Catfish, page 27
“Lewis, why do you think no one has ever mentioned your twin? I mean, you’re famous, so wouldn’t you think people would recognise him, thinking that he’s you? I think it’s really strange that it’s never been brought up.”
“I thought the same thing, and George even said he was surprised about that, but I think with his visible tattoos all over his arms, and more growth on his face and I wear glasses a lot so people must have realised he wasn’t me. Plus, he looks mean, moody and angry the times I’ve seen him. I think he is permanently angry with the world or that was the impression I got.”
“Hmm. You ready to head out, or we will be late? You kept us too long in the shower.” She winks at me.
“You complaining, baby?” I wink back at her, get up, grab my wallet and her hand, and we head out to my meeting.
We’ve just left the meeting with my P.I., and I’m heading to the café to meet George. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to take Kate with me to meet him yet.
“Baby, would you be offended if I went to the café to meet George on my own? I think he is trying to come to terms with all this, as am I. I think if it’s just me it would be better.” I hope she understands. She looks at me and gives me a small smile.
“Of course, Lewis. I was going to suggest you go on your own. He won’t want me there when you’re telling him something like this. I’ll head on home and meet you there later. I have work to do anyway.”
“I love you, beautiful. You don’t know what it meant for me to have you there while I got all that information.” I give her a kiss, and we head to the tube station. When my PI told me that my parents are my real parents I was so relieved. I was gripping Kate’s hand tight, but she didn’t complain.
I get to the café, and he’s sitting at the same table. I walk in, and the girl behind the counter nods at me. I nod back and head to George. He knows I have news, and he’s looking apprehensive. I pat him on the shoulder lightly, and I notice he flinches.
“Hey, George, thanks for seeing me. I thought you would want to know as soon as I got some news.”
“Yes, thanks, Lewis. I have to say I’m fucking shitting it about what you found out. Just tell me first. I need to know. The vile creatures who brought me up, were they really my parents?”
I shake my head. “No, George, they were not your parents.” He looks at me startled. His mouth hanging open as if he is going to speak. He suddenly drops his head into his hands, and he cries. I can see his shoulders rising up and down. Fuck, he’s broken. I pat him on the shoulder to show him my support, and he doesn’t flinch this time.
He then grabs a napkin from the table and blows his nose. “Sorry about that. It’s just you have no idea how I feel hearing that. I feel like the weight of the world has just lifted from my shoulders. What they did to me, the things they made me do to them… All this time, I have felt so filthy,vile and disgusting. I thought it was normal growing up. I thought all parents did that. I fucking hated it, but I had no idea. I never met another person until they died when I was sixteen. So I never knew what normal was.” He looks down at his hands—they are shaking. He picks at the skin around his thumb and chews his lip.
I proceed to explain to George that he is my twin and that he was abducted from our pram when he was two. My mum had us in the double buggy and left us outside our local shop, which she often did because it was too hard to manoeuvre a double buggy around the small aisles. She always looked out of the window at us to make sure we were okay, and that particular day she saw a woman pulling George from the buggy.
There was a van parked by the side of the road, and the woman jumped in with George. My mum couldn’t get to it in time.
There was a massive search for George, but there were no witnesses, and my mum didn’t see the woman clearly. My mum fell into depression and ended up in hospital for a long time. It took her two years to come back to life and realise she had a son that needed her. They decided to move away to the other side of the country. I told him we were born in a small coastal town call Flimby not far from Carlisle, but my parents moved me to Kent in the aftermath of the abduction. I don’t think they wanted me to find out, to protect me. George was never found.
He looks distraught. “What a fucking mess. Are your parents still around?”
“OUR parents. Yes, they are. They live in Penzance. I’ve been thinking about this. I don’t want to tell them over the phone. I thought we could go and see them this weekend, and I can tell them face to face, and then you can meet them. If you want to think about it, I understand. It’s a big thing. I have no idea how mum will react...”
He looks at me, confused “What do you mean? That she won’t want to see me?”
“Fuck no. But it’s going to be a massive shock. I don’t want her descending into depression again.” We stay and talk for a bit more, and it’s kind of weird, but it’s great knowing I have a brother. I tell George I’ll be in touch. We shake hands and grip shoulders. I pull him in for a hug, patting his back.
“Great to meet you. George. Oh, one other thing. Your birth name is John.”
He looks at me and bursts out laughing. “You’re fucking shitting me. John? My name is John, so I’m John Clancy? Wow JC! Well, it’s better than fucking George, that’s for sure. I’ve always hated that name. Call me John from now on. George is dead.”
I nod and slap his back. I head for the door then turn. “See you soon, John.”
I head home to Kate with a bounce in my stride. That went better than I thought. I feel really good. I have an amazing woman who I adore and love so much, and I find I have a brother—not just a brother, a twin.
Two Years later
Kate
I CAN’T BELIEVE the day has arrived for my warehouse conversion to be officially opened. The buildings are amazing. All the apartments are luxurious, but the penthouses are magnificent. My vision of them has exceeded all my expectations. I fell in love with them so much that Lewis and I are having the penthouse in building one. We move in this weekend, and I can’t wait.
