When we got to my place Cole want right to the refrigerator and grabbed a couple of bears and I stopped him as I already had three scotches and wasn't mixing drinks. I simply filled a glass with ice and added the scotch and joined Cole on the loveseat. I looked at Cole and asked, are you having fun? MJ, when you have a chance to win it is pure work and while I still visit the ropes and chat with spectators I don't do it as often when I'm in contention. Making the cut and having not much of a chance to win then that's fun. Not making the cut is totally unacceptable. So Cole, how are the guys treating you? Cole laughed and said for the most part really well. MJ, I have moved ahead of a number of players and some resent my support group. You have to understand, when I won last year it was in a reduced field and everyone thought it was a fluke. People started to pay attention with the second place finish in Hawaii and with the second in the Palmer event, eyes were wide opened. Being in that last group with Fred provided me with a pressure free learning experience. MJ, it's all about learning how to deal with the pressure and still hit the shots. Liam is fantastic and sometimes he scares me as he lives in my head, knows what button to push and when to do that. MJ, I have a real advantage in that I don't have to worry about money and as I'm playing well neither does Liam. There are the stars that have it made and there are many guys that are struggling financially.
Cole got up and went to the refrigerator and opened another beer. When he sat back down he asked MJ, how did you make the time to get everyone there, it was really special. Cole you might have a hard time believing it but dad asked me to make it happen and the Major was a lot of help. So MJ, how you doing or you still in a funk? Well Cole, we are breaking ground with a big ceremony at noon on Monday. I'm starting both buildings so I don't have time to be in a funk. MJ, that's good as you have been weird and a pain in the ass for a couple of weeks. So Cole you miss me? MJ, I miss all you guys and especially Jessica and you. I laughed and asked, so when the wedding. MJ, Jessica and have talked about that and that will happen at Christmas of her Sophomore year. I suspect we will be living together before that. Too much grief and we will elope. Damn Cole, you two need to slow down. With that Cole said MJ, I'll see you for the run in the morning. I have a conference call with my agent and then practice at Oakmont and lunch with AP. MJ, the Jessica thing is real, we need each other.
I went to my desk and started to read and then I just started to laugh as I realized I was having lunch at Oakmont as well and I was looking forward to seeing AP. That might blow Rocco's mind. I finished scanning the documents and sent a note to Tim asking for him to meet but not mention anything to Hobie Moore. With that I prepped the coffee, set the alarm and jumped into bed naked, pulled up the blanket and was quickly asleep.
I woke before the alarm, always a good sign, and instantly assumed it was was a great day for the run as the room was brightly lit, even with the shades down. I dressed in a jogging suite and went outside and smiled as I saw Cole emerging from the house. It was always more fun when he was around for the run. JJ met us at his place and he greeted Cole with a hug and said, congrats on the win Champ but can we get on with the run. Ole laughed and started out. He set a rapid pace and we had to hustle to catch up. When we did Cole slowed to our normal pace. When we finished at JJ's place I was reminded about the workout and JJ rushed inside and I wondered what the hurry was. Cole and I went to our place and I told him I would see him at lunch as I had a business meeting. Then he said, well change to the men's grill as that's where AP and I will be right at 12:30. I smiled and said sure and we went our separate ways.
It was the usual shower and I shaved again, maintaining the clean shaven look but wondered how in the hell I was going to fit a haircut into my schedule.dress was black jeans and a lone ale Ed shirt and a sweater that zipped a quarter of the way down. I then filled my travel mug with coffee. I sent an email to Rocco about the location change and that he could wear casual clothes and started for school. There I sat through 3 lectures totally board and was feeling more and more the need to move on. I had a total case of senioritis. I signed out as quickly as I could and stopped for coffee and headed for Oakmont.
I was early and decided to stop at the Pro Shop and see if Bob was around. He had a winter gig in Florida but was usually back by now. It was a fantastic day as late March in Western PA, had the ability to pretend it was Spring and this was one of those days. I looked around and there were a lot of members playing golf. Then I saw Cole in an animated discussion with his Pro. I wanted no part of that so I simply headed to the men's grill. There were just a few members there and I greeted those I knew and sat down waiting for Rocco who was always a bit late.
