I was fucking starving so it was a McDonalds drive through and a Big Mac, fries and a giant iced tea. I almost swallowed the food without chewing as I really want to see the furniture. As I pulled into the lot I noticed that building two was totally quiet and thought damn, what's going on? I parked and grabbed my hard hat out of the trunk and went directly to the first building and inside I was amazed at a sea of panel frames that were in place, no tiles or work surfaces. I found Dillon and we chatted about the installation and how pleased we both were. I was told that the manufacturer was sending a crew late next week to take pictures. I asked about the other building and was told they are so far ahead that there are no supplies as they were scheduled for Monday. They were given Thursday and Friday off. I asked with pay? Mike, we are discussing that and Zaid is leading the charge to pay them as it isn't their fault we didn't get the materials here on time. I looked at Dillon and asked and you? Mike, everyone agrees but the bean counter and that character in HR. So are you going to simply outvote them or do I need to weigh in? Mike, we discussed it for all of 10 minutes this morning and Kyle, has an email that will go to the Union, paying everyone. I said, that works for me as I don't want the relationship fucked up over a few thousand we will recoup in the end. Then I added, good job and thanks.
I spent a lot of time walking around and was trying to imagine the setup with the tiles in place. As I was leaving I ran into Jodie from J &J architects. I stopped and we chatted. She said she hoped that I didn't mind but she wanted to see the furniture. I said, no problem but I don't want Carrie here. She smiled and said, It figures as I understand you exchanged vulgar comments last night. I said you and your firm won't work for me again as long as she is onboard. Jodie replied Mike, just have makeup sex and end this. I shook my head and said have a good day. Then I stopped and turned and said Jodie, I'm done with that bitch and my legal people will send her a message.
Walking to the car, I saw Zaid standing there and he said well Mr. Mike, that was interesting. I stopped and yelled, DON'T YOU EVER FUCKING DO THAT AGAIN. More calmly, I said I hope that was you being funny because if you feel that way resign and I give you a glowing recommendation. Zaid, that might be ok with you and your buds but in the world you chose to work it would make me look like a bigot. I got in the car and drove to the office. I pulled into the parking lot and started to get out and thought fuck this and got back in and drove home. As I was getting out of the car the phone rang and I looked at the number and said hi Zaid. I'm sorry I over reacted and it's been an intense day but that's a shitty excise. He said Mike I didn't mean anything and I wanted to lighten shit up as you are very intense. We talked for a while and things were good, well at least it appeared that way. Shit I just want that dude to work out as I liked his unique way of seeing things.
I was tired, hungry and pissed off and I barely had time to eat a sandwich and it was time to get back to practice. Once there my mood improved and it was the first drama free practice. I noticed Wyatt and Jim spending a lot of time together and Wyatt asking a lot of questions. That was all good and I noticed Jim didn't throw a pass. That was a concern but there was nothing any of us could do about it. Wyatt for his part was calm and in control and fuck no one was messing with him in the huddle. Other than those time is was friendly and actually funny. I guess it was don't fuck with me while I'm working. As for JJ no one could cover him and he ran very precise patterns. Only Josh had a reasonable chance of staying with him and he as a Junior would start to get a lot of attention. After practice it was a very quick shower and home to call Cole.
I grabbed an ice tea and dialed Cole's number and Liam answered again. Liam said Mike, things are good and here he is. When Cole got on I asked if Liam was screaming his calls and Cole laughed and said always, when we travel and that took you longer than it should have to figure that out. I said ok dip shit, how was it? MJ, it was good and fun, not my best round scoring wise but I played very well. Liam and I went out early and check the pin placements on the first three holes and we figured out good places to try to hit the ball to. I absolutely hate those first three holes but I got through them even. It was fairways and greens on the front and I made the turn one under. Well after Liam blasted me for being too conservative. Then he laughed and said, I told him you never win a tournament on Thursday but you sure as fuck can lose one on Thursday. Then I asked and your "cadets"? MJ, for the first few holes when an opponent was hitting I held both hands up, indicating quiet. After the shot, I bowed saying thank you. I laughed and said, so I should plan on being there on Sunday? He said yup and I am 4 under and in the top ten. MJ, if I shoot 3 over, I'll make the cut. Then I asked if he had seen David and he said, well he followed me for a few holes on the back but he has stared away. I said good night.
