I pulled in the driveway and saw Cole's car and when I got inside, I went searching and I discovered I was home alone. I went outside and looked for the thing Jace was driving and as that was missing, I took a big breath and relaxed. In my spot on the deck with an iced tea I was going over the events of the day and decided to call Sam. When he answered I said you little shit, you set Jim up? He laughed and said well MJ, actually you did as I sent word out that you needed bodies at the stadium, to work out quarterbacks. I laughed and said well I blamed the O-Line. Cole asked, so how is Jim and I said confused and figuring it out. Sam, send the word out 7:00 Saturday morning Snyder Field and thanks.
I was just zoned out and totally relaxed and I heard dad and Megan inside and I heard Megan called Cole and then me. I went inside and said, present and accounted for and Megan laughed. So where is my son? Well I'm not sure but I asked Jace to spend some time with him and his car is missing. Not to be rude but did anyone order dinner? Dad laughed and said well what did you do all day, you weren't at work? Dad, didn't you rear I'm a big shit so I don't punch a clock. Then dad said no worries, I ordered ribs for me and a salad for you and Megan, it will be here shortly. Dinner was fun and there was no sign of Cole. After dinner I went to my room and started to do reading for school. After about an hour I started on CMU programming and was really finding that fun. It was about 10:00 and dad knocked on the door and simply sat down. He asked, so how is your ass? I laughed and said is that a gross way of telling me I am being checked out? He said yup and it is very invasive. I smiled and said so David Cummings? Day said, yup. Well that's interesting, I wonder if he checks out every one who asks for a returned call. Mike, I am looking forward to watching this as this isn't Western PA this is the big leagues. Well dad, I hope he understates me. Michael, don't count on that.
Just then we heard Cole and Jace. Dad said well we should see what's up. I said have fun they both know where I am. Dad shook his head and went downstairs. Almost immediately Jace was at the door and asked if I had a minute. I said have a seat and close the door. So how is he? MJ, on the surface he is good but he covers it with funny shit. I thought for a minute and said that's why the fun with the spectators, covering nerves? MJ, most likely that's correct. Mike, he needs a lot of help figuring thing out. You and I can help but he needs more. Oh, him and his girl are very, very tight. A girl I am dating and I had them at Kennywood. I asked, so will it be double wedding. Jace almost fell out of his chair. He sad no way but Jack and Riley should have got married in third grade. Well good luck you might be in for a long night.
I just laid in bed and Cole knocked and I said ENTER. Well, MJ you are in a silly mood? Just matching yours. He laughed and said well it was fun hiding out today. I have 3 requests for interviews. Cole I'll ask Major Jim if he would help with that. Just have him return the calls and you and him determine what happens next. MJ that would be great. Cole, how are you really doing? MJ I have no idea, my head is mush. Oh, I have a physical with Dr. Drennan. Good, I'm there tomorrow at noon. He said well I am 10:30. We chatted for an hour and I let him mostly ramble on. At 11:00 I ask if he was running and he said sure. I got a hug and he went to his room.
The next morning was a great run and Cole seemed good. The morning at work was quiet and I remained out of the details. I called Major Jim and asked for help with Cole, then I scheduled the Board Meeting and drove to the doctor's appointment. I wave at Cole as he was leaving and went inside. I was immediately taken to an exam room and it was weight 229, height 6'4-1/2, normal and excellent blood pressure. Dr. Drennan came in we shook hands and he listened to my heart and chest. He felt my glands and put me through some agility things and said, get dressed and I'll see you in my office. I sat down in a chair and doc asked, so what's up, you are obviously in great shape, so how is the head? My head is pretty good, lots of changes I'm adjusting to. Ok Mike, let's hear the list. Well doc at work I was collectively told by the staff to butt out of the details and run the company, dad emancipated me, some test I haven't figured out yet, Carrie is gone, mom and Bill and finally football is different. Dr. Drennan laughed and said well what's the most important item on the 3 hour list. Well mom and Bill, they have moved into my head. Mike, how did that happen? Well dad and I were having one of those tense conversations that we have been having lately and he compared me to both of them over drinking. Doc said well Mike, you mom and Bill are not the issue, what's different in the relationship with your dad? Well, for business reasons dad set me free and I have adult status. I didn't think it mattered as I'm 18 in a couple of weeks. It really surprised me. Doc, I guess we are different as dad has always provided the limits and now he doesn't and the only time he tried, he said he was going to call you and set up an appointment with you for me, I told him he had no right to do that. Two days later I called you, he was right. So Mike as I see it he now suggests limits and you choose rather than except, correct? No, he listens, offered advice and that's the end of it, he doesn't even follow up. Mike, you are the one that changed, not your dad. Mike, you are always ahead of the norm, high school seniors always pull back as they mentally get ready to leave home. Usually it is graduation triggers that and you are doing that already. That's why football is different you are looking ahead to college ball and want the high school football over. Your goals for that are in the way. Does that help any? Doc, why don't I see that? Mike the trees are blocking your view of the forest. Remember last time I told you that you were a 17 year old with a 40 year mind and activities.
