1984 – California
MICHAEL
Though you're gone star far away.
Each time I see a rainbow.
I'll remember being with you.
Smiles coming through my tears...
We braved paparazzi together and walked through the front door. Bill tailed right behind us with usual security. Faces paled at the sight of me and even waitresses scrambled to seem professional. I could only imagine what Kim believed right now. One of the calmer servers offered us a table and hugged menus to his chest for a moment. I'd already removed my Aviators before sitting across from Kim at this point.
We both settled on water for the time being and that server turned away. I'd ignore pride and concentrated on Kim for once. This woman deserved my respect, especially given what happened previously at rehearsals. Otherwise, my brothers would gossip or something tomorrow.
Softened but jazzy music played all around. New artist Sade offered a brilliant voice for our ears on the speakers. I smiled at Kim across the table and even blushed. All my earlier control toward this woman died out in one way or another. In the end, I just wanted to see Kay once more. No career. No Prince. Only her. I hadn't felt this shy over anyone else since Diana or even Brenda recently. As mentioned, I've never truly fussed over ladies who appeared glitzy all the time. But right now, Kim dressed down in a stylish way.
Curls shaped onto a messy ponytail. Those same loops still fell around her face. Big hoops draped on both ears. She'd tucked a black tank top into Acid-washed jeans. Strapped heels clicked onto pavement as bodyguards guided us earlier. Paint lips smiled at me across this table. Before too long, the waiter returned. I already picked out an order. Kim chose her selection and the attendant turned away once more.
Diamond life, lover boy.
He moves in space with minimum waste and maximum joy.
City lights and business nights.
When you require streetcar desire for higher heights.
No place for beginners or sensitive hearts.
When sentiment is left to chance.
No place to be ending but somewhere to start.
No need to ask...
"Thanks for this. I've been under pressure lately and this is just nice." Kim finally reacted with one more smile. I nodded before sipping. The music and laughter continued near us. I looked around to find Elton John with someone. Nearby, Madonna laughed enough with someone that her mole could've popped off. Donna Summer gleamed with people at one expansive table.
You're welcome. I've wanted to..." My voice trailed off. Just when my eyes planned to face Kay once more, I noticed Brenda and Prince reached over across their table to kiss one another. My musical rival draped on one of those trademark purple coats. I rolled both eyes before laughing to myself. Kim immediately noticed the couple as well after craning her poor neck.
Soon, dormant jealously fizzed right back toward my heart. For whatever reason, Prince unexpectedly stood up from his seat across from Brenda. I didn't know what to think until my stare faced Kim. She dropped her jaw out of nowhere. Before I could ask questions, the entire restaurant spurt with gasps and cheers. I stood and placed myself right next to Kim. My knees could've buckled at the view before our eyes.
"Brenda Michelle, will you marry me?" Prince beamed throughout his rare tears while that man knelt in his own high heels. An open and tiny velvet box placed between his fingers. This entire restaurant hushed during the longest moment of my life. One answer from Baby Girl would've changed everything.
Nearby moguls and celebrities held onto baited exhales with anticipation. Kim almost smeared her make-up throughout the silence. Once again, I didn't even know what to believe right now. Kim suddenly walked beside me and reached to hold my hand. A meek grin crept onto her face. Still, I couldn't muster up happiness. While Kim and I embraced palms, I could've fainted. I would never explain my feelings right now. But everything felt emotional in one way or another.
"Yes!" Brenda nodded feverishly. Not even seconds after Prince slipped on that ring, B jumped into his arms. I turned around and looked at Kay with a forlorn expression. Our silence proved mutual. She only nodded, and we paid the bill. I couldn't even eat a great salad this evening. Our "date" completely spoiled. I just couldn't even face the public anymore.__
"Are you all right?" Kim whispered back in the limousine. We held hands once more. Bill and the driver wouldn't trouble me at all. I turned to face the window. This car passed lampposts as usual. For once, I fought one more entrance of tears. Joseph would've reprimanded, but I could've cared less right now. While somewhat calmed, I turned back to Kim and kissed her cheek.
This woman smiled for the millionth time. We squeezed hands once again. Our mutual silence returned as the car edged into traffic. I wasn't ready to explain these feelings in one way or another. Part of me knew that Kay wouldn't understand. I wanted her as mine so badly, but Brenda and Diana still felt their scars. I didn't know what to do, but allowed my heart to expose itself around this completely different woman.
I believe you and I.
Could never really say goodbye.
Wherever you may be.
I'll look up and see.
Someone in the dark for me...
