Double Life Of Him

The Wedding

I sat in my corner office looking at the large glass window and observing the environment. The activities of today replayed in my head. I had just met with some enterprises who needed our company to be part of their shares and I couldn't even see any use in creating a partnership with this enterprise.

But our company is obligated to create a good image and also for the media. My company is the biggest in the whole of California and it is the result of my hard work. My thoughts immediately shifted to the accident that almost occurred today.

“That’s a crazy girl. She has a lot of guts, what’s more crazy is that she doesn’t even know who I am. I always felt I was really famous.” I thought to myself.

Just as I was lost in thought, someone walked into my office. The only person who does this on a daily basis is my best friend Gerald. He was the only person who could easily disrespect me and get away with it. We've been best friends since we were babies.

His mother and my mother were the best of friends. After my mother died due to cancer, she stood as a mother to me for all these years, so Gerald is basically a brother to me.

“Gerald, how many times do I have to tell you to knock before you come into my office?” I queried.

“Henrio! My man, how are you doing? I heard you were almost in an accident. Hope you got the person who bashed your sweet ride.” He said changing the topic completely and not even replying to the question I just asked him.

I didn't reply to his question either. I turned around to face him.

“Bro, how about we go to the club, you know you've been working too hard lately. Even when you're the boss here. I've told you countless times to enjoy your youth. How about I call in the usual girls to come warm your bed?” He teased laughing.

A little smile crept in my face. One thing about me, I always balance my work life and my media life with my private life.

“Gerald not today, I have a lot of important appointments and you know I can't afford to cancel them right now,” I explained.

“Man, it's just for the night. Have fun! You've worked so hard. Have some me time. And not to forget you are Henry Motherfreaking Banks. The meetings can wait.” He insisted.

“You're being a bad influence on me Gerald. You know Grandpa will be mad when he finds out am canceling appointments” I replied jokingly

“When do you start caring about what Granddaddy says? It's not like anything will change, you'll always be his favorite in the family. Are you forgetting you are his only Grandchild?” Gerald teased.

“Okay, you win, call them in. C’mon, let's head to the club.” I said defeated.

“Now that's the Henry I know,” Gerald said happily.

I left my office and Gerald followed me hurriedly like a little kid. He was always a happy, cool person. I walked past the secretary.

“I’ll be out. Cancel any appointments or meetings scheduled for today” I said in my usual cold tone.

“But Sir, people are already in the conference room waiting for your arrival.” The secretary explained.

“Then tell them it's canceled. Postponed it to another Monday, maybe next week” I replied.

“Sir… Sir, we can't postpone it. We need to sign the deal before….”

I looked around, trying to know if I was the one the secretary was talking to.

“Not another word, I am the CEO. I give the orders and you follow, not the other way around. I pay you to listen to me. Now get yourself to that conference room and tell them that the meeting has been canceled.” I ordered in a deadly tone.

The Secretary became very scared of the way I spoke to him. He quickly took the telephone and made a call to the conference room and told them the meeting was canceled.

“I'm sorry sir, I've sent the message….”

I didn't even wait for him to finish his sentence….

“You are fired!” I said firmly

“Christ! Sir please I beg of you. This job is my life. I have a daughter, I feed from this job.” He pleaded.

“You should have thought of that before going against my orders. Pack your things and leave the company's building. I don't want to see you or even perceive your scent when I return.” I said with no sign of concern.

“Sir, please reconsider….”

“You talk too much man. Security! Security!” I called out.

Two Security men who stood beside the elevator doors came….

“Take this man out of this building. I don't want to see him anywhere near the premises or else you will lose your jobs too.” I ordered.

“Yes, boss. Noted” They replied respectfully.

When they left, I could feel Gerald looking at me….

“What? Don't say it.” I said looking away.

“You know Henry, that was a little over harsh. He was just trying to help in the dealings of the company in the way he could.” Gerald defended the man.

“It's my company, and I know how to handle it. If anyone has any issues with me canceling the appointments, they should meet with me. And it was actually your idea to cancel the appointments, Gerald. So don't act like you didn't have a hand in this.” I said.

Gerald was speechless, he didn't know what else to say….

“Well, it's your company anyways. You can do whatever you choose to do.” He finally said.

“Do you want to go to this stupid club or not? Because it seems like your vibe’s off, I fire staff once in a while so this is not a big deal.” I said. I was already losing my patience.

“Okay…. Okay, let's go party!”

*****************

We got to the club and immediately my presence was noticed all eyes fell on me. Some girls started screaming my name like their lives depended on it. Just then, the DJ spoke through the microphone.

“Yo you all, Banks in the building. Guys do well to hide your babes. You might likely lose her tonight.” He announced.

I was already used to all this attention though. There was no clubbing without me. Gerald left me right after to make a few arrangements. I boldly walked to the bar and ordered a glass of Isabella’s Islay Whiskey. I was there enjoying my whiskey when a tiny voice spoke to me.

“Hi Henry, how are you? I heard about the accident. I hope you're alright. I'm going to tell my father the Mayor to make the road guarded so that all these lousy drivers who think they could drive anyhow and get away with it would be arrested. And by the way, You didn’t tell me you were gonna be at the club today. I would’ve worn something more sexy for you.”

I turned to see the person. And oh it was Gerald’s step-sister Becky. The one always obsessed over me. I find her cringey but everyone always assumes she is going to be my bride.

I didn't want to start a conversation with her, so I completely ignored her.

“Did I say something wrong, Henry?” she pressed.

“I’m fine Becky, no need for drama. Now bounce ” I finally replied and sipped my whiskey.

“Yo Henrio everything’s set, let's first have a good time in the VIP lounge before the real night begins,” Gerald said.

“Oh hi, Beck,” he said to Becky who was standing looking sad.

I really don't care about any female gender and love wasn't a thing for me. Women were very complex. What they are after is my money, status, and looks nothing more. The only woman I ever loved with all my heart and soul was my mother. It was more like she took the spirit of love in my life down to her grave.

“Okay, Gerald,” I said reluctantly.

“I will join you guys too.” Becky sharply cut in.

I paid the man and we left for the VIP lounge….

The night was fun and I could say I had a very good time. Gerald knew how to make my every moment a blast.

I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was already asleep.