Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were like clones of each other. It was up early and a run, well except for Thursday which was two sets of stadium steps and no workouts. At the office I was there every morning and things were very quiet. Riley's briefings changed with a different approach as they were designed to inform me on various topics and each topic ended with who was working on the issue. The workouts were going well and there were a few more guys every day. Sam was on the field every day throwing passes to various receivers as was JJ. My only concern was no sight of Jim. At the office it seemed like Friday would be a zoo but I spent most of my time working on the new Board and how to get them involved and yet let them know dad and I controlled things. They were to advise and question not consent.
Cole left Tuesday night giving him a chance for a practice rounds and it was a big time tournament and he was invited. There would be 4 armatures and the most interesting thing is that the invite came from the USGA and not a friendly Professional. Cole's world and national ranking had soared. The other issue was that he needed to make the cut. At 16 it was amazing where he was and could experience the Pro Tour. I was going to ask Major Jim if I could go with him to pick Cole and Liam up, well only if they made the cut. I wanted to be involved but not get in the way.
After dinner I had a lot of free time and I talked every night with JJ and Sam and we were getting ready for a team meeting. I left messages every night for Jim and there were no returned calls. Finally on Thursday night I left him a less than polite message. Then there was a lot of reading for school and a third program for CMU. Except for Jim I was stress free.
Right after I left Jim that message Cole called and when he first got on he seemed down and I was thinking he missed the cut. As it turned out he was slightly pre-occupied and Liam was in the background. Mike, I didn't call yesterday as Liam took my phone and pretty much locked me down. The Blue Monster is really tough. Cole so you are in Miami at Doral? Yes and baring a total fuck up I'll make the fucking cut. It really helped as for the first two rounds I am paired with Fred. Mike I am 3 under and 23rd. Tied with that Woods dude for low amateur and that's getting way too much attention and shit I actually had a couple of interviews. Cole, I'm so proud of you and I'm going to see if there is room on the plane for me to come for Sunday. MJ, that will be awesome. Cole can I talk with Liam for a minute, he said sure. Almost immediately Liam got on and I asked, so goes it? Mike, he is unreal the kid has fans and I took his phone to keep him focused. You should see the powers to be trying to figure him out. He goes from playing center of the greens and fairways to taking risks, he relates to the gallery and there are times, I have to remind him to stay away from the ropes. On the first hole a 568 par five he hit it in two with a 3 iron and his drive must have gone 330. He said well he was amped up. Mike it is scared how well he get along with the Pros. Then there is that developing thing with Woods, they are fierce competitors and yet get along. They are polar opposites personality wise. I hope you make it Sunday. We hung up I was so happy I immediately called Jim and hitched a ride. Jim said well a family affair as Mike and Megan are going. You can copilot and have you looked at your log book? I said, I have not, should I? He said yes and hung up.
I looked around my room and no log book and I was pisses at myself. Then I remembered I had put it on the steps days ago. I ran downstairs and nothing on the steps. I was frantically looking around and Megan appeared and said MJ are you looking for this? She handed me my log book and said MJ, it what a mother does. I said thanks I had no idea. I flew upstairs, sat at my desk and opened the log book turned to the last entries. I was just staring at the page there was a complex plane recommendation. I looked again and it was still there. I immediately called the Major and it went to voicemail and I left a message saying, fucking awesome, thanks.
