I was up just before the alarm and went to the make coffee and Cole was there eating breakfast. He smiled and said MJ, I can have some eggs ready when your out of the shower. If not there is coffee ready for you now. I smiled and poured some coffee and went right back in my room and took a shower. Dress was jeans and a mock long sleeved turtleneck. I grabbed a heavy jacket. Cole was doing the dishes and I said, thanks for the coffee and I'll see you in a bit. With that I was out the door and heading for the airport. As soon as I parked I grabbed my Log Book and sorted through it for a VFR flight plan to the Winery. That was quickly filed and when i back to the plane the fuel truck appeared and I was glad and I simply. That got that off my list. Since Jim and his partners took over all 4 planes were in terrific shape. The down side of that was they expected it returned clean. Well that was Cole's problem. The check was completed easily.
Right on time Cole and Jessica pulled up. We chatted about the flight and I said if it stays nice, I'll let you loose the restraints but there isn't a lot of room? They got in the back and I strapped in the left seat and breezed through the check list and start up routine. We were cleared to taxi and then immediately cleared for takeoff. I headed due East pretty much following US22. At Johnstown I headed NE and would eventually find State College and Beaver Stadium. All of a sudden Jessica came up and asked if I wanted some company. I was actually looking for some so I said sure and strap in. Then I motioned to my head set and pointed to the on for her seat. She nodded and as soon as she was set I said Jessica, just don't touch any of the controls. Oh, the headphones make it easier and I won't be talking to any towers. I asked about Cole and she said Mike, he passed out about 15 minutes ago. Mike, he is a mess and has been for a couple of weeks but today he is almost normal, what's going on? Jessica, his mom seems to be letting him up for air and might be giving in. Mike, that would be awesome. Jessica we should have a better idea Tuesday. Well Mike, thanks for this trip we need the time together and I really want to see the Cabin. Jessica, I'll drop you two off and hang out at the Winery. She laughed and said a business trip? I smiled and said, well it actually is for me. A number of friends and I own the place and the elected me to run the place. Wow, Cole talks a lot about you. How great you are and who you know and football. Just nothing like a Winery or anything like that. I smiled and said Jessica, look there is Beaver Stadium. Wow, that's a 3 hour ride and we are in the air 65 minutes. I laughed and said Jessica we are half way. With that she took her headphones off, unbuckled and went back to be with Cole.
At this point it was more North than East and nothing to do till we got to Elmira. Then I would need to contact the tower and get ready for landing. This was a very relaxing trip and I was enjoying the hell out of the flying. The jets were super cool but if you really want to relax the basics are great. Thinking about the flight path, I wanted a more direct path. We should just start out heading Southwest and find US 22 somewhere closer to Pittsburgh. Soon enough I contacted the tower and got the ATIS information and shortly we were cleared to land. Once we're were at the service line I had Cole help me secure the plain. Then I went inside paid the landing and takeoff fees, well actually charged it to Enterprises. I collected the keys to the van and as we were getting in, I saw a plane land and I stopped and shook my head it was David Cummings plane. I put that out of my mind and we drove to the cabins. We pulled into the long driveway and when we went around the bend and the "Palace" appeared Jessica said Cole, whose is that? Cole laughed and said it belongs to Ashley, well unless MJ or I burn it down and build something more reasonable. Until then it generates enough money to pay the taxes. I pulled in front of my cabin and we got out of the van and I had everyone carry in some wood. That was me jerking them around there was a lot of wood inside. We lit a fire and I looked at the two of them and said call me but I don't want to fly home in the dark and no skinny dipping. I handed Cole the keys and went to the van. I wasn't to the driveway and they were headed to Cole's cabin I took my time getting to the Winery and drove out of the way to get some much needed coffee. I was wondering why David was here and I was hoping that it was simply to pickup Charlie or Chuck or whatever the kid was calling himself these days. When I pulled into the parking lot I realized that the shop was closed but Jace had the door unlocked as I walked towards the door. We shook hands and I looked around as the place was fully stocked. So Jace is the place this stocked because sales are bad? He laughed and said well it's winter so it is easy to do. Besides you are well aware that sales are great. We open at noon and some skiers will be here before they head back. Judy will be here in a few and will open up. So Jace, you keeping it in the family? Mike, she isn't family, well yet. I put Mr arm around his shoulder and said dude, relax I would have been pissed if it were any other way. Now show me the new wine making equipment, please. Jace spent the next 30 minutes explaining to me the process and how the new equipment het the the product from the vine to the barrel much quicker. Jace said that Old Charlie insists that it will taste different and we are planning on using the new equipment for 50% of our processing and the other equipment for the other half. Mike, Charlie is right the wine will taste different but the best Wineries in the world use this stuff. The barrels play n important part and in part to shut Charlie up and as we needed them I ordered 50 barrels from Italy. Mike, they are in the budget. Jace that's fine but stop defending everything you do. Mike, then tell me why the fuck you are here? I smiled and said ok, your office.
