Back at home, I was really pissed as I was thinking about coach pretty much said Jim would be my problem as he was powerless to react. I grabbed an iced tea and went to my room. I called JJ. I told him what the coach had told me and that we could talk more tomorrow and golf was 9:00 so we would need to be on out way by 7:15 he said fine and I told him Austin would be there. Once that was done I realized I was starving and went downstairs and found Cole reading the paper. I started to scramble some eggs and Cole said if you make some for me I'll start coffee and toast. I said that works for me. While eating we were chatting about events and Cole was mystified why everyone thought drugs were involved and why QB1 was such a big deal. I said Cole, there is a special ego involved in being a QB, for the most part I don't like their attitude and there are exceptions, apparently Jim isn't the guy I thought he was. Cole thought for a minute and said well Mike he hasn't done anything you haven't done, well except get caught. I laughed and said well partying last night was simply stupid, you had to know they would be watching. Hell, I was stopped and it was professional and well done. By the way they caught 15 people and 10 were like Jim underage, there will be more for a while. We finished eating and I went up to my room and called Jan.
When she answered I said, hi Janice thanks for a great first date last night. She laughed and said, I was hoping you felt that way, but how is Carrie. I asked, who? She laughed and said so were you stopped in the DUI thing last night? I said yes and without drama. Well until I had to take Dee home and saw Jim in cuffs. So Mike how did you know? Look I didn't but it made a lot of sense, prom, holiday weekend, just had to happen. Ok, I get that but are you always that lucky? I said nope just smarter than the average bear. So Jan are we as good as I think we are? She said if you are thinking a very early redo after an awful start, the answer is yes. I said great, let me figure out the weekend and I'll call later.
I was still furious about the chat with the coach so I decided to call him. When he answered, I said coach I can't help you deal with Jim. We are good friends and all I will do is try to be there for him. Mike, I glad to hear that as you help develop a lot of people. For example there is Jim, Sam and now JJ and others you don't even realize. You get them to the point where they could be on their own and when the fail to meet your expectations they feel deserted. More likely they don't react well to letting you down. Even though you are there to help. I was thrilled to see how you dealt with him this morning. Please follow up with that. I have the other unpleasant side. I said thanks and good night.
I immediately called Jim. I was a little surprised when it was answered but it was his dad. He said Mike, thanks for calling but he isn't talking to anyone. I said well how are you dealing with this. He said, well we are looking for legal help and a bunch of attorneys are calling. I said Jim please give me 10 minutes and I'll call my attorney Tim. He will help and I'll cover the costs. He said well I'll be more than glad to talk with him but we are paying. I said ok but give me a number and Tim will call you tonight. He said fine and I will tell Jim you called. I said thanks and I'll be calling again. I hung up and called Tim and it went to voice mail and I asked that he please call me immediately.
I spent the next hour thinking about the upcoming Directors meeting. I thought we would start with financials which I knew were very good and looking that way for a while. There however would be a big expense on the furniture and the move. I was determined not to take anything from the old building except computers. Then there would be the discount for returning the furniture at the Strip Location. Then I was wondering about keeping the location and moving the new Giant Eagle location there. Damn I needed dad and Mason, Riley and Jack. Just then Tim called and I gave him the number and an update and he said he would check it out and possibly put Paul or Rich on it. I said please bill me and he said, we will talk later.
Then I considered the jet and was sure they would go nuts over the cost and the blurred business and private use. I would be firm and play that by ear. The other issues would be the GE thing, the hiring of Jack, the building, the furniture cost and finally my role in all this.
Just then dad called and when I answered he asked how things were and I said we are all good and no one is in any trouble and I was just about to scrounge dinner. That we would playing golf at Latrobe at 9:00 tomorrow and we would be home around 3:00. Dad, asked so why the stress that you were all trouble free? Well Jim was arrested in a DUI stop and I was stopped and passed a breathalyzer test. I have not had a drink in days. The rest of the time was the prom and Board prep. When you getting back? He said noon on Sunday and that it was a commercial flight. I asked if he needed a ride from the airport and he said nope he had it covered. Then he said a calm and professional approach with the board, please. Dad, I got this. Remember they need to be gone. Have a good night and we will talk tomorrow evening.
