Monday morning brought an alarm buzzing and much colder weather. I put on sweats and a hoodie and sure enough JJ was there there bitching about the cold and dressed like an Eskimo. Well not actually but a quilted vest and sweatpants and I would bet long underwear. I laughed and said JJ, I bet your not commando. He said shut up as my nuts are frozen as it is and he started off at a good pace. I hurried to catch up and it was a fun run. When we finished he said MJ, see what you would miss if you took of for Virginia. I laughed and said JJ it isn't even cold yet. It turned out it was 29 degrees and I turned on the coffee and jumped into a hot shower. I considered shaving but was liking the scruffy look and it made me look older. I dressed in Khakis and a good long sleeve shirt and tried on a few sweaters and none fit and that meant shopping. I simply decide on the only jacket that wasn't too wam and that was my letterman's jacket and dove to school. Heather was there and I asked if she was free yet and she said nope and reminded me it was my fault and that dad sent another offer to Tim. I shrugged and said well he is pissing into the wind. Classes were good and I signed out of gym and started towards the office. Almost immediately change my mind and drove to The Tavern. There I asked the owner if he had any idea about the beer and he said well it was you and Josh and apparently JJ simply ran over his as there was glass all over the parking lot. He said he sold no 6 six packs and had no idea. I said thanks and dove to work.
Traffic was a mess and I got madder and madder and by the time I got to the office I was really pissed off. I blew right past Amy and went straight to my office and found Liam and Dillon sitting at my conference table and asked, do you need me for something and I was told not yet. Ok then find a place to work other than here. They looked at each other and went next door to Liam's office and I reached for the remote and lowered the blinds. I picked up the phone and called Tim and asked for him to come to my office as I had an issue. Tim was right there and I told him about Friday night at the Tavern. Mike, it's a long shot and hopefully an isolated event but it is team related and not personal at least on the surface. Tim, anything else? Oh, another offer from the same firm and I responded with two words, NO THANKS. Then I set up an. Interview with my classmate who works there. That might get ugly. I said thanks and Tim left.
Apparently my mood was common knowledge and Major Jim just cam in, sat down and asked ok, what the fuck is your problem today? You walked in here in a mood and I suggest you get out of here or grow the fuck up. It is obvious that a weekend away wasn't helpful. Jim it has nothing to do with the fun weekend. I have things to do and I come in here and people with their own office are working here, I'm having a fucking lock installed on my door. Look Mike you designed this space so like the rest of us deal with it. Then he got up and raised my blinds. He sat back down and asked so are you ready to talk about the interview? Jim, I am not as I need to find out why I was stopped twice by police for drinking violations. Mike, you were stopped once as we all know about the first time. Why did it take you till this afternoon to get pissed about this? Mike, I don't really care how pissed you are, Tim and I were working on this all weekend and if you would pull your head out of your ass and calm down, you knew that as JJ was involved and we are aware of Josh. Now can we talk about the damn interview or are you prepared to just deal with what I figured out with no input? I took a deep breath and asked what's up for discussion? Jim said well dinner on Wednesday is at South Hills and Megan and Liam, if he is still willing, will be there as well. Mike, lighting wants to know what your are wearing? I replied jeans and a tee? Jim stood up and said message me before you leave, I'm done. He stood up and I screamed Jim sit. You have told me off three ways from Sunday and if if you think that improves my mood it hasn't. Why can't I wear jeans and a tee? Mike you are not Steve Jobs and you are not a complete slob. So what is it? Wednesday is khakis and a dress shirt and tie and Thursday black jeans and a VT shirt. Jim thought for a minute and said dress code and I smiled and said, owner. Jim, I need to be who I am for this shit and dressing like an old school business dude, well that isn't me. Jim said well at least it isn't a VT tee shirt. Jim, who made the dinner change? Mike, I did and I'll bet you had already thought about it. There is no part of this that can be anything but professional. Ok Mike, what pissed you off? Jim the 40 minutes to get here as people can't drive and then people camped out working in my office. They both have big offices and one is a few feet away and I had and still have shit to do. Jim reached for my phone and handed it to me and said call the head doctor now. Jim, I know I should do that but please tell me where there is a spot open on my calendar? Jim looked at me and said Mike, figure it the hell out but before Wednesday would be good. Jim, I'll figure it out but I really need to talk with dad and my mood is more a reflection about that than anything. It's personal and I'm really upset. I took the phone and hung it back up.
