What Money Can't Buy

Hello all. I hope you enjoy Chapter 2! I'm already working on Chapter 3. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas for future chapters. Also, any constructive criticism would be much appreciated!

Light streamed in from a crack in the curtains of my bedroom window. I fluttered my eyes open and winced. My head was pounding from the drinks the night before and I groaned loudly, rolling over to avoid the light. I turned to see an empty pillow on the other side of the bed. I sat up, shaking my head at my own disappointment. Of course Reggie was gone- I don't know why I had expected anything else. Disappointment and insecurity flowed through me, and that only filled me with anger and shame. I shouldn't care that he was gone- I didn't want to see him anyway, right? Well, clearly some part of me did. As much as I tried, I couldn't help myself. I searched the night table on the side of the bed for a note but found none. I stood out of bed and grabbed my robe from a hook on the back of the door, wrapping it around my naked body. My head was still pounding. I went into the main room of the flat, wondering if he might be in the shower or kitchen, but knowing deep down that he was gone. Sure enough, the place was empty.

Resigned in my disappointment, I wandered into the kitchen to put the kettle on. I reached for the cupboard with the Advil- I needed it. I sat, watching the kettle on the stove and trying to sort out my feelings. I had had an incredible night with Reggie, there was no doubt about that. Even the thought of his touch raised the hairs on my arms and sent a shiver down my spine. I had NEVER felt like that before- the exhilaration, the absolute need. Although I wouldn't admit it, last night, I did need him. More than I ever thought possible. I closed my eyes and remembered the feeling of his calloused fingers wrapping around my wrists and his tongue on my pussy. I squeezed my thighs together just as the kettle began screaming and snapped me out of my daydream. And not a moment too soon.

I had to let this go. I had no interest in continuing things with the grandson of my family's personal "grim reaper"; I was ashamed of myself for letting it happen once. Not to mention it was clear that he felt the same way- he didn't stick around to see me this morning or even leave a mobile number. At least the nightmare was over. If I didn't see him again, I could turn my focus away from my mistake last night and onto the future. Maybe I could let go of my shame and guilt and enjoy having Rose back in my life. Oh God. Rose! Thank God she hadn't come home and I wouldn't have to explain what happened. I couldn't have handled that. Almost as if she knew I was thinking of her, I heard keys jingling by the door, and a moment later Rose stumbled into the flat.

"BABE!" she called, closing the door behind her and falling against it, sliding down to her butt, "I'M IN LOVE!" she laughed giddily.

I laughed back at her, walking over and giving her my hand to help her off the ground and onto her feet. I was surprised to see her so invested after one night. She had shared with me her many flings in school while we video chatted, but she never showed much emotion when talking about the other girls. "Wow!" I replied, getting out of my own head, "Cheryl really made an impression on you!"

"Honestly Fran, last night was mind-blowing. Best I've ever had, by far. You have no fucking idea..." she trailed off, her eyes closing as she hugged herself.

Inwardly, I laughed. "You'd be surprised," I whispered under my breath, but not quietly enough.

"What?" Rose asked, her eyes shooting open and searching me suspiciously.

I needed to think quickly on my feet. "Yeah, I had an incredible night- I ate ice cream in bed and watched a movie- exactly what I wanted," I said, stumbling a bit, though Rose seemed to accept my response.

"Oh Fran, you seriously have no idea. If that's your idea of a good time, you NEED a good shag," she rolled her eyes and put her hand on my shoulder.

"Come off it, will ya?" I said, shoving her arm off me. "By the way, why didn't you tell me Reginald Hagadone was a part of Cheryl's group? You know how I feel about them."

"I didn't think it was a big deal," Rose started, looking down in the way that she does when she recognizes she messed up. "I don't know, he's just the grandkid. He didn't buy the store or anything..." she justified. "Are you mad?"

She looked so much like a little girl, I couldn't help but let go of my frustration. I gave in, as I usually did. "No, I'm not mad. I was just blindsided. To me, he's not just the grandkid. He was raised by those people. I just don't have any interest in spending time with someone like that, who cares so little about others."

"I get it, I'm sorry. But, did you like the rest of the group? And Cheryl?" she asked.

"I loved Cheryl- she really suits you," I said, and was rewarded with a warm smile. "Everyone was great, Reginald just really bothered me. Brought up lots of bad memories."