Lewis and I have been together for two years now. I love him and have done since the day I laid eyes on him in my office. Needless to say, I quit the dating sites after my attack, and I have never heard a peep from the fake Lewis Catfish guy since. He just disappeared from my life completely.
Lewis moved in with me after my attack and never went back to his hotel. We just got into a routine—we just fit. I had another offer on the apartment next door that I couldn’t refuse. Telling Lewis was the best. “Lewis, I know you were still interested in the apartment next door, but I just accepted an offer on it that I couldn’t refuse.” I looked at him all businesslike as his face dropped and he looked really pained and hurt.
“Oh.”
“Oh?” I said raising my eyebrows.
“But baby. I thought that would have been ideal for us. Was I wrong? Don’t you want me near you?” He said the last bit so quietly, I only just heard him. I could see the sadness and hurt in his eyes.
“Well, handsome.” I stepped right in front of him so he could see my face. I was trying so hard not to smile. “I just thought, what a waste of time, you buying next door—you’ve been living with me for eight weeks now. You’ll probably just be here all the time anyway. I was wondering if you wanted to make it permanent? Living here with me?”
I was the one then looking at him sheepishly, trying to gauge what he was thinking. His eyes darted all over my face, and I wasn’t sure what exactly he was looking for. He didn’t speak. I started to panic thinking it was the wrong decision, doubting myself. He made me wait what felt like hours then broke out in the most amazing smile. He lifted me up, spinning me around. “Baby, thank fuck for that. I was wondering how I was ever going to leave here and leave you. Thinking about my own place now after living with you, well, it was killing me. Beautiful, there is no place I would rather live than with you—wherever that is. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for making me the happiest man alive right now.” He had me raised above him so I was looking down into his face, resting my hands on his shoulders, then gradually lowering me to kiss me.
I have already sold twenty-seven of the forty apartments. They were bought off-plan. I could not be happier with the way it has all gone and the hype surrounding it. I suspect a lot of the interest has to do with my gorgeous famous boyfriend, who is also my partner in the project.
After I sold the apartment next door and Lewis officially moved in with me, he asked me if I would like an investor/partner on my project. He really enjoyed being involved and came up with great ideas, so thought the next progression was to come on board if I agreed.
I loved the idea of him being my business partner, so we got a contract drawn up by our lawyers. He has been hands on right the way through, giving lots of input and even getting his hands dirty when Alf would let him.
I grab my stuff, wondering where Lewis is. He should be here now, ready to leave with me to head to the opening of the buildings by the Mayor. I wanted to see him beforehand. I have something for him, a little surprise. It’s going to have to wait until tonight now. I grab my phone from my bag to ring him to see where he is, but see I have a text message from him.
Lewis – Baby, sorry I’m running late. My agent had more to discuss than I realised. I’ll head straight to the opening from here. It makes more sense. I will be there on time for the opening, I promise. Love you, baby, so much. Always yours. See you soon. Hope you’re excited. X
I was only hanging back waiting for Lewis, so I shoot a quick text back on my way out of the door.
Kate – Okay, handsome. It makes more sense rather than trying to get back here for me. I’m so excited and so happy. I have the best partner in the world by my side. Please try to get there on time. Preferably earlier if you can. I have lots to do to make it perfect. Love you more than life, sweetie. You are my life. See you soon. Xx
Everything is spotless. The caterers have arrived and are all set up. Clive and I have got the ribbon ready to put across the opening at the gates, but I’m still waiting for Lewis. I text him again.
Kate – Hey, handsome, are you on your way? Just getting worried. The Mayor will be here soon. Love you. Xx
Lewis – Be there in about 10 minutes, baby, sorry. Love you. X
Great, he should be here before the mayor then. More guests are arriving. The press are here, milling around with Clive, taking pictures in the communal areas, the other penthouse, and a couple of the apartments.
Lewis – Hey, baby. Where are you? I have just arrived, and it’s bedlam. I can’t see you anywhere. Love you. X
Oh great, I can breathe now, I was getting worried.
Kate – Oh, great. On my way down now. Will meet you near the gates to put the ribbon on for the mayor to cut. Love you. Xx
I chuckle to myself looking at our texts. No matter what we text, we always say love you.
I head to the gate and see everyone is already there. I spot Lewis immediately, talking to the Mayor. He spots me as I approach. He looks worried and a bit pale. I hope he feels okay.
I lean in to give him a kiss. “Hey, handsome, are you okay? What’s wrong? Has something happened?”
He gulps and smiles at me. Only it’s not his usual smile and doesn’t reach his eyes. It’s a bit strained. “Hey, baby. I’m fine. I have the most beautiful woman in my arms, and we are just about to open our very first project as partners. I’m more than happy.” He leans in to kiss me again. “Everyone seems to be here. The Mayor is ready. Shall we get this show on the road?” he says but still doesn’t look right at me. I think he’s nervous.
I greet the Mayor while Lewis ties the big red ribbon up. The opening begins. I’m so excited. Lewis is stood behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist and his chin on my shoulder. The mayor announces the opening of Unus and Duo and he cuts the ribbon. I squeal and jump up and down excitedly. I turn to kiss Lewis, but then freeze on the spot.
