I set the alarm for 5:30 and prepped the coffee and jumped into bed. I piled the covers on and laid there wide awake. Running through my head was Wyatt and the Chuck. That moved to Charlie and the last time I saw him I thought he was failing and I hadn't been up there or talked with Jace in a while. Normally a jackoff session would work but I had had a lot of sex this weekend and wasn't in the mood. I just laid there and took a mental trip to that rock near the cabin and I don't know how long I was there but the buzzing of the damn alarm woke me. Somehow I felt well rested and I jumped out of bed and turned the coffee on and jumped into the shower. I put on shorts and covered them with pants from a running suit, added a VT polo shirt and added the jacket that matched the pants and headed for the coffee. I was hungry but I knew it was way too early to grab a quick bite to eat on the way to the airport and I knew that when the Major said 6:30 I needed to be there at 6:15 at the latest. I quickly filled the travel mug with coffee, jumped into the Wrangler and might have set the record in getting to the airport. I was sitting at the traffic light ready to turn off Lebanon Church Road into the airport when I noticed a car behind me. I just smiled when I saw it was the Major.
I pulled into the parking space and the Major parked beside me and when I looked at him I knew he was pissed. Mike, you passed me on Lebanon Church going about 80. You didn't need to beat me hear and if you fly like you drive I'll have your fucking ass grounded. I smiled and said, understood sir, no worried there. He handed me a folder and when I opened it there was a flight plan. I quickly looked it over and started to go inside. He stopped me and said Mike, stop playing games and look at it closely. I immediately starting reciting the setting and the route and the Major said ok, just stop. How the fuck do you do that? Well Jim, I'm cursed with an almost photographic memory. I remember everything for example that first time in your Jet when you tried to make me puke I remember the color of the barf bag. Mike, the bag is clear. I laughed and said yes it was but there was an orange string to tie the puke inside and it had a manufacturer name also in orange on it. Ok hot shot who made the damn thing? I laughed and said Emesis Solutions and left him standing there. Inside I filed the flight plan and checked the weather in Jacksonville and went outside.
As I approached the Jet I noticed that it was spotless and must have been cleaned. That put me on full alert as I knew that the Major had had the jet completely gone over and that there would be some small item set up to trip me. I would play the game until I found out what the trap was and then end it. I started the outside pre-check and got as far as the nose landing gear. I simply picked up my phone and called maintenance and asked that a technician be sent to the service line to check the tire pressure on the jet. I simply continued the pre-check when Jim came up and asked Mike, who did you call? I said maintenance as a valve cap was missing and I want all the tires checked. I was handed the valve cap and was told the tires are fine. Jim, you ask me to stop playing games so now I'm asking you to do the same and I'm sending that service charge bill to the school. The service crew appeared and when they finished I was told that things were good and that there were no issues with the tires. I said thanks and finished the pre-check.
With the delay for the silly service check we were still on time and dad and Megan arrived but Ashley was screaming. Megan went straight inside the cabin and I was surprised that dad followed her inside. Next to arrive was Wyatt and it looked like his dad had driven him but Wyatt jumped out of the car and jogged towards me. Another car arrived and it was Jessica and her dad. Her dad asked about a return time and I told him I thought Cole would be coming home and that in any case we would get her home. I'm guessing a little before midnight but we would leave Florida as soon as we could. He said thanks and got back in the car. Wyatt and Jessica were talking and I went over and asked them to get onboard. The Major was on board and I secured the door and strapped in the left seat.
As soon as I had the headphones on Jim said Mike, we are ready for engine start. I didn't say anything but looked at him. Jim smiled and said no games, we are ready. I radioed the ground crew and we were pushed away from the service line. I hit the intercom and said we are ready for departure please find a seat and buckle up. We will notify you when and if you can unbuckle. With the jet clear it was a cold, generator assist start which was easily accomplished as the jet was in top condition. The start of the left engine was a battery assist. Again this was easily accomplished. I contacted Allegheny ground and smiled as I identified us as Cessna citation NMJS2 and asked for permission to taxi for takeoff. Once we were cleared to taxi I heard Jim say, that's pretty cool isn't it? I just gave a thumbs up and increased the engine speed until we started to move. We were quickly cleared for takeoff and got up to 40,000 feet and were traveling SSW and we cruising at just over 500 MPH. I got on the intercom and said, Good Morning we are traveling at 505 MPH at 40,000 feet. Our ETA is 10:15 and the Jacksonville weather is currently 63 degrees and sunny. The anticipated high today is 74. Please limit your movement around the cabin to essentials.
