I was up early and it was a typical early August day in Western PA which meant damn hot and very humid. JJ was sitting in his truck waiting on me and I was thrilled not to have to drive. We stopped for Coffee at McDonalds and while we were driving to the field, he asked if I had any plans for today and I said, none at all why? He then asked if the South Park Wave Pool would be fun and I said sure and we should invite the team. JJ asked, all of them? I said sure but they get there on their own. He laughed and said, damn that was quick and the sophomores don't drive, I smiled and said correct. So MJ, just the guys or the girls as well? I thought for a minute and said whatever, but I'm asking Mary Ann.
We pulled into the parking lot and as we were getting out of the truck and Jim pulled up next to us. No neck collar and tanned and rested. I said dude, welcome back and you are in charge. Oh, coach asked for full speed drills, no hitting but in your face. He also asked me to kick you in the ass if you over do it. We got to the pavilion and it was like armed camps. Jim, JJ and I put our bag down and moved to the field to run sprints and eventually everyone followed. We did six sets of 40 yard sprints and took a water break. Jim spent the time putting a team together that included a cross section of classes and I pulled together a defense but I was on offense as half back.
We huddled and Jim said ok full speed 868 PUMP, H-STOP 3 on two. A junior and two Sophomores just looked and Jim said, get the fuck out of my huddle, you have had play books all summer. He called 3 new guys over and asked have you looked at the play book? The said yup and he called the play again and added check on red. I simply laughed as that indicated he could change the play at the line. We broke the huddle and Jim was under center and barked set Green 80, Green 80, hut, hut and the ball was snapped and he dropped back 4 steps, pumped to me and barely looked and lofted a high arching pass which JJ got in full stride and our best defensive back was 5 yards behind JJ. JJ stopped and yelled AWESOME and jogged back. I looked at Jim and he was shaking his hand. I yelled, DUDE YOU OK? He said yup, just hit my hand on the follow through. Im just glad it wasn't a helmet.
Then Jim called Sam and said dude, your turn, just run the same play. Sam got in the huddle and said same play on 3. Jim just started to laugh and said Sam, it doesn't work that way call the play. To his credit Sam did and the ball was snapped and he lofted the ball towards me and as soon as Sam did that Jim screamed, STOP IN PLACE. I caught the ball and just stood there. Jim went up to Sam and asked, what was that? Sam said a completed pass. Jim said correct for 3 yards. Were there other options? Sam said no, everyone was covered. Jim grabbed his shoulders, turned him around and said look around. There were 2 open receivers for many more yards. Sam said, I didn't have time to find them. Jim laughed and said damn, a full speed drill with linemen and backers hands up and you can't find a dude 30 yards down the field open by 5 yards. MJ over there was you last look. Hell I faked to him looking at a second receiver and saw JJ wide open. Then he laughed and said a strong arm is useless unless you have the balls to be hit and yes, I would never have seen JJ score that TD.
It was like that for every pass play and Sam did well on the running plays and to his credit he knew the play book. After 5 pass plays I told Jim, that enough. As we were cleaning up, JJ announced Wave Pool at one if anyone is interested. I immediately called Mary Ann and asked if she want to go to the Wave Pool and she said well, sure but I'll meet you there. I said great and saw Sam hanging around and I went over to him and said walk me to the car. Immediately he asked, who set me up? I said Coach did. He thought it would be better to send that wake up call here rather than the first scrimmage. Sam said, I'll see you at the pool and he joined his buds. As I got into the truck JJ said he had a very bad day go easy on him. I said, nope just more tough love. So JJ is Dee going to the Wave Pool? He smiled and said I bet not. JJ parked in the driveway and I asked are you coming in? He said well I bet coach will call and I want to listen in. Dude, that is two bets in two sentences. If your that horny go hook up with Dee. He laughed and said the ex Mrs. JJ Messer. I just looked at him and he replied, when she sees the team there she will fucking explode. Ok, stay if you want but I need a shower and it will be long and alone. My feet hadn't touched the driveway when my phone buzzed, I said hi coach, I'm hear with JJ and I'm putting you on speaker. Mike, do you two live together? Coach definitely not, hell we haven't even picked out engagement rings yet. Ok Mike, get serious. Coach, Sam had a bad day reading the defense and judging the timing for the throws. He felt set-up and told him he was and that you did it. Ok, so how was Jim? JJ said coach, he was a different person. He put together a diverse group of people on offense, called a play and when 3 people didn't know the play he calmly said get the fuck out of my huddle, you had all summer to learn the plays. Coach said, thanks guys and I'll deal with Sam.
