After a shower JJ and I walked to our rides and JJ asked, what was that practice about? It was tougher than a game. I shrugged and said, I give up figuring these guys out, but you are right as I'm hurting and not looking forward to more of the same tomorrow. JJ, if coach is really back it won't be as intense as today, but it will be what it becomes. We drove separately to Wyatt's and when we got there JJ asked MJ, where is your new ride? I smiled and said in negotiations and we went to the backyard.
I found the backyard to be very level as was the entire property, highly unusual in our area, I thought the 3/4 acre lot at our place. It was closed in by these bushes that were about 5' high and already turning red. It provided a lot of privacy. The patio was a good size and was pavers. There was a small table with 6 dining chairs and a number of comfortable outside club chairs. Josh, Jim, Wyatt and Clark were sitting there chatting as Josh had driven them, I stopped and looked at the core of next year's team and smiled. JJ and I were about to join them when John appeared caring a large tray of burgers. I went and thanked him for feeding us and asked how Wyatt had survived practice and was told he thought it was fun. I laughed and said well that because we couldn't hit him. John laughed and asked about me? I said tired and already sore. Then he asked what was on my agenda for tomorrow's lunch as he was good and that they were ready to close on two sites and the architects were moving ahead. I said well John, health insurance as we need to make a decision on a policy and we feel your people are dragging their feet so that we would have to accept the terms offered. He kept cooking burgers and didn't say anything. At that point I asked if they were going to force us to shop? He smiled and asked, what do you need? I said what the Union people get. He smiled and said, they are a much larger group that you companies. I agreed and said make me an offer. Again there was no response so I went and joined my teammates. I was going to tell Maggie to call UPMC and Aetna and start negotiations with them.
We were joined by Wyatt's grandfather and I immediately asked if we could just skip to the next opponent as I had a busy night ahead. He smiled and said Mike, I heard and we can do that first and then you can leave as you had your best game of the season. I said thanks and grabbed an iced tea from the table and went back to the others. Soon enough the burgers were ready and Wyatt's mom and younger sister appeared with a salad and more drinks. They joined John and Coach Carson at the table and we stayed in a group and the burgers were perfect and I could have had more but was being polite and had a large salad.
The film session started next Coach Carson was intense and he started by saying the films you are about to see is from their game last week against Central. You will remember that game as Central outplayed you and you outsmarted and tricked them and won a game you shouldn't have. This weeks team is as big as you but not as quick and their skill people are not all that fast. They are big strong and hard to move and more than likely you will win based on your QB play. They play a 4-3-4 defense and on offense it is a pro set designed to run it down your throats and eat clock. They can't win a track meet and you need to turn it into one. Then he looked at Jim and asked, I here you could be calling the plays? Jim smiled and said well I'll start and as long as we are not down two scores I get to call the first half. The second half is based on how well these jerks play. After a 30 minute review of their defense coach asked Clark, what do you see? Well, the running backs will take a bearing and we need play action and they protect the flanks and the middl is open. Then they have a tendency to give up short stuff. Coach looked at Wyatt and asked did you tell him that and I was shocked when Clark exploded and said thanks for the trust and don't ever question me like that again. I watch a ton of football. Coach Carson said, well I was testing you and you will be fine. JJ said well I guess I catch a lot of shit stuff and get the snot knocked out of me. We al laughed and Coach Carson hit play and he said JJ this will work once after the half. It was a down in and go and JJ said well we have never run that as it is usually the down out and down. Coach Carson said exactly, but save it.
We spent 15 minutes on their offense and Coach asked Josh what do you see? He said the backers need to concentrate on run defense and hope if they ever pass, we get pressure or our backs cover. Coach Carson said correct as it is a very basic offense but in other games they have run an end around and always on 3rd down. Then he said let's take a break. I took that as my clue to leave and thanked Coach Carson and jumped into the car and drove home.
Once there I grabbed a beer and looked at my phone for an email from Liam and before I got that far there were voicemails from Megan, asking me to stop in the house before 10 o'clock, then there was a message from from The Major asking me to call before I made any calls and a final one from John Carson saying that he had an offer on the insurance and to save everyone time to call him tonight. I called the Major and he said Mike, this thing with Cole blew up as every legislator is pissed after reading the paper. Many have called the PSAA but the big news is that they are investigating the group and conducting a detailed audit of the organization and forming an oversight committee to monitor their activity going forward. Then he said oh, there is a hearing on Thursday in Federal Court, you need to fly the family down and I'll free JJ up as copilot. Jim, please find me a convenient airfield and remind me of the airspace restrictions around the damn Capital. He said well that's all done and we can talk tomorrow. I said thanks and hung up.
