I started for the elevator and was glad to see that dad had already left for the day and he really didn't need the drama this might cause at the club. Jake and Sam were chatting with each other and I thanked Rob the security guy. Jake was dressed very conservatively with khaki pants and cordovan loafers, a blue long sleeved light blue shirt no tie and a gold chain. His short light brown hair was parted on the side and he had brown eyes. He was in shape but not overly so and was about 6' and I would guess about 175 to 180 pounds. Jake Smyczek was a hard worker married with a 9 month year old.
Sam Cercone was an entirely different look. Black pants and black shoes that tied, black belt, white tight fitting white shirt with the top two buttons undone a gold chair with an Italian Horn hanging from it. It appeared that there was no tee shirt and a hairy chest. Sam was unmarried and unlike Jake who was trying to fit in classes at the Community College Sam had attended Elite Bartending School in Pittsburgh and then moved to Florida until his dad needed help with an ailing mother / wife.
We shook hands and I said let's talk in my office then I have something I want to show you guys. As we walked to my office I explained the openness and that on the other floors there were no private offices. When I pointed out darks office I noticed that they exchanged looks. When we got to my office and they saw my wall Sam asked Mike, why do you rate a wall? I laughed and said well because I don't want dad to see what I am doing. We all laughed and they asked a few questions about items on the wall. With that done we sat in the club chairs and and I told them about the marina and then the Sports Bar and restaurant. Jake asked Mike, 50 or so boat owners won't keep this place open. Well guys there are currently a bit over 500 people working here. The new building will double that so that's a good start. There will be the outside patio and stage for a band. Then behind the Sports Bar is a large space that could easily be turned into a banquet hall. What I would like is for you two to manage the place. Mike when will all this happen I said soft opening in 60 days and a very special opening 10 days later by invitation and finally a grand opening before Memorial Day. Would you like to see what we have so far? They both eagerly agreed.
We got on the elevator and all three of us went through the security check. Sam asked Mike, what's with all this security? I smiled and said, government contract and property intellectual property. It is an important part of what we do. It is something that we all tolerate. It was a decent early evening, weather wise as it was still in the upper 40's. We were all dressed warm enough so I started towards the river and the boat slits. Jake asked, so who is running this? Guys there will be a crew to deal with all this and eventually a boat house with showers and a store. Oh the gas tanks get put in next week. This will be operational except for the boathouse by Memorial Day. The architects are working on that and I'll have the plans early next week.
As we walked to the smaller building, I pointed out where the patio and raised stone platform would be for a band. Then I said guys rendering are inside and they will give you a better idea of what all this will look like. Oh you will have to find the bands but I'm thinking they will simply line up to play. Oh, the Union has training classes here and people are in and out all day and evening. Plus this building is rented except for the first floor. Right now there are startups that my foundation funds and they can easily be moved. Inside I simply handed them a large folder and said have a look. They went to what would be the bar and unzipped the folder and started to browse the renderings. I just stood back and watched them. They seemed to be on the same page and seemed to get along with each other. They seemed to be excited but I had no intention of interrupting them, I just watched. Finally, Sam said Mike, we have some questions. Guys, by any chance did you drive together? Sam laughed and said yes. I gave them the directions to the bar in Greentree.
I met them in the parking lot and I let them go in first and Sam just stopped and looked, then he shook his head and said, damn that's a great ancient bar it must be from the fucking 30's. I laughed and said Sam, early 40's just then the owner came over wrapped his arms around me and said well you are both full of shit is was 1946. Then he turned me around and said Michael James where the fuck have you been? I shrugged and said, here and there and sat in a booth. Drink orders were taken and I ordered an iced tea and they both ordered beers. They were looking at the menu and asked what was good and I shrugged and said, all of it but there is a lot of food. The drinks came and mine as expected was beer. Sam ordered a calzone and fries and Jake ordered a fish sandwich and fries. I ordered my usual, half an Italian Delight and changed the fries to a basket. Once we were alone Sam asked Mike, is there anyplace you eat that iced tea doesn't become beer or scotch? I thought for a moment and replied, just one Oakmont.
