Loves Deception

Chapter 8

Over the next couple of weeks, Xavier and Layla's relationship blossomed. They were joined to the hip and any spare time they had was spent together. They went to the movies, parties, they shopped together, studied together, and he always walked her home after her shift at the library. He even cooked for her. They were in every sense a couple.

They usually had the place to themselves because her friend was hardly there anymore. Both had better ways to occupy their time now. Xavier wasn't complaining, he was glad he didnt have to share her. Between both there schedules the weekends were their time and their favorite hobby was cuddling together on her couch, exploring each other. But he didnt know how much more he could take being pressed against her soft body and not being inside it. She seemed ready but every time they got close to that point she would put the brakes on. Fustrated he was, but he didn't want anything to jeopardize the progress they had made. He would be patient because he knew underneath that shyness was a passionate, freaky Laya waiting to be freed. He hoped like hell she was flexable, because when she was ready he was going to take his time and enjoy breaking her in.

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Xavier entered the solarium located in the lower level of the "mini mansion" his parents called The Manor. Their family home was located in Buckhead, which was an affluent suburb of Atlanta that housed residents from doctors, lawyers, prominent businessmen, even celebrities. His grandfather was CEO of McCoy & Associates, a law firm he started in the late fifties and his father was a board member, and practicing lawyer. His mother came from a long line of doctors, and nurses. She chose the same field, but with a different title. Always one for order and efficiency, Raina McCoy was Chief Administrator at Emory University in Midtown Atlanta. She handled everything with dignity and grace, but if she wasn't pleased she was quick with a reprimand that left grown men blushing and she did so with a smile on her face. Xavier had been on the receiving end of her wrath before and he'd do anything to please her. Mainly because he loved her dearly. She had always treated him like a man, was always there with words of encouragement and wisdom. He admired her in more ways than one.

Bright sunlight poured through the wall to wall glass in the large room. His mother looked up towards him and her grey eyes twinkled. People often wondered how she carried two babies and neither came out resembling her. They were miniatures of their father. Xion took after his mother's personality. She hated to admit that she was a wild child in her younger years and Xavier of course took after his father, who was all business. Unless it came to his wife, then he was putty in her hands. Besides the thin creases around her eyes, her cream colored complexion was free of blemishes and wrinkles. She would be forty one this year, and his father often joked that she still looked like the eighteen year old he fell in love with. They had been happily married for twenty three years. She was the strongest woman he knew. Having reared two headstrong and devilish twins, she would swear to anyone who asked that it was a joy every day. His thoughts drifted to Layla. He admired her in many ways too.

"Hi sweetie, it's so good to see you." His mother greeted breaking into his thoughts. He smiled down at her and enveloped her into a hug. "I feel like it's been months since I last saw you. I'm quite sure it has been. How is it that we are less than thirty minutes away from each other and I barely see you?" she scolded him lightly. "Hi mom, it's good to see you again since two weeks ago when I stopped by for dinner." He joked. "Oh hush, you could stop by more often we live in the same city for crying sakes." "I know mom, but I told you to stop by the condo anytime, and besides no one is hardly here except on weekends so why drive all this way for nothing. Plus I've been sticking close to campus with early finals, and all." He explained trying to soothe her. "Oh, you know I can't handle all that traffic in the city, I just miss you that's all. Your brother who I can't seem to get rid of is here constantly." She made a wiping motion with her hands. "I'm about to toss him out on his ass if he brings another uninvited bimbo to dinner."

Xavier smirked. He wasn't the only one fed up with him. So this was where his brother was holed up at? Since the incident at the frat house he had seen Xion twice. Once when he came home to find him packing an overnight bag, they glared at each other and retreated to their ends of the condo. The second time was at dinner two weeks ago. He'd never admit it but he felt a little empty without him around. They were twins after all. But Layla was quickly filling that void. He grunted. "So sweetie, what's new?" she always asked. They sat opposite of each other. "Well, the same old same old. Work, school, etcetera, etcetera." She chuckled. "Of course...Just like your father, and grandfather. What about when you're sleeping, then what? Are you curled up with one of your textbooks?" To stunned to speak Xavier's mouth dropped open and he stared at the women he thought was his proper mother. "Oh, close your mouth sweetie. You and your brother are grown men now and I have no delusions about the lifestyle you two live. Your brother could use some of your discretion though." She said shaking her head. "Seriously Xavier... Daddy and I are thinking of retiring soon." This was news to Xavier who thought his father would precede his grandfather's old position. He looked at his mother questioningly. "I know he talked about taking over grandfather's position, but he's become bored. We both arent getting any younger and we arent that old either so this is the perfect time. We're finacially stable and he said he is tired of missing out on the day to day with the family. He wants to travel more, and he wants to romance his woman." His mother blushed. "Give me a break already." Xavier groaned. "And there are some pretty good recruits being hired at the hospital, so if I do step down, I know they'll be in good hands." Xavier thought of Layla. She was majoring in Healthcare Administration. He didn't want to get his hopes up. They hadn't discussed much in the weeks they had spent together. She liked him, he liked her that's all that mattered. Besides it was hard to talk with a tongue down your throat every day. He hid his smile. "Sweetie I know daddy and I have stressed the importance of education, sacrifice, and hard work but honey I don't want you to get to be your father's age and look back over your life and regret it. Have you thought about enjoying yourself this spring and summer? Take a little time for yourself before you jump headfirst into the working world." You've always been the responsible one, and we are very proud of you. But I always wonder when you'll relax, and lighten up."

Funny, Xion had said the same thing and he had jumped down his throat. But coming from his mother who had his best interest at heart, made him listen all the more. "I have met someone actually." He said quietly. "Oh. Who, when, tell me?" his mother fired anxiously. Xavier chuckled. "Her name is Layla Sinclair and she's a senior at CSU. She's smart, funny... Beautiful..." He allowed his words to drift off and didn't realize he was smiling until his mother spoke. "I can see it in your face. How long have you been seeing each other?" "Officially, A month. But when we're together it just feels so right. Ya know?" his mother nodded. She knew because that was the same look and feeling she got from his father every day. She wondered if her son knew he was in love.

"So what did she think of you being a twin?" She asked because she knew from the past girlfriends in both her sons lives were either uncomfortable with them being identical or either turned on by it. They could never tell them apart. Her sons were handsome and she knew anyone who truly loved them would know the difference between the two.

Xavier's hand fisted. He decided not to tell his mother about the stunt his brother had pulled. They had felt her wrath plenty of times because of posing as one or the other in school and in life as children. This time was no joke. Xion had crossed the line and Xavier still felt angry whenever he saw his brother who had yet to apologize. His mother rambled on about something. "Since your nodding, but not listening I will take that as a yes." She said breaking into his thoughts. His head snapped up."I'm sorry, what was that mom?" "I said since you've agreed to bring your girlfriend to dinner Wednesday night, I'll get the family together and we can have dinner in the dining room." She stood walking away ending the conversation. Xavier shot up and followed her. "No! Mom she, she's pretty busy with work and school- "Well she should take the same advice I just gave you. Eight o'clock, no excuses." She turned and patted his cheek. "It was good seeing you sweetie." She walked away giddily; she couldn't wait to meet the girl who had captured her son's heart. Now if only the other one would get his act together she thought solemnly.