I was up early and knew it would be a long day. While drinking coffee and getting dressed I realized I hadn't seen Charlie or David at all and that pissed me off but it wasn't anything I could do about it. Besides that, I still hadn't gotten to the mall for warm clothes. I struggled for what to wear for the meeting with the league director. He was not only a piece of work but I didn't want to fuck this up. I decided to dress like a well dressed high school kid and it was Jeans a hoodie and my letterman's jacket. I would simply be a high school jock and see how that played. This would be interesting as he might be more direct than me.
I was glad to be at school and I was ready for the classes and the English teacher started on me almost immediately and finally gave up. This was getting ridiculous and I started thinking about next semester and if it was worth the crap. I skipped lunch and stopped to see Dr. Johnson on my way out. I asked about Ace Heilman and Doc laughed and said a real piece of work but that I needed to understand that he runs one of the largest high school leagues in the country and does so with an iron fist. He finally described him as a blow heart with teeth. I laughed at that. The office was in a large office park and they were located in an older office building. Many of the other buildings were newer, more modern and most likely more expensive. The leagues location was on the third floor in Building 9. I was just a bit early and walked up the stairs.
At the office I went in and went right up to the older woman at the counter and said Good Afternoon, I'm Mike Simmons and I have an appointment with Mr. Heilman. She looked at me, smiled and said well your a bit early and I'll let Ace know you are here. I sat down knowing that I would be seen at 12:35. I just zoned out and patiently waited. My phone buzzed and I looked at it and saw it was a Washington DC number and let it go to voice mail. The secretary looked and I decided to just shove it in my pocket again and leave it on. Just then I heard Mike, you can come back. I looked at the secretary and she smiled and shrugged.
I stood in the doorway and simply looked around. What I saw was an understated functional office and lots of pictures on the wall with Ace and various people. So are you going to stand there looking around or are you going to sit down. I smiled and sat down and waited. Mike, how are you free in the afternoon, don't you have classes? Sir, I have morning classes and work release. Ok why do you think I asked you here? Well sir, I'm guessing you want to brief me what to expect if I'm invited to speak with the legislative committee. He said son, they are a difficult group. Sir, I appreciate that but please call me Mike, only my dad calls me son.
It was obvious that he didn't like that but I simply sat quietly and waited for what would come next. I was wondering what if anything he knew about me other that football. Mike, what do you think they want to accomplish? Sir, that the PSAA be much more transparent and stop acting like a good old boys club. How do you think that will impact us? Sir, you have elected to be part of the PSAA and I would assume you would be impacted some. Ace screamed, SOME? Kid you mean impacted a lot. That committee needs to hear a lot of positive things about us and how we are different. So Mike what to you think of our league? Sir we discussed that the other day and I believe I said that it is well run but a bit heavy handed and that you should have more input. I believe I suggested some student input and you asked if I was interested. I remember replying that I wasn't interested as I'm out of here in a game or two. You see about 80% of your revenue comes from tickets sold for the playoffs and that is because of the interest we generate and community spirit. Oh, speaking for myself it is cool playing at the stadium.
I knew that pissed him off but he calmly asked, is that what you would tell the Committee if asked? Sir, some version on that, yes. Sensing this was going to get ugly I asked sir, what do you feel I should say. Well Mike, you should say how honored you are to play in such a great league, how well run it is, how much we care about our student athletes and about the great facilities we play our championships in. How open and direct we are with our member schools. I smiled and said well I'll work some of that in, will there be anything else?
Well Mike how do you feel about the upcoming playoffs and your seeding? I was instantly furious but managed not to react. I smiled that rye smile that AP has perfected and said, well sir we expect to be successful in defending our championship and we all expect that the seeding will reflect our accomplishments as an undefeated team. Well Mike, seedlings are a subjective thing and the committee meets next Monday. Sir, your playoffs will be over by the time I meet with the legislative committee. I have appeared here as requested and at your convenience, I have answered your questions. I have listened to your comments and even agreed to work many of your suggestions into my comments. May I ask you a question? He smiled and said sure. So Mr. Heilman how important is the league's public image to you? He gruffly said VERY.
