The alarm woke me and it was a quick shower and the coffee was ready and it was a pleasant early September day. Practice would be pads and running through game plays and the pressure was already starting as it was a league section game and those had to be won. I stopped in the house and retrieve the papers I had given to dad and as expected there was a sealed envelope on top of them. Megan and Ashley were doing their thing as the child was always hungry. I put the roof down on the car and drove to work. I was surprised that the lot was full and then realized everyone was uploading hours to get out of town early. I made a mental not to ask Kyle about simply closing on Friday and making it a nice long weekend. Then I thought about the Union guys and decided that half day with full pay and everyone back on Tuesday and no Overtime. Amy was on the phone and we waved and I called Allen at the construction site and told him full pay on Friday but half hour and no OT. He laughed and said they will be thrilled. Allen, enjoy the holiday but I have something to discuss with you next week, it's all good, enjoy the holiday.
I simply started on the applications beside me and decided to read them all once and to try not rank them just yet. I was through 2 of them and saw nothing special when Tim appeared and simply sat down. When I looked up he said the deal will be signed on their end and the papers will be overnighted and we will have them before noon tomorrow. I smiled and asked so these new guys know we get paid in US Dollars, correct. Tim laughed out loud and said absolutely. Amy was next and said Mike, you lunch is set for 11:45 with Mr. Carson. Do you need anything else? I said yup, everyone but you has half day Friday and she looked at me and I added you are off all day. I'll be in all morning now let me figure these applicants out. I finished two more and still all very solid but nothing special. I needed a break and was thinking about lunch with Kyle and waned something a little special but neither of us would be dressed for a real business lunch. I decided on Mt Washington again only this time the Bingham Tavern and got reservations for 11:45.
Back to the task at hand and I finished the last two resumes and in thinking about the 6 of them they were clones of each other. Local colleges, good but not outstanding grades, varied business experience and with good sales numbers. I had neither the time nor the interest in interviewing all 6. I called Maggie and gave her an update on the process and she laughed and said lad, it took you two day to figure that out, they are solid performers and on a rare occasion one of them will hit a home run, they will however all hit over .300. So throw darts or do whatever but pick three and get on with it. I said thanks and hung up. I was staring at the papers when Kyle knocked on the door I waved him in and he looked at the desk and said blind resumes, your dad teach you that? I said not that I know of but I'm still trying to figure out what he is teaching me. Mike, good luck with that. So they even in your mind? I said yes and I can't meet all six. Mike it is either odd, even top middle or bottom middle, just pick one and I said well I like top middle, thanks.
Kyle let's go, it's a short ride to Mt. Washington a place I have never been to but the view will be fun. We got in the car and it was just a couple of blocks to the liberty bridge and a right up Mc Ardle Roadway and we easily found the Tavern. As he got out of the car Kyle started to laugh and asked your dad never mentioned this place to you? He shook his head and said you'll see in a minute. Inside he told the receptionist reservation for Simmons and I asked can we please sit at that table, pointing to one in the corner by the window and we were quickly seated. Mike you are scaring the crap out of me, first you have an interview process the same as your dad and you know nothing about it. Then our first out of the office meeting and you take me to the same place your dad took me when he offered me a job. All weird enough but before I can ask you select the same damn table. How? Seriously you knew none of that? Kyle, absolutely not.
