“Juliana was making fun of you all day yesterday,” DeShaun informs me as we step into the great room. The space is gigantic, with a huge bar on the far wall, two chandeliers, and what is probably Delaware’s biggest fireplace in the middle of the room like a dividing wall. This place is all luxury and affluence.

“I’m sure she was, but who cares?” I respond, just before lifting my camera for the first time and snapping a shot of the governor and mayor standing in the middle of a circle of men in black tuxedos. “I’m having the time of my life right now, and if any of you were into the things I’m into, you’d understand how huge it is to find someone like Nas. You all will just have to forgive me if I’m being a little extra these days.”

“I’m happy for you, girl. It’s great to see you doing the most, especially after what you went through with that hideously dressed sports columnist. You deserve this.”

“Aww, thank you, DeShaun. You're right. I do deserve it, and I’m basking in it.”

“I think we’re all just a little surprised to see you be so out there. Before you met Nathan Booker, you were a little more reserved, and I don't think I remember you ever being late for work.”

“Oh, please. I literally left work early when The Patient came out, so it’s not like I was DNJ’s employee of the year.”

“Yeah, but it was just different,” DeShaun says as he points at a man wearing cargo pants at the party for me to take a picture of. “We all knew you were a crazy person when it came to his books, but we see you less now and it’s just … different. I guess we just miss you.”

“Miss me?” I ask, snapping another shot of a circle of waiters and waitresses who are quite obviously gossiping about the guests. “I’m still here, but what Nas and I are into isn't something I can share with my friends. I don't think you’d want to be in Nas’s basement when we do what we do.”

“Not the basement!” DeShaun exclaims, staring at me with wild eyes. “Nah, y’all can keep that to yourselves. I think what I’m trying to say is that you’ve dove into this joint head first, which you didn't do with Vance, and we just want to make sure you're not going to get hurt. He’s a famous author whose probably used to fucking women and leaving them high and dry. Just be careful with your emotions so we don't have to hurt the guy.”

“I’m being careful,” I snip, suddenly feeling annoyed at being lectured.