1988
Nicole "Nikki" Pierce
"After kissing superstar Michael Jackson on stage in New York this week, Model and dancer Tatiana Thumbtzen was fired from Jackson's landmark Bad Tour!"
Given no time to start new casting calls, headlines explained that Michael's team quietly searched for their replacement.
Out of nowhere, this phone call reached my answering machine by a miracle:
"Nicole, this is Frank Dileo. I'm sorry for giving out the late message, but if you could please call me back as soon as possible, I'd really appreciate it. Take care."
****
The next concert would take place soon enough, and I hurried to soundcheck after landing right away.
Michael rehearsed "Smooth Criminal" with his dancers, wearing a puffer jacket over that signature red shirt and black slacks.
I cornered myself by the keyboard tiers and stayed back, watching this genius hustle.
Several tracks later, Michael cleared his throat up front but turned around and noticed me.
"You snuck in." Speaking into the microphone, Jackson prompted everyone to laugh. "How long?"
"About twenty minutes." I stood up, grinning for a moment.
"What's your name again?" Michael didn't step away just yet, but still locked eyes with me. His smile warmed up this space.
"Nicole." I briefly nodded, just grateful to be there.
"Pardon me, Frank called somebody in, so I didn't catch up with you. Ready?" Michael offered so much kindness.
"Just say the word." I told him. "Let's do this!"
"Before we start, the instrumental cut only lasts for a little while. I will follow, but that moment is yours." Michael laid out the plan for me.
"Got it." I completely understood this point of view.
"Thank you." Michael counted off our rhythms and smiled once more, drifting us toward the performance.
_________
On cue, after hearing two verses, I stepped out from my corner and strutted, still not rocking a black dress before the show.
That bright instrumental chimed from the band, clapping further along as Michael lingered just behind me as expected.
I've never looked so in love before.
Promise, baby.
You'll love me forever more.
I swear I'm keepin' you satisfied.
Cause you're the one for me.
The way you make me feel!
I turned to face him, glancing over my shoulder and rolling both eyes before walking away.
Michael stopped the band midway, not even reaching that dance break yet.
"That was really good, Nicole. After that chorus, just head back to give us room okay? Thanks." Michael instructed graciously.
"Of course." I still nodded and cornered myself again, letting everyone run through the show without me.
_______
You knock me off of my feet now, baby. Hoo!" Michael still grooved on stage and I couldn't wait to join his performance.
After the second verse, I walked out from backstage and strutted again, wearing a black dress with nylons while swinging to the music.
"Go girl!" Michael called, following me as we planned earlier. "Ow!"
Michael danced around me and picked up his well-known moves in an effort to change my rehearsed annoyance.
"Ain't nobody business but mine and my baby!" Jackson moved close enough to stay by my neck, biting his lip before I walked to leave the stage.
From my angle standing in these wings, Michael knocked out his dance routine as usual and pulled the chorus one last time before lights faded out to end this song.
*****
I stayed back to his incredible performance of "Man In The Mirror" and Michael greeted me after the show reached its finale here.
"Great job. Thank you so much for helping on short notice. Really." Michael stood in the hallway.
"You're very welcome." I smiled, extremely grateful once more.
We bid farewell to each other and left in separate vehicles with Michael's limousine heading out first.
____
Coming back to my hotel room with very little fanfare, I found a note that waited on the living space table.
My love,
Don't U remember us???
Come back, Nikki, come back 2 me.
Still Urs,
-Prince 🎶😩💜
Pocketing the note with my luggage, I fell asleep and dreamed of another day.
***
Amazing concerts repeated with Michael while the second leg of his tour kept moving.
By Spring though, my heart quietly raced as soon as we touched down in Minnesota.
Michael planned on grooving with three shows for the MET Center.
We caught our rhythm now, almost jamming together on stage when I stepped out for that favorite instrumental cut.
"C'mon, girl!" Michael almost lowered his gentle voice and I picked up the energy without fail.
I placed both hands on my hips and tapped one heel, playfully dismissing him.
By the time I walked off stage and Michael performed his last song once more, I couldn't help smiling again.
________
"Nicole!" Michael found me laughing, opening his arms to hug me. I didn't even care about his sweat anymore.
"Yeah!" I cheered.
"I need to head back, but thank you! We got it now. Have a good night." Michael grinned, leaving out with Bill Bray and other guards.
"You too!" I snapped my fingers while moving to this assigned town car.
_______
After we slammed down night three, Michael whispered in my ear.
"Someone's looking for you back at the hotel." Michael smirked right next to Frank and Bill.
"Thanks." I nodded toward Michael and we left as usual.
*******
That night, I found Prince waiting in that hallway, dressed to the nines.
Polka Dots scaled lined up and down white fabric as his boots silently moved along.
Gorgeous hair styled through a ponytail as this adorable ribbon tied back.
"Hi." I waved.
"Hey." Prince seemed coy, almost dodging eye contact with me.
My heart dropped.
YOU ARE READING
Bright Lights - MJ/Prince
أدب الهواة"Follow your heart, no matter what." - Nikki Pierce