I ordered an iced tea and told the waiter that I had a guest coming. Just as that occurred AP and appeared and headed straight for me. I stood up and we shook hands and he asked, what brings you here? I said a meeting with the President of the Union as I'm breaking ground on two projects and I'm dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Mike, it's good to see you I'm having lunch with boy wonder. I laughed and said well I just saw him having a discussion with his swing Coach. AP laughed nd said well that's right on schedule. He is playing well and suddenly knows all the answers. I'll deal with that and he isn't changing anything nd he doesn't need to hit it and longer. In fact he has more distance than anyone else. He needs to let them catch up with him. Just then Cole appeared and AP immediately stood up and said Mike, don't be a stranger and he went over to Cole. There was a handshake and a hug and they went to a table at the other end of the room. I simply waved to Cole and he waved back.
I was just about finished with my tea when Rocco appeared, we shook hands and he ordered a beer and I had my tea refilled. Rocco immediately apologized saying he couldn't find the grill and needed directions. I laughed and said Rocco, I expected to hear that traffic was bad. He laughed and picked up the menu. When the drinks came Rocco was ready to order and it was a burger and fries. I simply ordered the same. Once we were alone Rocco asked Mike, what's up. You are starting on Monday and we have a deal. Rocco, I'm checking to make sure that we both understand the deal. Rocco laughed and asked Mike, what's the real reason for dragging me all the way out here? I took a drink of my tea and said, Continental. Mike, I'm meeting with there guy this evening for dinner. You have nothing to worry about as they are tearing something down and you are building a couple of things. Then my guys like you and want to work with you. Trust me you have our best men. Besides they need to implode that old rusted mill. Oh, them starting is complicated as they have three municipalities to deal with and two school districts and everyone wants something. Mike, they get o special deal, unless you run into a snag. Then I have to keep my guys working. Then we discussed in very general terms the factory and how that would be run by Managers and interns from CMU. Rocco wasn't happy with that but finally agreed that they couldn't organize undergrads. We finished eating Rocco left and I went over to AP and Cole and just said goodbye. The drive back to the office was smooth.
It was about 2:45 when I pulled into the parking lot at work. I easily cleared security and when I got off the elevator I asked the executive secretary to let Tim know I was in and would be in my office. I went outside on my patio nd was looking at the vacant land and the muddy river when there was a knock on the door and The Major came out. We shook hands and he said Mike, I don't have much h time but the event on Monday is taken care of and I have contacted everyone you haven't and arranged for the stage, and sound system. Mike, I'll. Heck but it should simply happen. Oh, JJ said to remind you about the workout. I said thanks and the Major simply left. I went inside and just sat in the lounge seating and waited for Tim.
Tim took longer than I expected and he was all business when he sat down. Mike, what do you want to do with this. Tim, I want to meet with the old man alone, let him know that I read the deal and saw the change and simply accept it. All it says is a branch in the building. Hell, I can do that but he won't like the location or the size or the rent. I can't afford not to have this loan go through. Oh on Thursday, after we close I will withdraw every penny left in that bank. Mike, you talking to your dad about this? Yes Tim, tonight. However that won't change anything. Mike, this will make for an unusual business relationship. Tim, if you have another deal I'll gladly do it. Understand they will cooperate or I'll let everyone know what happened. Mike, your dad is going to throw a shit fit. Tim, I don't give a fuck, I'm tired trying with him. Michael, you need to go slow there. He doesn't show it often but he loves you. Tim, every time he is involved the deal sucks, he is totally behind this offer. I just need to find out how. Mike, I'm not aware of that but they did approach me. I shrugged and said thanks Tim, what time tomorrow? Mike 11:00. Ok Tim, make sure you are late. Tim laughed and said Mike, I'm expecting some moderation to that plan. Unless you dad has money into this deal it's very good. I looked at Tim and said, I'm thinking there better be a backup but we are not canceling this groundbreaking or delaying this . Tim shook his head and , I'll contact the bank with the next best offer. Tim left and I knew he was right, I needed to calm down and I knew this Brentwood bank deal wasn't happening as dad had somehow guaranteed it. I just sat there thinking how complicated my evening would be. Then I smiled as I thought about the workout and the time with JJ.
