by Sienna Grant
“Yes,” she gasps. Her fingernails dig into my shoulders as I thrust into her. The sound of skin meeting skin, the gasps, the heavy breaths, it just drives me on even more. “Fuck me. Ev, fuck me hard.”
I don’t need telling again. I obey her commands this time until we’re coming at the same time and I’m spilling myself inside her.
Fifteen
Reagan
Just as I’m seeing a client out of my office, I hear the vibration of my cell coming from my desk drawer. A text from Ruby is flashing on my screen. Knowing I have a spare five minutes, I decide to give her a call.
I’m not waiting long before she picks up. A smile tugs at my lips when I hear her cheery voice come through the line. “Hey, beautiful. I didn’t call you because I wasn’t sure if you were busy.”
“It’s all good, babe. Your text came through as I was seeing my client out, so I thought I’d just give you a call instead.”
“Oh cool. Well, I just wanted to know if you were busy on Friday night. I’ve managed to get tickets to see Halestorm.” Her excitement shows as she screeches down the line, almost deafening me. Halestorm is one of our favorite bands. “I thought you could bring Margie along, since we said we’d set a girl date up.”
“Oh my god, that would be amazing, I’d love to. I’ve been dying to see them for so long. And, honestly, Margie doesn’t have anyone, not even friends…”
“Well, this is perfect, then. If you can both finish up early, we can meet up at six and grab a bite before the concert.”
“Sounds like a plan. Margie seems to have talent for making holes in my schedule. I’ll just work longer on Thursday night instead.”
“Yes! Okay, I’ll message you Friday morning and we can decide where to meet.”
“Fabulous. See you then.”
I hang up with a smile spreading across my face. I can’t believe she managed to get tickets; they’re usually sold out within hours. Calming myself down to a reasonable sense of excitement, I pick up the receiver of the desk phone and call Margie.
“Can you come to my office for a moment.” I keep my voice neutral, trying not to give anything away.
The door opens and she walks in, her hands clamped tightly together in front of her. “Ms. Quinn?”
“Take a seat, would you, Margie?” My face is blank while her eyes go wide.
Folding my hands on the table, I wait for her to sit and lift her eyes to mine. She’s nervous. Her gaze darts everywhere but at me. I shouldn’t do this to her.
Changing my expression, I smile. “Do you like concerts?”
“What? I’m sorry, I mean, excuse me?”
“Do you like concerts?” I repeat.
“Well, yes, who doesn’t?”
“Good. Because we’re going to one on Friday night.”
“Us? I don’t understand.” She’s obviously so used to doing things for herself that something like this has knocked the wind from her.
“Yes, Margie, us. You, Ruby, and I are going to see Halestorm at…wait for it…” Her eyes are wide as she waits, but I think that’s from the suspense of it all, not excitement. “Madison Square Garden.”
Her hands cover her cheeks and her eyes widen. “Wow, really?”
“Yes. So, Friday we are finishing at lunchtime. We’re meeting at six, not sure where yet, and then going to the concert. Are you alright with that?’
“Um, of course I am.”
“It means more work for you though. I’ll need you to reschedule all of Friday afternoon’s appointments to tomorrow. Can you do that?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll get on it now,” she says with a smile that is so big it makes me happy too. With a little skip in her step, she heads for the door, pulls it open, and pauses before turning to look back over her shoulder. “Thank you.” Her voice is so small I nearly miss it, but I smile and nod, letting her know I’ve heard her. She closes the door behind her, I take my cell back out to send a message to Ruby.
I knew that finishing by lunchtime was going to be a stretch, but we managed to be finished by two p.m. It still left us with four hours to get ourselves ready for the concert. Margie and I walked out of the office together, throwing the staff into a tizzy. They were whispering amongst themselves, the odd nudge of an elbow and a wink to the person next to them. They’re not used to seeing me get along with my staff, but Margie is different, and I really don’t give a shit what they think.
