I practiced my vocals in the mirror as I listened to the radio. A big storm is happening tonight. I hope it doesn't interfere with my performance tonight. I'm trying out this new song that Michael requested. He's coming over to help me with the lyrics. I couldn't help but think about him & diana. When he told me he had a crush on her, I didn't expect him to marry her. Talk about a happy ending. Oh god, am I hearing myself. I sound so jealous. Why am I jealous? Its not like I got a crush on him or something. He's happily married & that's all that matters. One day, love will come find me but not now.
"Your looking good in that dress sweetie" a familiar voice whispered in my ear.
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I jumped by surprised. Michael laughed at my silliness. His laugh is too adorable.
"You startled me!"
"I'm sorry, did I interrupt your vocalizing?" He asked concerned.
"No" I turned off the radio "you have the lyrics?"
"Got it right here" he held up the pages. He hands me one of them. I scanned through the lyrics.
"This is amazing! You wrote this?"
"Definitely, it took me all night to finish that song back in the day. I was going through some tough times. Writing music was my safe place" he said.
"Oh you poor thing."
He smiled weakly "let's practice these lyrics."
-
"You did an amazing job today! I can't wait to see your performance tonight" he said.
"Well, I hope everyone likes it."
"They're gonna love it" he added.
I walked towards the wardrobe full of fancy clothes. I ran my fingers through all the fabrics. I haven't decided what dress to wear tonight. I want it to match the song. I pulled out the long red strapless dress with a white boa. This would look perfect for tonight's performance.
"You would look beautiful in that" he said from behind me.
"You think so?" I turned around & pressed the dress against my body. He sat down & stared at the glamorous dress.
"I know so" he said pulling out a cigar.
"I'm still in shock from all of this. I'm wearing expensive clothing, performing in front of millions of people & singing songs that I get to choose" I sighed "this is all too real."
"You can thank my wife for that. She saw something in you that was special" he took a puff from his cigar.
"Can I ask a question?"
"Ask away" he said.
"Do you own the diamonds club?"
"Definitely, i've own it for years. As you can tell, its doing an amazing job. So sad that the kid had to get shut down due to bankruptcy. That club was history in its making" he said crossing his legs.
"Yeah, a lot of artists came from there. I thought it would be me but I guess not."
"Aye, quit downing yourself baby" he said. He stood up & let out his cigar. "Your in the diamonds club now. You don't have to worry about none of that shit. You are a star & a damn pretty good one. Your gonna be on someone's label."
"I hope so." I put the dress back on the hanger.
"Do you wanna go out to eat before the show? You only have five hours" he exclaimed.
"Oh, I um" I scratched the back of my neck nervously.
"My wife is perfectly fine with me going out with my lady friends" he added.
Why do I half believe that? It wouldn't hurt just to eat a meal before the show. "Okay."
-
"Wow, this place is magnificent!"
We sat down at our reserved table. The waitress brought over a bottle of red wine. Michael opened it & pour it in both of our glasses. I never had wine before. I usually just drink liquor & juice. I gratefully took a sip of the rich wine. Oouu, so sweet & strong.
"This is one of the finest establishments in New York. The richest wine, tasty food, & good service" he added.
"I love it all!" I looked around to see many people coming in for lunch too. A crew playing soft music to sweeten up the mood.
"You can live this type of life y'know" he said smirking at me.
"What do you mean?"
"The wine, designer clothes, good jewelry, & not to mention the mansions" he added.
"Mansions?" My heart lit up with joy. "My own mansion?"
"Yes, your own. Once you see your paycheck, you can probably get more then that" he said.
"A one-bedroom apartment with a high rent is difficult to manage. I don't know if I can handle a mansion."
"You don't have to worry about paying the rent because your rich!" He smiled "anne mae, you might not understand now but later you will."
The waitress came over again & asked for our orders. We said our desire & off she went. I really don't know much about this man. Besides him owing the diamonds club.
"Michael?" He looked up curiously. "What do you do for a living?"
He looked around him & leaned over "can you keep a secret?"
"Yes." He motioned me to leaned over, I did so.
"I'm a drug dealer" he whispered in my ear. We both sat back down in our seats. A drug dealer? Is he serious?
"Your kidding right?" I laughed.
He raised an eyebrow & took a sip of his wine. Oh, he's not kidding. He's a actual drug dealer! I don't think I wanna know how he operates.
"How long?"
"Since i was eighteen, I did my first sell in front of the corner store" he said lowly.
"Was you scared?"
"Definitely" he furrowed his eyebrows together "I was afraid for my life. Doing what I do isn't easy or sweet but I had no choice. No one would hire me during that time. In order for me to survive, I sold it."
"What about your family?"
"What about them?" He said.
"What did they think about it?"
"Me & my family don't really get along. But if we did, I wouldn't care less though. Its my life & I do whatever I want" he said.