The waiter came over and I said I'll have an Arnold Palmer and Kyle said I'll have a spiked Palmer. I asked what's that and I was told what you are having with Vodka. I made mental not of that. So Kyle besides the time you mentioned have there been other time when you were ready to resign? Mike, before you it was a monthly occurrence. I was hired as director of technology and all I did was hire people. Project after project came in and never enough people. After you there were two times. The first one was when you fired Brian. He seemed to be the only one considering us moving and I was sick of the dump. Kyle the other time was was just before I gave you a raise and a promotion, is that correct? Mike that is correct. There were all these young people being brought in and here I sat a long time employment working my ass off and ignored. Kyle way did you think I was doing? Mike I honestly didn't know. Well I was consolidating my base and power. As soon as I could I made you CEO and gave you the money I know you deserved. We ordered lunch and I said Kyle you indicated you needed to run some things by me what are those? Mike, your dad and I would talk and meet a lot and we'll he would listen and then say do what you think is best. I would like to talk with you with you having more input. I'm growing into the President thing and you seem willing to let me actually run things. Kyle, I trust you completely and I assume you noticed that at the last public event. So let's talk. Mike, your dad has hired 3 salespeople and they are already bringing in business so three is enough but we need someone to manage them and I'm sorry but your dad isn't that guy. I laughed and said, no shirt. Kyle, let's do this, we think about it till Wednesday, our next meeting, I'll talk with dad during the week and we meet with the three of them on Thursday and I am thinking in the first floor conference room in the new building. Could Riley or Dillon manage that group? Mike, I'll think about that. Mike when you have an assistant the work load is a bit less for Dillon, Riley and even me, any plans for that? Well now that I know that there will be and soon. Kyle do you have a director of technology, in place or are you doing that? He laughed and said that was my next topic, I need to fill that position and we need six tech people. Kyle, write up job descriptions for those positions and I have Maggie collect candidates.
Ok Kyle how is the wife and your son? Mike Barb is good and Asher is almost 1. Kyle and the new house, I believe Upper St. Clair. Mike, so you knew I bought it from Megan? I smiled and said yes but not from her, the bank. We simply verified employment and compensation. Oh, it's a great house. He said thanks and shook his head. So Kyle where do the startups stand. Ready to go as soon as the first floor in building 2 can take them. Kyle, how is Jack? He is as good as he needs to be. Riley? Hard working focused and very good. Dillon, Mike he is the one I can't lose and he is stressed with the move and the work here and school. He needs a pat on the back and some attention. Kyle, I reach out to him. Then Kyle asked and what's up with you, any girls? I said one that isn't working out like I had hoped. What else? I said football, Highmark, jets, graduation and college. Oh and you to run the company for the 3 years I am away. What will that take? Kyle smiled and said a pat on the back, a long term business associate and a friend. I said well add a salary bump and I want the same. I said Kyle you pick next weeks location and I'm free from noon till 3, school and football. Mike, I'll make it easy on you get us a table at South Hills, I took a deep breath and said sure. At the office I thanked him for the meeting and the great idea. I went in and grabbed the resumes, said good night to Amy and drove home.
At home I went to the house and found Megan reading and Ashley in her tiny bed. I asked if I could hold her and Megan said sure just don't make her cry, again. I gently picked her up and walked her around the room lightly patting her on the back. I saw Megan smile and she went back to reading. After about 10 minutes I realized that Ashley had fallen asleep so I gently put her back in the bed. Megan said thanks and that was fun watching you with her. I asked about dad and was told sleeping as it was a tough night. I said Megan I'm home tonight enjoy the quiet while it lasts. I went to my place and changed clothes for practice and drove to school. I wanted to be there early and sneak a lap or two in.
At my locker I was putting running shoes on and Coach saw me and sat down and asked Mike, what's different this year? Coach we are different and you haven't adjusted. Mike should you have to adjust to the coaches? I smiled and said, when in the history of sports has that worked? Either you develop a team and sell the program and players buy in around 7th grade and move up understanding the program or the coaches adjust. Coach the seniors have always been close and a few key underclassmen bought into us and mostly our success. You know who they are the rest just follow and it is more beneficial for them to hang on than to fight. Coach last year you told me I was the only D1 player on the team and you helped me. Well there was Chad - committed to West Point, Jim hurt and won't play at the next level. There was Ray - committed to Air Force so that was 4 and I bet you helped everyone of them. This year there is Josh, Todd, the two freshmen and a few more all about to get blown out of the water with recruiting, all underclassmen, reach out to them and their parents and build that relationship you have with me and build next years team. Pay attention to the junior high kids and set expectations. Get those coaches involved on our lever and work with the Freshmen class as they will be better that the current seniors. Do that and you won't have to adjust ever again. Show us that you care about us outside of football, like you showed me. Coach can I please get a couple of laps in, I need to run. He smiled and said absolutely, can I join you? I shrugged and said let's go.