"I guess that makes sense. But, seriously darling- you've gotta try and let go of the past and unwind. That's it; you're my new project! We're going to find someone for you to shag," Rose pronounced.

"No, Rose, I can handle that myself," I said as definitively as I could.

She ignored me and continued on, "It won't be as amazing as it is for me with Cheryl, of course, since we have an incredible emotional and physical connection. Plus, I can't imagine men really know what they are doing. Still, I think a few strong orgasms would do you some major good."

"Rose..." I said in a tone of warning, though she continued rattling on, ignoring me as usual.

"That's why tonight's concert is perfect!" she said in a sing-song voice. "We'll get you dolled up and find a man to defile you!" she finished with a flourish, grabbing both my hands and leading me so I swayed back and forth with her.

"Rose... I really don't want to go out again! Can't we just stay in and watch some horrible American reality tele and veg out?" I begged.

"Nonsense!" she responded, wagging her finger at me, "It is a Saturday! There is no excuse. We can veg tomorrow, I promise. PLEAAAASEE!" she cried.

"What concert are you even talking about Rose?" I asked, recognizing this may be a losing battle.

"

Sweeping Insensitivity

is playing a gig in Camden tonight; didn't I tell you last night? Cheryl and Frank are going to watch, and I said we were down to join. PLEEEASSEEEEE!" she wailed.

Ooooooof course it was Reggie's band. I had no interest in seeing him again. Although, I would be lying if I claimed I didn't want to see him play- just for curiosity's sake. But it wasn't enough to get me to go. "Seriously? Why can't you just go without me? I have such a headache." I said, pulling out of her grasp.

"Because I love you and it's my new life mission to find someone for you to shag? I thought that was clear?" she replied like I was a prat.

I considered for a moment. It was hard to resist Rose, but I also couldn't help thinking how it would be nice to get Reggie off my mind, possibly with another bloke. It would be even better if Reggie had to watch me find someone to replace him. He could see that I really didn't need him. He might even get jealous. "UGH! Fine! But we have to stay in on Sunday!"

Rose squealed with delight, though I'm sure she wasn't surprised to have won the argument. "Now that that's settled, I'm exhausted... didn't sleep much last night," she said, winking at me. She wandered over and pulled out her sofa bed, collapsed, and fell asleep within ten minutes. I quietly fixed breakfast, poured my second cup of tea, and headed into my room. I would prefer to panic about my evening while relaxing in bed.

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Rose woke five or six hours later while I was napping, and she informed me that she did not hesitate before running into my room and jumping on top of me. "Wake up sleepy-head! I'm bored!"

I laughed, tickling her until she jumped off me. I convinced her to lounge with me and watch an episode of Fleabag before she forced me to get out of bed and shower. "DON'T FORGET TO SHAVE!" she screamed at me when she heard the water turn off too quickly. I rolled my eyes but complied, since she may find me someone I'm actually interested in tonight.

When I got out of the shower, I made dinner while Rose ransacked my closet. "Fran, you have absolutely nothing in here that is suitable for a night out!" she called from the bedroom.

"That is not true!" I cried back. I knew they weren't up to her standards, but I liked my clothes. "Check the stuff in the hope chest at the foot of the bed. There might be something in there, I haven't pulled those out in a while".

"Alright!" I heard her say. "I have a top that might work with this this skirt," she said a few minutes later, walking out of the bedroom to show me what she found. It was a short black skirt with a small upside-down V cut out of the bottom hem. It had a white trim on the hem and waist and a large white bow sitting at the tip of the V.

"I haven't worn that in years- it likely doesn't fit anymore," I replied, stirring the sauce for our pasta.

"It'll look perfect with this top I have," she said, rummaging through her still unpacked bags in the living room until she pulled out a white sequined tank top.

"I do like that," I said, straining the noodles.

"What?! Francesca likes a piece of my clothing?!" Rose feigned shock and awe.

"Shut it, Rose," I replied, dishing up two plates. We both ate a ton, starving from our day of lazing around. I dried my hair while Rose chose her own outfit and showered. She gave me a smokey eye look and I did our hair. I gave Rose a plaited crown and curled my own hair, putting a ponytail holder on my wrist for when it started bothering me- which normally doesn't take long. We got dressed- Rose chose a hot pink crop top and black skinny jeans, and I miraculously fit into the skirt I bought when I was 16. We both looked fit and ready for a night out. We grabbed our bags and headed out in preparation for the long tube ride to Camden.

