Driving home to my place, I said dude, you want a beer as you are walking home. He laughed and said I'll call a cab, three fucking houses, that's a hike. Inside, dad was in his office and I asked if he saw the news and he said, I waited to see what you got yourself into. JJ laughed and said Mr. Mike all we did was watch the game with the adults and I drove home as Mike fielded one phone call after another. Dad rewound the tape and hit play and it took all of 30 seconds. Local team reaches State Finals in dramatic fashion in a drama filled game. Dad looked at me and I shrugged. The segment was mostly about the game and then went to Rob's interview and while he said all the right things, the sarcasm dripped from every word when asked about the coach. He was glowing about the team effort. I told him about Dr. Johnson and coach and my 6:30 meeting. He laughed and said you should charge them as a consultant and add it to the profits amassing in Enterprises. I let that pass and got two more beers and the three of us just chatted and filled dad in on the details.
I walked JJ to the door and said, while I owe you a task, I'm not letting you off the hook about Cole. He said, by the way where is he? JJ it was dad's turn to watch him, good night. I found dad and told him that he would have to take Cole to school tomorrow. He said he figured. So dad where is he? In bed a while ago. I said, I'll see you at the office tomorrow, I hope. Good night.
I slipped a note under Cole's door about not running and his ride to school, set my alarm for 5:30 and tried to sleep. Naturally the alarm woke me and I jumped in the shower, blew dry my hair and dressed in typical school clothes, jeans and a hoodie. I stopped for coffee on the way and pulled in the parking lot at 6:20 called coach and asked where were we meeting? He said in the Principal's conference room and there would be school board members there. I said I'm in the parking lot and was he sure they needed me and he laughed and hung up. In the Admin. area the conference room door was closed so I knocked and heard, Mike please come in. I was told to take a seat and I just sat quietly. The discussion was all over the place. They needed to do something with the coach and the State wanted him suspended. I thought fuck, that's easy but said nothing. Then it hit me the coach was saying a kid broke the window. That they were fighting and Rob pushed the kid against the window and it broke.
I just sat listening, finally they looked at me and said, what's your read on this Mike? Well it gets down to who you believe, the players or the coach. Then what about the assistant coaches, what are they saying? I will say this, Rob is a military brat and he was totally out of character last night and way over the top in the second half, he should have been benched. I would ask why not? Hell if I did that, I would expect a seat and I think I was sat for much less than that. I have no idea what the pressure is like on the State level but for the football team, we cared less after the district finals. You need to find out exactly what happened, if the coach lied, he needs fired today and any player lying need to be done for the year and suspended.
I just sat there, wondering why this was so complicated. Sitting there I was thinking why am I there? Then the Superintendent asked, Mike how tight are you with the team? I said, it's not like football and this is their thing so I tried not to be involved. I simply support and provide feedback when asked. Mike, will the team be honest with us? I said that's a very tough question, some for sure. Guys, what do you want from me, just spit it out? Mike meet with the team, just you and them. I sat there thinking and said, before I agree can I talk with Rob? Mike, he isn't in today. I said, I'll be back and went outside and called Rob. He answered and I said dude get you fucking ass to school, I need you here and sooner than later, I meet you in the parking lot in 20 minutes. Back inside I told them that I would meet with him in the parking lot in 20 minutes. I said, I'll be outside waiting for him, no guarantee he will be willing to come in. I got up and left.
I sat in the car listening to tunes and Rob pulled up and we hugged and I said Rob please come to the gym with me. Mike, why you and not the AD or principals? Rob just humor me and let's go to the gym. Inside the gym I said, Rob look around and tell me what you see on the walls. He said banners, dude look closer what don't you see? He screamed MIKE DON'T GAME ME GET TO THE POINT. I said you don't see a State Championship banner in any sport, yeah there have been individual championship but no team championship. You guys want to throw that opportunity away? Just be know forever as the team and the school that forfeit and didn't try. You want branded as a quitter? Just tell me what the fuck you want? Do that and I'll tell you how to get that. Now let's talk, dude to dude and no games. Just answer yes or no? Did the coach push a player? Yes. Did coach throw a wastebasket? Yes. Did that result in a broken window? Yes. Will the team play with him coaching? Yes, but we will play our game, our way. So you figure you can win this game without him? We don't care. Will you tell this to school Administrators? No but the entire team will. I said how will that happen, Mike eventually they will ask to meet with us, it's up to them. Rob will you please go to class and trust me it will happen almost immediately. Where would you like to meet? He thought for a minute and said here in the dressing room. We stood and I said Rob, just be firm and polite. He said thanks and went to class.
