Typical morning but during the run I started thinking about the rules. That was fun for a while but shit what are they and how many. I need to figure that out before fucking Sam throws them back at me. So I started thinking:
Rule 1 - no talking
Rule 2 - what happens here stays here
Rule 3 - always have each others back
Rule 4 - listen
Rule 5 - stay in your lane
Rule 6 - none of your business
Back at home, I got ready for school, hoping for another normal day. After English, I asked Carrie about the game and what beach attire she was wearing. I said I was hoping for a bikini and got called a jerk. The rest of the day was normal until I tried to sign out of study hall and was handed a note to report to the Guidance Office. Once at the office I was told to have a seat and the Mr. Ramo would be available shortly. I said, thanks and sat down. As it turned out shortly was 20 minutes. Mr. Ramo came out and said, follow me. We went into his office and he sat down and I remained standing. He looked at me and said so Mr. big shot, what is so important that you could not wait for your appointment? I said sir, I have no idea what you are talking about. He said, cut the crap and sit. I sat down without saying a word and just looked at him. Finally he said, I asked you a question? I politely replied that I had no idea why I was here and that I was more than willing to wait for the appointment. He looked at me, shook his head and said, well both the Principal and the Superintendent felt that was not the case. So the big, jock runs home to daddy to fight his battles?
I was furious and fighting not to just fucking explode. I took several beep breaths, looked at him and said, please listen and I'll try to explain. First, you have been my counselor for almost 3 years and this is my first request. Second, I was more than willing to wait till next week to meet with you. Third, I never run to daddy. Finally, I never tout my athletic ability around to get something. So please tell me why you are so upset?
He said, fine just what do you want? I explained the math situation and asked if I could please take college math classes at CMU and have it count for my high school credits, as well? He smiled and said, nope. Anything else? I said an explanation, please? He smiled again and said we haven't done that before, have a good day. I looked at him and said, sir if you think daddy was an issue you were sadly mistake. Buckle up you are in for a very bumpy ride. I'm thinking I need to go to a school board meeting. Enjoy the rest of your day. I left closing the door quietly.
I simply went to the stadium and did my usual workout. On the way to the car, I saw Rob leaving practice. I asked if he knew about the student dress for the game and he laughed and said your brother-in-law is something else. I laughed and asked if the real Rob was playing or would it be the dude that played the first quarter, last game? He smiled and said, I fucking have this. Then he added, this will be a tough game. I asked if there was anyone left in the tournament, in his class, that they haven't beat? He said no, so they are all shooting for us. I said, hang in and I would be in beach attire and I'm trying to get Carrie to wear a bikini? He laughed and got in his car.
At home, I went straight to my room, changed to very relaxing clothes and called Mason. He answered saying, so how are things, boss. I said, asshole that's why I am calling you to find out. He said, Mike very calm and very good? So Mason you keeping busy? I smiled when he said not busy enough, as it was an honest answer. Well, I would like you to spend 2 days a week at the construction site. One of those days needs to be Wednesday. Every other Wednesday you need to arrange for 50 box lunches to be delivered, along with coffee. Just put it on the company credit card? He said, Mike I don't have one. Dude, see Ruth and the limit is 2k a month and accounting needs receipts. Also, ask Ruth for expense account information for mileage and things you can't put on the card. Also, mention that I thought that should have been done by now. So Mike, what should I be doing? I said first of all meet Allen Wallace the foreman. Learn whatever you can without being a pain in the ass. See how the workers are doing and anticipate upcoming problems. Stay in your own lane and keep me informed. Mike, so where is my lane, I don't have one? Dude, did you have one when Kyle and I shipped you to the strip district? He said not really. Well do the same thing on site but they are union workers and you can't order them around. You can decide what other day but Wednesday is a must. He said, ok anything else? I said keep up the good work and the honest answers, I knew you were bored. He laughed and said, absolutely.
The next call was to Brian asking about the progress on the purchasing department? He said that there were extensive interviews and were ready for dad and I to meet the recommended candidate. I said one? He said, yes we were recommending just one. I said, set up interviews for two at 3 and 4 on Thursday, if dad is available and have Mason add it to my schedule. He said fine but it was clear he wasn't happy. Brian, please send me the resumes and I don't want to know who you recommend? I promise we will talk with you Thursday evening. Clearly pissed he said, good night and hung up.
