Queen Bee

December 2006 (2)/January 2007 (1)

Pulling up to Diddy's New Year's party, I stepped out of the car, adjusting my short leather mini skirt before linking arms with Charmin. Truthfully, I was not interested in going out one bit tonight, Zoe couldn't make it due to work, Jill felt too tired from Christmas, and Aidan didn't wanna go if Jill didn't wanna go. But, Charmin being Charmin, she convinced me to go at least for a few hours because 'it'd be good for you to mingle,' she claimed. It's not that I disagreed with her, 'cause I didn't. She was right. Since my last album, there's been a whole flood of new artists coming up, and if you wanna stay relevant in this game, you need to be accepting with open arms. You need to work with new artists, not just stay stuck in the same cycle. But I at least wanted my friends to be there and have a good time, I didn't want my night to be all work. But, I guess in the end, I can just suck it up and put a smile on. I mean, what's a few hours, right? 

Heading inside, we pushed our way past the sea of photographers all screaming and yelling until we finally made it through the large glass doors. Immediately being greeted by numerous label executives, CEOs of various companies, and Diddy himself, I was handed a drink and the mingling commenced. 

Going from what felt like person, to person, to person, I checked my phone, realizing it had only been about forty five minutes of this bullshit and I was already exhausted, damn near dying to get home. I had dropped Des off at my dads for the night, but hopefully, if I can make it out soon enough, I can pick him up and bring him home so I wont have to get up early tomorrow to go and fetch him. 

Tapping the ball of my Jimmy Choo's against the concrete floor, I decided I needed another drink if I was gonna be able to make it a few more hours. Excusing myself from the small group that had gravitated towards us, I headed towards the large, open bar that was currently being overtaken by incredibly drunk and newly famous twenty-year-olds. Aw. That's almost like how me and Marshall were. Young, talented, and always ready for a party. I just hope they can outgrow the lifestyle when it comes time to be an adult and raise a family. Something Marshall could never quite seem to grasp... 

Shaking my head, I tried my best to clear the depressingly nostalgic thoughts, marching directly up towards the bartender. "Hennessy and Coke, please! Double if you can!" I yelled loudly over the music, earning a nod in reply. Offering him a thankful smile as I waited, I felt a gentle hand attach itself to my bicep. 

"Angel, right?" A small, brown headed girl with bouncy curls yelled, smiling at me almost as wide as possible. I nodded, returning the large smile as I recognized the girl as Alicia Keys. "Alicia." She gestured towards herself. "It's so good to finally meet you!" 

"You too! I've been dyin' to meet you ever since I heard Songs In A Minor! I had that record on repeat for months!" 

She laughed. "Aw, that's so kind of you, thank you! And can I just say, you're even more beautiful in person." 

"You're so sweet." My genuine tone was complimented with a soft smile. "Thank you." 

She giggled. "Of course, of course. It's true!" Feeling as the skin of my cheeks began to heat up, all I could do was offer her a laugh and a smile back. "So are you working on any new records or anything right now?" 

Shaking my head, the bartender finally handed me my drink. "No, I uh-" Grabbing it, I took a small sip from my straw. "I got busy for a lil' bit with some personal stuff, but I'm hoping to start one soon! Hopefully in February once I finish up with some features I'm doin'." 

She nodded with a smile. "That's amazing, do you know what it's gonna sound like yet or no?" 

"No, not yet. I never do until I start it." 

She laughed. "Yeah, I'm the same way. I just started working on something new and I'm still kinda at a loss for what the sound is gonna be, but I always seem to figure it out eventually."