I woke feeling shitty and depressed but really need to blow off some steam. The run was just JJ and Jace and me as Cole was leaving for Ohio and another practice round. Liam was going with him for the and hopefully it would relax Cole . The run was quick and fast and Jace struggled at the end so JJ and I slowed down. After the run I went straight to my room, stripped showered and dress for the day it was my usual khakis and light blue shirt and no tie. When I came out of my room Jace was there drinking coffee and there was a pot full, I said THANK YOU JESUS and filled a cup and sat down. Jace said well I see things are still fluid in your head, what brought that on? Well Jace, it was Sam and football, Sam and his sister, dad and work, dad and my mom, my mom and me and Ruth and work. He laughed and said and after you were relaxed after two days with the Winery and your girl? I said yup, finished my coffee and drove to the office. Sitting in Ruth's place was a 30 something woman who introduced herself as Amy. I said nice to meet you and thanks for doing this. She smiled and said well you have a very light day. I said, well in that case I'll be going to the construction site and make sure the workers are fed.
When I turned on the computer there was nothing scheduled an I wondered how long that would last. I went looking for Maggie and I asked if she had heard from Ruth and she said yes as she was asking about a severance package and I smiled and said well she won't need one as she will have a job she will love in about 48 hours. Simply tell her that we will pay medical for three months and reminder her that her paid leave is a temporary thing. Maggie looked at me and asked, so what do you know that I don't? I laughed and said well that's a loaded question and thanks for making me laugh. Then I said Maggie, she might already have a job. She shook her head I said, I'm going to the construction sight and hide out. She laughed and said well I guess my job is safe till you get back. I just smiled and said keep me in the loop but is Amy the replacement? It was Maggie's turn to laugh and she replied, well unless you piss her off as she is a lot like me.
Back at my office my phone rang and it turned out to be David and I was determined not to fight. I said hi Dave, what's can I help you with? He said Mike, thanks for being so nice to both Charlies as this spat we are having doesn't involve them. My son said you were so nice and helped him ride the ponies. Dave, all I did was help him on and watch him ride a couple of times. Dave, what are you calling about? He hesitated and said, I had no idea Cole was that well connected and I would not have bothered if I knew. I was hoping you would be up at the tournament? I said well possibly Sunday but it's football and there is a lot going on. He is playing a round today and I'll see how that goes, I really can't be there as camp started Monday so Sunday is my only option. He said, well if you make it let me know. I said sure and hung up shaking my head. I sat there wondering now what.
I spent some time just reviewing shit and at 11:00 having wasted most of the morning, I closed up the office and and started for the buildings. First was mini-me and it was fine and now that Enterprises was out of there I had little interest. My next stop was to the food truck and a bunch of boxed lunches and I grabbed one and sat on a pile of boxes and was quickly joined by a number of workers and we talked about the upcoming NFL season as the Steelers were also due at camp. That was fun and relaxing and then for no intended reason I went for a walk to the adjoining lot. I don't know why as it was a muddy mess and was no different than the two lots I owned. Then I went to the big building and went right to the corner where my office would eventually be and I pulled up an empty can and sat down and simply looked at the awesome view. I don't know how long I was there when Zaid appeared and he started to walk away as to not disturb me and I said Zaid, please stay. He said sure and I laughed and said, let's checkout the view from your office? We went to where his office would be and it was a very similar view, just a lot smaller but an all glass wall. We sat talking and he eventually asked if I had fired Ruth and I said, not quite I just made it hard for her to stay. Mike, was that because of me and I replied, partly. However, you were not the main reason. You see, she is a creature devised by my dad and we are very different and she often treated me like a kid. It was coming to a head at some point. Her racial bias, was the final straw for both of us and it was very much an unconscious bias and very real. I'm sure dad will take her to his new company and he wants to buy the gaming division and merge it with his startup. That's a complication for me as I'm a partner in the startup. Zaid said, shit how do you do it? I shrugged and said well not so well lately. I checked the time and said Zaid, I have to go I have an appointments.