I immediately went to the house and found dad, Megan, Cole and Ashley in the family room. I smiled and said, damn a family meeting. This will be my first. Dad laughed out loud and said mine as well. Megan just looked and said well this is serious and I never thought the hearing would be this week. Mike, we need a statement from the USGA certifying Cole's status as an amateur status. I said, I have the private number of the Executive Director where does it need sent? She gave me an email address and asked that I get a copy as well. I excused my self and went in dad's office closed the door and made the call. It took me ten minutes to explain my needs and then the Director laughed and said well we already weighed in with a friend of the court and I will gladly send a formal statement that as of today Cole is an amateur. I said thanks and then was asked are you aware that a jerk or two on the committee don't think Oakmont isn't tough enough? I smiled and said yes, we are and there will be no doubt about the toughness on Sunday. I told him what was being done and that no one on the committee will break a 100. In fact I'll give a $100 to anyone who does. Cole, Arnie, Carole and I will play first and your groups can ride and there will be a 4 hour and 30 minutes limit on the round and you all will be playing the Woman's Tournament tees as will Carole. Cole and I will walk with caddies and AP will decide where he plays from but I'm thinking the Tournament Tips. Mike, you never disappoint, then he said you will have what you need my 10:00 AM your time tomorrow. I said thanks and joined the others.
Back in the family room Megan was ecstatic about the news and said that AP had secured the same type letter from the PGA. I was asked about the flight and she said the hearing was 1:30 and we couldn't be late. I said well it is a short but complicated flight and we could set the schedule tomorrow. I was told that Tim was the attorney of record and he would drive down after work and spend the night getting ready. Mike, just so you know we are not only seeking Cole's reinstatement but damages of $500,000. I shrugged and said well that's not enough but not my call. I'll see you guys tomorrow after practice.
Back in my room I called John and his offer was a half a point higher than the Union gets for one year. I thought that was good but said John make that two years and we have a deal. He said, you know that's less than the current deal and I said that I was aware. He said my guys will finalize this and get to your people Friday. I said thanks and hung up.
Now in my room with nothing to do I stripped and jumped into the shower. I was a great hot shower and as I finished drying off I weighed myself and was still a shade under 230 and still 6' 4" and looking fit and I was pleased with my appearance. I was about to get dressed and I heard someone laughing and looked and saw JJ sitting on the loveseat drinking a beer. He said MJ, this is perfect and he stood up and stripped. I smiled and grabbed his hardening cock and lead him to the shower and made it as hot as we could stand and I lathered him up turned him around and slid my cock into his ass and slowly deposited a nice load in his ass. When I was finished we kissed and we dried each other off and now JJ was in charge and we went to my room and we made out, sucked each other and then I was bent over the side of my bed and JJ slowly and very gently deposited a load in my ass. We just laid there and talked and enjoyed the time together. It was a shame that JJ had to get home and couldn't spend the night.
Alone and laying there I was going over the day and realized I missed the ABC Evening News. I called dad and he laughed and said you finally remembered about the evening news. Dad said it was a 5 minute report that featured Cole's PGA win and the post event interview, where everyone joked about Cole just getting a the trophy. They mentioned that the PSAA would not return calls. Diane went on to say she knew the family and that with Cole's mom being a federal judge there would be no games being played. Then the report went to AP who personally guaranteed Cole's status as an amateur. Mike, it was devastating for that group. I thanked him and I was more than ready for bed.
There was a ton of shit running around my head and sleep didn't come easily. Then I remembered the art for the office and I got up and took the picture of me and Jim and the metal off the wall and laid it on the table. For some reason this time I was easily asleep. When I woke I grabbed the paper and this time the PASS and the Legislature was the lead story and Representative after Representative expressed anger about what they called the latest political decision from the high school organization. Then it became obvious that Cole would be the excuse to reign the group in, as there were other issues like moving the State Football Championships to Hershey and the amount of money they were generating and spending. They needed accountability and Cole and the adverse publicity was the last straw.
I returned the paper, put the picture of me and Jim in the car and drove to school and was early so I waited outside for Heather. When she arrived and saw me she was laughing hysterically. It was a quick kiss and we went in holding hands. I dumped some things in my locker and went to English. There I found Dr. Johnson who asked for a minute and said I've been on the phone with Dr. Lambo who would like to talk with you. Doc, I would like to go to class and he has my number. However, school rules don't permit cell phone calls from school. Please give him my regards and tell him I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow in DC. Doc, Judge Simmons will be excusing me and JJ for a field trip tomorrow as she is taking us to DC to witness the court system do its thing. Doc, laughed out loud and said well you have already been excused tomorrow because of a family emergency. It was my turn to laugh and Doc, walked away shaking his head. I simply turned my phone off and went to class. I skipped lunch as I was having a working lunch with Liam and then the meeting with the Architect and the art guy.