While we waited on the food I answered their questions about the restaurant and I was glad that they was meaningful questions. They seemed interested. Then Jake asked about what they would be paid if they were interested? I asked that we save that discussion till after we ate and they exchanged glances and Sam said, sure Mike. The food came and they both laughed as Sam's calzone hung over the plate and Jake said that half a sandwich would have been enough. We had a great meal that was fun and relaxing. They had a second and then a third beer and as usual I switched to iced tea. It was getting late, we'll later than I wanted so I asked for the bill and naturally there wasn't one. As I put my jacket on I pulled out the two envelopes and said guys this will answer the unanswered question you asked before. I hope you will think it over and discuss it with those important in your lives. There is no hurry but I do need to move forward. You two are who I want but the positions will be advertised a week from today and others will be considered. Stay as long as you want and I have the drinks charged to my account. Have a good night and I went to the Wrangler and headed to my place.
I pulled into the driveway and went right bin the house and found Megan sitting on the sofa in the game room surrounded by legal papers. She smiled and said, I'm paying the price for taking the morning off. Dad was in his office and he waved for me to come in. Dad asked if I wanted a drink and I shook my head indicating that I didn't want one. Dad got up and made himself a drink. When dad sat down asked Mike, how did your meeting go with Sam and Jake? Dad, I'm not sure but I think it was good. They seemed interested and I guess it depends on the compensation package I gave them in a sealed envelope. One for each but identical proposals. So Michael would you care to enlighten me? Dad, it's an offer that will be hard to turn down. It includes a 10% increase in compensation, health insurance, bonuses when the joint turns a profit, a line of credit and control of everything but the Marina. There is also a restriction in that they are unable to hire anyone from the club for 90 days from their start date and then only one every 90 days. Dad smiled and said, well thanks for that but I'm going to take a lot of shit.
Dad, I have been giving that a lot of thought. I am a junior member and once this happens, if it happens, you should pull that membership. Mike, what will you do as you use that club a lot for business? DD, I'll simply apply and remind them of that and if I get turned down simply join another club. Oakmont and Latrobe, while very important to me they are not convenient. Dad, I'm going to be more involved at Oakmont. I have lunch with the Mayor there on Wednesday and then talked with Clark about the interviews with the agents and got a bit of an attitude. I simply called the Pro Shop and talked with the Pro and we are now set for his conference room. Oh, Bob letting is letting Clark know we made the change. Dad, I'm planning on having Bill there along with Cole and me and I would like you to joins us as well. Dad laughed and said Mike, I was planning on it as Megan needs a break. Dad this agent is for the business side and whoever it is needs to understand the support group he has and if AP and Fred doesn't focus him, I will. Dad laughed and said Mike, your in line right behind me. Dad lit a cigarette and said as for the Club I'm sending a different message and they better not fuck with either of us. Mike, there are a lot of clubs that will appreciate the money we spend. With that all done and dad on board with Cole and the Wednesday meeting I went to the game room where Megan was packing up the papers she was looking at. We chatted for a while and she seemed good. As I was leaving she said Mike, we will need you for dinner tomorrow evening. Megan, I'm trying to lose weight and need to get to the gym. Michael, work it out as this is not a request and I'll take your diet into consideration. I smiled and said, yes mom. I immediately headed for my place before there was another "request".