Once we were settled at the desired altitude and compass setting Jim and I had a great talk. He asked about Winnie and after I shrugged he laughed and said seriously, you guys have sex and the same classes and from where I sit she puts up with your shit. I laughed and agreed. Then I asked about the flight school and he said it was going super well and the mechanics classes were full and that JJ was doing much more than I thought he wood. I smiled and said a Plan B in case the Pro Football thing doesn't work out. It was Jim's turn to shrug and he said Mike, I just want him to get a degree as for the flight school I still own most of it even with the partners and I'll but them out in time, that was the deal. The flight plan was very clean and I hit every route change right on time. Jim still couldn't get over my memory and he asked Mike, how long do you remember things? Jim, it just stays in my head until I need it again, I'm not aware of a time limit. With that I contacted Jacksonville Executive Jet Center and got the ATIS , which was clam condition and was told to contact the tower 15 miles away. Jim laughed and said we better slow down as 15 miles comes quickly at our speed. Jim, got on the intercom and asked the passenger to buckle up as we were on approach and would be on the ground shortly. Once that was done the casual shit was done and I was totally focused on the task at hand and I knew that Jim was in the Major mode watching everything I did. I wasn't changing anything but I was going to do what I do very well. My comms were casual and professional and I put the fucking jet down right on the center line. We proceeded to the assigned area and Jim and I started the shutdown area. With that complete Jim opened the door and everyone got out. There was a shuttle waiting for us and I went into the terminal and made arrangements for the Jet to be fueled and set an 8:00 departure time.
In the van things were quiet as Ashley was sleeping and none of us wanted to be responsible for waking her. It was a longish trip as traffic was intense. That surprised me a good bit. I went right to "Will Call" and got the 8 passes. The next thing was a long wall to the clubhouse and hopefully the special all access pass could get us into a place to eat. Once inside the gate we found a number of golf carts and the passes got us a ride to the clubhouse. Once there we were directed to a large banquet room that was serving as a restaurant. We selected 2 tables with Megan, dad and the Major at one and us "kids" at the other. It was a limited selection on the menu all designed to get people fed and on their way. As soon as I ordered iced tea and a burger with fries I went to the men's room and then went looking for a list of tee times. Finding that information I saw that Cole was teeing off at 1:05 and he would be paired with an Aussie Rodger Davis. Davis was currently in third place 7 behind Cole but Jeff Sluman of the US was currently on #17 and he was 5 back. I stopped at the "adult" table and updated them. Megan reminded me that Cole was not to know we were there until he finished. I shrugged and said I'm betting that's not a problem. When we were finished eating I sent the bill for our table to dad. When he was handed the bill, he smiled and handed his credit card to the waiter.
We had about 30 minutes and we headed down the first fairway and there was still no room close to the ropes. Megan was clearly upset and asked Mike, I can barely see the tee, will it be like this all day? Mom your son is a fucking star in the making, he is leading a PGA event and that's no small thing and he encourages these people. Look, I got a ride and access to food but access to your son and he will know you are here but I have no way of doing that as I'm USGA and not PGA. All of a sudden we heard now on the tee from Sydney Australia Jeff Sluman. There was a polite applause and a few moments later a drive landed on the fairway a couple of hundred yards away. That was immediately followed by, now on the tee from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Cole Simmons. There was a wild roar and you could hear the spectators chanting his name Cole, Cole, Cole and I saw Cole and Ila, raise their arms, signaling for quiet. Once things had settled down I saw a bill land in the fairway about 20 yards longer than Sluman's. I knew Cole had a short iron to the green and was off to a good start. He went right to the ropes across from us and was talking and laughing with the folks. He was wearing the usual plus 4's in black and gold, Pittsburgh colors. All of a sudden Cole moved away from the spectators and went to where Liam was beside his ball. The spectators quieted down as Sluman waited to hit. Liam handed Cole a club and they chatted as they waited. As soon as the green cleared both Cole and Liam signaled for quiet. Sluman hit and was 20 feet behind the hole. Cole did his usual routine. I knew it was a short iron and it was a mile in the air. It hit the green close to the hole took a big bounce and when it hit the green again it spun back to towards the hole and stopped about 5 feet. Sluman parred the hole and Cole rammed the putt dead center and was now up by 6 shots again. Dad walked 5 holes but Ashley was getting fussy as she was hungry so he went back to the clubhouse. The Major and Megan hung in for 9 holes and Cole was 3 under for the day and still had a 6 shot lead. I was watching by my self and as the 15th hole was close to the clubhouse I went looking for the group. Dad, Megan, Ashley and theMajor were watching the tournament on TV. Cole was now 5 under for the day and up by 7. I hadn't seen Wyatt or Jessica since lunch.