I called JJ and he answered, MJ how the fuck are you? I said, I'm good but busy. He said how so? Well I'm looking for a new phone for you, one that dials out. He laughed so hard he dropped the phone. I said, so beach attire tomorrow night, you up got that? He said absolutely but Dee wants to kill the person who thought that up. I said, I get that and Carrie isn't pleased either, especially as I asked her to wear a bikini? I said, this gym is a bit of a hike, I'll see if I can borrow dad's car. He said, no worries, I'll drive we have a van, I'll pick you up at 5:30 and there is also room for Jim. I said, JJ that's cool but you invite Jim. See you in school and I hung up.
Just then dad yelled, Mike dinner? Downstairs there were burgers and a salad and iced tea. I looked, shook my head and said damn, I didn't know you knew how to make a salad? He said, I don't Ryan made that, I added the burgers. As we were eating he asked about school and I said pretty good, until last period? What happened then? I said Mr. Ramo ripped me a new asshole for running to daddy and rejected my request out of hand, no explanation. Now I have to figure out if I want to clear the rubble or simply add to it. Leaning towards giving him another chance and keep my appointment next week. Dad, please let this be, but it was nice being called a daddies boy. It's been a long time and that's cool, but I have this. Then, I told him about the purchasing interviews and he said, he heard from Brian and that he was less that pleased. I said, so dad did he offer this person a job? Dad said, no but he told the person she was the only interview. Before, I could say anything dad said, Mike I agree and you were polite but firm so I'm good and for the record he needs to stay in his lane. I laughed and said yup rule 5.
I thought about the game and called Rob. I asked how he felt and he said great. They had a shoot around today and everyone is ready. We talked about the beach party theme and he thought it was great. He wondered what else they had in the works. I said, Rob, don't get distracted. He laughed and said, Mike we have this, I'm not over confident and yet very sure we got this, it's the next round that bothers me. I thought shit, and said, Rob one game at a time, don't overlook this team.
Game day at school was a blast and finally it was all about basketball and the team. At lunch I found Sam. So, Sam you want to change your bet, I'm in an intense mood and it could get very kinky if you lose the bet? He smiled and said, Mike I'm good. I smiled and whispered, dude think of three things you won't do and before I start the task, we can discuss them. After that everything is on the table. He looked a little pale, but said sure. I looked at him and said, you know the task might be as simple as you get a fucking hair cut, he shook his head and said sure thing dad and a laughed out loud. As I was walking away, I turned and said remember rule 2.
After school i went to the stadium to work out and the damn place was so crowded I simply went to the stadium and did sprints. I was showering and Sam came up and said, Mike enough with the fucking rules, I get all this and you better hope they win tonight. I looked at him and said, dude you cock is a little chubby, you like what you are looking at or is it all the nude guys? He shook his head and started to walk away and I said, Sam rule 5. He kept walking.
Walking to the car, I ran into JJ who but his arm around me and said MJ you want to bet on the game tonight? I said, nope but I'm betting that Dee wears a bikini top tonight. He laughed and said that's a bet. Then he said, well just in case she does, I'll see you at the game, I'm driving. I laughed and asked, so is car sex fun? He said well MJ not everyone has an understanding father, like you.
At, home I found dad in the kitchen eating a sandwich and drinking a beer. I grabbed an iced tea and we discussed our days and I got up and gave him a hug. He looked at me and said, so what's all that about? Well JJ says, I have an understanding father and I just wanted to show how much I appreciate that. He shook his head and picked up the paper and started reading. After a few minutes, he said so Michael, what else? I said damn, you might be understanding but you can be a jerk and I smiled. I told him, there was a big hoop game tonight and it was up north and that I would not be late. I went upstairs and found my bathing suit, flip flops and an Hawaiian shirt, fixed my hair and went back downstairs and dad took one look at me and laughed out loud. I said, beach party at the game tonight, my brother-in-law's idea.