We walked to the track and did three laps with me letting him set the pace. When we were finished I said, well that wasn't bad for an old man. He laughed put his arm around me and said, let's get to work. Coach, look up at the bleachers and when he did he said just smile and wave. On the way up to the locker room I said coach, I'll need 15 minutes with the team, no coaches. He said fine and send them down and you sit in the bleachers. I laughed and said absolutely. Oh, it's tee shirts and shorts no equipment.
In the locker room I asked everyone to gather around and I said guys I asked for 15 minutes alone, no coaches. Someone yelled, naturally you got what you wanted. I don't care who said that but any of you can leave and I won't give a fuck. I came early to run a couple of laps. Yup, I know there might be 3 or 4 of you that would understand that but it's what happened. Coach sat down and we had a long talk. He asked if we would adjust to him and I told him it didn't work that way. The program is too new. He needed to understand us, work with us and help those who would need it with college and recruiting. I explained that he needed to set the expectations in Junior High and involve those coaches with us and the same with the JV. Sell the program to them and they can accept it or move on. It's too late for the juniors and seniors to buy in, we have already bought in to something else. Coach Weston cares about all of us he just needs to show it to us as individuals. He will help. He will be there. He will be involved personally. What did I get out of it? I reconnected with a guy who saved my football career exactly one year ago, who helped manage my recruiting and who is a mentor and a friend. You will get all that if you want it. Coach would like to see you on the track and he has something to say. Just go as you are no equipment. Today was me giving one for all now join the coach.
They filed out silently and I didn't know if they were stunned, pissed off, confused or what. They were gathered around the coach for a good 10 minutes and coach started to run and he was slowly joined by everyone. I laughed when it was three laps and they all stopped and gathered around then Wyatt, Carl, Josh and JJ appeared and pointed at me and screamed ALL FOR ONE and waved for me to join them. The coaches and the team ran one more lap. Coach said with the exception of Josh and Todd you are dismissed. See you all tomorrow. I saw coach join Wyatt and Rodrigues and say something and he joined the other two sitting on the bench. JJ said damn why the fuck didn't you do that weeks ago? I said he wasn't ready weeks ago and I would bet a couple of million it was the ALL FOR ONE shout the other day. So JJ what did he say? Mike almost word for word what you said. Well except for the part about you. He said you were the best athlete he has ever coached. That you are the hardest working, most street wise most caring and the hardest and demanding person he has ever coach. Then he said I would take a couple of dozen just like him every year. And the 4 or you, one from each class, to get me on the field? MJ that was Jim. I said fuck, I would have thought Josh. Oh and he picked the four of us. I asked what he was doing tonight and he said dinner with the rents, this being nice to the rents is growing on me. I said well I'm home as well stop down if you get bored. He said count on it around 9. I was putting the roof down and JJ stopped and said MJ, you just turned a very good team into state champs, we all owe you and that comment you made about this is one guy for all got to everyone. See you tonight.
When I pulled into the driveway I saw everyone was home and I was kicking myself for putting the roof down for a 10 minute ride home. I quickly put the roof up and secured it in place and went inside. Megan was feeding the baby, Cole was trying not to look and was drinking what looked like scotch and dad for some iced tea. I grabbed an iced tea and joined them. Cole was in his school golf uniform and I asked him about the match and he said well it was close and we all know they cheated but it was our word against theirs. There needs to be scorers as it gives the game a bad name. We won by 5 strokes but I'm not going to shoot 30 very often. So where was this match, Kennywood? He said some nine hole cow pasture in Mt. Lebanon. Dad asked about practice and I told him is some detail he asked does that end the drama and I said I have no idea but I shot my last bullet. Megan said I have to watch what I eat or this one will be screaming all night again so I'm having i go a garden salad with Italian dressing. You three fight it out. Dad said well I'll order for Megan and I'm getting a dozen wings and fries. Cole said well I'm in with that and said well to keep it one order I'll have what Megan is having. Dad placed the order and he said Mike, I almost forgot, Tim asked me to give you this. I looked at it and it was sealed envelope marked confidential for Micheal J. Simmons, JR. I simply set it aside and dad asked do you know what that is? Dad, I do not and if it was really important Tim would be here explaining it. Dad ordered the food and I refilled the drinks.