Mike, there's something else, can we get to it? Well, I am looking into buying a winery and the son of the owner is a big time attorney in DC. It's complicated and there is a large close-nit group of investors. Basically I'm not sure I am up to the challenge. So just as football and school starts you have a major promotion at work and need to deal with a major league player. I laughed and said yea, I have never structured something this big or complicated. Mike, so for the first time ever you are worried you are not up to it, correct? I just looked at him and he said well the only way to find out is to try. You know that and deep down you know you are up to it. All you need to do is be yourself and don't compromise your values, ethics and approach. Doc, that means a lot and I appreciate the vote of confidence. Hell dad always did that. Then I was told that dad would be there, in every way possible, as soon as I let him. We chatted a little about Carrie and it was time to go and I drove home.
At home I knew Cole was home as his car, the green dragon, was in the driveway. Upstairs his door was closed and I went back downstairs made a very light lunch and drove to school. The place was packed and I went to find coach. As usual he was in his office and I was asked to have a seat. Well, Mike I hear yesterday was interesting? I said well I hope the message was received as we need Jim focused. He deserves the chance. Coach said, actually he doesn't he needs to earn the chance, even as a senior. Look Mike, I am developing a program, hell one you started and guess what? I said either you buy in totally or you're out. He laughed and said correct and that message is being sent down the line. Work out, work hard or move on. I asked, so you will be coaching for a while? He smiled and said yup and thanks to you it's fun, not like the last time. You made this easy and I'm thinking Sam will take your leadership spot. I said that's true and I already beat back a coup. Coach found that funny and I did a light workout and ran steps.
Cole was in his room and I was determined to let that be. Dinner and the usual lack of one and that was becoming an issue. I looked for the grocery list and it was blank. Thinking about what we most recently had for dinned I ordered Chinese for 5 and a 6:00 delivery. I was about to jump into the shower when Tim called. I asked well how big is the background check? He laughed and said well it's funny as they don't know which Mike Simmons they need to look into so now they started on you. Tim, if I don't hear from him by noon on Friday, I'm flying to New York and talking to Charlie. I am about done with David. I could sense Tim relax when he said that is perfect and I'm glad to hear there are still limits on your patients. I said goodnight and hung up.
I heard noise in the hall and figured it was Cole and I opened the door and sure enough there was Cole accompanied by Michel. I said hi guys, how was the afternoon and Michel replied well it is complicated dating a rock star, but it was good. I went back in my room and started on my latest program for CMU. When Cole got back he plopped his ass in a chair and said thanks. I stopped working and asked for what? Well Dr. Drennan and the no comment in the hall. I laughed and said well you have 2 dad's and I have no room to ask questions. So are you any better? He replied, not sure but understand it and an appointment next week. So MJ how are you? Cole, actually same as you. We chatted for a while and as it was 5:30 I said I ordered Chinese for dinner so let's go down stairs.
Downstairs Cole grabbed a beer and looked at me and I said iced tea and I was handed a beer. I just laughed, put the beer back and settled on ice water. Dad, Megan and the food all arrived at the same time and I thanked dad, saying my card was maxed out with dinner charges. He laughed and said, oh I assumed that was because of aviation fuel. Just as we were ready to eat my phone rang and I looked and it was a local number I didn't recognize, so I let it go to voicemail. Dinner was fun but Megan was tired as her case was complicated but near finished. I asked, so who is in charge of dinner tomorrow, this is out of hand and there is no grocery list. There started to be a discussion and I didn't want any part of it so I excused myself and went to my room.
