I hadn't even looked at the location of the office and as coffee won the debate I drove to the nearest McDonalds and went inside and ordered a Big Mac, fries and a large coffee. I grabbed the stuff off the tray and ate in the Wrangler. I took a bite of the burger and reached for my wallet and found the card and laughed as the office was in the Brentwood Medical Building and was almost 10 minutes away. I had more time than I thought and I was simply enjoying the food and relaxing. Just as I was ready to get underway my phone rang and it was Allen Clarkson. Mike, thanks so much for the offer and if it isn't too much trouble the rents and I would like the ride. Allen if it was too much trouble I would not have offered. Can you guys be there at 3:00 and we will get in the air shortly after. Mike, that's awesome.
At the medical building I parked on the street as there was no lot. Inside I saw the location of the office and walked up to the second floor. I opened the door and almost laughed as there was one chair a small table with a lamp which was on. There was a light on the wall which was lit and a sign that read, if the light is off ring the bell. I simply sat down and ignored the magazines and waited. I heard a door close and then the light went out. I waited a minute and then rang the bell. Right away the door opened and a smiling Dr. Quinn appeared. Inside were two comfortable chairs a couple of tables and a lamp. We both sat down and I said so Quinn now that you have quizzed me in my office, picked up my medical records and contact my school where you were told I was an excellent student, great athlete and a leader and asked some questions and were told about the hazing issues and hid in the back of the auditorium and I almost forgot, attended my press conference. I have two questions. What is my HIV status? He laughed and said fine. Doc. It isn't fine it's either negative or positive. So what is it? Negative. I said thanks and asked, so tell me about you? Ok, I went to Penn State and started at linebacker for 3 years was drafted late and cut in camp. I went to Pitt medical. I m married and have 3 offices, 2 like this and 1 upscale office attached to Jefferson Hospital. I assume you knew all that. Doc, I didn't as I didn't have any spare time.
Ok Mike, what's with you and your birth mom? Quinn there is nothing with her, some how dad negotiated another child and that happened to be me. She doted on Bill and ignored me. Sure we fought a lot and I grew to resent and hate her. As I got older she crawled into a bottle and was drunk a lot of the time. Then one day she simply killed herself. Mike, what did you feel at the funeral? Nothing, nothing but relief. Doc, Bill was the same way, we ignored each other he eventually went to Stanford. Drugs, a woman and a fellow druggie got pregnant and tried to pin it on Bill, as she thought he had money. Oh, and very few earned credits. I eventually talked dad into bringing him home and one day I went to visit and he was a high as a kite and there was a guy with his dick burried deep in his ass. What bothered me about that was that the dude was a hooker and Bill had to pay for it. He finally overdosed and died. Mike do you visit the graves? They were cremated and in urns in dads office. Dad wouldn't do anything with them so I took them to the Outer Banks and on a windy day just set the ashes in the air. Then I threw the urns in the ocean. Mike, why there? It was the only place I could remember where the three of us had one good moment. Mike, do you know why they don't reside in your head? I just looked at him and he said because you had closure. With Carrie that last event at the hospital could have ended it but you viewed it as her last victory. You talked at her funeral as a duty, then just walked out and tried to lock it in a box as you put it. You didn't morn, you didn't cry and you won't let it end as you look for a victory. You fought and continue to fight with her like your mom and dad fought. They both always needed a total victory. You appear to be different in that your opponents and not reduced to rubble but with Carrie it is different.
Doc, how do I end it? Quinn laughed and said well I think you started that yesterday. Carrie worked for J & J and you got her that job. Now to the surprise of everyone you hire them to do the Marina and Restaurant project and I can see you standing on the pier and saying "take that bitch, I did it without you". Mike, you didn't even realize it but I feel that's why you chose them. Quinn, I actually thought that I could use them again as she wasn't there. Quinn just smiled and sat quietly. Quinn, I have to admit that was a consideration, a shot at the version of her living in my head. Mike, I think we are done for now. Please think about all this but don't obsess and schedule an appointment for next week, please. I said thanks and we shook hands and I headed for my place.
