Author's Note: A spur of the moment and short chapter. Finally read that first meeting of Brenda Hughes and the El Debarge. Also, please listen to this inserted song in order to set the scene if you want. Enjoy. Thanks! – KL
==
October 1982
BRENDA
Gathered with other dancers among the crowd around me and even overhead, I sang along with Randy and El Debarge as the music continued playing. On cue, the brothers swapped place to croon at the right time. but I'd realized that El pointed in my direction more often than not. Very few noticed.
I nodded my head, but almost chuckled out loud. El's wavy Mullet and Mariachi type outfit nearly left in tears from laughter. He impressed no one with such a flamboyant outfit. To this day, I thank God that the 80's were long behind us all.
Yet, I snapped my fingers to what'd been arguably the best part of this very tune. El still couldn't keep his oddly warm stare away from me, but I couldn't understand why. Women around here were all equally attractive.
I like the way you comb your hair.
And I like those stylish clothes you wear.
It's just the little things you do.
That show how much you really care.
Like when I'm all alone with you.
You know exactly what to do.
You put that fire inside of me.
And make it more than just a dream...
__
Shortly after filming, I arranged to leave for the penthouse and thrusted a gym bag over my shoulder. Even my shoulder-padded jumpsuit felt too gaudy now. Heels I'd also worn all afternoon overwhelmed to say the least.
Unless specifically asked for, most dancers took care of business as expected and left out to leave Don and other creators unaccompanied for the next episode. This one planned to air on its typical Saturday all over the nation.
I said goodbye to one of my friends here when we both froze in one of the makeshift "locker rooms." Girlfriend and I exchanged amused looks once Bunny Debarge arrived.
Most of the other ladies almost held their breaths. Bunny sparkled in gold and grinned almost shyly before actually looking my way and pointing humbly. I smiled right back and offered to shake hands when she spoke up.
"My brother El would like to meet you in a few minutes, but what's your name again?" I stepped closer out of respect, but kept a friendly distance to avoid looking like an obsessed fan. Everyone else around me still couldn't move or at least tried to act as if nothing spectacular happened just now.
"My name's Brenda. Brenda Hughes." We finally shook hands while a few matching gold bangles chimed on Bunny's slender wrist. Bunny excused herself with me in tow and we both met eyes with a small herd of bodyguards just in case. I hadn't seen Cornelius and probably wouldn't until returning back next week as usual.
"Besides the show, what brings you to California?" Bunny asked almost nervously. We walked side to a presumed and closed-off room for the entire gang.
"I always thought Soul Train would be a great stepping stone for my career, Bunny. I've had that run of the mill story, y'know?"
"Right." she smiled again and barely held on at the door prior to knocking. "Are you a musician? Most of my family plays instruments."
"No. I only sing and dance." I answered.
"James, open the door!" Bunny scowled and tapped her heel on the floor as if she'd been waiting for a turn in the bathroom. I rolled my eyes, but smiled remembering childhood memories with baby sister Jazmine, two years my junior.
Before Bunny could sulk just right, the door swung open. We both met eyes with James of course who flashed a grin and welcomed us inside. I couldn't either greet every person when El stood up proudly, still donning his Mariachi get-up and that ridiculously wavy hair.
"Hey, girl." I almost chuckled standing right next to Bunny and rolled my eyes. She understood and patted my shoulder.
"Actually give him a chance." Bunny encourage honestly. "He's been watching you all this time and practically chickened out when asking me to get you, sweetie. It's kind of adorable."
"All right." I smiled back. "What the big deal for picking me out, El? There's dozens of women involved with Soul Train anyhow."
"You're so pretty." he answered like a child at this point. I couldn't help blushing honestly. "And, I loved your jumpsuit earlier. Where'd you buy it?"
"Discount store back home. I enjoy bargains." I smiled once more. Everyone in the room watched the two of us as if it were a movie. The only items they didn't have were some popcorn and beverages. Bunny grinned on the couch, somehow fascinated by small talk between myself and her shy brother.
By the end of that night, we actually exchanged numbers. I'd never really done such a thing on the first meeting, but it didn't hurt to try with him being so nervous but kind all at once.
Jesus!
If I'd known...