It was late but I was so excited but I needed to get to sleep as tomorrow would be a very busy day. After 50 push-ups and an intense jack off session, I managed to sleep and was I up just before the alarm. I showered, shaved and dressed in a suit, one from the NASA trip and a tie. Downstairs I put coffee on and was reading the paper and waiting on the coffee. There was nothing of interest so I filled my travel mug and drove to the office. Ruth said good morning and pointed to my office and said early start and great suit. In my office sitting in guest chair was Wayne. I said good morning Mr. Hillgrove, what can I help you with? Well it's what I can help you with. The building that houses your people is for sale at a reasonable price. However it needs work. There are 2 interested parties, one is a group of investors and the other is an insurance company for their claims department. Actually, the place would be perfect them. I said thanks, anything else? He said just this and he handed me an envelope. I put the envelop on the desk and asked why? Well, I want to run my division and you will always be in the way. So me needing Alex for two days, that was a personal project, is that big of a deal or is it the business plan that we discussed when you were hired. He said that and your smug attitude. Basically you are busy reading your press clippings and I feel over rated. So Wayne you came to that conclusion in 2 weeks. I stood up and offered my hand an we shook hands and I said well I hope you find something that suits your needs. As he was leaving I said please hang in the waiting area and security will help you clear out your office and your can keep the security pass as it will be inactive. I decided to walk him out and I asked Ruth to please call security Mr. Hillgrove has resigned. When security gets here have them stop in my office.
Riley was waiting and I said unexpected but necessary event. Wayne obviously heard me and if looks could kill, I would need more than company security. The meeting with Riley was very short and focused on moving schedules. Two security officers came in and told them that Wayne had resigned and asked that they lock his office, assure him any personal contents will be delivered to his home before close of business today and to deactivate his security pass. Once Riley was gone, I was actually on schedule. I had time to look at my calendar and saw that except for the 90 minutes scheduled for lunch I had a very full day ending around 4:00. I asked Ruth to PLEASE, PLEASE keep me on schedule and interrupt as required.
Kyle was next and we discussed the various branches of the company and I told him that I had a two hour financial review scheduled and appreciated his review and I had asked for sales and profit numbers for each of the branches. When he was done I asked if there was an employee who had graduated from CMU who I could ask to check over my programming work? He laughed and said well normally it doesn't work that way, you submit it to the instructor and get a review and a grade. Then he laughed and said well back in a day we all checked each other's work. You should meet Adam Michaels, I'll have him stop by some morning next week. Just then my phone rang and it was Ruth informing me my next appointment was waiting. Kyle left and Jordan xxxxxxxx came in and I said let's go to the conference room, the chairs are more comfortable in case I doze off. He laughed and said, remember I get to pick the place and you pay. I laughed and said, don't count on that.
Once we were settled in the conference room Jordan started by saying, I will spend the next 2 hours discussing the following statements we will be dealing with; BALANCE SHEETS, INCOME STATEMENTS, CASH FLOW And the easiest one SHARHOLDERS' EQUITY. Mike, I'll start with the simple one, Shareholders. In the last 12 months there have been a number of changes as you are aware of 51% was punt in your trust, 10% went to a William Simmons and then was returned to Michael Simmons, Sr. Currently your shares represent a 51% holding and your dad holds 49%. I assume there are no questions as you were aware of all that? I said well you certainly have my attention.
Next we moved to the balance sheet and we started with the assets and I immediately noticed we had a ridiculous amount of cash on hand and I was politely asked to look at rent and payroll on the expense side. When I saw the investments I almost shit as there was a ton I was immediately thinking sell the new building to Technology but Jordan kept going. Then he stopped and said, Mike just listen and don't think of ways to change things and no don't sell the new building to Technologies. Then you will want to know how to take the company public and keep control. Just stop and listen and stay involved, those are questions for another day. We were an hour into it when I asked Ruth for a bottle of water and Jordan wanted coffee. Wrapping up the balance sheet Jordan asked if I noticed how much Technology paid ENTERPRISES in rent? I said yes and it's market value. Jordan laughed and said correct but by selling the new building Enterprises loses a big percent of its income. Ruth appeared with the water and the coffee.
Once we were alone again he started on the Income Statements and I became instantly aware of how much money flowed into the company and that number almost knocked me on my ass. No wonder there was a ton of cash and all those investments. Jordan looked at me and asked, so how did you think we pay for 4 truckloads of computer equipment and simply write a check. I guess I need to pay attention. Mike, that's why the snide comments and attitude when you asked for this meeting. Mike, you dad is a fucking genius, a workaholic he simply makes it rain money but has no idea how to deal with it, you should change your degree to accounting. I laughed and said, well I would rather keep you employed. In looking at the income statement in detail, I stared with a ton of questions and got very concise answers. At noon Ruth appeared and said Mike, it's lunch time do you want to order in? I laughed and said well Jordan owes me lunch so we are going out.