Jim looked at me and asked so what happened at the cabin? I smiled and said my special order furniture was delivered and I remembered some shit. Yes, the furniture was very much like what Pap had in the original cabin. That's all I'm going to say. Oh, from what I hear the film crew liked Jace and he was accommodating. The Major stood up and said well we both have work to do and you need to start with those two characters next door. Just before he got to the door, I said Jim. He stopped and asked now what? I smiled and said thanks. He just shook his head and walked out.
I started towards Dillon and Liam and my phone rang and when I picked it up it was Heather. As soon as I said hi babe, she excitedly said Mike, I'm free can we please do something this evening. I thought for a minute and said well how about a quick bite to eat and the mall? She laughed and said, well a quick bite to eat and desert at your place would be great. I laughed and said babe, that actually sounds good. I was waiting on my laptop to boot and saw both Dillon and Liam looking and I waved to them to come over. They left whatever they were working on on Liam's conference table and started over. I got up moved to the club chairs and said guys have a seat. Once we were all seated I told them that I was in a bad mood and that it was personal with dad and I shouldn't have taken it out on them. Dillon laughed and said damn, I had no idea you two ever fought. I just ignored that and said well you two can use this office and the balcony whenever you want, well when I'm not here. They both said thanks at the same time and while I smiled but my radar started registering a blip in the distance. We were chatting about general shit and I finally asked, so what are you two working on? Liam replied that there were checking out the office for the interview and started to talk and simply sat down. Mike, it's tossing a few idea around and nothing to bother you with. I let that pass and asked if the office met with his approval and Liam said it's pretty good and a work in progress. Liam, it will always be a work in progress, especially the wall. With that we went about our individual business.
The financials were good but more flat that up and I mended to chat with Kyle. I sent emailed to Kyle and Heidikamp asking for a meeting hopefully for tomorrow as the rest of the week was a complete cluster fuck. I was actually considering blowing school off on Tuesday and then thought I better save that. With that I closed up the computer and started to the car for practice, well movie night. The ride to practice was less traffic and the more I was along the worse my mood got. Then I laughed as I remembered desert with Heather. I was in an ugly mood, mad and was hoping that didn't reflect what would happen when we were naked and fucking. While I didn't want sex like that, it appeared like everything else I'm my life the choices were limited and getting fewer by the day. I simply needed to survive the week and hope Cole played well on Saturday and that the weather was decent.
At school and the movie session I sat in the back but was paying attention. It was Senior recognition and I didn't want to fuck up. From what I was seeing on the films, I would have to work at it to fuck up. They were a very young team and would start to be a problem for Wyatt and whoever in two years. I was however not going to take them lightly. As soon as the film session was over Wyatt found me and asked if I was doing films tomorrow? I smiled and said sure, if I'm still invited. Mike, granddad asked me to try to get you there. Wyatt, relax I'll be there. JJ and I walked to where we were parked and we discussed Saturday and decided we would drive as it was actually easier than a plane trip. He told me that there were a ton of kids from school coming to support Cole. He asked what I was doing later and I told him Heather was free. He laughed and asked if I was chaining her to my bed? I said nope but dinner and then desert. Damn Mike, even I never called fucking a chick desert. We both laughed and I drove to get Heather.
