Wednesday brought one of the best Fall days that can't be beat. The leaves were at their Autumn peak and the colors were fantastic. It was also interview day and dinner at South Hills and there would be no special drinks. I showered and in spite of what of what I wanted I put on my favorite suit and a light grey shirt, no tie and dress shoes. I was wondering how casual I could look dressed like this. There wasn't much room as I had told The Major I would dress up today. Then at the last minute changed to Khakis and a semi formal shirt, brown belt and a navy jacket. There was still no tie but I shoved one in my pocket for dinner. Then still unsure I changed the shirt to a classic light blue shirt and cordovan loafers. I was now running later than I wanted but the ride to school was easy enough. I walked into English class just as the bell was ringing and simply sat down and was thrilled to see a substitute teacher. We were given a reading assignment and while pretending to read, occasionally simply turning a page, I went over some questions that I thought Diane would ask. History and Physics were normal and I was done for the day as I had study hall last.
The drive to the office was easy for a change and I simply laughed when I pulled into the lot with all the trucks with ABC logos. In the building the place was all pumped up and the excitement was more than obvious. As soon as I got off the elevator Amy said that Liam asked that I go to his office as the stage is off limits. I laughed at the "stage" comment and would clearly ignore that and if the room was rearranged there would be a serious one way conversation. At my office I put my laptop case on the desk and took out the 4 pictures and as they were small they made a nice setting on the far end of the file cabinets. The director came up and we shook hands and he asked Mike, it's 63 degrees out would you be ok with starting this outside? I shrugged and said sure. Well would it be ok if we moved some furniture out there? I said sure and that I haven't had a chance to place things out there and there is nothing special to me out there yet. With that I opened a file drawer and put my laptop in then closed and locked the door. Liam appeared and just stood there looking at me and I laughed and said well, I don't take directions well. He laughed out loud and said, no shit.
In Liam's office we were chatting and he said he had fought all morning about things being moved and I'm glad your here. Just then make-up came in and Liam and I both started to laugh. I politely told them, no thanks and when they pushed back, I simply said GET OUT. Liam shook his head and said, I guess you are ready. The director appeared and said Mike, 15 minutes and Diane will be outside and you should join her asking if she enjoys the view. Oh, they will be in directly to set the microphone. It's wireless and will be virtually invisible. He turned to leave and stopped at the door and asked Mike, how much do you know about the history of this location? Liam responded dude, how many hours do you have? Well Mike, have a great interview. The sound technician arrived almost immediately and I was wired up. Liam and I were chatting and he asked me what questions would I be uncomfortable answering? I simply replied money and football. Liam money because it isn't anyones business and football because I don't want to fuck things up. A few minutes later a guy stuck his head in and said Mike, we are ready for you.
In my office I found dad talking with Major Jim and Megan chatting with Diane and Dillon immediately teamed up with Liam. I went over to dad and the Major and asked is this an execution or a coronation? Dad laughed and Jim replied well I guess that depends on your mood and how focused your are. I looked at dad and asked have you looked at my file cabinets? Dad looked and turned to Jim and said Major, he will be fine. I went over to Megan and gave her a hug and thanked he for slowing the Federal Court system to a halt. I shook hands with Diane and she asked so you ready? I smiled and said well that depends on the questions. The director came over and said Mike we are not doing retakes and please be aware of your language. Diane added Mike, I get that reminder before every shoot. Mike the only scripted part is the start after that it is what it is. I smiled and said perfect.
