I was up at the usual time and checked the weather and it called for rain off and on all afternoon. I hated umbrellas so it was wet gear and an old hat. I hoped it didn't ruin the day for Cole or delay the tournament. There was no way we could stay another day. I dressed in jeans and a polo shirt. I went to the restaurant for coffee and breakfast. I hadn't heard from Winnie but it was early. I found dad and the Major and joined them. The waiter immediately appeared and I ordered coffee, two eggs over, double order of bacon, rye toast. Dad looked and what's up with that? I shrugged and said some coach at VT wants me to gain weight. Dad laughed and asked Mike, you agreed to that? I shrugged and asked if he had wet gear for for today? Mike, you don't get to pivot like that, I asked a reasonable question. What's up? Dad, I'm gaining the damn 5lbs and will report at 230. Three days at camp and two workouts a day the weight will vanish. That jerk controls playing time. JJ pointed that out last night at dinner. Dad laughed and said so you are avoiding a fight until you start? Dad, that's correct. Once I'm on that field in a game I'm more than good. We will be lucky to win 2 games next year but the next year we are playing on January 1 in prime time. Dad smiled and said Mike, one of these days you will shit that horseshoe out of you ass and things won't be easy. Well dad if you think what I do is all luck please take the company back. I'll keep the buildings and I'll give you the empty lots and you can cut weeds, I'll play football and grow grapes. That's all I want and I'll buy a cute single engine plane. The food came and I grabbed my plates and coffee and moved to another table. It was calm, quiet and very nasty. I can't remember loosing it like that since Bill was getting his ass pounded by that escort and I had to see that.
I was eating and calming down when Winnie sat at the table and said, good morning Mick. I set my fork down and got up and went outside. I found that quiet spot where Cole and I had talked and sat there, hoping to be left alone. I was there for about 15 minutes when Major Jim just sat in a chair. He didn't say anything and just sat there. Then Jim asked if I was ok to fly tonight with the rain? Well Jim, I should be as the horseshoe is still in my ass. I can tell because it itches. Mike, are you okay, that was quite an explosion. Jim, I was calm and I meant every fucking word of it. Dad hasn't done shit in over a year and then over some football shit, that is none of his business he says I'm just lucky. Jim, even you don't know all the shit I'm into. I'm over worked, the assistant I was counting on won't work out, Winnie has me pissed off. There is a new mayor and there are two buildings to get started. Then there is the winery and all I have done with no help from dad. The company has grown, new projects are manageable and the company is in a building that has won major awards. Now there is a restaurant and a marina. Jim, I'm fucking working my ass off and dad contributes it to luck. I started to get up and Jim calmly said Mike, please sit down.
I slumped back in the chair and he said Mike, I've been with you for a long time and I have seen this brewing for a while. I appreciated how calm you were but you could have said that in a way that was nicer and much less hurtful. Your dad loves you and really appreciates all you have done and he knows how hard you work and what you have given up. I smiled and said well Jim, why doesn't the son of a bitch tell me that instead of sending you to find me and tell me. Mike your dad didn't send me, he doesn't know I went looking for you. You see you have helped me a lot. First, helping me find something meaningful to do after NASA. Then there was your relationship with JJ, hell I hardly recognize him and now the air school. Mike I need you to do something for me. I just sat there and Jim said, I want you to have a week off and during that time I would ask that you meet with your head doctor. Jim, how about the week off and I'll go to the cabin alone? Mike that's fine if the head doctor makes calls in New York and I don't want you working at the winery of solving problems for Old Charlie and his tribe. Go to the cabin and spend a few day and get an appointment with the doctor late in the week.
Jim, what about school? Jim laughed and said I'll ask Megan to write you an excuse. I thought for a minute and said, please have dad do it. The Major laughed and said Mike, you should do that, I laughed and said I'll do it myself. The Major looked at me and said that's not an option and I couldn't be more serious. I smiled and said Jim, that's a deal. Jim smiled and said Mike, go find your dad. Isn't there something about no total victories and he is a mess. I laughed and asked Major, is there anything else? Jim smiled and said, not right now and walked away. I just sat there as it started to rain. Thankfully this secluded spot was covered. I just sat there thinking. After about 15 minutes I got up and went looking for dad.