Margie looks around us, obviously worried, her shyness getting the better of her and. She doesn’t have my thick skin. She blushes and dips her chin, looking at the floor until we reach the elevator. I stab at the button and wait for it to arrive. The doors open and we step on at the same time, sneaking a glance at each other, before we travel to the parking lot. “Do you want a ride?” I hate to think about her riding the bus when I can drive her.
“She waves off my offer. “Oh, no. But thank you. The bus is due soon,” she says looking at her watch.
“I really don’t mind.”
“No, I’d hate for you to go out of your way and take me back when the bus is perfectly fine.”
“Well, okay, then. We’re meeting in Carters at six. I’ll probably be there before then so if you’re early, just give me a call.”
She smiles and fishes some earphones from her purse, plugging them into her cell. “Great. See you soon.” She waves and then puts the buds into her ears, turning away and heading for the exit.
Once I’m showered, I sit with my towel wrapped around me and dry my hair before giving it an edgy look, sharpening the layers that Ruby cut into my hair around my face with the flat iron. Next is my makeup. Smokey eyes and red lipstick is a must. I put on black ripped jeans and my favorite band tee, the one with Halestorm plastered across the chest, the neck stretched so it hangs off one shoulder, then grab my leather jacket. The signature heels will have to stay in the closet tonight; there’s no way I’m standing for the next few hours in five- or six-inch heels. Grabbing my Converse, I slip my feet in and I’m ready to rock.
Taking my debit card and some cash from my wallet, I slide those and my cell into my back pockets and head out of the apartment.
Sixteen
Reagan
Getting out of the cab outside Carter’s bar I look around to see if either of the girls are there, when I don’t see them, I go inside and grab us a table in the corner facing the door so I can see when they arrive. Carters is a typical New York tavern—high tables, stools lining the outside of the bar, and every kind of spirit you could think of. This is more Ruby’s type of place than mine. I don’t think I’d fit in dressed in a suit and six-inch heels here. No this is definitely a jeans and tee kind of bar. A waitress comes over almost as soon as I sit my ass on the stool and takes my order. I order a beer for myself and tell her I’m waiting on my friends. She spins her tray on her fingers and, with a smile, she turns away, strutting back over to the bar.
My cell vibrates against my ass and I pull it out. It’s probably Ruby or Margie letting me know how long they’re going to be. Instead, when I look at the screen, I see it’s Everett.
Hey sexy, want to blow off some steam?
The server comes back, putting a napkin on the table before setting down a bottled beer. “Just give me a holler when your friends arrive.”
I nod, thanking her, and text Everett back: You know I’d love to, but I already have a date…with Halestorm. They’re playing at Madison Square Garden.
His message comes back right away: You like Halestorm? I didn’t think you were the type to like rock, Rae.
I glance up and see a very sexy Ruby standing at the door, looking around. I get up and go to her, throwing my arms around my bestie when I reach her. Her red hair has been left to hang down her back and her eyes are made up darker than mine, black liner around her green eyes, making them pop. She looks amazing in leather pants and a tight corset style top. She returns my embrace and I lead her to the table. The cute server c
omes back and takes Ruby’s order while I quickly message Everett back. Well, then you don’t know me that well, do you? I love Halestorm.
“Sorry, babe.” Locking my phone, I slide it back in my pocket and turn my attention to Ruby.
“So, what’s Margie like?”
“She’s a little different to us. She dresses like a geek. Her hair needs a good style cut into it, but she’s so nice, Rue.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being a geek, Reagan. You were one once.”
Narrowing my eyes at her playfully, the server comes back with another bottle of beer and puts it down just as movement at the door catches my eye.
“She’s here.” I jump down from the stool and make the short way back to the door to greet Margie. This is the most stylish I’ve seen her—she has on ripped jeans, a camisole, and a denim jacket.
“Margie, I’m so glad you came.” Her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail and she even has a small amount of makeup on. “You look great.”
“You sure? I wasn’t too sure how to dress. You look amazing though.”