At work I went right to the 4th floor and ran into Amy who was setting up her office. We chatted for a while and I was told that Dillon has informed that everyone needed to get their asses moved in by noon on Friday. When she said that it was pretty much a quote, I just laughed. In my office there was lunch sitting on the conference table. I fired up the lap top and was reviewing the financials, something I hadn't done in a while. As usual things were humming along. Liam appeared and we sat down to club sandwiches and iced tea. Liam was more than a little quiet and I asked about Cole and the "event" on Sunday. I was simply told that he was practicing and striking it very well. He did warn be about the Plus 4's that Cole would wear.
I could sense Liam was troubled and working hard to hide it but there was his usual comfort level with me was missing. Liam, I'm guessing that I upset you yesterday at the meeting with Kyle. He laughed and said Mike, it more like wondering and confused as it seems like I got some additional responsibilities and a title change. All with no warning, not to mention a heads up or a discussion. Liam, you have every right to be confused. Be assured I don't do a lot by the seat of my pants, although I try to give that impression as it makes many people to overlook me.
Liam, how did we meet? Well all I know is that I was taken off my regular well paying round and told I was needed to go with a new member. I was told that you were very different from any member and that if necessary I should gently keep you in line. When I saw you I simply thought it was a joke. Here was this immaculately dressed, for golf, kid who I thought would be a pain in the ass and a shitty tip. What I got was the exact opposite and my first look at Cole. I smiled and said well that was more than I was aware of. Liam laughed and said well then there are about half of the members who wanted no part of you. Liam, I knew that so let's move on.
Liam, from the 4th hole that day I was impressed with you and was watching you. That was all i did was watch. I didn't influence anything. I had no input in your selection of the Caddy Scholarship, that was your Pro. Cole selected you as his caddy and didn't consult me. When you mentioned a job what did I tell you? Mike you said talk with HR. Liam that's correct and Maggie and I get each other and she researched you and selected you as my assistant. I couldn't have been happier. I have had very mixed results with an assistant. Riley is the only former assistant still with the company, everyone including Riley were either reassigned, resigned or were fired.
Where I am now is that I am totally satisfied with what I know about you and what you have done here and how it was done. I have an offer for you and you are free to say no and do what you are currently doing or simply find something else. Also, the current deal we have about Cole stays in place as long as you want that. Liam, Kyle runs this place, sure we talk but it's his job and now that he is developing deals, it's great and I'll do whatever he needs for Textron. I'll hate every minute but I'll do it. Dillon is his right hand man and Riley deals with a lot of crap. I'm hoping she stays. All the other key people are in place and the joint is running like a clock.
Liam, where do you think that leaves me? He laughed and said well I guess you are the king with nothing to do. I found that funny but pretty accurate. Liam, there is still a lot for me to do and Kyle and I talk daily. I will be leaving mid July for VT and that will definitely happen. From that point till early January, I'll be very busy and it will be like that for 3 years. Basically, I need you to be my eyes and ears here. While that's not glamorous it won't involve much and I have other needs for you. Mike, I won't be a spy. I laughed and said Liam, I don't need a spy and I own 51% of this place and dad owned the rest so I'll watch things from Virginia and I'll be 2 hours away at the most. What I just proposed was the easiest part. Just be around and keep me aware. Being around will be the issue as this building is done the other one will be about 3 months and tenants will be moving in and Standard Property will de dealing with that. Money will be rolling in and I don't want it sitting around. Liam, I want to put up a third building.
So here is the deal. I need you to assist with all of that. It will involve the adjacent property which is locked in by my company. Then there are the Union people, architects, change orders and a shit load of other things. Then there is managing Scott Cleary who runs Standard property. You will be the go to guy, if you agree. You will have my personal schedule and a way to contact me that only you will have. You will have to sign off of a lot of things, some of which we will talk about and some you will need the balls to simply decide.
Liam, thats the broad strokes, what it means for you is an immediate raise and a company car. In addition if you stay until I graduate from VT there will be a $50,000 bonus. Liam there will be a non compete, should you leave. There will be a detailed contract ready for your review on Monday. I will personally pay for the attorney you select to review it and advise you. No strings, no games and your choice. Liam, any questions? Mike, this is awesome for a number or reasons but mostly because I thought you fixed the scholarship, me being Cole's Caddy and this job. Mike, if I ever find out you lied to me I'm gone in a heart beat. I could have exploded but smiled and said well Liam if you ever question my integrity you will be tossed out of here on your ass. Tim will be with me in Washington so check with him on Monday. Now do we understand each other? Liam said, absolutely. Just then my desk phone rang and it was security saying my appointment was here and I said wait 5 minutes and send them up. I asked Liam to please stay put and went to find Amy. I asked her that when thing were settled if she would ask security to deal with the 4th floor receptionist and not bother any one by telling them an appointed was here. She just shook her head and said they were to call her until Friday. Back at my office I fund a more relaxed Liam. We chatted about Sunday and what would be expected? I said a good score from a top rated amateur. Liam then asked and if it's better than that? I shrugged and said, it will be what it becomes. Jodie and James appeared with security carrying a shit load of things. James looked around and said Mike, this is a very impressive office but a little stark. I smiled and said I haven't moved in yet but it does reflect my personality. Realizing he might have over stepped he said Jodie and I will need about 10 minutes to set up. I was thinking well you should have been here earlier, then I realized I made them wait 5 minutes and said well Liam and I will be outside.
