1983 – "Thriller" Rehearsals
MICHAEL
Kay never showed up.
I moved on. Ola Ray and I rehearsed the "walking" scene with director John Landis. This woman looked real cute, but gratefully remained professional throughout. At least I hadn't casted one of those star-struck models. Practice like this would've dragged in that case. To the honest, fanatic behavior seemed unattractive to me as I created. I just knew better. Crafting this eventually groundbreaking short film required my absolute concentration. There was no other choice for obvious reasons.
Before long, Ola and John continued speaking to one another. I soon noticed that Turkle (Make-up Artist Karen Faye) entered the room. Just when I thought she'd closed the door, Turk ended up looking behind. Her glare even faced outward to the hallway again. Awkward silence haunted the space, but she didn't storm in with an emergency. Still, anything could've happened.
"What's wrong, Turkle? I'm in the middle of practicing. Is everything okay?" I didn't know what to think and walked toward her with narrowed eyes.
This employee then kept the door creaked open folding both arms in a neon pink sweater. Wavy blonde tresses draped onto her onto both ends of that same piece of clothing. A fluffy black hair-tie wrapped around her pale left wrist. John and Ola glanced at us with dually narrowed eyes now. I understood the confusion in one way or another.
"Oh well, I guess you don't want Brenda to visit. I'll just tell her to leave. Turkle offered sarcasm and my face smiled instantly to the floor. John and Ola walked toward me with millionths of questions. I remained bashful and private. B and I also hadn't met up since the party, but talked on the phone. In the big scheme of things, I invited Kim and B for this shoot. My viewpoint hoped that the ladies would appreciate imagination at hand.
Meanwhile, I could talk someone who didn't contribute with this project now. While the production team had been remarkable, I couldn't stand discussing business all this time. Fans already swarmed the barriers earlier this week. Sadly, I could only wave to screamers before John guided me back towards our main set.
Moments later, Turkle (Karen Faye) finally departed. It wasn't even long before closed the door behind her. Brenda shook hands with both John and Ola out of respect. I too hugged this woman. In a cliché manner, the sweetest perfume suddenly wafted toward my nostrils. She offered another smile and I could've fainted.
Before long, I licked my lips once Brenda uttered greetings with that New Jersey accent. For one of the strangest reasons, I felt so turned on. Yet, given our location and circumstances, my entire being stayed cool. There was no other choice. This woman entered the room sporting a white crop top and tight dark pants. Her black boots clicked back as she talked to Ola and John and mentioned Soul Train. She'd danced on the program for two years at this point.
Once again, a curly mane swooped over to nearly drape her forehead. Those same curls dropped to the shoulders of her shirt. I somehow wouldn't drool at this point. The self-control game prevailed as usual. Brenda Michelle deserved respect, regardless of my lust right now.
One more round of silence of fell before John continued discussing the short film. All throughout, Brenda gave all three of us a fun smile. Even Ola laughed when during silly moment. On the other hand, Brenda's mind probably raced with fascination. Baby Girl even presented ideas at times. Few women I'd known offered a genuine interest in my work.
I melted within.
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We ended the day on a good note. I'd come back the next morning for dance rehearsals with choreographer Michael Peters. He and I selected twenty-one 'zombies" altogether. Eighteen professional dancers. Four Pock-Lock artists. Piece by piece, I smiled. As I've said, this one project could change everything folks knew about performing. Developing creativity here alone surpassed my expectations.
A few security guards and a chauffeur escorted Brenda home. I soon fought the urge to kiss her dark lips goodbye before Ola interrupted. Ola shook hands with me and fist pumped B. I could've easily dropped my jaw. John Landis shook his head nearby. I understood his amused expression at that point. John slapped my shoulder with his left hand before exiting with isolated bodyguards at last.
"You're a mess, Joker." Bill teased me. It wasn't long before this longtime employee opened the double doors for us to exit. I almost shivered in the cold just before my own limousine pulled up. Once the back door slammed shut, guilt washed over my heart. Kim entered my mind all over again. I could only imagine how she favored tonight working at the club once more. As if this woman reached "square-one" all over again.
"Kay, it's me, Mike. I know you won't get this message until mornin', but I just wanted to apologize. You don't need to hear my arrogant ass nag right now. I owe you dinner or somethin." Anyway, kick ass during the rest of your shift. Talk you soon. Bye." Bogged with grief, I picked up the limousine phone instead of waiting like an asshole. My breath sighed out loud before her answering machine picked up Quiet Storm once again lulled up front. I could only notice Bill's side profile while looking forward now.
Now, my heart just needed Kay to forgive.
If this woman still hated me, I finally understood why.
