Once I was finished with my chat with dad, Megan was done putting Ashley to bed she was sitting on the loveseat and had a glass of wine. Mike, please have a seat. I shrugged and and sat down. Mike, I'm glad you worked it out to spend Easter with us. I'm hoping you will attend 10:00 mass with us tomorrow morning and I'm cooking dinner it's roaster leg of Lamb, par boiled potatoes and a spring mix salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Oh, I forgot the vegetable will be lemon panko parmigiana asparagus. Damn Megan, most of that sounds good but I'll suffer Church just for you. Megan laughed and said, thanks. With that I went to my place with the intent of getting some much needed sleep.
At my place I went right to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer, sat on the loveseat and checked my phone for messages. There was an email from Heidkamp asking for me to look at an apartment in the Strip District. I simply replied Tuesday at 6:00 or Wednesday after 4:00. There was a voicemail from Erin, which was both typical and expected. Then there was one from Winnie asking if we could find a time to talk. I just sent her a text massage and said I would be in school Tuesday and we could talk then, that was totally unexpected. I took a drink of the beer and was going to call Erin when there was a knock on the door and the door opened and Cole was standing there smiling. I laughed and asked so where is Jessica? Cole shrugged and said, spending time with the rents and negotiating a week with me in Florida. With that he grabbed a beer and plopped down beside me. Ok Cole, what's up? He took a swig of his beer and said nothing unless you have a way to get me out of church tomorrow. I laughed and said, dude I already gave in. We chatted about nothing important and I figured he would get to whatever it was, at his own time.
We each had another beer and the discussion turned to golf. Then Cole said he was playing r tournaments in a row ending with the Memorial, Jack's tournament then there would be a week off to get ready for the open and he was planning to spend a week getting used to the time difference. So Mike will you be there? I smiled and said yup, I have meetings. I'm not sure about the travel yet as I might fly commercial. JJ will be working most likely. If you mom is going, I might hire a pilot just not sure. Will you be coming home or playing in more events? Mike, if I can I'm taking at least one week off. It depends on the event but to be honest this is getting to feel like a job. I laughed and said yup, you have hundreds of thousand of George Washington's finding their way to your bank, it is work but you are doing exactly what you want. So get over it. Cole just looked at me and I said I know but I'm just doing shit and I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Cole shrugged and said well you have more options than anyone I know. Well Cole, like you I have my schedule worked out. I'm checking out apartments as I'm moving to my own spot after graduation, I'm opening the restaurant and the marina and I'm spending as much time out of the office as possible and not missing school.
After that, I asked how he and Jessica were and that brought a giant smile. Mike, we are great but there are still parent issues. We both want to get married and they all think it is a bad idea. Hell her dad suggested we get a place and just live together. Cole, I'm serious about the apartment after graduation you can most likely have this place. Hell there is an extra bedroom when you two have a fight. Cole just laughed nd said we don't always get along but we do work it out. By the way she doesn't always win. I laughed at that and Cole got us another beer. Two hours later I couldn't stay awake and suggested Cole that Cole spend the night in the spare bedroom. Then I suggested breakfast before church. Cole agreed to the room but said he would just skip breakfast. I went to my room and stripped, pulled up the covers and was gone.
I was up a bit later and put some coffee on. Cole was not around so I jumped into the shower and took a long hot shower, shaved and while drying off I realized that I need to get a couple of workouts in. This vacation and the drama with Charlie's passing had taken a tole that was unacceptable so I added that to the things that needed done. Naturally I was in in need of a haircut and was hoping to fit that in tomorrow if I was back early enough from the funeral. Damn, taking care of myself was getting harder and harder. I but on Dress pants and a light blue dress shirt and headed for the coffee. I really needed to relax and these next two day would be a challenge. I but on some classical music and was enjoying the time alone when JJ called. I answered saying Happy Easter dude. JJ laughed and said thanks but after this bullshit is over we need to work out out, I look fat. I laughed at that and said well I'm in the same boat and just but that on my to do list. We need to get back to three times a week. Mike, I agree but I just realized we don't have school tomorrow and if your home we should meet at the gym around 6:00. I smiled and said well unless I throw dad out of the plane, I'm in. Ok, and we should talk after. Dude, that works for me as well, I got a call from Winnie. JJ laughed and said well I got a call from a chick, Emily and we have been talking some and it's looks like prom dates are back in the picture. We chatted for a few minutes and then I heard his dad telling him breakfast was ready. I Just hung up and silenced the phone and listened to the relaxing music.