I got in the car and drove to pick up Carrie and she answered the door in shorts, a bikini top and a light jacket. I kissed her grabbed her hand and started for the stairs. She stopped me and said, the door is in the other direction. I laughed and asked, so where is Sam? She said he left hours ago. I said now what, and she replied I have no idea. I picked Jim and Ashley up and she was dressed like Carrie and Jim was all over her in the back seat. It gave me hope for my bet with JJ.
It was a long drive and the parking lot was full. Inside the first game was just ending and we found the student section which wasn't hard as it was a beach party. JJ had saved us seats and I looked at Dee and said, JJ I told you. Oh, she is fucking stacked. He laughed and said so tell me something I didn't know. All of a sudden there were two beach balls being bounced around in the stands. All innocent fun, but the game manager didn't like the beach balls and our principal came over and collected them. Just then a Beach Boy song came on and everyone started singing, California Girl's. Once again the principal was over saying, sing all you want but no radios or tapes. Just then the team came out and their warm ups were identical Hawaiian shirts. Now there was a discussion with the coach, contest officials and game management. Coach produced a rule book and everyone shrugged and the party continued.
The game started and before 90 seconds were played we were down 6-0 and a furious coach called a time out. It stayed that way for another minute and the party in the stands was subsiding. Then Rob got a rebound and threw a long outlet pass and a layup a foul and the lead was cut in half. That seemed to wake the entire gym up, well our 3/4 of the place. The first quarter ended with us up 12- 9 and a slightly less agitated coach. The second was the start of party on and we started with a 10-0 run. Every stop in play our section started with a Beach Boy song. I was amazed as the fucking freshmen must have worked hard on this. They seemed to know the damn words. I looked for Sam and he was having so much fun and in complete control of his circus. Rob, was playing out of his mind. He would drive and dish off, collect rebounds and make layups, of just drive for a layup. And he was 10 for 11 from the foul line. It was an 18 point pin and a trip to the semi finals on Saturday. Then after the hand shake everyone went and surrounded the team and sang the alma mater. Then quietly left the gym for the busses and cars. Singing California Girl's as we left.
I saw JJ and went up to him and said, dude enjoy the car sex because your ass is mine, again. He smiled and said, I might not make it out of the parking lot. On the drive home all we talked about was what a great time it was and wondered what the Freshmen had planned for Saturday. I dropped Jim and Ashley at his place and took Carrie home. Inside we were sitting in the game room, when Sam came in, we high fived and I told him what a great time the game was. Then I added, very quietly, dude your ass is mine, but no more stupid bets. He said rule 1 and changed the subject to Saturday's game. He said it was country night and we should learn the words to Country Roads and Sweet Caroline. I laughed, kissed Carrie good night and drove home.
At home, I found dad in his office, I went in to say good night and was handed a packet. He said, prep for our interviews tomorrow. Then he added very interesting reading. We talked about the game and how much fun it was. I said good night and went to my room. I threw the packet on my desk and changed into more reasonable clothes. Sitting at my desk and my seldom used desk chair, I opened the packet and saw two resumes. The first one was a female, with lots of experience. She appeared to be in early 50's. The down side was that she moved around a lot but had GSA experience. The other was a male with less experience, a very solid education. No GSA experience and from the dates in his resume was early 30's.
I spent about an hour and went downstairs to find dad, still in his office and it was the usual scotch and a cigarette. I asked, what he thought and he said on paper the woman and we need some women around. I said, dad I would like Kyle in on these interviews. He said, why Kyle. I said because he will be ordering most of the shit and they need to work together. Dad said, I'll set that up in the morning, it a good idea, but Brian is going to flip. I said rule 5 & 7. He said what is rule 7? I replied, new rule - I don't care. He laughed and said, Michael I'm glad you had a fun night.
Thursday it was a run and a hot shower and I looked at my hair took more time than I wanted and I realized it needed fucking trimmed. I dressed in khakis and a dress shirt, along with a tie and a blazer, I grabbed a travel mug of coffee and drove to school. Apparently I should have taken the time to read the news paper and the article on our game was as over the top about how a beach party was stopped long enough for a terrific basketball game. The reported said even the team wore Hawaiian warmups. Rob was mentioned as one of the best point guards around with numerous D1 offers. Classes were normal, except that the math teacher mentioned he had a chat with Mr. Ramo. I said, great and I was giving him a chance to work it out. I signed out of study hall and drove to the office.
