The Twin Read online

  Noah knew it was a long shot. His father never really listened. He only knew one way. His way. And Noah was there to get his father to hear him loud and clear. There would be no wedding. Noah was proud of himself for making the trip to Langston Financial. He promised his twin Niles he would.

  Getting his father to side with him wasn’t something he usually did. If his father didn’t agree with him, he would simply stay away. Noah could disappear and cut off all contact for months at a time. But his mother begged him to talk to his father. And his twin Niles urged him to keep the peace. So here he was.

  Noah looked around at his father’s over the top office. He wanted to get off the subject of the Forbes photo shoot. It was over and he stood firm in his right to privacy. George was on his phone speaker talking to his secretary. Noah noticed the details of the office. His father had remodeled. Things looked slightly different. Every detail down to his pen holder was custom made. Noah waited patiently as he rolled his eyes at his father’s opulence. He was embarrassed by his father’s lifestyle. He thought it was a bit much. Children were starving in third world countries yet he wrote with an ink pen that costs two thousand dollars.

  George seemed preoccupied and glanced at his son then pushed the button on his intercom. “Faye! I need the spreadsheet for last month’s final numbers. From the first to the fifteenth of April. Then a separate sheet showing a thirty day total. Right away please. Thank you.”

  George looked at his son. The silence between them was deafening. After a few minutes, he spoke. “Do you own a dress shirt? Is it too much to ask that you come here dressed liked you’re going to run the place someday,” he said. Noah sat back and crossed his legs. He pulled out his cell phone in defiance. His father had already pissed him off and they hadn’t even begun speaking about the main topic. “Actually, I don’t own a dress shirt. You have me mixed up with Niles as usual dad.”

  George sneered. He knew Noah was aware that he could tell the difference between his twin sons, even if they were identical. “No. I don’t have you mixed up. Buy a dress shirt.” Noah became angered but held it in. He wasn’t there to be criticized. He was an adult quite capable of picking his own clothes. He resented the comment.

  “Dad please! I came here to talk about Jody. But before you make your case, I need you to know that I do not love her. It’s no secret,” he shrugged, looking at his father and hoping that would be the end. He had no plans on entering into a loveless marriage. And he hoped his father understood. George was lucky enough to marry his college sweetheart. If there was anyone who should understand what he was saying, it should have been his happily married father.

  “Noah…What will you do? You’ve been seeing her for several month’s son. You two have been intimate. She believes you are headed to marriage. She said you mentioned it. And she has been out looking at dresses, trying to get an idea of what she wants to wear,” his father said, as he reached for a pen and began to make marks on the spreadsheet.

  The door opened and his secretary Faye walked in. She sat the information in front of him then picked up his old cup of coffee. “Thanks. I need you to get Mr. Helms on the line. And can you get me a fresh cup of coffee? And one for my son,” he said. “Sure Mr. Langston,” she said with a smile. George was a firm yet generous boss and Faye made sure she was dependable. There was an executive secretary position opening up and she had her eye on it. It meant travelling and more responsibility. And it also meant getting VIP reservations at all the private parties of George’s inner circle.

  “What are your plans? Your life isn’t this complicated. It’s an easy life. You’re making this harder than it should be. She’s a beautiful woman,” George said. Noah sat shocked. His father couldn’t be this insensitive to him. To his plans for his own life. “Then you marry her,” he shot back. George put his pen down. He gave a stern look. The disrespect was intolerable.

  “Watch your tone and what you say to me. I’m still your father,” he replied. Noah sat forward, ready to stand and exit. “Dad. I can’t. I won’t. I’m not trying to be disrespectful. But what you’re asking is too much. And what has me so upset is the fact that you still continue to tell people her and I are getting married. Why are you going around announcing that? That is completely false. I never asked her to marry me. I don’t know where she got that from. The truth is I can’t stand her. I absolutely will not be marrying her. I wish I would marry that bitch.”