Megan finished feeding Ashley and said Mike, it's your turn and dad got up and took the baby and put her on his lap. The food came and I simply looked at Cole and he answered the door, put the food on the table and started opening packages. Dad put Ashley in her bed and she immediately started to cry, I picked her up and said you guys eat the salad will be fine. I put her on my shoulder, walking around and patting her on her back and she burped and then spit up. Megan said, sorry I should have told you about a barf rag you can put her down and she will be fine. I sat down to eat and Cole said dude you stink of baby. I laughed and said well you stink of golf course and had more time to clean up that me. Megan said exactly and continued eating. Once I was done eating I said good night, grabbed my package and went to my place. I sat on the loveseat opened the package and read the first page and just started to laugh. Hillgrove was suing Technologies for breach of contract. No wonder Tim didn't call to explain. One Enterprises was interviewing for a subsidiary, Standard Properties, and there was no signed contract and his word against ours about anything verbal. I called Tim and he said so, did you get a good laugh. I said yup but I only read the first page. Well Mike read the rest because Technology is counter suing him for deformation, filing a false suit, legal fees and damages totaling 1.7 million. Tim, there is no way he has that money. Tim said I know, I just want the publicity. I laughed again and said have a great night.
I thought I would have more fun and took the package to dad who was in his office. I handed him the papers and he started to read and laughed so hard Megan came in and said if you two wake the baby, I kill both of you. She grabbed the papers and started to read and threw them on the desk. Michael, that's just a damn waste of a judges time. Megan I didn't file the suit and it will get tossed and I'll settle for legal fees. She shook her head and left. I looked at dad and said. See how far you little game has gone. I didn't wait for an answer and went to my place.
A little after 9:00 JJ appeared and grabbed an iced tea and we talked for over an hour about everything and nothing. I finally asked about Terri and JJ said, we haven't talked in a couple of days what about Mary Ann? I laughed and said well the same. So they are gaming us? JJ said MJ, do you care? I shook my head and said honestly, I'm tired of this. Let's see what happens on Friday night. I said fine but it an away game and I'm not going to the Tavern. JJ I'm thinking about 5 or 6 of us just going to Eat N Park. The game is in the north hills and it will be late getting back. I might invite Wyatt. I'll check things with his dad as we have a business lunch tomorrow. JJ, I want to go to New York even if we have to leave at 7:30 Sunday to get back for practice. The game is a big one against Central and it is Sat and they play at CMU so there is an extra day. JJ said a Saturday afternoon game? I said yes and it's the first week of school and that all sucks, in a bad way. MJ, I'll go to NY no matter what, just no girls. Then he said I told the rents I wouldn't be long. We said good nigh and I thought about calling Mary Ann and decided against it. I decide to get to bed early and run in the morning.
I was up early and went for a solo run and it was great. Back home I showered and dressed in khakis and a blue dress shirt and dockers and grabbed a navy blazer. On the way to work I stopped for coffee and went to my office. On my desk were the weekly financials and again they were good. I started on the resumes I would interview numbers 2, 3 & 4. I got the versions with all the informations and decided who, on short notice would be available of Friday before a holiday. I studied the documents until 9:00 and made the first call I had a slight preference for this guy and this he was first. He answered with, good morning this is Scott. I said good morning this is Mike Simmons and a while back you submitted a resume to us for a position with Standard Properties. He said Mr. Simmons that is correct. Well Scott I know it is very short notice and I was wondering if you would be available to come in tomorrow morning to talk, I have times available at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00. He was quiet for a moment and he said I can make 11:00. I said great and we will be meeting at our new location on Second Avenue. Wow, that's exciting, I know exactly where that is, the one with NASA logo on the building. I said correct and it will be in the first floor conference room security will direct you. He said thanks and we hung up. With Scott Cleary on board I called Walt Parker and he took 9:00. The final call was to Clay Allison and he agreed to the 10:00 meeting. I called security and asked for a security guard in a blazer at the new building from 8:45 till 10:45 and was told that would be from 8:00 till noon and I said great.
