Human Nature

Chapter 7

May 23rd, 1990

"Can I ask you something?"

Mariah turned over in the passengers' seat. "Sure."

"What's up with you and Tommy?"

She tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

Michael cleared his throat. "It was just a little strange, seeing the two of you together."

She blushed. "He's a bit touchy."

"He's married." He said.

Mariah nodded slowly. "He's separated."

Michael continued to drive quietly. Mariah rolled back over and started looking out of the window. It was late; it was almost five in the morning, but Mariah finished recording her song. Tommy had remained in the room the entire time while Michael had been writing his new song. He would have to do a bit of revising, but he had the concept he wanted. 

"What were you writing?" She asked suddenly.

Michael smirked. "It's a surprise."

Mariah pouted. "You can't even tell your friend?"

"Nope. It's not done yet." Michael said.

Mariah's eyes gleamed. "Just tell me, is it a new song?"

"So you dodge my question, but keep asking me questions?" 

Mariah sighed. "Fine, I think he's interested in me, but I don't feel that way about him. I see him as a father figure."

Michael nodded. "Then why don't you say something?"

"He hasn't actually mentioned anything to me, I just have a feeling." 

"If you feel uncomfortable, I think you should say something about it." Michael warned.

Mariah sighed. "You thought I was sleeping with him, didn't you?"

"It's hard not to."

Michael could tell by her silence that she was hurt. "Mariah, I-"

"No, no I understand. I know what it looks like." 

Michael reached over and rubbed her shoulder. She leaned back on the seat and glanced over at him. 

"I feel so dirty, I bet his wife thinks I'm the reason they're divorcing."

You are.

Michael frowned. Tommy was old enough to be the girl's father, but he seemed intent on being her lover instead of her boss. It was creepy to say the least, but he didn't share his thoughts with her. 

"Wanna do something later?" 

Mariah looked up, leaning forward. "Like what?

Michael rolled his eyes in the back of his head. "How about a picnic?"

Picnic? That's the best you could think of? Wow.

Mariah smiled. "That sounds great."

See, you're smooth.

"Great, we can go out on the ranch. I've got the perfect place."

Mariah giggled. "Looking forward to it, Mr. Jackson."

He kept driving as Mariah began to doze off. 

So, I've got a date. Guess I'm not wasting my time then.

He could see the forest preserve up ahead so he turned on his brights, then the radio. They were playing Mariah's song again and he nodded his head along.