Dedicated to Nippy

track two - ▶︎ In My Head (Like a Record)

The subtle "new" scent filled Janet's nose as she entered the record store. The hum of a soft tune graced her ears as she dove deeper into the establishment. She often did her due diligence in exploring fresh releases from various artists. She traveled to her home section labeled: "NEW RELEASES". She ran her fingers on top of the array of records. The protective plastic was smooth and cool against her fingers. The singer dove into the stack, flipping through records, searching for anything that would pique her interest. Janet came across a particular orange sleeve, which caused her to stop her search and examine the record closely. The cover was adorned in two-toned brown and white bold letters, spelling: WHITNEY HOUSTON.

She held the record and gazed at it, taking in the essence of beauty on the cover. Elegance was the only word that came to mind when she looked over the record sleeve. She admired the scenery and the contrast of colors. Not to mention, Whitney was glowing like a goddess on the cover, the pastel orange dress matching the flowers in the background flawlessly complemented her deep complexion. She flipped it to the back, reading the list of melodies the album would contain. She rolled her eyes as she came across the duet with her brother. Janet looked up, pulled out of her thoughts, and heard a soft, feminine voice call her name.

As if she had just jumped off the cover and into the record store, Whitney stood before her. She was dressed in blue light wash straight-leg jeans accented with a blue flannel over a tight white tee, her feet dressed in matching blue sneakers.

"H-hey Whitney, I didn't expect to run into you here," she spoke truthfully. She almost felt caught after spending so much time gazing at the album cover. She stealthily picked up another record to cover the one she was holding.

A smile tugged on Whitney's lips as she spoke, "Yeah, I've always come into record stores seeing what's new. Maybe even pick up something old. I assume you come here to do the same."

"I do. I frequent here, to be honest. I'm surprised we haven't run into each other until now..."

"Well, I only just started coming a few weeks ago. Moving from Jersey, I had to find a new place to do my record shopping. I found this place in the phonebook, and I love the atmosphere. It's a nice place for me to shop and clear my mind. Kinda like how you walk in the rain, I guess."

Janet couldn't help but smile a bit. Whitney had remembered that small detail about her. "Yeah," she agreed, "something like that..."

"I um- I'm about to browse through some of the gospel records... would you like to join me?"

"Sure."

Janet followed closely behind Whitney. She listened as Whitney pointed out her favorite artists and Janet responded to inquiries about her favorite songs. She basked in the opportunity to talk about music other than someone she was related to or worked with. She appreciated the raw perspective of someone different. They took turns to show each other their favorite finds in the vinyl shop. Carrying at least five records apiece, they huddled at the cash register, eager to check out.

The women thanked the cashier simultaneously as they walked out of the shop, ecstatic with their new musical treasures.

The women said quick goodbyes and went on their way going opposite directions on their way. Janet stopped in her tracks and clutched her shopping bag tightly. She turned in the direction that Whitney was walking and called out to her. It seemed like it took a lifetime for her to turn away. Janet was in a slow-motion-like daze, waiting for the moment they were face to face again.

"Yes?" Whitney's sultry voice sounded over a whistle of wind.

"Can I have your number?"

~~~

"Hello? This is Whitney."

"Hey, it's Janet," Janet whispered into the phone.

"Hey, I almost forgot I'd given you my number. How are you?" Whitney said, fictitiously, she had been wondering if and when Janet would call.

"I'm doing good. I just started recording an album, you know how that goes. I have some long days ahead of me. How about you?"

"I'm alright, thanks for asking. And girl, I know exactly what you mean. Oh my goodness. Now you know Dionne Warwick is my cousin, so I'm no stranger to the recording process, but boy, is it more tedious than it seems. And it's no help, I'm a perfectionist, I'll record the same thing twenty times until I feel it's right," Whitney rolled her eyes, slipping into a flashback of her recording her debut.

"Aww, man, I already know exactly what you mean. You think you're bad," Janet laughed and scoffed. "Just wait until you see Michael in the studio. Oh my goodness, he would pester our brothers until they sang every single note right from the top to the bottom of the song. Oh gosh, recording days with him are long and trying."

"If I'm gonna be honest, that's not surprising... It's no wonder Thriller did the numbers it did. Maybe being a workaholic has its perks," Whitney thought aloud. Her statement was a testament to something else on her mind.

"I mean, yeah, but you can't let it consume you, and I'm not saying that's what Mike does, but it's easy to get overworked and overwhelmed in this business. Everyone will want a piece of you. From the fans to the label, to other entertainers, and everything else. Always remember to be there for you, first."

"Thanks for the advice..." Whitney's voice trailed off lowly.

"I hope I didn't scare you or anything, I'm just being honest."

"No, I appreciate you being real with me. I mean, I know you've seen a lot of things yourself," Whitney spoke gratefully.

Janet giggled as a memory came to her, "Goodness the things I've seen. I remember being young, maybe about ten years old. I was traveling with my brothers you know they were doing their thing performing and stuff. We were in New York and we went to Studio 54. I think I was the youngest person to step foot in there at the time and I seen these people putting something white up their nose and— aw man," Janet broke out in a fit of laughter as she finished her story, "I couldn't figure out why they were sniffing sugar."

Whitney joined in Janet's laughter. They giggled hysterically at Janet's story. "I needed that laugh, oh my goodness that is hilarious."

"Yeah, I have way more stories. Things my brothers have told me, they used to perform at strip clubs and the whole nine. We should really get Mike and Marlon on the phone we would be laughing for days."

"I might like it better if you tell it. I don't know, it's something is hilarious about the way you tell stories... you make me laugh."