At my place I threw the binder on the table, grabbed an iced tea and called Winnie. She answered laughing and I said, well I guess you aren't mad. Mick, I thought it was so fucking hysterical, it's about time someone put him in his place. The best was the ride in the freight elevator and him being put on the loading dock and the "walk of shame" to his car. Winnie, I didn't do that but I didn't stop it either. As for the loading dock, he must have pissed off the Chief. Winnie, it's actually a pain in the ass for me as I was going to see if he wanted to manage the construction of the marina I want to build and design and set up a restaurant. Now that's on hold. Then I told her I would not be in school as I had a doctor appointment in the morning. Mick, a head doctor? Winnie it is with my medical doctor and he helps a lot with my head but I want to get a recommendation for a head doctor I can relate to. Mick, do you mean one you can manage? Winnie, don't get pushy, I simply don't like Dr. Adams and Megan does a better job with my head and she doesn't charge. Mick, you promised. Winnie, I know I did and it will happen very soon. With that I said, I'll let you know what Dr. Drennan says and we hung up. Sitting there I thought I better think about what I promise her but I like her more when she is a pain in the ass, just so she doesn't nag.
I went to my room and sat at the desk and opened the binder to section 2 "Business plan" I was thrilled to see 15 pages and a detailed plan, all of which made sense. It was obvious it was done by a professional and he must have paid to have it don. I wondered how much money he had in this. As I finished that section my phone rand and it was a local number that I didn't recognize. I answered with, Good Evening, this is Mike. The reply was well I'm glad someone is having a good evening. I laughed and said Senator, what can I do for you. Mike, I just wanted to update you as we took a break for dinner. The meeting started and they tried to go into executive session and even wanted the committee out. Well, we objected and told them that we would be giving a complete entailed recollection to the media and that it would be in their best interest to open the meeting. There was a close vote and they agreed. Your district helped a lot with that. So far they will be adding the following to their board; male and female officials representative, A D representative, Principals' representative, women's sports representative, male and female parents representative. They have said no to school board representative. Mike is that good for you? Senator, either they give up their cars or put 1 school Board member on the board. Then as there will be female representative I will need assurances that there will be minority participation. Mike, the minority thing will be harder but needed. Well Senator, if that doesn't happen I'll simply file a discrimination suit against them. There was quiet for a few seconds and then the Senator said Mike, that won't be necessary, I'll see to it as you are correct. Thanks and I'll let you know what happens tonight, provided we get done before 11:00. I thanked the Senator and we were done.
Well it looked like there was some reasonable outcome from my efforts and I was pleased that women were included but needed minority involvement. I laughed as I bet they never figured I would want that as I'm a spoiled white dude from a white upper middle class school district. I was good with that. I called Josh and he assured me that there would be Rey few students at the game. Wyatt was equally sure that things were under control. He indicated that a number of his friends would be in the parking lot to make sure we knew who decided to ignore our request. I told him that I would be there as well. He was pleased with that. The final call of the evening went to JJ and he said that he knew of one kid who had to go as his brother was on the team and the rents were making him attend. JJ had assured the kid that we understood. Then I asked JJ, if he knew about what his dad was up to and he said sure and that they needed me as one of the guys decided to stay with NASA. He said his dad wanted him certified to be an instructor. He is concerned that I have something to do if my NFL dreams blew up. JJ, if that happens I'll have something for you. We will always have each other's back. He said thanks and happy reading. I laughed and said good night.
