Niles noticed the waitress he had been flirting with. She turned to him and signaled then walked back inside. He whispered in Noah’s ear then excused himself inside the bar. Noah and his friend Pete talked as Niles kept his eye on her, making his way through the crowd. She glanced back briefly then smiled and continued on. Once the two were in the back and out of sight, she aggressively kissed him and pulled him by his collar into a small storage room. Niles put his hand on her neck and pushed her into the wall gently. The waitress smiled then bit her lip. He was perfect in the way he handled her. Just what she hoped. He looked awesome in bed. She was eagerly hoping to see if she was right.
Niles rubbed between her thighs and kissed on her neck. “Is this what you wanted?” he whispered. “Yes,” she said, her breaths increasing as his hands took over her body. She felt weak. He was intense. His touch made her tremble. His voice made her long for the next syllable. She tried to keep from moaning. But he felt good, and she couldn’t keep her composure. Not without bursting inside. “Shh,” he whispered, as he kissed her passionately. “If you don’t keep quiet, I’ll be forced to stop,” he teased. Jasmine looked deeply in his eyes. He looked at her as if she was the only woman left on the planet. She hadn’t felt so desired in a long time. So wanted. So beautiful.
She wanted him. She had wanted him for the longest. But he burned hot as a flame and she feared a heartbreak if she let him close. She was unaware that he had done his homework. He knew all about her. She was the daughter of a prominent lawyer working her way through grad school. She was newly single after finding out that her boyfriend had been sneaking around with her neighbor the minute she left their apartment. Niles was more careful than he appeared.
He did not engage in tryst with random women. There had to be some knowledge of the person for whom he was interested in. He had been flirting with her for a year. Unwilling to make a move until he watched and studied her, ensuring that he would be safe to proceed. He had a lot to lose. He was the target of women looking to improve their lifestyle. A tryst with the wrong lover could be a costly mistake for a man in his position. And as Jasmine dropped to her knees and placed him in her mouth, his head dropped back and he freely gave in to his passions. This was as random as it would get for him.
T
he Langston family sat quietly at their Francesco Molon dining table. The sound of silverware clinking against fine china, resonated throughout the dining room. At the head of the table sat an angry and frustrated George Langston. His son Noah’s was a no show at his and his twin brothers 30th birthday party dinner at the family home. They ate quietly. The tension thick enough to cut.
Nicole looked at her younger brother. He shook his head then looked at their father. The siblings could see their father was not happy. Niles hoped to soothe his father. He was there for the festivities. A promise he made to himself despite his desires to be elsewhere. He had multiple invitations to travel and otherwise celebrate his birthday in grander style. Dinner at his parents estate did little to excite him. But it would make his mother happy and his father content.
His attendance was requested and necessary. He was aware of the fact that money would be given. He had received the second installment of his trust fund and an expensive Breguet watch his mother purchased. But his attention was anywhere but in the dining room. He read a text on his phone then let out a light chuckle. Noah had just boarded a plane and was on his way to Las Vegas.
He sent Niles a picture of a woman and joked how he would like to bed her. Nicole looked up at her brother. She thought he was texting his newest lady love Cheyenne. There was always someone new. Niles had a commitment phobia. Things always looked promising. He dated some of the prettiest and most sophisticated socialites in New York. But as soon as things seemed to close in on him, he bailed.
His twin brother was purposely absent. This dinner was a party for their thirtieth birthday. No one was surprised that Noah didn’t show. The situation between him and his father had become strained and Noah was keeping his distance. Their father seemed to always be in a secret war with one, if not both of his sons. They were doing their own thing and he hated it. Both men were elusive and private bachelors. And both were uninterested in their father’s wealth.
Niles came out of respect and he didn’t want to appear as though he didn’t appreciate his father’s hard work. But he was much more than the son of George Langston. So was his twin. Noah had plans to open his own firm and Niles had a law degree. George was disappointed when Niles pursued law instead of finance. And he was equally disappointed when Niles obtained the degree then failed to use it. As if deliberately shunning the family business. And although he worked at Langston Financial, he had made it quite clear he wanted to be a lawyer.