I drove to the restaurant, used the valet to park and went inside and secured a table with a view. John was a bit early as well. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and John asked about that and I told him and he said he would try that as well. I asked about Wyatt and he said he is good and looking forward to school. I asked, as a student or a football star? John laughed and said well it better be as a student or it will be a very short football career. Mike he is a very good student and will he play much this week? John, we should be up by a lot so I would think so and a lot depends on Jim's arm. We ordered food and I moved to business. I started with Standard Property and said we have interviews scheduled for tomorrow morning and will have this wrapped up very soon. Mike, I am aware of that process and I don't consider you change in direction anything but positive. I said thanks and we have made progress with Architects. Three have been identified and meetings will be scheduled with your approval. Our suggestions are Astorino, Burt Hill and WTW. Mike that are all on our approved list. We will have people available for these meetings. Finally, the construction structure is set and I am meeting with the Union people next week. Mike, that is exceptional progress and more than expected. Mike, the firm that designed your building why weren't they considered. John, they are a very small boutique firm and I don't believer they could do this type of project. Of you want them included, I'll do that. No, that's fine I was curious. We talked about a potential schedule and I wanted things to slow down and I asked about working agreement between Enterprises and Highmark and I was told that they would reach out to my legal team after the Holiday.
I asked about his plans for the long weekend and he said nothing special and mostly time at the club and Wyatt wants clothes for school. I said yup Wednesday is a big day as it's my senior year. He asked what I was doing and I said well dad and Megan are grounded with Ashley but Cole and I were considering flying to New York to the cabin and the Winery. A lot of that depends on the practice schedule. Dad has a place up in the finger lakes that he got from is dad and there is what he calls a cabin which in reality is a 6 bedroom palace. I'm hoping we don't practice Monday and we get the day off. If we go it will be wheels up at 7:00 Saturday. Mike, who flies the plane? I smiled and said I do and if JJ is along he is copilot. John that all started right after football last year and I am multi engine certified for a complex plane. This year after football I starting instrument certification and jets. John the trip would be Cole, JJ, Josh and I would invite Wyatt if you would be ok with that. I won't put you in the middle and would not even ask him unless you agree. John it is just a time to relax, just guys and we would waterski any swim. I need to chat with my people at the Winery. Mike you conveniently left out drinking and other things. John, there would be beer but keep in mind JJ and I can't drink within 24 hours of a flight. There would be no drugs as none of us are into that. We are not hyped up jocks looking to have a drunken orgy. John think about it and if you and your wife are ok with it have Wyatt ask if he can go with us. Him and Cole, a Junior, will get along fine.
John one last thing Hillgrove is suing Technologies claiming there was a verbal contract. He doesn't even have the right corporation. John laughed and said well I would guess he is dead in this town. Mike, the Tavern was crazy and it was nice for Wyatt to be the center of attention. Oh, he loved the iced tea. I've checked you and JJ out enough that if you want Wyatt can go to New York. My dad is coming for the game and if Wyatt plays they will be up all night breaking down plays. You better have a great game or you will hear about it in detail from Wyatt. With that I paid the bill and we went on our way with a meeting and lunch scheduled for the following week. Waiting for our cars John asked Mike, just so I know how many places around here is ice tea something different and more adult. I asked for me or for Wyatt? John laughed and said for Wyatt? Well just the Tavern and only when you are there. John we are all respecting his age and I'm a responsible adult. Mike you are 17. I said correct and an emancipated minor, so I would be charged as an adult if I did anything crazy. Mike, if Wyatt wants to go on that trip he will bring it up tonight. I said that's great and enjoy your holiday.
