Forever || Chapter 18

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1983 – California

KIM

For whatever reason, I lost touch with Prince. I couldn't even reach his phone lines anymore. I'd quickly guessed that the concerts and groupies swamped this man in one way or another. Typical of countless "rock stars." It wasn't until I plopped onto my bed onto and turned on television that his activities cleared up. Onscreen, this badass picture of Brenda flashed into my eyes.

Oddly enough, the photoshoot in question prompted B to ditch that trademark curly mane

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Oddly enough, the photoshoot in question prompted B to ditch that trademark curly mane. Regardless, my old friend looked good. As if she'd take over the world because of one stare. Vibrant and brightened make-up painted her complexion for once. Not even seconds later, the picture faded out to reveal Prince embracing that woman from behind. I instantly remembered the Prince and Vanity Rolling Stone cover and laughed out loud.

Reporter soon commentary detailed the bond. Skipper even nicknamed B "Monty." I laughed to myself once more. The correspondent also detailed that B's New Jersey accent reminded Prince of a cliché Italian mobster. The rest was history, I guess. Before long, I soon realized that Prince just found another girl to show off. But for once, this man seemed happy. I'd move on. My months-long relationship with this genius finally ended. I didn't cry over that man at all.

On the other hand, I couldn't visit Michael. Owner Elliott booked the club this entire week and I couldn't afford to leave again. We need as many hands as possible and I'd been the biggest asset of this place. Without me, the venue lost its overall appeal. Very few of the other waiters pulled in customers like me. Sure, we were all hospitable, but I somehow ended up being a "client favorite" over the years.

When I did leave to record my album with Epic, paparazzi swarmed the nightclub with questions, Elliott defend me by stating the existence of my record deal. Yet, everyone still grilled him. As I've said, the nightclub hadn't shut down completely, but for a short time lost its admiration in the few months I stayed away. As soon as I returned, media and superstars flocked once more.

This evening had been business as usual. David Bowie returned, and I didn't even mind when he kissed my cheek. One more "date" clung onto his arm as these two entered VIP. The great Lionel Richie ordered a drink. His wife smiled at the view of my outgoing personality, all despite these late-night hours. I gladly hugged Donna Summer after this fabulous woman passed by on the dance floor. As usual, stars emerged in droves.

At this point, I carried around another stacked tray

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At this point, I carried around another stacked tray. The Debarge family group entered this venue and seemed to order almost anything. Everything expected alcohol. Not everyone had been legally aged at the time. I understood the dodging in that regard. Bunny Debarge stopped my walk before I could even pass a delicious Shrimp Cocktail to her brother Mark.

"How long have you been working, tonight, Kim?" Bunny spoke up and my steps paused for a moment. I carefully bend to hear any speech. This gifted woman even noticed my nametag while colorful strobe lights hung directly above. Music continued rumbling as usual. Nearby, El and James shared more Pizza. Over the railing, voice shouted when a Zapp record began playing.

"Since we opened at nine this evening. Why? Is something wrong?" I responded with a concerned tone in my voice. Anything could've happened in these past hours and I didn't realize the possible issues. Meanwhile, Bunny just shook her head before whispering to Randy. I didn't know what to think and waved goodbye before leaving this space.

__

"This is ridiculous. I can't believe you gave up music to settle for nonsense. Elliott won't even give other staff half the responsibilities you've worked on and he's okay with draining one person. I'm sorry Kim, but you can't take a job just because it's comfortable with good money. When was the last time you took off since coming back? Probably never This is terrible, girl. You shouldn't even be working here again, but that's another story." Bunny fumed in my direction. .

Otherwise this woman marched closer and closer to the exit. Club owner Elliott just shouted from inside his location. Mid-step, she noticed my glare and just ranted with more words. I looked on with this enraged glare. Her brothers were completely silent on the topic at hand.

My co-worker Denise also paused cleaning and dropped her jaw watching us. El shook his head. After narrowing my own eyes, I turned back to wipe this glass once more. Otherwise, employees near me almost gasped. I understood her frustration in one way or another, but continued working. I'd end this shift before long.

Elliott finally opened his door and crossed both arms. I continued working. All other staff eavesdropped. My mind didn't know what to think once more while I scrubbed down this bar. I soon looked up with respect while this longtime employee stood near one of the bar stools. I dropped the cloth in hand, wiping off residue.

"Yes, sir?" I faced this man once more. His eyes glared down at first. Denise already stood beside me. We glanced toward one another without speaking. For the millionth time, I didn't know what to think. With or without a record deal, this job had been my means of support for the past four years. At this point, I nearly shed tears. I couldn't imagine myself without employment. What kind of example would I set for Gail if her only sister could even keep a roof over her head?

I'd let my entire family down. 

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