I went into my office looked at the clutter on my desk and was looking for Mason, unable to find him I asked Ruth, where is your buddy Mason? She just looked at me and said, at the construction site. I just went to my office and closed the door. I started to sort thru the pile and organized it quickly enough and put a pile on Mason's desk with a note to please get to this in the morning and let me know what needs my attention. I was looking through the things I needed to work on when when my phone rang and it was Ruth, saying that my appointment was here. I said keep them in the waiting area and ask Mr. Simmons and Dr. Williams, to meet me in the conference room and hung up. I quickly finished what I was working on and dad was there and we chatted while waiting for Kyle. Dad asked, are you mad at Ruth? I said, just pissed off at the condition of my desk and the shit piled there in no particular order. Beside she needs to see me pissed off. Just then Kyle came in and said, I understand we have two interviews and a recommended one. I said, well Kyle, Brian thinks there is a recommended one, but both dad and I are unaware. Dad picked up the phone and said, Ruth please send the first candidate. A few minutes later Ruth showed up with the older woman. She was well dressed reasonably fit and African American. Dad was right on top of things and very impressive. I asked, why she moved around in her career so much. She said, I insist on things being done right and that results in me wearing out my welcome. She said, there are no rigged bids and no special favors. I asked, if she knew the mayor and her response of OH HIM, cracked me up. Kyle asked a few specific questions about process and GSA. She replied, well once we establish the process I don't react well when it is ignored. As for GSA it is a mindset and you follow all the rules all the time, or you might be out of business. Dad asked, how familiar she was with the rules and she said, they change every month. You just have to watch the vendors and take your time. I asked her availability and she said two weeks. She asked a few questions and thanked us for the time. Dad, walked her out and arrived back with the second candidate in toe. He was mid 30's. Dressed in a very current suit white shirt and a red tie. He was the exact opposite in approach and attitude. Dad started with the same questions he had asked earlier. You almost knew the answer as they were the exact opposite of the other candidate. Kyle, asked about GSA and was told, you should just ignore that entire process and most vendors will get very close to the pricing and there is no red tape. The whole time I was thinking he should be in sales. Dad, asked about his process, his reply was just get what you need, quickly and with no hassles. He asked about salary and dad, gave him a range. I asked about a drug test and he said no problem. Kyle asked when could he start? He said, Monday. I asked, so no notice? He said nope they will survive. I said, thanks and that either Mr. Simmons or I would be back to him Friday.
Once we were alone, I just sat there thinking what did we want? Dad, said Mike what do you think? I deflected the question to Kyle who deflected it back to dad and I just laughed. Since, no one wanted to say anything, I pulled off three pages from a note pad and said, ok put an M or an F on the pad. Take your time I'll be back in 10 minutes. I noticed everyone went somewhere else as well. I simply went back into my office and continued with the shit that had collected there. I called Mason and asked, what he was up to and how things were going. He said, it is amazing how things start with nothing and in days something is there. He said, no problems and that the crew loved the couple of days overtime and were amazed that there would be an occasional lunch. Then I said so Mason, you knew I was in today, why didn't you schedule yourself in the office today? Mike, Mr. Wallace had a construction meeting today and thought it was a good thing for me to sit in on. I said, well there is a bunch of stuff on your desk to get threw tomorrow. Please if I'm scheduled in try to be there. He said, no problem.
Back in the conference room dad and Kyle were waiting. I took the pencil cup from the credenza and put my vote in and they followed. I stirred them up pulled out one and it was an F. The next one was an M and the final one was an F. I picked up the phone and called Brian, it went to voice mail and I said, Brian we selected, Mrs. Burnside for the job. Please get the drug test started and talk with dad about the salary. I said, thanks and went to my office. Kyle stuck his head in and said, Mike thanks for involving me, and left. I finished what I was working on and drove home, starving.
