The brawny security guard at the door takes a glance at our press credentials and ushers us into the room with a nod of his giant head. DeShaun and I step past him and into the mayor’s lavish fundraiser being mostly financed by the governor himself. It’s not the type of place I’d like to be, but Drake put me on assignment to cover the fundraiser, and DeShaun managed to convince him that a spot about the fashion being worn in the event would somehow get views. Drake agreed, and now we’re both here feeling completely out of place at this gaudy little event.

Working tonight absolutely puts a damper on my mood. I had intended to meet Nas in the Kingdom again tonight, but upon hearing about how I was late to work yesterday after Nas ate me out in the shower, Drake was all too happy to send me to this shindig that didn't start until seven in the evening. I knew it would be a long night, and although I’m glad DeShaun is here with me, all I can think about is what Nas would be doing to me right now if I was strapped or chained to something in his basement. As unpleasant as that may sound to some people, I’d be much more comfortable wearing nothing but chains than I am right now in this black dress and heels that threaten to snap both of my ankles at any minute.

“What on Earth made you decide to wear those heels?” DeShaun asks as we get past the front door and stand in the middle of a busy hall in the community center. Photographers from other publications and news outlets bounce around the area like boxers in the ring, snapping shots of the fancy suits and dresses of the attendees. A waiter nearly hits me as she walks by with a tray of pigs in a blanket over her shoulder, and I snarl.

“I don't know,” I tell DeShaun, who’s making me jealous in his red and yellow button-up and tennis shoes. “But I know it was a horrible idea. I have so many regrets right now. I can’t believe Drake set me up for this.”

“From what I hear, you set yourself up for it by being late yesterday,” DeShaun reminds me, because of course. “Did you change clothes in the parking lot like a homeless person?”

“I changed clothes in the parking lot, but not like a homeless person, DeShaun!” I snap as the state senator walks by, nodding to us as he heads into the main room where the most prominent guests of the evening are all hanging out. DeShaun and I turn in his direction and follow closely behind him.