Once there I called Winnie and told her that I had a good head doctor appointment but wouldn't discuss it with her. She would know how I was doing. It was a short chat and I told her that I would call Sunday night when I got back from VT. She said Mick, you know you are taking me down there sooner than later. I said babe, in due time and we hung up. I wanted to call Liam or Cole and as they had a mid morning first round tee time I thought they might be finished but decided to call Sean first. He answered with dude, you know how to get in the fucking news. First you take on the State Association, then the USGA announces you are on their Executive Committee and today ESPN is advertising a special on High School Football and there you are saying " we just ONED the entire state". What the hell does that even mean. I laughed nd said well watch and find out. Mike you won't be laughing when you meet with Coach and Friday night you better watch what you do as a 9:00 meeting on Saturday is timed for a reason. Ok Sean, I'm bringing Clarkson and his rents down. Mike, this is an official visit and he stays in the dorm and the rents have a hotel room. You and Tex will be using an apartment that a senior just vacated. It only took him 5 and a half yeas to graduate and he has it rented till May. You should look into it. Sean is it for sale? Christ Mike, don't go there and Coach expects you in a dorm. Sean, I need an apartment as well, for work reasons. So can you pick the 5 of us up at the airport. Mike, you're flying down? Yup in our company jet. We should be there before 4:30. I could hear Sean take a deep breath before he said Mike, I can do that. Then he said Mike, don't make too many demands. At this rate you might not even dress for home games, let alone play. Sean, don't worry and I'll see you tomorrow.
I called Cole and it went to voicemail and I chose not to leave a message. Liam answered right away and said Mike, it was a good day. He played really well but could have made a few more putts. He is tied for 12th place with a bunch of guys at -3. The leader is -6. That won't change as the wind picked up. Liam, did he behave? Mike, he warmed up in regular clothes and on the way to the practice green stopped in the locker room and came out in an Hawaiian golf shirt and lilac nickers and white socks and shoes and went to the putting green. He started mixing with spectators and as tee time approach got very serious. On the course he cut the antics back a bit nd played really well. He has been trying for 30 minutes to get to the putting green and I was just about to rescue him as he is mobbed wit autograph requests. Mike, he takes his time and you can clearly read his name, most guys just scribble something. Liam, AP does that and lectured Cole about doing it right. Mike, we are good and Cole has matured and is fitting in. Look, I need to rescue him and I'm always the bad cop. I laughed and said well try to have some fun and hung up.
I still had to pack, visit Megan and dad, do an IFR plan as flying the jet involves that. Then with JJ and I alone for the first time, there was a lot to review. The jet was the Cessna Citation III that NASA gave the company. The same plane AP flies, well for a few more weeks. I decided to start with Megan and dad. I went to the house and Megan was pissed she hadn't heard from Cole. She was better when I quickly filled her in on his day. She asked for Liam's number and I shrugged and gave it to her. Dad offered me a drink, which I declined as I would be flying down and JJ would be flying up. I briefly mentioned the meeting with Quinn and it was hugs all around and I said that I would see them Sunday evening.
Next I found a medium bag and packed a couple pair of jeans, 3 hoodies, workout clothes, a sweatshirt and a couple of long sleeved crew necks. I added a towel and toiletries and zipped the bag. This was a casual trip and I was the relaxing athlete. I thought about a hat and thought that I wasn't. Hat guy and if I needed VT crap I would buy it at the bookstore. I smiled as I realized that I didn't quite belong there yet. I would bet that JJ had cowboy shit and a bunch of VT stuff.
As I sat down to do the flight plan I remembered that an IFR plan was not required and we could use VFR's. Weather was always an issue and with IFR I could fly through clouds and didn't have to worry about random traffic. There was also no Class A Airspace on the route, which would require IFR's. We could easily fly above random traffic and below commercial traffic. I simply took an hour nd did both plans. JJ, better have plans for the return trip. It was getting late and that was no excuse and I opened the manual for the Cessna and started to read. I paid attention to the startup procedures and quickly memorized the pre-start procedure and thanked God for that fantastic memory. With a very hectic day behind me I prepped the coffee, set the alarm and was asleep as my head hit the pillow.