All that was left to do was plan a celebration. I went to the Pro Shop and asked for the Head Pro. The Assistant Pro laughed out loud and said! Dude are you serious? I smiled and said well yes, I'm Mike Simmons and my brother is on 16 and he is about to win this tournament. His mother and stepdad are here along with 4 others and we would like to be green side when he finishes. Mike, this should have been done earlier today. I shook my head and said, look we don't need anything just at the ropes around the green. Mike, have you seen the people that want around that dude? Yes, I just walked 15 holes and couldn't get near him and he doesn't know we are here. Ok, it would be a nice thing and he has been fantastic all week with the staff and the spectators. Just get everyone here. I smiled and said thanks. Outside I called dad and filled him in and reminded him there wasn't a lot of time. The only ones missing were Wyatt and Jessica and I called Wyatt. When he answered I asked where he was and he said at the 18th green in a prime location, Jessica and I have been here for a while. I shook my head and said, well we are on our way and look for us. With that I just hung around and waited for the gang.
A security guard appeared and came up to me and asked, are you Mike Simmons? I smiled and said, that me. He then said follow me and I told him that we needed to wait for the champs parents. We chatted some and again he raved about Cole and the time he spends with spectators and staff. Megan, dad with Ashley in his arms and the Major appeared and we were escorted down the path the played exited to the scoring room. We were just in time as Cole had just hit his final drive. I looked at the scoreboard and he was up by 5 and it was all over except for a couple of shots and he could have an 8 on the hole and still win. Cole's second shot landed on the green about 20 feet and Sluman hit it closer. I saw them talk on the way to the green and even though Cole was away Sluman finished out. Col looked over his putt and it stopped about 3 inches short and the place groaned. Cole tapped it in and threw the ball into the and the place went nuts. Cole hugged Liam and all of a sudden I saw Jessica running across the green. Somehow Cole heard her and turned and she jumped into his arms and the kiss was long and intense. I knew it would all over the news. Then he sow us and he ran over and hugged Megan, shook dads hand and the Major's and he grabbed me and whispered, thanks big bro.
Cole was escorted to the scoring room to sign his card and make everything official. With that done it was back to the green for the presentation of the trophy and a large pretend check for $350,000. There was an interview for TV and Cole insisted that Liam was involved. Liam was all smiles holding the flag from the 18th green. By tradition it belonged to the winning caddie. I laughed when Winnie joined in or tried to. Cole introduced her as his very special girl Winnie. Wyatt appeared and went up to my dad and said, I know you think I was hitting on Jessica but look at them together. When they turn 18 you will need restraints to stop them from getting married and Cole has the money. Dad shook his head and said, champ I'm aware.
That along with signing autographs lasted and hour and Cole was slowly working his way back to the clubhouse. Finally inside he said he was starving and that dinner was on him. Cole and Liam joined us and we ate in the mixed grill and there was no one there except for us. Cole said he and Liam would like a ride home as he had withdrew from the next tournament earlier in the morning and his agent had canceled the international flight and booked them home on a 10:00 flight tonight. His clubs were being shipped home and he and Liam had checked out and had their luggage. Then he laughed and said he would change into reasonable clothes on the plane. Megan laughed and said, thank god, I hate those outfits. As soon as we finished dinner the Major call and had the jet prepped. I called a shuttle service and we were quickly on our way to the airport.
Th flight back was uneventful and the The Major flew most of the way. At one point I went back in the cabin and Cole and Jessica were the only one awake and they were involved with each other and didn't even noticed I was there. It was 11:30 when we landed and I was grateful that the Major had a crew ready so all we had to do was turn off the engines. Cole and Jessica took my ride and Liam joined me in the car with the Major. Dad, Megan and Ashley had their ride and they added Wyatt. At my place I got Liam settled in the extra room and I just jumped into bed.
