1982 – California
KIM
It was my last meeting at the label before Thanksgiving. I'd fly back home after lunch with everyone else. Michael planned to release "Thriller" less than one week afterwards. I couldn't wait to prowl in a record store and buy. Michael raved about almost finishing his project at the club last night with David. I gifted Michael with his order and soon, this man switched into career mode.
Now, Michael recognize me in the breakroom first. I quickly waved to him and patted the folded but tiny sheet in my denim pocket. I'd finally give Jackson my number. As mentioned, I'd finally start recording my album early next year. Michael would probably lurk every session when his schedule cleared up in one way or another. I understood his own curiosity these days.
Prince would tour during this holiday weekend. We'd exchanged numbers just before I closed the club one night. With Vanity and Morris in tow, he kissed my cheek and headed out. His motorcycle led a slew of limousine away from the parking lot. Behind me, coworker Denise draped one around my shoulder. I pouted in the cold night air. but we brushed off that sadness and moved on. I hadn't seen P since.
Over the phone, I admitted to studying music by The Time as well as his other protégés. Even the opening chords of "Get It Up" drove me insane. Practice wouldn't even begin to describe my commitment toward those melodies alone. "Skip" even told me that he'd admired Zapp, George Clinton, and Rick James. Concerning Rick, those two infamously toured together in early years. I could only imagine what kind of stories involved that wild but dazzling pair.
As I continued dwelling on Prince, Michael walked toward me with a plate in hand. I sweetly offered to grin while Jackson sat down. Voices still chatted around us. Nothing unusual at this point. Still, I couldn't help thinking of Prince for some reason. We connected time and time again and never even slept together. We were too busy and couldn't make time anyhow.
Still, my mind knew so much better. That bachelor had been too occupied with picking out groupies and making hit records. I wasn't stupid enough to fall for his suave behavior again. I'd concentrate on developing this career or paying bills instead. There was no other choice. At least not in my mind. I didn't even travel to California for romance or whatever else. I wanted to either live out dream or fall trying.
"I've read that you don't celebrate holidays. but enjoy this break, Michael. You deserve it." I already looked up to find Michael smiling at me again. His face looked so innocent. I didn't know what to think, but this moment felt adorable. Cheesy, but delightful.
"Thank you, girl. This break should be nice. By the way, I had a really good time last night. Especially since the staff was so outgoing. You guys were just so helpful." Michael finally spoke up this time. I'd waited for him to respond just seconds earlier. Neither of us dined on lunch again.
I just couldn't wait to kick off this vacation. Even my little sister Gail would return from college for the break. Hell, I'd planned her Christmas gift too. If cards played right, my hand would yank another copy of "Thriller" from those shelves. She'd loved Michael since childhood. I "raised" her on his music, but wouldn't admit such a fact to Michael. We all obsessed with those Jackson Five boys, along with as the rest of this world. Right down to the ironic Christmas album of all records.
"I'm so glad you had fun last night. Feel free to come back when you're not dumped with promotional nonsense." I winked to joke with him. Michael laughed to himself once again. Silverware still clanked around us. I reached over to nibble a brownie that located on my plate. For whatever reason, Michael wouldn't talk again. His brown eyes nearly fixated into my soul as I slowly and somewhat neatly pulled the treat away from my lips. Silence fell between us. Oddly, nothing felt awkward.
In that moment, I stood up and reached into my jeans for the sheet of paper. Enough was enough. Cliché, but Michael staring killed me for once. When I finally sat back down, Michael faced my sliding hand. A smile crept onto my face as he slowly opened the paper in question. Before I could say anything else, Michael shook his hand, but grinned from ear to ear. I completely understood why.
"You made my day, Kim." One more chuckle left him now. I rolled my eyes, but smiled again. Any lust that sparked between us earlier vanished. I didn't know what to think of his shift right back and simply nodded. As lunch winded down, I stood once more and walked around the table. For once, we'd hug. Michael opened his arms without hesitation. I took the embrace in stride.
"Happy Holidays, Michael." I finally walked to him and everyone else before walking. A cross-country flight and turkey called my name in one way or another. Still, I remembered that Michael would call at some point. I wasn't expecting to wait by the phone for him, but just knew that he felt happy. This man probably encountered deceit time and time again. Jackson hadn't even earned that misfortune to be honest.
At least Michael would gain a true friend in me.
