Don't Walk Away (A Michael Jackson Love Story)

Chapter 13: Lunch

Within the hour, we were sitting at a table in a nice restaurant. Michael was on my left, Janet directly across from me, and Latoya across from Michael.

"So what was it like touring with Prince?" Janet broke the silence. She looked excited.

Mike gripped his fork tightly. He stabbed a piece of lettuce with it and took a bite.

"It was tiring. But going on tour is always fun," I said, trying to ignore his attitude.

"Is Prince as cool in person as he seems?"

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "He's a very mysterious individual."

Michael dropped his silverware. "Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom," he muttered. I watched him disappear down a small hallway nearby.

"He gets into moods sometimes," I explained. I stood up. "I'll be right back."

I weaved between tables and walked right into the men's bathroom. Mike was standing at the sink. He stared into the mirror emotionlessly.

"Get your ass out of this bathroom right now," I snapped. He turned around, his eyes wide.

"Why do you have to talk about stuff like that in front of me?" he shot back.

"Ask your sister! And maybe you should apologize, because they both looked a little offended." I grabbed his arm. "You're going to finish your lunch, and then we can leave."

Gritting his teeth, he obeyed. I got a couple looks from the guys coming into the bathroom as we walked out.

I sat back down. "Sorry. When I was on tour with Prince, I wasn't in touch with Mike. It bothers him," I told Janet. I took a sip of water.

She had a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "Did you and Prince do the nasty?" she asked quietly.

I nearly choked. I put my glass down slowly. Michael's glare was focused on me. Latoya pretended not to hear.

"Why do you think that's an important question?" I made sure to tread carefully on this subject.

"Well, it's no secret that Prince's music is sexual. And we all know you and Mike frequently...do it." Janet smirked.

"Jan, you're only sixteen. You're too young for this conversation," Michael warned. "Let's talk about something else. Please." He was blushing.

Janet looked like she was about to say something in retaliation, but stopped. She rolled her eyes.

I noticed that quick change of attitude and made a mental note to talk to her alone later.

"How was the recording session with Paul?" Latoya interrupted.

"Good," Mike answered. "But he had to leave early."

Janet was now brooding, looking distracted. I tapped the table in front of her. "Can we talk in the bathroom?" I whispered.

Without a word she followed me into the ladies' room. "What's going on?" I demanded as soon as I checked that we were alone.

"I-I lost my virginity," she mumbled. "It was stupid, I know. I tried to forget about it. But then Mike reminded me of it."

"Janet! Are you serious?" I thought of when I lost my own virginity, only a year older than her. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. Did you get pregnant? Did you get an STD?"

"No."

"Then you're fine. It's not like you can take it back. So go out and enjoy yourself. Don't get hung up on this thing." I hugged her, then led her back to our table.

Michael rubbed his leg against mine. I shook my head, letting him know that I wasn't in the mood.

But the touching continued. He smirked at me softly. My mind raced back to our bedroom after the P.Y.T. recording session. "Don't ever get me that turned on in front of your family ever again," I'd said. Of course that had excited him because it made me want him badly.

"I was thinking of going back to California in a couple weeks," I announced. I wasn't serious, of course, but it changed the atmosphere quickly. Mike moved his leg away. "Why didn't you tell me?" he questioned.

"I thought you should all know." I patted his hand. "We'll talk later."

We finished our meal in silence. Latoya paid, despite Michael's many protests. I said good-bye to his sisters.

Mike tried to ignore me in the limo, but I kept poking him. "What?" he sighed.

"We need to talk about this. Don't get so angry," I said. We rode the elevator in another awkward pause. I closed the suite door behind me.

"I'm not really going to California," I admitted. "I'm going back on tour. Rehearsals start the day after tomorrow. I didn't want you to be upset."

Michael turned to face me. "Why do you always keep secrets from me?" He looked sad, but frustrated.

"It's Prince's tour. I knew you wouldn't like the idea of me going back to him. But it's different this time! I have you!" I pointed out.

He sat down on the edge of the bed. I straddled his lap. "Baby, I don't want him anymore. I have you."

Mike held my waist. "I trust you," he said. "Can I go in to watch one of the rehearsals?"

"Why? You just said you trusted me!" I exclaimed.

"I like watching other artists perform," he replied. "Can you ask him?"

I kissed his cheek. "I suppose." I rolled off his lap and dialed Prince's number on the phone sitting on the nightstand. It rung three times. "Hello?"

I jumped. He personally answered his management's phone. "It's Lily Davis. I'm calling to confirm that I'll be on the upcoming tour. And I have a question..."

"You wanna get in bed just for old times' sake?" Prince chuckled.

I coughed. "No. I don't think that'll be happening any time soon. I'm with Michael again. Michael Jackson. He wanted to know if he could observe one of the rehearsals. He'll sign the confidentiality contract if you want him to."

Prince scoffed. "Girl, you're always going back to him. Must be something special. I'll get back to you on the rehearsal thing. See ya later, Lil." There was a click, signaling that the call was over.

I sat back. "He said maybe," I told Michael.

He smiled. "We got your dancing thing in place, now if you'd just let me help you vocally..."

"I'm fine with dancing." I chewed my lip.

"But your voice is beautiful," he insisted.

"Look who's talking," I laughed.

He narrowed his eyes. "You know what I love the most about your voice? How it sounds when you're screaming my name," he whispered.

"What?"

Mike pulled me closer on his lap. "You heard me."

I blinked. "Damn."

"So..." he pressed. I slung my arms around his neck. "I think you know what I want," I breathed. His hands slid up to my sides.

Suddenly he was tickling me, tossing me off his lap and sitting on top of me. I screeched in surprise and squirmed out from underneath him. "Ugh, you're so immature!" I yelled.

Michael slid his arms around me. "Sorry," he responded. I couldn't possibly stay mad when he was staring at me with those big brown eyes. I half-smiled. "I forgive you."

He planted a kiss on my forehead. "I love you, did you know that?"

"You only tell me every day," I pointed out.

"Well I do," he sighed. He squeezed me. "I love you more than the world will ever know."