Destiny || Prince/MJ

Destiny || Chapter 9

1985

Nicole "Nikki" Foster

"Hello, stranger." I opened both arms to hug Michael as we sat down together. I hadn't seen him quite some time, especially since I was still busy with my rehearsals. Meanwhile, Jackson had finally started recording his brand new album.

Today, we stopped moving back and forth with phone calls and caught up during lunch. Sunlight beamed overhead as we sat together out on this patio. Once again, a restaurant swarmed with celebrities and cameras finished snapping outside.

"Thank goodness that we could see each other again. How are you?" Michael took off his shades and glanced around, noticing our surroundings. Silence fell between us as one server scribbled orders. Of course, I hadn't told Michael about Prince.

"I'm happy and still working. You know how it is. My team just rescheduled some other things around, but the tour officially starts off next year." I smiled, feeling excited as time moved along. At least someone understood my joy without drama.

"Congratulations. I still can't believe it. Have you picked an opening act yet?" Michael offered that legendary smile and faced me as we both continued sitting across this table. Another server had come by to give out beverages and grinned.

"Thanks, but no. I'm still struggling to find musicians for that time slot. If you know anybody, tell me.. I'll be stuck with auditions til' New Year's unless you've got suggestions." It wasn't long before I then sighed and quickly shook my head now.

"Jermaine. He needs the publicity, girl." Michael offered his Gary accent, but then whispered jokingly. I nearly spit out my lemonade. Out of nowhere, we broke character so to speak and ended laughing like some little children on the playground. I hadn't chuckled this much in years. Others glared. We ignored them.

"You ain't right." I soon calmed down the laughter just in time for our meals to come out. If it wasn't for this food with Michael, I'd probably keep chuckling all afternoon. I'd felt so tickled, not even around Prince during numerous occasions.

"I'm kidding, but if it wasn't for Jermaine still being with Motown, I'd be serious." Michael and I both cut into our own food, taking between bites. I wouldn't have to deal with drama anymore. And Michael hadn't mentioned Prince. At least not yet. Of course, I wasn't stupid. He'd asked something later, whether it was here or not.

"Yeah. Let's keep in touch, but still warn me before you release that upcoming album. I'll just go right ahead and retire from music early." I winked towards Michael and he laughed in response. We knew that everyone waited for new music.

"Please don't leave show business." Michael volleyed back towards me, offering his smile once more. His joy felt reassuring this afternoon. It wasn't long beforeI took another sip of my lemonade, still grateful. Michael had understood my dream.

"Unless something happens with my family, I'm not going anywhere, Michael." Jackson nodded before long, clearly sympathizing with the fact that I still prioritized my family these days. Others folks might've kicked relatives to the curb, but I surely cut from a different cloth, even back then. Momma made sure of that.

"Not to be personal, but what's your family like?" Michael offered the innocent question, but I soon froze. Of course, I wouldn't explain what happened with my parent's divorce. Yet, I still couldn't paint lies and sound good for Michael, either.

Sorry, but can we talk about something else?" I said truthfully. Michael nodded once more, gladly hoping that I'd feel better. As much as Michael and I respected each other, that subject was off limits. Meanwhile, Prince was different because of our longtime bond. We learned almost everything about each other over the years.

"I respect your choice. The last thing I want is..." Michael trailed off his words. I didn't know what to believe until we both glanced around our table and looked. My eyes widened and even Michael noticed this sight. My heart pounded all over again.

Prince was here. Alone.

Oh no! My thoughts screamed.

"Keep eating. Just wait. Let's see if he leaves the table and says hi to us." I whispered to Michael. Jackson nodded in return, continuing to enjoy his meal. There was only a time. I'd already finished my lemonade and ordered more from a server.

_____

By the end of our meal, I found out that Prince actually covered the bill. Even the server handed me this restaurant stationery before I said goodbye to Michael. Gorgeous sunset peered over the changing skyline as I sat in my limousine.

Nikki,

No matter how many times I write, apology letters will never be enough to describe how terrible I feel. You have every right to stay mad at me because of my continued mistakes.

Even then, my love for you is still real. You changed my world, now and forever.

Please give me another chance.

Forever yours,

-Prince

I rolled my eyes and balled up this letter instead of believing him immediately.

Actions meant so much more than words.