I had forgot about Cole staying at my place and the entire place was lit up and there was current top 40 music on. I simply went to the refrigerator and poured an iced tea. I headed for my room when the music stopped and Cole yelled, hi Mike. I stopped and took a seat in the Loveseat and was quickly joined by Cole. We talked about Wednesday and I told him about the change in the meeting location. Cole said Mike, I'm concerned bout this leaking out before next Wednesday. Cole, we can simply say that there will be a decision announced about N agent on Wednesday just before the invasion and that there will be no heads up. If there is a leak then the person responsible will be eliminated. Cole then we will use the excitement around the announcement to trash that Agent and his company. At Oakmont, they can leave through the back door of the Pro Shop. Cole, there are no real guarantees that it won't get out. Mike, should Liam be at the meeting? Cole that's up to you but this Agent is for your business side not golf and he doesn't share in any winnings from golf, just the contracts and you need to get the Callaway thing signed. Mike, I signed it earlier today and they agreed that there would be nothing public and I could announce it Wednesday if I agreed to have their logo on my shirt when I announced. Cole, just so you are aware, I will not be there Wednesday, neither JJ nor I can miss school. I do have guest there the entire tournament and I will be there for the weekend, so make the damn cut. Cole laughed and said, no problem.
I went in my room laid on my bed and called Winnie. She answered just before it went to voicemail saying Mick, I glad you called but I can't talk as Uncle asshole was called back to Columbus and he has to be there by noon. Mom is crying as dad told him to get his shirt out of the house and get a room in a motel or drive tonight to Columbus. Mick, mom has been crying ever since and that was 3 hours ago. So I can't talk and I'll see you in school tomorrow. I was shaking my head as we said good night. I called JJ and wanted to ask if he wanted to workout at 4:00 tomorrow so we could spot for each other but it went to voicemail. I was just laying there thinking about Wednesday and the Mayor and the other shit with the agents. I sent Tim's partner Bill an email asking for a bio of the applicants. I was getting ready for a shower and what I hoped would be early to bed when my phone buzzed. I looked and it was area code 831. I knew that call was from Monterey California and I also knew it wasn't from Trey. I took a deep breath and said, Good Evening, this is Mike. Mike, this is Clay Sheffield and I am Trey's dad. I hope it isn't too late for you but I wanted to call after I was alone in the office. I insisted that Trey give me your personal number. Well Mr. Sheffield it's not that late but what can I do for you? Mike, please stop with the Mister shit, I'm Clay. I simply said Clay, that's great. Mike, Martha and I appreciate your offer to Trey but to be honest the only one in the family who has an interest in golf is Trey. Then there is no special interest for us in Orlando as we have great weather here. I laughed at that and said well I totally get that unless the wind is blowing. Clay found that funny. Mike, we have talked it over and we hope you would consider something different. Ok Clay, what do you have in mind? Mike, Martha, Junior, Trey and I would like to come to Pittsburgh. We are thinking that we would arrive late Tuesday and spend some time looking around. Trey says you fly your own jet and we were hoping that you could fly us to Orlando whenever it is you are going. Trey tells us your brother will be playing and that you have a business engagement over the weekend. We can fly home from Orlando. Clay, I can make that work but I only have two rooms reserved and it would be more than difficult to get another. Clay laughed nd said Mike, that works as Junior and Trey are very close and sharing a room won't be an issue. Clay, that will work and I will need everyone's full names and I'll get the tickets for the flight and book three rooms for you guys at a hotel in town. Oh, have Trey call me. Clay said sure and added have a good rest of your evening. With that we hung up.
While I like the changes having them here in Pittsburgh and being entertained would be a giant pain in the ass. I was hoping the Penguins were in town and that could take up an evening. When Trey called me I would ask if they could bring jackets and ties. If that occurred I would take them to Oakmont for dinner. If not there was always the Tavern or the bar in Greentree. I needed to get JJ on board for the trip. On the flight down we went from no passengers to 4. I was counting on Megan and Dad going down Tuesday evening for the big announcements on Wednesday. I really wanted JJ there for the weekend. I would talk with him and if necessary his dad. I decided to take a shower before anything else happened. I was tired and more than ready to get into bed. I knocked on Cole's door and asked if he was running in the morning. He smiled and said, absolutely. We hugged and I went to my room, stripped and pulled up the covers.