Diane went outside with a cameraman and as soon as she was situated the director said Mike have fun and I walked outside. When I was about 10 feet away I had a big smile and said, hi Diane thanks for making the trip, I always enjoy our meetings. She asked do you spend a lot of time out here the view down the Mon is great? Well, I haven't been here long enough but it's hard not to like the view and the Fall leaves and great weather all make it a wonderful day in the neighborhood. She laughed and asked do you know Fred Rodgers? I said nope but I never miss an opportunity to plug a local celebrity. Mike, this is the third time I've been here and the progress is unbelievable and I understand the two building are located on Phoenix Way as it represents what you raised from the ashes. Mike what was here that turned to ashes and sprung these two fantastic buildings? Well Diane we could go all the way back to the French and Indian war but to the point in 1886 Mr. Jones and Mr. Laughlin founded J & L Steel. It expanded across the river and was eventually connected by that bridge back there. It's called the Hot Metal Bridge. Diane during WWII there was so much molten steel transported across that bridge that is was one of the most secure and protected structure in the country. I hope we find a way to make it useful again. Mike there is still a lot of space here for development will you continue building on this site? I shrugged and said yup. Diane laughed and said well you haven't changed as you answer a question the way it was asked. Why don't we go inside and see if I can get more information out of you?
We walked back inside simply chatting and I figured this part would be cut but remained careful as to what I said being totally aware the microphone was live. We sat in the club chairs with our backs to my desk and the wall. Diana immediately asked who designed the office? Diane it was done in the initial drawings and Bruce at the dealership and I developed the furniture and it was meant to reflect the steel, glass and aluminum on the outside. Mike your office has the only solid wall in the building, why is that? Diane, dad's office is next to mine and I didn't want him to know what I was doing. She laughed and said, how about a serious answer? I smiled and said that was more than partially true but I want a way to reflect what and who are important to me. Mike, there are a few interesting items on the row of file cabinets and some appeared today will you talk about those things. I smiled, indicating a better question and said well the Jet is a Cessna Citation VI and I actually have that on order. Oh, I'm certified to fly that and it will make travel time to and from VT easy. The Shuttle is autographed by the entire crew and was commanded my Major Jim Messer who plays a big part in the company and my development. He is a very key member of my organization. We don't have to get into Mr. Carnegie as by now everyone knows how I feel about him.
The 4 pictures, which were set there about an hour ago became available last night. Pap, was one of the most influential person in my life. He is not in the same league with my dad but dang he was influential. He ran the Edgar Thompson plant for years and one day simply retired and sold his house and he and grandma moved to the Finger Lakes. Mike, that's a perfect lead in to the Winery but let's talk football? I smiled, for about the hundredth time and said sure. Mike, the viewers might not be aware but we have been following you team with a crew since training camp. Has that distracted your team? Diane, we are all aware of their presence but to be honest we are who we are and we have gotten used to them being around. Diane, we are a very different group of guys. With three exceptions we have been together since 5th grade. The exceptions are important as JJ, Wyatt and Rod, our kicker, needed to adjust to us. We lost a couple of key players and one was and to a degree remains an issue. Since 5th grade I can count on one hand the number of games our group have lost, as a group. We do that by working our tails off and preparing like crazy. We are tight as a unit and as a team but we have our own lives and football isn't the be and end of all. I would bet that we are the only high school team in the country that hasn't had a team party. We tried that and it didn't work and the administration laid the law down and we accepted that.
Mike, that's all accurate and nice but all you guys do is fight amongst yourself and take on causes that offend you. My count is that you have at school board meetings and even in Federal court supported your stepbrother and another golfer. Then I believe there was an event that caused the quarterbacks to share time. According to our people there was an intense meeting involving the high school principal. I immediately got tense and said well your people weren't in that meeting. Dr. Johnson was there what happened at that message was that we had a discussion of what it would take to play on our team. The message was get with the program or get out, there would be no hard feelings. It is and will remain for the rest of the season ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE, work you butts off, be prepared, have a life outside football and keep your grades up and share credit. If you can't do that we will win without you. Mike, I get the impression that you just described yourself. I laughed and said Diane, our team is a heck of a lot more than Mike Simmons.
Diane, we are a tight unit. We are not the only championship caliber unit in our building. We have a state championship team, a cross country district champion and one of the best golfers on the planet which will translate to a championship golf team. The standard for all this is the standard and I'm not involved in most of that. Look at any championship high school team in the country and you will see some version of our standard. With that the director said well that's a wrap for the day.
