Most of my days lately have been spent scrolling through LinkedIn, looking for partners, and polishing up my portfolio. I had the credentials, the accolades, and now a big courtroom win, but with the whole issue hanging over my head of losing partnership with my last firm, I knew every firm would have the same question: Why aren’t you with them anymore? That’s if word hadn’t already gotten around in the legislative world.
I tried not to think about it, but my anxiety had gotten so bad that I was taking Benadryl just to fall asleep. So tonight, Ipromised myself I’d go to this party, have fun if I could, and sip a few drinks, hoping that tonight I could sleep a little easier.
Ultimately, I chose a black gown with the back cut out, which is riskier than I usually go out in, but I wasn’t representing any firm tonight. I could finally look sexy and not just classy, which they pushed at my old law firm. The dress was still elegant, even while being sexy, and with my heels paired and my Chanel clutch, I looked like money.
After putting on my outfit, I curled my hair, then twisted it into a messy, classy bun, the kind that looked effortless, but it took me forty minutes to finish. I left two curls hanging loose over my forehead and put a diamond leaf clip in the front to add a bit of razzle, since I wasn’t big on big earrings. Once I finished my makeup, I finally felt put together all the way. After all, I wanted to look perfect tonight because I wasn't sure who I would run into at a party for the King of New York. This event wasn’t posted everywhere, so I know it will be an exclusive guest list, and I’m happy I made the cut. I could actually do some networking tonight since I’m a defense attorney about to be in a room full of gangstas.
When I arrived at the party, cars were lined up and down the street, all of which were so nice that the BMWs here looked cheap.
I valeted my car in the front and stepped into line where people stood waiting to get their names checked off a list.
As I waited patiently in the line outside the party, I heard someone call my name,
“Bria! What are you doing in line, girl?”
I turned and saw Ciara gliding toward me in a gown that glittered like crushed diamonds and touched the floor so gracefully, I swear it floated. Her hair was long, straight, parted down the middle, and for the first time since I’d met her, she had extra-long weave in. It looked good on her, though. She is absolutely stunning with little effort, and I can see why Hov is crazy about her.
"Hi Ciara! You look beautiful."
"So do you, darling, and this dress. O-m-g.” She made me do a little spin.
“Thanks, girl.”
“Oh, you are more than welcome, but don’t wait in line. You are a VIP guest. Let’s go inside. I just stepped outside to make sure the Valet was running smoothly since the parking is so limited around here.”
She grabbed my hand and led me up the stairs to the Cascade Hall.
When we walked through the doors, I was blown away because the whole building looked like a movie. There were chandeliers dripping light, gold accents everywhere, velvet drapes, and marble floors. Money had definitely been poured into this event, and it instantly elevated my mood.
Straight ahead, near a table up front, Hov sat, leaning back in his chair, that same cool, calm demeanor he always carried like a second skin. The guys Scotty and Bam, whom I recognized from my case studies, were around him. Hov looked like he was actually enjoying himself, and his smile widened even more when he saw us walking up.
“Wifey. I was wondering when you were going to come back to me.”
He stood and kissed Ciara on her forehead, then looked at me with that slow nod he always gave.
“Ms. Bria, I’m glad you could make it out, too.”
He pulled me into a side hug.
“Bria, Bria, Bria?” one of the guys said, eyeing me up and down.
“Don’t even think about it, Bam,” Hov warned, laughing.
“She’ll never get with you for anything but a piece of French toast.”
They all cracked up.
“Fuck you nigga! How are you doing, though, miss lady?”
“I’m fine, thank you for asking,” I said smoothly.
“But Ciara, are there any drinks that I can grab? It’s been a long day.”
I switched the conversation quickly because of the look Bam was giving me, and I didn’t plan to entertain him. I only had eyes for one bad boy as of now, and I hated that they were even on him, to be honest.
"Yes, there is a full bar in each corner and a champagne tower in the middle of the dance floor," Ciara answered.
"Okay, if you will all excuse me. I’ll go partake in a beverage." I rubbed my hand against Ciara's shoulder before I walked over to the champagne tower and reached for a glass.