I was up a few minutes before the alarm and was quickly dressed and turned the coffee on, I wanted it ready for when I got back. JJ was waiting and I thought he was hyper yesterday and he was at least twice as excited. He said his last final was right after lunch and he would be at the airport by 2:00. I told JJ that I would be there at 2:00 and that I had flight plans ready and he should make sure he got some food as I didn't want him bitching the entire flight. MJ, what else will you have to do the damn jets almost fly themselves. I laughed and said well remember we have 3 souls on board. MJ, there are actually 5 and please don't get dramatic. Besides the flight plans you have both pre-checks memorized and we will still use the cheat sheets. I'm more concerned that you might change your mind. I laughed and said well they might change their minds, I intend to be there in July. We finished the run and went our separate ways. That was just a strange conversation and I gave it no further thought.
At my place I poured a coffee and took a long shower and dress was jeans and a long sleeve crewneck. I refilled my coffee using the travel mug, threw my bag in the Wrangler and drove to school. I went right to English sat in my usual seat and was looking at the two check lists. I was early and just wanted the school day over and get on my way. Class stared and it was a discussion of the test questions and I was so bored I could have screamed. I was just daydreaming and wanted someone to pull me out of class but it never happened. All I wanted was to take the damn AP test and get those credits. As I entered History I was handed my test and it was an "A" and I sat down and there wasn't a comment and that made me wonder if it was even looked at. Nothing at all, not nice job, your punctuation sucks. There was nothing. Next test I'm going to find out about that. I would just fill the page with BS and see what happened. I was quiet the entire class and the teacher kept looking at me. On the way out the teacher stopped me and asked if I had a problem. I shrugged and said that depends, did you even read my paper. Mike, I have 5 classes and that's about 123 kids and papers so not ever paper gets the same look. I know you could have taught a class on any of those topics. I smiled and shook my head and started for Science.
The only reason I was doing that was to spend some time with Winnie. That didn't happen as the class was a lecture which in reality was a a test review. Winnie had another class then lunch and I simply walked her to that class snuck in a quick kiss and signed out for the office. As I was doing that I was handed a box and was told that had just arrived for me. It was the tapes of the ESPN show that would air on Sunday. I handed the secretary 3and asked that she give them to Doc Johnson. I went to the Athletic office and gave 3 to Nancy to give to Coach Weston. She laughed and asked, where is mine and I simply handed her one. I went to the office and just checked around grabbed my work laptop and headed for the airport. Naturally there was a stop for coffee and a burger.
I was at the airport and parked my Jeep and grabbed my bag and took it to the jet. I opened the cargo hatch, three my bag in and climbed aboard and sat in the pilots seat. I was immediately comfortable and knew where the instruments and controls were. I grabbed the flight plans and went to the terminal and filed the VFR plan and went back to the jet. For the first time I looked closely at the plane and it was a mess as the NASA logo was simply painted over and I wondered why the Major hadn't had the jet painted. Then I thought it was because of the flight school and put that out of my mind. I was about to start the outside pre-check when JJ pulled up. I waited and together we did the pre-check. The fuel truck appeared and we watched till they were finished. JJ laughed and asked MJ, are you seeing dollar signs? I just shrugged and went to the terminal for coffee.
When I returned JJ was talking with Allen and Al and his wife were just looking at the plane. I went right up to Al and was quickly introduced to his wife Dorris. She seemed very nice and thanked me to the flight. I smiled and said ok, I get that you are nervous and JJ and I are very careful and we both have time in this craft and hours in a simulator. Those simulator sessions produce situations we need to get out of and the Major is a very demanding instructor and we would not be doing this if he wasn't 100% sure about our ability. The weather is great and the flight is just about an hour. The flight plan, I filed earlier, will take us pretty much along the route you would have driven. The plane was just fueled and we have completed the preflight checks so how about we get your luggage on board and we find you seats. Al asked Mike, how high will we be traveling. Al, commercial airliner fly around 36,000 feet and most casual crafts are around 14,000 so we will be around 30,000 feet and stay out of everyone's way. Onboard I showed them the toilet facilities and had them pick seats. I asked them to buckle up and said that once we are in the air they could release the straps but takeoffs and landings required that they be strapped in. Then I laughed and said Allen will be in and I'm sure JJ has had a very different chat with him. He likes to scare passengers and we all laughed. I stuck my head out the door and yelled let's get going and JJ close the cargo hatch. He yelled back, you need to remember about the landing gear and Allen just looked.