I looked at Diane and asked so will we be playing softball again tomorrow? She laughed and said well you defused the football but tomorrow is the Winery, government contracts and Enterprises and VT. I smiled and asked we still on for dinner? She replied sure and I understand we are going to your club. Diane I belong to a number of clubs and if it wasn't 40 minutes away we would be going to Oakmont as that's the club where I am truly comfortable. South Hills is basically dad's club and I am a junior member. Latrobe is simply too far away and the Duquesne club is way too stuffy. Basically our staffs have picked the site for dinner. Mike, let's just have a good time and it's all off the record. Diane, nothing is off the record as it will come back at some point. She smiled and said correct.
Major Jim pulled me aside and said great job with football but the tough shit looks like she is saving for tomorrow. Jim, I'm aware and on guard at dinner, are you coming? Mike, I'll be there with Liam and your dad and Megan. Diane is bringing her personal assistant, be nice. Dad was all smiles and simply said good job. Megan joined in by saying that was impressive but it's Act 2 that brings it home. We hugged and I headed for the car and drove home. There I jumped into the shower and was figuring out what to wear. It needed to be appropriate but not better than the norm. Image and what I was wearing was always important to me. I finally settled on my favorite suit and a white shirt and a power red tie which I changed to a blue and red tie. With that all decided I drove to the club.
There Mike, the club manager, welcomed me and I was shown to a private dining room and was told that my dad had requested it. I laughed and asked if he was sure? He told me that it was so unlike my dad that he rechecked. I went in the room and Jake was immediately asking what I was drinking and I said iced tea and he looked and I slightly shook my head and indicating regular iced tea. Liam was there and he looked around and said well this will eliminate the usual interruptions. Liam, I hope so but with dad you never know, there might be a reception line. Jake returned with my drink and Liam ordered a beer. When he returned there was Liam's beer and a scotch and a wine and I knew dad and Megan were there. I asked about Cole and was told Latrobe for practice. I just shook my head and was hoping he wasn't overdoing it. Diane and her assistant came in and she was smoking hot. She was about Liam's age and he couldn't keep his eyes off her. They ordered drinks and we all took our seats and I was surprised that there were two empty seats. I looked at dad and he shrugged, indicating he had no idea. I was starting to get up set with the pace of dinner, meaning we hadn't seen a menu yet.
Just as I was about to say something to Jake the door opened and there stood Cole and behind him was AP. I laughed as neither of them had a jacket on and they sat together and damn the menus instantly appeared. AP said he didn't want to intrude but Cole's ride had to get home and we weren't finished hitting balls so I called ahead and and invited my self. Hell it was a short flight in my jet. I laughed and said I hope to discover that thrill soon. Dinners were ordered and it was a good relaxing time and Cole and I exchanged seats as he wanted to talk with Liam. I was glad to chat wit AP and we talked about the Opens and he laughed and said well it's almost automatic from this point on selected dates things will happen. You and I just have to monitor the activities. Then he said Mike, Cole is ready and I asked him to chat with Liam as he is starting to take too many chances. Try to get Liam to walk the course with him. I know he can't help but him being there will calm the urges. Hell today he hit driver on 3 and hit it OB on 4. If he had hit the fade he wanted he had a sand wedge but why? Hell I took too many chances and he need to think and pic and choose. If he hits driver all day at my place he will shoot 80. I said thanks and asked if he had ever met Diane? Mike, I have not. As dinner was over we went over and introductions were quickly done. I simply left them and joined The Major, dad and Megan in the lounge and I continued with iced tea. I was relaxed as this was a fun day.
Eventually the group changed as dad stayed and the Major drove Megan home and Liam and Cole disappeared and AP and Diane. There were drinks and great conversation and I mostly listened. Then Diane asked Mike, what's with you and AP and the Open? I smiled and said just casual conversation and she surprised me and said that bull shit. You might as well tell me or I'll have it checked out and it will be a discussion tomorrow. Trust me one call to the USGA and they'll spill it all. Diane, we still OFF THE RECORD? Mike, I gave you my word, yes. Ok, I'm the Oakmont representative to the committee for both Open Championships coming to Oakmont. Now can we please change the topic?
