Be Careful What You Do

1984

The two of us give a quick chuckle and wave to the screaming audience before making a steady strut backstage. Michael hands the ripped envelope to a stagehand "Thank you" he nods politely.

"You know, Tia, we presented that award together pretty well. Its so cool how everyone seems to go crazy when we're around each other" He says chuckling. I chuckled back, playfully rolling my eyes. "We always work well together Jackson".

"So when are we gonna work together on a song? I really think the fans would love it!" He says, I grin again, this is Michael's 3rd time asking for a duet. Michael feels she is the only artist that has kept up with him during his career. "Ok, I'll just cut to the chase... I'm recording a song tonight to help the starving kids in Africa. I have a bunch of artists coming to Quincy's studio after the Grammy's. And I saved a spot for you."

How was I going to deny this? My publicist would kill me, let alone my manager. I hesitate for a while.

They stop under the curtain before they separated to get back to their seats. I playfully bet, "You get all 8 of your Grammy's tonight. I'll be there." I winked as I walked off towards my seat.

"Deal!" he shouts at me, a smile playing on his face.

He walks toward his seat confidently, adjusting his shades throughout the night. "and the winner is.. Michael Jackson!" ran through the room the entire night. I cheered loudly at each award, even the ones he beat me in.

We've always supported each other, even as child stars. We didn't know each other, but we always said nice things about each other in the media. Michael and I didn't meet until an award show in 1981, when he was 23 and I was 21. We kept in touch and talked occasionally, forming a good friendship.

"...thank you to my fans, my family.. Mike you won." I chuckles on the microphone, ending my last award speech. Michael chuckles and points at me, satisfied with his win.

After the award show, naturally, when me and Michael are in the same area, we're always requested to take photos together. This night was no different. Michael and I stood side-by-side with Michael's record breaking, 8 Grammy's, and my 6. We stood and posed in our successes proudly.

Later that night, my driver pulls in to the gateway. I was welcomed by Quincy Jones at the door, someone I've worked with on my most successful album. "Quincy!" I grinned, walking into a hug. We smile, rocking each other before a quick release. "Ali!" Quincy smiles, recalling to my old nickname with him in the studio.

"Still?" I laugh, we walk towards the door arm in arm. "Always! as long as you keep hitting them notes like Muhammad Ali." He smiles, separating into the engineering room for a moment.

I get reacquainted with the other celebrity guests singers that are in the studio, all coming straight from the Grammy's themselves. "Tia, my darling. I'm so glad to meet you tonight. I wanted to tell you. You a singing young girl! You can sing baby. I love your ballads." Tina Turner shakes my shoulder affectionately. "Thank you, that's an honor coming from you. Seriously" I clasps my hands at my chest sweetly. My eyes roam around the room before catching contact with Michael.

He walks over, with lyrics and headphones, directing me to a booth. "This is your part Tia, 'There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives. It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me..' but that part you'll harmonize with me." He continues to explain, I nod my head, practicing the tune in my head.

Between recording my parts and all the practicing with all the other singers, it took all night, but we had this song down. It wasn't until 4 am that we were all heading home for rest. We were exhausted but satisfied. Michael and I gave a short goodbye, with both of our eyes drooping to the ground.