I drove home checked in with Megan and Ashley and went to my room to relax before the walk through. I stayed around cleaning up a few things and running the dishwasher not wanting to be at practice early, enough of that was enough. When I got to the locker room Jim, Wyatt and a kid I didn't know were all talking with Coach I thought now what. As I was leaving for the field I realized that the third kid was Adam the starting JV QB and he was getting varsity equipment and a uniform. On the field Wyatt told a bunch of snaps and then Adam took the rest. Jim just stood by and offered suggestions. At the end of practice Coach said guys tomorrow 4:30 in the cafeteria and should you win tomorrow no practice Monday. As usual we all stayed around and this time it was Jim and he said guys, I asked coach to be the one to tell you this Wyatt is QB1 and if we get a big lead tomorrow Adam will play. If I need to play it will be a lot of runs and short passes. At some point I'll have surgery and try to get this fixed. He simply said ONE FOR ALL and matching his quiet tone we said ALL FOR ONE. I went up to him and asked how's the head? Mike, it was an easy decision, I'm here and ready if necessary and will teach these kids, I put my are around him and we walked tot he locker room. I was pretty much devastated as this was not the season I had hoped for.
I decided to simply shower at home when Wyatt asked for a ride home. I smiled and said dude, you don't want a ride you want to talk. He said yes and please. I said let's go and you like me can shower at home, I need to get the fuck out of here.
A number or people have asked for a cast of characters. Here are most of the ones that come and go in the story. I apologize for the random listing, I had to look some of these characters up.
Mike
Adam Finnegan - Mike, Sr college roommate and attorney, no longer in the picture
Brian Cain - Replace Adam as company attorney, replaced by Tim.
Tim - Mike's current attorney replaced Brian
Jeff Bosh - QB1 to start Mike's junior, juvenile detention, car accident, wheelchair
Ray - Mike's cousin, Valley Forge Military Academy, Air Force recruit for football
Carrie Carter - Mike's ex-girlfriend and general issue throughout
Sam Carter - Carrie's brother and QB who transferred
Coach Warner - Mike's first high school Coach
Coach Weston - AD and current coach
Sean - VT friend and future teammate
Rodrigues - VT friend and future teammate
Coach B - VT head Coach
Coach Conn - VT asst. Coach
Ruth - Mike Sr. longtime secretary fired by Mike, hired at startup which was sold
Nancy - school athletic secretary
Maggie - head of HR
Colton - Mike's hair dresser and Ryan's boyfriend
Ryan - first house keeper, sometime accountant, Colton's boyfriend
Josh - Junior middle linebacker
Major Jim Messer - Mike's PR guy, former astronaut and special advisor
JJ Messer - Mike's best friend, teammate and son of the Major.
Riley - Mike's former asst. current company COO and engaged to Jack Mc Blaine
Jack McBaine - Big time Fighter pilot, retired now runs Robotic department
Jace McBaine - former navel cadet, sports injury, runs Winery project
Mike, Sr - Mike's dad
MJ - special name for Mike
Hillgrove - former head of Standard Property
Dillon - Mike's former assistant and now company CEO
Kyle Williams - President old company PHD in comp Sci from CMU
Liam O' Toole - Cole caddie
Cole - Mike's step brother, golfer, son of Megan
Megan - Mike Sr. Wife and mother of Cole and Ashley, federal judge
Dr. Johnson - high school principal
Zaid - Mike's asst. recently fired
Colleen - the Simmons current housekeeper
Allen Clarkson - high school player on opposing team - VT recruit.
Rob - high school basketball player ties with JJ and Carrie
Sally - Mike Sr. Second gold digging wife, lasted a couple of months
Jim - Mike's close friend, QB1 with arm issues
John Carson - Highmark CFO, business associate and father or Wyatt
Wyatt Carson - freshman high school QB and John's son.
Chad - high school linebacker, West Point recruit.
Clark - manager Oakmont
Mike - manager South Hill CC
Amy - company executive secretary and Ruth's replacement.
Jordan - company CFO
Dr. Drennan - Mike's medical doctor
Dr. Collins - retired medical doctor.
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