1984 – California
MICHAEL
You can't say, girl, that I don't love you.
Nights cryin', thinkin' of you.
I don't understand your ways.
They say true love is forever gladness.
All that I feel is sadness.
I don't understand your ways...
(The Jacksons – "Your Ways", 1980)
I couldn't believe this. Kim called out of nowhere to tell me that Prince offered a spot on his tour. His "fiancée" Brenda even arranged to choreograph some dance routines. The Revolution just expanded greatly, but I lost track of these collective members. Who counted anyhow? Just when I thought Kim forget about her old flame, my musical rival pulled this woman right back into his world. The "Purple Rain" tour wouldn't begin until later this year, but I couldn't help feeling jealous in one way or another. I lost Kim all over again.
My heart shattered for the millionth time. Kim already planned to speak with her record label and everything. Of course, that lineup seemed more than overjoyed. To see a bigger picture, if Kay did end up touring with Prince, the joined forces could've mounted sales for her independent album. A big name would change everything. Still, I hated the idea of Kim assumed this racy persona. Even brilliant percussionist Shelia E. donned skimpy clothing onstage. Could Prince even go a day without objectifying women?
In my mind, no.
All the while, I stood right here, and Kay never asked for my help. I guessed the previous deal with Epic still left a dreadful taste in her mouth. Still, this hurt. My name alone could've helped if the label team in question promoted her in a much more efficient way. She deserved recognition given all the talented in her pink finger alone. She deserved to travel the world. But I digress.
We paused for lunch between more rehearsals. Marlon and I sat from across each other. We were born within one year of one another, but I still called him big brother. I even found myself mimicking him at times growing up. As far as back those 2300 days. Regardless, we always stayed close. It wasn't long before Marlon set down his fork and folded both arms at the table. I didn't know what to think, but remained alert. Anything could've happened.
"So, what's been going on with Kay, little brother? You haven't invited her over here since last time." Marlon lowered his voice. I understood in one way or another given our private conversation. Time and time again, I'd only discussed Kay and B with Marlon. To be honest, he was the only man in my family who didn't cheat. Nine years of marriage. Three children. In short, my big brother honestly put in effort with his woman, ten times much more than our own father.
"She wants to tour with Prince and I'm not happy about it. It's like I can't never win against him, man. What would you do if this was Carol? For real?" I lowered my head and forked a tomato in my salad. Crew members and my other brothers chatted all over this room. Silverware clanked in all directions. I could've cared less about this noise once more. Right now, my heart sank.
"Mike, first, I have a really good question for you.? Is she actually your woman?" Marlon sipped from a glass of water. I understood the question, but turned silent. I couldn't lie to family. Even I wanted to. Marlon would've noticed immediately. Randy laughed out for some reason with Tito, but I still concentrated.
"No. We're not together, man." I answered without hesitation. Marlon wouldn't bat eyes now. I just knew that my brother had been completely serious. While cliché, there was no turning back. My big brother set down his drink and looked at me, never moving again. In that moment, he shook his head with puckered lips for a second. Once again, I didn't know what to believe.
"Look at me, Mike. If she's single, then stop trippin'. This is her career, not yours. So what if Prince had her first. You've really got to stop worrying about other people, man." Marlon almost leaned across the table. Still, we remained distant in one way or another. I leaned back in my own chair and blew out toward the ceiling.
"You don't understand, Marlon. She...I don't know. I just can't the fact that Prince always takes people from me. First Baby Girl, now Kay again." I nearly lost patience now. Marlon shook his once more. I blocked out his opposing expressions for once and slipped on my Aviators.
"Little brother, you can't have everything and don't assume anything, remember? You never even told Brenda about your feelings without bashing Prince and she just walked right back to him. How else she supposed to react? As for Kay, this friendship thing isn't working if you're always jealous of other fellas. Make a choice." Marlon once again offered his two cents.
Nearby, dialogue continued as if I hadn't felt anguish for the millionth time now. Still, I knew better and faced my brother without the sunglasses. Within the hour, I paced the stage to rehearse once more. Hopefully, I'd figure out these clashing emotions. In one way or another, I wanted to Kay to understand my feelings without running away. This woman deserved happiness above all else.
At this point, I'd do anything. She was too special.