In the kitchen I found Cole looking in the refrigerator and asked if he was hungry and he looked at me and said, what the fuck do you think? I asked healthy or the usual? He laughed and said I don't care just so it's food and soon. I thought for a minute and felt the Tavern would be swamped. Greentree was too far. Then I said ok let's go we are going to have the best hoagies in town. I put the roof down and we drove to Danny's in South Park. Once there we ordered 2 hoagies and large iced teas. Then we drove for a few minutes and pulled into a grove and ate at a picnic table. Cole said this is awesome but how are you holding up? Lots going on with work, you Jan are back together, Carrie is locked in your head and Jim fucked up. So how are you? Cole, I am actually good and the biggest reason is that I finally have a brother. We are good together and look out for each other and you should know that you will never disappoint me and I'll always be there for you. MJ I know all that so why tell me? So when you fuck up and need help I will feel free to kick you in the ass if you don't ask for help. We were quiet for a while and simply finished eating and drove home.
Back at home Cole and I talked about golf and what he wanted to accomplish and he said a round in the low 60's and I just laughed. He said he had been checking and knew that the greens would be lightning fast and that never be above the hole. He said, he wished Liam was free but he had a gig at Oakmont. Cole where is your first tournament and more importantly when? Mike it is next Saturday and Sunday in New York on Long Island. It's a two day event at Shinnecock and I was invited. It has hosted something like 5 U. S. Opens. Ok so what is this tournament? He said, it's an invitational and world ranking matter but more like I was recommended for an invite. The list of possible recommendations is beyond belief. I asked if the Major and Liam were good for this? He said yes and there are rooms and rides to the course. Mike, I have this and have set it all up. I'm looking forward to being away and you should come to the next one. I said well good night and I went upstairs.
I didn't feel like working and really wanted something different to read. I went rummaging in the storage room in the basement and found a box of books. Some were mom's and some were Bills. Not much interested me until I found a thick book about Japan. It was by James Clavell and the title was Shōgun. I thought what the hell and took it to my room. I started reading and was instantly hooked. I read for a little over an hour, checked on Cole who was in his room with the door closed and I took a shower as we would not be running and set the alarm.
I was up with the alarm dressed for golf in grey shorts and a grey and green Latrobe shirt and put coffee on. JJ appeared and asked who was driving? I said well 4 sets of clubs and my car don't work so I'm guessing it's the portable motel room and JJ said that's was hysterical but inappropriate. I found the inappropriate remark hysterical as well. We sat drinking coffee and Cole joined us and right on time Austin knocked on the door and we were off to Latrobe. On the way I got a call from Major Jim. He started off by saying thanks for surviving the prom with no involvement from me. I laughed and told him about the DUI stop. I could see him shaking his head. Then he asked what I was doing early tomorrow morning? I replied nothing, why? He said if you can get to the county airport I have 2 hours available on a flight simulator. I can't get you into an aircraft until you get that physical. I said, I'm free and the physical is Wednesday after school. He said, hit them straight and tell that jerk driving to have some fun. Mike, I know he owes you for Friday? I said Jim, he was real good and had one beer at my place, I was being proactive, but he was good. The Major said, I get that but thanks anyway and he hung up.
We were at the course about 40 minutes before the tee time and our bags were loaded in the carts and Cole and Austin vanished to the range and I went into the locker room and damn Jim remembered me, we chatted for a few and I went to the pro shop checked in and looked around. Outside I found JJ shaking his head, he looked at me and said these greens are so damn fast it's silly. I said well I believe it's an attempt to keep Cole's score in the 70's. Just then Cole and Austin appeared and went to the putting green, Cole hit one putt and laughed saying awesome, this will be fun. He hit a few putts and went into the Pro Shop. As it was our time I stuck my head in the shop and yelled, COLE YOU PLAYING OR BULL SHITTING? He was immediately in the cart and moved to the tee saying tips correct. I knew he was serious when there was the pre-shot routine, one practice swing and he blasted right down the middle and over the road. I heard someone clap and say, nice shot but not the smartest shot choice and I turned to see AP walking into the Pro Shop. Cole just shrugged and the rest of us hit. The three of us were on the green and Cole was looking at a small book. Pin was front center and anything past the pin might be right back where he was. He took out a club, same routine, and what I thought were a couple of strange practice swings. Then there was the routine and one practice swing and he lined the shot about two thirds up the hill and he popped into the air and softly on to the green about 6 feet below the pin. I simply shook my head in amazement. There was a remarkable sand save on the second hole and a birdie on the third. I laughed as he was focused on every shot but he was reading greens for Austin and they were enjoying each other's company. His only bad hole was 10 as he hit it over the green and immediately scribbled something in his book. It ended in a bogie but on 18 tee he needed a par to shoot 68. Which was easily done and as we were sitting on the patio eating we were joined by the legion. I introduce JJ and Austin, who could hardly speak. We were asked about the round and Cole thanked him for the terrific greens.