I was going to leave it at that but he asked Mike, you knew that. I said correct and you know that there is an ESPN crew following our team since training camp, that I could snap my fingers and I would be on TV either another interview or the nightly news and I would get to expound on the state of high school athletics any where from a couple minutes to an hour and that doesn't include the local media. Mike, is that a threat? I smiled and said nope, I just responded to you question, I never threaten. Besides that simply followed your remarks about playoff seeding. Was that a threat? Mike, it was a casual remark. I smiled and said so was mine and I really hope it stays casual, anything else? Mike, why did you come in here today dressed as a high school kid? Sir, I simply came from school. He laughed out loud and said get out of here. I simply did as requested. I stopped and thanked the secretary and wished he a good rest of the day.
In the parking lot I returned the call to David and he said he has a pissed off kid on his hands as Charlie had the stomach flu over the weekend and he wants to see you play. David it is an away game this and was we have things pretty much wrapped up, I don't think I will play much and Cole is playing in York on Saturday. David, we might not play the following week as there will be 15 or 16 teams. Mike, Charlie wants to see you play and Cole play golf. I need a big favor? I'll fly Charlie up and we can go to the game. He could stay with you and you could fly him to York and then to DC either Saturday night or Sunday morning. I took a deep breath and asked which, Saturday or Sunday? Mike, either way my wife will pick him up at the airport and we will play for the landing fees. David, how will he get from the game Friday to my place? Mike, I need to get to the airport and it's close to your place, I'll drop him off and if your not home we will wait for you. David, just go to the house and dad and Megan will be home, or the housekeeper. I won't be long. I'll let you know about the return trip. Oh, dress warm. He said thanks and Charlie will be thrilled.
As soon as I finished that my phone went off again and this time it was Liam. He asked about my meeting with the League Director and I replied well we are still speaking to each other, what's up? Mike, Heidkamp need to meet with your today. I laughed and said well 6:00 at the office as I need to watch films and I'll be there earlier if I can. I'll call him when I'm finished. Then he said he was going with Cole tomorrow for a practice round and asked if that was ok? I said sure and asked what does Heidikamp need? Mike he made an offer on the adjacent lot and wants to know what you want to do. It's for the entire parcel. I said thanks and went looking for lunch as I was starving. This time it was Wendy's and a double burger with tomato and lettuce and fries and naturally a coffee. I was excited about the offer for the land, especially if it was for all the remaining parcels. Moreover it was their offer and it was up to me and dad and Tim. While eating in the car I called dad and asked him to meet me at the office at 6:00. He hesitated until,I told him the agenda. Then I called Tim and he laughed and said I haven't worked past 5:30 in weeks and I'll bring the new guy. Finally as I finished eating I called the Major and asked him to be there as well. The last call was to Liam
to make sure he would be there. With my stomach somewhat full and the brain trust assembled I went to school for the film session.
I met JJ on the way to the stadium and asked what he thought about Charlie visiting? I was a bit surprised as he was excited and said that he didn't care about taking him back. Well JJ it is a lot easier trip to DC from York, PA and there is that shit of air space around the capital. Besides if we took him back Saturday after golf we could spend the night there and see some sights. He said he wanted to think about that as Mia was wanting some JJ time.
Inside it was the usual film session and from what I saw this wasn't the easy game everyone was expecting. Even the coach was stressing not to overlooked this team and that a lot of people were hoping for an upset. Films ended a bit before 5 and I drove directly to the office and would call Heidkamp at 5:30 as I needed time to mentally collect money.