Once alone I went back to the patio and took the coverings off of a chair and sat there just thinking. Dad was the topic and his old friends like Adam and it appears now Mr. Moore and God only knows who else. While I was running out of patients this was not the fight I wanted to end it with. However I was more and more sure there was a hill that my relationship with dad would end on. I just sat there enjoying the view and thinking. As the sun followed the Monongahela River and started down the Ohio, I started to get cold. I recovered the chair and went inside and closed down my office. I laughed all that involved was turning out the light as I never powered up the computer. It was still early enough so that I could stop at home and get fresh gym clothes.
I also changed into jeans and a hoodie which was more me that what I had worn all day. Feeling more comfortable I threw the fresh clothes in a gym bag and started for the gym. I was there before JJ and opened the locker and removed the disgusting dirty clothes and put the fresh clothes in the locker and the dirty shit went into the bag. I stripped and pot on a jock, the new shorts and a teeshirt, I added ankle socks and appropriate shoes. JJ still wasn't there so I started to stretch. It wasn't long when JJ appeared and changed quickly. I started my routine and JJ spotted and stretched. It turned into a long and intense workout and we decided to skip the sauna and headed to the shower. As we dried off we decided on the salad bar at Eat N Park. We asked for a seat in the corner in a booth away from things. JJ told the waitress 2 iced teas and that we were doing the salad bar. Do the salad bar was accurate as we might have ate it empty. In between multiple trips to refill our plates JJ asked when Spring Break was. I laughed and said, well it isn't over Easter and that complicates shit. It starts with half day at school on the 15th and we go back on Tuesday the 21st. The problem is rents and the need to go to church. ThenI laughed and asked if his new girl would drag him to church. JJ thought for a minute then said so we go somewhere on Wednesday and come home late Friday and humor the rents and GF Sat, Sunday and Monday. MJ, I'm thinking warm, sunny and ocean. I laughed and said deal but let's think about it. Once we finished eating JJ paid for the food and we headed to our various places.
It was almost 8:00 when I pulled into the driveway. I got out, thought about it for a second and went inside to talk with dad. Turned out Megan and Cole were shopping for what Megan called"decent clothes" and Ashley was in bed for the night. Dad was home alone in his office with a drink and a cigarette. Dad looked and asked Mike, what's up? Well dad, I putting the finishing touches on the new buildings and there is a very large construction loan I'm closing on tomorrow. Dad smiled and said, I hear you are using Brentwood Savings Bank. Dad, that's the plan but there are a couple of things that need worked out. Mike, I thought there were great terms and this was a no brainer. Well dad from everything I was told it was but as usual, thanks to what I learned from Adam, I read the entire document. Dad, it was great until I got to the next to the last paragraph on page 37. Mike, then what? Dad, would you like to tell me? Dad, before you respond you should hear me out. You see, I know that they reached out to Tim with this deal. If I used the money that I had with them as the down payment the terms were fantastic. Dad, I paid cash for the land and wanted to use that. The result of this deal I'm relatively speaking cash poor. Mike, I know what you have in various accounts and you using the term cash poor, makes me laugh. I just let that go and decided to just get his name off those accounts. The Will was sounding better all the time. Dad, I said relatively but the point is I'm spending cash when I don't have to. However, we are getting off the topic which is that paragraph on page 37. Dad, I need to know do you have any involvement or potential involvement in this deal? If you knew about their need to include a branch bank in the terms.