AP was just watching all this and I definitely was not over reacting. I changed the topic to tomorrow's schedule and she said same as today and I said just so we are finished in time for me to get to practice. She said perfect as they needed current film of the team, well on you. Diane and her assistant left and AP said Mike, you know she knows Carol? I said well I assumed that and I'll bet that call is being made as we speak. AP agreed and asked so what's the next move? Well tomorrow I'll go to one or two classes so I can practice tomorrow and I'll call Carole and find out what was discussed. Then I'll simply say that I'm on the committee and at some point work in responsible reporting and ethics, in general terms. Practice tomorrow will be closed to the media. Besides it's walk throughs and there will be no hitting. This will be a last minute decision and they will have stayed for no reason. AP laughed and said I hope that works. I smiled and said she won't do anything stupid as she is a Pro? Well you have a busy day and Cole is first. I said that's correct. So what did he shoot today? AP replied 74 and the will be second or third. I said thanks and drove home.
At home I quickly review school work for tomorrow. I finished that quickly and laid out black jeans and a VT shirt that had all the school colors and in spite of that it was still Hot. I tried it on and it was a tight fit showing off every muscle in my chest and the flat abs. The jeans were also snug and fuck, I looked awesome. What I needed however was to hear from Carole or AP but I knew it was a morning thing. I jumped into bed and was quickly asleep.
I was up early and went for a run. I put coffee on and jumped into the shower dressed in the black jeans and the VT shirt and drove to school. Megan was waiting and she was begging me to cut class and go to my place. I explained about class and practice and the interview and gave her a kiss and said I hope to be free tonight. I promised to call after practice. I went to English and History and got excused for work. Once there I went right to Liam's office and the first thing we did was discuss Cole. He said that they had talked late into the evening and that he was comfortable with the course and that he would not hit driver till the 6th hole then 7 and 8. He wanted to be at least 2 under on the front and figured 2 and 3 were the best chances. Next were 5 and 9. Mike, I told him I would be there and all he had to do was keep to the plan. He is paired with that Meyers kid and I know Cole is in his head. It could be close or a blowout. Either way Cole is in a great place and knows the course. Just then Liam's phone rang and when he answered it he listened and said thanks, I'll tell him. Then he said Mike there is a call fro you and Amy will put it through here. When I answered it was Carole we chatted for a minute and she said Mike, I have not heard from Diane or anyone from ABC. I said thanks and I appreciated the information. Well no I had no idea how Diane would approach the USGA stuff and to be honest it was information that was easily available.
It was time to start and the technician came in took one looked at me and asked where in the hell am I to hide the damn wires. Well it turned out that the transmitter was attached to my belt in the back and a wire ran up my spine and the microphone was attached to my collar. Sitting comfortable was another issue. In my office I found dad, Major Jim, Kyle and Dillon and Liam had simply disappeared. I simply sat in the same club chair as the previous day and waited for Diane. When she appeared I stood and we shook hands and I reminded her that I had practice so I had a time limit today. The lights went on and Diane said welcome to day 2. Then I was thanked for dinner and she went right at it with well that was a special guest for dinner last night. I smiled and said Mr. Palmer is around a lot as him and Cole have a special relationship. Mike, do you have a relationship with the King? I shrugged and said yup. Mike, last night it was obvious that there is a bond between you and AP. That wasn't a question so I had no reply. I could tell by looking at her that she realized today would be different. Mike, you indicated you were a member at South Hills, where we had a great meal, Latrobe and Oakmont. You also indicate that Oakmont was your favorite, why is that? Well it is one of the best golf courses on the planet, business connections and it is the one Club where I am totally relaxed. Mike what about South Hills? I grew up there and I am a junior member but pay my own way and before you asked the Latrobe membership was a gift for doing a favor for AP. I will be renewing that membership soon.
