Offstage || MJ

Offstage || Chapter 15

1987 – "The Way You Make Me Feel" Shoot (California)

MICHAEL

Overwhelmed, I met Charlene with an embrace and kissed her cheek. She hugged me right back with a grin out of respect. Surrounding employees excused themselves from us before and I directed my guest toward the trailer. Charlene and I walked side by side as if nothing had been wrong. I stayed humble for obvious reasons. Bill and his extra security team asserted details into walkie-talkies. Even the catering staff waved at us. I smiled right back. Charlene smirked.

While I strolled toward the trailer with her, Charlene still refused any dinner. I understood and unlocked the door. After escorting her inside, my turning palm closed that same entry. Silence fell between us. I almost the paced the floor. Charlene already sat on the couch. Her bare and crossed legs swung a little. Feet away, Charlene folded both arms.

"Hey," I sighed out loud, but tried to grin. This woman nervously blushed. My mind raced with questions, but I mostly questioned if she bonded even more Prince these days. Once again, I didn't know what to think. At the same time, I thought dwelling on him would've triggered one more stupid argument.

"Hi," Charlene faked another smile. I completely understood the typical awkwardness between us. I began to wonder if she even if wanted to visit me at all. At best, I figured that she'd leave to tour Prince again in the morning. I'd read somewhere that this tour wouldn't conclude until the end of this month. All the while, I still concentrated on recording this brand-new album.

Either way, I braced myself for anything. On the other hand, I wondered if that tour had been as wonderful as Charlene felt. For all I knew, she could've lied for the cameras. Images and reputations meant almost everything in this business.

Fed up with standing, I walked over to the couch. Charlene scooted for a second to make room for me. I appreciated her gesture by offering a genuine smile. She nodded and waited until I finished speaking up first. I turned to look at her and my heart thumped all over again. I shouldn't have confessed love so early, but she melted me time and time again. Attachment and protectiveness blinded me nonetheless. I felt so cliché to be honest.

"So, how's the tour going?" I cleared my throat. As soon as I changed the subject, Charlene grinned without hesitation. No pretense. No more masking. I'd found her niche. Performing and music. After all this time, we never even sat down to truly talk. Even after all this time, I didn't really know her.

Better late than never. I thought to myself.

"It's really good. We've got a show in the Netherlands tomorrow. I'm supposed to be there right now, but snuck away from rehearsals and flew here. You're lucky, mister." Charlene teased me with a soft laugh. I nodded to myself for a moment. Things could've been worse. I now dreaded playing phone tag with her, especially considering the recent drama between us.

"That's great." I fought to stay respectful. Prince crossed my mind once more. In one of the other pictures I'd browsed, Prince draped one arm around Charlene while facing a main camera. Those two stood in this dimly lit alley. Nearby, Cat Glover folded both arms.

Prince and Cat synchronized with peach fashion. Charlene unexpectedly sported black and purple once more. As if the self-proclaimed musical director of that gigantic tour honored "Purple Rain" all over again. This shimmering violet coat almost fell off her shoulders. The same opened garment revealed a black sleeveless jumpsuit. Once again, her glare at the side of Prince almost intimidated me.

Right now, tonight felt as if I'd met a completely different woman. Charlene dimmed make-up for the millionth time. This woman didn't need cosmetics to be gorgeous anyway. Cliché, but true. We'd settled into one more round silence when I remembered that she hadn't spoke up again.

"Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it." Charlene began to smile again. Yet, I knew that she still wasn't comfortable. Neither of us chose to drink any beverages. Food still wouldn't distract us from this conversation, either.

"You're welcome. Look, I think we both know why you're here." No more fooling around with small talk. I finally addressed the truth. "You probably won't believe me, but I never lied on that answering machine. We fought about that and I know you're scared, but I'm not playing around, girl." When I reached for her hand, Charlene flinched away.

"Wake up. You've got too much at stake for someone like me, Michael. I've already told you that I'm not worth it. Don't waste your time. We can't even talk without being dramatic or walking away. Our egos clash too much. I just want to live my dreams and travel the world. What else do you want to know?" Charlene wouldn't cry, but scooted away from me even more.

Her admissions left me stunned. I just wanted to hold her in arms.

Dammit.