We put our papers in my office and I said I'm driving and it is 10 minutes and we got in the car and I put the door down and drove to Greentree and one of my favorite places. We parked in the street and I let him go in first and he laughed and said fuck this is awesome. Immediately I got a hug from Tom the owner and a brief chat before we found a table. When we were asked about drinks I said Iced tea and Jordan said I'll have the same. I winked at Tom and when the drinks came, Jordan asked how the hell did that happen. Oh, I forgot that, it happens a lot around me. He laughed saying so the buttoned down, tough nosed business man has a different side. I said well actually there are many sides each slowly revealed to people who are important to me. Nice job today and I have a shit load of homework. By the way I had no idea about the shares for Bill, that jerk would have sold them in a minute for drugs or boys if he had a chance. Jordan I have one more question. Are you aware of any other changes with dad's shares in the works? Mike, it is perfectly clear to me who controls the company, please ask you dad, his shares and what he does with them is his business. I said fair enough, let's eat.
Mike, the owner, came over and I introduced Jordan and I ordered my half Italian delight and asked for Cole slaw in place of fries. He laughed and said, so it's the start of football, I already have a club room reserved for the finals at the stadium. I said well dad gets a box so I'll get you an invite. Jordan ordered a calzone. Once Mike was gone I laughed and said well you just ordered dinner as well. We turned to a general discussion and found that he was 27, single with a girlfriend and lived close to us and in the same school district. I asked if he saw me play football and he replied every home game as I am an alumni. I asked if he ever went to the Tavern and he said yes but never on game night, it's a zoo. I laughed and said well a few teammates and our dates have a reserved table and so many people pay our bill, I eat there free all the time. He said so I have heard. Then he asked, why VT? Actually the coach, he was the only one to push back during the recruiting process and they are letting acclimate credits at CMU so I will finish in three years a degree from VT and a masters at CMU. Just before football I'll have 15 credits in. Damn, how do you do it all. Jordan, the busier I'm am the better I am.
The food came and he immediately asked for a box. It was a very enjoyable lunch and he asked about the car. I said a gift on my 16th birthday and I was stopped at a red light and the trunk was suddenly in the back seat. The car was totaled and I had dad choose another, I only specified the color. Well your dad chose well as it fits you perfectly. Once we were finished eating Tom came over and asked if we need anything else and Jordan asked for the bill and Tom laughed and said, Mike's dad and I go back a couple of centuries, there is never a bill, enjoy the day and MJ it's great to see you, don't be a stranger like your old man. Tom, thanks and I'll pass that message along.
Back at the office, Jordan collected his papers and I said same time next week and bring the current budget as our fiscal year ends in October. He smiled and said, shit I have created a monster and he went about his way. Just then Ruth said Mike, there is a schedule change, Dillon is limited to 30 minutes and Tim and Alex want to meet at 2:00 then you are done. I said thanks and looked at the stack on my desk and thought more like 6:00. This upper management shit is a pain. Thankfully Dillon was very organized and concise and he like the others simply informed me about things, giving no indication that I needed involved. Once again I was again thanked for the long weekend and he left and I had 10 minutes to spare.
I went to the cafeteria and got a cold bottle of water and when I got back I asked Ruth to have them join me in the conference room and I said this is an off the books meeting so no interruptions. She laughed and said they are already in the conference room and Tim said the same thing, well in different words. I went in with a note pad and pen and asked how was upstate New York? Tim said well you will find it expensive, Major Jack flew us and we both rented cars. Ok fair enough but why Jack? Mike he was available and I didn't want you along. Alex said well he must have an interest in this as he tried to ask questions. Mike, Alex shut him down so fast Jack didn't say another word.