  George narrowed his eyes. It was always the same conversation with the youngest and most rebellious of his children. Noah was always vocal about what he would and would not be doing. George thought of his son as ungrateful and unappreciative. What he asked of his son seemed miniscule. He was asked to marry the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in New York. A move that would make him important and influential amongst the political powerhouses. And George saw it as a chance to move towards the white house. A dream of his since he was a child. A dream not shared by his children.

  “Noah. I’m not sure you understand me. You are living a good life because of my hard work and dedication. I have paved the way, so that you, your brother and sister, can have the very best of everything this world has to offer. I have asked for nothing in return. Can you indulge me on this one thing?” he asked. Noah shook his head and raised up slowly out of the chair.

  “I have given my answer on this dad. But you’re not hearing me. Why not ask Niles? Huh? Because he won’t indulge you, not even for a second, when it comes to who he lays with. Yet you ask me. Why? My answer is no! I will not. Sorry,” he said. George sighed. “I’m sorry too,” he replied. He had warned his son that his leisurely ways and refusal to give anything of himself for the family’s dynasty would not be tolerated.

  “You leave me no choice. Since you want to live on your own then perhaps you should support yourself as well. You act as though you don’t need any of this. I guess that Bentley, the Ferrari and the boat, is paying for itself.” Noah scoffed at his father. He was now infuriated. George took another call as Noah sat steamed and ready to leave. Niles was waiting on him. They were supposed to meet at an upscale lounge in a half hour for drinks and a chance to unwind. He needed it.

  Come on, he thought. The minutes ticking by as he waited for his father to finish his call. He looked around at the plush environment. The office always brought back childhood memories. It was where he and his siblings ran around carefree, as their father made million dollar deals just a few feet away. The office that was a second home. It was where George led by example and pushed his children to learn the business at an early age. He was demanding. Stern. Never allowing for much play time. The Langston children had a tight schedule that consisted of homework, meals and early bed times.

  The stolen moments at play were always abruptly ceased whenever they saw their father’s office door open. Back then, he had much fewer employees and his secretary doubled as a babysitter while his wife was away completing her Master’s Degree. She would tell them to be careful but otherwise gave them free reign until Mr. Langston’s door opened. He was aware of his children’s rambunctious nature. But they were expected to mind him. To show respect. To cease any behavior he deemed embarrassing or low class. Noah could see his father was ending his call. He wanted to finish the conversation, uninterrupted, and leave.

  “Dad. I never asked for any of this. The Ferrari was a gift from Niles for my twenty fifth birthday. The Bentley, also from him, on my twenty eighth birthday. The boat was a purchase I made after two years…two…of me weighing whether I wanted it or not. You have made it very clear that in order to play in your world, one must live by your rules. And I chose not to play. I am not a kid any longer dad. I’m a grown man. I’m not going to have you orchestrate a marriage of convenience with a woman I don’t love. This is not a game of winner takes all. This is my life!”

  Noah stared his father down. George felt disrespected again. Noah was standing his ground and it was something that his father could not accept. He had controlled hi
s children all their lives. He still had quite a bit of control over Nicole and limited control of Niles. “As you chose,” George replied, looking as though he hadn’t a care in the world. George Langston did not reach the top by giving in or stepping aside. If his son needed tough love to see the light, then tough love would be served in abundance.

  Noah shook his head. “I feel sorry for you. Your children avoid you. Your friends dislike you. Your business partners wish you harm. How does it feel to be so hated?” he said, as he stormed out. George stared at the back of his son. He knew it would be at least three months before he would see him again. His usual disappearing time frame, before he would come back into the fold. But George was wrong this time. Noah would be gone longer.

  “Hey,” Noah said, as he walked through Niles door. Niles lived like a king. Being somewhat at his father’s disposal, had its advantages. He went along to get along with George and didn’t experience the same level of intrusion and control by his father. Niles’ personal life was a wild and carefree one. George knew better than to try to marry him off. He was not husband material at the moment. But it wasn’t from lack of effort on George’s part.