Lewis is on the floor.
Lewis
AS KATE TURNS to me, the shock on her face is priceless. She looks up at first, then sees me down here, on one knee, holding a blue Tiffany box open with a brilliant white emerald-cut solitaire diamond on a platinum band. It’s simple, but elegant, just like Kate. Her mouth is hanging open as she tries to register what she’s seeing.
“Baby, I know I’m hijacking our opening here, but I couldn’t wait any longer for this. Katherine, you are the most beautiful person I have ever met, inside and out. I love you more than life itself. I couldn’t imagine a life without you by my side. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. You’ve put up with all the attention I get from fans and you never complain when we are out and get stopped. In fact, you volunteer to take the pictures.” I laugh at her, but I’m shitting myself. I can’t gauge her reaction. She’s still stunned, only now her hand has gone to her mouth, so I carry on. “You have the kindest heart I know, and have graciously given it to me. I promise to cherish it forever. You have made me a better person. You complete me, and I adore you. I want to not only have you as my best friend and my business partner but in my life forever. Katherine, will you please do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife?”
Her hand is still at her mouth, but she is now trying to hold in the sobs. She’s crying hard with tears running down her cheeks. Oh no, have I done the wrong thing? Are they good tears or bad tears?
“Baby?” I say with a shaky breath. I’m sure I must look panicked,
“Oh, Lewis. Yes, a million times, yes. I love you so much.” I take the ring from the box and put it on her finger. She throws herself at me, knocking me onto my backside as she climbs on my lap, kissing my face all over, then kissing me on the mouth. There are loud cheers and hollers and cat whistles. We are lost in the moment, forgetting everyone is standing around us. Kate buries her head in my shoulder, embarrassed.
“Baby, you have just made me the happiest man alive,” I whisper in her ear.
“I can’t wait to start the next chapter of our lives, in our new apartment, and I cannot wait for you to be my wife. You’re so beautiful. I love you so fucking much.” I’m sitting on the floor at the entrance to our new building conversions with the love of my life on my lap having just agreed to be my wife. The best day ever.
We get up and carry on with the opening. Kate has a few groups of potential investors to show around. I talk with the Mayor before he leaves and some of the other guests. Clive is busy making sure everyone is looked after while they wait for their turn for a showing with Kate.
She makes her way back after her second showing, and I manage to grab her for a quick kiss.
“How is it going, beautiful?”
“Couldn’t be better, Lewis. I have sold seven more and have another nine interested, and I have two more groups to show. At this rate, we are going to sell them all. I’m so excited.” She leans in and gives me a kiss before heading to the next group.
Our removal company arrives with all our stuff. I decide to make a start on unpacking while Kate is showing people around. I head up to our apartment and start moving the boxes into the rooms they belong. Needing a break, I go up to our rooftop garden. I just sit there for a bit, thinking about the different direction my life has taken and is taking. I need to tell Kate about my meeting this morning and the decision I’ve made to cut right back on the modelling. I get more enjoyment being Kate’s business partner than I do modelling now. It’s given me the best life, but now, I want more. I want Kate, and I want a family with her.
I think back to meeting John and the circumstances surrounding him that still haunt me—finding Kate after her attack. But I gained a brother from it. I get on great with John, and we keep in contact a lot, even though he and Red moved to Manchester. Once mum and dad got over the shock that John was alive, we managed to rebuild our relationships. All four of us. It was such an emotional time. John and I stayed with them a few days and they talked nonstop. John did tell them about his childhood, which devastated them both, especially mum.
I introduced John to Kate not long after, and it was awkward initially. He was so distant from her and wouldn’t speak to her. It made Kate uncomfortable. She thought she had done something to upset him. Luckily Red was with him, and Kate spent most of the evening talking to her. I didn’t know what was wrong with John, he was very distant, but denied it when I approached him. Thankfully, he started to relax around Kate, joining in with her conversations, and they actually got on quite well after that, which was a relief.
I’m still in the garden when I hear footsteps on the stairs. I know it’s Kate straight away. I can always sense when she’s near. I turn and am stunned as always by her pure beauty.
“Hey, my beautiful fiancée, come here,” I say patting the seat next to me.
“How did the last showings go?” I ask pulling her into my side and kissing her head.
“Fantastic,” she says beaming at me. I see she has brought up an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, two glasses and some orange juice. I grab the champagne.
“With the last showings we’ve nearly sold them all, and get this, the penthouse has sold!” She has the biggest smile on her face.
“I’m so proud of you, baby. You are so damn talented, and you’re all mine—my wife to be!” I say smiling from ear to ear as I lean in to take her mouth. It gets heated as always, and she pulls away before we get to the point of no return. I start to open the bottle of champagne, but Kate puts her hand over the other glass to stop me from pouring. “Orange juice for me, handsome.” I look at her quizzically, and she laughs at me.
“I have something for you too, my husband to be. I was hoping to give it to you this morning before we got here but your meeting ran over. I’m glad it did now because this is the perfect time, here, on our rooftop garden, on our first night in our new home.”
