1982 – California
MICHAEL
Kim visited this recording studio the next day. I'd finished up verses for "Billie Jean" in particular. As usual, engineers and I piled into the break room for lunch. This time, Kim once again dressed up. I didn't know what to think as she glanced around the room and waved to everyone. As soon as we locked eyes, I stood up and calmly toward her. We exchanged another friendly handshake before long and sat across from each other again.
"So, what brings you back?" I questioned this woman and offered a smile. Voices and silverware echoed around us. As we sat together, I wondered in terms of her life beyond music. Did she even a boyfriend? While cliché, the possibilities seemed endless. I'd already chosen my salad as usual. Kim had set down her food and peacefully ate before speaking. .
"Walter and a few other executives called me in for another meeting this morning. We're still negotiating, but I'll see what happened. Since you're still working on this new album, my process has slowed down quite a bit, Michael. Everyone else seemed to be on the backburner, but I completely understand why." Kim finally started eating once more. I nodded along, but guilt wash over my heart.
This one potential labelmate seemed to stall because of me. While countless other artists lumped underneath this company with me, I seemed to draw the most attention. Still, I felt guilty in one way or another. Everyone else needed to gain some sort of acknowledgement in this situation. I wasn't the only talented person on this label anyway. Especially right now, Kim had deserved some sort of agreement. I'd be a fool to rob this woman of the limelight or something.
"I hope everything works out for you." I grinned for her once more. Kim grinned right back and lifted a glass of water for us to "toast." I laughed to myself as we clanked. Across the room, Quincy winked at me while sitting across from engineer Bruce. I rolled my eyes. Quincy had tried to play "matchmaker" for years.
"Thanks. I hope things work out too, Michael. Recording under the same label as you would be amazing, Like I've always said, we'll see what happened. Kim offered another smile before eating. If only I didn't need to record again today. I could've easily spent the rest of that afternoon speaking with her. At least she didn't act like the average sleazy groupie or obsessed fan. Our talk seemed refreshing.
On the other hand, I'd complained of loneliness several times, but never truly acted to changed things. Even according to my father Joseph, there was no room for romance. To him, losing focus because of a relationship had been one of the question in my eyes. As much as I wanted to believe him, Joseph and my brothers broke the pledge time and time again. Everything from marriage to cheating surrounded my family life.
"So, what does Kim Walker come across outside show business? Inquiring minds would love to know." I joked with her for a moment. She laughed once more. Right now, I wouldn't dwell on the past. The woman sitting across from wouldn't seem to care and I chose to speak with her. I wanted to learn more about her, especially considering our potential link as labelmates. Like I've said, anything could've happened due to these negotiations.
"Well, I work weekends at this bar on the strip. I usually come here and drown myself with meetings during the day. Larry and Walter want to keep me updated on the contract, y'know?" I nodded with more than curious eyes. Maybe she wouldn't mention that venue's name for the sake of privacy. I didn't know what to think. Yet, my mind still racked with several questions.
"To be honest, I don't really go out to examine the "club scene" like some of my other peers. What's a typical night for you, girl?" Kim waved off my admission to dodge partying and nodded to understand my question. This could be interesting. I could tell for sure. Conversations still echoed all over the room. We'd leave out in the next thirty minutes or so. Plenty of time to find out more about this woman.
"Okay," Kim sighed out loud. I laughed to myself once more. "Last night for example was chaotic, Michael. But overall, celebrities show up all the time. We've got a kitchen, small dancing stage with surrounding platforms and risers, a round the clock bar, DJ booth, upper level seating if you want, all kinds of amenities. Feel free come by if you ever decide to change perspectives on the nightlife."
"Thanks a lot for this, girl. I had no idea you were so punctual." I offered the compliment out of respect. Kim lowered her eyes bashfully for a moment. Still, she kicked right back work more. As if I'd never seen this woman blush earlier.
"Call my manager Elliott if you ever wanna plan something. He's always on call for bookings and his office line is on the card." Before I could even say anything to her, Kim slipped out a card from her purse. This woman turned into a complete entrepreneur and detailed as much as possible. At least she took this chat seriously. Otherwise, I'd never even find the place in question.
The venue name featured in bold lettering. Its backdrop shades consisted of black and purple. I turned the card between my fingers and nodded with a puckered lip. Such a wonderful presentation reached my presence as she continued speaking. Not once did she break character as I continued facing the card.
Then again, I wanted her number instead.