Eventually I grabbed a blazer and headed to the house.
At the house I found Megan feeding Ashley and dad and Cole were nowhere to be found. I sat down and Megan said so Mike, judging from Cole this morning, you and him had a good time last night. Yup, we had a nice long talk. She shook her head and said, and apparently more than a few drinks. I wasn't being blamed for that and replied, well I didn't offer him anything and when I went to bed he was fine. He stayed over to size up the place for when him and Jessica moves in. Mike, where you going? An apartment in the city right after graduation, I just started looking and my people are on it. In fact I'm looking at a place on Tuesday. Mike does your dad know about this? Nope and he, at this point, doesn't deserve a say. I'm 18 and can afford anything I want. Michael, you are correct in both areas but you can afford that and many other things because what your dad gave you. Well that's partially correct but I gave up my senior year and moved the company way forward and now own buildings, a marina and soon two more buildings and that's all on me. Well, in any case you owe your dad an explanation. As for Cole he isn't moving anywhere. Well in a couple of months you won't have a say and he has a ton of Benjamins moving into his bank account every day. Heck, he won't need a place to stay where you can watch over him and Jessica, for now at least, is a fixture. Just settle for them living together and keeping the wedding in the future. That will be what it becomes. You pushing will force things to happen that haven't been settled. Just then dad and Cole appeared and they both looked at Megan and I. Dad, laughed and said, just get in the damn car.
As dad was getting Ashley situated in her car seat Cole asked, what was that all about? Cole, how many beers did you have after I went to bed? He shrugged and said, 2. Well there is your answer. The short ride to church was in silence except for Ashley. I guess she didn't get the memo as she was babbling the whole way. I felt bad as this was partly my fault and it made my mom stick her head out of the box in my head. Dad was no help as always and that furthered my memory of past family trips to church. We were early enough that we were able to find a pew where we could sit together. I just wanted to settle in and was glad that Cole was beside me and then dad and finally Megan and Ashley. Back in a day this would have been a classic High Mass. there was a Deacon, Celebrant, altar boys and a full choir. The difference was that it was in English, more contemporary music but the Gloria was still sung and the place was packed when it started. Relaxing at a Catholic service is not likely as you, sit, stand and mostly kneel unless the priest is long winded at the homily and you get to sit and in my case zone out. At Communion, I stayed in my seat and that got me another ugly look from Megan. I just smiled and shrugged as I didn't consider myself a church member so I wasn't entitled. While I was baptized I definitely wasn't a practicing Catholic. People started to leave at Communion time but Megan held back as I knew she wanted to say Happy Easter to the priest who was at the door chatting with parishioners. When we made it to the door. Megan had a brief chat with the Priest. I was hoping to get away quickly when Father Saladna said Mike, it's good to see you. I smiled and said well Father, it's good to be seen. He laughed and said well I see you haven't changed. With that I said Happy Easter and moved on.
On the way to the car Megan came up to me and said, Michael if you are going to be a pain in the ass all day you should just go to your place, as you call it, and skip dinner. You should start. By walking home. What I heard next was dad who said. Mike get your ass. In the car and not another word and I'll see you in my office. I shrugged and got in the car. It was deadly quiet on the way back as Ashley was sleeping.
