Noah shook his head and walked past her. So angry at his circumstance, that he bumped her and didn’t apologize. His face was tight. He was hurt. Bella may end the marriage and that was the last thing he wanted to happen. Noah’s mind raced. He wasn’t sure it was worth losing her. He jumped in his car. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” he shouted, as he slammed his hands into the steering wheel. Noah looked in is rear-view mirror. He hoped she would exit their condo and come looking for him. He didn’t want to lose her. He wondered if he fixed two out of three would she calm down. He could go crawling to his father and try to get him to accept his new wife. The one who he had just met. The one he married with no prenup. A poor girl from Jersey. He could see his father’s face. Crumbled as he tried to calm his nerves and blood pressure. It would not be a warm and friendly meet. George Langston was an ass. He could be rude and difficult. He would not like the news one bit.
Then there were his siblings. One look at Niles and the gig would be up. He wasn’t ready to reveal that part. And there was the infertility. That revelation could seal his fate with her. She would have no reason to stay in the marriage. Noah was inconsolable. His wife was disappointed. The love of his life needed things he couldn’t provide. She wasn’t interested in money. Neither was he. But he had it to give. He would give it all to her if it meant making her happy. She could get what she wanted. He would indulge her every desire.
But Bella was a lot like him to a fault. She could not be purchased. She loved him for him. Noah loved that. It was comforting. He was not being used. It was the reason they were married with no prenup. A prenup would have exposed his wealth. Something he wasn’t ready to do. And besides, Bella didn’t go for it. She never splurged. She wanted the simple things in life. A husband, a baby and family. And he was only providing one of three.
Noah took off down Broadstreet. He drove his new white mustang erratically as he weaved in and out of traffic. He grabbed his phone and called his brother. The phone rang and eventually went to voice mail. “Shit,” he said, throwing the phone. He rubbed his goatee. He looked nervously in the rear-view mirror. He reached over and grabbed the phone again. He tried his brother again and again grew frustrated when he didn’t answer. His brother was miles away in New York City and he needed him. He had a huge favor to ask. One that would shock him and possibly put yet another wedge between them that could take months to recover from.
He continued driving. Bella’s face on his mind. Her words echoing repeatedly. He left her in tears. Her pain now tenfold. She had exploded and unleashed words he had never heard her say. Words sharp as knives. Their blades jabbed in his heart. He felt weak. She was everything to him. There was no time to be shy. He felt sorry for her. Her world was small. She had four close friends and her parents. And she had seen a lot less of them since being married. He wondered whose shoulder she would cry on. Her and Dani had not spoken. The only other friends he knew about were two women from her old neighborhood and a woman who used to work with her at an old record shop downtown.
“Damn,” he said, as he continued driving. He called his brother one last time then sat the phone down and decided he would wait for Niles to return his call. Come on Niles. Call me back, he said, unaware that Niles was going through his own challenges. He was still missing Bella. And that fact made any other woman bland at best. There was no seasoning to his other women friends. Bella was like spice. Their bond was hot. Fiery. Passionate. He never got over her and Noah calling was the last thing he needed. He wasn’t ready to talk to him. He still felt some sort of way about Noah marrying her so suddenly.
He believed it was done to prevent him from returning. It worked. Niles managed to get on with his life somewhat. But the ache of a love interrupted, still lay tucked inside his heart. Noah was stubborn. He continued to call him. And Niles continued to ignore the calls. Deep down there was an interest. Deep down he wanted to know Bella was ok. And the desire to find out would force his hand.
“What’s up. Married life kicking you in the ass yet. Or are you insanely happy, the way I am. Something got you locked from civilization,” Steven teased, his usual way to greet the friend he’d known for years. Noah cut his radio off. He needed someone to talk to. Niles was angry and still keeping his distance. And he was losing Bella. “You busy. I wanted to stop by. Talk,” he said, as he drove on the freeway already headed Steve’s way. Steven stopped smiling. His face instantly taking on a more serious tone. Noah usually joined him in playful banter and would tease him right back. Innocent fun between men who were more like brothers. The one friend he looked at as a brother. The only person to witness his proposal and his wedding. “No. I’m not busy. You on your way.”
