"Pa! Is it okay if I invite the West's to the ball?" I asked as I looked up from my MacBook. Me and his assistant along with his secretary, was compiling the guest list for the 50th annual Governor's Ball while I worked on an article. It was next week, two days after Labor Day.

"Yes, that's fine. I'll be sure to notify security to keep the other reporters at bay. Are you working that night?"

I shook my head no as I emailed my boss the article so I could get the okay to publish it. A body was found today, and I was the first reporter on the scene, so I had first dibs on everything. I broadcast live from the scene, and now I had to post the article with the updates and facts before anybody else could turn the story. "No sir, I asked my boss specifically to have that night off."

"Put them on the VIP list and make sure they get the box invitation."

I nodded my head and grabbed my iPad to edit the list before re-sharing the document. My boss confirmed that I could post the article, so I logged into my portal and did so. I raised my head once I heard the gate beep. I looked at the monitor and shook my head. Two seconds later, the guard house was calling.

"Governor Wright Sr., there's a Jaiandre here for Ms. Wright."

Pa looked at me, and I shook my head, letting him know that I didn't want to see him. I stood up from the table and headed down the hall to one of the guests' bathrooms. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding in. Just hearing the name Jaiandre leaves me flustered, and I don't like that at all. He was someone who I thought was the one. Someone who I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Someone who I simply thought I was going to grow old with. But those thoughts were put at ease once his will to commit became an issue.

He was more than willing to show me off as if I was just arm candy rather than make me his woman. He liked attention and was very arrogant. Being the governor's daughter definitely didn't help. It only fueled the little ego he had. He dealt with me in private on some days and in public when he wanted to. I knew I had to let that man go when he felt that it was okay to bring another date to one of my father's functions when he was supposed to be my date, being that I invited him and all.

When dealing with me, you only had one chance to play me and I was done. Because if I let you play me twice, that's letting you think I was okay with your actions and giving you an invitation to continue doing so. But baby, this is not that type of party. One and done, shawty. Won't make me a fool.

"Juicy, are you okay?"

I looked back at the door, hearing my daddy talk through it. I guess I've been in here for a minute and he was worried. I pulled the door open and he was standing there with his arms open and I gladly walked into them, allowing him to engulf me in his arms. He didn't say anything because he knew I needed just a small moment of silence. Forever thankful for my twin.

"Come on. I've got pizza and wings on the way, along with some brownies."

I looked up at him and smiled as we walked down the hall. I love a man that knows the way to my heart.

"Good morning to the people of Newark, New Jersey! I am Orianne Wright, and I'm reporting to you live from channel 25 here at the station. As I report this information, I want to let it be known for the record that all details are from the Newark Police Department." I pressed the paddle that was hidden under the table so my script could change pages.

"In a rough 48-hour span from Friday night to yesterday [Sunday], there were six homicides in the city of Newark. It all started with this one at Yellow Village Apartments just before 7:30 Friday night. The victim, Rodney Jones, 17, was shot to death in a breezeway." I shook my head as I pressed down on the paddle again. A young soul gone too soon. I let out an unnoticeable deep breath as I prepared to read the next part of the script.

"Also Friday night, someone dropped Messiah Johnson, 18, off at a hospital after he was shot once in his back on 45th and Ave. He died shortly after arriving."

"Early Saturday morning, Carl Hudson, 40, was shot several times by his wife at the Right Motel on the I-67 Frontage Road. He passed away from his injuries. Rebecca Hudson, 47, then killed herself."

"Saturday night on Jackson Blvd, someone shot into a car and the bullets hit two people that were sitting inside. The driver, Jaylen St. Patrick, 24, lost control and crashed through the gates of West Point Apartments. He died. The condition of the other victim is still unknown."

"Police say a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday on Rust Land was a drug deal gone wrong. They say Earl White was shot several times and died. Two others were also wounded but survived."

"NPD says this deadly weekend dispute involved a brother and sister who got into a fight at a family gathering on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. They say a sister shot her brother, and he returned fire, killing her. Her name was Keisha Black, 42." I removed my foot from the paddle and straightened my posture as the cameras panned.

"If there's anybody out there that has anymore information about the other shootings, please don't hesitate to reach out to the police department. And if you wish to remain anonymous, please refer to our tip line. After the short break, we will have Sandy, our meteorologist, with the weather report." Once the red "live" button went dark, I sighed and relaxed, dropping my shoulders. I grabbed my cup of coffee and let one of the crew members remove the mic from my dress.

I walked into my office and took a seat in my chair, sighing for the hundredth time this morning. It's a little bit after seven, and I was ready to go already. I powered on my iMac, logging into my portal. I proofread the article and posted it to the news website. I will update as the police release the information to us.