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We met up with Cheryl and Frank outside of a music club called The Ave Live. "Damn, we've got two fine ladies coming our way," Frank said, pulling Rose, then me, in for a hug.

"Couldn't agree more," Cheryl said, kissing my cheek and then pulling Rose in for a deep kiss on the lips.

"Alright, love-birds, break it up!" Frank said, "I want to catch Jessie before she goes on."

"How are things with Jessie?" Rose asked, poking him in the stomach.

Frank looked down sheepishly, smiling like a fool. "Let's just get inside," he said, directing us toward the door.

The club was very cool and packed to the brim. Cheryl sent Jessie a message when we got to the bar and the band joined us to say hello. "Hey groupies!" Peggy said when she spotted us and waved us over to other side of the bar. When we finally made it to them through the crowd, Peggy pulled me into a big hug. "Francesca, I am so glad you came! And you look so great! I love that skirt," she said pushing me away to look me up and down. "Yup, fine as hell!"

"Thank you," I said, blushing, "It was Rose's doing." Peggy turned to speak to Rose and Riggs gave me a wave over the heads of the others. I waved back and everyone began mingling. The sheer number of people and the volume of the band onstage became a bit much and I was feeling overwhelmed. I turned to face the bar and leaned over to try and get the bartender's attention. I needed a drink.

Finally, I grabbed the bartender. "CAN I GET A PINT, PLEASE?" I cried loudly enough for him to hear.

"SAME," I heard from my left. I turned and looked up and saw that Reggie had landed himself along the bar next to me. His familiar smell of pine overcame me and I nearly swooned. He looked sexy as hell in a loose-fitting leather jacket, concert tee and blue jeans. He turned to face me and said something I couldn't quite make out. I looked at him confused, so he leaned down to speak closer to my ear, "Hey. I didn't know you were coming."

Something about that infuriated me. Why would he think I wouldn't come? Did it bother him that I did? I guess he was totally finished with me now that he had gotten what he wanted. "I didn't realize I was unwelcome," I snapped in anger.

The confused face I've become familiar with returned. He shook his head and said, "You are welcome- why wouldn't you be?"

I rolled my eyes. "I don't know, YOU certainly didn't mention it to me," I replied.

"Jesus Francesca," he said, "I thought you might be in a better mood after last night." He ran a finger down my arm. Why did he always have to be such an arse?

"Surprised you thought about last night at all," I said, tugging my arm away from him indignantly.

"Why do you always act like such a bitch? Of course I thought about it- we were amazing. Are you upset I didn't invite you tonight? I thought Rose had. Not to mention you really don't give me the vibe that you give a shit about me or want to spend quality time with me," he replied, taking a swing of his pint.

"I don't- and I couldn't give a shit if you invited me or not," I said, mimicking him and sipping my beer. "I'm here for Rose."

"What, Rose can't go out for the night by herself?"

"No, that's not what I meant," I said, slightly taken aback.

"It seems like you just wanted a chance to see me again," he said, leaning closer to me and speaking in my ear. The closeness and the truth in his statement sent heat directly between my legs.

I had decided I wasn't going to let him get to me, and I wanted to stay strong. I figured I could play him with his own game. I leaned my lips up to his ears, "On the contrary, Reginald" I purred, "I came to find someone better to shag."

He pulled away and I saw fury build up behind his eyes. "No one could..." he started, but Riggs knocked his shoulder.

"Bruv, our set is about to start," he warned, then walked through the crowd toward the left side of the stage, following Jessie and Peggy.

Reggie gulped down the last of his pint. He put the empty glass on the bar and glared, sending shivers down my spine. He leaned into my ear again, "Later," he growled a promise and turned, working his way into the crowd.

I took a deep breath, trying to lower the flush in my face and slow my breathing down. He certainly had an effect on me that I didn't understand. Once calm, I grabbed my beer, took another swig, and turned towards Rose, Frank and Cheryl. They were all looking at me inquisitively. "What?" I asked, blushing yet again.

"What was THAT?" Rose jumped in.

"What?" I asked sheepishly.

"That dance you just did with Reg," Cheryl said, joining the inquisition.

"Ugh, don't even get me started on him," I said, rolling my eyes and downing the last sip of my beer, emptying my glass. I gestured toward the bartender for another.

"Seems like you want to get started with him," Frank added teasingly.

