Streets of Gold - A Michael Jackson Story

Chapter 54 - Heartbreak Hotel

Yonela

Saturday February 27th, 1988 - Los Olivos, Santa Barbara

Today, Michael will be flying to New York for the start of the next leg of his tour. He has dedicated this entire break to the production of Moonwalker, working tirelessly to complete every necessary project in perfect timing. I couldn't be prouder of him for achieving this milestone. Our Valentine's dinner date was enjoyable - for a change, there was a lot less tension and a lot of fun conversation. We reminisced on our first experience together a year earlier, and all the beautiful memories we've made between then and now. It felt very good to spend an evening of quality time with him, experience that feeling of romance, feel that real love again.

I'd almost forgotten that he might cheating on me.

While Michael is in the shower, I fold up his clothes that I'd left in the tumble dryer last night and pack them for him. His shirts and pants fill up the middle section just enough, leaving decent space for his toiletry bag when he finishes getting ready. I wrap his socks and ties into a bundle small enough to fit in the outside pocket. I open it up, and I feel my body freeze at the sight of a set of white lace lingerie.

The fuck...?

Taking them out of the pocket and lifting them up to check their size, I immediately see that they're too small for me, and probably a perfect fit for Tatiana. There are no price tags attached, and there's no lingering scent of perfume or cologne. Judging by the feeling of the fabric, it's a brand new set and hasn't been worn.

Did he... buy these for her?

Not wanting to overthink this nonsense and get myself worked up before his departure, I put the lingerie back where I found it, followed by the bundle of socks and ties, then zip up the bag. Silently, I exit the bedroom before Michael gets out of the shower.

* * *

Thursday March 3rd, 1988 - Brooklyn, New York City

Not confronting Michael about the lingerie before he left was a good decision - he and I said our goodbyes in a fairly happy way, but I've been haunted by my discovery ever since. Last night, I made the last minute decision to take the next plane out to New York, without his knowledge, and find out for myself exactly what's going on. I asked Katherine to stay with Reign for a few days, packing all her essentials, a sufficient supply of freshly pumped breastmilk, some emergency formula and her favourite bedtime cuddle toy. After kissing her goodbye and giving Katherine a big hug, I drove straight to LAX. Parking was easy to find, and I checked my car in for overnight security before heading straight to the check-in counter, then the boarding gates. After a smooth flight, I landed at JFK and ordered a taxi to a hotel - the same one we stayed at on our mini-honeymoon just a few months ago.

As soon as I reached my hotel room, I took a long shower, ordered some lunch, then spent the rest of the afternoon winding down and relaxing before Michael's show tonight. My plan is to arrive shortly before the ticket gates open, blending in with the stage crew, and look for Frank or Bill. They'll know where I can wait until the show starts, then come and take me to watch the last parts of the show from the wings. Then, I'll surprise him when he gets offstage after his final bows. This way, he'll be stuck with me in his dressing room - no chance for any secret sex hookups with Tatiana.

It's almost perfect... isn't it?

* * *

Thursday March 3rd, 1988 - Manhattan, New York City

Madison Square Garden has to be one of the biggest concert venues I've ever seen in my life - it's massive, and to think that this is only one of the many venues Michael has sold out, on more than one night, is just incredible. When it comes to his craft, the man knows what he's doing and it shows whenever he delivers a performance. The crowd is going completely insane, and I would probably be doing the same if I was a part of them.