I checked the restaurant then the bar and as it was raining I knew he wasn't outside and Cole had about 4 hours before Cole was scheduled to tee off. With nowhere else to goi went to his room and as I got to the room Megan was leaving. She said Mike he in inside and I'm going to collect Ashley as I'm not watching golf in the rain I'll get her from the child care and spend the day with her. I'll be there when Cole finishes. You and Mike need to talk. I smiled and said mom, I know but he really upset me and it was exactly how he started fights my mom and I might have seen hundreds of those fights. I meant what I said but I shouldn't have let him get to me. She smiled and went to find Ashley. I knocked on the door twice and dad opened the door. We just looked at each other and dad finally said we'll come in and let's work this out. I sat down in a chair and dad sat in the loveseat. We just looked at each other and I wasn't saying anything until dad did. I was prepared to simply walk out and I wasn't apologizing. Dad finally asked Mike, how did we get to this point? Dad, you started this just like you would pick a fight with mom and I don't mean Megan. What pisses me off is that I didn't see it coming and it certainly was a lot like you and mom.
Mike, I didn't want that to happen. I smiled and said dad, I find that hard to believe as this has been brewing since football ended. We don't talk, you have visited where I am living exactly once. You haven't helped at work and you say I'm lucky. I admit things seem to always go my way and at first people underestimate me, that doesn't happen any more. I work my ass off. Have you noticed that there is no COO, I don't have an assistant and there isn't one on the horizon. That leaves me to manage the marina, the restaurant, two new buildings and things at VT. Then there is the new Mayor and all that drama. What have you done besides getting married for the third time, have a kid and I see no indication that you will be any help when I go to school. Make no mistake about it I'm doing that. This is not separation anxiety as that happened for me when I moved to make room for Ashley. I don't know if that's what going on with you or if it's a midlife crisis and I don't really give a fuck. All I know is that I can't count on you for anything. Dad just looked but didn't say anything.
Dad, I had a chat with Major Jim and you need to tell Dr. Johnson I won't be in for a week. I don't care what you tell him. Hell tell him I'm having a breakdown, it doesn't matter. I agreed to take a week off and I'm taking the single engine airplane and going to the Winery and my cabin. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow and returning Thursday evening and I'll be meeting with the head doctor on Friday. Dillon will have to deal with Trey and keep him busy but he won't be my assistant. I'll make a decision about the business and Winnie while I'm away. The one decision that I have made is that I'm playing football at VT. Im not sure for how long but definitely next year. Dad was quiet so I stood up and started for the door. I took about three steps and dad asked Mike, you talked with Jim? I turned and said dad, Jim found me and he talked and I listened. When was the last time that happened with us? Dad said Mike, Jim is correct you need a break. I'm sorry the horseshoe comment upset you but I have to say you certainly learned how to fight like your mom. Most of what you said is correct and once you get back and have a chance to think things over I hope we can have a discussion. I'll also have time to think. I started to walk to the door and dad asked, what's with you and Winnie? I shrugged and said the relationship is past its sell by date. With that I simply went to my room.