I went right upstairs and jumped into the shower and it was a long and relaxing event. I dried off and found my speedos. They were skin tight and went from my waist to just above my knees and there were imperial purple. I slipped on a pair of sandles and a loose fitting tee and found JJ drinking iced tea and chatting on the phone. He looked at me and said well that was easy enough. It was actually Texas like. I called Dee and when I told her about the Wave Poos she said that she absolutely would not be a football groupie. She wanted me to drive to North Park and when I said nope, I was told to go fuck myself. I simply called Terri and she was more than happy and as she was with Mary Ann she would meet me there. Well JJ, I have to say I hope she is the babe of the week as I don't want doubled teamed. Well MJ that will be what it becomes. I laughed and asked JJ, was that the reason for the bets? MJ, we are way past the bets and we both laughed.
I wanted a refill of the iced tea and when I stood up, JJ asked, how the fuck did you get those on. Hell tell Mary Ann to stay home and I'll pimp you out and retire. JJ, I need a favor. He said sure what's up? I said go home and shower you fucking stink. JJ laughed and said you are jealous as I'm catching up to with the number of ex girlfriends. I laughed and said JJ you need to count the girlfriends in Texas. MJ there were only 3 girlfriends ever in Texas. So what were the rest? Fly me to Texas and I'll show you. Then he laughed and said, later at the pool, I need to run an errand. JJ got up and looked at me and said, seriously don't spring a woodie as if you do every vein in that thing will be visible. He laughed and said, surfs up and drove home.
I called the furniture store and ordered the same bed and mattress I had upstairs and went looking for the rents. Who I found was Cole, reading a book on the back patio. I laughed and said damn a Pro golfer that can read and I thought all you needed to was count to 5. Cole said MJ, grab a seat I was just about finished and I have to get ready for a date? I asked if it was an actual date or something much less meaningful? He said, a fucking date, you sound like mom. Wow, I thought I was the big brother that cared? He also had a comment about my swim trunks and I asked about his girl and he said well she understands golf. Cole, anyone I know? He laughed and said you only know the girls you are in a relationship with at the moment. I laughed and said nicely put and went to my room.
Upstairs I found 2 beach towels, a regular towels, a VT hat and my Oakley sunglasses and a change of clothes. I tossed things in the car and went to the apartment. The apartment is in the side lot and it had two large bedrooms, a bathroom with a shower, a common area which also housed the kitchen. The bedrooms were carpeted and the other areas were hard wood. There was a small patio/deck and a grill. The down side was no laundry and no basement. I looked around and it needed a good cleaning and the refrigeration was empty except for beer and needed cleaned. I stuck my head in Jace's room and it was immaculate. I wondered about the rest of the place and would think about asking Colleen for help. I wouldn't need it even to be once a week, possibly every other week. I stood at the door and was looking around, feeling very comfortable and liking the place. Then I noticed a large envelop on the table. I picked it up when I noticed my name on the front. I sat on the sofa and opened the envelop and there was a picture of Ray and I in dirty baseball uniforms after a Pony League Game. We were so happy and then I saw the letter.
