did tell him you are easily bored. I laughed at that and Jim said that he would meet me here and that the time was changed to 11:00 so that I could be around the Winery all day. The weather would be in the upper 80's and the place was sold out for the evening dinner and dance thing. I was told how everyone was impressed with Jace and with today's turnout we would make a lot of money. Then I was told at 3:00 I needed to spend time with the other reporters. That would be in Jace's office. I laughed at that and said fine.
I went inside and was looking for Mary Ann and was told they were upstairs. I knocked on the door and Mary Ann said just come in. She was getting dress and I filled her in on my day and the work issues, that I knew about. Terri came out of the shower and was naked. Mary Ann said Terri, it's fine as JJ saw me naked earlier. Besides if we are going to hang with these two we are simply going to have to live with both of them. They are joined at the hip and there is nothing to do about that but let it be what it is. I just looked and said, I need a shower and I'll see you two downstairs. JJ was still in the room and out of the shower and I filled him in on my day. Then I took a long and hot shower, washed my hair and tried to figure out what to wear. It was too hot for long pants, yet shorts were not appropriate dress. I simply bit the bullet and put on a pair of new jeans and a Winery polo shirt that I found in the room. I hoped the look was of a relaxed 20's something guy confident and secure. I spent a lot of time on my hair and JJ just sat there on the bed laughing. He said MJ, this is a side of you that even I didn't know existed. JJ clothes are important but no matter what the dude under those clothes is always the same. JJ was quiet for a few minutes and said, well I guess the cowboy image needs refined? I smiled and said, just do what works for you, I actually like you best unshaved and nude. He just laughed and went upstairs. I looked in the mirror and decided that I was good but I really needed to work out.
I went upstairs and my phone rang and it was Zaid and I asked what's up it's Saturday? He said it's all good and there are no issues but I was too busy yesterday and didn't have a chance to call. I asked busy with what? Well Riley, Dillon and the Major are not around so I had a lot of meaningless crap to deal with. Kyle is a cool dude and we seem to get along. I said well enjoy the weekend and I'll see you Monday. Just then Jack and Riley appeared and I asked, where have you guys been? Riley said well we were at the Winery all day yesterday and then went for a few drinks and when we got here you guys were locked in your room and we didn't want to bother you. Jack laughed and said, the way you were watching little Charlie on the horse, I thought you were busy trying to make one of your own. I laughed and said in due time, like in 5 years. We were chatting and Jim appeared and said Mike, Carlo just pulled up. I said fine I'll get the door. I looked at Riley and Jack and said sorry guys but I'll be needing the deck.
THANKS FOR READING AND I HOPE MANY OF YOU ARE STILL ENJOYING THE STORY. THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS, AS WELL.
NIFTY COULD ALWAYS USE YOUR SUPPORT, PLEASE CONSIDER DOING THAT IF POSSIBLE.