1989
MICHAEL
Like clockwork, she ignored me again. My jaw dropped watching her mingle with Babyface and everyone else here. I didn't know what to think at the moment. Bass rumbled throughout the space when I finally caught up with her. Lyrics of the record playing drowned out in my mind.
There my baby stood drinking from her wine glass as usual. In the dim light, she glowed. My heart slowly began to flutter every time her legs slightly adjusted to balance on ankle boots. Those short curls dropped around her pretty face once more, bringing the shadow I'd always recognize.
"Hey." I gripped a Corona easing into this.
"Hey," she mumbled nearly sad.
"What brings you here?" I asked, trying to dodge an embrace between us. I still knew better than to give us away for pouncing of the media.
"Tammy suggested a break and I'll start recording next week."
My eyes bucked and a smile crept before long. "New album? Congratulations."
"Thanks, but it's only gonna release abroad with no tour." Brenda rolled her eyes and drank again. I titled my head at first."
"At least there's no pressure for all the concert bullshit." I remarked.
"That was my only request. If I toured, there'd be no album in the first place." Brenda lowered her voice and began to walk away from me. Rather than argue immaturely, I followed her to a corner, but kept distance.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing." she lied to my face. "Why can't I have a drink without you getting in the way and asking questions?"
I pressed both lips together and turned my head fighting every single urge to argue with her in public. Brenda instantly raised her eyebrow, but I never flinched.
"I've called you since this mornin. What's wrong?" I'd finished the rest of my Corona and generously tipped one of the servers among all of us.
Brenda gave away her empty wine and tipped one of the other attendants here and offered the most fake smile. I rolled my eyes in protest. Fellow celebrities passed by and I could only nod at the moment.
"Talk to me." I asked, drained. Those dark lips puckered in my direction and music continued rumbling.
"Tatiana just left the party." Brenda whispered.
"What did she say to you now?" I mumbled back.
"I don't wanna talk about it. We're supposed to forget about her, but it still hurts." Baby girl lowered her eyes.
"Don't cry." My voice shrunk. "Come back home with me."
Space had been irrelevant as soon as I noticed those tears. If there was any way to expose my relationship, this moment would be ideal. Showing affection in a time of slight distress would surely relate to the average person. Again, I was no unicorn.
Our foreheads bumped in this corner and I drowned out everyone else around. Brenda shook her head before long and inched even closer, kissing me just for a moment. I looked to see powder run from those pretty brown eyes.
"She's not important to me." I whispered, embracing. "She was here this whole time and I didn't even say hello. What does that tell you?"
"Michael..." Brenda hesitated and slipped out of my arms. "That doesn't matter. Aren't you sick of dodging her and going through circles with me? You and I aren't even together right now."
"Don't say that." I tried walked toward her again. "I'm trying with you again, remember?"
"I've said this before, but you really don't seem to understand." Brenda shook her head and clicked back on those heels. "Ever since she came along, I've felt intimidated. When she showed up the auditions, I felt small, just waiting for her to notice you and vice versa. I don't know why I've felt so insecure, but your priorities clearly make sense now. Excuse me."
I couldn't even scream out for her attention among the noise. Back to square one we go. Few eyes noticed our incident.
**
BRENDA
That voice just wouldn't disappear from my answering machine. I slipped off my boots one by one and rubbed both temples over and over again. His desperation rang through the penthouse. Moonlight glowed through my window and glared into my face.
"I'm sorry. I have no idea things were this serious. You really thought I'd up and leave you just because she walked through the door? I didn't even know her, girl. I love you. Call me back..."
"Come on. Stop doing this to me. If this is still about the cheating, I'm sorry. I love you so much. It would make me feel better if we just talked. Please? I've been up all night thinking about you. Please just call me back, baby...
I rolled my eyes and turned off the answering machine after hearing Michael's fourth message. It didn't help that a poor employee of the building cradled this care package of treats, a card and flowers before I even walked onto the elevator. I apologized many times without mentioning Michael and took it along with me anyway.
That same care package now rested on the glass coffee table. My hand reached into this bag and found Lifesaver candies, another violet enveloped card, and a perfectly contained brownie of all things. I chewed my bottom lip staring at the chocolate before my eyes.
Dammit, Michael! Once again, you've found my edible Kryptonite. I hadn't forgiven him yet, but ate every single piece of that brownie as if I'd never buy another treat myself.
It wasn't until about three in the morning that I actually called back. Fresh from a late-night shower, I sat up against the mountain of pillows on my headboard and sighed out loud, pushing back my own curls with a free hand.
His speech rattled through drying tears and the usual anxiety. I couldn't tell whether my heart turned him away or just shattered into millions of pieces at the moment.
"Hi," I squeaked.
"Hey." his word shrunk in my ear. "I really miss you."
"Why can't she leave us alone?" I asked out of nowhere.
