Black Celebrity One-Shots (2000s)

Together Again (pt. 2)

(This chapter contains explicit content. Reader discretion advised.)

"My goodness, look at the size of this place!"

Janet's warm, light-hearted laugh brought back a rush of memories. "I know, it's a bit over the top. But when you're on tour, you have to go all out."

The suite was grand beyond words, lavish in a way that made even the most expensive rooms at the Waldorf Astoria appear tawdry. My jaw dropped as I took in the spacious living area decked with a gleaming white grand piano that sat against one wall, while velvet couches were grouped around a massive flat screen TV. The mini kitchen was stocked with every conceivable amenity, including a wet bar. My eyes followed the intricate staircase leading to the loft bedroom. Through an archway, I glimpsed an infinity pool on the balcony, glittering turquoise under the night sky.

So much had changed since our early success, yet Janet clearly relished living large when she could.

"Make yourself comfortable," Janet said, waving a hand at the space. Her gaze scanned me critically, but I saw only warmth there, not judgment for the awe on my face.

Alone on the couch, we slipped into easy conversation, rediscovering the deep bond between us. Nostalgia washed over me as we talked and laughed, sometimes slipping into easy silence, transporting me again to those bright, early days. I felt the years falling away. It was like old times, just like she'd said.

"Would you like something to drink? I probably have whatever you'd like." Her emphasis on "whatever" seemed subtly loaded, but I could have imagined it.

"Wine sounds perfect, white if you have it."

Janet's lips curved in a smile as she rose and walked to the bar, hips swaying in a way that made watching her irresistible. I slightly gripped the couch cushions, torn between nervousness and anticipation.

When she passed me a glass of wine, our fingers brushed and a jolt went through me. Her eyes met mine, a gentle smile still playing across her lips.

"You know...there's a reason why it's taken me such a long time to get in touch with you again. The thing is, it's not because I didn't want to. I really did. I just...was going through a lot."

"What happened? Are you ok?" I asked softly.

"I'm fine now. A whole lot better as a matter of fact. And I've had a lot of time to think about what happened and how it affected me." She took a sip of her wine. "You remember when I was on tour back in '95?"

I nodded. "Of course. I couldn't go because I had the flu."

"Well..." she paused, gazing at me intently. "Right before one of my shows, I started to feel overwhelmed. That was a difficult time for me. The strain of constant touring, media attention and criticism over my image, and childhood trauma had finally become too much. The stress and anxiety just built up inside me until I felt crushed by it. I couldn't escape, not even on that stage. In the middle of the performance, I just froze. I couldn't go on. I had a complete mental breakdown and collapse. They had to stop the show and hospitalize me. I thought I was losing my mind."

Her eyes glistened with a few tears as she said, "I'm usually so in control of everything, and to completely lose control like that terrified me. Instead of seeking therapy, I withdrew from everyone, cutting myself off and becoming deeply depressed. I isolated myself for years, unable to cope with life."

I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Janet, I'm sorry. That must have been terrible."

"It was. I stayed holed up in my house, barely speaking to anyone. It wasn't until Jimmy and Terry finally pleaded with me to seek help and get back to work that I started to heal. Making music again became my lifeline, a way for me to express my pain and work through it. My previous album was a result of that journey."