Offstage || MJ

Offstage || Chapter 17

1987 – California

CHARLENE

Prince began to excuse himself from the table minutes later. I stood on my heels and bid farewell. We both promised to reach out again. I understood, kissing his cheek. I mouthed one last apology before Prince left out with that expected horde of security guards. Before long, I found myself alone with Michael. Fellow celebrities mingled near us as if nothing transpired in the middle of this restaurant.

Regardless of his pristine suit, I couldn't grin anymore. I swung my crossed legs underneath the table. Michael now sat across from me. I shook my head, more than annoyed at this point. Awkward silence fell between Michael and I, but I couldn't think about eating again. Just another take-out dinner.

Flustered, I picked my glass of my wine for a drink. Michael continued squinting. I could've cared less. I licked my lips after putting that same glass back down. Michael drummed his nails against the tablecloth. I felt speechless, but never intimidated. As I've said, his egotism wasn't even a fresh concept to me.

"What is wrong with you?" I finally confronted him despite a whisper. Michael titled his head like a naïve child. I rolled my eyes, still aggravated. My mind slowly dreaded the idea of other people watching or even listening. Michael folded both arms once more. I'd give anything to work with Prince and distract myself with the stage again.

"I'm jealous." Michael finally answered. I wasn't even close to surprised. His envy seemed blatant for the longest time. I didn't care for once. I'd already stated my peace and he needed to move on. Why couldn't this man understand my point of view anyway? Silence fell between us. Yet, I knew so much better than to walk away right now. Michael wouldn't let me hear the end if I stormed off.

"Why? I just came back from the most amazing work experience. You've seen the world before, Michael. There's no need for jealousy." I squinted. Dishes clanked, and voices hushed for a moment. My ears even tuned out the otherwise soothing jazz nearby. I rolled my eyes despite their curiosity. Michael and I had landed in this awkward predicament. I couldn't believe Jackson anymore. In one way or another, he insisted on making me look foolish in public. Whether subtle or not.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it, girl." Michael scrunched up his face. Never disturbed, I still prepared to stand my ground once more. Titling my curly hair, obscenities raced through my mind. Yet, I held back screaming for obvious reasons. Michael's attitude turned me off for the millionth time. I could only pray that Michael would stop ranting, but knew otherwise.

I rolled my eyes and reached over for one more drink of the wine. At its end, I quietly gestured for a waitress to pass us. My whispered voice quickly noted for her to refill this glass. Before too long, this friendly woman moved toward an exit of that superb dining room.

"Oh, please! We've already talked about this, Michael. Stop trying to make things happen between us. I don't want you, especially right now." I almost groaned out loud. Michael still wouldn't back down, especially considering his infuriated expression. Juvenile at least.

On cue, the waitress returned. I offered a thankful grin when she poured into a brand-new glass. I then lifted the glass to that woman, sharing an almost inaudible comment close to her ear. She turned to face Michael and smirked with almost puckered lips before vanishing again.

Jackson scrunched up his face once more. I put the glass to my lips and sipped. Michael would never find out what had been exchanged. As for me, I signaled for this different attendant to bring out the check. I'd gladly pay for both Prince and myself. I'd even tip the previous waitress generously. Considering the unexpected situation, there was no choice in my mind.

__

Of course, I moved on from the other night. Even though Michael ranted through half of my answering machine messages, I still didn't care. Meanwhile, prospects spread like wildfire. Clearly working on that "Sign" tour with Prince had skyrocketed my popularity even more.

I even debated whether to stay with "Soul Train." Don Cornelius and his wonderful employees completely understood. If I really wanted to branch out, my circumstances would need to change soon enough. I'd spent two years handling this wonderful practice.

After calling Mom with the good work news, she offered another piece of delightful advice. I'd only need to follow my heart. Cliché, but I never questioned that guidance. She'd support me regardless. I smiled just before hanging up and called three other phone numbers. I couldn't stand pouting in this house again.

Time to paint the town red. I thought to myself.

I felt empowered whenever stepping out. Tonight, I boldly placed myself alongside Prince on this red carpet. Cat and Shelia playfully stuck out their tongues for numerous cameras. Behind me, bass pulsed loud enough to shake through my entire body. I could wait to dance on the nearest platform.

Prince flirted inching toward me. I teased right back, motioning my finger to bring him closer. Paparazzi almost gasped. Our lips nearly touch, but I stepped back in time for everyone to laugh. Prince jokingly frowned and draped his arm around my shoulder.

Down the red carpet, I'd noticed that Cat and Shelia already entered the club. Bodyguards who sported sunglasses noticed us and quickly unclipped the velvet rope. Prince led me in by the small of my back. Over my shoulder, I winked at him. Music thumped even louder than before.

Not for away, I almost ran off. Cat and Shelia noticed me again. But behind me, Prince locked hands once more. I bashfully glanced over my shoulder. the brim of another fashionable hat, his eyes fixated on my presence. The glare prompted me to melt. His company alone charmed me in one way or another.

"Don't leave." That baritone voice nearly hummed toward my ear just like earlier. Our hands never unlocked as Prince gently pulled me toward him from behind. My back now touched his chest. My heart slowly began to race. When his face turned and buried into the crook of my neck, I instinctively threw my hair back,

Rhythms mellowed out to play a ballad. I soon turned around in his arms, wrapping my embrace around him. I didn't know what to think of this moment, but allowed myself to indulge. Right now, a man wouldn't neglect me. Right now, a man wouldn't belittle me. I felt treasured by someone this evening.

At dawn, he woke up in my arms.