I checked my rain gear and just shook my head as it wasn't sufficient. I needed new gear and a hat that would help keep the water off as well and I wanted no part of a umbrella. I want to the Pro Shop and started looking for a hat and settled for a Cabana grey hat. The rain gear was simple as it was a grey XXL suit and was top of the line. I might sweat but no rain water would bother me. I charged the stuff to the room and asked about the weather and was told off and on all day. The Assistant Pro said that I would definitely need the wet gear. Back at the room I found a note slid under the door saying "Lunch and shopping, love Winnie" I scribbled a reply which was "Wheels up at 9:00, Mike. With that I packed, took a shower and dressed in the new gear. It was about 90 minutes before Cole's tee time so I went to the practice area. Fred and Cole were only a few spots away from each other and I was glad to seeLiam was there with Cole. It was impossible to get near the two of them as there was a lot of people watching. I went over to the Marshall and introduced my self as Mike Simmons with the USGA. He got on his communication device and a few minutes later he let me inside the ropes. I just stood a few yards away from Cole and Liam saw me and waved me over. I asked how he was and he said Mike, I'm fine and it was a 24 hour thing and it's going around. Hell, Trey picked up a round as a replacement and he should be on 7 or 8 by now. Mike, he is very good for the right bag. I laughed and said well that would be nice. Liam left and handed Cole another club and was drying off the club. Mike, Cole really wants to fly back with you as he want to spend time with Jessica but that needs to be wheels up at 10:00. I'll go back with the Major and his crew. He went back to tend to Cole who was wrapping things up.
Cole was in wet gear similar to mine and when he was finished Liam handed Cole 3 balls and a putter. Cole and Fred walked to the putting green together and Liam went inside to make sure the clubs were dry. I just followed Fred and Cole to the putting green and moved back outside the ropes. Cole finished putting and came over and said Mike, I just don't want to blow up and while I'm in second I'm a ton back. I'll settle for anything under par today. Fred is breaking all kind of records and there is no catching him. Hell, I'm at -8 and have no chance but the 100k and a jump in my world ranking would be a great week. I laughed and said well wheels up at 10:00 and I'm serious. Cole smiled and I said well hit the damn thing where you want it to go. We hugged and Cole went to work. Work it was as it got windy and there was intermittent rain all round. Cole went very conservative and was hitting fairways and greens. The conditions were much less than ideal. Fred was doing the same but he had a giant lead. Cole was even par after 9 and had a 2 shot lead over the guy in third. He was still even par on the 16th tee. There was a great drive and Liam and Cole had a lengthy discussion. Cole took an iron and laid up leaving him 103 yards to the hole. He was hoping to hit it close and make the putt for a birdie. What happened was better than he hoped. I don't know what wedge he hit but it hit on the green took one bounce hit the pin and stopped a foot from the hole. A simple tap in and he was one under for the day and -9 for the tournament. 17 & 18 were pars and Cole finished in second by 2 shots.
AP was sitting in a chair under a tent but he got up and went right to Cole. I was never told what AP said but the hug and the smile on Cole's face said a lot. AP spent an equal amount of time with Fred who had set a tournament record. Cole simply went inside and left Fred to deal with the media. Fred's world ranking was now #1 and he was paid 180,000 for the win. Cole winning were 100,00 for second. Liam would be paid 7,500 and Trey would get 2,500. I had no idea what Trey would be paid for today. All in all it was a great day for the 3 of them. Cole went to the awards ceremony. It was him just showing that Fred had played well and he wanted to support him. Cole met with reporters but it was a low key event. He congratulated Fred on a more than fantastic tournament. He said it was fun being in the last group and he learned a lot from that experience but hoped next Tim he was 9 strokes behind. He thanks Trey for filling in and said that Liam was the best and that there was no plans to make a change. Then he thanked AP for the invite and all the support. He added I would be this far in my development without his help. There was a shoutout to his mom and his new dad. Finally he said, and there is my brother Mike who has supported me in many ways and he keeps me focused. I laughed at that as I needed someone to keep me focused.
I went to my room and simply finished packing. I hadn't seen JJ all day and Trey the entire trip but I knew he caddied two days. There was a knock on the door and when I opened the door Trey was there and he asked if we could talk for a minute. I smiled and invited him in and he got right to the point. Mike, I have an offer from Chuck Scaley to be his caddie for the next three weeks and if it works out I will be replacing his caddie who has a bad back and simply can't do it anymore. Mike, it includes travel, lodgings and a salary plus a percent of the winnings. He finished 10th this week. I won't be flying back with you and if you could please have someone send my shit to the next event. He handed me a note card with the hotel address. Mike, I will be glad to pay the shipping costs. Trey, I can do that but what about school? Mike, I'm chasing my dream and the money is good. He stood up and we shook hands and he was gone. When I was alone I just laughed and thought dad might be right about the luck as I didn't have to send him packing or carry him. I needed to rethink my approach to finding an assistant. Possibly giving the position a real title.