Relieved, I grabbed an iced tea and the English reading and went out back and I was barely into the book when JJ appeared. He sat down and said shit dude, you are hard to find. I asked, what's up? MJ, is camp always like this? I said well tomorrow will be easy and no evening session and Monday and Tuesday will be wicked and Coach will have the depth chart figured out. Wednesday will be a lot of simply running plays. Thursday will be no hitting and I don't know what to expect on Friday as we have never had an evening scrimmage with spectators. JJ, if the scrimmage is packed we are going to the tavern with the girls and a few select people. It's a fucking blast and we get one beer and the owner makes a fortune as 3 or 4 people pay for our food. JJ laughed saying that hysterical. I told him about the drier conversation with Carrie and he shrugged and said MJ, that might never be over, but I won't let you get involved with her again. MJ, not even a one time fuck, she isn't good for you. I said thanks wondering if I would need his help. I asked if he wanted to watch Cole on Sunday and he asked if we're flying. I had to say no as it wouldn't be time efficient. I thought a flight would be fun so I asked if he want to just fly around. He said nope, but I'll figure out a place to go, away from shit and we can relax. I said great and we should take the girls on Sunday and he agreed. JJ, next week I need to get to the office about three afternoons as I have been MIA. We talked for a while and JJ said he was tired and needed to get to bed.
I called Mary Ann and we decided to hang out at the mall and I could do some clothes shopping and we would eat dinner at a casual place, I indicated that Pizza sounded good to me. I laughed when she said, well I'm sure I'll find something as well. We said goodnight and I set the coffee and the alarm and was quickly asleep.
The fucking alarm woke me and I quickly got dressed, grabbed my travel mug and drove to school. I was sitting in the car with the roof down and drinking my coffee and enjoying the very early morning. At about 5:30 I put the roof up and went in the locker room and as I expected it was full pads. On the field it was 20 minutes of warmups and then a live inter-squad scrimmage and it was obvious that the coaching staff had or were developing a depth chart. I was on offense and we ran a few running plays. I thought it significant that all the pass plays for Jim were short screen passes or dump offs and second or third reads. Again the hitting was intense, it was approaching game speed which was unusual for this type of scrimmage. On the way to the locker room after practice 4 sophomores came up and asked if they could ask me a couple of things. I smiled and asked is this football related and I was told yes. I said well meet me in the top row of the stadium and let me find a couple of captains. I grabbed Josh and JJ and we found a group of 7 guys. I asked, so what's up? Well why are there 3 of you all we wanted to do was chat with Mike. I said guys, we decided a captains it would be a group thing and it gives you more than one opinion, so what's up? Well is camp alway this hard or are we being punished by you guys and will it get easier. Josh said yes, no, yes. Anything else? I laughed and said Josh, I think they would like more. Josh said Mike, they should ask better questions and I burst out laughing. Sorry guys that's an inside joke. What Josh means is that camp is always the hardest part and the most important. It shows everyone who came ready and who didn't. You will play JV and be fine but on the varsity level the speed and the hitting will be up a couple of levels. We want you ready for that, as like the current senior class you will play a lot as sophomores. This year with the media and our current rankings there will be a lot of college coaches at every game. Trust me you will get a look. Hell you might not know it and next year your life could be nuts with recruiting. That's what happened to a couple of us. None of us want to hurt you or hold you back. Understand something 4A Western PA high school football is hard hitting fast and has produced many top professional players. Mike, is 4A better that the other classes? I said well, I think it is but find a 2A game some Saturday and find out for yourself. So is that why Sam want to a smaller school? I smiled and JJ said he went because of his faith. One of the sophomores said that pagan hasn't been to church since he was baptized. We all laughed at that and I asked, anything else? Someone said well run up the score early and we can get in. Josh said, please do something for us and make the Freshman QB feel welcome.
I took a very quick shower and drove to the office, the first time all week. There were short meetings with Amy and Kyle and I got the impression that things were good. I asked Kyle about dad's search for sales people and he said two were on board and laughed saying don't you two talk during football? Zaid told me that things were good and that the whole world must know about football as there have been very few calls. Then he said well except for a David Cummings, who has called five times and each time said he would call you other number. I said thanks and said most likely it's a Winery issue. I told him that I would be in office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday next week so if something comes up just schedule me anytime between 11:30 and 4:00. He then asked about camp and I said more drama than we need and Coach is working us very hard. I smiled and said it is hard when everyone expects you to win.