We pulled in the driveway and dad turned, he looked right at me, and said my office NOW and no more bull shit. In the house, I went straight into dad's office and sat in a guest chair. DD was right behind me and he went right to his desk drawer and lit a cigarette. Dad calmly sat down and took a long drag on his cigarette. Then he looked at me and quietly asked, why? I just shrugged and dad said Michael, why did you choose today to act like a fucked up teenager? It's not like you. Dad, nothing has gone the way I wanted it in over a week. I wanted to be in Florida drinking and fucking and you know what happened. You could have come home or went back to Florida or anywhere and that Trust you are or will be managing is easy enough. I laughed out loud and said like you did with my Trust and let Adam manage it with unfair restrictions. Mike don't blame me for today. What pissed you off? Look dad, I didn't want to do the church thing and I was cooperating and I get here and Megan is bitching at me because Cole and I had a few beers. Then he stayed at my place. Look dad, I'm sure you know but I'm looking for an apartment. My plan is to move after graduation. Dad smiled and asked, what makes you think I know. Dad, you have a spy or two and I haven't found the asshole but I know you know exactly what I'm doing. Yes, it pisses me off. What amazes me is that you don't monitor the business. Dad laughed and said that's because you don't run the business, you supervise the people who do. Mike, now that you tried to change the topic the question remains, why?
Dad you kep asking the same question over and over and we have talked about a lot of possibilities but so far this day has been like every other holiday we had with mom and now she is running around in my head reeking all kinds of havoc. Church is a waste of time, for me, then there was the tense discussion with Megan because Cole stayed up after me and had a few more beers. Hell, it's not my job to raise him and if it matters I think is is managing a lot very well. Then I'm exhausted but you will have to wait for for the answer to your question until I meet with my head doctor. Now I'm going to talk with Megan and try to have a nice day. Oh, I need you at the airport by 6:00. Oh, I'm not planning on hanging around and want to be hole late afternoon. I need to get some rest and more importantly need to work out. With that I went looking for Megan.
I found Megan in the kitchen working on the lamb and I ent to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of wine that was open and poured her a glass. I handed to her and there was a trace of a smile and she sat it on the counter and said Mike, that is a shitty apology. I smiled and said well I am taking your husband away for the day tomorrow. This time she laughed out loud and took a sip of wine. Mom, I could have reacted better for you blaming me for Cole drinking a bit too much and the shit show at church, well that was all me. Mike the wine and the word salad I just heard could have been reduced to two words but I'm guessing sorry, isn't in your vocabulary. I went over and gave her a hug and whispered, I am really sorry but I don't say that often or lightly. That brought a big smile and she said Michael, I'm busy, go play within Ashley. I shrugged and went looking for my sister.
That was fun for a while and then it wasn't. I stayed with it but Megan was mostly in the kitchen, dad remained in his office and he had papers all over his desk. Cool was trying to pack for three weeks and appeared briefly for some iced tea and to bitch about not having enough clothes. He mumbled something about doing laundry or just buying new shit. Ashley yawned and I picked her up and she was very soon asleep. I moved and laid on the loveseat and put Ashley on my chest and I was soon asleep. Seemed that Megan finally had the food under control and she came in and lifted Ashley off me and we both were awake. Ashley was delivered to her dad with instruction to feed and change his daughter and Cole was summoned. Everyone, well Cole and I, got the message and Cole got drinks for everyone and we started chatting. I smiled when I saw Cole drinking iced tea. I gave my scotch to dad as I was flying in the morning.
Cole and I were asked to set the table for dinner and it was a big deal and a very formal family dinner. The food was great, well more than great. Cole and I behaved and dad was actually in. Good mood and Megan was completely content. With Dianne complete dad dealt with Ashley and put her down for the night. Cole and I cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. Megan cleaned as she cooked and there were just a few pans. Leftovers we put in containers in the refrigeration. The whole process took Cole and I about an hour. We all gathers in the family room and everyone but me had drinks. Finally, I reminded dad that I wanted him at the airport by 6:00. Then I told Cole to make sure he hit them where he wanted them to go. I hugged Megan nd left for my place.