I went back to the conference room and said, the team is waiting to hear from you guys and would like to meet in the team room. Rob is in class. I got up to leave and Coach Weston said, Mike that's all? I said yes and you will have this resolved very soon. Enjoy your day, I would like to get to AP History. The Superintendent said guys Mike and I need the room and I was left sitting there with the Superintendent. Mike, so they will play? I said yes but ignore the coach. Then I said I don't see how, after talking with Rob, you will let him coach. Mike, none of the assistants are ready for that pressure. I laughed and said, the team doesn't think it matters and this could easily be a difficult group. The current coach is their second and now they could be state champs and have had 3 coaches. He said Mike you have a good point. Ok let's go. I laughed and said why me? Because there were 2 Phd's in the room and a couple hundred years of experience and you fixed it. So you deserve an opportunity to watch. I laughed and said you mean fix it when it goes south, correct? He laughed and said let's get to the gym.
Once everyone was gathered in the team room we went to the gym, Rob said we will all answer any questions you have but before we do, as team captain I have a question for my teammates? Who is willing to play Saturday, raise your hands. Damn, no one raised a hand. He simply sat down and looked at the administrators. Coach Weston said ok, why? There was no response and Rob finally said, please ask a direct question to an individual. Coach Weston said, ok Rob why? He calmly said the coach. You guys, I assume know how I feel please ask someone else. Just then Ron Mazie stood up and said, fuck this the coach is a total jerk. He is demeaning, totally vulgar, throws things, break clipboards, and treats us like shit. If anyone disagrees with that just speak up. There was dead silence. Coach Weston said, ok this guy is your second coach this year is it the team or the coach? Two players got up and started to leave. I said please sit down and looked at the administrators and said can I have the room?
They got up and as they leaving and I said, this won't be long and please listen. I'll get them to play but you need to address the coach with them honestly when you come back. I'm asking that while I'm dealing with my classmates, please figure the hard stuff out. They left and I asked Rob, so why did you guys want to meet here? He said they didn't care, I wanted you to do for them what you did for me an hour ago. I laughed and said, perfect.
I said, guys everyone thought the football team was special in what we accomplished. A district championship and the state playoffs. You guys have done more, much more, you could be in a State champ. Look at the walls in you home, here at school. Ask yourselves what do I see and what don't I see. There is one district championship banner up and yours isn't there yet because the fucking thing isn't made yet. Do you see a State Championship Banner in any sport? That's fucking right there isn't one. You guys are so special, you could do something that no team has ever done here. In fact you already have you are the first team in a State final, in any sport. How about we just put a State runners-up banner on the damn wall with an asterisk "they quit". If that happens you will always be remembered here as the team that quit. I have no idea what will happen with the coach. Just grow a set and play the fucking game and deal with it. I turned and left the gym and said, to the administrators, they are all yours and I went to lunch.
JJ saw me and asked, Donde has estado toda la manan? (Where have you been all morning?) I laughed and said regal seis (rule six). I got up and went to class. Well class didn't last long as my presence was requested in the gym. In the gym, I found the head coach and the administration. As I approach the Principal the coach left, obviously unhappy. Dr. Johnson said Mike that tough love you dishes out worked and we suspended the coach. There will be an extensive review once we get back from this weekend. Mike, we need a big favor and we have talked with your dad and we are aware of the complications. Oh Mike, you dad said to use rules 1 & 4 before we started to ask for your help.