We took our time and completed the pre startup procedures and I double checked the parking break. This would be a cold battery startup and I hit the appropriate switch to start that and when there were enough amps, I had JJ look out the right window to make sure we were clear and I got a thumbs up. I watched the gauges and it was an easy start. With the right engine in idle. I looked out the left side and as thing were clear using a generator assist, I started the left engine. Oil pressure was good and the control panel was all green so I contacted Allegheny ground, identified us, with ATIS, provided the location and requested permission to taxi for takeoff. We were cleared right away and I eased the throttle forward and we were in motion. JJ immediately started with; good afternoon this is your copilot JJ Messer and welcome to MJS Airlines flight 099 to Blacksburg Virginia. Flight time is approximately 63 minutes and the weather is perfect, enjoy the flight. We were quickly cleared for takeoff and I moved the throttles forward and were soon off the ground. Following ATC instruction we banked West as we continued to rise. I raised the landing gear and we were heading West. As per the plan when we saw I79 we turned due South and reached our cruising altitude. It was a smooth flight and the view was awesome. When we got to what I knew was Princeton, WV we turned due West and I contacted the ATC center and checked the weather and advised the location and we were instructed to start our descent. There was no other traffic and we were quickly on the ground. I turned off the engines and made JJ finish the shutdown routine. In the cabin I asked, is Avery on still breathing? There was general laughter and I opened the door and lowered the steps and opened the hatch. There was a VT van there and I noticed Coach Conn so I went over and said, hi coach how are things. He just shook his head and said I'm glad I was here early to see this. Never had a recruit fly his own plane in here before. I laughed and said well, I've been telling you I'm different. JJ jogged over and said hello and that he was looking forward to the meeting tomorrow. Coach Conn said he was looking forward to it. Allen and his rents appeared and introductions were made and they jumped into the van and were off to parts unknown. JJ and I secured the plane and then I went inside and paid the landing fees and ordered fuel, indicating that we wouldn't need much but that I wanted a full tank.
Once back outside we went to the plane and grabbed our shit and walked to the parking lot. JJ asked, so do we have a ride? I said yup. Ok, I hate it when you do that but what we doing tonight? JJ, Sean and Rodrigues will have something planned. Is that better than I don't know? MJ what's with you? Are you going to back out of things here? Nope. Are you going to make them drop you? Nope. Just then I was saved by a horn and Sean and Rodrigues appeared in a car. Bags flew in the trunk and we jumped in the backseat. It was off to the usual sports bar just off campus and lots of food and a good time talking about things and JJ kept looking at me and I would simply smile back. I was having fun and fucking with JJ was more than a lot of fun. We were there a couple of hours and Sean paid the bill and I left a big tip as he had hogged a table. Sean aside that where we were staying was right beside his building and that we had two bedrooms. That there was a get together at his place starting at 8:00. JJ asked, so any woman? Sean laughed and said Tex, we never know but lots of teammates. JJ asked Sean if he would please stop with the Tex shit and call him JJ. Sean said that his place was in the basement and was really big and that no one bitches about his "gatherings". Then he laughed and said hell, most of the tenants are there. Then he said stop over whenever, I'll be there in about 30 minutes.
Once we were alone I went to the refrigerator and as expected there was beer. I grabbed 2 and handed one to JJ and pulled him to me and we hugged and I said JJ, I'm sorry. I was just fucking around. I'm coming here and I'll need an apartment, because of work and you are my roommate. That and the plane is all Coach needs to agree to. JJ, it was cool watching you be so excited about this trip and what it means to you. I leaned in and kissed him and he kissed me back. Then he asked MJ, are you sure you can do all that's on your plate and football? Yup. That got me a hard punch and another kiss. That took on a life of it's own and lead to sweaty sex and sloppy oral. That was followed by a hot long shower together and JJ taking my hard cock up his ass and a promise to do me later.