With little to do I called the airport in Pittsburgh and had the single engine plane made ready for 9:00 AM tomorrow and I decided not to have the cabin prepped as I would do that when I got there. I wondered how long I could be in the cabin before Jace discovered I was there. I thought about calling him and decided not to do that. A surprise visit would traumatize him and I was hoping not to be at the winery until Wednesday and that was for a visit. I definitely wanted to avoid the Charlie/Chuck drama. This was me time and I was becoming more and more serious about that. I simply needed away from the world. At any rate I called JJ and it went to voicemail and I smiled figuring he was doing his prom date. Being hungry I went to the restaurant and found dad, Megan and Ashley. Megan asked me to join them so I sat down and endured a very stiff dinner with Megan trying her best her best to bridge the gap between dad and I as he was growing with every awkward attempt at a conversation. I skipped desert and went back to my room. As if by magic JJ was walking down the hall. I told him about Trey and he laughed and said he had just dropped his former prom date at the airport in Orlando as she can't stand the sight of me. MJ, Winnie went with her so she wouldn't have to travel alone. JJ, I've had a very bad day and even you dad tried to put on a striped shirt. Besides a blow up with dad, I'm glad Winnie is gone as I might have left her here. I'm taking the week off, no school, no work just me and my cabin. I'm even not letting Jace know I'm up there. I'll just use count on my luck and hope I can hide from Jace. Then I said that Cole wanted a 10:00 wheels up and Kyle is ok with that and the others have bailed so we should have a pleasant trip.
JJ looked at me and asked Bro, are you ok? I smiled and said JJ, I'm not sure but I can't get to VT fast enough. Oh, very soon I need to get down there and check on the apartment and hanger. MJ, how did Cole play today? JJ he shot -1 and finished second and was good as he didn't upstage Fred after the round. Well MJ, what's with you and your dad? JJ he picked a fight like he did with my mom and I fucking fell for it. Basically I feel that he dumped a lot of shit on me and then abandoned me and I let him know that in the restaurant and reinforced it when we chatted in his room. I feel sorry for Megan as she is trying but there isn't a apology coming from me as I meant every word I said. So MJ, where does it stand? I smiled and said neutral states and a couple of hundred miles apart. JJ, it will be what it becomes. JJ laughed and said, fuck I knew you would say that but dude you need a new approach. I laughed and said nope, I'm good. JJ left to pack and I scheduled the shuttle for 8:30 and left Cole and Kyle a message about the schedule. I had no idea what it would become with dad and as for Winnie, we needed a break and I wondered what it would become with Winnie when we got to VT. I was wondering if she would change her mind about that.
The shuttle was right on time and so was Cole and Jessica. Kyle and his wife were the last to arrive but we were ahead of schedule by a few minutes. There was no comment about the "missing passengers" and it was a fun ride to the airport. At the airport there was the jet and a fuel truck and JJ went right there to make sure that went well. I grabbed my log book and the flight plan and headed inside and Kyle yelled Mike, wait up. I stopped and when Kyle got to me he said I know you have things to do but there is something I need to tell you. I stopped and asked, so what's up? Mike, Jim and I talked for about an hour and I know what is going on and you do need a break. While you are away thinking things over you need to understand if you turn the company back over to your dad I'm gone that same afternoon. I just looked and Kyle said things have never been better we are making a lot of money, growth and new projects are at a manageable rate. You might not be aware but there is a good bit of interest from other technology companies to move here and Chief amongst them is Google. You don't need an assistant as Alan is about the best project manager around and you should let him run things and let him bring problems to you. Besides the union doesn't shit unless it is ok with you. In fact Dillon and I would like you to buy your dad out. Kyle when did you talk with Dillon about this? Kyle smiled and said 2 hours ago nd his resignation letter is already written, just in case. I just shook my head and we went inside. I filed the flight plan which was a IFR plan and got the weather report. It was looking like a calm and smooth flight home.