  He was waiting for his playboy son to settle a bit beforehand. He had tried and Niles left the woman so emotionally damaged, that George never tried again. She was the daughter of his business partner and the bad breakup left tension between the families. George ended up losing a huge account because of it.

  But Noah lived quite comfortably himself. There was plenty of money to go around. George put up a good front. The fact was he spoiled his children. No matter what, they were still sent their trust money. And Noah had invested his, and amassed his own fortune. So, if George was serious and planned on cutting him off, he was prepared.

  “You ready?” Noah asked, as he walked through the foyer. Niles was behaving strangely. Grinning. Something was going on. Noah looked around. “What’s up! You look guilty of something,” Noah blurted. Soon, a woman emerged from the back. “Oh. Hey Noah,” Cheyenne said, as she approached him and kissed his cheek. Noah looked at her as she walked away. She walked to the table to grab her things. Niles grinned then shook his head. Their silent visual communication understood by Niles date. The brothers were close. She knew she would be the topic of their conversation when she left.

  She originally met and was attracted to Noah. But his lack of enthusiasm made catching his attention difficult. Soon she sought Niles and knew just where to find him. He enjoyed the night life more than his brother. And one evening, Cheyenne mysteriously showed up to where he was. Noah was happy that his brother filled the void. Cheyenne was aggressive and he found her hard to escape.

  “Where you two trouble makers going?” she asked. “Out,” Niles quickly replied. He had no problems keeping his freedom intact. Niles always made his intentions clear. He was a single man not looking to marry and any time had with him was for fun and entertainment. But that never stopped a woman he dated from trying. The twins were the catch of the century. Single, handsome men with plenty of charm and style. Heirs to a vast fortune. Neither had ever been married or had children. They were ripe for the picking. And even though they were identical in just about every aspect, they couldn’t be more different in their personalities and style of dress.

  Niles was a suit and tie type of guy while Noah opted for more casual wear. But both men were well manicured and went to the same barber and received the same trim. They had enjoyed looking alike since their younger years. They were still very much tied to one another even though both were living their own lives and appeared to be on separate paths.

  “Call me later,” Cheyenne said, as she kissed Niles on the cheek. She smiled at Noah as she walked towards the door. Cheyenne didn’t look back. She could feel their eyes burning through her back. She always wondered if they had ideas of bedding her at the same time. She had heard of their wild adventures as teens and young adults. It was well known in their close-knit circle that the two had engaged in multiple sexual tryst. Cheyenne smirked at the thought as she opened the door and let herself out. Niles and Noah watched her then looked at each other. They hadn’t shared one woman between them in a long time. But if they were to indulge, Cheyenne would be perfect. They could tell she was attracted to them equally.

  “I still need a cut and trim. Let’s stop by Al’s shop first, then go to the Rooftop,” Niles suggested. The Rooftop was a favorite bar of theirs. It was a comfortable, luxurious lounge that catered to the elite. Patrons could stay indoors, or relax outside on the rooftop and enjoy the view overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. Noah looked forward to the outing. He needed a drink. He was still reeling from his conversation with George and needed to unwind.

  “I went to see pop,” Noah said. Niles turned his head quickly towards him. “How did that go? I haven’t been there in a few days. I needed time off,” he said. “Noah shook his head. “It went how it always goes. Do you know he had the nerve to threaten me financially. Still on that shit with me and Jody. I’m not marrying that girl. I wouldn’t give a damn what he did,” he said. Niles understood. He too had his issues with their father.

  “Well…At least you told him. Maybe he’ll back off now. I pretend to listen, when it comes to him trying to lecture me on my personal life. He thinks I’m a heartbreaker. So, he won’t set me up. Maybe you should run through a few of his friend’s daughters. Maybe then he’ll stop that shit,” Niles joked. Noah laughed. He pictured himself in such compromising situations. The thought amused him.