I spent the next two hours reviewing company financials and call Jorden a number of times and he finally said Mike, it's been two weeks since we did this, nothing has changed. Then he said well we did finalize the sale of the gaming division and expenses are down as we shed 7 salaries and benefits. When I hung up I called Tim and asked him what he thought about Enterprise starting a video game company? I could see him shaking his head and he asked, are you out of your fucking mind? What about your dad? Tim, it's just a thought, right now. Please have a business plan done and no one but you needs to know. Then Tim said, well your the boss. Tim, this is one of the few time when we need to disagree. While I know we needed to shed a nonperforming division there is no way I expected dad and group of mysterious investors to buy it. Right now I am building a few playing cards and an ace in the hole never hurt anyone. I got a very unsure I understand. Look Tim, I don't like surprises, dad and I are close but I have never seen him in business mode and I'm not sure what to expect. Well other than an intense discussion as I simply signed over my shares for $49.00. Tim laughed at that and I said how about lunch on Monday, there are a few things swimming around in my mind. We agreed on 90 minutes for lunch, nothing fancy and close by.
I hung up and Dillon and Riley appeared and asked for a few minutes. I was told that the installation would be completed by Wednesday and on Thursday the big shots from Herman Miller would be there and I needed to be available and I said well that works from 11:30 to 4:00. They had a request which both surprised and excited me. Riley said Mike, the second floor will be ready for furniture in a month and instead of moving to the 3rd floor we would like to build out the top floor and feel that could be furnished by Thanksgiving. I simply asked why? Dillon said well the majority of the company will be here once the second floor is finished and we can't be commuting all the time and need office and work space here. I was very excited but simply replied that's a great idea. Then I asked about the other building and was told the workers were paid and the needed supplies would be there first thing on Monday and in fact most would arrive on Sunday evening. Ok what about that completion date and I was told that mid March looked doable. I thanked them and went for a walk around the building. I talked with a lot of people and it was informative and interesting and everyone was looking forward to the move and the free parking. It was obviously CASUAL FRIDAY boy some of the attire verged on the Salvation Army Thrift store and some was reasonable and others right on target. I went right to Maggie in HR and said when we move I would like you to develop a dress code for Casual Friday's. I don't want people in ties but in walking around today it is fairly disgusting. She laughed and said well after dealing with your old man all week, anything you want. Mike, a folder is shoved on my desk and I'm told to make it happen, at least when you do it your polite. I laughed and said well enjoy the weekend and just deal with the old man like you deal with me.
The difference is he can't fire you or make quit. She laughed and asked if would be in on Monday and I said most of the week and my schedule is filling up.
Back in the office I had a choice, call Mary Ann and plan the evening or call and see how Cole did. I called Cole and Liam answered saying the pain in the ass is practicing. I laughed and asked so he made the cut? Liam said yes and he is tied for 13 but 7 shots back and after being conservative all day he went crazy on 16 and finished eagle, par, birdie. That eagle will easily be the shot of the tournament. The hole is 664 yards with a lake in the front he hit driver about 310 and the 3 iron like 225. We were 120 To the front 127 to the pin and he wanted to hit a wedge. We discussed it as we were the last to hit and I insisted he hit a 9 iron. Mike it hit the center of the green and spun back and it fucking went in and the place went nuts. Then for the first time all week he showed some excitement, he had a giant fist pump and let out a roar that I had never heard before. I got a hug and he took his hat off and bowed to the spectators. Anyway your dad is taking us to dinner, if I can get him off the practice range. I asked about the "cadets" and was told having fun but behaving. I said ok, I'll see you Sunday and I assume it won't be an early tee time. Mike, all of a sudden he loves the course so who knows. I can't see him making up 7 strokes and if that happens the PGA will shit their pants. I laughed and said, I'll call him tonight.
I called Mary Ann and I asked if BJ's by the mall was good? Mike I have no idea, is that another place you have connection at? I said nope but I'll get reservations for 6:30 and pick you up at 6:00. Oh, I'll have pizza and you can find something you like. She said thanks but why do you need to shop for schools clothes, don't you only wear jeans and a tee? I said well yes but new ones that fit. Besides I need shirts for work with no country club logos. She laughed and said don't be late and we hung up.