The door buzzed and Noah entered. He rode the elevator up to the tenth floor of Steve’s apartment. The doors opened and he could see Steve had opened the door to his unit. “Hey,” Noah shouted as he entered. “Yep. In the back,” Steve yelled out. Noah walked into Steve’s personal office. “Hey,” he said as he walked over to a sofa and got comfortable. “I’m just closing out an order. I have to submit the order to get the supplies I need for my office,” he said as he made a few more clicks of the mouse then closed his laptop. Steve stood up and walked over to the couch and sat. “I got vodka. Cognac. Wine. Scotch. What’ll it be. You sounded like you need something,” he said. “Um. Let me get a glass of scotch,” he replied. Steve left to get them drinks as Noah sat staring. Weighing his options. Only one thing would save his marriage but it would be a temporary fix. He knew what really ailed Bella. And he could not fix a heart that longed for someone else. Even as he hoped to win her over with time.
“Here,” Steve said, as he handed Noah the glass and sat down. “Talk to me. I knew someone was going on. You’ve been stressed about something. Not yourself. What’s up? Your father? Bella? Both?” he asked. Noah took a sip. He shook his head. It was inconceivable. And it was too late to turn back. He was in love. And the solution to his problem meant the end of his marriage.
Everything crashing down. My marriage is um…it fake. It’s not right. I got her under false pretenses. I hoped to win her over. But I haven’t. She can feel I’m different. She can see things have changed. And when she discovers what I’ve done., she’ll leave,” he said. “False as in she thinks your Niles?” he asked. Noah sat forward. “Yeah,” he replied. Steve was aware of the brother’s past. He had caught them in the act. He saw Niles out with a girl that he knew was dating Noah. When he asked about it, Noah denied the assertions. But he knew the truth. And now that same game threatened to destroy something Noah wanted. Someone he loved.
“I kinda suspected as much. The look on Niles’ face when you and Bella were sitting outside the Bellagio. He looked involved. I saw something in his eyes. And when he disappeared, I figured he was spending time with her. All of a sudden, he wasn’t hanging with us. Then I saw him with her inside the Bellagio. Next thing I know, you’re married to her. I just didn’t want to say anything. It was none of my business. Do you think that maybe she wants what she had with him,” he guessed. It was hard felt truth. Noah shook his head yes. “She does. That’s my dilemma. She fell in love with him. And I made him leave. Then I fell in love with her. Shit is fucked up to say the least.”
The men sat in silence. The situation had no easy answers. Noah looked at Steve. He didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. He and Niles were never playing a game. It was a simple request that took on wings and flew high in the sky. “Niles was only supposed to hang with her. Befriend her until I could get free of Gemma. He ended up in love. They fucked. They became like best friends. I can’t compete. She was gone over him. And she wants a baby. I can’t lose her Steve. I can’t. She means everything to me.” Steve looked at Noah. His expression bore a seriousness Noah hadn’t seen in a long time. Steve was usually the jokester. But Noah’s situation was no joking matter.
“Then tell her the truth. All of it. Speak of your intention. The reason you asked Niles to befriend her in the first place. Tell her abou
t your accident. That you can’t be a dad. But here’s the thing. The ball will be in her court and you will have to live with whatever decision she makes. Are you ready for that?” Noah looked fearful. Images of Bella packing her bags seemed a reality.
Noah jumped up. He swallowed the small remaining amount of scotch in his glass. “I gotta go. Keep this between us. Please,” he said. Noah was sure such a request was unnecessary. Steve had never betrayed him. He knew things. Secrets. And nothing was ever spoken on. “Is that a question? Of course.”
L
angston Financial employees walked around with cake and coffee. The atmosphere was jovial. Relaxed. They had just celebrated the landing of another large account. Niles had closed the deal but had missed the festivities. He walked in. Quiet. Tense. He was looking for Austin.
