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“Quietly. Secretively. Withdrawn. If you’re suffering from something, you should tell us.”
“Why?”
Surprise filled their faces. “Because we’re your family,” Malik stated firmly. “We’re here to support each other in good times and bad.”
Langston’s face softened. “I appreciate that, but I’m fine. Really.”
“You don’t seem fine,” Derek argued.
Langston leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. “Okay, fine. Maybe I have been a little withdrawn lately. But it’s just because I’ve been working on something big.”
“What kind of something?” Tristan asked, his interest piqued.
Langston hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak. “I’m writing a book.”
Silence filled the air as his brothers glanced at each other. “What kind of book?”
“An autobiography.”
They glanced at each other again, and Langston continued.
“And yes, all of you are in it—complete with all of the shenanigans we got ourselves into when we were younger, our heartbreaks, our fights, our parents’ love and divorce, and how that all shaped the man I am today.”
They were as quiet as a mouse, but their eyes were stuck on Langston, unable to tell if he was kidding, but simultaneously not wanting to discourage him.
“I’m just kidding.” Langston roared with laughter as the men exhaled collectively. Tears sprang from the corner of Langston’s eyes. “You should’ve seen your faces.” He tossed his head back and laughed. “You were scared as shit that I was going to reveal how bad you were when we were younger.”
“We weren’t bad,” Tristan said. “Just…promiscuous.”
Langston’s laugh increased. It was a welcoming sound since Langston’s mood had been stoic lately. The humor lifted the mood and put everyone at ease. “Promiscuous is an understatement, brother. But those were good times.”
Malik chuckled. “I’m surprised you remembered any of it, considering how much alcohol you used to consume.”
Langston shrugged. “I have a selective memory. I only remember the good stuff.”
Derek grinned. “Ah, the wonders of getting old.”
“Speak for yourself, big brother,” Langston said.
Tristan raised his glass. “To good memories and even better times ahead.”
“But in all seriousness,” Langston wiped tears from his eyes, “I have been writing something. Actually, it’s a novel—a romance novel.”
Malik arched an eyebrow. “A romance novel? Since when are you interested in that genre?”
Langston shrugged. “I’ve always been interested in writing and figured I’d try my hand at something different. Plus, I have a good story to tell.”
Derek scratched his chin. “What’s it about?”
Langston took another sip. “I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”
The men laughed and clinked their glasses together before settling back into another change of subject. They were content in each other’s company, and it was moments like these that made their tight bond unbreakable.
Four
Langston
For an early weeknight, Club Atlas was already jumping. The sun was dipping low in the reddened sky as partygoers entered, heading to the level they preferred.