I laughed and just looked at them. Coach Weston started to laugh and said, guys you just told Mike to shut up and listen and everyone, including me were laughing. Mike the team has asked that you sit with them, on the bench, for the game. We have arranged three rooms at the Hershey Lodge. Megan will fly into Harrisburg Thursday night and you have the rooms Thursday through Saturday and check out is Sunday. Tickets for all the games will be provided. Coach Weston said Mike, rule 7. I said coach there is no rule 7. Mike it's tell us what you think. Damn, coach we don't need a rule for that, it's a given. Everyone laughed and I said, I have a couple of questions. What are my responsibilities? Mike, whatever the team needs to get thru this? What about school, I can't miss any more days? That's covered and we will be closing Friday. Who is coaching? The first assistant is meeting with the team as we speak, he will be the head coach but I think the team is coaching themselves. I said, I can't answer yes or no until I talked with Cole. Mike, your dad is dealing with that, I said shit and ran outside. I turned on my phone and called Cole and naturally it went to voice mail. I said dude, call me and don't talk to dad and I'm picking up, I'll be by your stadium. Back inside, I said dad doesn't deal with this well, I'll work it out and call coach. Oh, how about a noon tee time Thursday at Heritage Hills? They said they would let me know and I said have them charge it to my Oakmont account. I went to the office and signed out for work.
Work my ass, one of these days I'll get caught. I drove to Cole's school and parked by the stadium and waited. Cole came flying out of the building and said MJ what the fuck is so important? Cole, things blew up at school over the basketball tournament. Everyone want me to be at the game and to sit on the team bench during the game and keep things calm. I said it's a long story and it fucks up the plans to the weekend. He said you are not leaving me alone with those two. Cole, that's correct so listen and I'll explain the option and you can decide. If you don't agree we will simply go to Washington.
Cole, you and I leave Thursday morning and we have a noon tee time at Heritage Hills. MJ, why there? That's the site of the State golf finals. You and I share a room at the Hershey Lodge. Your Mom flies to Harrisburg and dad meets her and they have separate rooms at the Lodge and he burst out laughing. Mike, was that your idea? It wasn't but it is hysterical. At any rate we are all free Friday and all day Saturday with an 9:00 game. You and I drive home Sunday and you mom flies back to DC and dad drives alone. Other than dinner on Friday and the game on Saturday there are no plans. Mike, what is there to do there? Basketball, weight room, chocolate world, swimming. Pool, the amusement park, sex. Any of that work? Cool said well enough that we can spend the weekend in central fucking PA. Cole, you sure about this? MJ, I would feel like a piece of shit if I didn't help you. I said thanks, it means a lot to me. Cole, let's have fun with dad and see how he presents this to you and I can't wait to see his reaction over their separate rooms.
We drove home and I dropped Cole off a block from the house. Inside dad was in his office, reading and drinking. I stuck my head in and said hello and went to my room. Cole wasn't far behind me and a few minutes later he was in my room and we were chatting. Cole said he guessed the discussion would be at dinner again. I said that I needed to get some schoolwork done and Cole went to his room. I started on math and then called Rob. Dad yelled up are guys going to eat anytime soon? Downstairs dad was eating lasagna and pointed to the stove and said help yourselves, I don't serve dinner. Dinner was fun and relaxing and as dad was putting his dish in the dishwasher he said, Cole, Mike needs a big favor an let me know what you want to do. It can easily be worked out but get something out of it and we both burst out laughing. Dad turned around and said so the brother scamming thing isn't as easy as you jerks thought? We laughed and fulled around as we cleaned up.
HCole went upstairs and I went into dad's office and sat down. He lit a cigarette and asked, what's up? That damn plot of land, there is just back and forth, nothing moves. Dad laughed saying you are way too distracted, just end it and move on. Dad, you know that means we hold on to it and fight with the Mayor, correct? Michael, why is that a problem for you, this time? Dad, I get it I'm just not sure. Mike, yes you are you know exactly what you want Carrie has you distracted and your new brother doesn't help you any, just focus. This weekend is another fucking distraction. Mike, there was a time when you just stayed in your room and when you came out it took 3 or 4 people to keep up. When did that happen last? I thought for a minute and said, I have become too careful. Please ask Ryan to get the Trust numbers ready for a review. Let's see if that relaxes me. He looked at me and said so you are in the building a nest egg mode? Dad, there is a lot of money at risk and while it doesn't keep be awake at night, it's a concern. I like having money and the freedom it gives me so some needs to be safe. Mike, I'll get Ryan busy on the Trust and we can set aside enough for you to relax, now let me get to work.
