1986 - California
MICHAEL
Brenda premiered a short film on Saturday evening. Cameras flocked to see this woman stand between strobe lights with her husband, grinning almost bashfully on one soundstage.
Voices cheered throughout the nightclub. I sloshed ice water in my glass. Bass thumped right underneath my steps while I sat beside Kim.
We'd both planned to visit this place of respect for B, but I slowly regretted arriving. Meanwhile, Kay stood without hesitation and whooped for her old friend. I couldn't feel as happy anymore.
Kay glanced at me from one shoulder and those brown eyes stared as if I offended her. It wasn't even long before my mind realized the need to stand up.
I faked another smile and brushed off my pants with a free hand. Condensation from the glass slipped onto my palm while I still held onto the ice water. I didn't even care.
"Show your love, Cali! Thank you all so much for coming out to support my wife." Across the crowded venue, Prince jokingly snatched this microphone away from his wife. Laughter and applause ensued despite rhythms.
But I only smiled genuinely because Brenda stuck out her tongue at all of us. Kay pointed back while repeating the same gesture. Humorous, but I guess there was some hidden inside joke between the ladies or something.
Brenda finally snatched back the microphone from Prince and spoke to all of us for once. I folded both arms while observing, but she looked so beautiful. As always.
When this woman stepped further into pink and purple overhead fluorescence, I should've fainted. Her now surprisingly thick curves shaped into another trademark black dress. The si boots reached her thighs now. Darkness once again painted the lips I'd never taste. That curly lion mane still swooped across her forehead as usual.
All the while, my palms opened or closed at their sides. I quickly imagined what it would be like to even pull a fraction of that glorious hair while she screamed my name.
Prince or not, I had no shame whatsoever. Baby Girl drove me insane right now.
As I've said countless times before, he never deserved the woman standing beside him.
This "marriage" was a press frenzy and nothing else.
"Here's the moment you've all waited for. I'm so proud to finally show off my very first single from "Rollercoaster." Here's "Work To Do." When these lights dimmed Brenda walked away from the front, applause exploded once more. Even Prince disappeared from view.
The party rhythms stopped and this white screen rolled down on command. Kay and I smiled towards one another in anticipation. Shelia E yelled out loud with the biggest smile, encouraging other celebrities to cheer again.
I can't wait to get home to you.
I've got so much work to do.
Work, work...
The short film began with jerky camera footage of sunset palm trees moving across our screen. A piano and flute tempo reached my ears for the second time.
I looked to see Kay already swaying hips with this glass beer bottle in one hand. Everyone around us soon applauded once more.
The jerky footage onscreen shifted towards an assumed office lobby. Behind the silver desk, Brenda spun around in this tall chair and snapped to the music for a little while.
I then noticed that a pearl necklace draped around her neck and soon thought of Prince. He could've easily offered B the jewelry as present before this shoot.
Before long, B finally sang the first verse while walking around the lobby desk. I imagined her heels clicking along with the beat.
This talented and gorgeous woman popped the collar of her sleeveless blouse while belting lyrics. My voice wolf-whistled at first.
Again, I could only imagine how Brenda reacted in person at this point. Prince most likely drooled seeing his wife onscreen.
Her dancing lower body fit into tucked gray slacks and closed heels. No boots. No fishnet dresses. No drastic make-up.
Yet.
I'm taking care of business.
Baby, can't you see?
I've got to make it for you.
And I've got to make it for me.
Sometimes it seems, boy I'm neglecting you.
Though I'd love to spend more time, I've got so many things to do...
When the chorus arrived, she walked throughout the lobby. camera footage panned to all angles. By the end, she'd stopped at an elevator and chimed one path upstairs.
That second verse would probably begin in the elevator once those doors closed, but I was wrong. Very wrong.
I can't try to fake it.
Baby, can't you see?
It takes a lot of money to make it.
Let's talk truthfully...
Lo and behold, Prince propped his heels onto a desk while chatting on the office line. The camera quickly panned over again to show Brenda singing.
Prince noticed his wife and rushed someone off the phone, intrigued. As if these two were never even husband and wife in the first place.
I couldn't even hear myself think while everyone else applauded frantically. Even Kim tossed her head back laughing.
Onscreen, Brenda pulled in Prince by the tie of his yellow suit. These two danced to the chorus without missing a beat.
My heart ached with both jealousy and grief for the umpteenth time. For once, I wanted to cry. Alone.
Even sweet Kim probably wouldn't change my emotions now. Fed up, my steps just walked out into the parking lot.