JJ and I did the pre-check and things were good. I checked the cargo door and it was secure and I got on and JJ followed securing the hatch. The engine startup was normal and we were quickly cleared for take off and I headed northwest and then just when we crossed into Georgia I adjusted the heading as the jet stream would push us east. I avoided all the big airports and I was able to enjoy the flight. JJ flew for about 30 minutes and I went to the head as I had to pee. When I got back and took over JJ asked if I wanted company next week? I shrugged and said JJ I need to figure out a lot of shit and having you around would be long sessions in bed and a crazy amount of sex. JJ laughed and said well that ok, I'm still looking for a prom date. I laughed and said well so am I. The entire trip was uneventful and I nailed the landing.
We taxied to the service line and shut things down and once the engines were stopped JJ opened the hatch and everyone got out. I finished the shut down procedure and joined everyone outside. Cole had no bag as he had everything shipped home and he and Jessica quickly loaded her car and they were quickly gone. Kyle made two trips to the car with his luggage and w shook hands and hugs were exchanged and now it was just JJ and I. We secured the jet and our bags were tossed in the bed of his truck and it was 1:15 by the time I was alone in my place. I wasted no time and set the alarm and jumped into bed and was quickly asleep.
I was up b fore the alarm and when I looked outside it appeared to be a fantastic early spring day. A quick check of the temperature indicated it was 49 degrees. I dressed prepped the coffee and went outside. I was hoping that Cole was going to join us as I wanted to update him on things. He appeared looking more than a bit groggy. We hugged and I said we need to chat, he laughed nd said well I heard dad's side of things and mom just kept shaking her head like a bobble head. I had to laugh at that. We let Cole set the pace as he was obviously exhausted. It was a fun and stress free run. When we finished JJ went right in the house as he was the only one who had school. Cole said MJ, I assume the coffee is ready? We went inside and each poured a cup and sat on the loveseat. I told him my side of the story and Cole said so MJ you feel abandoned? I said among other things, yes. MJ that was quite a life boat he floated you, how many millions? Cole, not as many as I have now. Cole laughed at that and asked so what you going to do now? I shrugged and said grow grapes for a week. Cole almost spilled his coffee and said you will be bored by noon on Tuesday. Seriously what are you going to do? Cole scare the shit out of him and then let him up for air. Kyle and Dillon don't want him involved at all. I'm going to explore selling the company and possibly going public. Dad will be aware of that by Wednesday. I can't wait to see how he reacts. Mike, I hope you know that will change your relationship with your dad and not in a good way, forever. Then he said, thanks for the coffee but I have thing to do. We hugged and Cole left saying have a good week.
I finished my coffee and as I sat there I was thinking about Cole and how much he had grown up and the little shit didn't hesitate in letting me know what he thought. I cleaned the coffee mugs and jumped into the shower. While I was drying off my phone buzzed and it was Winnie and I just let it go to voicemail. Then I simply turned it off. I collected a few things that I needed for the trip and headed to the airport. The single engine plane was at the service line and I threw the few things I had on board and went to the terminal. I pulled out an old VFR flight plan and started the pre-check. Everything was good and I manually checked the fuel. I climbed onboard and strapped in and then just started to laugh. A few hours ago I was flying one of the most sophisticated small jets in the world and today one of the simplest planes and yet this was still awesome. I started the engine contact the tower and was quickly in the air. It was another great day for flying and I kept it at 3,000 feet and was watching the radar and the sky for traffic. I was taking the long way following US 22 to Altoona and then heading north east to State College. At the stadium I would head further east with the main heading north. There was not much to see after State College except mikes and mikes of trees all without the green leaves that make the trip so nice in the summer. Soon enough I checked in with the tower and got the ATIS report which was clear, calm and cold as the temperature was 25 degrees. I was quickly cleared to land and I secured the plane. In the terminal I asked them to have it fueled and that I would be here till Thursday evening but would be doing some recreational flying. Then as I had no transportation I called the local car rental place and was told they would have a vehicle available in 30 minutes.