"Mike, I can never bring myself to call you MJ but when I see you and JJ together, it reminded me about how close we were and this picture reminded me of those times. We grew up at a different rate and things good and bad happened. When you and you dad welcomed me back for what turned out to be for the summer, it meant more to me than you would ever imagine. You amaze me how you know what you want and it simply happens. Watching you this Summer I finally understood how hard you actually work to get what you want. I come to things more slowly and need the structure and discipline that school here and hopefully at the academy will provide. This isn't goodbye it is a simple thanks you. We have more miles to travel together. I'll see you at the football finals, I just hope I'm the only one buying a ticket."
Your Brother Always,
Ray
PS, I bet you are now sitting on the sofa trying to compose yourself - remember, I always collect.
I hadn't seen the post script as he was right, and it was a perfect ending.
I put the picture and the note back in the envelope and went to the house and put it on my desk. It would be framed, like the one I had of Jim, I was sad there would be no medal. It would be good to have a picture of good times with him. With the roof down I drove to the park and the pool which for some reason was only moderately full. I found a spot in the back corner and staked out the spot. There were already some teammates there so we were starting to fill our little area. JJ appeared and the next cycle of waves were starting so we all went in the water. Once it was back to a swimming pool and less fun I went back to my spot and found Mary Ann sitting there with another chick. I leaned over and kissed Mary Ann and said hi Terri, nice to see you. She looked at Marry Ann and asked, can we switch boyfriends? Mary Ann replied, well not today but MJ can be a pain in the ass. Then she looked at me and said MJ, be careful as if you see something you like, I'll know as there is no hiding anything in those trunks. Babe, I wore these so everyone can see how much you turn me on. Terri looked at JJ and said, so dude you hiding your feelings for me? JJ just started laughing hysterically and finally said, damn you want to go somewhere and fuck? He immediately was smacked across the face. I laughed and said dude, good start.
Thankfully the horn sounded indicating the waves were starting again. We got up and ran into the water. Once the session ended again the 4 of us were walking back to the towels and I put an arm around JJ and whispered, dude I need your ass. He quietly said MJ, remember what you have on. I immediately turned and grabbed Mary Ann and gave her a big kiss, which lasted longer than appropriate. I stoped when I heard "dude, just get a room, this is a family pool." I turned to apologize and just started to laugh, it was Allen Clarkson. We hugged and he said I bet you are wishing you wore baggy trunks. I said damn straight, so how are you? Well besides working here, I spend ever waking hour figuring out how to beat you and your pals. We chatted briefly and he said, I'll call you this week.
JJ and I spent a lot of time with the guys and I wasn't caring that Mary Ann and Terri were left to chat. I was hungry and was thinking enough was enough when I saw Sam sitting alone reading a book. I went over and asked dude, where is your posse? He smiled and said only a few could get here, but you knew that. I shook my head and said yes, actually I did but I'm glad you are here. Sam, I know today was tough on you and I have been trying to tell you that. You have a lot to adjust to and I am there to help. You will help us a lot this year, as a backup or more. Just keep working, study the playbook and learn from Jim. I am sure Jim will help you, should you want the help. Sam, I'm done fighting with you about all this so please merge your group with the rest of us old guys and win 2 championships. Mike, does your relationship or lack of one with my sister impact our relationship? Sam that is a good question and I hope not and we had a big blowup yesterday and I'm sitting here ignoring my girlfriend talking with you. He shook his head and said, you two hurt each other in ways I didn't know existed. I said Sam, thanks and I'll see you at the gym and we shook hands.
Back with JJ and the girls I said, well let's clean up and get something to eat and everyone agreed. I was talking my time in the shower and finally dried off and dressed in shorts and polo shirt. When we got outside the girls were waiting. Terri said guy you got this ass backwards, you wait for us. I laughed and said, well how we to know that you weren't putting on any war paint. JJ thought it was hysterical the girls not so much. Then JJ said MJ I have a big favor, can we go to South Hills? I looked at him and said, well dressed like this, no way. Let me check as all he can say is no. I called and asked for the manager and explained the situation and he said well the tables outside the men's grill and before 6:00. I asked if he could reserve me a table for 4 and we would be there in 15 minutes. I hung up and said well I have a table reserved at South Hills rear. They all laughed and shit we had 3 cars. So it was the girls together and JJ and I in separate cars.