Dad lit a new cigarette and took a massive drag and slowly blew out the smoke and asked Mike, is there someone who you would do almost anything for? I just burst out laughing and then I sad dad, I'm sorry you are unaware of all this. However, you once again jumped down the fucking rabbit hole and helped Adam, yet again. You got him a job at the bank, correct? Dad didn't answer and I didn't push it with him. I started to get up when dad asked Mike, now what? I sat back down and said dad, I have told you over and over again that I will not deal with Adam and that hasn't changed. Dad, I'm asking again, and this is for the very last time, that when you need to help Alan again please make sure it does not involve me. As for what I am going to do tomorrow, Mr. Moore has a lot to say about. I can't afford to delay this start and Tim is working on plan B. I'll see you tomorrow. Mike, I had no idea Adam was working on that project. I'm thinking he just needs to get something over on you. I shook my head and said good night and went to my place.
At my place I immediately placed a call to Tim and filled him in on the situation. Tim recommended that we pass on the deal and at the same time make life as difficult as possible. Tim then added that he would file an ethics complaint with the Bar association. Then Tim said I'll have a final answer from the other bank tomorrow by 10:00 in the morning. Mike, I'll be there early with you and I'll deal with it, you just sit there and look offended. I was thrilled to see Tim beyond pissed off as that is new.
I called Winnie and she asked what was going on as she said I was very distant in school? Babe, I'm very busy and had a lunch meeting at Oakmont. Then I ran into AP and Cole. I'm just busy. Mick, who did you have lunch with? Winnie, I told you it was a business meeting and you don't know the guy. Mick, did the meeting have to deal with my Uncle Bill. Winnie it was business and we are not dealing with it. Actually he didn't come up. Winnie, we have been over all this multiple times, move on or say good night. I laughed when she said well Mick, will you at least meet with Bill? Winnie that has happened twice and neither of those meetings went well. Look, I'm booked every day till Tuesday and then I'm guessing that the media will be all over me. I won't even be in school tomorrow as I have a closing on a construction loan. That's what I was doing , dotting all the i's and crossing the t's. So if he calls my secretary I'll find a way to fit him in. Understand, there is not much I can do for him. Mick, is that code for you won't help him? Winnie, have a good day tomorrow and I'll call tomorrow night and I hung up.
I went to my room, stripped and headed for the shower. It was a long hot and relaxing shower, something I needed, to relax. I dried off and put on baggy cotton sweat pants and a matching sweatshirt. When I went back in the common room to put some music on there was Cole drinking a beer. I just looked at him and asked Cole, how was your day, guessing by the beer it could have been better. MJ, practice was awful as I don't think I hit a pure shot for the entire time. Then, I asked about a swing change to hit if further and he threatened to quit. The AP lectured me saying I already hit it long enough and everyone needs to catch up to me. Both suggested I take the rest of the week off. MJ, I'm doing that and going to the next event Tuesday morning as I have scheduled a 6:15 AM flight to Houston. This is a practice tournament and it will be what it becomes. I laughed at him using my line. Then he said another week off and then the Masters. Ok Cole, what can I do? He laughed and said keep the beer cold and just listen. Cole, I'll listen and I'm not your mom but watch the beer. MJ, this is the only place I can drink and I'm not dependent on it. Have a good night and thanks for letting me vent. Once Cole was gone I locked the door, turned off the light and went to my room before something else happened. I threw the clothes I had just put on and jumped into bed after setting the alarm and was quickly asleep.
I woke to a loud clap of thunder, looked at the time, turned the alarm off and rolled over. I was up at 7:30 and put coffee on and started selecting clothes. I knew the bank people, Tim and Adam if he showed up would also be in suits. My options were to dress to their level, wear a suit better than yours or to be comfortable and casual. I poured a coffee and decided on the blue blazer, grey slacks and taylored light blue shirt and a red, blue and grey tie. I then selected cordovan loafers and filled my travel mug. The drive to the office was slower as it was rush hour. On the way I called off school, sick. I pulled into the parking lot around 9:00 and as soon as I opened the door to the lobby and just stood there as Doc Johnson was going through security. I went in and said good morning Doc. He turned, smiled and said damn, you don't look sick. I laughed and asked, your excuse. He shrugged and said personal day. I have a meeting with Dillon. I shrugged and went through security. We took the elevator to the 4th floor and Doc asked if that security check was a constant thing? Doc the last person who questioned that was fired. It happens every time you come or go. When we got off the elevator Dock asked for Dillon and I went to my office.