Just then the director said ok, let's take a break. I got up and started to dad and the Major and the director stopped me and asked for a minute. I said sure and motioned for the Major to join us. The director asked Mike, yesterday you were smiling and more cooperative, did something happen at dinner that caused a change in your mood? I smiled and said not at all. He thought for a minute and asked so what happened today? Well, yesterday we played slow pitch softball and today seems to be the same and I'm board and apparently I was mistaken when I through dinner was off the record. As for cooperation, I have answered each question asked in a proper format. Besides all that I haven't had to think about an answer to a question yet. He said thanks and went and talked with Diane. A few minutes later he came back and asked if I wanted to start over? I shook my head and said not at all you can edit out what you want as at this point I don't give a fuck. He smiled and said well this will be fun as both of you are pissed off.
We took our seats and Diane started with Mike, yesterday you mentioned your grandparents and the Finger Lakes what made that special. That brought the first smile of the day from me and I said well at a very young age as dad grew the company I spent a lot of time there. I learned to swim and it was a special time and I'm just starting to remember all that. Mike why the memory lag? I shook my head and said those pictures over there are the start of me finding out. Mike, is that relationship what got you interested in the Winery that you bought? I hear it has had a record year. Diane, I don't own the Winery as we were at dad's place for a company retreat and a number of people suggested we buy It. I hold shares as does Enterprises and a number of investors do as well. The sale also included a number of shares for the former owner and founder. In setting up the corporation I was elected managing partner and that happened without me voting my shares or the shared held by Enterprises. As for a record year all I can say at this point is that it was a much better year than the previous 2 years. That was a very low bar. The day to day stuff is run by the former owner and a General Manager. Diane it is a work in progress and to my surprise it looks like we turned a profit.
Mike, you have mentioned Enterprises a number of times can we talk about that? Major Jim was signaling to end this. I said Diane I would love you but I have practice and if I don't make that I can't play tomorrow. Mike, can we pick this up after practice. I reached for a note pad and a pen from the table and wrote Heather and a phone number and handed it to Diane. She looked and asked who is Heather? I said my girlfriend and you will need to tell her why her and I can't hang out tonight. That brought laughter from the room.
There was a chat between Diane and the director and as I was having the wires removed they asked if 7:00 tonight would work? I smiled and said if it's ok with Heather and went to Liam's office. Major Jim walked me to the car and said Mike, they finally realized they fucked up yesterday and very little of that will be aired. I shrugged and said that's fine. Then he said Mike, she has a couple of hours and this evening won't be a walk in the park. Well Jim, they are about to find out who the real Mike Simmons is and I'm completely ready.
At school I went right to the coach and asked if we could have a closed practice today? Mike, why would we do that? Well closed to the media as I've had two days of interviews and because they played slow pitch soft ball on the first day, I have to go back tonight. Besides ABC will be here for the game Friday and I would like to talk with the guys and apologize for the additional drama. He shook his head but said, I'll get that done but don't fuck with the team. I laughed and said, WHO ME?
Practice was the typical Special Teams and the walk through and a light workout. When we were finished Coach called us together and said that Mike had asked for some time together as a team. At his request the media were blocked from practice tonight. If you need anything the coaches will be the locker room.
Guys, for the last 2 days I have been interviewed by ABC News and unfortunately they will be here tomorrow and it will be more than the usual crew. I'm sorry for that and I tried to avoid it, it was simply beyond my ability to control. There are 23 seniors on this team and 22 of us have been together since 5th grade and we have worked our fucking asses off and we were the principal players in last years championship. This however is our year and we deserve this recognition, this is our night. I know there are people from other years on this team that have contributed and I'm sure they will claim their time. That's not to divide us because it is how it is, every year when people move on and while we might be playing our last game in our stadium we need everyone involved. We want the entire roster to play tomorrow and we want to win. Sunday night when this shit airs on national TV I want and you should want the nation to know we are the best. I started to walk away then stopped and quietly said ONE FOR ALL and it was the loudest ALL FOR ONE that I had ever heard. It was a quick shower and another stop for fast food and a large coffee and I headed for the office.