I was dreading going inside as I wanted to avoid her dad and that dipshit brother. No worries as she flew out the door as soon as I pulled into the driveway.she jumped in the car and said get me out of here. I laughed and asked so where we eating and she said your place and we can order in but desert first. While I found that amusing I shrugged and said sure. She wasn't kidding as soon as the door was closed she was all over me kissing and tugging to get my shirt off. I was content to let it happen when she complained that I wasn't into it and before she knew it she was naked on her back on my bed. I slipped a rubber on and knelt between her legs and grabbed her hands and pulled them above her head and shoved my cock as hard and as deep as it could and she yelled, Fuck harder and apparently I couldn't be rough enough. That actually turned me on and I drilled her harder and faster till I filled the condom. I leaned in and kissed her and she said again and this time longer and harder. I laughed and stood up to remove the condom and she grabbed my cock pulled me over and swallowed my cock to the toot and sucked the condom off and swallowed my load. She laughed and said well desert was fun. I said good as I'm hungry so a quick shower and food, then back here and let's see if you really what it longer and harder.
The shower was quick and we drove to the Tavern and the food was good, as usual. We talked about school and I asked why she was so horny and she said Michael, I told you I need a more physical relationship and tonight was almost perfect. I asked, almost? Well, that was as adventurous as you have been and it was fun. I just shook my head and my phone rang and when I looked at it, I saw it was dad. He simply said when will you be home as I get the idea you need to talk. Taking advantage of that I said well I'll be right there. When I hung up I looked at Heather and said well it my turn to fight with a rent so you will have to wait on seconds. She said fine but your sexy ass needs to be available before the game on Friday. I smiled and said well I'll read up on aggressive sex. With that I drove her home and went to my place.
I didn't want to go to the house as I wanted this "chat" with dad on my turf. So once I was calmed down, I called and asked him to please come to my place. I made him a scotch and poured myself an iced tea. Dad was quickly there and I handed him his drink and he looked at mine and I shrugged and said well from this week on football is different and I'm playing by the rules. Dad found that hysterical and he assured me that everyone would be there for the special night. I was not in the mood for idle chat so I said dad, I need answers about Pap and what you have not been sharing with me. I ordered furniture for the cabin and as soon as I saw it I started remembering things. Dad, a few things are not good enough so please tell me about Pap and how the fuck we have so much money. Mike, one thing at a time.
Your Pap was born in 1919 and was the first anyone knew who went to college. He was smart and worked hard. Does that remind you of anyone? Well as soon as he graduated from MIT with an engineering degree WWII was in full swing and he enlisted. He was in the Army and they used his engineering skills to build things like temporary bridges and immediately after D day he spent the rest of the war in Europe. When that was over and he was back here in Pittsburgh he took a job with US Steel at the Edgar Thompson works and in a couple years was married and had 2 kids and was making a lot of money keeping the place running. He moved up quickly and worked a ton of hours. He also had the sense to invest in USS and bought stock in steel and glass. Mike, it was a very profitable investment as it was the best time for steel ever. Things were booming as the economy simply exploded after the war.
Mike it scares me how much you are like him physically. No he didn't work out but he works hard and when there was an issue at the mill he was there with the men working hard and solving the problem. Mike, you are built like him but look different. The hair, eyes, completion and smooth skin are different. You, however, react the same way he did and say many of the same things and in the same way. I am sometimes amazed. Mike, my dad and I were totally different he was very technical and I was as you know more salesman than engineer and used my Engineering degree and knowledge to sell things. While I didn't have the connections dad did from the Army but Lehigh University provided plenty. Returning to Pittsburgh I was hired by one of the biggest engineering firms in the region Dravo Corporation. I was quickly moved into sales as my presentations were very good and I was easily able to explain the technical items in a way that were easily understood. Mike, you know how Adam and I, both making a lot of money, worked together on Technologies his involvement was legal and I immediately understood computers. I was spending hours in the garage working on that inventory program. All of a sudden it was a big thing and my dad funded the startup and provided the cash for me to leave Dravo.