At my desk I opened my laptop and signed into my investment account and just started to laugh. All my stocks were there and most doing well. There were however 3 cash accounts each with around 200k and I assumed that was so that the FDIC insurance would cover them if something outlandish would occur. Then to my bank (checking and savings). Checking had over 100k and saving had another 50k. Then it was to the Enterprises account and I was again amazed as the property in the Strip District that Technologies vacated was rented again and we making money, as was the profit after the mortgage was paid on this building. As of the first of the year we would have income for the other building as the tenants would be paying rent. Then there would be personal and Enterprise money from the Winery. Damn, I realized that I needed to be smarter with my money but could get just under a million by noon tomorrow. Then I remembered the Highmark money from the closed properties. With that I called Heidikamp and said I was available when he was ready and that I had a team gathered in the first floor conference room.
I was about ready to head to the first floor conference room and dad appeared and sat in a club chair. I laughed and asked if he was comfortable and he said Michael sit the fuck down. That surprised me he said both Michael and fuck in the same sentence. Once I was seated he asked dude how the hell will you pull this off. I know that money is no issue but there is no fucking way in hell I'm letting you graduate in January. I'll strap you damn ass to the bed, if I have to. Dad calm down, please. I've been thinking about next semester and as I have all my credits in I was going to ask Dr. Johnson if I could take a couple of garbage classes in the morning and then work release. I might even agree to run track if that's what it takes. Liam is growing up fast and I promise there will be nothing but an occasional trip to VT but I will add some to my CMU class. Thus graduating with my class in June, give that damn talk as #1 in my class, cooperate with the bishop and do the Central talk at their graduation and then spend June working out and tending to shit here. There will be a weeks vacation at my cabin and then to VT for football. Play football for 3 years and finished at CMU. As for this project it all depends on the money and what I can get 1.25 acres for. Then we will all decide about the buildings and green space. Now can we please get to it, I'm already late for my own meeting. Dad laughed and said actually you are early as I changed it to 6:30. We hugged and went to the first floor.
When we got to the conference room I just laughed as all the blinds were down and I went inside said good evening and thanks for attending on short notice. While doing this I grabbed the remote and raised every shade, leaving everyone outside to know who was here and that we were meeting. I was introduced to Don Clarkson, Tim's new hire and assured him we don't usually work evenings. There was a seat at the head of the table and I went to Don and said new guy you are in my seat, your location is there and I pointed to what was to be my seat. Then I said that I didn't build this room big enough as this damn table should be round. Everyone found that funny and I looked at Heidikamp and asked what do you have for us? Mike I turned down two offers that were complicated and most likely illegal. Tim said not to waste our time with them. I never countered, just said no. This last time however the offer was legit. Mike it is 1.25 acres all riverfront and they want 40,000 sq feet on the first floor for a restaurant rent free. They would do the soil test and they want 1 million. Oh, they want to close the first week of January. I simply asked for thoughts and sat back and listened. It went on for about an hour and we all decided that we would require final say on the restaurant and it's theme as we didn't want a strip club and the the price would be 800k. We agreed to a cash closing once zoning approval was finalized for two buildings and a clean solid test. I asked Bill to convey that verbal offer and if they agreed have Tim draw up a sales contract. With that we were finished and Don, the new guy, asked for a minute and I had Liam stay. I said Don, just so you know there are very few time when I meet with someone one on one so Liam stays. He said that's cool, I just wanted to say say I'm here about 10 hours and that was one of the most interesting meeting I have attended since law school. People are actually free to talk. I do have a request. Ok Don what's that? Don't make me sit at the head of the table again. I laughed and said well dude push the fuck back at me, I generally don't bite, enjoy your evening.