It was a casual conversation and when AP got up he said Cole, walk with me for a minute. They walked to the Pro Shop chatting the whole way and went inside. A minute later Cole came out with a very nice Latrobe CC golf bag. He sat it beside the table and said its for next weekend and something Liam will like as its very light. We finished eating and started home. It was about 2:30 and Austin said thanks for another awesome day and I handed him the score card and said look at the back. It was signed Best of luck Austin, Arnold Palmer. Damn, I got a big hug. Cole, JJ and I went into the game room and I got iced tea for everyone and asked so now what? Cole and JJ said naps and I said well that sounds good but I'm going to South Hill to the pool. They both said well we can nap there and we grabbed swim trunks and JJ mad a quick trip home and got his suit.
The pool was reasonably crowded as it was the holiday weekend and a warm late May day. I took my shirt off and was just sitting there with sun glasses on and fell asleep. Cole, came up to me and woke me saying put a shirt on you are getting a lot of sun. I shrugged and got up and jumped into the pool. There were a lot of kids and it was fun watching them. I got back out of the pool and returned to my recliner. Both Cole and JJ came up and asked if we could leave as they were starving. Since we were all dried off we got in the car and at home I jumped into the shower. Cole was right in behind me and I went downstairs and had my first beer in days. I was joined by the guys and I asked so who is cooking. JJ said I got this and he ordered pizza, wings and a salad. Cole thanked him for the salad and remarked, how the fuck do you guys stay in shape with your diets? While waiting for the food, I went upstairs and called Jan. She answered and I asked if she wanted to hang out tonight. She said actually Mike, that's not a great idea. While Friday was a great night, I don't think this will work. I laughed and said, ok whatever you want and hung up. I just sat there thinking I was just played, twice. Back down stairs I told the guys what happened and we all simply laughed about my women. The reality of it was that I didn't really care. I needed a date for the prom and that was accomplished. The highest profile Dude in the school simply could not have had a hot chick at the prom. Just then the food came and I switched back to iced tea. I really wasn't hungry and had two pieces of pizza and a small salad. JJ asked what we were doing tomorrow, the holiday. I said seeing if the rents still exist and he laughed and said me too. He said, please keep me in loop about Jim. I said, you got it and he went home.
I was in my room reading and dad called. He said Mike, send the girls home we just landed in Pittsburgh and will be home in an hour. I laughed and said no problem and it is great to have you back early. He hung up and I found Cole and said the rents will be here in about an hour. He was all smiles and I was glad to see that. Then he said, fuck I need to clean my room and change the sheets. I laughed and said have a good time. I jumped into the car and went to the super market and bought fruit and cheese and crackers. Back at home I made a plate and put it in the refrigerator and went back upstairs and started reading.
I heard dad and Megan come in and I made sure Cole was aware and I went downstairs. I set the fruit and cheese plate in the game room. Then I made a gin and tonic for Megan, a scotch for dad and AP's for Cole and I and took them into the game room. Both dad and Megan looked and I said welcome home. We exchanged stories of our time apart and after about an hour I asked for some of dad's time, freeing up time for Megan and Cole. In the office with the door closed, I told him about Prom night and my DUI stops and Jim's situation. That I had asked Tim to call Jim's dad and that I had not heard anything. We talked about my day on Tuesday with the team meeting and Sam and JJ's roles in all that and where Jim might fit in. We switched to the Board Meeting and when I said that it included dinner in the cafeteria dad simply shook his head, saying a last meal. I simply said hopefully. Finally I told him that my trophy girlfriend broke up with me. He said, well I had things under control and he was glad about the girl and I needed to make better choices with woman, like he did. I smiled and said well that will be what it becomes. I said dad I forgot the issue with J & J and the necessary trip to Herman Miller. I went through things and asked if he wanted to go? He said well if there is room. I said well Kyle, you, me, Mason as well as J & J. The Major and Jack will be driving. Oh I'm starting pilot classes tomorrow morning, it's all on a simulator so don't worry yet. Mike, that scares the shit out of me but I trust the Major. I laughed and said I have no desire to kill my self and I'll will be a tough nosed pilot. I said thanks for the time and I'll be in my room.
Once in my room, I called the Major and asked about the simulator and the location and the time. He said Mike, the school at the county airport and you are scheduled from 9 to 11. I won't be there but have fun and try not to crash. I laughed and said, thanks for all this. He said Mike, just go slow and listen. You will most likely crash half the time so don't get upset. They will walk you through tower communications and in truth there isn't much and you don't fly those high enough to be a problem. Head on a swivel. Just have fun.
