Fireworks 1 and 2

Chapter Ten

    No expense was spared for the party Drake and his crew hosted. Held at a club called The Hoxton in Toronto, lights flashed, bottles were popped, and the music beats made the walls throb. A blend of celebrities and unrecognizable faces filled the upscale brick venue. The club boasted wood floors, exposed beams, and exposed pipes, giving the place a Brooklyn loft feel. Modern furniture, including sleek black leather booths and stools, lined the walls.

    Mia followed Drake's crew into the place with her friends close at her heels. Underground hip hop music blared from the speakers. Future the Prince spoke a few brief words to Drake, then headed for the deejay booth.

    As soon as Drake was spotted, everyone in the venue whooped with excitement. He raised a hand while placing a guiding hand behind Mia's back. They reached a dimly lit corner that was roped off. Beyond the thick bands of red rope, there was a collection of couches, a small bar, and televisions mounted to the walls. A bouncer was posted in front of the area. He politely greeted Drake and let him in.

    "We had to bring the couches in," Ryan explained to Drake. "Their VIP area wasn't going to accommodate all of us, so we had to make adjustments."

    Drake nodded, surveying the area. "Good job, good job."

    Bri nudged Mia's back. "We're in VIP right now. Just in case you didn't know."

    Mia laughed.

    Desirae twirled her brown hair around her finger. Her eyes lit up when they landed on Trey Songz, the talented brown-skinned R&B singer that had performed at the OVOFest Event.

    Trey approached Drake the minute Drake and his crew set foot inside the VIP area. He was dressed in belted dark jeans, a black t-shirt, and black Timberland boots. "Hey, man, there's these ladies that want to meet you. I told them I'd introduce you when you got here..." His voice trailed off as he realized that Drake's arm was around Mia.

    "Mia's got all of my attention tonight," Drake said, pulling her a bit closer to him. "You can still introduce me to them, but my head isn't in that mode tonight."

    Trey nodded in understanding. "I got you, I got you." He extended a hand to Mia. "It's nice to meet you, Mia. You held your own on that stage tonight."

    She smiled as she shook his hand. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

    Trey clapped Drake on the back again. "If you're not going to partake tonight, then I guess I'll have to entertain the ladies." He linked his hands together and stretched his arms out. "Tough job, but someone's got to do it."

    "Are you and I performing a song tonight?" Drake asked him.

    "I'm down, just let me know when."

    "I'll hit you up," Drake said. He shook his head as Trey walked off. He leaned in close to Mia. "He probably just gave you the worst impression of me."

    She arched a glance up at him. "I'm not naive. I know what goes on in the industry."

    He tilted his head forward. "I don't really hide the fact that I enjoy women."

    Bri tugged on Mia's arm, saving her from having to respond. "Desi and I are going to dance. Are you coming?"

    Mia glanced at Drake.

    "I'm not going to keep you from dancing," he told her.

    "You...should come and dance with us," she suggested.

    Bri and Desi exchanged looks, then both turned their eyes to Drake, awaiting his response.

    He shook his head slowly. "Maybe in a little while."