One Day [PRN]

Seven

As the weeks passed and my pregnancy became more evident, my life continued to intertwine with Prince's in increasingly public ways. 

The air was electric with anticipation as we approached the studio for the Arsenio Hall Show. The streets outside were bustling with the usual LA energy, but inside the studio, there was a sense of organized chaos. Lights, cameras, and the hum of voices filled the space as we walked in, my pregnancy now clearly visible beneath a stylish yet comfortable outfit.

Prince, ever the enigma, walked beside me with his usual effortless grace. Despite my condition, he had insisted that I accompany him, and I was more than happy to support him. The fact that he wanted me there, despite the way my growing belly might have drawn attention, meant a lot.

We were greeted by the show's staff and led to the green room, where Prince made a few polite exchanges with familiar faces. I took a seat, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, while Prince prepared for his segment.

The minutes ticked by, and soon enough, it was time for the show to begin. Prince was ushered onto the stage, where Arsenio Hall, a tall and charismatic presence, welcomed him with his trademark exuberance. The applause from the audience filled the studio, a warm and appreciative sound that echoed through the space.

The interview with Arsenio was engaging and lively, filled with the charisma and charm that both Prince and Arsenio were known for. They discussed everything from Prince's latest projects to his thoughts on the music industry, with Arsenio throwing in playful jabs and insightful questions.

When the interview concluded, and after the musical segment, Arsenio's eyes met mine as he walked over to greet me. His smile was warm and welcoming. "So, you must be the lady in Prince's life," he said, his tone playful yet respectful.

I chuckled softly, feeling a bit shy under the spotlight of his attention. "Yes, I'm the one," I replied, feeling the weight of his scrutiny tempered by his friendly demeanor.

Arsenio's gaze shifted to Prince, who was standing nearby with a relaxed posture, his confidence unshaken by the attention. "You've got a lot of explaining to do, man," Arsenio said, a grin spreading across his face.

Prince laughed, the sound rich and warm. "Well, she's been keeping me company," he replied, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "It's been quite a journey."

Arsenio raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but respectful. "A journey, huh?" he teased, turning his full attention back to Prince. "I bet you've got stories, man. But, for real... congratulations. You both look great."

Prince nodded, his smile deepening as he glanced at me. There was an unspoken understanding between the two of them—old friends, comfortable in the way they bantered but also aware of the layers beneath the surface.

I went to get refreshments while Arsenio pulled Prince aside, but I could still hear snippets of their conversation as I lingered nearby. "So, when were you gonna tell me?" Arsenio asked, half-joking, though I could sense the genuine curiosity behind his words. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, but not enough for me to miss. "You've got a baby on the way, and you're just dropping this on me now?"

Prince gave a subtle shrug, his cool demeanor intact. "It's not something I've been hiding. It just... happened."

Arsenio chuckled, shaking his head. "You're full of surprises, man. I always knew there was more going on than you let on. But I gotta say, this one's big."

Prince's expression softened again, that quiet depth returning as he spoke. "It is. And she's... she's special."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell at his words. Being with him like this, in such a public yet intimate moment, felt surreal. Even though Prince was notoriously private, he wasn't holding back from acknowledging me—or our baby—now. Not to his close friends, at least.