"After all the flack you gave me this morning..." Rose started, but I cut her off.

"Please. He's just trying to bother me because he is upset about me rejecting him during the game. It's not a big deal," I said. I decided to try to move the conversation away from Reggie and I, "Aren't you supposed to find me someone tonight, Rose?"

"Oh, yes I am! Sorry, Cheryl distracted me, but I'll start scoping things out," she said.

"Hold up, you two," Cheryl interjected, "I need some explanations- what flack did Franny give you? And why are you finding her someone? Spill!"

Rose started gabbing our whole sad story and connection to the Hagadones to Cheryl and Frank while I sipped my beer.

Sweeping Insensitivity

started walking onto the stage, and I caught sight of Reggie lit up by the spotlights. He looked back at me and the conversation they were having faded away. He was made for a stage- he looked incredibly sexy up there and I felt a familiar stirring in my loins. Our eye contract was intense until I heard, "Fran?" coming from my right.

"Huh?" I said, reluctantly pulling my eyes from his.

"Are you excited?" Rose asked, squeezing my arm.

"Yeah, I..." I started just as Reggie struck a cord on his guitar, cutting me off.

The group played a short refrain, the Reggie put his lips to the microphone. "How're all you tossers feeling tonight?" A cheer went through the crowd, with several audible "yeah!"s and a few "we love you!"s. He began again, "We're

Sweeping Insensitivity

. We're going to start with a fan favorite- 1, 2, 3, 4!"

Before the band even started the song, people in the crowd were going crazy. They must be pretty popular, at least around here. My eyes scanned the stage; Peggy sat behind the drums, so petite you almost missed her. Riggs stood in the corned with a guitar, almost shy until he started playing, when he stepped further out into the spotlight. Jessie looked absolutely natural behind her bass, rocking away. Everyone in the crows was dancing, including the three next to me, who pulled me in to join them. I tried to focus on my group, attempting to have fun and let go of all of the tension I have been feeling since my encounter with Reggie at the bar. Despite my best efforts, I found my gaze consistently drifting back to the stage, and to Reggie. He was magnetic, and I couldn't help but stare. He didn't hop so much as kind of shake as he played, almost curling over his guitar as his fingers flew across the strings. I had a sudden realization watching him- his callouses must come from hours of playing the guitar.

He leaned forward and grabbed the mic with one hand, pulling it close to his plump lips. The way he sang reminded me of Mick Jagger in his prime. He screamed into it, swinging his guitar around to his back and grabbing the stand with both hands. He pulled the microphone off the stand and walked up to the front of the stage, kneeling down and singing directly to the front row. He stood and walked over to Jessie, sharing the mic with her so she could sing with him.

Not only was he putting on a show, he, and the entire band, were incredibly talented. The music was engaging enough for anyone to love, but still clearly its own special sound. I let myself get into it, letting the music flow through me as we danced in our circle.

"They always played a mixture of original and covers," Frank informed Rose and I, "but they are absolutely on fire tonight! This is wicked." I was surprised by the choice of covers- I knew each of them, and they were some of my favorite songs. Cheryl grabbed my hand and spun me around, then grabbed my other hand and we danced separated slightly from Frank and Rose. She started saying something that I couldn't hear over the music, so she spoke louder.

"I wanted to talk to you for a minute!" she said again, then she dragged me with one hand toward the loo.

"What's up?" I said once we were in the loo where the music was dampened. I started pulling my hair up into a ponytail as she replied.

"I wanted to talk to you about Reggie," she said, and I flushed immediately.

"Okay..." I said, worrying about what she might say.

"Rose told me about you family last night, and then today about the Hagadones specifically," my brow furrowed, "and I don't want to pry into your life, I swear. It's just- I've known Reggie for a while now- he's my best friend. And I think you should know that he isn't like his family."

I was taken aback. "Are you kidding? I'm sorry Cheryl, I know I don't know him very well, but every time we've spoken he's been cocky and full of himself and he obviously flaunts his money. It really seems like he fits the bill of what I'd expect," I said frustratedly.

"No, Fran, you don't understand. He doesn't even like his family- he never sees them! He does use their money, that's true. But he is like the black sheep. His family is greedy and they only care about making more money, but Reggie only cares about giving back and his music. He spends most of his days at a few local community centers. He has a passion for the kids that attend, and it's incredible to watch him work with them," she explained