Author's Note: Think of Star Power Studios as an early Paisley Park. This chapter is once again dedicated to ShonaShaniece. Thanks for the amazing work and encouragement as always. Enjoy, readers!
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1986 - California
MICHAEL
"You were amazing." Backstage, I couldn't help embracing Kim. She welcomed my hug without even protesting.
I've never been this happy to see another person in years. She looked so beautiful and I didn't even want to stop this caring gesture between us.
Frank and Bill stood up against this nearby wall with amused grins once I looked across the room.
In that moment, Bill and his security team took a cue for departure. Frank trailed behind soon after. Kimberly and I needed to speak alone.
Frank thankfully closed the door behind him before I could even ask out loud. Before long, silence captured this private room.
I couldn't even eat another snack on the platter table. My eyes fixated on Kay as if she'd disappear the morning.
I could not mess up with her anymore.
"Hi." I smiled bashfully towards her for once. No anger. No interrogations. She stared down at these leather pants that couldn't see behind that keyboard earlier.
"Hi." Blushing seized her entire face despite the heavy and dark make-up. My heart could've burst due to that adorable expression.
"I'm so sorry." My voice whispered through regret. My mind ignored arrogance and finally remembered the day we first met.
I'd visualize that first handshake between us for the rest of my life.
"Me too. Can we...try again?" Kim then looked up at me with those soulful brown eyes and even reached over to hold my hand.
"Of course. I've missed us." She hadn't taken off those fingerless gloves. Lace tickled the center of my palm at first.
I kissed the top of head in response. Her eyes shut in that moment, but I wouldn't push anything further.
"When are you touring? I want a ticket." I laughed as we both stood up from the couch. Kim even draped my arm over her sequin shoulder out of habit.
"Buy the album first. But to answer your question, I'm not touring until summer this year." Kim teased right now.
We almost hobbled to the door with this joined stride. I didn't even complain about the partly awkward gesture.
At least Kim and I moved through that heavy conversation without arguing. Piece by piece, I would hopefully earn my girl back.
__
Of course, I didn't gain house key privileges back yet. But Kay still welcomed me back to her place. I appreciated every little gesture, beaming anytime she'd invite me over.
Some people would immediately assume that I couldn't stand sleeping on the couch during our renewed relationship. I didn't mind.
We agreed that using the same bed again would encourage old wounds open again. As long as she wasn't comfortable, I'd never cross lines.
Losing her over sex would've ruined the whole point of rekindling between us.
While both extremely tempted at times, we knew so much better.