I drove to the doctors office and was about 15 minutes early and checked in and I had barely sat down when a nurse came in and said Mike, we are ready for you. I was told to strip to my underpants and I was weighed at 228 lbs and was 6' 4" and my blood pressure was very good and my temp was normal and Iowa asked to have a seat on the exam table and that the doctor would be right in. The door barely closed and in walked Dr. Drennan. We shook hands and he said I know you didn't schedule a physical but with football starting next week I wanted to get a read on you pre injuries. I just laughed ant that and he said pleas lay back. When I did that help okey and prodded my stomach and abdomen and said please sit up. Then he checked my heart and listened to my chest. I was asked to stand up and remove my underpants and he felt my balls for irregularities and checked for a hernia. Once I had pants on again he checked my reflexes and eyes and said well that was a waste of time, you are in great shape get dressed.
While I was doing that he asked so how is the 6" between your ears and I replied fucked up. He said follow me and we went into his office and asked so what started that? I said a long talk with dad and his relationship with mom and how he had to negotiate with her to have another child. One she would have nothing to do with as she didn't want another child. Dad didn't want Bill as she lied to him about birth control and dad wasn't permitted to be involved with Bill. Within a couple of months of me being born she started drinking and totally ignored me, well except when she was screaming at me. Doc, she never wanted me or cared about me and I had to deal with her and her damn ashes and that trip to NC was all an act to piss dad off. Mike, what's the difference in your mind between she hated you and she didn't care about you. Well Doc that I was insignificant and that I was tricked into thinking otherwise. Mike, what about your dad? Well he was always there all the games and the trips, I was too young to remember, that I am now aware of and the smoking hot car and the Trust fund and lama the support and two weeks ago he starts pulling away. I feel alone and no safety net. The Doc. looked at me and asked are you pulling away as well? Well I did move out back to the apartment, to make room for the baby. Well how do you feel about that? I said, I honestly don't know as it's strange and damn inconvenient. So Mike, things are different and you are even more on your own and you didn't have to move out yet. While your dad is adjusting to being a parent again after 18 years you are adjusting to being more responsible and more out of the loop, you have to find thing out instead of seeing them first hand. Dude, you have a mild case of homesickness or college freshman syndrome. Mike your dad, love you and always will it will just be expressed on a different more adult level. It will be hard and it might hurt but trust me it will work out.
Doc. last night I came home went straight to my new room, filled a glass with ice, floated in scotch and was simply going to get drunk. There was no reaction and he asked what happened? Well my part time roommate came in took the glass and gave me a lecture. Mike, would you have gotten drunk? I looked at him and said I don't think so I was just sipping it. Mike, have you ever done that before? No and while I have been buzzed I don't think I have ever been drunk. Mike, I actually think that you were fine but what triggered that? Well I put dad's first hire on paid leave and had a blowup with Sam at the football meeting. Mike, you didn't have a blowup with Sam you had a blowup with Carrie. Sam just keeps getting in the way. I'm sure Sam is getting it from both sides. Mike, the best thing that happened was that it ended. From what you tell me it was your mom and dad all over again. No matter what don't start that up again or there will be another generation of people with issues.
So Mike, you and your dad keep talking and be honest with each other and press for answers and know he loves you and no new kid will change that. At work, make decisions the are good for the company and once the decision is made, don't ever look back. Either the employees and executives buy in or they are out. It's hard but that's what you should expect. You really could simply do without Carrie and Sam and don't even think about getting together with her. Mike, you and your football buddies are great together during football and then move in different directions, understand that. You and JJ are super tight and both need each other, just don't fuck it up. Mike, I'm glad people around you are watching your drinking. Does any of that help? I smiled and said, yes it does. Thanks and we shook hands and I started for home.
I was starving and stopped at the supermarket and bought dad a steak and a potato and salmon for Megan and me and a bunch of stuff for a salad. In the house dad and Megan had just gotten home and I chopped the potato and wrapped it in foil and turned the grill on. Then I threw together the salad and when dad came by I said please put this all on the grill and turn you potatoes. Megan appeared and asked what I was drinking and I said, iced tea and you and I are having lemon salmon and dad a steak. Then I added there is salad for everyone. Megan stopped and asked, so Mike what did you do the we get all this? I said well I simply stopped at the supermarket. So did you actually pay for it or will the police be here? I smiled and asked, so being nice to the rents doesn't always mean I want something or did something. Megan grappled a couple of disses and set the table in the dining room and it turned into a fun special evening. I continued with iced tea and no one asked any questions. It was football and I would cut down on the drinking in any event and if that didn't happen, I would have a chat with dad.