Once there I got ready for an early morning. Clothes were set out and I was going to use the same blazer I had worn today, a fresh blue shirt and khaki pants and appropriate shoes. Then the coffee was prepped and I showered and shaved so that wouldn't be necessary in the morning. I set the alarm and jumped into bed. I don't remember anything until the alarm went off at 4:45. I was out the door with coffee at 5:00 and at the airport 20 minutes later. I pulled an often used flight plan out of my folder then started he pre check. All I needed was dad and he arrived at 5:55. Dad laughed when he saw me checking the fuel. I shrugged and said that the Major said never to trust the fuel gage. We got in and I handed him the head set and showed him how the microphone worked and explained that it was easier to talk that way. Then I asked him to be quiet when I was talking with the tower. Then I checked the ATIS for weather and wind and things were very calm. I started the engine after carefully checking the area. This was simple enough as there was only one engine and it was right in front of us. I then told dad about the VFR and explained that while I would be using the compass to get us headed in the correct direction I would be using visual landmarks to get us there. Dad was taking all this in and then I told him to be quiet until we were in the air. I laughed when I got a thumbs up. Then it was Allegheny Ground, Cessna N3826 requesting at service line, requesting permission to Taxi for takeoff. The reply was quick and we were headed to the runway for takeoff. At this hour on a Monday we were immediately cleared and we were in the air at 6:15.
We headed NE and I chuckled when we flew over the Parkway East. Dad asked Mike, what funny. Dad, back in a day I would follow US 22 then turn North and when I saw Beaver stadium I would turn NE and head for the winery. Now I just cut the dogleg and it saves a bunch of time and fuel. So Mike, why did we leave so early? Well, I want breakfast by the lake as it relaxes me. Besides the funeral, I need to talk with the kid about his Trust and how for a long time, it is there but he can't access it. The only limit is a felony conviction which would send the money to a specified charity. Dad we quiet and looking around, as for me I was finally relaxing and I knew that it wouldn't be drama free after the funeral. Mike, why we taking this plane and not something faster. Dad, the jet takes two people to fly it and the twin would work but it is harder to fly alone and is more expensive and uses a lot more fuel. This is easy to fly and all we need. Also, it chills me out the most. Dad flying is serious business and JJ and I both had the best and most demanding teacher, JJ's dad. We moved to jets very quickly and I was hooked because of that trip you took me on to watch the launch and I got to fly the fighter. Dad was quiet again and I was just flying the small plane.
It wasn't till we flew over the Penn State Campus that dad stirred and was looking around. Then he looked over at me and asked, why didn't you come here. Dad there were two reasons. First they wouldn't commit to the educational adjustments that I wanted and while the head coach is a legend some of his assistants didn't measure up. Education drove my decision, but you knew that. Ok Mike the real question is why am I on this trip? Dad, we never spend time together unless we are bitching at each other. I can't figure you out and I'm sure you have the same problem with me. Dad laughed and said, well you have become a puzzle to me. Dad we are not talking about puzzles as it will ruin my Commencement speech for you. I got a very strange look as dad shook his head. All he said a speech about a puzzle? Damn I'll have to actually listen. So you already have the talk done? Dad there are two versions as the damn President of the school Board wanted a rough draft. He didn't specify how rough a draft he wanted. Dad shook is head and said, just don't tell me more. Tim was flying by and soon enough I asked dad to be quiet and I contacted the tower and requested ATIS. Turned out the weather was great. A few minutes later I contacted the tower and asked for landing instruction and I laughed when the instructions were, you are cleared to land, bring her in. I just shook my head at the informal approach because they knew me and my planes and call letters.
Once we were on the ground and dad followed directions and helped secure the plane. I went in what passed for the terminal and made arrangements for fuel and a 2:30 departure time. The Winery van was waiting for us and the keys were in the visor. I was driving and we went into town to my favorite restaurant. As soon as they saw me coffee was delivered and dad was handed a menu. Dad quickly ordered three eggs over easy, bacon, home fries and white toast. I didn't have to order as it was 2 scrambled eggs, 2 pancakes and a double order of sausage. Once the water left dad asked, so Mike they know your order? I shrugged and said yup, I eat here a lot when I'm here. Dad shook his head and said Mike, you can quit showing off. Dad one of the thing that have is I'm special and I kinda like it. Besides I tip well. The conversation turned to the events of the day and with breakfast out of the way and me having a takeout coffee we headed to the a winery.