We went in his office and as Jace went in first I shut the door and sat in a guest chair. Jace, originally I was bringing Winnie up here on Friday night as we both needed to get away and looking at the new equipment let me expense the cost. That didn't happen for a lot of reason. Then I launched into shortened version of Cole's situation and that Megan had asked me to get him away for a day. I suggested he bring Jessica and they are at one of the cabins doing what 17 year olds do when alone together. I don't ever ask but when they are through we will grab a bite to eat and fly home. Jace just so you can relax, there is another reason for the trip. Jace laughed and asked, what's that? Jace, after going over the numbers and a bunch of other shit and talking with most of the investors starting in May, you are getting an 10% raise. There is however one condition. That when you and I are together you won't defend another decision you have made, only answer specific questions. Before Jace could say anything the door flew open and there stood a much taller version of Chuck Cummings than I thought possible. Jace looked at him and said, Chuck get the fuck out of here and close the door. Mike and I will deal with you when we are finished. He stood there and asked where is JJ? Jace yelled as loud as he could, GET OUT.
When we were alone Jace said Mike, I'm sorry but that kid has been here all week and he is a real jerk. He is into everything and there is no dealing with him. Poor Charlie is exhausted and neither parent give a shit bout him. Mom is somewhere with her current boyfriend and David is much less than helpful. All he does is pick him up and drop him off. Either here or at school. That whole is due to pick him up sometime today. Jace he is here, well somewhere, as he landed just after us. Mike, I hope the hell he just stays at the house. Just then we heard Judy yell Chuck, please put that down. You already broke one and I'm not cleaning up another. I looked at Jace and said, I got this. I got up and as soon as Chuck saw me I said Chuck, please put that down. Chuck leaned over and set the bottle of wine on the floor. I laughed as the little shit got me at my own game. I went over and picked up the bottle and placed it on the shelf. I put my arm around his shoulder and said Chuck, let's go for a walk. Once we were in the warehouse Chuck pulled away and asked Mike, why are you being so nice to me? Chuck, why are you being a colossal jerk. He smiled and said, well because I can. So Chuck, you are good with me and JJ because you know you have to be? Chuck laughed and said, yup.
Chuck what about your grandfather? Mike I love him and he cares but he has no idea. He is old, up here in the country and things have passed him by. Mike, I try with him and do what he wants most of the times. Chuck, you know if you hurt him in any way there will be hell to pay and I'll see to it personally. Chuck, what about your rents? Mike, they pay for my fancy boarding school and that's all. Chuck when did that start? Mike middle of this year, as soon as there was an opening. I never see them and on holidays they send me up here. They don't even go to any games. What about this summer? He shrugged and said, I guess I'm up here. I laughed and said well you better change your approach with Judy and Jace. Mike, I'll talk with Jace next trip. I smiled and said well you will do that right now. Chuck just looked and I put my hand on his back, gave a gentle push and said, get to it before your dad gets here. He simply headed back to the store and I was hoping he would do what I asked.
When I got back to the store David was asking Judy, how long will the kid be in that office. She smiled and said Sir, I have no idea. Then he said look, I need to get going, he needs to be back at school. I went over and said well if he is late for dinner you will simply have to feed him. Mike, it's none of your fucking business. Well David a number of months ago I told you that if you ever hurt either of the Charlies I would make it my business to ruin you. Do you remember that? Well that was strike one. Today talking with you son, that was strike two. David laughed and said Mike spare me the dramatics, the kid is taken care of. Well That school costs a lot will you be able to afford 6 more years? He started for the office and I stepped in front of him and said, get out of my store and do that now. I'll make sure Chuck is at the house as soon as he is free. Thankfully he did as I suggested. When Chuck was finished with Jace I asked for his number and he spit it out and d I said dude, JJ will call you, soon. He smile and said thanks. When he got to the door I said Chuck, I have your back just trust me. He waved and left for the house.
