Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 16

1983 - New York ("Masterpiece Enterprises")

Patrice

New year, new company.

And it was all mine.

Michael finally released "Thriller" last year and the world still raved now. Prince would tour with "1999" for just a few more months before finally coming back to me. Here of all places.

Mom and I called each other nearly every day. We still couldn't believe that my situation changed so rapidly. But she would always be proud of her child.

"Masterpiece Enterprises. You've reached Patrice Cooper. How can I help you?" I answered the telephone and immediately felt determined like my mother.

The confidence wouldn't leave now that I finally relocated. There was no better feeling in the world to me right now.

"Yes, hello Patrice. Could I please talk to the baddest and most beautiful woman on your staff. It's very important." Prince teased early in the morning. Just like old times.

"There are many attractive and hardworking women on my staff, Mr. Nelson. Not to sound shallow, but the employee you're looking for, what does she look like?" I decided to play along with him and laughed to myself.

"Well, she has the deepest brown eyes I've ever seen, this smile that lights up any room, the best hallway strut, and a dark complexion that only deserves pleasure or kisses. Do you know who she is now" Prince complimented me over and over.

"Who is the employee?" I blushed without hesitation and closed my eyes. Other personnel raced all over the building outside my door now.

"You." Prince answered simply. I covered my face with a free hand and giggling quietly once more. Prince even chuckled back.

Aww, thank you, Baby. Now, please get off my work line and stop running up the phone bill." I added sarcasm. Prince jokingly complained as usual.

"Patrice!" Prince whined. I almost laughed out loud. He was too cute at times like this.

"No. Do you want me to go bankrupt?" My voice finally shifted back to professionalism.

"Of course not. We'll talk later. I've got a show tonight and you probably won't hear from me until I'm in a studio afterwards. Our normal routine." Prince sighed, most likely still dreading the fact that I still wasn't in his arms.

"Damn, I miss you." I admitted what we both longed to say at this point. Prince completely understood.

"Me too. I just want a plane ticket for New York right now." Prince responded again with sadness with his voice.

Prince began the longest waiting period of my life.

__

Patrice,

It's me, again. Congratulations on the brand-new company.

I know you've wanted this opportunity for quite some time now and I hope the business succeeds in every way possible.

On a more personal level, I apologize again for causing all the drama last year.

We don't necessarily need to be the greatest of friends, but I should at least respect you.

Jealously took over my thoughts and you especially don't deserve my arrogance.

Please let me know when you're back in California. I'd love to see you again. Let's just start over. I don't want to make you an enemy. Never.

Best wishes,

-Michael Jackson

My heart still didn't believe Michael. If Jackson knew how close Prince and I were now, chaos would erupt for sure.

I finally admitted to myself that Prince and I actually loved one another.

He was mine. I belonged to him. Groupies and other women never reached my crown at this point.

Prince ended up calling around midnight where I stayed in New York. His restlessness powered another studio session after concerts.

As my baby always said, we knew this routine too well. Regardless of locations. With the against my ear, I waited as usual this evening.

"Hello?" Prince answered after only two rings this time. I smiled to myself. Michael would never understand my happiness right now.

"Hi, Baby. It's just me. How are you?" I kept my voice down to a whisper.

"Tired and lonely. But at least the show was good. I miss you, though. How are you doing, Gorgeous?" Prince seemed exhausted on the other line. I pouted while listening.

"I've been waiting for your voice all day. Sorry about hanging up this morning. I had to interview some more wardrobe candidates." My voice sighed out loud this time.

"Did you find anyone good enough? That's your favorite department, Mama." Prince questioned to move our conversation along.

"Nobody's better than me, but yes. I've got a nice team so far." I laughed to myself again.

"Good. Well, I'm not performing tomorrow night. Is it too early for a visit?" Prince teased me. I rolled my eyes.

"You promised to finish the tour first. Just wait a little bit longer, okay? Sorry." I refused his sweet offer.

"Please?" Prince tried again. I shook my head once more. We needed to concentrate on our individual careers first.

Otherwise, business for either of us would crumble. I always remembered that truth.

"No, Prince. Stay focused. It's almost over, Baby." I assured. Romance prioritized later, even though we were absolutely crazy about each other.

"All right. Call me soon. Sleep well, Darling. Good night. Love you." Prince offered his affection towards me as usual.

"Love you too. Good night." We finally hung up, but a tear ran down my cheek. I could barely fall asleep on my own.

Three months were definitely too long.