The Winery store was naturally closed but I went into town to through the warehouse and I found Jace in his office. I introduced dad and Jace and I had a few things to go over. I asked dad if he wanted to sit in or have a foreman give him a tour? I wasn't surprised when he said he wanted to sit in. Jace was ready as usual and we discussed the plans to remove much of the old equipment and opted to keep one line of the original equipment. That wine would be labeled Charlie Select. It would have a slightly different taste but the mark up would be more than needed. I looked at dad and said it's all marketing. Dad just shook his head. Then we discussed then frozen Wins and those sales and Jace indicated that it was really catching on and sales were up 15% over a year ago. Then there was a very quick review of the budget and things looked good. Then I asked about the harvest nd Jace said that it was naturally a good way off but he had already meet with the group leader and agreed to a 10 cent an hour raise and we would be given priority. Then I asked bout Judy and Jace smiled nd said well she is good and therefore I'm good. We are working on having a kid. I laughed and said well you must be enjoying that. Jace smiled and said well it's the easy part.
Mike, the attorney sent over four copies of the Trust. He asked that you keep one, give one to Alice and one to David. He asked that you remind David that if he decides to fuck with things it won't go well and he will be sued for costs when he loses. Ok what about the other copy. He thought Chuck or his attorney should have it. Jace, Chuck's attorney sis my attorney. I'll,discuss things with the kid and give Tim the copy. Chuck can call Tim anytime when he needs info. Jace, Chuck needs to decide about the house but I'm not going to post that for a while. We own it but I promised Charlie Chuck could have it, if he wanted it. At some point I'll,offer to build him a cabin. Mike, I'll have it locked up nd when the kid visits I'll have the same people you use to get it ready. I smiled and said Jace remind them no booze. Both dad and Jace laughed. Then Jace said that he needed to get some shit done and he would see us for the noon service. Oh, I hired a caterer so there will be food in the house. I'm guessing 50 people or so. I said thanks and dad and I went for a walk.
As we walked thru the vineyard I told dad how Charlie and Cathy had bought grape plants for France and California and that those grapes had. Unique flavor as the soil changes the taste. He was very smart and spent money wisely and that included getting the right type of barrels. We eventually got to the path that would take us to the cabins I took the top of the fence down and as we continue dad said. Mike you say you are just Manage the group of investors but you know a lot of shit about this place and how it works. I shrugged and said well dad, I don't sell shit I manage people. Dad just nodded his head. I smiled and thought he might just be getting it. When we got to the rock dad stopped and looked out at thereafter and the lake was full again as the melted snow filled it back up.
When we got to the cabins, I asked dad if he wanted to check out his place and he said nope, but I want to see yours.then he looked over the parking lot and asked what's going on over there. Dad, I'm building two cabins, similar to mine one is a graduation gift for JJ and the other one is for you since you are giving the big thing to Ashley. It will be bigger than the others but a cabin and it won't Houston 20 people. Dad, its a gift but you don't get any input but furniture is on you. With that we went into my cabin and dad was amazed how much it was just like his dad's which burnt down. With that we started back to the Winery.
Dad and I went to the house and paid our respects as Charlie was still in the living room. The casket would be closed and then carried to the small cemetery and rife service would be there at the gravesite. As per his request the coffin would be lowered and people could throw some dirt into the grave. Once we were gone the workers would finish. I saw Alice and Chuck and gave the kid a big hug. He said JJ had called earlier and he appreciated that. Well Chuck, you and I have to have a chat and I think it would be a good idea if your mother was with us. Chuck said mom is good but not dad. I said that's fun, now or after the service. Chuck immediately said now but not here can we go to the store. Dad was taking all this in but said nothing.