With all that done I grabbed my jacket and went for a walk. It was cold nd I didn't care I just needed to clear my head. The one thing I knew was that Chuck was in trouble and if something happened it would kill his granddad. There wasn't much I could do at all as I had no standing but he was a good kid badly in need of some support and love. I as gone for about 30 minutes and hurried back as I realized I was cold. Back in the store I asked Jace if I could use his office. He agreed and I went into the office and called JJ. I had to leave a message and asked him to call Chuck and told him the kid is a mess. Then I gave him the number and said thanks. At this point I really wanted to hear Cole and get back in the air. That didn't happen as Charlie knocked on the door. I smiled and got up, opened the doors and gave him a big hug. He sat down and said Mike, I had a long chat with the kid and from what I hear his mother goes from one guy to the next and has become pretty much a slut. David, works for a third rate law firm and has money problems. Mike, I want to put most of the money from the sale in the Trust for Chuck. Something like $400,000. Charlie, thanks for the heads up, but you need to talk with the attorney who set the Trust up. I'll go along with whatever you want and manage the monies responsibly. Mike, I have a meeting tomorrow morning. You will hear from him by Wednesday. Charlie, what about your son? Mike not a cent no matter what and that will be in the trust in all caps. Charlie, do you have a will? Mike, there is one in place and there is no need for a change. I just wish I could see David's face when it is read. I smiled and asked Charlie, are you ok? Mike, I'm just tired, that kid is a lot of work.
Jace and I then chatted for a while and I was thrilled to find out that he was very happy doing what he was doing and I told him I would simply sell the place if he left. He laughed and said he was really good. I asked about Jack and Jace said just feed the enormous ego and he will do just about anything. Then you could always get Riley to just slap him in the back of his head. I laughed and said thanks. Finally Cole called and said they were ready and asked about the fire and I said well the cleaning people will be there in about 45 minutes and I'll see you in 30. Cole and Jessica were ready and we had a quick meal at a deli. At the airport, I check the fuel and did the required check and was determined to take a very direct route back and see if I could save 15 minutes. I laughed when I saw David's airplane nd he was no where in sight. He would be buying Chuck dinner. We were quickly in the air and I was paying close attention to the compass. It was a great afternoon for flying and we were wheels down at 6:30 and it was barely light outside.
I went straight to my place and grabbed my gym clothes and went to the gym. When I saw JJ was there I was pumped. JJ was thrilled to see me and we spotted for each other but the best time was in the sauna. We stayed the limit and talked bout all kind of shit. He said that he was going to call Chuck tomorrow after school and he would be gentle. I laughed and said well don't over do it. He laughed and said MJ, I got this. He is a punk ass version of me. I laughed and jumped in the shower. We took our time dressing and then simply drove to my place.
All that was left to do was call Winnie. When she answered by the tone of her voice things were better. She said that she had a long talk with her mother and that while she is devoted to her brother, she gets that he does thing a bit differently. I laughed and tole he that the word was unethical. Then I blasted him bout the security breach nd how important it is at your place. She got the point when I told about Amy she got the point. I took a beep breath and let that pass but I didn't like her discussing thing about work. I made a mental note to tell Winnie less about work. We chatted for a while about things in general and my day. I was tired and said good night and was getting ready for the night. Cole appeared and said thanks for the day. We hugged and he said he was not running in the morning as he had no reason to get up. With that I closed my door, stripped and pulled up the covers.
I was up before the alarm and had enough time to prep the coffee and it was a bright sunny morning and I would bet that pretend spring would be back. JJ and I had a great run and it was quick and fast and we were back early. I started the coffee and took a great shower. School was one of the most normal days that I had had the entire year. Winnie and I had a lab assignment and got yelled at twice, for flirting. If the teacher only knew how far past flirting we were and that it was his fault. At any rate we seemed to be back to normal. I signed out and in the parking lot I noticed Megan's car parked in the visitors space. I thought that it was about time. I was hungry so I called a local deli and had a chicken Cease Salad delivered to the office. With all that done and a very pleasant morning complete I headed to the office for what would be a drama filled day.
At the security check I told them that late this afternoon Jake and Sam would show up and they were to escorted to my office. Then I added call me before that happens so I know they are here. I thanked them and walked to the Common Room and grabbed a cup of coffee. When I got back to the lobby I was handed a bag and was told, Mike your lunch has arrived. I smiled and got on the elevator. I stopped in Kyle's office and was told that Riley and Jack had just arrived and that he had asked Maggie to join us. When she gets here I'll bring her to your office and we can chat briefly and then hame those two brought up. Kyle smiled and said Mike, I want Jack to stay but it's on my terms as I don't have time for his shit. I shrugged and said, well that sounds good to me.
At my office I hung up my jacket and put the unopened laptop on the desk and sat at the conference table and started on the salad. Looking at my schedule for tomorrow there was time in the evening to get to the gym. Wednesday was a different matter as I had the Mayor and the potential agents. Then I remembered that I needed to call Oakmont. I dialed the number and asked for Clark. I told him I was having lunch on Wednesday with the Mayor and an nice out of the way table would be appreciated. He said that that would not be a problem. Then I told him I would have 4 people with me and that I would be interviewing 3 people. He was quiet for a minute and said Mike, I'll set up a room off the dining room for that. Will you need anything? I said water would be fine. Clark then said if anything changes let me know and hung up. I got the impression he was somewhat less than pleased. I called the Pro Shop and thankfully the Head Pro answered. I said, hi Bob this is Mike Simmons, I need a favor. Mike what's that? Bob, I assume that you are aware if Cole's pending announcement. Mike that's correct. Well Bob, four of us are interviewing three potential agents on Wednesday and Clark seems to have a bee in hid bonnet can you accommodate us? Mike, have the candidates come to the Pro shop and you can use my conference room. I said thanks and then Bob laughed and said Mike, I'll tell Clark. Bob, be nice and this is better for us, thanks.