Once dinner was done and the place was clean, I asked dad for a minute. He immediately got a drink and I still had iced tea. So dad do you need to by my shares back in the startup? He said well eventually but if I finalize the deal with your people it will be tough. By the way they were taught well and are very tough negotiators. Dad, I have no idea where things stand and Kyle has full authority. Then he asked about my day and I said very easy and I met with Dr. Drennan and I am in great physical shape. Dad laughed and asked and that area between your ears? Dad, improved and I'm better than when I walked in his office. I would ask that we continue to talk and that lunch idea was good but camp will be in the way. Mike we can do that here or at your place. Dad is my place a problem for you? Mike, it's just strange and I know you feel the same way, we will adjust and things like dinner tonight help that adjustment. Dad, thanks and I went to my room.
Jace was there and on the phone so I grabbed a beer, went out back and called Mary Ann. We talked for a while and I asked if she was free for lunch tomorrow. She was surprised as she thought I was working. I said ok how about dinner? Well that would be great if it wasn't at one of you country clubs and I said deal. She asked if JJ and Terri were coming and said well no, unless you want the additional company. Mike, you more than I can deal with most times, so we are good. I said Jace is in for the week so that complicates my place. She laughed and said so am I on the menu for dinner? I just said that is always up to you. Then we discussed a place and I suggested the Tin Roof on Mt. Washington and she said damn most girls get Eat N Park. Babe are we fighting and she laughed and said God no, I'm just in a strange mood. I said well we are a perfect fit as I'm the same way. Once we were done talking I called JT and when he answered I told him that Jace was in so we would have to cancel our event. He said well unless the roommate wanted to join in? I said keep it up and it won't happen at all. With that I hung up, knowing I wanted out of this situation.
Jace came out with a beer and asked if I was doing any better and I said yes, I spent most of the day at the construction site and pretty much stayed out of the way. The doctor's appointment was good and helped as well. Mike, Mark says sales are still good and he hasn't seen this this good in a while. Jace have him ask Charlie how the jelly deal was set up? I'm betting Bob set it up but he had help. Bob wasn't cleaver enough and someone had to sign off. We look at each other and at the same time said David. Jace, I'll bet Charlie signed off, either not knowing what he signed of because of a bunch of bull shit. Jace, now I'm determined to get to the bottom of how that happened. We might not get anything out of it but we will all know. At any rate it will be over as we will not renew that contract. Then I asked Jace to get that contract and I'll have Tim review it. Jace said he was tired and he would run in the morning and hoped it was a more realistic pace and he said Cole would be there as well. We chatted for a while and then we both went to separate rooms and I was quickly asleep.
I was up before the alarm and dressed and put coffee on and Jace and I waited for Cole and were off to meet JJ 4 houses up the street. It was fun and relaxed run, unlike earlier in the week. Cole, however, seemed a bit out of it and he didn't offer so I thought golf and would simply wait till he wanted to talk. I went straight to my room, stripped and jumped into the shower. Drying off I realized I needed a haircut but there wasn't a lot of time today. I dressed in jeans and a polo, trying to be very casual. Not sure why but was hoping for that type of a day. I was glad there was coffee and thought, there could always be coffee and you made it most mornings, JUST DO IT. It was 4 days before camp and I was feeling better about that.