Dad took a drink and I asked if he would pleas get back to Pap? Mike, Bill was born and you mom totally controlled that situation. Just after you were born you Pap abruptly resigned his position with USS and it was a big deal. He simply had enough. He said he had more money than he needed and your grandma was not in the best health. They sold the house and were off to the Finger Lakes and he bought the land from Charlie and it became what it is today. Dad you are not stopping there what about Pap and me? Mike, your Pap really wanted a grandson and Bill was never an option as your Pap and mom always disliked each other. I was really busy with the new company and you would spend weeks up there, you Pap and grandma and they couldn't have been happier and you from the start loved it there. Mike you were 2 when my mom died and Pap took it hard and he simply but all his energy into redoing the cabin and you. Even at 3 & 4 you and him would spend hours on the deck, looking at the lake. I almost shit at 5 when he took you to the rock and you were both naked and he jumped in and begged you to join him. I was watching and you just shrugged, like you do now and ran right off the edge into the water. With no instruction you paddled your way to Pap and got a big hug. Mike, you almost lived there until kindergarten then it was one last summer and Pap had a stroke and I told you he had a heart attack and died. We didn't want you to see him as he was in really bad shape. You cried for a week and then do what you do, locked it away. I'm betting Pap taught you to do that. That's why I kept the Lake a secret. However, as you grew I saw more and more of my dad in you. I never brought it up as I wanted you to remember at you pace but when you built the identical cabin and when I saw the furniture it was time to talk.
Mike, a lot happened between you and Pap up there but both my parents took a lot of pictures. I had them in 2 boxes at the old building and late this afternoon after I got back from your cabin I had them sent to your office. You should take what you want but I want the rest back. Mike, my dad amassed a lot of money and while I no longer have many of the investments he passed on to me. It was a lot and most of that is how I formed your trust. It was Pap's idea and I was told to give you the money with very few limits and to do it before I thought you were ready for that responsibility. Mike, the last words he said was to tell Mikey, I loved him. Dad, why before I might be ready for the money. Well Mike, Pap wanted me to see how good you would be. Also, he said one day he hoped to see you play for the Steelers. I shook my head and said dad, I hope he had more sense than that but he would be disappointed and there will be no Pro Football. Dad refilled his drink and sat beside me and hugged me and said Michael, I love you and you make me very proud. The pictures and a few notes and cards will simply get you what you are looking for. We chatted for a while and dad asked so what we doing with the old building? I said something soon as I want to buy the land next to the building and build again. Dad, I want to break ground right after the first of the year.
Dad didn't say much about that and I felt he knew that was inevitable. So dad, how much money do you have? Mike, enough that you, Ashley and Cole would have a hard time spending it. That doesn't include the money miserly Megan has stashed away. Mike, I laugh every month when Wayne sends a check for Cole's support. Just so you know that's paying for a lot of the golf expenses and that is a staggering number. Then dad surprised me and said Mike, I know you will lose interest in the company and either take it public or simply let Kyle, Dillon and Liam run it and they will be fantastic. You will need freed up for bigger things and I'm betting as a minimum US Senator. Then he said good night and I'll see you at the office tomorrow. Dad, when did you see the furniture? He laughed and said this afternoon, Jack flew me up and it is very close but you will see that in the pictures and he left.
I took a quick shower and jumped into bed and tossed and turned all night. I was up early and went went for a short run and dressed for school and figured fuck the dress code. Then thought better of it and packed better clothes. At school I went right to the Athletic Office and found Coach and outlined my schedule and said that I might be late Wednesday and not there at all Thursday. He wasn't great with all that but agreed with having very little choices. He said that Josh was getting a lot of college interest and that he needed a plan. Coach simply asked me to find a way to get him in so he and Josh could talk. Mike, in many ways he is as hard to read as you and trust me he is very good but not nearly as good as you. I shrugged and said thanks and asked for a note as I was late for English.
It was all I could do to stay at school as I wanted at those boxes dad promised. As soon as I arrived I went straight to the 4th floor and Amy had a few items to discuss and they were easily dealt with as they were building related. Then Kyle waved me in and we discussed the Textron deal and what was appropriate to discuss in the interview. Kyle did not want the two planes and the simulator discussed as compensation and if necessary I should say the package has a lot of moving parts and details will be announced once the deal is finalized. I laughed and said well when we are ready to announce it and I assume that's Monday. He said correct and added that I needed to discuss the Jet as a purchase. There were two other smaller issues and I started to my offices and the boxes. When I got there Dillon and Liam were sitting in the club chairs. I took a deep breath and joined them.
