1984
Lynette "Billie" Ford
"Any plans tonight?" My coworker Vanessa tossed her car keys in this parking lot as we walked together while leaving the record store. I could finally switch out of this uniform after helping customers search for popular albums all day long. Friday night had arrived.
"Not really. I'm just going home and kicking back. What about you and David?" I asked, standing by V's car as we began to mention her boyfriend for a moment. She offered the biggest smile and wheels in my head started to turn out of nowhere this evening. She never looked so happy before.
"He won a radio contest and got some concert tickets with backstage passes, girl. The Jacksons are in town." Vanessa winked towards me and another smile crept right onto her face. Even her dimples turned upwards and etched to offer joy. I held back my excitement, knowing better than to squeal out loud.
The average person would've jumped and hollered, begging for their best friend to cough up their ticket for something like this. Again, I knew better. Even if Vanessa offered to help me visit the show, I would've refused. A third wheel like me couldn't run her wonderful "date night" with that high school sweetheart.
"Have a good time." I smiled one last time and finally headed towards my own car as we hugged to say farewell. Yet, Vanessa glanced over her shoulder for a moment as I opened my driver's seat door and planned to leave her side now.
"C'mon now. You've always wanted to see them in concert." Vanessa stated the obvious. I rolled my eyes while facing her this time and folded both arms, still waiting for her to leave me alone in this parking lot. I wouldn't mooch off anyone for tickets, even if it were the Jacksons.
"No, thanks. I'll earn my ticket. Enjoy." I winked, but brushed her off one last time and finally left this parking lot in my car. Yet, I still knew in the back of my mind that Vanessa wouldn't stop talking about her experience in the morning.
___
That next day, Vanessa blasted music from the "Thriller" album during our lunch break. She had clearly enjoyed the concert last night. Meanwhile, most copies of Jackson's latest record had already vanished from the store today. I wasn't even surprised by folks at all.
At one point, Vanessa finally pulled herself together again and changed the music. I nodded hummed along to the voice of Stevie Wonder as we resumed duties or continued helping customers with other employees here. Just another day on the job kicked off all over again.
In the midst of working, I noticed that someone welcomed himself into the store, but walked almost aimlessly. My mind jumbled with questions. Even Vanessa and other employees didn't truly noticed until I cleared my throat near her aisle.
"Who's that?" Vanessa whispered towards me as we cornered near the front counter. Customers didn't pay much mind to what we had seen just now. I'd remain alert, but wanted to see who had just entered this store.
I had never seen the stranger before.
Or at least I didn't think so.
"I don't know. Switch places with me and keep checking on the customers. I'll be back." I mumbled as if we had just made up this secret language. Vanessa had been my best friend since Junior High and knew when curiosity or suspicion would kick into my gut.
I noticed that the young man sifted James Brown records. Aviators covered his eyes. Jheri Curl grease must've burned underneath bright lighting placed directly overhead. A few loose strands nearly dangle over other left-handed lenses of those exact shades just now.
Even while crowded among some of the most average people this young Black man stood out and somehow looked dapper from head to toe. Plaid layered his upper body. Pants clothed his thin legs. Bleach-white socks peeked out even as this stranger wore dark Penny Loafer shoes.
Penny Loafers?! My thoughts screamed out loud. I didn't want to believe this moment, but it was actually true.
Michael Jackson had just entered the store.
"Welcome. Is there anything that I can help you with, Sir?" I questioned Michael and allowed myself to stay professional around this man. Causing a scene would've prompted everyone in here to lose their mind and swarm him for autographs. Neither of us could afford to deal with a mob.
"No, I'm just browsing. Thank you." Michael offered the famously kind voice that everyone on this planet recognized. Other customers thankfully didn't see this man just yet. All the while, I still knew better. There was only a matter of time before someone noticed him.
"Okay. Just please feel free to let me know if you need anything." I offered Jackson another smile before heading elsewhere to tap Vanessa on the shoulder. My heart prayed that she wouldn't cause scenes about Michael either, especially with us being on the job like this.
"Thank you again." Michael grinned back towards me and turned to face the record once more. So far, so good. I wouldn't complain, even as my heart began to race with anxiety. This moment felt too good to be true, of course. I just wanted to chaos with someone noticing him here in public.
"It's Michael.." I mouthed to Vanessa and confirmed my sighting as we both stood right behind this counter again. She nearly paled, but kept it together all at once. We would save each other and the store as long as no one said anything. The only people would could ruin the experience for Jackson.
"I didn't think he was serious." Vanessa whispered back while ringing up another customer purchase.
I glanced between her and Michael, who stood near the front door this time and most likely planned to leave this space for good. Staying around didn't seem logical with so many other folks nearby to possible bother him soon.
"What are you talking about?" I folded both arms.
"After taking pictures backstage last night, Michael and I had small talk. Once I told him about the record store, he showed up today. Isn't that weird?" Vanessa laughed to herself.
"We're lucky," I said. "Now, get back to work."
While Vanessa chuckled again and nudged me behind that counter. Michael had clearly noticed.
Jackson tipped his famous sunglasses and winked towards us both before walking right out of the store.