In my room, I closed and locked the door, turned my phone off and started on math. I was totally involved and I finally stopped and laid on my bed and put headphones on and just laid there. I eventually fell asleep and woke way before the alarm. I dressed for the run, put coffee on and started on emails while I waited for Cole. I sent emails to Tim and Brian saying sell the property for no less that 2 million or end the deal and do it by dinner. Tim, Ryan and dad got an email saying I want a detailed report on Trust finances and a meeting on Monday at the office at 4:00. Mason was asked for a update on his real estate classes. J & J were asked for a detailed update on the building and a cost run estimate. I copied dad on all the emails and sent a separate one that said checking on the egg. Just then Cole was there and asked why I was hiding out last night. I laughed and said getting ready to count eggs, he shook his head and said never mind let go.
We did the usual 5 miles and the now routine common shower. My hair was becoming an issue as it needed cut and I was thinking the messy look again. During the drive I explained to Cole that dad and I had a long talk last night and I was in work mode and that was more typically me. I had become distracted and that him and Carrie were distractions. He said, how am I a distraction and I reached over felt him up and said dude you spend a lot of time in my head. He laughed and said well wait till this weekend, I might just move in and he laughed. We pulled into his school parking lot and I saw Jessie and said dude, so who is that bitch? He said touché and got out.
At school I had plenty of time and saw Rob and he seemed in a relaxed mood so I just waved and went to class. Carry sat beside me and smiled and I said, hi babe and class started. Spanish for me was a pop quiz but everyone else was aware. After class I said JJ, WTF no heads up? Deberias venir a clase de vez en cuando. (You should come to class on occasion). I said jodete. (Fuck you). We both laughed and I went to AP History. Carrie and I were in our usual seats and not a word was exchanged. Math was totally a waste of time and then to lunch.
Rob said that the team had a warmup suit for me for the game. I said Rob, I will be street clothes and that's it. I'm not on the team, I'm helping but this is on you guys and you need a coach, so cool the attitude. I stopped and put my arm around him and said, Rob, I'm sorry I was out of line a minute ago. Just have fun and enjoy the experience. Rob, if it isn't fun it's not worth doing. Afternoon classes were boring and I signed out of study hall and went to workout.
The workout was good and I took a long shower and was drying off and Sam came up and asked if I was going to the game. I said I was going to try but it was a busy weekend. He said, Mike I bet we lose, there is too much drama. I said that's a bet. I drove home and found dad in his office. He said well either you are back or you are totally full of shit. Dad, I'm just gathering and counting eggs. Michael, to what point. Dad, once there is a decision on the property and I know where all the fucking eggs are you head will be spinning. What I need right now is for all of us have a great weekend and that when we get back just put a fucking helmet on. Am I back? You can bet your ass I am. I reached for the cigarette lit one up and sat down. Dad, looked at me and said, holy shit calm down. Dad, I'm calm and the kick in the all you gave me helped and helped a lot. I picked up my phone and called Tim and asked, so dude what's the word? Tim said well you pulled the offer and told them to go fuck themselves. Ok, get me a good read on the funds in the Trust and also Enterprises. Have a good weekend and we can talk Sunday.
Dad, now you want to know what's next, is that right? Well dad, first we count eggs. Second, there is a new design for a building on that lot and the architect is not J & J. What happens depends on how many eggs we are willing to break and how many we need to kept whole. Finally, what we do with the remaining whole eggs. Dad looked at me and ok, this wasn't my boot in the ass was it? While we all thought you were out of it you were planning. Dad, I was taking time off to recharge and that happened quickly I just did the Mike thing, and Dr.Jenkins always helps. So Mike, if they bought the building you take the money, buy land and do what you already had planned, correct? Dad, we wouldn't be counting eggs. Be nice with Megan and dinner is at the Hershey Hotel, yes jackets and Cole and I will meet you there we are golfing in York.
Dad, this weekend needs to be about Cole. He is a cool dude, but like me deals with shit in his own way. I hope we can act like a family, well not like our family was. Dad, on a totally different topic, I need to get to VT and soon. Micheal, you need to make up your mind on that soon as well. So you have not mentioned Carrie in days, how are things? Taking a break and not giving in on the business fight. It might be over when J & J are not the architects on the next project. It will be what it becomes. I said, thanks for the talk and the cigarette, Cole and I will be leaving early as we have a noon tee time. Dad, I hate to bring this up but have you talked with Aunt Janet? Mike about once a week, why? Well I am wondering how Ray is doing? Mike, they don't say much about him but like try to get some information. I said I love you. I went upstairs and packed for the weekend and fell asleep.
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