“You look incredible. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Ruby.” Linking arms with her, I lead her back to the table and make introductions. “Ruby, this is Margie Mae Campbell. Margie, this is my best friend Ruby Spencer.” They both hold out their hands to shake at the same time as I hitch myself back up on my stool.
“So, should we order food? I’m not sure what to get, I’m thinking maybe some wings.”
“I’m getting nachos.” Margie speaks up, and Ruby is too busy tipping back her beer and looking over the menu to answer.
“Rue?”
She pulls the bottle from her lips and swallows her beer. “I think we should share some hot wings, french fries, and onion rings.”
“Cool with me. Margie, are you okay with just nachos or I can order extra portions for you?”
“No, I’m fine with nachos, thanks.”
Grabbing the server’s attention again, I ordered our food, two more beers for Ruby and me, and Margie added a large Pepsi for her as she didn’t want any alcohol.
I can see Ruby studying Margie and wonder to myself what’s got her attention. I don’t have to wait long, because just then Ruby’s voice cuts through our silence. “Do I know you from somewhere?”
Margie straightens her back and shakes her head. “I don’t think so…”
“Strange. Your face is really familiar to me. Did you go to school here?”
“No. I only moved here a few years ago.”
“Huh. You must have a double, then.” She picks her bottle back up and takes another pull, shrugging.
“Well, they say that everyone has one.”
“To be honest, Ms.—”
“Woah, stop.” I hold up my hand. “We’re not in the office, we’re sharing a drink as friends, so call me Reagan.”
“Okay. So, to be honest…Reagan, I wouldn’t put you in a place like this. I would have thought an uptown cocktail bar would be more you.”
Ruby laughs. “You don’t know our Ray-ray here very well at all. Beneath all that perfect hair and makeup, stuffy expensive suits and Louboutins, is a rock kitten just aching to come back out to play. Am I right, Reagan?” Her raised eyebrow challenges me to disagree with her.
“Rue, really?” I eye Ruby again before turning back to Margie. “Back in college, I was more of a wild child than anyone sees these days.”
I wish I could take my phone and get a picture of the look on Margie’s face right now—she looks shocked.
The chatter of my wilder days soon comes to a halt when the waitress brings us our food and places the plates in the middle of the table. We can save Margie from a heart attack for a little longer. I know I’m far away from my college days, but that’s what college was for. Margie looks between Ruby and me every now and again. I’m sure she’s shocked to see me as an actual human and enjoying a drink.
I throw some bills into the middle of the table when we’re done eating, and we make our way out excitedly. It feels like I haven’t been to a concert in years. I’ve been too busy making my name in the corporate world.
Ruby steps into the road and hails a cab for us. We get in the back, putting Margie between us. We get out between 8th and 9th Avenue, at the corner of the arena, and once I’ve paid for the cab, we begin the walk around to the entrance.
“I’ve told Margie if she makes an appointment, you’ll do her hair for her.”
“Oh, of course, I’d love to. But I warn you now, Margie, make sure you know what you want done first or I can’t be held responsible for my errant hands. They have a mind of their own, just ask Reagan.”
“That would be awesome. Thank you so much, Ruby.”
“Anytime.” Ruby smiles back at her. I knew she would.
The line moves quickly and soon we’re entering the arena. Thousands of people are already seated as we find our seats. I take my cell out to take a picture and see an unread message from Everett: I know how red your ass looks when I spank it, I know every curve of that sexy body, and I know exactly how to make you come. I’d say I know you pretty well.
What the hell am I supposed to say to that? Smug bastard.
“What’s got you blushing?” Ruby asks as I hide my screen. I don’t have to say anything, she just knows. “Is that Everett? Tell him this is girl time.”
Clicking the camera icon, I switch the lens and hold it up in front of us and take a picture. The stupid grin is still tugging at my lips as I press send.
Have that, Everett Brooks.
