It Takes Two

Chapter 2

Hope you are having a fantastic day.

Rae

"Nah, I'm good." I turned down the 4th guy who has asked me if 'he could have this dance'. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told the previous 3 guys my dude. They all had the irritated face after I turned them down, like I was inconveniencing them.

Here I was, at the annual ball. I did like to dress up and look nice on occasion, so I didn't mind coming. It was interesting to see mafia people here let loose. Some people you would've never thought got down like that.

This is the ultimate version of people watching. Add unlimited refills on wine, that was a huge plus.

"Some more champagne, madam?" One of the waiters came over, ready to refill. As much as I wanted to say yes, I didn't. This is the last place I would want to be drunk.

"No thank you." I told him politely. He nodded and went on his way. I've seen him all night, someone give that man a raise. I got up and decided I would like to have some more of the lovely small appetizers they had to offer.

As I loaded some things on my plate, I saw the commissioner walk in. When he walks in...it can't be good news. People made a path for him and his guards as they walked through the room. Hmm, wonder who he was off to talk to?

I shrugged and began to make my way back to my seat. I knew after I finished this plate, I would be back to being bored again. There was no one here for me to talk to. I mean I guess I had people to speak with, but they would get on my nerves.

Sometime later, everyone began to prepare to leave the ball. It wasn't the end yet, but a lot of people wanted to get out, so they didn't have to deal with the traffic. I think I may start making my way out of here too if I'm being honest.

"Ms. Lyon." I heard my name being called. I turned to look at exactly who I thought it was. I gave a fake smile.

"Hello Mr. Vinci, how are you?"

"I am well, thank you for asking. Yourself?"

"Doing great." Well, I was until he came over.

"That's excellent to hear. You by yourself? You should have someone here entertaining you." He had a look of concern.

"No, I'm fine on my own. I didn't need any escort to the ball." I tried to say nicely.

"Well, any good man would've immediately taken the position to bring you here." He gave a creepy smile.

Mr. Vinci was on the commission, just like I was. He was in his 50s and extremely creepy. I was the only woman on the commission. The men would either want me because I'm a woman or despise me because I'm a woman.

I can't win.

Let's not even get started on me being black.

"You wanna know something?"

"Hm?" This is going to be good.

"I think you are the most intuitive on the commission. You handle yourself so well compared to the others." He put his hand over mine, which I slyly snatched away.

"That's nice of you to say. I appreciate that." I nodded at him. He still was smiling. It's my queue to leave. "I must begin my departure-."

"So soon?"

"Yes." I said quickly. "I need to attend to some matters." I stood up and him along with me.

"At least let me escort you to your car."