Tim said I'll start first, Charles and Judy Cummings bought 50 acres in 1950 and slowly started the vineyard developing 5 of the acres and carefully selecting and securing grape plants from Italy. Within 10 years they had about half the land planted and a building built to make wine. Initially they sold the grapes to Welches for jelly. Long story short by the late 70's they were a major regional supplier. They resisted expansion wanting to keep things firmly in their control. They had two sons and the older one Charles was KIA, he was a pilot and was shot down and the jet just exploded and there was no evidence of an ejection. Their younger son is married and is a big time lawyer in DC with one child a son, Charlie. David and his son, visits about twice a month. Mike, you will enjoy this as he flies his own plane on those visits. Mike, understand David is very, very good and not one to be taken lightly and he is connected up the ass. Tim looked at Alex and said your turn.
Mike, other than the night we spent in that rather large cabin, I spent little time in the area. I went to the county seat located in the next town and spent the day looking at all kind of records. The property that Charles and Judy owned is now owned by Charles and David. The winery business in NY is and has been in a state of decline since the mid 80's. Well looking into it, that is because of people like Charlie who are older, slowing down and have well educated kids with little or no interest in the wine business. Similar turnkey wineries have sold for an average of 15 to 16 thousand an acre. Based on a business estimate and taxes, and there are many, they have a decent income that lets Charlie play in the wine business and sell grapes to the jelly makers. I asked about David and his interests and was told other than the family and the kid there is little time for anything else other than golf and he is a member at Congressional. I laughed and said, I bet that the connected up the ass part, can he play? They both said no idea. I looked at Alex and asked so do you play? He replies yes and it's good for business. So are you free to play Oakmont early tomorrow? He looked at me and said fuck yea. I said ok, I'll get us an early time and let you know.
Then it was back to business and I asked about the grandson and was told a third grader, in an exclusive private school and he plays soccer and hits golf balls and swims at the club. I asked Jim for David's contact information. Tim and Alex both handed me a folder and Tim said these folders have everything you need, as you never take notes. I laughed and said when I do, take notes, I tend not to remember but thanks.
Back in my office I called the pro shop at Oakmont and asked if there were any early tee times available tomorrow and was told I earliest was 7:36 and that I need to play fast as those early guys rip around. I said well it is only me and a guest and you can add whoever to the group. Oh, can you get me a handicap for David Cummings, he is a member at Congressional? I locked up the office and turned off the computer, grabbed my homework and said good night to Ruth. I drove home with a stop at the mall for a haircut. Caleb wasn't busy so we did our usual duel about a new look and I said, dude have at it, just so it isn't short so when I hate it I can just mess it up. He laughed and said well I'm not wasting my time and I got a trim. I laughed and said, fuck I should have though about that approach sooner.
I pulled in the driveway and realized I was home alone and was wondering about dinner as I was starved, even after a sizable lunch. In the kitchen, I found a note from the rents saying that it was dinner at the club and appropriate dress, if I was up for that? Well I was dressed but not up for a big dinner at the club so I went to the club thinking a quick drink to be friendly. When I got there Mike, the manager, said you dad is in the lounge and they were really hoping you would show. I said thanks and found dad and Megan and Jake asked what I was drinking and I said what Megan is having and dad said Jake, Mike will have his usual iced tea. I said dad, I'm driving and he said well Megan can drive you home, relax. Ok, but I'll be right back as I forgot to send a message. I emailed Alex and said tee time is 7:36 and I'll see you there at 7:00. Then I noticed an email from Liam and when I opened it it was a newspaper article about Cole so I forwarded it to dad and Megan and joined them and a scotch was waiting for me. I said, I haven't read it but you need to checkout the email I just sent to you.
They both immediately went to their phones and I took a drink of the scotch and started reading. I immediately laughed as the pain in the ass shot -4 today and was in the top 15 at -7 and had a late tee time, Saturday. He gave a long interview and thanked Liam about 4 times for managing his wilder instincts. The article went on to say that he was already a spectator favorite and signed autographs for 30 minutes then went to the range for 2 hours to work on his game. Very impressive for this kid from Pittsburgh who is slowly becoming a force in junior golf. I looked at Megan and she had tears in her eyes and she damn my son as grown up, how did that happen? She looked at me and said damn, it your fault, thanks. I smiled and said, well let's eat.