We dressed for the thing at Sean's and I put on tight jeans and an even tighter long sleeved crew neck. JJ laughed and asked if a coat of paint would be easier? For his part JJ had completely abandoned his cowboy look. He was 6'1 and 195 and I'm not even discussing that rocket he packs in his pants. He is always sporting a neatly trimmed beard which in never more than scruffy looking. He has a defined 6 pack and a well build upper body. If he was standing with his feet together and attached a string from his shoulders to his big toe it would form a perfect "V". Then that dark hair gave him a bit of a dangerous look. I knew he was German and the family most likely came from the area near Northern Italy. That of course was a guess. No matter what he was fucking hot. Hell he could have been a Mediche. Me on the other hand was more than. Bit like the statue David and the hair added to that. Basically we were both studs and neither of us had an ego about it. We are who we are.
At Sean's we were there before most people and I started with a bottle of water and as people started to arrive I switched to a beer and managed to nurse 3 beers total for the night. I met a lot of future teammates and it felt really good to feel like I was on a team again. The place got crowded and the noise picked up and it was a lot of fun. Everyone was being super nice and I saw three guys I hadn't met and went up to them and said, hi I'm Mike Simmons. One guy said hi superstar I'm Right, the other said that he was Left and I looked at the other guy and said I would bet you are Middle. Before there was a reaction I said and I bet your last name is Linebacker and your middle name is Starting. They actually laughed and I said well Right & Left you better hope Coach changes to a 3 - 4 or one of you names will change to Bench. Enjoy your evening and we can fight this out in July. I simply walked away and Sean was right there and asked, Mike, you making new friends. Sean, I seriously doubt it. Sean laughed and said Mike you are way better than them and they know it. There are two thing that will prevent you from starting; an injury or Coach's dog house. Well, Sean I can only control one of them and he handed me a beer. JJ was having a blast and I simply talked with some more friendly guys and it was great. I actually understood the linebackers and their reaction. JJ, on the other hand was flying under the radar as it was even money if he was offense or defense. Just before midnight I found JJ and told him I was heading out and he said he would be right along. I found Sean and thanked him and said dude, I had a great time. He laughed and said, I know you have that meeting with Coach so just remember the doghouse. I laughed and said, no worries and that's the only reason I'm leaving. I know it's a test. JJ and I walked out together and he just started laughing saying damn I'm sober after my first college football party. I laughed and said JJ, I would bet was Sean managing things and once we were gone the drinking gets going. They were not going to let us over do it. Well except for Right, Middle and Left. JJ said MJ, who?
Oh, just the incumbent linebackers. At our digs JJ said MJ, we both have big meetings in the morning, I'll see you for the run.
We were both up and ready for the run and had no idea how far to run and settled on 4 trips around the drill field and then breakfast. We were both aware that it was a shorter run. It was actually enough. We finished at the end of campus near town and found a coffee shop and had a danish and coffee. I actually grabbed a coffee for the walk back. We chatted and JJ said he was telling them that I preferred defense but would do what was needed. JJ, find a way to make them do what you want. This is now a business and we could easily just be used and get nothing out of it. I think it is significant that you are meeting with the Defensive Coordinator. JJ, your best plays this year were on defense. I assume you know your ranking in both positions. JJ, just calmly make your case, it will be fine.
There were individual showers and JJ dressed in Jeans and a long sleeved shirt and a sweater vest. I thought it was strange but it looked great. I was in black Jeans and a light grey crew neck, black belt and black loafers. We walked together to the stadium and the athletic office. JJ went right to the guy at reception and said, good morning, I'm JJ Messer and I have an appointment with Coach Conn. JJ it's nice to meet you and Coach is in the film room and asked that you go down there, it's the third door on the left. He looked at me and said, I'm guessing you are Mike Simmons and you have an appointment with Coach B. I smiled and said, guilty as charged. Well Mike, have a seat and I'll let Coach know you are here. I said thanks and selected a seat. I wasn't seated long when a coach I didn't know came up and said, hi Mike, I'm Coach Tim O'Malley. I smiled and said you are the linebacker coach. Mike, that's correct Coach B is waiting for us how about we head to his office. You are meeting with Coach and I asked if I could sit in. O'Malley was new to the program and wasn't involved in my recruiting.