Inside, I grabbed the newspaper and opened the refrigerator and almost jumped for joy as Ryan had dinner. There was a salad and something that looked like macaroni and cheese with chicken and spinach. It was awesome. I poured a large glass of iced tea and started reading the article about the game. I had just finished the article and was about to get a second helping and dad came in asking what the hell is that for dinner? I said, it awesome so just eat. He said Ruth told him that he was more polite than I was and she saw a very different side of Mike. I laughed and said that while I was pissed Mason wasn't around, she needs to stay in her lane. The Mason and Dillon thing won't happen again and at some point I will make that very clear. Right now, I'm just being Mike.
Dad, looked at me and said, speaking of being Mike, don't you care who voted for who, today? Nope, I was good with either. Dad, Mrs. Burnside will be a pain in my ass but I said at the first board meeting we need a process and like it or not she will do that. Also, she will push back on me and I need people around me that will do that. Dad laughed and said, she will last 6 months. Well, that's on Her. However she also needs an assistant. So we don't have to go through that again we need that HR person. Oh, by the way, Brian is out of that, I'm hiring an agency to do that search. I changed the subject and asked what he has been up to? He laughed and said, work, my son and more work. Ok dad what else, I get the feeling there is more, I'm just wondering how much more. He said, damn I was going to leave you a note tomorrow saying I was going to spend the weekend at the cabin. Ok dad, with who and don't tell me alone as you need a break? Mike, I have been casually dating and believe me it isn't that serious, but serious enough to spend the weekend together. I said, ok details? Well she is an attorney divorced and has one son roughly your age. Dad, how roughly? He replied 15. So when do I get to meet them? Mike, I told you it isn't that serious. I said, dad please go slow.
Mike, I know you are already planning the weekend in your head, but here are some rules. I said rules, are you fucking kidding me? Mike rules 1 & 4. Obeying the rules I just sat there. He said, no overnights, the spare room is not a motel room for you buddies, no parties and tell my daughter-in-law I love her. I asked, can JJ and Jim spend the night? He thought for a minute and said, if you agree to keep the drinking to a limit, no driving and beer only. I said deal, I need a guys weekend and you made that possible. Oh, there is a game Saturday afternoon and no idea where and we are all going.
I went to my room and called Carrie. We talked about the game and the beach party. I told her how sexy her bikini was and she laughed and said well it must mot have been too sexy as you took me right home. I said, I was sorry but I worked on company stuff until midnight. Then after school, I interviewed 2 people and hired one. So babe, how are things at J & J Architects. She said good and they had another client. I said good more money for Enterprises and she laughed. I promised her a better time after the game on Saturday. Then I mentioned that dad would be away for the weekend but there were rules, so no overnights, and that he loved his daughter-in-law. We said good night.
I called Jim and asked, if he wanted to spend Saturday night as dad would be out of town, he replied fuck yes. We chatted for a while and told him about dads rules. He laughed and said so we can fuck in the game room? I said, well I guess, can I watch? He said well is not like we haven't had sex in the same room at the same time at my place. Yup, that was different. Then he asked, have you invited JJ? I said no and I was leaving that up to you? He said, invite him, I know you won a bet about the bikini, so that could be interesting. Then he said Mike, Sam is very popular and it is growing among the sophomores. Jim, I know and am willing to see where this goes. However, he owes me a task and I'm thinking very intense with an ass beating. I've given him an opportunity to choose three things he won't do. He needs to choose carefully, I'm in a very kinky mood, I might ask you to join in. I'm thinking he is all mine for 2 hours. We will see what happens and Sunday morning might be a good time. We hung up and I was thinking poor Sam.
I went downstairs grabbed an iced tea and went back to my room and called JJ. He answered saying MJ, what's my task? I said, so how was the car sex? He said better than spanking my monkey and I laughed. I invited him over after the game and told him dad's rules and that he was invited to join Jim and me for an overnight. He said, so Dee and I can use your room? I laughed and said, we will work it out.
It was getting late but I checked my emails and forwarded 4 to Mason and asked him to call me around 3:00. Then there was a voice mail from Brian, which was thanking me for making the right hire for purchasing. I had had enough of everything, took a shower and climbed into bed and fell asleep.
Thanks for all the comments, they are appreciated and keep me writing.
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