Author's Note: Extension of chapter 78.
==
1989
BRENDA
My Covergirl ad finally debuted weeks later then album sales hit the roof abroad. Even my second interview with Oprah fared better than the last, but occasional critics questioned as usual. I hadn't expected the madness to vanish instantly, but my career flourished so much more thanks to the obvious team member changes. Tammy and Andre were now officially my go-to fixers.
At a New Year's Eve Party in California, someone beckoned for me. I gracefully excused myself from other surrounding the VIP area and down the hallway to a nearby private room. Bass rumbled under my heels with every step. Security mingled incognito, but kept watch as expected.
I nodded to those surrounding me and some bodyguards walked only feet away to give me room before opening the door. Levert crooned over a pulsing rhythm, but the music only muffled when I closed the door behind me. Dim lighting captured the space.
I blushed staring down at the floor, but looked up at the sight of Michael standing right across from me. A television or music wouldn't distract me from the beginning silence between us. He opened his arms to me for an embrace and I took it all, closing the distance until our noses touched.
He held my face, but I spoke up in a whisper.
"You're so relentless."
Before I could say anything else, he kissed me. We both chuckled through pecks as Michael's hands led further and down.
I chewed my bottom lip as soon as he gripped my ass. I could only hear the sound of our kisses in this heating room. Just when I felt his hands move up my body again, someone knocked on the door. "Daddy" slapped my ass just before I walked away.
I couldn't remember the hour and didn't even care after feeling his lips. Yet, Michael still followed me straight to the door and his large hand guided me for by the small of my back. Not once did I question him, actually begging for more in my mind.
Michael granted space between us and looked down at the floor bashfully. Once I pulled the door open, my heart dropped. I never even blinked when she just walked in and slammed the door. Music thundered from outside, only to soften again. Bass still pushed on all at once.
Tatiana shook her head over and over again, but made a point to keep staring at us. Her face glowed in the surrounding light. I rolled my eyes almost instantly, prepared to hear the usual complaints.
"What are you doing here?" Michael asked her.
"I came here to enjoy the party as well and someone told me you'd be in here. What's she doing with you?" As soon as Tatiana paused her words, I scoffed.
"She's my girlfriend, if you don't remember." Michael defended me and reached to hold my hand lovingly.
"She's your whore, Michael. That's it." Tatiana snapped back. "You two were definitely close to having sex just now. Don't lie."
I looked over to see Michael shaking his head frantically when I tried to yank my hand away from him. As cliché as it seemed, my blood boiled with Tatiana in this room let alone speaking at the moment.
If I were to kick her ass right now in very room, headlines would jumble throughout New Year's Day almost instantly. As an adult, I knew so much better than to embarrass myself. At the same time, my soul itched for physical revenge against her.
Just when my mind snapped for the incorrect decision, Michael pulled me back into his arms from behind. I could feel his face nuzzle into my neck and we both stared down Tatiana. I could've cared less about the puzzled expression on her face. She knew exactly what we meant by showing affection right in front of her.
Michael belonged to me.
"See now, bitch? Look at this. He's mine. You'll spend the rest of your life trying to play catch up with me." I hissed, letting a mischievous smile creep onto my face. Michael only lifted my chin watching our "enemy." His grip around my waist tightened gently.
Just when Tatiana began to speak, I'd already turned around in Michael's arms and kissed him passionately. "Auld Lang Syne" played from outside the door over the cheer of noisemakers and happy voices. Hello, 1990.
I heard Tatiana fail to snap me out of kissing Michael, but nothing worked. Long after "Auld Lang Syne" faded out, "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Khan rumbled from outside. Even when Tatiana slammed to finally leave us alone, I didn't care. Chaka's voice went on to continue singing outside.
I've been waitin' for you.
It's been so long.
I knew just what I would do.
When I heard your song.
Filled my heart with your bliss.
Gave me freedom.
You knew I could not resist.
I needed someone...
Sneaky Michael roamed his hands to my ass once more as wrapped both arms around his neck. We danced in our own to the music and I couldn't help whispering lyrics into his ear. He could only blush at the moment in this dim lighting.
"You're adorable." I held his face.
"That's my line." he chuckled.
We both giggled like children before I decided to kiss him. I quickly smiled against his lips as soon as we pulled away for each other. He kissed around my face and I giggled even more than the first time. His thumbs caressed my dimples while Michael smiled and kissed my head, just acting in such a delightful way.
Even with our madness, no other man would compare.
