Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 6

1982 - Minneapolis, MN  ("Vanity 6" Photoshoot)

Patrice

Prince stood up from the chair beside me and immediately reached out to hold my hand. Our heels led us to the bustling hallway, stopping in front of that dressing room. 

Bodyguards already marched away from the set to disperse once more and watch the area.

A nearby employee in the hallway tossed Prince the gold entrance key and smiled.  I stood right behind Prince, baffled.

When Prince turned that key and the door opened, I lowered my head before walking inside. Our heels now stepped onto carpeting again. Prince quietly shut the door.

"What's going on? I'm so sorry for the comment, Prince. It's just been a really long day and I'm  exhausted." I questioned him and regret immediately washed over my mind.

We'd probably never work together again after this. I couldn't even stand myself right now.

"Please sit down with me. I need to tell you something." For once, I noticed vulnerability in his tone. What I did was completely unprofessional. We both knew that.

"I don't know if anyone bullied you in the past, but you are not ugly, Patrice. This might sound really cliche, but I couldn't get over how pretty you were when we first met at Canvas in the lobby. I stared before talking to you because I was actually nervous. I've never felt that way about anyone." 

We sat down right next to each other on this couch. Prince confessed something I never realized about us meeting last year.

"I'm sorry for avoiding your compliment and you're very sweet, but what about Vanity? She's absolutely gorgeous. I'm just here to work." I reasonably asked.

If anything, she should've been the one to melt down his usually distant persona. As I've said, that woman prompted everyone to drop jaws. 

I was just another face.

"Patrice, look at me. Just stop letting your mind think about business for a second. You're  beautiful. Don't let Vanity or anyone else intimidate you, Mama." Soon, P turned to face my body  and  sighed out loud. This man even held hands with me once more.

"Don't give me that excuse. You definitely fucked her today. I saw the leg bruises.  We're most likely sitting on your sex couch or something. Admit it." I slipped my hand away from him and ranted soon enough.

"Patrice, stop beating yourself up." Prince trailed off his voice. Awkward silence filled the room before I  could allow myself to speak up again.

"It's difficult to stop beating yourself up while working your ass off. After hustling for so many other people, nobody asks if you are okay." I finally admitted the problem that churned in my mind for all these years.

"Well, I'm asking now. Are you all right? What are you thinking?" Prince squeezed my hand again.  I lowered my eyes.

"Sorry, but  I'm not feeling any better. Vanity bothered the shit out of me. I don't even know why.  She's obviously a knockout and it was great to work with her, but I'm still..." My thoughts couldn't help thinking about that lead singer.

Vanity could've easily stood as the face of my own  company in a few years. I wouldn't even complain.

"Like I said, please don't let her intimidate you. Hold on. I'll be right back." Prince reassured. I still couldn't believe him. One more round of silence fell between us.

Prince left me alone on the couch. The morning doughnut box still popped open. Only crumbs existed.

Make-up products scattered on three vanity-mirror tables located in corners of the room. Three chairs scribbled names in glitter gold on the back.

Left Side: Susan

Right Side: Brenda 

Center: Vanity

Minutes later, the door opened again. Vanity entered this room still wearing the gorgeous  lingerie.

I wanted to fly out of here and never come back. While still dressed professionally today, I felt uptight. Not even sexy at all.

"Prince told me what's going on. What's wrong, girl? You've helped so much today. Those pictures are beautiful." Vanity stood facing me.

If I ever looked up, she'd  immediately notice the tears in my eyes. I refused to cry in front of her and especially Prince.

"Doesn't matter. Thank you for the amazing opportunity, but I need to go. I'm sorry." Now wearing sunglasses to hide, I could finally speak to her without even looking stupid. Vanity nodded, understanding.

It wasn't long before I stood up from the couch and shook hands with bought of these wonderful people. Prince and I couldn't even hug right now. I felt too drained once more.

"Wait. How long are you staying in town?" Vanity had clearly changed her mind about leaving me alone when she questioned me again.

I just wanted to go home.  Or at least work to distract myself as usual. I couldn't handle another duration of silence within this room.

"I'm leaving in the morning." I turned around to face Vanity out of respect. Prince even begged for me to stay with his distressed eyes.

"Please don't leave. I'll be at First Avenue tonight with these ladies and plenty of other people. Come with us, Patrice."  Prince finally spoke up again.

I shook my head and cleaned up Vanity's station. Two other make-up artists helped Brenda and Susan today. I wouldn't dare to touch any of those items.

Prince had been standing within earshot of me while I gathered these cosmetic objects. Even Vanity still protested between Prince's hushed words to me.

"I can't." I zipped up one final bag and carefully placed it into my gigantic box for the limousine.

When I turned my eyes to notice Prince and Vanity again, Prince seemed almost heartbroken.

But my presence just didn't seem welcomed anymore.