The alarm blasted me out of bed and I could have thrown it against the wall as less than 6 hours of sleep didn't hack it. Unfortunately the weather was good so I threw some clothes on and went outside. I was happy but really surprised when I saw Cole waiting. We were joined by JJ at his place and it was a great run. Having Cole around made it more fun. When we finished at JJ's him and I agreed to working out at 6:30 in the evening on Tuesday and Thursday and at a time to be figured out on Saturday. As Cole and I walked our place we agreed to get together later tonight at my place. Cole said that Liam will be spending time at home. Cole went into the house and at my place I took a long shower and dressed for work which, while casual, was overdressed for school.
I made it through all 3 classes with no interruptions. In Physics, Winnie and I simply chatted while we worked through a less than interesting project. We did finish it so there was no drama. I signed out of school for work and stopped for coffee at the first chance that presented itself. At work it was the the usual security check and I got on the elevator and as soon as I got off on the 4th floor the executive secretary was on the phone and pointed to Kyle's office. I went to Kyle's office and as the door was open I stood at the door and asked, what's up? Kyle stood up from his desk, pointed to the casual seating and said Mike, have a seat but this won't take long. We sat down and as usual Kyle got right to the point saying Mike, this morning I made an employment offer to you high school principal. I smiled and asked Kyle, what will he be doing? Mike, I met with him three times and neither of us see him as a COO. He isn't looking for that much pressure. We agreed that he would take over the grade book program, it is something he knows, teachers and school boards. It is about the same salary as he currently has but includes performance bonuses and his wife can accompany him, at their , when travel is involved. He will break the country into regions and hire a manager for each region and those people will hire salespeople. Once he starts the second week in June him, Dion and I will set expectations. Mike, actually I mean him and Dillon. I just want approval. Mike he like the health care we provide. I think he will be perfect. Kyle, that's great but what about the COO position. Kyle laughed and said Mike, that's a work in progress. I shrugged and said, well get that done and I headed to my office.
At my office, my ass barely hit the seat when Tim appeared all smiles and in a great mood. It to my conference table as that was where Tim pointed. Tim put his briefcase on the table and took out a stack of folders. The briefcase was set on the floor and Tim said Mike, I'm sure you are aware that you own the property we are about to build on but I have a construction loan which will convert to amortization mortgage that will be in your name. I will need you at a loan closing at 1:00 on Wednesday. Tim, I don't do closing, have the papers sent over and I'll most likely sign them. Mike, these guys don't work like that. Tim, are these guys genuine. Tim, laughed and said very much so. Mike, you already have accounts with them and have met with them. I laughed and said so dad's friend Hobie Moore. Mike, that's correct. They feel that to finance this project you will close the accounts you have with them. This way you close the accounts and they keep the money. Ok Tim, what's my win with this deal? Mike, no closing fees and the best interest rate anywhere. Ok Tim, what are the numbers? Mike 30 years 6% that's 2% lower than my other best offer. However, you are also agreeing to not refinance or pay the loan off for 5 years. They are betting that interest go down. Tim, I want to use the land I paid for and own to guarantee the loan and I don't want to use any cash and you had to know that. Tim smiled and said Mike, sell the land to Enterprises and use the money from that sale. So Tim basically I sell the land to myself? Mike actually you sell the land to a company you own. Mike it's totally legal. Tim, what do I do with the money? Mike, just leave it there and if it is close to making sense in 5 years to the day refinance and pull the money. Tim, it will be a long closing as I will read every word. Tim said Mike, I know that so here is a copy but we sign shit at the bank. Tim, then handed me a folder.
Then Tim handed me another folder and when I took it I set it aside and asked, what's in there? Mike it's your personal financial statement, your net worth. I opened the folder looked at the bottom line and closed the folder. I did my best not to react but it was a huge number. So Tim, I assume this is Jordan's work, why was this done. Tim got serious and , I wanted to impress on you the need to do a will. I have mentioned it numerous times and I get ignored. Mike, your share of this business is understated and understated by a lot. You simply can't die without a will. Hell, if you die without a will the state might name a county after you. Mike, there is football and those dangers and the way you fly around in three different aircrafts, all unusual. This folder is a form and you need to look at the financial statement and figure our what goes where. It can be changed anytime for any reason. Just do something and soon. Ok Tim, what else? Mike, that's all I got.
