Athena Tyler and Michael Jackson are married to people they don't belong with. The history between Michael and Athena isn't complicated; they met on We Are The World, sparks flew, but they never stayed in contact.
When their respective spouses sugg...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Lizzo let out a loud gasp, "Hold up! Are you telling me that your album made you a billion dollars just like that? I need to step up my game!"
Athena rolled her eyes playfully, "I could be wrong, but I think that's what it's from. Not saying that I'm good enough to make a billion-dollar album, but....it's the only thing I can think of."
"Okay, now that we know you have that much money in your checking account alone," Prince paused, "I think it's probably time for you and Michael to do that 'sit at the kitchen table with spreadsheets and bank statements' thing. You two need to merge your finances," he paused, "Like.....yesterday."
Athena sighed and reluctantly agreed, You're right, Prince. I know that needs to happen. But we're both so busy. He's working on his music, I'm working on mine—neither of us wants to interrupted each other," she paused, "I guess it's just easier to not talk about it."
Lizzo raised an eyebrow, "Easier, maybe. But definitely not healthier for your relationship, girl."
"So, Athena," Prince addressed, "What are you taking away from this conversation?"
"That.....I need to....get another....bank account?" Athena said as she tried to guess.
The three of them erupted into laughter at Athena's response, realizing that her takeaway was far from what they had in mind. As the giggles subsided, Prince placed a hand on Athena's shoulder, looking at her with a mixture of amusement and seriousness.
"Athena, what you need to take away from this is that transparency is key for any relationship," he said, "You also need to take away that you will be changing your last name to Jackson, that you need to have a sit down with Michael about merging your bank accounts, along with all the house deeds, titles, and legal documents. That needs to be a conversation too. And you should probably talk about a will. You never know what's gonna happen. And last but not least...." Prince paused for dramatic effect, "...a shopping spree to celebrate the fact that you're a billionaire!"
Athena couldn't help but laugh at Prince's extravagant suggestion. The idea of splurging on an impromptu shopping spree after discovering her unexpected fortune seemed like a fun way to lift her spirits.
"You know what?" Athena smiled, feeling lighter than she had in weeks, "I think that sounds like an excellent idea! Let's do it."
Lizzo clapped her hands in excitement, "Yaaas! Retail therapy, here we come!"
Prince jumped up from his seat, already envisioning the designer stores they would hit first, "I can already picture us strutting down Rodeo Drive like the powerful trio we are. This is going to be epic!"
A few hours into their shopping spree, Prince snuck into Athena's purse and pulled her phone out. He had to make sure this conversation between Athena and Michael would actually happen and that Athena wouldn't just go home and put it off for another day, a day that would most like be months or years from now. He quickly dialed Michael's number, knowing that Athena would probably kill him later for meddling, but he was willing to take that risk for the sake of their happiness.
As the phone rang, Prince anxiously waited for Michael to pick up.
After three rings, Michael finally answered, "Hey, baby," he said, thinking it was Athena.
"Hey, Michael! It's Prince," he greeted cheerfully.
"Prince?" Michael asked in amusement, "What are you doing with my wife's phone? I didn't think you knew how to use a cell phone."
Prince chuckled at Michael's remark, "Oh, I know my way around a smartphone more than you think, Michael," he teased, "I've actually kidnapped Athena and taken her on a shopping spree to celebrate her recent financial discovery!"
Michael let out a surprised chuckle on the other end of the line, "Kidnapped her, eh? Well, I hope you're treating my wife like the queen she is."
"I would never treat her like any less than royalty, Michael," Prince assured him, his tone shifting to a more serious note, "But on a more serious note, we've had an interesting conversation today. She came to Paisley Park—she was extremely anxious. She mentioned how you guys discussed changing her last name to yours. And she voiced her concerns. Like how she was afraid you might change your mind and want her to change it back, or how she was nervous you might change somewhere in the future and stop loving her and want a divorce," he explained, "Some other things were said, but I think you two should talk about it so she can tell you instead of me, you know.....selling her out."
Michael listened intently, his heart dropping at the thought of Athena feeling insecure about their relationship. His mind raced with regret at not having these crucial conversations sooner. He realized then and there that he needed to be more present, more vocal about his feelings for her. He appreciated Prince's honesty but knew that some conversations were meant to be had between husband and wife.
"Thank you for telling me, Prince. Was there anything else you talked about?" Michael asked, watching to make sure he addressed every point that needed to be brought up.
Prince hesitated for a moment, debating whether to divulge everything they discussed. But knowing how vital it was for Michael and Athena to have an open dialogue, he decided to share the rest.
"Well, there was more," Prince began carefully, "We talked about the things that Lizzo and I did when we got married. Lizzo took my last name, we merged bank accounts, sorted out all the legal documents, the house deeds, and we even started drafting a will. Because you never know what can happen," he said, "I explained to Athena the need for transparency in relationships. Lizzo and I feel like it's high time you two have that 'sit at the kitchen table with spreadsheets and bank statements' talk. Merge your finances, discuss all legal documents, house deeds, titles—maybe even draw up a will," he added, "And you know what Athena said when I told her she needed to talk to you about merging bank accounts?"
At that, Michael perked up in his seat, "What did she say?" he inquired, eager to hear Athena's response.
"She said, and I quote..." Prince paused theatrically before continuing, "'We're both too busy to sit down in the kitchen with spreadsheets and bank statements, nitpicking at every little detail! And besides that, I hate spreadsheets! And I don't even check my bank statements! I don't even know how much is in my bank account right now!' That's what your wife said when I asked her why you two hadn't merged bank accounts yet."
Michael couldn't help but chuckle at Athena's candid response. He could picture her saying those exact words with a playful expression on her face. Despite the lightheartedness of the moment, he understood the underlying message: they needed to have those serious discussions about their future and financials. Prince's intervention was a wake-up call for him, a reminder that he needed to prioritize his relationship with Athena above all else.
"Thank you for sharing all this with me, Prince," Michael said sincerely, "I appreciate your honesty and taking the time to look out for Athena. You're truly a good friend."
Prince smiled warmly at the compliment, "Of course, Michael. You and Athena mean a lot to Lizzo and me. We just want to see you both happy and thriving together," he said, "I just wanted to mention this to you because, well.....if we both know Athena, and I think we do—she'll come home to you and not mention any of this to you, because that's just how she is. She's likely going to pretend everything is fine, hug and kiss you goodnight, and try to go right to sleep."
Michael nodded from his end of the phone, "Prince, you are a great friend. Let her splurge on whatever she wants, because like you said, we both know her—she'll get one or two things even if she likes thirty."
"Thank you, Michael. I'll let her go wild with the shopping," Prince chuckled, "Just know that you two should have that talk soon."
"I know, we will," Michael assured, "I'll get her as soon as she gets home. She's not escaping the 'kitchen table' talk," he joked.