Kyle and Maggie were there as I finished eating. Maggie asked Mike, what do you want to do with these two? Well Maggie, I want Jack to do drones and Kyle has agreed to take that on here in Technologies. I will simply terminate the robotics project at Enterprises as it is dormant. As for Riley, I don't want her back if it isn't full time and I would rather she have the kid and decide what she wants. Mike, if she returns from leave you need to find a place for her and she has to work full time. I said thanks and went to my desk, called security and asked that Riley and Jack be escorted to my office. With that we sat quietly and waited.
Jack and Riley appeared and he looked right at me and said thanks for the escort. Maggie said Jack, you are on leave and as you have no standing here you are treated like every other visitor. Damn, I was glad she was here. Jack helped Riley into a seat and got a chair from the conference table and sat down. We made small talk for a while and Jack was excited about the upcoming week in space. Riley said she was bored and was due in mid July. I didn't react as the wedding was in late December, so they got a head start. That was none of my business and I hope I didn't react. When the topic turned to business I explained that there had been a lot of changes since they left and that the Robotics Division no longer existed and that we were looking forward to start the drone project in quick order. I didn't explain but told them that the Drone Division would be under Technologies. Jack immediately asked, what does that mean? I smiled and said well Jack that means if you want to comeback you work for Kyle and Dillon as they run Technologies. I'm simply building buildings and going to college. Enterprises is doing well and it's companies are all profitable. Kyle said Jack, why don't we go to my office and see if you want to work here. Jack and Riley exchanged glances and Jack and Kyle left.
Once it was Riley, Maggie and me Riley asked if her and could talk privately? Riley, we can unless it is about you coming back then Maggie needs to be here. Ok Mike, what's involved if I decide to come back now? Maggie said Riley, both you and the company are bound by company policy and your contract. You can stay on leave, that is always an option. Then there is a maternity leave and a child rearing leave. At the end of that you need to come back or resign. If you come back it is full time and at the same salary. There is however no guarantee that it will be at you previous position. Then I said Riley, I promise that it will be at a position that is interesting and important and you will eat in management status. However, it will not be COO. She was quiet and Maggie started to say something and I motioned for her to remain quiet, which she did. I knew Riley was pissed but she calmly said well, since I have no idea what Jack will be doing, I'll need to think it over, I'll Waite for him downstairs. I said thanks and Maggie walked her to the first floor. I was hoping for a better reaction later today with Sam and Jake. Things like this are hard but it seemed to me that those two got what they wanted and now it was time to pay the Piper. We pay people well and have great benefits and are very progressive with accommodating employees needs. I didn't feel bad at all.
I was waiting for the laptop to boot and Dad came in and sat in the club chair, I laughed and got up and joined him. So Mike, how did that go? Dad, it wasn't the welcome they expected and Riley is thinking it over and Kyle wants Jack but on his terms not Jack's. Dr laughed and said well Kyle has grown into that CEO position. I smiled and said, yes he has but what do you want? Well son, to thank you for last night and to give you a heads up. Megan has worked things out at school for Cole and she is cutting him loose. You know you should hire the Principal he is awesome and works Maggi. Dad, that's great but I would rather hear all this from Cole. Dad smiled and said, understood. Mike are you free for dinner? Dad, I have a late appointments here, so I have to pass. Dad, I should give you a heads up as well. I'm meeting with Sam and Jake about managing the sports bar, it's almost finished and there are some slots rented in the marina, things are moving along. Mike if that is Sam and Jake from the club and they accept they might throw you out. Dad, it will be what it becomes. Besides I'm a member at two other clubs. Oh, do you think they would have the balls to throw a USGA Executive Committee Member out? Dad, shrugged and said true but you won't be very welcome there. It was my turn to shrug.
I had been thinking about how to present my proposal to Sam and Jake for a long time and I decided to put the identical offers in writing. I would show them around the bar as it exists today and the marina and say guys, I would like you to run this for me. Hand them the envelopes and ask then to think it over but as much as possible keep it out of the club. I thought the offer was very fair and it guaranteed them an income and didn't rely on tips. I signed both offers and sealed them in a envelop. It wasn't long before my desk phone rang and security said that my guests were here. I simply asked that they be taken to the 4th floor and I would meet them at the elevator.
Thanks for reading and for the comments, I enjoy hearing from you guys
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