Older sister Nicole was a lifelong daddy’s girl and often got into heated debates with her brothers over the treatment of their father. She believed they should follow in his footsteps, and pursue the business he worked so hard to build. She saw the stress their lack of enthusiasm caused and she was verbal about it. But she couldn’t say she didn’t get it. She too was being controlled by their father. And yet, she defended him to no end. Her reasons, plain and clear. He was the money. Whatever he said, went. And her husband Austin was on board for the advantages and the lifestyle. Something they knew and allowed. So long as he kept Nicole happy.
The brothers loved their father. Their battles were surface. Deep down, he was everything. Noah would pretend to not care. An act he kept up until one day he got a call. George got sick and was hospitalized. Noah panicked. He was the first one at the hospital and the main one demanding the best treatment and round the clock care for him. George laid in his bed, beaming as he watched his most rebellious son, stay by his side. Noah’s presence ended up causing quite a stir. He verbally reprimanded the nurses for what he considered a lack of genuine concern. George knew his son loved him despite his sometimes difficult ways. And it was the reason why he never cut Noah off. Even after he made threats to do so.
The brothers did love him. They just wished he would allow them to live their own lives. Nicole was capable of running Langston Financial by herself. They saw no need to get too involved. But Nicole wasn’t available. She really only wanted to be a wife and live a jet set lifestyle, travelling the world. Even children weren’t on her radar. And she was not thrilled about the idea of running Langston Financial.
Niles worked part time and Noah hadn’t worked there in years. He dropped in from time to time, to visit Niles and help him on an account or two. George hoped he would reconsider. He was a natural at it. Often turning the accounts around with his genius understanding of stocks. He was fanatical about watching every move the companies made. Keeping up with trends. Figuring out what was hot. Dissecting every move. He was so accurate that insiders claimed he had inside knowledge. A rumor that George scoffed at. He was quick to note his son was a mastermind.
Noah didn’t want George to know everything he was doing yet he always seemed to be informed. Noah figured it was Nicole updating him and had begun keeping her less informed. The tension eventually caused the siblings to become distant over the years. But the twins remained close and it seemed everyone else was on the outside looking in.
Noah relied heavily on Niles. Niles was stronger than him. More vocal about his wants. He didn’t mind telling their father his plans. He didn’t mind telling him no. Noah was shy. Laid back. Only speaking when his back was against the wall. He even had trouble with women. And when he did, Niles would step in. The twins had a past of sharing women, switching roles with ease due to their identical features. It was hard to tell them apart. It seemed only their close family knew the differences. Everyone else would be hard pressed to tell them apart. And the brothers were popular. They had been featured in GQ and local magazines because of their wealth, good looks and sophistication. As young men they were often approached to model but George wouldn’t hear of it. He told them they would make their mark by hard work not smiling in front o
f a camera.
Even though the relationship was strained, Noah’s presence was still expected. And his blatant disregard had his father at his wits end. George was unapologetic for the heated debate that resulted in his son’s latest hiatus. Before their last disagreement over his refusal to marry Jody Hawthorne, they had a falling out over Noah’s decision not to start work at the firm. And Noah stayed away for three months. Only calling Niles and his mother.
George ate quietly. His wife Ingrid glanced up at him, hoping he would forgive their son. Her children were her pride and joy. But her commitment to her husband was first above all else. “Honey you need anything else. Gloria made apple pie,” Ingrid said. “No. I’m fine. Thanks,” he replied, his voice strong as it resonated throughout the room. His robust reply a stark reminder that he was not happy at the moment.
Gloria was their housekeeper of twenty years. She was like family. She had a fifteen year old daughter that lived in another country. The family was shocked, when after having the baby, she sent her to her mother in Guatemala. They were never made aware of her pregnancy. She was short and heavy set with a large belly. And so, her pregnancy was missed. Ingrid was hoping to help her raise the baby but Gloria sent her away and never looked back. She started sending the girl money but never sent for her to visit.