It was a short walk to the office and the door was open and Coach O'Malley knocked on the door jam and Coach B looked up from what he was reading and invited us to have a seat. He stood and him and I shook hands and there was a big smile. It was a small office and I was sitting in a guest chair. Then Coach B said on second thought let's go to the conference room as it's more comfortable. More comfortable was an understatement as the room seated 8 and the chairs were leather swivel/tilt and looked very comfortable. Coach O'Malley went around and sat on the other side of the table. I just sat opposite him and Coach B seeing that pushed two chairs out of the way and sat down. I just smiled and sat quietly and moved a few inches back. As soon as I did that Coach O'Malley said damn this kid is going to be fun. Coach B looked at me and said Mike, I see you figured out what's going on? Coach if you mean you are looking for an open discussion and me understanding we are not equals, hell I do that all the time. So how about this we eliminate the games and messages, we discuss things and I get to have an opinion, that you will listen and I will do what you decide. Ok Mike, why didn't that happen last season. Well coach, coach Weston is very old school and between Junior and Senior year our team changed, he didn't adjust so a number of us did what we needed to nurse a Freshman QB along and win games. We were a very close team and stuck together always. Mike, did you even give Chuck a chance? Well, it wasn't till the Principal cleared the issue did it happen. Coach, we left him standing and he can coach next year if he chooses. Coach, ESPN followed us all year and Sunday night they will air this. I reached into my backpack and handed him a copy and said, please feel free to watch it at you convenience and we can talk ancient history whenever you want.
Mike, you took on a very big role with the USGA and I would like to know how you are planning to manage all that? Coach, they know I'll miss meetings and will do others remotely. It is easily accomplished. My big roles are in June next year and when the mens' Open happens I will be out of here. Mike, I'm not sure you know but your stepbrother made the cut and he is -6 and is tied for 4th place. He is in the third to last group and has a 1:45 local tee time. I said thanks an was thinking that was a 7:45 local tee time. Coach, why do you know that? Mike, you will soon discover that I am aware of what effects the lives of my key players. I laughed and said Coach, the last thing I need is for him to win this tournament. However, the fact that he is playing so well is also an issue or will be. He has already qualified for any USGA event he might decide to play in. That leaves me off the hook.
Then O'Malley asked Mike, how often do you work out? Coach, I run 5 miles every morning and am at the gym three times a week. Mike, any supplements? Coach everyone asks me that and the answer is always none at all, not even a vitamin. Mike, if I had you tested right now would that be the case. Coach, it would be and I know once I'm here I'm subject to random testing but for now you will have to accept this. I reached in the backpack and handed him the blood test results. Coach, it was a routine physical and the doctor ran a complete blood panel. Mike, can I see those results as well? I smiled and said nope, all you need to know is that I am cleared to play football. I will tell you that the tests was all good. If you need more than that you need a new recruit for outside linebacker. Coach B was actually laughing and he looked at his assistant and said Tim, do you know where the kid's lines are now? O'Malley said Coach, right where I heard they were.
For the next 20 minutes we talked about goals and expectations- both theirs and mine. As we were finishing up I said Coach I have something to inform you about and a request. Ok Mike what do you want to tell me about. Coach today I flew here in a Cessna Citation 3 corporate jet. Once I arrive here there will be a Cessna Citation 4 or a Cessna twin engine plane Parker at the VT/Montgomery Executive airport. Flight time in the jet to home is under an hour and there are times I will need to fly home. Those trips will not interfere with you schedule. If I can't get a hanger I'll build one. Coach it involves an apartment. Mike, I'm listening but know you will be in a sweet. There will be 4 private rooms and a common area, what else will you need? Coach a very secure connection to my company and that requires much more that the students get. If I plugged my computer into you system it would be fine. That is until I tried to access the company's server. In about 15 seconds my laptop would be shut down and the FBI would be on their way here and my security clearance would be voided. An apartment building near campus would enable me to have the necessary changes made and thus limit trips home. Coach, I will be buying a building if at all possible and a single source connection along with laptop upgrades and I would use the apartment as an office and for a place to relax. I will mostly sleep in the dorm you provide. I would like to request JJ as a roommate. Coach O'Malley was first to respond and he said so work and girls in the apartment? I laughed and said, if you insist on the girls. Coach B said Mike, are you giving me you word on this? Coach, absolutely. Mike, we should be good. With that the meeting was over and I went looking for JJ.
It was nice hearing from many of you and I hope this latest installment adds to a wonderful Labor Day. Thanks for reading.
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