I drove to my place and took a chance on seeing Ash and or Cole and was excited that both were home. Ashley was eating and Cole was re-gripping clubs. He was in a great mood and was really looking forward to a round of golf at that course. I told him about Charlie and he was pleased about that as well. Back upstairs Megan was feeding Ashley and I asked if I could take a turn and Ashley was in my arms in a flash. Megan sat down and said Mike, I hear you had a conversation with your dad, that hasn't happened much since you moved to the apartment. You two need to talk more. Megan that move was hard and I guess I know what will happen in July when I'm in Virginia. That's a mixed bag for me but I gave my word and they went about building a recruiting class and it will be good to have JJ around and the Jet. She laughed about the jet and asked will I have enough money to deal with all that flying? I said well I might have spent a ton today. Then I added well you will be getting a dividend from the Winery, I might borrow some. She laughed and said I'm betting that's pocket change for you, but it will nice to have.
I played with Ashley for a while and she smiled, spit up and shit. Not sure why that was fun but it was. Once I had her cleaned up and she was yawning I gave her back to Megan and went to my place. I decided to work on another CMU assignment and sure enough it was 11:00 before I knew it and jumped into bed, leaving the shower for the morning. Laying in bed I was thinking about the day and was wondering if they would accept the offer, I knew it was low but I would have a lot of eggs bet on this expansion. The economy still wasn't great as there was still a glut of things vacant and no new building projects. I would talk with Jim about an announcement once we reached a deal. I was thinking something simple, all local people if we could manage that. One of the first things I needed to was talk with the Union people, as I wanted the same deal. This would be one building at a time. I eventually fell asleep.
Tuesday was fun at school as there was the morning chat with Heather and in English before the teacher could start a hand went up and Mark said Mam, before you start on Mike, I have a question about last nights assignment. He asked an inane question and when the teacher hesitated Mark said, that's ok I'll just ask Mike. I laughed and said No, Yo, por favor. The entire room cracked up. The teacher turned bright red and walked out. I looked at Mark who shrugged and said Lo siento, tio. (Sorry dude) again the entire room laughed. Just then Dr. Johnson was at the door and asked, so what's going on? He looked right at me and Mark stood up and said well Dr. Johnson we are all tired of her grilling Mike every morning trying to catch him not being prepared. Heck that dude was prepared in kindergarten so why would senior year be different. Mike has tried politely to end this and has had no luck. We all need those college credits and need to do well on the AP test. Please, either deal with her or replace her, we are all sick of this. The entire class then yelled we agree. With that Doc looked at the teacher and said my office during your free period. Then he said Mike, I need to talk with you. Outside the classroom he said Mike, we have talked about the teacher and how hard it is to find AP teachers. I stopped and said Doc, I was set up and had no idea that was happening but Mark was correct. Mike do you flirt with her? Doc, she is hot but not my type and I resent that question. He looked at me and said fair enough but I wanted to chat about your chat with Mr. Heilman yesterday? Mike, you issued a vailed threat and I assume it was in response to one he issued. I simply said that with a snap of my fingers I could be on national TV. Doc, that was an exaggeration as it would take a phone call. Understand, if I get called to testify to the oversight committee I will answer every question directly and honestly. Mike, I know that and hopefully football will be over by then. Doc, I feel that the districts will be over and the holidays will slow that down. That committee wants a piece of Dr. Bob and our league will be collateral damage, to an extent. Get to class and if Jack has a problem have his call me, thanks. The rest of the day was normal and I skipped lunch and drove to work.
At work I went straight to the 4th floor Amy immediately said Kyle would like a minute. Amy simply tell him I'm in until 3 and stop in anytime. Then she asked about the high power meeting last night and I said well it was an Enterprise meeting about a big project. Nothing is settled yet and there will be company email once it is. I spent the next hour counting "eggs" and clearing paperwork. Heidikamp called and said he verbally presented the offer and as requested sent it in an email. He then said there was no response. I said Bill, it's fine and it's early but if we haven't heard by noon tomorrow send them an email giving them 24 hours and if no answer simply pull the offer. They can grow weeds and if that happens start looking for some property in the county but outside the city.