At the office Amy was where Ruth would have been and yet I wasn't unhappy about that. She was already on the phone and I waved and went inside and was pleased to see no door. Checking my schedule I saw there was a morning meeting with Zaid and Tim and I was thinking that's not bad I was thrilled. Just then there was a knock on the door jam and I looked up and Amy asked for a few minutes. Before I could answer she said Mike, if this isn't a good time we can schedule this for later. I smiled, stood up and said I'm good, take a seat and I joined her in a guest chair. Once we were seated she said Mike, I have been asked if I wanted this job and before I respond, I wanted to chat with you. Amy, that's more than understandable so please ask anything you want and you will either get an answer or a reason why I won't answer. Mike, I have been here for 8 years and since you arrived there have been a ton of changes and more lately. Will that continue and at what rate? Amy, businesses that don't change and adjust with the times simply die. We were getting close to that point. We are financially very solid but not growing and steps are underway to change how we grow and expand. Kyle, Dillon or Riley would better answer how that will happen. She then said your approach seems to be more casual, I doubt you dad owners jeans and yet here you sit. Amy, I dress for the day and my comfort and I hate ties but put one on when the occasion arises. Understand I think and act and respond to things the same way, what I have on doesn't change that. The new building will be much more organized and open that here but that new environment will be more casual the productivity needs to improve as well. Mike, how would you best describe your self? I laughed and said you first, as I want to see how you view me, then I'll answer.
She was quiet thinking and then she said you are an enigma. You have this vision for this place and beyond and if someone gets in your way they are road kill. You care but you don't, you are involved and then move on and there are lines that better not be crossed. You respect the past and focus on the future. Finally people think they are close to you and yet they are at arms length away. Mike, I have actually seen you play football, you are intense, play hard but fair, knock people into next week, help them up and dismiss them as unimportant. You conduct business the same way. Just then Zaid, knocked on the door and I said, I'm sorry Amy and I will need about 15 minutes. He said sure and disappeared.
I looked at Amy and said well from my point of view that is very accurate except there are two people here that really, really matter and I'm sure you know that one is dad and the other will remain deeply hidden. Then Amy asked if I take this position what do you expect? Well for starters that you not bring me beverages or order food for me. She laughed at that. Amy, that you screen all my calls, I'll take most of them, I just want to know who is on the line. Learn who is important and who isn't. Put people off in a way that they are not offended and be a gatekeeper so even with no door people just don't walk up and knock or just pop in. At the new building that will expand to include the executive team. Does that help? She said yes. Oh Amy if you take the position, you will be paid what we paid Ruth and your title will be Executive Secretary and we will be asking you to manage the secretarial staff. She said, thanks and I'll think it over.
I went looking for coffee and Zaid and I found both as he was getting water. We sat in the cafeteria and talked. He asked if I was ok as he thought I was in a strange mood? I replied that I'm good and yesterday was hard and I'm hoping Amy takes over out front. He laughed and said so you were tired of the mother out front? I just shook my head loving his view on things. Always a little different but right on target. I told him that I would be needing him at my meetings from now on and as he felt his way I expected he could deal with some of the in-house meeting. That he needed to be the final gate between me and the world and he should think of himself as Chief or Staff. We walked back to my office and Amy said Mike, Tim needs a minute. We just turned and walked to Tim's office and he said have a seat. Once we were seated he said Mike, please stop with the grapes and the jelly people. I have reviewed the contract and it ends this year. Just give them the damn grapes and move on. We both know this was David and I think he was protecting his old man. It's actually a good return and from the daily updates Jace gives me business is up and way up. I hope a little marketing will have a similar effect here. I smiled and said fine but without grapes we can't make wine. As I was leaving, I turned and said David and I aren't done yet.
As we were leaving, Zaid said Mike, you do that a lot. I asked, do what? He smiled and said have the last word. I couldn't argue with that and went to the office. I called Mary Ann and asked if we were good for tonight and she said change in plans, the Twins are taking everyone to dinner and I am to invite you. She said Jacket and no tie and please be here a little before 5:30. Having no choice I said I'll be there and hung up. The afternoon was spent with Kyle, Dillon and Riley as we finalized the rapidly approaching move into the first floor. Zaid sat quietly and was simply taking it all in I had mixed emotions about the move excited as it was starting and wishing I could be around for the install. That would start on Tuesday as would the media circus at camp. Once we were finished I had just enough time to get home, shower and change clothes. I locked my desk and turned off the computer and drove home,
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