I listened to the voicemail and it was Gary from the Pittsburgh Press asking for a returned call. I dialed the number and it was answered by Gary thanking me for the returned call. I asked hats up? Mike, I'm looking for a comment about your out of season football practice yesterday. Mike, once upon a time you blasted me and others for not following up so how about a comment. I laughed and said, there was no practice and it was barely a workout. Mike, we heard helmets and plays were run. Gary, all summer the workout room has been open as not everyone can afford a gym membership. As it typical starting after the holiday a number of us randomly work out. Yesterday there were a few more guy than normal and coach got called away and the weight room was unexpectedly closed. I went down to the stadium and ran a few laps and then the guys started to see how JJ and Ray looked as JJ is new and Ray is back. They ran about 6 routes and that was it. There was no pads, no helmets, no hitting. After about an hour we went our various ways. Oh the stadium is open for community use. Gary, another thing it was my ball and the coach wasn't even watching from the cheap seats. He said thanks and we hung up.
I thought shit and called coach Weston. He laughed and said he had no comment as he wasn't there and had no idea who, if anyone set that up. Thanks for taking the call, I'm sure I'll be dealing with the District Office once he runs the story. Once that was done I simply but my headphones on and listen to a classical mix and Wes thinking about my head session. I realized that Doc was right adjust be my self and react like I normally would. The very worse would be that Charlie and David continue to make jelly. I even realized that I had reacted normally in the conversation with Tim. As for dad, I needed to get that back on track so I went downstairs and found him in the office, reading and I was asked to have a seat. Dad asked, so what's up? I said nothing just a chat and I got a big smile. Mike you haven't done that in weeks. We talked about nothing and everything and very little about Cole, we both felt that the total blow up would occur and until then he needed to work it out on his own. Then I said dad, a funny story as David Cummings is conflicted as to which Mike Simmons he is dealing with, I bet he gets thrown for a loop when it's both of us. Dad laughed and said Mike, I could sell him ice in Alaska but I can't do what you do, so when he needs sold on you I'm all in. I emailed and said, I know and have a good night.
Upstairs I stuck my head in Cole's room and asked about a morning run, he said sure. Then he asked if I could stay a moment. I said sure what's up? MJ, are you ignoring me? Cole, I am giving you space and time to unscramble you head. I figured you would want to talk when you were ready or simply explode, either way I will be there for you. He smiled and said see you in the morning. With that, I took a shower and jumped into bed.
The next two days were like clones of each other and including work and a continuing light schedule, morning running and working out. JJ, Sam and I worked on coordinating football. To keep this schedule I simply loaded Friday to the max. I was disappointed that I had not heard from Jim or David and Cole was still figuring things out.
I was up very early Friday and showered and put my Navy blue suit on and skipped the tie and drove to the office stopping at the McDonalds drive-thru for coffee. At the office I was pleased that I even beat Ruth to work.I was clearing the clutter off my desk and reviewing the financials in prep for the budget meeting and my phone rang and I looked and it was a DC area code, I recognized that from Megan's old number. I answered with Good Morning, this is Mike. I heard please hold for Mr. Cummings. I immediately replied, Mrs. Winter, please have him call me when he is actually free to talk and I hung up. I sat there thinking about an approach in the unlikely event he called back. I simply went back to budget numbers, making sure I was ready for Jordan. Just then I saw Ruth and went out to her area and handed her a phone number and said when they answer ask for Mr. Cummings's office and when Mrs. Winter answers ask them to please hold Mr. Simmons. She looked at me and dialed the number. A minute later I heard Ruth laugh. She came in and said Mrs. Winter said well played but hung up. Ruth, I'll explain later as this isn't over.
I was barely in my office when my phone buzzed and I saw a different DC number, I answered with Good Morning, this is Mike. I heard, good morning Mike this is David Cummings, it nice to talk with you. I said thanks for the returned call, it shouldn't have been that complicated. Mike, I almost didn't return that call but it has been so long since someone pushed back like that I couldn't resist. Well David, I might be sitting here in the wilderness at the gateway to the West, but my time is just as valuable as yours. He said well that might be true but Western Pa hasn't been the gateway to anywhere for a long time. David, I actually told the Mayor that a while ago. Things are changing. David replied, so I have discovered.
