I got back to my hotel and found a couple of things waiting for me. First was a package from the shop where I had purchased my tux. Alterations completed, they had been delivered as promised. The second was a message from Rashida that she would pick me up to bring me to the governor’s residence. I just had enough time to take a shower and change.

When I saw her waiting for me in the lobby, I was transfixed. Before me stood a woman of poise and beauty. The dark flowing hair I remembered from before was done up to revealed the line of her neck in a way I hadn’t noticed before. That her dress was red and strapless, I could tell you. But to describe how she looked in it is beyond my poor ability. No one at the governor’s would out shine her.

“How do you like it?” She asked.

“Rashida… I’m speechless.” was all I could say.

“Good, then it has the effect I was hoping for,” she smiled. She put her coat on against the chill december air and we went to the car.

We drove to the governor’s residence.