We were shown a seat pretty much in the middle of the dining room and I looked at Megan and said, I am so sorry. MJ about what? Well Megan for what is about to happen. Jake appeared and asked about drinks and I said a double iced tea and he said well I tried for a quiet table. He looked at dad and said, I lost that battle to a member. As I feared it started as soon as Jake moved away. Member after member came up to dad and said hi and chatted about inane shit and I was asked about the building, my golf game, why I wasn't here more and on and on and on. I motioned to Jake and asked if he could please take our orders as the only end to this would be when the food came. Megan ordered Shrimp scampi and dad a t-bone and I ordered a chicken salad. Thankfully dad's and Megan's meals included a salad and Jake hurried those a long and the groupies retreated. Once a very pleasant dinner was over, dad ordered another drink, Megan ordered desert and I ordered a cappuccino. Naturally it started up and as I was losing my patients, I finished the cappuccino and said good night. Megan asked if I was driving and I said yes as I had hardly touched the second drink and assured her I was fine for the 5 minute drive home. Megan, dad will need you to drive home, it's one of those nights. She looked at dad and said Mike, I'm tired can that please be your last drink. I walked to the car shaking my head and when I got outside I just started laughing out side and thought, damn I thought Carrie was controlling.
The drive home was uneventful and with any plans for the night shot in the ass I went to my room, threw suit in the corner and jumped in the shower. I was just letting the water run over me and was very relaxed. Once I was dried off I jumped on the scale and was ok with 230. I looked in the mirror I had on the back of the closet door and started to examine my self and was please with what I saw. I was pretty smooth with a happy trail that was a bit darker than my light brown hair. Looking at the bush around my cock and balls I thought damn you could get lost in that. I went to the desk and got a pair of clippers and trimmed. I turned around and saw I was developing some hair on my ass and was wondering if that needed shaved as well. I put on a pair of tight jeans and a tee and dockers and went downstairs. Then I figured what the fuck and drove to McDonalds.
I went to the drive through and ordered a large iced tea and parked and sat drinking the tea. I sat in the car for a few minutes and then got out and stood leaning on the car and a few guys from the team came up and we were talking and it was fun. All of a sudden there was someone draped on my back with arms around my neck. I loosened the grip turned around and there was this hot chick who immediately kissed me. I pulled away and said well hello and who Is the sexy chick sticking her young in my mouth? She laughed and said does it matter, I'm fucking horny and she kissed me again. This time I returned the kiss. People were looking and I broke it off and was asked if I wanted to go to her place and fuck? I said nope but you can suck me off in the car. She smiled and said damn that works and started for the door. I grabbed her are and pulled her into a kiss that was sick yet awesome. I whispered in her ear and said how about you get your skanky ass out of my sight. She pushed me away and started to walk away and suddenly turned and tried to slap my face. I caught her arm pulled her close and said, better women than you have tried that and none succeeded. Move on and she screamed, I KNEW YOU WERE A FAG. I laughed and leaned back against the car.
Just then Jim came up and said well that was amusing. I looked at him and said not here and not now and possibly not ever, if you think you are going to mess up the season you are more fucked up than people think you are. Well I have been on college trips. I said well we don't need you and if you are QB2 we will see how many offers you actually have. If you want to see where you stand stop by the stadium Monday at 4 and we will see if you get replaced. He said MJ, go fuck yourself. I said dude that's Mike to you. You don't get to call me MJ until you get with the fucking program. Now get out of my sight. I got in the car and was putting the roof up when a head appeared in the passenger side window. I looked and said hi Mary Ann, what's up? She smiled and said, sorry you had a bad night, I hope you keep stoping by here on the weekends, most of us like having you around. Then she said have a great night and she walked away. I just watched her walk away and drove home. I went straight to my room, set the alarm for 5:30 stripped and fell asleep.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
IF POSSIBLE PLEASE REMEMBER NIFTY
THANKS FOR ALL THE HOLIDAY GREETING AND FOR CONTINUING TO READ THE SAGA