I was up before the alarm and threw on some underwear and went to prep the coffee and found Cole had already done that. I smiled and said good morning, I'll be ready in a few. JJ was waiting and it was a great quick run at an aggressive pace. When we were finished JJ said Mike the gym at 3:30 and it needs to be quick as I have lessons scheduled at 6 and 7. Cole laughed and said it better be quick we have dinner with the rents at 6. Back at my place Cole said he wasn't going to school as mom said stay home. So dude are you done with school? MJ, I think so but we will both find out tonight but I'm thinking mom as given up. I grabbed some coffee and took a shower and was off to school. School was a drag as all three classes were lectures. After history, I asked the teacher and I was told that next year it would be mostly lectures and I better learn how to take notes. On some level, I knew that was true but as for now I would rely on my memory. I couldn't wait to get out of there even though I had an easy day at the office.
As soon as I got to the office and cleared security, I went looking for Dillon. He was easily found in his office and I saw immediately that he was tense. I asked about that and he said Mike, it might be nothing but there seems to be a lot of grades being changed at the Naval Academy, I just put our cyber security guys on it and I'm hoping they come up with nothing. A breach on our side would derail the grade book program as it is starting to take off. I'm guessing login information was somehow breached. Anyway what can I do for you? I told him bout Trey and his family and the upcoming trip. I would meet them at the airport and get them situated in a hotel in town. I needed him to check on them in the morning and to get them to the office. We would show them around and then you and I would take them to the Hockey game and eat in the Igloo Club. Then I would need to take them around town and show them the city. Thursday evening would be dinner and then Friday around 3:30 JJ and I would fly them to the golf tournament in Orlando. They would fly home from there on Sunday. Mike, who are there people? Dillon, I'm hoping Trey will agree to work here. I met him at Pebble Beach and I need to get some more people on board. Dillon laughed and said so Mike Liam is moving on? I shrugged and said, I think so and it will be what it becomes. With that I went to my office.
Once there I fired up my computer and for some reason I went to my investments. Things were ok but not great and there was a bunch of cash and the dead Presidents were just sitting there. I called Jordan and wen he answered I asked Dude, where the fuck is the list of financial advisors you were to get me weeks ago? Mike, calm down, I have detailed information on 5 and am waiting for one more. Jordan send the info you have and forget the 6th. Ok, Mike, you will have it in 15 minutes. I simply hung up and wasn't thrilled with any of that. The other thing that was sitting there doing nothing was the Apple Stock and there were 1,500 shares. I thought bout it and that was just a tad over $1,500 and I wanted to double it. I was confident that it would go off the charts and I wanted enough shares to matter. I was determined to be one of their largest investors at some point and do it on the DL. With that I went to the company finances and was pleased as the money from the Advantage Cards seemed to grow every month. I made a note to pay attention to the Giant Eagle people. We definitely don't want to lose them. I needed to ask Kyle about that. Back at the financials I saw what Dillon indicated as there was a small but steady increase in the Grade Book sales. Most of that would happen in a few months. I would stay out of that Dillon and therefore Kyle would be on it. Watching from the grandstands. Just then a guy knocked on my door and I waved him in. He had is badge on and I could see his name so I said hi Alex, do you have something for me? Mike, Jordan said to get there to you right away. Jordan said he is sorry as they were due a few minutes ago. Alex, I'm sure it isn't your fault, thanks for bringing them. Alex smiled and went on his way. I was shutting down the computer when my desk phone rang and it was Kyle. As soon as I said hello he said Mike, I need you to lighten up on Jordan. I started to reply and he said Mike, we are already without a COO and there is no way we can function without a CFO. I know he was late with the shit you wanted, he is often late but never misses an important deadline and he is very precise and very, very good. Besides, you just tied Dillon up for a large part of next week. Kyle, I don't know where you heard that but I asked him to help Wednesday morning and at the Penguin game Wednesday night. I'm dealing with the rest. Ok, Mike, I misunderstood Dillon. I laughed and said well it is more likely Dillon misunderstood me. I'll talk with him. Kyle, I get Jordan and I was nice went 15 minutes took 40. Kyle laughed and said well don't get like your dad and forget about the people who run this place. Thanks Kyle, I'll keep that in mind. Have a good night. Damn, becoming like dad, that hit home. I was already missing Liam.