Then I called the Mayor on his private line and when he answered he said, holy hill this is a surprise. Well Pete this is a heads up as I have made an offer for the property next to our main building. Pete it is a reasonable offer but I'm not waiting around as my schedule is tight. The plan B is another location and we will start on that only if this blows up. Mike what's the absolute deadline? Pete, Noon Thursday. Mike will the plan B location be in the city? Pete, I have no idea but it's unlikely. He then said thanks, I'll follow up. Pete have a good day and I hung up.
I tried to call Rocco, the union guy, but it went to voice mail. That was a good thing because Kyle arrived and we went to the lounge seating and he said Mike, your plug about the jet, really helped a lot and I managed to close the deal with Textron. Kyle we had a meeting last night and Enterprises made an offer on the adjacent property. We haven't heard anything, yet. Mike, I'm thinking we will be able to expand into whatever gets build. Mike, is the 4th floor over there available for us? Kyle, I'll make that happen. I was planning on using that for Enterprises but that changed. They are pretty much here as it is and Standard Property is in the Strip District. I would like to get them over here and a small part here or the other building would be great. Somehow we are able to rent that dump over there. Mike, back to the Textron deal it was exactly as we discussed the deal, the simulator and the 3 planes. Do you want to tell the Major? Kyle, you did that work and ran with it so you can tell him, I'm sure he will be excited. I'm not sure about Jack as he is busy doing wonders with his toys. Kyle laughed and said well we all need to get to NASA.
Kyle, how involved do you want to be with the new building projects? I sent an Im playing hard message but I want that land and this campus. I'm thinking the last building will be mostly condos. But that's a few years away. Mike, I'm good and having fun and haven't dealt with a computer program issue in weeks. Dillon is amazing. Kyle the restaurant and marina need to get going as soon as the building is ready. To speed that up, I'm being very nice to the Mayor. Kyle just so you know Tim added an attorney. He said Mike, I heard. With that I looked at the time and headed for practice.
Practice was working on a few plays with new twists. At this point that was all there was left to do. None of that would be used this week. Things went well and everything was calm as it was playoff time. I was thinking we were finally focused and totally in sync. After practice I showered and had an hour before films with Wyatt's granddad. Josh, JJ Wyatt and I were walking together and JJ's dad appeared and said you guys need to follow me to the police station. Oh Wyatt, we won't need you. He smiled and said great as I want no part of this. There was no explanation and the police station was across the highway and a block back. At the police station we were directed to a conference room. A few minutes later the Major and the Chief or police entered and sat down. The Chief said gentlemen we have a solution to you issue. However I feel that you are not as innocent as you present things. I can't prove it and to be honest, I don't have the time or energy it would take to prove it but I'm also sure you and others on the team were served beer. I'm not saying that's why you went there and I'm also sure it was one beer and then soft drinks or iced tea. Well there were 3 players from another school who decided to set you up so that you would be able to play. They are minors and we have charged them for obtaining alcohol and paying someone to obtain it. You have no say in that. However you can press charges against them for harassment and damage to property and one or two other things. In your current situation and so that things can return to the way they were a couple of weeks ago I would suggest that you decline that option. They have enough to deal with. I'll give you a few minutes to think it over. With that he left and closed the door.
The Major immediately said guys the Chief has a point and to be honest Wyatt's grandfather blew this up, the kids from Central just picked a bad time to pull some shit. None of you are as innocent as you pretend, I would suggest you thank the Chief and get out of here ASAP. I couldn't agree more and when the Chief returned it was as the Major had suggested. The Chief said thanks and good luck Friday. The film session at Wyatt's grandfather is went well and was informative and he mentioned a couple of times that they have been getting better every week.
At home I called Heather and said I'm going to the Mall tomorrow after practice come hell or high water, would you like to come. We can get something to eat and see how quickly we can get the shopping done. She said great and we hung up and I worked on school shit and went to bed.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
PLEASE IN THE GIVING SEASON CONSIDER NIFTY,