“Even when faced with the superior lyrics of Biggie, Jay Z, Nas, and Meek Mill. Despite growing up in Philly, he still stans Dr. Dre, Tupac, and Kendrick Lamar—as if they compare.” Park laughed.

“I have no coastal allegiance for hip-hop,” Colin said.

Liza’s improperly placed napkin fell from the table, and Dorsey caught it before it hit the ground. “Liza, my brother, Alexi, is—was—into West Coast rap. Those lyrics take up a ridiculous portion of my brain.”

Liza took the napkin from his hand and put it back on the table. Why does she never put napkins on her lap? She had made fun of his persnickety napkining at the hotel bar. But he didn’t care; there was a wrong and right way to do things. Dorsey took the napkin again and folded it over her lap. Not missing the opportunity to run his thumbs across her thighs. He realized that the table had gone quiet when Colin cleared his throat.

“Chicho and I are really moving away from the violence of hip-hop into safer, calmer music. Right, Chicho?” Chicho nodded, and Liza put her fork down noisily. Dorsey wondered how she and Chicho were doing. It must not be easy to see her friend attached to someone like Colin, who seemed to always be campaigning for elected office, even at dinner. Silence once again rolled over the table.

“And that, folks, is how you entertain,” the senator boomed, cracking the silence, and Colin immediately began hooting with laughter, followed by Chicho and Fredo. Liza looked impatient for this night to be over. It was time to get down to the business of his visit.

Be bold, Dorsey. Say what you want.

“Liza,” he began, his voice coming out too loud. Keep your cool. “Park is an avid Korean rap fan. I know you were looking for worldwide collections.”

Liza’s eyes widened. “Oh yes. I’m doing these hip-hop showcases on my radio program.”

“Can we show you his collection and mine? He’s out with me in Georgetown,” Dorsey said hopefully.

“I could come hang out, sure. I’d”—she risked a glance at Chicho—“I’d have to get back here, though. We have work to do tomorrow.”

“Of course, of course,” Park said through smiles, lifting up from the table so forcefully he tipped his plate. “Which jacket is yours?”

“Oh, you mean right now?” Liza looked like she was holding in an eruption of laughter. “Chicho, wanna come?”

“Um . . .”

Colin popped up and called out, “Lu-Chee-yuh.”

Liza handed her friend a jacket and wiggled her eyebrows. Daring her to ignore her husband.

“Lucia and I still have a bit to do this evening, and we have quite an early morning. So we can’t afford to be so impulsive,” Colin said.