"Orianne! Let's go! There's an apartment complex on fire."

I looked at Mason, who had just barged into my office and shook my head. Lord, my job is never done. I quickly powered down my iMac and grabbed my belongings before heading to the parking garage. Orianne Wright Jr., reporting for duty, literally.

After a very adventurous day, I was finally leaving the station. I reported a fire, two car accidents, a robbery, and a homicide. Big Mama is tired and I'm so glad I'm not on call tonight. A month on the job and I'm already moving like I've been here for months. I love the faith my boss has in me. I often wondered if it was because my daddy was the governor, but I was reassured, so I stopped wondering.

I pulled my seatbelt across my chest and grabbed my phone from the cup holder, dialing my father's number. I tapped the gear shift three times and pulled out of my parking spot.

"Hey Juicy! You leaving the station?"

I laughed at his excitement. My twin is always happy to talk to me. "Yes Pa, are you at the shop yet?"

"Yes, we're just waiting on you. Your Auntie Ronda said, your dress is finished; you just need to make a few alterations."

I nodded my head as if he could see me and continued driving in the direction of the formal wear shop. My dress has been in the works for the last two months, and I was excited to see the finished product. I told my auntie the color I wanted and gave her creative control. "Okay, I'm like twenty minutes away. Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"No, just come on. I got us something to eat already."

"Okay Pa, see you in a minute." I pressed the button on my steering wheel and paid attention to the traffic.

Exactly twenty minutes later—due to my heavy foot—I was pulling up to the front of the shop. I parked behind my father's white Maybach S 4Matic and killed the engine. I know you guys are probably wondering how a governor can afford a Maybach on his salary. Well, we have old money. The type of old money that goes from generation to generation. I grabbed the handles of my Large Sunshine Fendi bag and waited until one of my father's security guards approached my door. I grabbed the hand that belonged to Uncle Jeffery and stepped out of my truck, letting my heels hit the concrete.

I pulled my skirt down and waited until he shut my door before hitting the keyfob. I walked behind him as he escorted me inside. Donell Jones "Waiting On You" was blaring through the shop, making me bounce and sing along as I walked up upstairs. "Why can't you just believe that things are different now! I'll do whatever it takes, just show me howww!"

"That ain't nobody but Juicy."

I rolled my eyes at the sound of Azaire's voice. "Hello to you too, Peanut."

I smacked his chest and hugged my father before sitting down beside him. I laid my head on his shoulder and raised my feet, which prompted Azaire to remove my heels. I sighed as I flexed my toes. I was very much spoiled and loved every minute of it. Especially since I was the only girl. The majority of my cousins were boys, and it was a nightmare. I raisedup from my father's shoulder and opened my purse, grabbing my Birkenstocks—sliding my feet inside.

"Where's Auntie?" I asked as I grabbed a glass of champagne and threw it back.

"She had to drop off a customer's order and put that glass down. You know you can't be drinking on an empty stomach!"

I looked at my daddy and pouted as he scolded me. I put the glass down anyway and grabbed the plate that had my name on it. I took a seat back beside him and sat with my plate in my lap, opening it. I saw that it was pepper steak and mashed potatoes. I danced in my seat because, yea.

"I caught you on the news today, Juice! You're a natural baby."

I smiled at the praise coming from my cousin. "Thank you, Peanut! Do you want to go out next weekend? I got a free session at Manqué Tre."

"Girl, stop lying! Do you know how long I've been trying to get a session at that damn club? Sessions are booked in advance like dang, my money's long too."

I busted out laughing as he huffed. "I interviewed the owner a month ago, and he gave me a free session. You know, I don't really have friends besides Kayli, and I don't want it to go to waste."

He nodded his head in understanding as I forked some food into my mouth. I had another friend, but she's studying abroad overseas, and we talk whenever we can. Time zones were some bitches.

"Are you trying to turn it into a cousin thing?"

I thought about it and shrugged. I don't see anything wrong with that, even though they were going to be fighting the niggas off me all night. Nodding my head "Yea, we can do that, but we need to leave Tizon's trigger happy ass at home. Him, Vashun, and Tyson."

I shook my head in frustration as I forked some food into my mouth, making him laugh.

"You know, we just be looking out for you."

I smacked my lips. "I know that, but do you remember what happened the last time we all went out together? Tizon broke that boy's jaw with the butt of his gun all because he touched my waist and said excuse me."

He shrugged. "Well, ol' boy should've kept his hands to himself."

I just shook my head and looked at my Pa who shrugged too. Lord, these men in my life, I tell you. Mob ass family.