"Hi!" Michael beamed as soon as we noticed each other backstage. As if we'd known for longer than expected, he offered this friendly hug. I welcomed that embrace, staying grateful that he was kind. Anyone else could've started drama otherwise.
"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting." I told Michel as we pulled away from our hug. His brothers weren't around for me to meet. Another time, another place hopefully. There was no need to fuss about other people, though. I still wasn't desperate.
"No problem. I wanted to apologize about that phone call, too. I'm not judging you about Prince." In truth Michael had quickly lied. He'd judged me as soon as we changed topic the other night, but knew better than to argue with him in public.
"I won't start freaking out. At least you're not trying to sabotage his concerts or something." I rolled my eyes, but still realized that particular detail. Jackson wasn't arrogant enough to discourage anyone else out here. Hell, he'd never hurt a fly.
Yet the media still try to push forward this so-called rivalry between two of my favorite showmen. I knew that Prince and Mike were polar opposites. Jackson just pointed out time and time again that he didn't like Prince's overall image right now.
"Prince struggled in the beginning of his career because no one understood that racy image." Michael started to preach again. Enough was enough as I rolled my eyes. First of all, Prince started his career near the end of Disco and put out "For You." The "Dirty Mind" hadn't been released until 1980. Yet, I just volleyed back.
"For someone who doesn't want other folks to pass judgment, you're quite the hypocrite right now, Mike. Prince never actually jumped out the gate with lewd acts." I narrowed my eyes towards Michael and soon I defended his peer instead.
"Sorry. It's just that.." Michael sighed before trailing off his voice. I didn't know what to think, but still asked for him to continue speaking. I'd always respect him, no matter how much we debate about other entertainers or musicians these days.
Mid-conversation, someone had knocked unexpectedly. Thinking it was Jackson's manager Frank or just another employee, I watched as Michael excused himself from me and walked over to open the door. I'd sat on this sofa and waited to see.
Wow! I thought to myself.
As if I'd dreamed up this entire scenario, Prince stood in the hallway. I didn't even know that he was here or watched Michael's concert at all. It took everything in me not to jump up from this sofa and yell with happiness about seeing him. Michael would've called us both rude. If I had water though, there'd be a spit take now.
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Michael immediately scrunched his face and looked pissed by the time he turned around to face me. To be honest, this particular moment in time wasn't even my fault, though. Prince must've cleverly hid somewhere in that audience tonight.