We went into Jace's office and I gave Alice a copy of the Trust. I explained how Chuck had two attorneys looking out for him and one was my attorney and the other was his granddad's. There was no cost to him or to the Trust. I was entitled to a fee but had waved that except for travel expenses. I then reviewed the terms and the money and reminded him he owned 10% of the Winery. Then I discussed the house and said he had access to it for as long as he wanted but that we would discuss that in a year. He just shrugged. Chuck had a few questions which were easily answered. I handed Alice her paperwork and Chuck didn't want any. I told him I would give it to Tim. Then Chuck asked, does my dad get a copy? I said yes but it comes with a stern talk. Alice said Mike we haven't seen or heard from David. I'm not even sure he will be here. Ok, if he doesn't come I'll deal with it. Just then bad appeared and he said. Mike you need to come outside there is a guy making a scene asking for you. Chuck laughed and said well I guess my dad is here and asking like the asshole he is. Dad didn't say anything but there was a reaction.
Dad, you should stay and I'll go get him. Chuck said well I'm staying, I need to hear this. Alice said that was ok with the two of you staying. I went outside and David yelled where do you you have my kid. I went up to him and quietly said he is with his other but I have some paperwork. Would you quietly come with me to a less public area. I was polite but there was no chance David didn't know was running the show. In the office Alice excused herself without looking at David. David went right up to Chuck and tried to give him a hug and Chuck said please don't touch me, I don't want you near me. David sat down beside Chuck and the kid immediately stood up and went to an opposite corner of the room. Davis looked T dad and asked, who is he? Well Mr. Cummings I'm Mike Simmons Senior. I don't have a say in anything here but in case this goes bad and my son beats the shit out of you Chuck and I will be witnesses. Your son is here at his request.
I laughed and sat down and said, David your dad's attorney has asked me to give you a copy of the Trust that was set up for your son. I am also instructed that there is a page in the Trust that states in very simple terms that you have no part in managing then trust and have no control over the finances. That all falls to me. I am also to remind you that this Trust was set up in accordance with the all current laws. Should you decide to challenge the Trust you should understand that it was filed in the State of New York and in this county? Any challenge will be heard here. You need to also know that the letter your dad gave you shortly before he passed was at your dad's request was part of his will. Any costs associated with a challenge will become your responsibility including attorney fees. With that I tried to hand him the copy of the Trust. David made no move to take it so I laid it on the desk and said, David thanks for your time. Now the three of us have things to discuss. David just sat there and I stood up put two fists on the desk leaned forward and quietly said please get out. Then I smiled and said, I'm not asking a second time. David had a a blank stare and just sat there. I looked at Chuck and asked that he get ready for the service and stay with his mom.
I sat back down and David blinked and he said, Mike how did you get in charge. I helped you and your group buy this place. I figured you would trash the vines and everything and build a resort and I would be done yet here I am done and the fucking Winery is better than ever and my son owns a part. David I have no idea of the dynamics between you and your dad but I can tell you when the kid gets successful things get difficult. Now I think you need to put your big boy pants on and burry your dad. He slowly got up and went outside. I had forgot dad was there and he quietly left leaving me sitting there.
I sat there thinking and I knew dad heard the conversation. It wasn't planned but what is said was true. Now my situation was different than David and Charlie. The difference is that dad could be successful but Charlie was just old enough that he struggled and his wife had died. It was also different in that I didn't need an exclusive private school. David left his parents behind and ignored them. I moved to the garage apartment and now an apartment in town. I was all too much for me to deal with but I knew dad was trying to figure it out as well and that was good. I simply got up and went outside.
Dad was talking with Alice and there were a number of people there I knew and that kept me busy. Then the minister came and everyone lined up and went in the house and said good bye to Charlie. With that done the funeral director closed the doors and Closed the coffin. The pallbearers including Jace, Chuck and workers from the Winery carried Charlie to his grave. David just followed behind. It was a quick service and the 40or so people walked the short trip back to the house. The food was set up on the porch and I found Chuck and Alice and told them I was leaving and they should call me anytime. I found me and we looked at each other and at the same time said LUNCH.