I lock my screen and push it into my back pocket. Margie looks between us a little sheepishly. She has to know there’s something between Everett and me; the fucker closed all the blinds in my office so he could tease me right under her nose.
“Yes, Margie,” Ruby pops her head around me, “Reagan rides that man like a rodeo bull.”
I smile as her eyes go wide, a flush begins at her neck and rises up into her cheeks. I’m sure it’s matching the one that I’m wearing right now. Even in this dim light I can tell she’s turned a lovely shade of scarlet and I smile even wider. Her gaze drops to the floor for a moment before flicking her gaze to the side to meet mine and a timid grin pulls up the corners of her lips. Before I can say anything to her, the lights go down and the first few notes of ‘I Am the Fire’ begin to play.
Ruby and I look at each other, excited to be here, while poor Margie looks like a fish out of water. Before the band has even gotten through the first verse, Ruby and I are a sweaty mess from jumping up and down like the demented fans we are.
After a two-hour set, they’ve gone through some of our favorites and our voices are hoarse from singing so loud. When it’s all over, I’m ready to strip these clothes from my body and have an hour-long shower just to rid the sweat from it.
We follow the slow, moving line out of the arena until the humid air hits us, not doing anything to cool us off.
Margie turns to Ruby and I. “Thank you so much to you both for bringing me along. I really enjoyed myself.”
“I’m glad. It was really nice meeting you, Margie. And don’t forget, when you want an appointment, just let me know and I’ll get you in.”
She throws herself at Ruby and hugs her tightly. Ruby’s eyes are wide, but she returns the embrace, putting her arms around her loosely.
“And you, Reagan. Thank you for everything.”
“You’re most welcome. If you want to share a cab, we can drop you off at home.”
“Oh, no. my bus is over there, I’ll grab that.”
“Okay, but you be careful going on the bus at this time of night.”
She smiles but says nothing else as she turns away from us and heads for the waiting bus.
Ruby watches her run across the street before turning back to me. “She’s a little strange, don’t you think?”
“She’s just a little shy. And let’s face it, everyone is quiet if we’re comparing t
hem to you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Linking my arm with hers, I pull her along with me and walk to the edge of the sidewalk, raising my free arm to flag down a cab. Within minutes I’m off my aching feet and are heading back to civility. I need a shower and my bed; I’d forgotten how tiring having fun was. I want to message Ev and tell him I’d love to go to his place and blow off the steam he was talking about earlier, but I’m way too tired.
Maybe tomorrow.
Seventeen
Reagan
Saturday usually consists of spending time with Mom. We shop to our heart’s content and eat out. Even though I am absolutely exhausted from the concert, I would never cancel on Mom.
My phone vibrates on my nightstand and I reach over to see who it is. I smile when I catch sight of Ruby’s name and open the message: I have Halestorm blasting out of my car windows. Lord help the salon today, it’s all they’re going to hear. Thank you for coming last night. It was such a blast. Love you.
Eyeing the time in the corner of my screen, I see it’s already eight thirty. I really should be getting up. I’m usually at mom’s house by nine. If I don’t get my lazy ass out of this bed, I’m going to be late.
Putting my cell down, I drop my feet to the floor and pad through to the kitchen, putting on a pot of coffee. I leave it to brew while I take a quick shower, hoping it will wake me up.
Seeing as it’s so hot outside, I dress in a pair of jean shorts that sit high up my thigh and throw on a camisole. I keep my makeup natural, a little mascara on my lashes and some nude gloss over my lips, before pulling my hair back off my face and sliding a clip into it. Once I’ve sprayed on some deodorant, I go back to the kitchen and pour myself some coffee. I can’t eat breakfast when I first get up, so I guess I’ll end up grabbing some brunch. Once I’ve drunk my coffee, I grab my sunglasses and my bag and leave the apartment.
Driving through the small town of Hasbrouck Heights brings my whole childhood flooding back. The tree lined roads, the pretty suburban houses set away from the sidewalks with their wraparound porches. It was quaint.