“Where’s Austin?” he asked Gary, one of their top salesmen. “He’s around here somewhere,” he replied. Niles walked to Austin’s private office first. He continued to the restroom and then the conference rooms. Where the fuck is he, he thought, as he walked around. “Faye. You seen Austin?” he asked, as he passed her desk. “I thought I saw him leave out. He may have gone downstairs. He has an appointment in a few minutes. He can’t be far,” she stated.
Niles looked off. He realized Kathryn was no where around either. “He took the stairs,” Faye added. Niles walked to the stairwell door and opened it. As soon as he made his way down the first flight of stairs, he saw Austin and Kathryn standing to the side.
“Hey Niles. What’s up?” Austin said, trying to make light of the fact that he had their newest employee in a seemingly compromising position. Kathryn tried her best to look as though they were meeting in private and that the nature of the meeting was strictly business. Her straight posture and plastered on smile did nothing to convince Niles. “What’s going on?” Niles asked. “Oh nothing. We just wanted to talk in private. We were just on our way to get more donuts and treats for the celebration. You want to join us?” Austin said. Niles gave him a look. “No. Come see me when you return,” he said, as he turned and walked back up to the office. Austin looked at Kathryn. He shook his head in disbelief. He had some explaining to do. This was not good.
“Hey,” Austin said, as he entered Niles’ office. “Sit down. This won’t take long.” Austin sat. He felt like a kid in the principal’s office. Niles was Langston Financial. He went along to get along with his father but one suggestion from him and George would be on his side. George did not go against Niles. Or any of his children for that matter. No matter how tough he appeared on the surface. “Niles hesitated. He liked his brother in law. But lately, Austin had been pushing all the wrong buttons. The fact that he hired Kathryn was questionable. Even though she was smart and good at what she did, he wasn’t comfortable with her. He did notice she was dressed much more professionally. But she was on borrowed time. He knew trouble when he saw it.
Then there was the matter of bruises on Nicole. That was unacceptable and he would become part of their union if Austin was abusing his sister. Something he was sure Austin would not want. He was treading on dangerous ground. And Niles needed to slow him down before
“You never said where you knew her from. You hire her and then slide her under my father’s door. You don’t even warn me. You knew I’d take one look at her and tell you no way. She is not a good look for us. The reason she is still here, is because I have not heard anything bad about her. But even that’s not my biggest issue. My problem of the moment is Nicole. She has bruises on her arm. You want to tell me how she got them?” he asked, staring at Austin. Austin shuffled in his chair. He was uncomfortable. Niles looked like a man who wanted to brawl. And he wasn’t willing to bet on himself. The Langston brothers looked hard to take on.
“She hit me. And I pushed her to keep her from hitting me. And she fell,” he said. Niles stared. “Pushed her. You pushed her. Hard enough to cause a bruise,” he sneered. His eyes piercing right through Austin’s. He was looking for a sign of dishonesty. Hiring Kathryn was one thing. Hitting Nicole was another.
“Look Niles. If you are insinuating that I am screwing Kathryn, you’re wrong. She was a lead and yes, I went after her. You are never here. I hired her and your father cleared her. We wanted her because of her tie’s to Wendell & Welsch. There’s nothing going on. And hitting my wife…Come on man. You think I’m that fucking crazy. Nicole would stab me in my sleep. She is just like you and your brother. She doesn’t play around. She would never…Man…Look. You’re wrong. Already I have leads on two large companies. Devlin Roe and Kerby Enterprises. And Nicole… I love Nicole despite popular belief that I want her money.”
Austin stood up. Niles shook his head then stood up and extended his hand. “Then you have my apologies. But can you do us both a favor and leave the next time you and Nic get into it. Ok. Don’t push her. Cause you’re right, she will try to kill you. And if she gets fucked up again, either Noah or myself will want to,” he said. Austin nodded. He gave a half smile then walked towards the door.