Walking to the van dad dad asked for the keys to the van and I just handed them to him and at the same time I realized that he was in charge until we were in the plane. We drove through town and I reminded dad that I wanted in the air by 2:30. He shrugged and said, well I thought you had private planes so the schedule could be changed? Dad that's true but I need to be back to work out at 6:00. All I got was him saying, that will happen and we are almost there. About 5 minutes later dad turned onto a dirt road and then there was a parking lot and what passed for a building. There was no sign but I could see the lake and assumed we were at the opposite end of the lake. Turned out it was a bar and restaurant. We sat down and dad ordered a beer and I asked for an iced tea. Dad looked at the waiter and said he is the pilot that got me here and he can't drink. Then dad said 2 fish sandwiches and fries. The waiter was quickly back with a beer for dad and a Pepsi for me. He said, sorry no ice tea. I smiled and said thanks. Ok dad what is this place? Mike, in the day you can get fish sandwiches and fries and it's awesome. At night it's a biker bar and the menu expands. It's wild at night and I come here for good fish and quiet in the afternoon. So dad, they serve anyone? Mike, just don't come here on a Friday or Saturday evening. I shrugged and said no worries.
Dad took a drink of his beer and then asked so what's the story with David and Chuck? Dad Chuck can't stand his dad because he cheated on his wife with guys. The kid hates that he cheated and is ok with the sex with guys but is totally repulsed by the fact that they were high priced escorts. I doubt that there is a way back. Ok Mike, I'm thinking that you were less than honest with me about why you had me come along. I just looked and dad said I think you wanted me to see the Cummings family dynamics. 2 fathers and 2 sons with nothing between them. I smiled and said, guilty as charged. So dad you brought me here to talk so it was you place and thus your more relaxed. Mike, that's correct. Well dad it's working as I hate what I have to drink, so the food and the talk better be good.
Mike, do you think I have a problem with you because you are successful? Dad I have no idea, do you? Mike, please stop answering a question with a question, it's a sales technique and in a sales contest your out of your league. Dad the second this becomes a contest of any kind, I'm done and we can continue down whatever path we separately choose. What I really think is that you worked hard all your life and the company you started outgrew your ability. Kyle was about to leave and you threw a bunch of chips in the air and they all landed on my head. Adam resented me as he wanted control and once I saw the working conditions I almost puked. Thus the buildings, which you helped with at first then you did what you always do and left the details up to others. As for you resenting what I have done, I honestly don't give a fuck one way or the other. Just then the food arrived and it was a very large fried fish that hung over the hoagie bun and the fries were fresh cut and not frozen.
The timing was good because I had just laid a lot on dad and we pretty much ate in silence. Then dad said Mike, I don't resent you and you are right about the company and I considered selling it but decided to see what you could do. To be honest I just can't keep up with you. Mike, you need to slow down and relax and the antics this past weekend were a sign that it is becoming too much for you. Now I discover that besides the two construction projects at home you have construction projects here. Dad, those things don't take my time and neither does the restaurant or the marina. I put good people in charge, pay them well and good things happens and I just watch. The difference between you and me is that I pay them well and I care about them and their families or they think I do and there is very little difference. In each and every case it trust, verify and protect my interests. Everyone pays a price if they jump ship. Dad you need to think about a response but I need to get us on our way way back. I really need to work out. Dad threw $50 on that table and said ok, let's go. I shook my head as the fish was good but that was a ridiculous price even with the tip.
Dad drove to the airport and I filed the VFR flight plan and paid the fees and for the fuel while dad stood around. We unsecured the plane and I checked the the plane. Inside I contacted ATIS and when I was finished dad asked what that was. I simply replied Automatic Terminal Information System and that tells me about the terminal, the field and in this case most importantly the weather. We were quickly in the air. Dad was quiet until he said so Mike, you are a much more polished version of me. Dad, I don't know about that but i see a big picture of things and start the process. Like the Winery I know exactly what's going on and what it takes, so it can get complicated when I need to step in. Dad the smaller building under construction will house a new company MJS Aeronautics and we will build drones. If you want involved I could use your help with your government connections especially DOD. The drone can be toys or weapons and I want in on the ground floor. Dad this is real so don't agree then bale on me. We spent the entire trip talking about that and dad said Mike, I'm in. Dad you better mean it and that means all in and no Adam. Dad extended his hand and we shook on it. I thought damn he better not fuck with me as it's the last chance. We landed and the plane was quickly secured and I grabbed my flight log and jacket and hurried to the car and drove to the gym.
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