As soon as I got there I was wired for the microphone and I went to a closet which was a shelf with doors and part of the files behind my desk, found an Enterprises coffee mug and filled it from my take out cup and sat down. As soon as we started I asked Diane, do I still have a girlfriend? She laughed and said Mike, she was most gracious and said that you didn't need her approval. Mike, this afternoon we tried to get some films of practice and the media was barred from the facility, did you do that? Diane I can't do that but I asked that be done as it could very easily be our last game in our stadium. I guess I have some pull at school. Tomorrow is Senior night and the 23 seniors have worked hard for this and 22 of us have been waiting for this night since 5th grade. Mike, will we be permitted there for the game? I said Diane, absolutely.
Mike we came back tonight to talk about MJS Enterprises, what would you like to tell us? I simply laughed out loud and said absolutely nothing. What would you like to know? She looked at me and replied everything. I shrugged and said well we better negotiate. Mike, let me try another way. What is MJS Enterprises. Diane it is a privately held cooperation registered in Pennsylvania with corporate offices located at 100 Phoenix Way. Mike, what business does it conduct. Diane it does a lot of things. It's a real estate company doing business as Standard Property. Mike, what else? It is a law firm, an accounting firm and it developers new companies and sends them on their way. Each of those entities is a separate corporate organization. Oh, we have a facilities component attached to Standard properties. Mike, who is the owner of Enterprises? I leaned back and said I am. Specifically I own the stock, all of it. Mike, does Enterprises own anything? Yes, 100 and 101 Phoenix Way and very soon 102 Phoenix Way.
She was quiet for a second and I knew I had just given her more information that she was ready for. Mike how does that all work? I laughed and said well it isn't complicated as the tenants in both buildings simply pay rent. So Mike a corporation you run and own pays rent to a cooperation you run and own. I simply replied yup. She looked and I said Diane these are two privately held cooperations and I have 51% or more of both so while we are intertwined we are legal. The Winery is separate and Enterprises is responsible for accounting, payroll and Human Resources. The Winery reimburses Enterprises for these services. This isn't complicated. We don't hide anything and yearly I have an independent accounting firm do a forensic audit. Both corporations make money and we even pay taxes.
Mike how will all this work when you are playing football in Virginia? Diane the first night I indicated that I would have a Cessna Citation VI jet at my disposal. Hell, I could be home in under 90 minutes and back before breakfast. Mike, what about classes? Diane I walk in there in June as a sophomore. So it's fine, I'll take the minimum classes, then summer school and finish in 3 years and be home running the company. I'll have both a degree from VT and a Masters from CMU. That was all negotiated in the recruiting process.
Mike what about the two planes and who flies them and who pays for want. I said seriously, my step mom is a federal judge do you think we play around with that. There are 5 of us that fly the planes and everyone had their FAA log book looked at and copied the costs were divided up considering personal use, Enterprise use, Technologies and Winery use. The appropriate entities were reimbursed and we review that monthly. As Enterprises had paid all the bills legal pays attention.
Mike, with all this what is your net worth? Diane it is more than I need but not as much as I want. However, my Pap retired early and I'm hoping that has rubbed off on me. Heck dad is semi retired and he isn't 50. Diane, I hope to see you Friday. Thanks.
I quickly drove home after leaving instructions with security to make sure things were cleaned up appropriately. At home I called Heather and she answered saying damn that big time reports called me tonight and said she needed you tonight. Mike, you will do anything not to have sex. I laughed and said trust me it was not a pleasant evening. Do you want to go to the Tavern after the game? Sure remember I'm also a senior. Hey babe, how is your old man? Mike, you poached one of his top guys. Heather, I didn't but Tim did and you dad should treat the minions better. She laughed and said I'll see you in school. With that I jumped into bed.
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