I grabbed the binder and went to the house looking for dad. First there was Megan who asked if I had heard from Cole and I said mom, time difference and he is on the course. She shook her head and said well at 8:00 AM his time I'm calling him. Then I said well I have an appointment with Dr. Drennan and asking for a head doctor who I can relate to. Mom you do more for me than Dr. Adam's. Mike, whatever but just do it or I'm taking you by the hand to a head doctor I choose. I smiled and said yes mam. Dad was in his office and I went in and closed the door. Dad asked if I wanted a drink and I shook my head indicating no. He looked and me and asked what's up? Dad an early doctor appointment and this nd I handed him the binder. He smiled and said Mike, I saw this the other day and all I can say is write a check and I'm sure you won't regret it. The Major and is friends are steeling the flight school. Dad I have looked at the business plan and it is solid. Mike, read further and you will see that the price includes the two simulators and two single airplanes. Sell your single engine plane and lease them the twin engine and the extra jet as you will be getting the new one in a few weeks. Just do it Mike and save the time reading. I laughed and said dad, you know I'm ending the entire thing. Dad laughed and said of course you are as you are more anal than me. Dad, that's a poor choice of words as I'm more cautious that you. Dad laughed and said well you have enough money and this doesn't matter. Dad, it always matters. Have a good night, I'll let you know what the doctor says but it's a simple checkup, good night. I grabbed the binder and went to my place.
Back at my place I grabbed a bottle of water and started to quickly read the document. It wasn't a deep reading but more than a scan. Turned out dad was right and at some point tomorrow I would tell Major Jim that I was in and discuss the planes. With that I left JJ a message that said I was skipping the run and took a long hot shower and shaved. I looked in the mirror and was pleased as I was firming up nicely and the scale read 222. That was good as I wanted to get to 220 and keep it there. The runs and workouts was doing their thing and shit I needed another haircut. I thought about that and didn't want to deal with Caleb. I thought it was time to find a new hair guy. I prepped the coffee and jumped into bed, nude as usual, and piled on the covers. There was no need to set the alarm as there was no run and all I had to do was call off school. Laying in bed and having trouble going to sleep I was wondering why I hadn't heard from the Senator. Luckily that was my last thought and I fell into a deep sleep.
I woke at the usual time and turned on the coffee took a frozen bagel out of the freezer and threw it in the microwave for 30 seconds, cut it in half and put it in the toaster. Once it was toasted I smeared butter on it and added sugar mixed with cinnamon. It was a tasty breakfast. I dressed in black jeans and a crew neck, long sleeve shirt. It was becoming my usual work outfit and would work for the doctor appointment. I had time so I scanned the documents in the binder and remained confident in the deal. I call into school and reported off sick. I arrived at the doctor's office 15 minutes early, checked in and had a seat. Right on time I was taken to an exam room and was told to strip to my underpants and sit on the table. I did as instructed and Dr. Drennan appeared and asked, what's the issue? Doc, I'm fine and I just wanted checked over as football is over and I thought it was time for a checkup. He shook his head and checked my heart and lungs. Then he had me stand up and he checked for a hernia and felt my balls to make sure there were no lumps. Then he said bend over the table he put gloves on and some lube and check my prostrate. Then he checked my reflexes and and my eyes and finally told me to sit on the table. Ok Mike, why are you wasting my time and your money? Well doc I need a recommendation for a shrink, one that I can relate to. Ok Mike, since you are here I'm doing a lot of blood work. Once that is done we can talk in my office. Doc, what tests. He smiled and said CBC, Chem 7, liver profile, toxicology screen, HIV test and please pee in the cup and he handed me a cup, saying the nurse will need to see you do that. You can get dressed but leave the crew neck off. With that he went about his next thing.