George looked at Niles. He was the son who tried to indulged his father when possible. He had done as expected and made his father proud. George was optimistic. He believed that Niles would one day commit fully to running the firm. He hoped so. Nicole was smart and able, but her life was filled with too much drama and George didn’t think she would keep the firm strong. George had no gripe with Niles. He was working at Langston Financial part time, while he attended school to obtain a Master’s Degree. He had not married and he had no children out of wed lock. None of the Langston heirs had children. Nicole was married but she and her husband had decided against kids. He had children from his first marriage and Nicole wasn’t sold on the idea of motherhood.
George hoped to have grandchildren. He didn’t want the Langston name to end with his offspring. He hopped there would be a long line of Langston’s to come. He had faith. He believed that of his children, Niles was the one most likely to give him grandchildren. And it was possible. Niles was a man of great passion and warmth. But the passions of his heart were under his strict control. He gave it out sparingly, choosing to engage on a physical rather than emotional level. He wasn’t ready for anything deep. Even though he was capable of immense depth and closeness. And the result was a trail of broken hearts behind him.
Marriage and family were in the cards for him. He wanted it. Just not at the moment. And he was the only sibling that wanted children. Nicole was too self-involved to be a mother and Noah wasn’t capable. An injury when he was sixteen rendered him infertile. But even if there had been no injury, Noah was not the father type. He believed he was doomed to be a bachelor. And that was ok with him. It was mostly his father’s domineering and manipulative ways that turned him off from being a parent. And so he accepted his fate and moved on.
The family continued to enjoy their meal as the silence became deafening. Ingrid decided to break the ice by getting updates on her children’s lives. Something they hated her to do in their father’s presence. “Niles. Why are you so quiet? Tell me how the classes are coming? You have just a few more months, right?” she asked. “Yeah ma. Everything is going well. As a matter of fact, I can’t stick around after dinner. I have an analysis essay due,” he replied. The truth was he was entertaining going to Vegas himself. George smiled at Niles and finished his meal. He wiped his mouth with the napkin from his lap then picked up his glass of red wine.
“Good job Niles. I’m very proud,” he said, nodding at him. George opened all doors for him. Niles sometimes found it easier to just get along and follow his father’s plan. And although he didn’t like to be told what to do, deep down he felt some responsibility for Langston Financial. Someone would have to run the company someday. Nicole wasn’t interested and Noah would rather die a slow and painful death. George had made it clear he was leaving it equally to all his children with a clause that they would have to sell their shares to one of their siblings before selling their share to an outsider.
“Niles honey, where’s Noah. He hasn’t returned my calls,” Ingrid said. Her voice filled with worry. She didn’t want to ask in front of George but she couldn’t contain herself any longer. She quietly blamed him. He pushed their youngest and most rebellious kid too hard. And now he was MIA.
“He went with his friends to Las Vegas,” Niles replied, looking at his sister and preparing for the blow up he was sure would be coming. “What! Las Vegas! For what? When he knew we were throwing a party for the two of you,” Mr. Langston huffed. “Honey please! It’s his birthday. Let him celebrate it, as he sees fit. We can see him later,” Ingrid assured, attempting to pacify her hard to please husband. George looked at Niles. He was angry that Niles had not informed him beforehand. He didn’t like surprises. And he would be leaving Noah a voice message as soon as he was able.
“Are you joining him?” Nicole asked. “I don’t know yet. Maybe.” Niles pictured himself there. The condominium he had was lavish. It was one of his favorite homes. He had several that he considered investments, finding them for less than their value and then upgrading the property and bringing back the value plus more. He had given Noah access to it, handing him a set of keys just before he left. But Noah wanted to stay at one of the casinos. George stood up, his wine still in his hand. “He’s wrong. He’s disrespectful. And I will not tolerate it.”
“Bella! Why aren’t you answering your phone. I called like a million times,” Dani said, as she stood in Bella’s doorway. “What! You called me?” Bella asked. “Yes! Look at your phone,” she replied. “We’re going to miss our flight,” she said. “Well hello to you too Dani. I was getting ready,” she said, closing her door and walking back to her bedroom. Dani followed her back. “How many bags do you have?” she asked, reaching down to grab the obvious one on the floor. “Two small bags. I guess I have everything,” she stated, looking around her room. “I’m ready!”