Tim started to get up and I said Tim, it's my turn. Tim sat down and I asked, how soon can I start? Mike, all the papers are done for either options. Tim, I don't want to sell the land, the transfer taxes will be ridiculously high. Just take what the bank needs out of accounts from their bank. If we need more we can take it from other accounts. No stocks or investments, it's about time I listen to people telling me I have too many cash accounts. Tim, o want a major ground breaking ceremony at noon on Monday. I'll also need the construction manager and architects here Thursday from noon till 5:30 and Friday from noon till we finish and tell them to plan on dinner at South Hill Country Club at 6:30 if we finish. I also want Rocco, the union president here at 1:00 tomorrow. Tim, was taking notes and said I'll have someone get this done. Mike, what will you be doing? I smiled and said sending out invitations to the ground breaking on Monday and assembling the media. Tim shook his head and I said, please tell me again I don't need an assistant. Tim, laughed out loud and said enjoy the reading. Having had enough I started to pack my things and my desk phone rang and it was Janet the executive secretary saying Mike there is a guy from Continental on the phone he said he is Bill and he need to talk with you. Ok Janet, put him through. I let the phone ring 4 times and picked it up and said, hi Bill what do you need? Mike, I need to start demolition on that old mill in Homestead. Ok Bill, what does that have to do with me? Well, you seem to have worked well with the unions how does that happen? Bill. I'm from Pittsburgh and appreciate them and what they do. Your not a local guy and they don't know you so you will simply have to swallow hard and pay them. Have a good day and hung up. I immediately called Rocco on his private number. When he answered I said lunch tomorrow 12:30 Oakmont, dress appropriately and let's get both projects started. Rocco laughed and said Mike, I might be busy. Rocco, let's save the games for lunch tomorrow I'm serious and we are starting now and it's a 100% union project. Besides don't you have an election coming up. Maybe Bart will be easier to work with. Ok Mike, lunch tomorrow and I'm not fighting with you. Rocco, good to hear and we have this settled and I'm throwing a big time event to kick this off. Oh, tell Bill from Continental that you busy till next Tuesday. I'll invite him to the ground breaking and show him how Pittsburgh people work together, I'll see you tomorrow and hung up.
I sat at the desk with any thought of going to my place and getting some rest vanished. I was all about making a statement to Bill and Continental. My next call went to Patti Burns at KDKA and it want to voicemail. I just said Patti this is Mike, we are starting and if you want to ask the first question noon on Monday. The next call went to Don Cannon at WTAE and I left a detailed message. Then there was a call to the news director at the Pittsburgh Press and the Post Gazette. I then called the new Mayor, the County Executive. There would be calls to the local congressional offices and the Governor and both US Senators. I would provide a list to Janet and have her make the calls and put them through to me. Finally, I was too tired to keep this up and I grabbed my stuff and reading materials and headed for my place.
At my place there was a note from Liam, thanking me for the room. I put on coffee and sat down and started to read the 37 page loan agreement. Tim had actually understated how good this was, the low interest rate, no closing costs and no points. I was starting to appreciate all Tim had done. Then in a strange place unrelated to anything was a section that said there would be a Brentwood Federal branch in the building on the first floor. I called Tim and when he answered I said, branch bank on the first floor. Mike, what are you talking about? Tim, page 26 halfway down and I hung up. I kept reading and everything else was as it should be. The phone buzzed and Tim said not on my copy. Ok Tim, let's talk tomorrow but I have lunch with Rocco at 12:30 at Oakmont. Let's meet for a few around 4:00. Tim said, deal and hung up.
Just then Cole appeared and said MJ, mom said dinner is ready and your invited. I was glad for the food and needed to decompress. The meal was cooked by Colleen and was my favorite lemon chicken and rice. There was also a scotch and ice. Cole told stories and said he was accepted by most of the guys, well those that can play. Some of the younger guys working hard to stay on the tour don't like the fact that I'm there for the foreseeable future and they might be none at the end of the year. Cole said, hell I might be done in three years. When dinner was done I asked dad if we could talk in his office. Once there it was a second scotch and I asked, dad should I have a will? He didn't hesitate and said absolutely. It protects your money and it goes where you want. Mike, most of what I have go to you. Ashley gets the next biggest amount then Cole and Megan get the rest. There is enough so that none of you will ever have to work. Mike you get the rest of the company and a million or so in stocks. The smallest amount about 5 million goes to Megan. She is set in her own right. I laughed and said well if we both go in a jet crash there will be more than enough for generations yet unborn. I said thanks and thanked Megan for dinner and Cole and I went to my place to talk.
Thanks for reading and for the comments and feedback.
As the holidays approach please consider NIFTY in you giving.