The nurse came in and she could have been my grandmother. She pointed to the cup and said unzip and fill the cup. I started to turn and she said, look I need to see you do that and I've seen a lot so just get it done. I pissed in the cup and she said sit on the table and she drew 6 tubes of blood. While she was doing that she asked, son what did you do to piss the doctor off? I shrugged and said nurse, does that matter? She smiled and said nope. Once that was done an the wound was covered she said finish getting dressed and find his office. I'll let him know we are finished. I thanked her and easily found the office and sat and waited. It was about 10 minutes. Dr. Drennan appeared and sat down and said Mike you are in great shape and I'm sure that the blood work will be good. Well except one and that will take a couple days. Ok doc why did you run the HIV test? Mike you having set? Yes I am. With how many people well since the last time you ran that test 4. Two ex girlfriends, the current girl and JJ my BBF. So that's why Mike. So what is it that you really want? Doc, I told you an new head doctor, a guy and one I can relate to. Mike, is that code for one you can bullshit? Doc, it isn't and I know your pissed and I get it. Mike, what's are the issues? Doc. There are 2 Carrie and her rent free space in my head and my inability to make decisions at work. Then there is my need to move on from high school. I was handed a card and Dr. Drennan said Mike, you should also discuss with him your need to fuck around and seclude a medical appointment when all you need was to ask for a referral. I'm your doctor not a business associate. Believe it or not there are sick people who need my time. Back in a day you were refreshingly direct. What happened to that young man? Mike, that guy paled D-1 college football so don't be cute with him. Doc, I'm sorry and thanks. I've have changed and don't know why or how. Doc laughed and said so I saw in the morning paper, you also seem to have a need to fight everyone and impose your idea of what it takes to run things. Enjoy your day and we will call with the test results. I simply said thanks doc and the coaches at VT will appreciate one of the test results. He shook his hard and went about his day.
I was not happy with how that went and knew that Dr. Drennan was correct and I really needed to get the morning paper. Sitting in the car I looked at the card I had been given and called Dr. Quinn McGuire. When he answered I introduced myself and he said Mike, I guess Tom got through to you as you have him worried. Wow, in what way? Mike, that's for us to figure out together. When are you free to meet? Well late this afternoon, tonight and then Thursday. He was quiet for a few seconds and asked Mike, what would you have done late this afternoon if we didn't meet. I said, well JJ and I would work out at the gym. Ok, then we will meet tonight and will 6:30 work? Sure Doc, that's great. Mike please call me Quinn and we can meet whoever you feel most comfortable. I thought that strange but said well my office and I gave him the address and described the location . With that done, I went back into the doctor's office and thankfully Dr. Drennan was talking with the receptionist. He looked at me and smiled and asked what's up? I said thanks and I'm sorry I was an ass and took up your time needlessly. He smiled and said Mike, we were going to call you and schedule a physical anyway as it was time. I'm not mad but was sending a message you will like Quinn, now get out of here.
I drove straight to a nearby 7 - 11 and grabbed a morning paper and a coffee. Back in the Wrangler I looked at the front page and sure enough is saw. MAJOR CHANGES IN STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. I tossed the paper on the front seat and drove to the office. As I was chatting with the security guy the Chief appeared and asked for a minute. In her office she said Mike, you realize you could have stopped that yesterday. I laughed and said absolutely. Chief, her is the deal that guy is an uncle of the girl I am dating, they are very close but she warned me about him. I'm just glad everyone did their job. That was an important test for Amy. Well Mike Amy and that temp on the 4th floor were all over it. I smiled nd said good job and took the elevator to the 4th floor. There was the same young lady there and I thanked her for the good job yesterday and I got a big smile and she said her name was Jodi.
On the way to my office I saw that dad was in and knocked on the glass door and was waved in. Dad, I just wanted to tell you that the doctor appointment went well and the blood work, which was extensive will be back tomorrow. Dad said thanks and what els? Oh, I have a head doctor appointment tonight, please tell Megan. With that I went to my office and the place was a mess as the coffee carafe and cups from yesterday were all on the conference table as were paper napkins. I simply sat in the club chairs and thought I would deal with that once I read the paper. The article went into great detail about 9 additional members to be on the PAAA Board and how "steak holders" would now have a say in the state wide high school administration. The bulk of the evening session dealt with racial diversity as Mike Simmons describing the current PAAA administration and Boars as "Old White Men" registered with the legislative committee. The PAAA team argued that the new Board members would be elected from their individual groups and that they would have no input in any of that. After hours of discussion the legislatures required that an "Inclusion Committee" be established with a representative from each district and the the committee elect a Chairman who would be on the PAAA Board. When that met with resistance the Board was told that they needed to get that done or the organization would have their finances investigated and then there would be very big changes.
