Bright Lights - MJ/Prince

Bright Lights || Chapter 2

1988

Nicole "Nikki" Pierce

We broke up just before "Purple Rain" hit movie theaters.

Creative dama. Other women. Anger. Jealousy. On and on.

In short, I left Prince behind for my own sanity.

Now, four years later, I'm standing across from this man in a hotel corridor.

At one point in time, he was my best friend, but I couldn't recognize him here.

"How are you?" Prince offered the question first, correcting his posture.

"I'm great. Still working." I gestured around the hallway.

"I've seen pictures of you on stage. Good job." Prince told me.

"Thanks. Everything happened quickly, but it's fun." I said.

"You're welcome, but uh, I should head back." Prince cleared his throat, gesturing towards an elevator where security probably waited for him.

"Okay." I agreed, pointing out my own hotel room's door. "Take care."

And just like that, we went our separate ways.

****

Michael had given everyone two weeks off before touring could resume. By that point, we'd head to Europe and knock out shows.

I even visited the short film set for "Leave Me Alone," invited by Jackson himself.

The crew joined in, also taking pictures of us.

"Is that Muscles?" I gaped toward Michael, recognizing this longtime Python snake.

"Yeah." Laughing at me, Jackson draped Muscles over his shoulders like it was nothing. "You scared?"

"No! I just can't believe that he's still around." I smiled once more as cameras flashed.

"He's still young." Michael nodded.

"How did y'all end up choosing me for the tour?" Changing subjects, I genuinely asked this question.

"Frank saw you on a billboard." Michael grinned again.

"Fair enough." I chuckled.

*****

I never actually told Michael about my old relationship with Prince, but little hints gave the truth away. No turning back.

Gifts waited in my hotel rooms and even some "Lovesexy" concert tickets lined up, but I couldn't run out for obvious reasons.

For Michael, Wembley Stadium crowded landmark audiences and this genius crushed the shows every single time.

When "The Way You Make Me Feel" hit another stage, we teamed up once more, grooving as expected.