I found a spot in the empty lounge with a view of the runway and started to update my log book. I wanted it totally current as there would be a good bit of time in the air this week. If I was going to relax and think flying and physical activity were keys. The log book was in good shape and I added the Orlando trip and the flight up here today. I made a mental list about groceries that I would need and would do the shopping before I went to the cabin. The rental car arrived and I drove the guy back to the rental location and headed to town and a supermarket. I had to settle for a grocery store as nothing was super large here. I picked up some shrimp, a couple of steaks and 4 baking potatoes, hotdogs and buns. Then I added lettuce for a salad and some vegetables. Then I headed to the cabin. The big place was empty and I was glad bout that as I didn't want people around. Inside I turned the heat up, put the groceries away and lit a fire. I went outside looking for logs and found plenty of logs for the fire and a pile of logs that needed split. Back inside I stacked the logs beside the fireplace and sat in a recliner facing the fire. I turned on my phone and I saw that I had a few messages - 3 from Winnie, 1 from dad and one each from Kyle and Dillon. I deleted the ones from Winnie and dad without listening. Kyle message said I'm glad your phone is off but don't do something that will have me looking for a job. I laughed and hit DELETE. Dillon said Mike, I have this enjoy your time away and that was deleted as well. With that I turned off the phone and went to the bedroom and put on old jeans, a flannel shirt and a vest. Outside I found an ax and started to split and stack logs. I went at it for two hours and was about halfway through the pile and I was kicked in the ass. I slammed the ax into a log and started down the path to the winery but the winery wasn't the goal, I was going to the rock. It seemed that I wanted to get back to the memories of granddad and skinny dipping and all those memories that remained foggy.
I took my time but it wasn't a long walk and when I got there I simply sat down and watched patches of ice float around in the lake. I quickly realized that I was never here in March. Usually for Thanksgiving and a lot in the summer. I just beat there looking at the lake and it was a great view an the leaves didn't restrict the view. I remember how scared I was when granddad grabbed me and tossed me in the water. Then how great it was when I came to the surface. It was the summer before 1st grade. When I climbed out granddad said I should try it with no clothes and then he added Mike, you need to jump in, I'm getting too old to toss you. Just jump out as far as you can. I remember looking at him and granddad stood up stripped and went to the edge and jumped in. I remembered looking at him and before I knew it I was beside him in the water. It was fun and we did it a couple of time and dried off using our underwear and went back to the cabin and granddad cooked hotdogs on the grill. That was a great day and then something hit me as I sat on the rock. Granddad told me, it's ok to be afraid but you can never let what you are afraid of control you. Then sitting there I got really sad as that was one of the last times granddad had together. I just sat there with tears running down my check and I wish he was here today to help. But then there was that message stuck in my head that kept telling me that the only person you can trust 100% of the time is yourself. I have no idea where that came from but it has been in my head a lot.
Back at the cabin I was starving but there was no way I could eat smelling like I was. The flannel shirt was great but sweat from splitting logs and that fabric was awful. I went up to my room stripped and took a long hot shower. I dress in shorts and a tee shirt and went back down stairs. I tended to the fire and ducked outside and lit the grill. While that was happening I put together a salad. I was cold and I barely had clothes on and I threw the dogs on the grill and ducked back inside. There was a second trip to turn the dogs and a third to turn off the grill and grab the hot dogs. I put Heinz ketchup and relish on the dogs and Italian dressing on the salad and sat by the fire. I finished one hot dog and got up and threw 3 logs on the fire and put a Classical Mix on the sound system. I finished eating and put the dishes in the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. Back by the fire but this time in the giant sack which I placed on the floor in-front of the fire. As I laid there I thought of Winnie as this was where we had sex for the first time. I really liked her but the longer we stayed together it was obvious we had many different things we were interested in. Money was not the issue and her dad knew a lot about the company. I didn't want to dump her but we each needed a bit more space. Then I was thinking about Kyle and Dillon and their resignations if dad came back. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could trust dad to be totally involved and yes Kyle and Dillon could run the company. There were 4 people I totally trusted; Kyle, Dillon, Major Jim and Tim. That was all tumbling around in my head but was just confirming what I knew or thought I knew.