At my office I called Tim and asked if we could ride together to the closing. He said sure as we will both be a tad late as I need to hear from the other bank. Tim, they can't start without us. I called the architects and the construction manager and confirmed Thursday and Friday meetings. I made a point of saying that I hoped we didn't have to work on Saturday. With that done I checked the financials. There were no surprises but Jordan called and said Mike, I'll need some time with you as I have your taxes done, can you give me two hours next week, on Wednesday. I said sure but how bad is it? He laughed and said it's fine, no worries. I just put that out of my mind as Tim appeared and said Mike, we are all set and I can explain the deal on the way and it's a good deal. We did the security stuff and jumped into Tim's car.
As soon as we pulled onto Second Avenue Tim started with a review of the proposed. The bad news was that it was 1/4 of a percent higher. They would include the costs in the loan amount and once an occupancy permit on both buildings it would convert to a 30 year mortgage. The loan could be paid off at any time and there was no restrictions on refinancing. Tim said they could close electronically Thursday. Mike, it's with a major regional bank with headquarters here in Pittsburgh. You will like this, the bank was Founded by Thomas Mellon and his son Andrew Mellon in 1870. They are very solid and want our business. Mike, Jordan has been working his ass off on all this and he even finished you income tax. Tim, I heard but I have no idea as to the results. Mike, I'm sure it's fine and Mellon will let you use the land for the loan. We parked in the banks parking lot and went inside.
Inside I went up to a person sitting at a desk and said, good morning, I'm Mr. Simmons and I'm here with my attorney for a closing. Good morning, Mr. Moore will be with you. A call was placed and Mr. Moore, Jr. appeared and took us to a conference room. Once we were seated me said Mike, it seems like you got a copy of the agreement that had a clause inserted that neither my dad ori were aware of. We investigated and our new Attorney was terminated this morning. We don't do business that way. I looked at Tim and said well Mr. Moore. We made other arrangements but with your information I will be leaving my accounts with you guys and while we are moving in a different direction I will continue to support your bank. We all shook hands and Tim and I left.
Outside Tim looked at me and said Mike, you dad alerted them and we will never know what happened? Tim, those are stand up guys and I'll take them at their word. Let's have an early lunch at South Hills Country Club, it's close and I haven't been there in a while. As usual at the Club, I was greeted by the Manager, Mike. He was very formal and sat us at a table in the middle of the room. I knew he was pissed and I understood why. The waiter came and I ordered coffee and Tim ordered an iced tea. I had no idea who the waiter was other than he said he was Russ. I ordered a Steak Salad and Tim ordered a Club Sandwich. We talked and there were a few interruptions, fewer than Mike most likely had hoped. Tim and I had a good time but we both had things to do. Russ came with the check and I signed my number and slipped Russ a 20. He smiled and said thanks. As we were walking out Mike came over and before he could say anything I said Mike, enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for the table, I enjoyed being the center of attention. He shook his head and walked away. On the way back to the office I explained to Tim why I didn't have "favorite member status". It was Tim's turn to shake his head.
Back in the office I was going through plans and was deeply involved with the manufacturing building when there was a knock on the door. I looked up and it was Dillon and Doc. I got up from the conference table and motioned to the club chairs. Dillon immediately said Mike, we have a problem, Doc needs an office and the only one available is the one Liam was using. Mike that's the simplest solution. If we move someone else in there the extension numbers and stuff need reset. I laughed and said well the person in that office has to deal with some of my shit. Doc laughed and said well I've been doing that for almost 4 years, I guess I'll manage. Then I said Dillon, there was no need to ask, just do it. After all either of us can lower the shades. Then Doc said Mike, I have a bunch of personal days and I won't be in much but needed a place to work when I came in. Mostly at this point for interviews. Guys, it's fine, is there anything else? As there wasn't they moved to Doc's new office and I went back to the drawings.
As I was wrapping up Tim appeared with printed copies of the new loan agreement. I looked at them and they were 15 pages and I threw them in my back pack and headed home. For some reason I was hungry and called for ribs and fries and I would pick them up on my way home.
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