I couldn't have been happier about the results of all that and the way it was presented. I would however like the finances investigated, but I wasn't pushing anything more.
I needed to do something about the Marina and Restaurant as that was important, hell we needed somewhere close where we could eat without getting in the car. I spent some time thinking about options and decided to call J & J Architects and talk with Jodie. I left a message for her and the call was returned almost immediately. Jodie and I chatted for a while and I eventually asked if they would be interested in doing the Marina and Restaurant. She jumped at the chance as they could use the work. I asked her to be here tomorrow for a 3:30 press conference and I would make the announcement then and we would work on the details later but that it would be the same deal with the Union and the construction manager. That worked for her. She asked about the new building and I said a national contest and that they should enter. She asked for details and I told her she and Jordan would have to wait like everybody else. She laughed and said well it's nice to be included again. Jodie, it will be good to see both of you tomorrow. I was really hoping that they would enter the contest as they did such a great job with the other two buildings.
Major Messer appeared as it was time for our meeting about the press conference. I was handed a list of talking points which I simply set aside. Then I was told that they had 20 media requests to attend and that he had limited it to one camera and there was an agreement that the video would be shared as soon as the event had ended and that there would be no advantage gained. The event would be in the common room on the second floor and that the reporters would be admitted as a group at 3:30. I told Jim that Jodie and Jordan would be there and introduced as the architects for the marina and restaurant. That I had decided to invest in his flight school and would also mention that, if he had an agreement. He smiled and said there was a counter offer and that it was accepted and that it dealt with one of the single planes and was a reasonable request. Then he said the name would be The Messer School of Aeronautics. I wondered how he pulled that off but simply said that's great. With that done I started to straighten my office and grabbed the "dishes"and took them to the cafeteria and put them in the dishwasher. I was determined that I would never have to do that again, clean up after employees. Damn that was the first time I thought of that group as employees, I was sure that wasn't good as it made them expendable. I just needed to get out of here and get to the gym.
At security I told them that I would be back around 6:00 and that I had a meeting at 6:30 and would come down and escort the guy around. At the gym JJ was there and already stretching. Again the workout was intense and I cut the sauna short and JJ and I went to the Tavern for a sandwich. We talked about the flight school and what it meant for both of us and JJ bitched about the classroom work that would be involved and said the upside is that I need hours and can fly as much as I want. We talked about the girls and I got the sense JJ was easing off Mia and I wondered if that was me or was it happening? I told him I had an appointment and would see him in school.
The ride to the office, during the rush hour, was fun as it involved a bridge crossing the Mon river that still had a wooden bed. It was an outstanding ride in the Wrangler as I bumped across the entire way. On Second Avenue it was through Hazelwood, an old mill town that polluted the entire region and then to the office.
I arrived at the office at 5:55, checked in at security and went upstairs and was surprised to find Kyle still working. Not wanting to bother him I simply waved and he yelled Mike, come in. Mike, now that football is over how about we go back to weekly meetings? We can order in and meet in one of our offices. Kyle, are things Ok? Yes Mike, everything is good and we are both branching off in various directions and that is good for the company. I just want to make sure we are on the same page. Kyle, will you be attending the press conference tomorrow? Mike, I didn't know if I should as most of it doesn't involve me or Technologies. Kyle, it does as I expect you to fill the building with employees. He laughed and said see what I mean? Kyle, pick a date and plug it in my calendar, please. Thanks Mike, I'll do that. That discussion left little time to mentally prepare for my chat with the Doctor. I just sat there looking out the window and enjoying the view and was really relaxed. I was blasted back to reality when my desk phone rang and it was security telling me my guest was here. I grabbed my ID badge as if we took a tour it would open doors and locations.
