Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 22

Author's Note: amoniquebee
ToniJones232
===

1983 - New York  ("Masterpiece Enterprises")

Patrice

Blasted outdoor rhythms prompted me to scurry away from the office. Employees mumbled in the name of bewilderment.

I completely understood that confusion at this point and pushed through the lobby entrance.

In that muggy summer air, one black  limousine pulled up to the company building.

All windows rolled down. I didn't know what to think until my eyes faced the back seats.

Prince and Brenda  jammed their hearts out to the record. Singing every lyric and even pointing to each other while dancing at times.

"Hello?!" I waved my arms back and forth, hoping to gain attention. Thankfully, the chauffeur turned down his volume on the radio dial moments later. 

"Hey, Baby. Sorry about the noise. Monty and I were just listening to something I recorded for a protege. Her name's Shelia and you two will definitely meet soon. I'll make sure of it.   I call this record "The Glamorous Life." It's brand new." After happily rambling about this musical project, Prince looked out the window to face me and smiled.

I quickly forgave that sweet face and kissed my best friend before waving to Brenda.

"Why are the windows rolled down, Skip?" I knew for sure that the air conditioning cranked up in that luxury vehicle. Given the heat, there was no other choice.

"Monty's smoking in here. Let me get out of this damn car before it's too foggy." Prince mumbled bitterly over the churned engine. I nodded, understanding.

New York still hustled all around us. I loved waking up to the sounds of productive activity.

Right now, someone hailed this yellow taxi cab. All without even noticing Prince. The nearby woman must've lived under a rock not to recognize my man.

Oh, well. I thought to myself.

Motivation seeped into my entire being once org cars moved along the street. No better feeling in the world.

When that loud engine stopped running, the driver jogged around this vehicle. I simply waited and stood on the foiled city curb. Heels and all.

Prince and Brenda marched across the street together, both wearing sunglasses. A photographer would've loved snapping that image now.

"Hi, Baby." I squeezed my best friend and  found myself trapped by Prince in this loving embrace. His natural scent and cologne captivated my nostrils.

"Hey, Darling." Prince kissed the top of my head after pulling away from me.

"Hi, Patrice. It's been quite a while." Over my shoulder, Brenda Michelle stood nearby. The infamous New Jersey accent still croaked today.

"Hey, girl! How are you? I perked up, but we wouldn't embrace this time due to the seemingly  exhausted look on Brenda's face.

Brenda and I quickly waved to each other before walking right back towards the building with Prince.

His designated limousine chauffeur travelled to the company parking garage.

I didn't know what to think given Brenda's musical joy not too long ago.  A cigarette already burned down with orange embers in her left hand.

Sweat encouraged by the surrounding heat trickled right down her dark complexion.

Out of respect, Brenda disposed her cigarette in a garbage can. This trash bin situated feet away from the lobby entrance.

Inside, Prince dropped his jaw looking around the lobby for once. I didn't know what to think until he noticed all the located and nearby silver elevators.

"I knew about the renovations, but damn. How many floors did you want here, Mama?" Prince leaned in to clench words near my ear.

"Five in total. Come on, I'll show you guys around." I stood up straight in these and headed towards the initial elevator.

Prince wouldn't stop grinning like some kid in a candy store. Brenda hurried inside before the doors even closed.

__

The second floor specifically  involved make-up. Every room included vanity mirrors, stocked with cosmetic products.

Various color schemes painted all rooms, hoping to stand out in one way or another.

Our third floor secured any  needs for hair. I laughed when Prince noticed mannequin heads set around these particular rooms  for decorative reasons.

Brenda even giggled after seeing  Activator boxes and hot combs neatly arranged.

For this floor, I wanted the chambers painted different shades. Every color from pink to black.

By the time we reached purple, Prince cheered to himself. I chuckled in response and offered my baby a kiss on the cheek.

The fourth floor thankfully supported employee relaxation. Open doors included break rooms at almost every corner. Buffet set-ups and vending machines cornered each room.

At the very of this hallway, one could even relax in a sauna before work. We'd build a Jacuzzi next year to halt extra construction for now.

Given our trade's non-stop  mentality, the leisure  floor deemed highly essential. I completely understood the request, especially considering my own hectic schedule these days.

The top and last floor housed wardrobe, my favorite section. Every corner could've easily resembled lavish boutiques. Clothing racks lined the walls, of course. Different patterns decorated walls. I've never felt more excited.

By now, New Wave music sounded from the overhead speakers and I pointed in all directions while showing off again.

Prince gaped at the shoes, begging for me to ship items. I rolled my eyes, but smiled. Brenda stood timidly and continued glancing around the vast space.

My mind didn't know what to think once more, but avoided discussing  personal matters.

"That's it. What'd you guys think?" I grinned while bringing my hands together.

"I'm so proud of you, Baby." Prince kissed my cheek this time. Brenda opened her arms for another embrace.

"Congratulations, Patrice. This is just  incredible." Brenda praised seconds later.

"Thank you so much. Both of you. Call me cliche, but I worked my ass off for this place to be amazing. Dreams really do come true." I joyfully smiled once more.

Before long, we all returned to the lobby.

Nothing could stop me now.