Once that was all finished, I drove home and called JJ. I asked where we were flying tomorrow and he said how about we get up early and wheels up at 8:00 and we spend the day at VT. I said JJ, won't they will be all be at practice? He laughed and said that's their problem, we might be able to watch or simply spend a few hours seeing what campus is like. Ok, but what's the real reason for this trip? MJ, I'm definitely going there but I need to get an idea what the fucking place is like with people around. I asked, are you sure or are you bailing on me? He said, fucktard I'm sure and you even asking pisses me off. I said well breakfast is on me so pick me up at 6:30, it's a special place and you will love it.
I picked Mary Ann up right at 6:00 and we were off to the mall and restaurant. At the restaurant there was that usual Friday evening line and an I gave my name to the hostess and she said right this way. Mary Ann just shook her head and when we were seated she asked so the hell did that happen? I said, it's nothing special as we had reservations and they didn't. I ordered a build your own large pizza consisting of sausage, spinach, feda, a cheese, and mushrooms. She ordered salmon and wild rice and we both had iced tea. We talked about our day and that school was two weeks away and wondered if we would have any classes together. She reminded me that we were in the same AP English class and how much she enjoyed the spats Carrie and I had. She said she was hoping to be in that class again with Carrie and me. I said really? Mike, you are very special to me but being in a relationship with you is sometimes crowded as there is also Carrie and JJ in your head. She smiled and said, I'm not last in that group and I'm adjusting. Understand, I know if you ever have to choose between me and JJ, I will simply have to pack my bags. I reached over took her hand and said, let's make sure that doesn't happen. Then she asked what are you and JJ doing tomorrow and I replied and what are you and Terri doing? I said well we thought we would go to VT for the day. She laughed out loud and said well we are to be at the airport, something about wheels up at 8:00. I shook my head and said, I'm going to kill that jerk. Then I looked at her and said, I guess you are going to watch golf on Sunday. She smiled and said that's the plan. I was totally ganged up on and had no idea if it was JJ or the girls. At any rate it sounded like fun.
At the mall, we walked around for a while and ended up in American Eagle and I bought 4 pair of jeans and one was black and looked dressier. I tried on Polo shirts and settled on an EX and the XXL were not form fitting enough. I finally selected some very trendy ones form Nike. Then there were 2 pairs of shorts and 9 tee shirts all designed to show my ripped figure. As we were leaving she asked what's next? I said well that place where you seduced me with that innocent act. She stopped and dropped the packages she was holding and gave me a giant kiss. People were looking and she said well aren't you glad that wasn't the real me. She picked up the packages and I asked, who is the real you and she smiled and said, I thought you knew, I'm the female version of you, your fucking equal with tits and a pussy. The only difference is I don't have your fucking money. The country clubs, the money, the sexy car, none of that matters as long as I am the only girl/woman in your life. By this time we were outside the mall and she said Mike, please don't say a word take me to your place and let's see who needs it more, you or me.
At my place it was the most intense sex I have ever had with a woman and neither could get enough. We went at it for hours and finally we were both two exhausted to do anything but pass out. Thankfully we woke about 12:30 and it was a quick shower and I had her home by 1:30. It was a quick kiss good night and home to bed. When I jumped into bed I could smell her and out sweat and body fluids. Some how it calmed me as having a equal, never entered my mind, especially an equal who was willing to take my load in all three holes. I was fucking confused but loving it at the same time.
I was up with the alarm and took a shower and went outside when JJ hit the horn. We took one look at each other and just laughed and I said you too? He smiled and said if you mean wildly intense sex and the hijacking of our weekend yes. We headed to the West End for breakfast and when we got there JJ just laughed saying so you eat breakfast here at this dump of a diner and lunch at South Hills Country Club and dinner at Oakmont. JJ, that has never happened. Inside the waitress remembered me and said you dad was here yesterday. Coffee was delivered and food ordered. While we were waiting for the food, JJ said MJ, once we have the girls in the plane they are at our mercy. What if we change thing up and not go to VT? MJ, that's something for us to do on our own. Well JJ how did they know where we were going? He put his head down and said, I told her that you and I were flying there. That was before I even mentioned it to you. Just then the food came and JJ asked if someone else was joining us? The waitress said, Tex just eat and I don't remove plates that have food on them. JJ simply said yes, dear.