Niles watched him exit. He still was unsure. He believed him when he said he loved Nicole and would never hit her. He knew his sister and Austin was right. She would be unstoppable if he tried such a thing. She knew ways to make a person’s life miserable. And she would commit to tearing him down. And she was a fighter like her brothers. Growing up, they wrestled with her. Taught her how to defend herself. But his explanation of Kathryn was not convincing. He never stated how he actually knew her and how they ended up in each other presence, discussing job possibilities. Niles planned on keeping an eye on them
Chapter six
Second Chance
N
iles walked around his condo in nothing but a pair of stark white Calvin Klein underwear. “Niles. Baby. What do you want on your turkey sandwich?” his date for the evening yelled. Cheyenne was comfortable with him. They had kicked their relationship up a notch and she was spending a lot more time around him. A surprising feat for the elusive Niles Langston. He needed the distraction. “Just mayo,” he yelled.
Niles walked over to his Bose sound system and turned on his favorite compilation. The beginning guitar, percussions and drums to his favorite song always did something to him. Out of the speakers bellowed the harmonious voice of Lou Garvin. A friend of his who was the lead singer of a soul band called The Mellow Masters. Niles closed his eyes for a moment. I Need You, was his favorite song. Niles’s sexy voice was a close match to his friends. I need you, right now baby, and I want you, to need me too… blasted from his speakers as he tried to catch every beat. He walked from the custom lacquer shelving and went into the kitchen.
Cheyenne smiled when she saw him. He walked slowly to her then played in her hair. He sung to her. He got in her ear. He kissed her neck. Cheyenne held his face. She was in love. Niles was hard to resist. She always found herself wanting to make love to him even if they had just made love. And with the progress they had made, he still wouldn’t commit. But Cheyenne was ok. They were getting there. She hoped.
“That is my theme song. But you don’t hear me when I say it. I want you. Why can’t we commit. You’re afraid of giving up your freedom,” she said. Niles looked intensely at her. He was tired of explaining. He believed in love. And he was open to commit. But Niles believed love hit you all of a sudden. That you didn’t have to chase it. It came to you. Proof was right before him. He had met and fell in love within a short time. A woman he would have married if given the chance. He picked up his sandwich. “Don’t spoil our great evening,” he said, as he got close and sung to her. After a few notes he was off to his bedroom. A sandwich in front of his tv watching a movie was the plan. Cheyenne fixed her sandwich then sat at the table and opened her laptop.
Cheyenne was fun. She was attractive. She could keep up with him. But he felt immense pressure from her to commit to something more serious. And he could see she was not backing down. The fact that she was in the kitchen, quiet and not rebutting his refusal was telling. He was sure
she was pissed. He wasn’t sure how to respond this time. Cheyenne had been riding him hard about committing. She wanted more than he wanted. He went back to the kitchen. He didn’t want her hurt. What they had was the closest thing to a real commitment. She had him to herself. He wasn’t seeing anyone else. But the truth was he didn’t see himself married to her and so their time would be drawing to an end if she couldn’t handle it.
“You know I have a lot going on. It’s nothing about you. About us. I’m just not ready,” he said. Cheyenne’s cold contempt answered his question. He turned and walked away. He hated she was unhappy. It wasn’t his intention. He was giving all he could. There was no more. Bella had it in her hand. She had all of him. Something he couldn’t help.
Niles walked to his bedroom and sat at the edge of his bed. He had missed a call from Noah. It had been months since they spoke. He looked off. Curious as to what Noah wanted. He left no text message. Only several missed calls. Niles put the phone on the table next to him. He was deep in thought. He wondered if Noah told Bella. Or maybe he was calling to say something had happened. It killed him not to call back. He worried it was something important about the women he loved, and he was sure, loved him. She just wasn’t aware she no longer had him.
The silence was sobering. Niles picked up the phone, then hit redial. He slammed the phone down and looked off. “Damn,” he said. “Fuck it.” He redialed his brother again but got no answer. Cheyenne walked in and stood over him. “What?” he asked. He hoped she wasn’t threatening to leave again. He really did enjoy her company. Cheyenne shook her head. “You’re a hopeless romantic Niles. And I can’t have my heart broken by you. We’re on different paths and we don’t want the same things. We don’t… I’m going to go. You call me when you know what you want,” she said.
The Twin Page 11
