Streets of Gold - A Michael Jackson Story

Chapter 23 - Two is Company

Yonela

Sunday February 15th, 1987 – Encino, California

"So..." Janet starts as she sits at the counter. "Tell me everything."

"There's really not much to tell," I reply simply as I gather the ingredients for our lunch.

"Don't lie," she smirks cheekily.

"I'm being serious," I try to convince her, failing dismally.

"Then how come I saw you wearing his jacket when you came in last night?"

Oh, man...

"I was cold," I start calmly. "My coat wasn't thick enough, so your brother lent me his jacket to keep me warm."

She gives me a questioning look. "That's it?"

"Should there be more?"

"Yeah!" she hisses, causing me to raise an eyebrow at her.

"Well, there isn't," I say before closing up our grilled chicken burgers and handing her one.

"But Yonela---"

"Would you like some juice, sparkling water or a soda?" I ask, not meaning to cut her off.

"How about some almond milk...?" she snickers after a moment.

I almost freeze. Janet knows exactly what buttons to push when she wants an answer, but I won't break. What happened between Michael and me – I'm still trying to absorb it all, and the last people I want to tell right now are his family members. Then again, Janet is the kind of person who already knows what's gone down without anyone having to say a word. I would probably tell her, but I have too much respect for Michael's privacy to even consider it.

"There's also some iced tea," I say. "I think I'll have that. You don't want some?"

"Fine, then," she sighs. "You win this time, but I when I find out – and I will – you have to work on a song with me."

I chuckle, shaking my head as I pour our drinks into glasses. I hand her one before joining her on the other side of the counter. We chat through lunch, talking about our plans for the year among other things. Just as we finish eating, I hear someone come in through the front door.

"Girls?" a familiar voice says before its owner emerges through the kitchen doorway.

"Siedah!" Janet jumps up to hug her.

"Hey, there," I also stand up to greet her with a hug before collecting the plates and glasses. "We've just finished lunch. Would you like some?"

"Yonela makes the best grilled chicken burger in the state, I swear," Janet almost squeals, making my cheeks flush.

"Is that so?" Siedah asks. "I'd love for you to teach me, and then I can make one for Greg."

I almost drop the dishes in my hands.

What in the fucking...

"Did you say Greg?" I stutter, turning to face her. "As in, Greg the keyboardist who plays for Michael...?"

A wild blush fills Siedah's face – it almost looks like a ripe tomato. Good heavens, she actually likes him. How on earth did this happen?

"So are you gonna tell us, or what?" Janet almost screams from excitement at the latest news.

"Well..." she starts shyly. "Greg kinda... asked me out for Valentine's."

"He what...?" I grin before we all go sit in the living room. I pour Siedah some water as she begins the story.