Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 13

Author's Note: Guess who's back?! I'm not even sorry. Enjoy! amoniquebee

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1982 - California ("Canvas Inc.")

Patrice

Patrice,

It's me, again. Hope you're doing well.

As for me, the tour has been wonderful so far.  And as you would imagine, we all love performing onstage.

But can I be serious with you for a moment?

Prince wanted me to write this letter for you  on his behalf. It's extremely  difficult him to communicate with you at this point.

Not because there's no time, but because he doesn't know what to say right now.

Regardless, he misses you. A lot. Hell, we all miss you, Sweetie.

He wanted me to say that he loves so much, girl. Please feel free to call any of us.

But Prince needs you the most  right now.

Come back to our family, Patrice.
We need you. Prince can't deal with the loneliness anymore.

Reach out at any time. Please.

Always,

- Denise "Vanity" Matthews and Prince Rogers Nelson

My heart ached while reading that letter. I couldn't believe that Prince felt anxious enough to make someone else write a message.

With both signatures scribbled at the bottom, I  was sold. Enough was enough to be honest.

The past few days comprised of ongoing business. No sleep. Constant movement. Frequent "smoking breaks" outside my office.

Running on empty one more time would force me to quit.

I just couldn't handle another task without encountering some sort of relief first.

Still, my mind even raced during lunch. Even Mommy noticed that I felt drained and helped to lessen my workload at times.

My thoughts  honestly considered everything else that could've achieved without taking breaks.

Fed up, I called my sweet Prince days later. Ready to lock up my office and toss the work keys to Momma.

Mom even  offered paid leave without hesitation and distributed my usual responsibilities to other personnel.

If anything happened, she  would call using any the concert itinerary phone numbers. I didn't mind locations.

"Call me when you've landed, okay?Mommy kissed the top of my head right as a limousine pulled up outside. Chilled air swayed the palm trees nearby back and forth.

"All right. Thank you so much, Mom."  I nodded and we hugged tight before separating.

"You're welcome. Take care of yourself and be safe." Two personal assistants carried  luggage to the trunk.

Mom waved one final time before I opened the door and slipped onto leather seating.

"Prince!" In that moment, I yelped with happiness.  Mom peeked in her head at us with a humored smile.

"Surprised?" Mom laughed. Prince and I just cackled instantly before we both hugged Mom again. One real goodbye shouted from her lips.

My face couldn't help smiling after the limousine door finally  rolled out good.

"Hi, Baby." Prince held hands with me and I dropped my onto his shoulder.

"Hi," My eyes shut as his cologne and natural scent blended together in harmony.

__

"1999 Tour"

Spotlights colored the large  soundstage. I glanced around the venue, still squeezing hands with Prince.

Onstage, Vanity and her band mates rehearsed with the signature lingerie. But someone else perched onto a stool nearby.  and watched intently. A microphone twirled in her left manicured. I instantly thought of Acrylic nails to s

Curls found in the back of her head fell to shoulder ends of her white blouse. Black pants accented her legs. White sneakers  dressed her walk if she moved around the stage to assistant.

Wait. I thought to myself.

"Is that Brenda Michelle from Soul Train?" My voice questioned Prince to ensure I wasn't dreaming.

"Yes, Baby.  She's my musical director for the rest of this tour." His Royal Badness smiled widely and kissed my cheek.

"Musical director?" I didn't even she could sing!" My jaw almost  dropped at this point. Prince just laughed.

Right now, Brenda glared towards Vanity with the most puzzled expression. I almost laughed out loud  and gave myself away.

"Cue up the band. I can't believe this. Denise (Vanity), I'm sorry. But you'll never get through other gigs singing like that. People could boo you guys off the stage if you're careful.  Let's do this again. I'll sing lead. Please pay attention. " Brenda ranted on and on.

Vanity lowered her head. Even her band mates nodded, understanding severity.

When "Nasty Girl" began playing in a completely different key, Brenda swayed hips like this was her record all along.

I nearly pulled out my hair when Brenda sang the first verse. Her unexpected voice and exciting stage presence shook me right up.

"Show her the right way, girl!" Prince clapped with an approving smile on his face. I sang along immediately.

That's right. Pleased to meet you.
Still won't tell you my name.
Don't you believe in mystery?
Don't you want to play my game?
I'm looking for a man to love me like I've never been loved before.
I'm looking for a man that will do it anywhere.
Even on the limousine floor!

Brenda treated us to this live performance and she wasn't even part of the concert overall.

I ended up nearly grinding against Prince to the music. In public without shame. Applause echoed from all directions.

Prince draped his arm around my shoulder and I tossed back my curls laughing when Vanity  (Denise)  jokingly bowed to Brenda.

"I've learned!" Vanity giggled. Whoops from me prompted everyone else to glance across the stage.

"Hi, Patrice!" Vanity waved first. I rolled my eyes and walked away from Prince to greet her.