While we ate we continued trying to figure things out. Finally we decided to go to VT and do what we wanted which was watch practice and check on Sean and the guys. We would also have to meet with the coach. Just then my phone rand it was Mary Ann and at the same time JJ had a call. Mary Ann said Mike, last night was great and I can't wait to do it again. We don't want to mess with your guy time with JJ. Both Terri and I were just giving you two a hard time and we are looking forward to the golf on Sunday. Fly safe and MJ, I'm going to say it first, I'm falling in love with you and she simply hung up. JJ got off the phone at about the same time and I said just one question, did she say JJ, I love you? He said oh my God not even close, just that the sex was awesome. I said damn that's both a good thing and a confusing thing. I looked at JJ and said fuck all this let's just have a good time and we paid for breakfast and drove to the airport. We did the pre-check and decided that JJ would be in the left seat on the way down and the flight plan was filed and it was wheels up at 7:50. It was a fun flight with taking turns flying. We talked about football and school and the girls. Finally the topic turned to college and our goals and what we wanted out of football. JJ was willing to look at Pro ball if it made sense but that was a long way off. We secured the plane, rented a taxi and were on campus, unannounced by 10:30. First stop was the stadium and the athletic office. There was a student covering the reception area and we introduced ourselves and we gave our names and was asked, what we needed. JJ using his Texas accent said well dude we are recruits and would like to see a coach? The kid at the desk said well Tex they are all on the field as practice is about to start but let me find a grad ass and see if they can take you around. Just then Coach Conn appeared and stopped dead in his tracks and asked what the hell you two doing here? I smiled and said well getting a lesson on what it will be like here once we sign that letter of intent. Coach glared at the dude at the desk and said come with me.
Once at the stadium we were asked to hang tight and JJ said well that was interesting and I couldn't disagree so I just shrugged. A few minutes later a graduate assistant coach came up to us and said Mike and Jim coach B said he is glad to see you and asked that you hang around after practice. Mike, your with me and we want you to watch the backers and Jim, we will hook you up someone and you can watch the receivers. That worked for us and it was interesting to see that practice wasn't that different than ours just faster and a lot more intense. I was enjoying the shit out of it, but it was hard and intense. In watching the linebackers, I though shit they aren't that big and I'm faster. Then again I'm standing there watching and who am I to evaluate me. What impressed me was that I didn't find the speed beyond me. As practice ended JJ and I found each other and were chatting and we were asked to meet Coach B in his office and for fun have that dude at the reception desk get you both a soft drink. We all laughed and headed to the Athletic Office.
Once there JJ using his Texas accent said dude we are meeting with Coach B can you get us a couple of Arnold Palmers to drink. There was a blank look and JJ said well partner we all will settle for a bottle of water, thanks. We were talking and drinking water when Coach B said well, I always like seeing you two but some notice would be nice. JJ said well it was a spare of the moment thing. So where are you staying and when you going back? I laughed and said Coach we left at 8:00 this and it was an easy flight as we took turns flying. Coach said damn, now I have two of you flying in and out of here. JJ said don't worry there is only one plane. Coach didn't find that funny at all. We discussed practice and Coach wasn't surprised that we didn't fine the speed impressive. We were asked about our team and we said well there could be a QB issue and Jim has a nerve issue that bothers his throwing. The backup is a Freshman with some JV experience but is or will be the real deal. What happened to that kid, Sam? JJ said Coach, he has no varsity or JV experience, the Freshman has both, add to that a very strong arm and football smarts and after one week every one knows who in charge of his huddle. So guys when I come up will I see him play? I said yes, when we have a big lead or if Jim is hurting. What about Sam? I said he won't be playing varsity this year, that's how the dude got to transfer days before practice started.
The conversation turned to less important things and Coach asked when we were going back and I said late afternoon as we need to get to Firestone to watch Cole finish his tournament. Coach said well for 16 he has quite a game and a following to match. We shook hands and I said well we will see you in a couple of weeks. Outside Sean and Rod appeared and we all went to lunch and they laughed as JJ and I both refused beers as we were flying. It was a fun lunch ad as they had things to do JJ and I walked around campus for a while and we both bought hats at the bookstore and grabbed a cab to the airport. It was a quick depart with me in the left seat and a great day for flying. It was wheels down at 7:20 and I was in my room at my place by 8:00.
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