I spin completely around in my chair and lean forward, resting my head on Juliana’s shoulder as I let out a long exhale. I thought about this question the entire ride to work today, and now that I’m here, I still don't have an answer. Nas and I have been to dinner a couple of times, which is already enough to understandably convince a reasonable person that we’re dating, even if we’re not exclusive. We’ve also had sex in my kitchen and living room, and some extremely kinky playing dungeon that he aptly named the Kingdom. I slept at his house—albeit by accident—and Nas has punched my ex-boyfriend in the face for me in a public place, risking being arrested to defend me. If he’s not my boyfriend, he does a great boyfriend impression. Nonetheless, the scene that played out before I left his house this morning has certainly put a damper on my confidence.

“I don't know what the hell we are,” I say into Juliana’s ear. Sensing my sudden shift in emotion, my best friend throws her arms around me and wraps me in a hug.

“I don't know what happened, but you let me know if I have to figure out how to murder a famous author. Okay?” she tells me, which I absolutely love her for because I know she’s only partially kidding. “If I’m being completely honest, I was worried when he asked you out at the book signing.”

I sit up straight and push my hair over my shoulder. “Really? Why?”

“Because he’s practically a celebrity, at least in the book community. Ask anybody how it feels to date a celebrity and you’ll understand why I was worried. Those egos are nightmarish.”

“Well, luckily Nas doesn't have a big ego,” I say. “He showed me his office this morning and I saw all the books he has in there, including copies of his own. As far as I can tell, the man is as humble as they come. He literally hadn't shown any red flags … until this morning.”

“Ah shit. What happened?” Juliana asks with wide eyes. “I knew it. I’m going to have to murder an author sometime this week.”

“Nah, it’s not that deep,” I start, before pulling it back. “At least, I don't think it’s that deep. I don't even know.”

“Well, spill it, bitch. What’d he do?”

I sigh before clearing my throat, because I’m still not sure how I feel about what I’m about to say.

“He had me sign an NDA this morning.”

Juliana stares at me a moment, tilting her head to the side as she frowns with a deep furrow in her brow. She twists her plump lips together as her eyes dart around the room, searching for answers.