Just then Cole came in shaking his head. I said what's up? MJ mom is coming next weekend and I had separate rooms for Liam and me and now we need to room together. Cole, deal with it and it's nice of you mom to make the trip. Also, why can't you two room together and save some money. MJ while we are close and actually friends we don't bet and need the privacy. Cole said, I don't want the complications. Ok Cole, what else? MJ, nothing it's all good. I laughed and said, fuck that's great to hear. Oh, I have flight school tomorrow so I won't be running. He laughed and said, that fucking figures. Please be safe, smart and careful. I said Cole, I'll see you for lunch. Good night.
The next morning I was up early and made coffee and scrambled some eggs and made toast and grabbed the paper. I was reading and Megan sat down and said, well fly safe today and we both laughed. She said Mike, Cole is in a good place and he has one more test and Jay owes him a car. I said, so I hear and trust me it won't be it won't be a Stang. She laughed and said, well I'm hoping for a 4 door coop. I said Megan, that's not happening, either. So I hear you are spending the weekend in Long Island. She said, well I don't have anything for a week. I said, Cole and Liam are tight and good together. Well can we talk this afternoon. I left for class.
The first 40 minutes were classroom shit with getting the vocabulary and controls. I took a lot of notes but I'll remember almost all of it. We moved to a simulator and I climbed in and was given basic instruction and was toll to get it in the air make a big loop and land. It took two tries and I had the Cessna running and checked with the tower and followed directions. Getting it in the air was easy enough and I managed a small loop and was cleared to land and I did, but the plane was in pieces. I did it two more time before I landed safely and did it safely three more time. I was given a log book and was told that the simulator time didn't count but the Major would get a full report. I thanked them and drove home.
Back at home, Cole was golfing so it was me and the rents. Damn if it wasn't a pleasant drama free free afternoon. We discussed dinner and Megan said, she was cooking and MJ was driving me to the supermarket. I shook my head and said, well let's go. We got in my car and she asked to have the roof down, I complied and we were off. Once there she bought salad stuff and some vegetables. Then she shocked the shit out of me when it was 4 salmon stakes. The final item was rice and I had to ask, so what is dad eating? She smiled and asked so what rule is SHUT UP AND EAT. I said, I think it is 8. Back at home, I went right to my room.
I decided, for no reason at all, to call Ray. He answered saying, is there a problem? I laughed and said, yes your phone doesn't call out, I'll mail you a new one. He laughed and said Mike, neither of us are burning up the phone lines. Well we were off to a good start and we talked until, Megan yelled MJ I could use some help. Ray laughed and said, I'll call tonight, don't piss off another step-mom and we hung up. Downstairs Megan handed me cooking instructions for salmon on the grill and said, please don't mess it up. I was preheating the grill and Cole showed up saying, MJ I got this. I gave him a hug and said thanks. I went inside and Megan was setting the table in the dining room. I found dad and asked when did we get a dining room? He just sat there and said, I didn't know we had one either, is there furniture?
About 30 minutes later Megan called everyone to dinner. Damn, there was a Pinot Noir wine and I thought shit next we will pray. It turned out to be a toast for family time. The food was fantastic and even dad enjoyed the food. While the food was great and different, what was important was the calm and friendly atmosphere. Megan then said obviously this can't happen every night but I'm shooting for once a week. Then she looked right at me and said MJ, I will never need to know what you are doing or what your schedule is but I would appreciate it if you could give me a weekly heads up on when you would be available for dinner. Megan, I appreciate that but how about we all try to keep Sunday night free for dinner. Cole immediately said well that's is tough for me and next week is an example. I have a tournament next weekend. We finally all agreed that weekly would be tough but we would all try. Dad and I started to clean up and I asked, so do these fancy dishes go in the dishwasher? Dad said, I don't know so that's a yes. I laughed and that helped move things along.
Finally, back in my room I put together an outfit for the Board meeting. I was a navy blue suit and a light grey shirt and no tie, I was pretty much over ties, likening the more down and dirty look. School tomorrow would be what everyone else would be wearing. Basically shorts and a tee with tennis shoes. That was done and my phone rang and it was Ray. We talked like old times and it was fun for about an hour. He had an application in to Annapolis. I thought damn, I might be knowing too many people who go there. After about an hour we said good night and hung up. I went and found Cole and we discussed the day tomorrow and agreed that we needed to run. He asked about my day and I said it was good and there were no cross words with his mom. I went back to my room and called JJ to make sure he was also running. He said absolutely. Then he asked about Jim and I said, haven't heard a word. Then he said, I almost forgot dad said it was nice to see that you could play video games. I laughed and said, tell him he is a jerk. JJ said, that's not happening. I said see you in the morning. It was a quick shower and I jumped into bed.
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