At the club we walked down the steps and found the area where golfers ate outside rather than in the grill. We had a great view of the entire first hole and the 18th green and JJ was making fun at some of the swings. We chatted about the start of our senior and Mary Ann asked, so Mike will you even be here second semester. You could be done in January. Babe, dad and I have discussed that and he is a firm NO. However, I'm not sure a lot depends on the companies and getting organized for VT. I would like to walk in the ceremony, that only happens once. I simply don't know. Terri asked, so will you run for class President? I said God no, I hate politics and I'm not running a reunion every 5 years. Everyone laughed at that. Jake appeared and I smiled but asked, how did you get stuck here? Mike, I volunteered. So what version of iced tea is it today? I said beer for me and JJ said the same please and the girls asked for an adult version of Sprite. Terri said so JJ, is that why South Hills? JJ said nope, that happens at 3 or 4 places around here and never more than one and always in a discrete glass.
Jake returned with the drinks and I asked about the wife and kid and was assured me they were doing great. We continued with school and the upcoming year and it was a fun time. Everyone enjoyed their sandwiches and my chicken salad was good as always. Once we finished, I signed the check and Terri asked, so what did this cost? I said, no idea I just sign the tab with my number and the total comes at the end of the month and the accountant sends a check, I have no idea. We decided to hang out at my place and that was good as neither JJ and I had to drive so we had beer and the girls had soft drinks. It was about 8:00 when the girls left and JJ and I were enjoying another beer and I asked JJ, when did that start? Mike a week or so while I pissed Dee off enough to blow up at me. I said well it is easier that way and they feel better. Then JJ said MJ, I have to go as dad and I are going flying tomorrow and he is a ride along. It's a dad/son day and I need to stop drinking.
I realized I was home alone and decided to go the apartment and shit Jace was home. He was sitting at the table and was hard at work. He looked at me and I said, 8:30 Saturday night and your at loose ends? I said with the babe all day and enough was enough. He laughed and I asked, what you working on? He laughed and said my new life the Winery budget. I'm trying to figure out how to pay the workers. Mike, once the grapes are harvested we get paid from the 2 jelly companies we are good. Then we can start making wine. MJ it's really close we can pay the workers and then we have to wait for payment and have coffee money to make wine and buy the things we need. Charlie says that by that times the remaining grapes are worthless. Ok Jace, how much wine is ready to be bottled? Mike, there are a ton of Oak barrels and I guess Mark left that off the tour he gave you. You see Bob wanted new metal vats and Charlie insists on the Oak barrels, it seems like everything else was shipped over from Europe. Jace they are old, reusable and French, is that correct? That's right on, Mike. Most of the barrels are 60 gallon and that yields 300 bottles. Mark is working the weekend to count the barrels and figuring out when they can be bottled. Charlie is helping and Judy and a part time kid I hired is manning the store. Jace, is there enough wine to hold this festival? Well I am waiting for the inventory and bottling to start. Jace, is there money for that? Yes there is and that was set aside well, in Charlie's bookkeeping system which is the reason I'm here. Mike, it is accurate if you use an abacus. I laughed and said, ok I'll piss Jordan off and have him send an accountant up to you. Also, I'll ok a short term loan for 100k at 1% interest. It will come from Enterprises and they were doing the accounting in any event.
Jace how long have you been at this today? Mike, all day. Ok, I'm guessing you haven't eaten. Jace said yeah, I'm hungry. Ok, let's just go to the Tavern and you look like you need a beer or two. We drove to the Tavern and had a great time and learned a lot about each other. I had one beer and Jace had about 6 and it was the end to a fun protective day.
IF POSSIBLE CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION TO NIFTY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE SITE OPERATING.
THANKS FOR CONTINUING READING AND FORM THE COMMENTS.