The music needed change and this time it was Chopin. I grabbed my phone and turned it back on and again there was 2 messages from Winnie and one each from dad and Megan. I deleted the message every one but listened to Megan's message. She said that she wanted me to know the she was there for me and I could call her anytime and it would be between the two of us. I deleted the message and turned off the phone. I simply laid there listening to the music and at some point I put more logs on the fire and grabbed a blanked and covered up and fell asleep.
There was no alarm and better yet no reason to get up but when I opened my the fire was out and it was cold. I relit the fire using the gas starter and let it burn until the logs were well lit. With that done I started the coffee and put jeans and a hoodie on. I sat at the counter eating fruit and drinking coffee and trying to figure things out. That didn't last long as I had slept much latter than normal and found my vest and went outside and split logs until I couldn't. I had to admit that smashing that ax into the logs was good for me and I realized that I missed the contact of football. Physically and mentally dominating someone. Then I realized that was what what was happening with me, I was transferring that to business and work. I needed it when and how I wanted it. That was a lot to take in and yet with dad I couldn't trust him to step up and some of the people I really trusted felt the same way. Well for them he would step up in a way that was unacceptable, to them. With all that in my mind I took a hot quick shower and called the airport and asked that the plane be fueled. At the airport there was no flight plan as I wasn't going anywhere, that I knew of, I was just flying around and relaxing. Once in the air I headed for Lake Erie and proceeded east until I found Niagara Fall. I kept going east and flew over Lake Ontario and just kept going. When I finally got to the Atlantic Ocean I turned around and went back to the airport.
Back at the cabin I was starving and fired up the grill. While it was getting hot I sliced a potato and added oil and seasoning and fixed another salad. The potatoes were first and when they softened up I put the steak on. Drinks were an Arnold Palmer and I sat at the counted and with Simon and Garfunkel playing had a very nice relaxing dinner. Once things were cleaned up I turned my phone on and was glad to see that there were no messages. Either I had pissed dad and Winnie off or they got the message that I didn't want to talk with anyone. The days we're getting longer and I grabbed a beer and sat on the deck and just looked at the lake. Things were starting to make sense to me and I knew what I wanted to do. I just needed to figure out how to do it without leaving bodies all over the place. I would simply let dad ease his way further and further out and let him become the new him. As for trusting him, that was a work in progress but there have been too many issues, especially with money that I would no longer ignore. I just hoped he wouldn't become a drunken fixture at the Club. I would always take care of him, Megan and Ashley no matter what. I just want them healthy and safe. I would have a meeting with Allen, the construction manager, and see how much more he would take on. Kyle and Dillon would continue to run the company and Heidikamp would run Standard Property. Tim would continue to run and watch over my legal affairs and I would have a long chat with Jordan, the CFO, about my finances. I was glad to be out of the stupid arrangement with Trey. Cole and Liam were in a good spot and I knew Cole was about to have a major breakout. Suddenly I realized it was dark and cold and while it was only 9:30 I closed up the cabin, turned on the dishwasher and went to my room. I had brought a book and simply started to read until I fell asleep.
NOTE:
Thanks for read and following the story August 7th marks the 4th anniversary of the start of "Bets". It has been an interesting journey, sometimes easy and sometimes difficult. Many of the characters, especially MJ, have moved into my head and I often fall asleep figuring out the next step. Lately my busy retired life has caused delays in the frequency of the chapters but over the 4 years the average has been a chapter every 4 days. I am glad that many of you still enjoy the story and I enjoy hearing from each of you. THANKS FOR READING!!!
IT CONTINUES FOR A WHILE YET. However as you can see MJ is getting ready for his escape.
Mike