I drove o the gym and JJ was already warming up. He smiled and said MJ hurry up. The workout was intense and no nonsense. The only break was wile we spotted for each other. It was 70 minutes of intense exercise. That usually took us just over two hours. While we were walking to the locker room for a shower JJ put his are around me and said MJ, it's good to have you back. Looking at JJ I realized for the first time he was a tad taller and fucking ripped. Damn I need to keep up. It was about 5:20 when I pulled into the driveway. I went right inside and everyone was in the game room. Dad immediately asked Mike, what you drinking? Dad, I'm just back from the gym and ice water would be great. He looked at Cole and he said, I'm good. Dad and Meagan already had drinks. Dad said guys I'm cooking and Cole laughed and said well in that case I'll have ribs and fries. Megan asked for a chicken Caesar Salad and I said I'll have the same. Dad went in his office and ordered the food.
When dad returned Megan said Cole I would appreciate if you could just listen. I know you have your ideas about what you want to do and I have come to understand most of that. Cole, it was my hope that you would simply play college golf and see what happened with that and amateur golf. That dream ended when you got an opportunity to play in a pro event and did something that had not been done in my lifetime or your grandfather's for that matter. I was holding out hope and then you finished second in Hawaii but it was at Pebble Beach that I knew I had to let you go. Understand while I am giving in on a lot of things this is not a surrender. From talking with Mr. Palmer and Mr. Couples you have unlimited potential and work your ass off. What worries me is that you will lose the love for the game and it will be a lot less fun. The other things I will tell you is that at some point I want you to have a college degree and I will never let you be a Driving Range Pro. If it comes to that it damn well better be a Club I would be proud to join.
Cole, I have worked it out with Dr. Johnson and you will be given a computer and you will be required to spend 9 hours a week on assignments through August. At that time you can continue with that or get a GED. That is your call. If you fail to keep up with that I'll pull your ass back here in a New York minute. Cole, you might not have been aware but Wes, your biological father, has been sending child support payments since our separation. In addition we have both been putting money aside for your college education. All that money and the child support have been invested. They will be at your disposal, with my permission if there is a real need. All you have to do is ask. Cole it is a bit over $50,000. Wes and I will stop those contributions as you will not be attending college. However, should things plow up and college enters the picture Mike and I will fully fund your education. It seems like he doesn't need to pay for Mike's schooling. Cole, you need to meet with Dr. Johnson tomorrow, first thing and clean out your locker and not cause any excitement.
Cole, the golf side is totally up to you nd the people you trust. However you need to understand that those special,people will on occasion be competitors, especially Mr. Couples as he is very good. AP will play but only in big events. The business side is more complicated. You signed the Callaway contract but you are a minor and I added my signature this afternoon to make it binding. Cole, the contract with Liam was signed by him and I also this morning, it requires your signature as well. There was a change as it is for a specified term and can be terminated at any time by either of you. Liam felt that people can't be forced contractually to work together. Finally, your signature is required on a final document which gives me final approval on my business deal till your 21st birthday. I'm trusting you not an unknown agent. The papers requiring signatures were quickly signed nd Cole leaned Ofer hugged his mom and whispered in her ear.she smiled and rubbed his head as she does when he does something good. Everyone took a deep breath and sat there for a few seconds and the doorbell rang. Dad smaller and said let's eat. Mine was ribs and not salad and I pretended to be mad but we had fun and a fun drama free meal. Once we're finished and the mess was cleaned up. Dad went to his office and I went to my place. Cole, Megan and Ashley went in the game room and talked. Everyone was in a good place, well for now. Well, I did have to meet with the Mayor.
Thanks for reading and for the notes, they are appreciated.
As always pleas, if you can, support NIFTY it is an important part of the process.