1984 – "Victory" Tour Rehearsals (California)
KIM
Prince took my music from last year and ran. I didn't even look for compensation from him. "When Doves Cry" scaled up the charts at every waking moment. At most, Prince gifted me with a rose bouquet and stitched letter. I smiled to myself while opening the envelope. While reading, I beamed while suddenly timid. Memories of us wafted right back into my thoughts. Underneath his playboy lifestyle and countless mind games, Prince seemed adorable while displaying charm. I felt like a beautiful woman in the eyes of a man. I loved myself overall, but our connection, while now dormant, still meant something to him.
Michael called out of nowhere during this new year. We agreed to meet at the concert venue and bodyguards followed every click of my heels. As soon as the double doors pushed up open, my face colored in spotlights. Bill and the bodyguards excused themselves from me to disperse. Before long, I walked closer and closer to the stage. My face couldn't help smiling for a moment. All these years and I'd only seen these geniuses perform once. Last year of all times.
Michael paced the while holding a microphone. Tito tuned up one of his famous guitars. Jermaine warmed vocals behind another microphone stand. I didn't Jackie in place yet. Marlon chatted across from Michael with folded arms. Crew members shouted directions to one another. I completely remembered those manic housework days at the nightclub within seconds.
"Hey!" I whistled to grab attention. These fellas immediately noticed my waving arms in one way or another. I understood when Michael hesitated at first. Marlon laughed to himself. Randy walked away from his percussion and shook Michael's shoulders. I rolled my eyes, but grinned once more. Even some crew members paused for a moment and snickered.
"Kim, I know it's you. But don't interrupt my rehearsal." Michael pointed at me while still holding the microphone. In that moment, I dropped my jaw. Jackson had even lowered his voice. His brothers immediately reacted with gasps and hisses. The words seemed to hurt these men more than myself.
I shook my head and quickly sat down. My presence wanted to have fun with a silly greeting, and Michael just popped that imaginary balloon. Avoiding debate, I sat right down out of respect. I knew for a fact that if Brenda stood in this room, hell would've broken loose. On the other hand, I'd want to move on. I refused to display fury in public. The media would've fished out all kinds of details.
Nonetheless, I pouted regardless of the music. Michael should've never opened his mouth like that. I didn't even care about his fame and whatnot. Afterwards, I'd get his ass. Right now, it seemed that Michael only respected his mother. I couldn't believe his arrogance. I guessed that the outstanding album sales still climbed into his brain. The good behavior that Mike first presented me slowly disappeared.
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"Kay, where you going? I wanted to talk to you about something." Bodyguards followed us down the hallway. Just when Bill Bray pushed open one of the double doors, Michael shook his head. His brothers surrounded us in one way or another. Marlon even folded both arms at the side of his "younger" and one-man-show brother. I cut my eyes toward Michael, but he stood ground. Marlon balled up one fist to cover his mouth.
I pouted my lipstick in front of Michael without hesitation. Michael stepped an inch and space directly closed between us. I even noticed the smallest clue of facial hair growing on his tucked in bottom lip. Michael hadn't grinned once more. I stepped away to open the distance as I my heart suddenly pounded within. If it wasn't for his boundaries with physical attraction, I would've kissed this man right then.
Damn. I thought to myself.
Jackie and Randy whistled downward right behind us. I understood the reaction in one way or another. I would've committed the same deed as an onlooker. Just when I planned to walk away once more, Michael stepped toward my ear. I hadn't felt this entrance by a man in this business since Prince. To be honest, I almost throbbed below. Jackson trapped me with control I'd never seen in him before.
"Go out with me. Tonight." Michael affirmed before turning away. The double doors pushed open once more. The security detail filed out with Bill Bray as usual. I couldn't even head back to my "own" limousine. Michael trusted one of countless drivers to return that vehicle for me. My own bodyguards listened to his every word. On the other hand, I walked hand in hand toward this different limousine with Michael. Bill and one more driver seated up front.
I felt dazed. For the first time in years, my entire being submitted without a fight. I didn't even know what to think, but the car simply moved out of this parking lot. Michael removed his sunglasses and watched me for a moment. My mind almost jumbled with numerous questions as day transferred into evening. I wouldn't record in the studio again until tomorrow morning.
"Where are we going?" I questioned Michael after looking out the window. His employees turned up the radio, but I could've cared less.
"To dinner. I've owed you a date, girl." Michael grinned while noticing me for once. I shook my head and quickly smiled back.
