Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 7

Author's Note: ShonaShaniece

==

1982 - California ("Soul Train")

Patrice

I couldn't even will myself to choose pajamas or crawl into bed itself. My body just plopped onto the covers and my voice snored away.

Then, one call from Vanity woke me up out of nowhere.

I'd just flown back from Minneapolis when my bedroom landline screamed! She rambled in a panic.

Vanity quickly explained that her group would tape an appearance for Soul Train  in the morning. No one else seemed "available" for costumes at the time.

Bullshit. I thought to myself.

Regardless, I stayed up all night creating sleeveless and backless dresses for the ladies. Black for Vanity. Pink for Susan. Green for Brenda.

Two other wardrobe employees  helped me find beautiful accessories at the very last minute. Right down to the lacy white gloves on Susan's hands.  

A trio of make-up artists dolled up every single member. I somehow hid away to sleep on the dressing room couch for once. 

Mission accomplished.

We knew so much better than to let these dames wear that  infamous lingerie in the end. Cornelius would've lost his mind in all honestly.

After the deserved catnap, I woke up to see a bottle of red wine and purple  envelope sitting on this  nearby coffee table. Roses positioned right alongside the gorgeous bottle.

The dressing room seemed immaculate when I looked around in all directions. No one else seemed to accompany my loneliness. 

Nothing cluttered the vanity mirrors.  My favorite baby blue equipment trunk situated right next to the couch.

Everything from the dismantled sewing machine to hairdryers and make-up kits boxed into that one large case.

I shook out of this exhaustion and reached the envelope first. Curiosity killed the cat.

My eyes greeted cursive handwriting instantly. Without hesitation, I began reading.

Patrice,

Thank you so much for helping us over the past few days. I'm extremely sorry if the schedule for this group  has stressed you out.

Please understand that Prince wants us to  be the baddest women on Earth. Without constant exposure, we fail.

The performance and interview today triumphed.  But we all looked gorgeous because of you.

Strap on some heels, uncap the lipstick, and show the world how amazing you really are.

I'm not the only Bombshell  around.

Hope to see you again,

PS: Enjoy the check and wine. ;)

Always,

- Denise "Vanity" Matthews

For a moment, I couldn't help smiling. This entire gesture rejuvenated my mindset.

I'd immediately drive to the bank and deposit this money first. My steps would then race right back to "Canvas Inc."

Dozens of other projects still called my name at the bustling office. Prince and his protegees would never stand as my only clients, of course.

The wine bottle could chill in my refrigerator at home. I'd  celebrate afterwards for sure.

__

I clocked out for good after main office hours and cashed my check from Vanity. My exhausted presence then  finally returned home.

Mom, the boss herself, still hustled late tonight. We'd see each other in the morning as always.

It wasn't even long before I  noticed that  my answering machine flashed. The wine bottle still chilled in its rightful place that evening.

Between beeps, I heard several familiar voices.

"Hey, Patrice. It's Michael again. Someone at "Canvas Inc." wrote down your contact number for me today. I hope this is really you. If it is, I just wanted to apologize for what happen at dinner the other night. I have no reason to decide who your clients should be. You can befriend whoever you want. Hope to hear from you soon if this the correct phone number. Good night, girl. Bye."

I couldn't believe this. Someone in the building gave Michael my direct household landline.

I never contacted patrons with this phone number. Unless we shared a mutual agreement beforehand.

The culprit definitely  wouldn't have employment tomorrow. Enough was enough.

Regardless, I listened to other messages. But my favorite pen scribbled one vital need to interrogate personnel in the morning.

"Patrice! Hey, girl. It's Susan. Thanks so much for helping us these days. Get some more rest. You deserve  it. Anyway, I'm  sure you've already gotten the check and wine from Vanity. Enjoy our presents. Hope you can come back to Minneapolis again, too. We'd love to party with you. First Avenue would be one hell of a blast. Well, good night. Talk to you soon."

Aww. Susan and I bonded as well during that Soul Train chaos this morning. I didn't even mind. 

Now, her friendly voice quickly  resounded throughout my living room. I took another sip of wine at this point. The alcohol left a rewarding taste.

We exchanged phone numbers before she even reached the set and  performed with her band mates this morning.

And finally, His Royal Badness called. I couldn't help smiling once more. There was only a matter of time before I'd hear from this man again.

Given all that took place beforehand, I would actually be surprised if he didn't call me back.

"Mama, I hope you feel so much better than yesterday. Sorry if my girls drove you insane. We're on a tight schedule because my tour is coming up soon. I owe you ticket. It's the least I can do with everything else you've already  accomplished for me. Thank you for all the hard work. Call me anytime. Good night, Darling. "