Down stairs Quinn had already cleared security and we shook hands and he said I know a lot about the building can I see some of the inside? I said sure and we went into the 1st floor offices and he asked about the openness? Quinn, we work as teams through out the organization but areas like the conference room and private offices have a privacy option, rarely used. We moved to the 2nd floor and the common room and the small gym impressed him. I skipped the 3rd floor telling him he didn't have the government clearances to be there. He laughed and said he figured. We took the elevator to the 4th floor as I wanted him to see the floor the way every visitor saw the floor. Quinn was quiet as we made our way to my office. Once there Quinn said Mike, I wanted to meet where you were comfortable so I would get to know you. Heck, I have review everything I could find on you as I had a quiet day. So can we start with that and he pointed to my wall of pictures. Mike, do you update that? I said sure as it's important to me. Quinn pointed to the picture and asked so is this dude moving on or off the wall? I have never thought about it like that. Mike on some level you have thought about it so which is it? I quietly said off. So you district championships are more important than the state? That's correct. He pointed at Coach Weston and asked who he was? High school coach, good guy old school coach and it was a struggle. Then he pointed to Megan who was near the district metals and I said stepmom. Where is your birth mother? I pointed to the corner and the wastebasket and said in there with my brother, they are still holding hands I would guess. Then he pointed to the picture of Winnie and he asked girlfriend? Yes and moving closer. Sex? Yes that's correct. Which one is your best friend and I said the cowboy and he laughed and I said the other one is my stepbrother. Are we finished? Why is that there and he points to the Cessna jet. I said my new Jet that is in final flight tests and I'll have it soon. AP and I will have the same plane as this but his is the first one off the production line. Mike, AP is that Arnold Palmer? Yes, we are friends and both belong at Oakmont. I wanted this over with so I went and sat in the club chairs and Quinn joined me. I asked if he wanted a drink and he said water would be good. I got us a water and sat back down.
Mike, what about your mom and brother? Mom was an alcoholic and killed her self and Bill OD. They are not the issue. I'm so over that and dad was always there for me and so was my granddad. Ok what are the issues as you see them. I said I'm changing and am having a problem reaching a decision at work and then there is my ex Carrie. I then went into detail about her. Quinn just listened and asked, so did that help? Quinn, I was good about her when you walked in and somewhere there is a crumb in my head and she will reincarnate and that is always a problem. Winnie says she can't compete with a ghost and I don't blame her. Mike do you love this Winnie? No I'm not there yet. Mike, is that a possibility? Yes, I believe it is.
Ok Mike, what about work and the decision process? Well I have this land, right out there, and unlike this building, I know what I want to built but have no idea what I want it to look like. Wednesday I'll announce among other things a national contest at a press conference so I can pick a design. Mike, who will be there? Local and National media and a big time ABC News person. There will be 20 reporters and I'll make a presentation and take questions. Mike, is that hard for you? No, it isn't. What time is this this event? Quinn, 3:30. Mike can I come and watch? I shrugged and said sure, I'll add you to the list. Mike, that will be fun but I've learned a lot tonight so when can we schedule a real working session? Some time Thursday as I'm flying to VT for the weekend. Just message me the time and after 3 works best. He smile and I said, let me grab my shit and we can go out together. We cleared security and shook hands and I started for home. On the way I realized that I hadn't found out anything about Quinn but I liked the guy. I had 2 days to find out more about him.
At my place I checked my messages and found that the blood work was excellent and that the HIV test would be back on Wednesday. Then I called Winnie and told her I had a lengthy meeting with the new head doctor and we chatted about what I had missed in school. Her uncle went from kicking himself to simply pouting. I told her I made a decision on the marina and restaurant nd the Bill would not be involved. She didn't have a problem with that. And we hung up. I looked at the time and thought about Cole and wondered if he had called his mom. I called Liam and he answered saying he had just dragged Cole off the practice tee and he was talking to his mom. He is playing well, having a good time but dressed like a normal golfer. Liam, why is that? Mike, I have no idea but he still plays with the crowd and his following nets bigger every couple of holes. The other Pros just shake their head but everyone is more relaxed around him. Liam asked about work and I told him things were good and enjoy the trip as it would be busy when he got back. We hung up and as Cole had called home, I was done and put on a classical music tape and turned it up and listened to Mendelssohn and laid on my bed and relaxed.
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