Jodie and James cam out and invited us back inside. There I saw a large canvass stretched between two poles and on the canvas in the center was a terrific picture of the building, obviously taken from the river. Then portraits of Carnegie, Ford, Hall and Mellon were hung on each corner. Top center was Scaife and the left side was Pete McGuire and the bottom was Phillip Murray. That left one space and a picture of me appeared and I simply burst out laughing. It was taken at the NASA medallion ceremony and I was pointing to the medallion. Once I stopped laughing I simply got up and went outside. Liam followed and I asked what he thought? Mike, I think you are out here trying to figure a polite was to throw their asses out of the building, although that is a great picture of you and he just started to laugh. Jodie came out and I simply said I'll be there in a minute. I looked at Liam and said dude, I need a giant favor. He said sure and I handed him my car keys and said I need what is sitting on the front seat, please. He took the keys and was quickly gone.
I waited another minute and went inside and asked them to join me at the conference table. I looked at James and said well obviously you but a lot of work into this presentation but sadly it is something that belongs in a museum or possibly a conference room. Unfortunately our conference room is glass like everything other interior wall in this building, well except for the mens' and ladies' rooms. Oh and this wall in my office. The wall also is in the large office next door which is my dad's office. That was a switch as dad wanted me in this office. Not installed yet are electric shades which will provide privacy when absolutely necessary. I like a very open building and a company with no internal secrets. James, when you first saw this space you felt it was stark and I would agree, what you presented did nothing to soften the room. I really like the picture of the building and would like to buy it, I'll find a place for it, just not here. Liam appeared and I set the picture on the floor beside me and made sure it wasn't seen. I continued and said, please don't be offended but my picture doesn't belong in the mix, I was pointing at a medallion and not the future. I am developing an ego and work hard to keep it in check as I find my reputation continues to grow and I am becoming uncomfortable with the notoriety. Pleas leave that as well. James said Mike, that picture is public record. I smiled and replied but the intent is misstated in this context.
I asked if James could find a bronze bust of Carnegie, JFK and Murray. I don't want them oversized and they will sit on the cabinets along the wall. Mike, that will be expensive and I said well the budget is $3,000. Then I grabbed my picture and placed it on the table. Since Jodie set this meeting up I've been thinking a lot about this office. I have had numerous occasions to be in an office in Latrobe of one of the most well known people in the country and realized pictures of special events and people who are important to me should be on that wall. Thanks for you effort and time. Please leave the building picture and send me an invoice. I got up and Liam and I went outside. We were leaning against the railing and Liam asked if that was where the next building would go? I said yup. Then he asked why is it land locked? Liam, years ago someone made a mistake and didn't include a right of way. It would require direct access to Second Avenue and require another traffic light and more congestion. That involves a lot of permits. So Mike, I'm guessing you are making that difficult? I smiled and asked, who me? We both laughed and went inside and found the picture of the building and my picture on my desk. Liam went about his day and I called Megan and updated her on the flight tomorrow and we decide we would aim for an 8:30 flight. With that I closed up my laptop and left for practice.
At school I quickly dressed in pads and went to the field. For some reason I was left out of most things and I stood beside Jim and watched the quarterbacks. Wyatt was getting by far the most snaps and it was obvious he was confident and had an arm to die for as I would bet he could throw it through a brick wall. His mechanics were flawless, a result of hours and hours of work with his grandfather. With Clark, there was an obvious drop off but he was way above the average high school QB. I asked Jim how he felt calling plays and he laughed and said well you and I called a lot of plays last year and we won close games. We are better this year and I noticed the missing sling. I asked about that and he said rehab and way ahead of schedule and added NO MEDS. I smiled and let him concentrate on what he was doing. Coach suddenly stopped practice and we started with a walk through of the new plays. Then he called us together and said those were two outstanding practices, you have tomorrow off and don't get into any trouble. Be here Friday at 4:00 as we leave at 4:30. With that it was a shower and home.
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