Author's Note: vickiwaitingx
dsversatileworks ToniJones232 amoniquebee JLC319 LesaG777 I apologize if this one is shorter than usual, but I'm "proud" of it. Please findsome popcorn or teacups and enjoy! ;) - Lavender
===
1986 - "Masterpiece Enterprises" (New York)
Patrice
Knocking on the office interrupted my sandwich lunch break. I didn't know what to think as my lips smeared with mayonnaise.
Kim finally returned from her own tour and suggested a downtown deli while on the phone with me. I hadn't heard from her in quite some time and hope to see her again soon.
I needed a friend anyhow.
On the other hand, Poor Brenda complained when she heard our food conversation. Prince just grumbled in the name is annoyance.
Given the calories and every other nutritional detail, she couldn't even eat or drink something unless the hospital approved.
Worst diet ever, but at least baby Nikki would finally arrive this month. There was only a matter of time at this point.
I cleaned myself up and walked around the desk to answer that knocking. Bass rumbled outside the closed and pulsed loudly once I creaked the entrance open.
The lobby and other vibrant floor still hustled with noise today. As usual.
Michael removed his Aviator sunglasses in one quick motion. I didn't even know whether to cry or slap him right now.
"Hi, could I come in?" Michael responded with his soft voice. A faint smile reached his face in that moment.
"Sure. Feel free to sit down." I nodded and let Jackson walk through, closing the door behind him.
"This place hasn't changed at all. What's going on with the business these days?" Michael noted while glancing around the room.
I nodded once more, feeling reasonably awkward. It wasn't long before Michael sat down across from my desk.
"Some of my employees from all departments worked the Oscars recently. Um, photoshoots overseas, all kinds of functions. Just depends on who you're talking to." I wrapped my sandwich in aluminum foil and slipped into a mini fridge for later.
"Right. Congrats. Now, how are you doing?" Michael asked me this time. Silence fell between us again.
"Thanks. I'm all right." My words partly fibbed. My entire body just wanted to leave the office and avoid those perfect brown eyes. I refused to let this man see me cry. Especially at work.
"Look, I know things are really messy between all of us right now, but I'm town for business and wanted to stop by." Michael finally addressed our elephant in the room and stood up from the chair.
"Thanks. Good luck to you." I faked another smile. My heart shattered.
"Thank you. Goodbye, Patrice." Michael stood at the door and wouldn't even face me before turning the knob.
"Why don't you love me anymore?!" In that moment, I shouted out of nowhere. Tears streamed right down my face. Enough was enough.
"I can't love a woman who doesn't even love herself." My jaw dropped. Michael turned away from the door and folded both arms. His lowered voice enraged me.
"You're the last person to talk about self esteem. You're the one who slept with a married woman. What self respecting person would interfere with marriage like that?" I screamed right back at Michael through waterworks.
Music continued blasting outside my office door. I could've cared less at this point given the circumstances.
"You know what? Sorry to say this, but I'm really sick of your complaining. Talk to me when your best friend rejects your
proposal and marries someone else. Talk to me when you drive through California at midnight just to see their face in person. Talk to me when you've spent at least a hour arguing with that same person over all of this bullshit and the only solution you have to shut each other up is extremely angry sex. This baby was only the result." Michael had turned completely red in the face.
"And you never did any of that shit for me." I wanted to slap him, but stopped myself again. Silence filled the the office once more, but rhythms outside still distracted me. Voices shouted and chatted in the name of business as usual.
"I would've cared more if you just stopped asking for all the attention. Pity isn't sexy, girl." Michael slipped the Aviatiors back on. My head shook down for the millionth time.
"So, you went to the most arrogant bitch in entertainment? Someone who can't even speak properly with the stupid accent? Getting her pregnant behind my back? Did you even think about her possibly leaking stories to the media? If you ask me, she's the real Billie Jean." I snipped bitterly, instantly thinking about Brenda.
"Watch your mouth." Michael lowered his voice and blindly defended the mother of his child.
Without hesitation.
I couldn't even directly look at this man anymore. My finger gestured to the door behind him.
Michael turned the knob once more with one hand and offered me the middle finger with his opposite.
My heart didn't even care.