Mike, I talked with my dad and he described you as a very polite young man who likes to swim butt naked in the lake. I said David, I imagine you did that and in the same spot a while back, correct? Well, I see dad, still talks too much. I guess you will put up a big, over the top thing and claim that spot? David, I like the area but not that thing my dad built, I'm thinking of a real log cabin and somewhat removed from that spot. In fact I was considering a skinny dipping only sign. David, I talked with your dad once at the store and once when he caught us skinny dipping. Obviously, he and your mom worked hard and love the place and there must be a lot of special memories. So David, after that very through rectal exam you did on me and dad, I assume you know I am exploring an investment and am wondering if your dad would consider a sale? Well Mike, I am aware that there isn't a grape issue, so yea.
Mike, dad is tired and I want him around here with Charlie more than he is but it would have to be a very special deal. I am wondering if you and your dad would like to come up next Sunday and spend some time together. David, I would love to do that and I could fly in early. However dad is not an investor, there is a group and I'm not ready to talk about that now. He said understood and call me on this number next week, Friday morning and we will firm things up. I said thanks and have a great day. Then I added David, we can not forget that we are heirs of the past. David said Mike you stole that and the quote is: "We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution." I laughed and said and it goes on "Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans." Then I said please find a picture of my new building, I'll be interested to discover what you find. We hung up and I leaned back in my chair and thought, this is fun.
I immediately sent a very detailed summery of evens to the investors. I ended by asking for their patients and co-operation. Riley appeared and we spent 30 minutes discussing the latest events and she said that the furniture was safely in the truck and that an insurance rider was added. Basically she informed me on the schedule and move-in status. Once we were done she looked at me and laughed. I asked, what's up? She said I need a picture, you sitting in that chair, suit jacked thrown over the back and you in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. That's simply special. I laughed and said get to work.
Jordan was ready and he said we need to stay here as your marker board will help. We looked at the various components and he started to list them putting them in one of three groups, Money Makers, necessary and losers. I laughed and was confused when when departments appeared in more than one category. I looked at cyber security and it was listed as necessary and a loser. When I asked about that he said it is a Black Hole that eats money but at some future point it will be absolutely necessary and make money. Right now they protect our servers from not much. In a couple of years they will be fighting off attacks every day. The Giant Eagle was only listed as a money maker. The money makers also included video games, office accounting and banking services. Necessary were the 3 government contracts, NASA and Robotics. The only other "loser" was medical data. He said that was all potential so we had to simply eat the losses. We discussed each components in detail and I wanted to meet each team leader and would do that next week. It was now almost noon and I asked if we could continue this Friday and he agreed. I said thanks and this is much more interesting than I thought.
It was a quick lunch which consisted of a small salad and an iced tea. Back to the office it was a long meeting with Kyle and Dillon in the conference room. We discussed, in detail,k the move and the proposed schedule. I was asked Union or nonunion for the computer installation. I said competitive price but I will chat with the Union guys. We then discussed "team leader" as a title for department heads, they like the name and I hated it, but that was their call. This went on till about 4:00 and went to the cafeteria and grabbed a bottle of water and when I got back Ruth said Mike, you have another meeting. I looked at her and she shrugged and said, I have no idea.
I went into my office and saw Cole sitting in my chair. I asked, so you like the view? He said shut up, I'm buying dinner. Leave you keys with Ruth and your car will be home safely. We got to his car and I said put the roof up. He looked at me and said, don't fuck with me, this is my ride. With that we were off and I had no idea where this was going. It turned out we were heading to South Park and we pulled into Danny's and Cole said, sit tight. He returned to the car saying, I ordered hoagies and iced tea it won't take long. Then he said Mike, I have a lot to tell you and I thought this would be a good place. We can find a table and talk while we eat. Before all that, thanks for leaving me alone so I could figure this out. With that he went back inside and returned handing me a bag and a drink. We drove to the park and he must have scouted things out as he took us to a single table near the golf course. I just started to eat and waited for Cole to be comfortable enough to start.
PLEASE!! contribute to the continuing operations of the Nifty Erotic Stories Archive website using a credit card or other methods of donation, we encourage our supporters to make a donation to the Nifty Archive Alliance. Please consider doing this, it is important.
THANKS FOR READING AND THE COMMENTS