Bella was glowing. She hadn’t been on a trip in years and she’d never been to Vegas. This was a special moment for her. Dani travelled all the time. She took trips with Ralph, her husband of six years. Their lifestyle was a comfortable, middle class lifestyle that afforded such opportunities. Bella had just opened a woman’s clothing boutique near downtown Manhattan and was struggling to get it profitable. She had just spent her savings on merchandise and equipment needed to open it and was low on cash. But Bella was resourceful. She knew how to make money so she didn’t worry. But at the moment, she didn’t have much to spare. If it wasn’t for Dani’s husband passing on the trip, she wouldn’t be going.
Bella counted herself lucky. She was the apple of her late grandfather’s eye and he left her a sizeable inheritance when she was twenty three. She eventually used some of it to open a casual-wear clothing store for women. Dani helped her with the advertising and showed her how to gain a stronger following through social media. But she was still stressed. The first year was rough but things looked promising. She wasn’t financially secure yet. The boutique was gaining in popularity and Bella was set to begin reaping some of the benefits. “Let’s go!” she said, as she grabbed her other bag. She was looking forward to this trip.
The women left out of Bella’s apartment. Their plane to Las Vegas was leaving in an hour. “Ralph didn’t change his mind?” Bella asked. Dani gave her a look. “No. Still being an ass. I’m just glad you could come on such short notice. I can’t believe that he is so angry with me, that he would forgo the trip we planned. He thought it would break me. I hate his stubbornness. I was going anyway. He knows me. I don’t know what he expected to come from his backing out of a trip I planned months ago. Oh well. He can sit and sulk while I have a blast in Vegas,” Dani said.
Bella looked over at her. Dani wa
s in a good mood for a woman whose husband was playing hard ball. She seemed jovial. Bella wondered how Dani could be so happy with her husband at home, missing out on a trip that they planned. But she knew better. Dani definitely wanted him there. They did everything together. Bella didn’t understand their relationship. They argued a lot and seemed to enjoy the make ups afterward. And both wanted to control the relationship.
“Well. I personally needed this trip. I’m glad I was able to even go. My sales for the month of June were not that great. And Brian…He wants to talk. He keeps popping up. I definitely need to get away,” she reflected. “Sorry Belle. He didn’t deserve you. I mean…Now he wants to call. Now he’s on his knees begging to come back. After he’s caught cheating,” Dani said, glancing over at her friend. “Yeah. He um…Asked me to marry him,” she reluctantly said. “No. And you said no right?” she asked. Bella didn’t want to change the mood of the trip. Talking about Brian would surely switch the gears.
“No. I’m not marrying him. Let’s not talk about Ralph or Brian. This is a girl’s trip. One we both need. We’re going to have fun. See things. Eat fabulously. And then return to our lives. We’ll have five days of bliss. No negative thoughts. No speaking on anything unless its positive. Okay?” Bella stated. “Yes! Ok. No Ralph and no Brian. Just me and you on a five day, fuck the men in our lives, excursion,” Dani laughed. “I love you girl. Thanks for being the best friend a girl could ask for.” Bella said as she touched Dani’s hand. “You’re welcome. Love you too girl. We’re going to have fun. I can feel it. Watch! This trip is special.”
Chapter two
The Switch
B
ella smiled as the plane touched down. “Let the fun times begin,” she shouted. The people around her laughed. She and Dani had been quite animated on the flight and had garnered the attention of some of the other passengers on the plane. One gentleman in particular had his eye on her for most of the flight. “Can I help you with that?” the voice behind her said. “Oh no. I got it,” she said, as she grabbed the bag, too distracted to acknowledge him. He walked past her then glanced back at the attractive woman, before exiting the plane. Dani sat checking her emails now that she had a signal. Bella watched as she sighed then put her phone in her purse. “He’ll call.”
The Twin Page 3