There was concern about me starting a new building project and the added work load. I told them that Liam was an add since the last project and the Allen, the construction manager, had agreed to stay on for another project and in fact would like to be a lifer. I asked about Riley and Dillon said she is really into the operation part of things and has the place running smoothly. There are new incentives and he doubted she would be available. Then I said guys this new project is not a Technologies project and all that needs done is for you guys to alert me of an issue. The Union is totally on board and the plans we used for building 2 are being revised and on the surface it will match that building. I hope to use the 3rd and 4th floor for Technologies and rent the rest of it. The first floor on Building 2 still needs to be a restaurant/bar and I still would like a marina. Then Liam asked if the office was to my liking and is said yes unless there is something in one of those boxes I would want on the wall. Liam, I'm sure there is something that I'll want up there but I'm not tearing the place up to do that.
Dillon and Liam left and out of nowhere Major Jim appeared and simply sat down. Before I could say anything he said well I'm glad you are having a better day but I'm about to stress you a bit. Ok Jim, let's just deal with whatever it is. Well Mike, you are about to have the FBI conduct a security clearance check on you. You head a company with a lot of government contracts and some are sensitive. Since you turned 18 they are suddenly interested. Mike, think of it as a very intense rectal exam. I laughed and said, well if they have nothing better to do. So Jim, any news on the police stops and the random 6 packs? Mike, we are following a few leads and are actually close. I said well please let me know what you find out.
Jim left and I started towards the boxes and Liam appeared and said Mike, they are here to stage your office. Liam just send them up and as a heads up they can do lighting but they aren't staging shit and I'm telling them that. I went over and looked into a box and it was obvious there was no time for this. I called maintenance and had the two boxes put in the trunk of my car and I waited for the crew. The producer and 6 guys arrived and he looked around and said, damn this is nice and will take just a few changes. I asked about the changes and was told he wasn't sure but there are always changes. I laughed and said well work you magic and do what you need but nothing gets moved. This is my office and reflects how I work and this interview needs to reflect that as well. If you are as good as I have heard lighting this room won't be an issue and the glass walls have remote blinds. I tossed him the remote and left the mess for Liam to deal with.
At school it was a typical practice but differed in that there was no drama. The hitting was reasonable and Wyatt took most of the snaps and Clark had his share and yet both appeared satisfied. I did notice Jim on the side tossing a football but pretended that I did not see that happen. As I was dressing after the shower Wyatt asked if I was doing films with his granddad? I looked at he and said asked and answered. Then I laughed and said I'll be there just practicing for the interview. Wyatt, just laughed and said well, I'll see you later.
I was starving and did the fast food drive through and hurried home. It took two trips withe the 2 boxes and the food and when I looked inside there were so many pictures I almost screamed in joy. I quickly found a picture of Pap and Grandma sitting on the balcony and it had to be taken by dad or Janet. I rummaged and found a picture of Pap and I walking back from the woods and I assumed from the rock. I thought I might be 4 or 5. Then there was one of the cabin and as I ran out of time I spied one of the great room and damn my new furniture was very close and there was a bear rug. The pictures were small and I needed frames but they would be great on the file cabinets behind me. I threw on a jacket and left for Wyatt's.
I was last to arrive and took some heat for that but the film session went smoothly and even though I had paid attention yesterday this helped and I picked up two reads that would be helpful. On the way out I thanked Coach Carson and we chatted for a few and he was pleased I saw the two reads. Naturally he had to get a dig in and said well it's nice when you focus. Walking to the car I caught up with Jim and asked so how does the arm feel? Mike, I couldn't throw it through a paper bag but it was nice to be able to lift my arm above my head. Tomorrow I might wish I hadn't done any throwing. Dude, don't push it as I want you in uniform for states. Jim laughed and said just get me there. Jim, that's the plan.
Thanks for the notes and I'm sorry this was so long in coming.
Please, if possible, consider a donation to Nifty, details are available on the home site.