  He didn’t want to be spread so thin. Those days were far behind him. He remembered the days of woman swapping and wild trysts with his twin. The brothers’ were charismatic and popular among the single socialites of New York. Especially Niles, who was a lot more outgoing sociable than his younger twin. Some of Noah’s best sexual experiences as a young man was on the heels of his brother. He was a lot shier in his youth. But he had since shed his fears.

  “What’s up,” Noah greeted Al as the two walked into the barber shop. “Hey,” Niles said, as he walked to the waiting area and sat down. Al had a customer in his chair and the brothers would have to wait their turn. “So, what’s up for the evening,” he said. Al was a thirty two year old aspiring artist who used his family wealth to open several barber shops in New York City. He had personally painted the mural on the side of his building. And he was scheduled to be featured in an upcoming art exhibit that Niles and Noah were backing him on. He too was estranged from his father and so he and Noah had an understanding of what the other was going through.

  “Who’s first,” he asked, as he wiped his chair to prepare for his next customer. Noah got up and sat down as Niles checked through his text messages. He read a message from an ex-lover who was still hoping to rekindle their romance. Niles chuckled. The text read;

  This is the last text I’m sending. I am not going to beg to see you. I miss you and I know you miss me but you’re too stubborn to admit it and too much of a coward to do anything about it. I heard you’re seeing Cheyenne. Hope you catch a STD from her. She has dated just about everyone in New York. Don’t be stupid. Are you purposely trying to get me back. Call me. We need to talk.

  Noah sat watching as Niles looked intensely at his phone. “Who is that?” he asked. “Alex. She wants to talk. But I’m not fucking with her. She has issues,” Niles replied. Noah smirked then held still as Al turned his clippers on and trimmed his mustache and goatee. The shop was filled with customers waiting for shaves and haircuts. The men had great comradery. They laughed and spoke loudly, entertaining each other with talks of women, money and prospects. Niles got in the chair after Noah was done and after getting a line up and a trim, left with Noah headed for The Rooftop.

  “Hey Niles,” the waitress said. Niles looked at her lips then dropped his eyes to her ample backside as she walked away. He had plans for the young woman. She had been flirting for months and he was attracted to her. Noah walked up and Niles and handed him a glass of scotch. Noah hadn’t had a
drink in months. But George was hard to digest without a stiff drink and a recap to make sure he didn’t hold on to any overwhelming feelings.

  “Let that shit go Noah. Pop always makes the same threats and the money continues to be deposited in your account. He told me he would cut me off if I didn’t commit to working more hours. I actually dropped down to two days a week and he did nothing. He knows I work hard but I have no intention of spending all my time in the firm,” he said, hoping to get Noah in a better mood.

  “Oh. Forgot to tell you. Me and the fellas going to Vegas next week. You coming right. It’s your birthday too. You celebrating or what. Unless you had other plans,” Noah said. Niles thought hard. A trip sounded perfect. They had a birthday approaching. And he had a condo in Vegas that he hadn’t been to in a while. It would be a wonderful get away for him. But he didn’t want to leave with their family planning a dinner party for them. And it was obvious that Noah had already decided against going.

  “What about the party at the house. Mom and dad want us to stop by for dinner. We can’t just leave and not show up,” he said. “No. You can’t leave and not show up. I’m going out of town. I can’t deal with pop right now. I’ll call ma later. She’ll understand.” Niles drank his scotch as he weighed whether or not to go. “Maybe. You know I just got back. I had no plans to travel again so soon. I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know.”

  Niles and Noah drew a crowd of young beautiful women. Soon their friends joined. The brother’s laughed and talked as the waitresses kept the drinks coming. Niles had opened a tab and was treating his friends and the women near them. After an hour, appetizers were brought out and placed on the bar. The manager made sure to keep the Langston brothers happy on their brief outing. They were coming to the bar less and less. But their tab was the topic of conversation as it was always huge and always paid with an American Express Black Card.