Our honeymoon ended early because Warner Bros. needed Prince to release another album. In the middle of sunbathing, I turned my head to see my hands chatting with his bodyguards and a worried expression crossed his face. At that point, I immediately realized we had to leave and rushed to pack our luggage.
Of course, I felt pissed off while heading to board his private jet. His whispers and kisses offered apologies with each of my own passing steps. Even some of the bodyguards cringed when I sat down and prepared myself for takeoff earlier.
"Please talk to me." As my eyes now faced the window skyline, Prince held my hand and dropped his head onto my shoulder, pouting. I rolled my eyes instead. I couldn't blame the entire situation on him, but this idea wasn't the right move yet.
"You could've postponed this entire fiasco. We just got married." It was one of the few times when I put my foot down. We loved each other. These record executives should've realized that Prince wasn't another musical robot. For eight long yet prolific years, he crafted brilliance for the label, not the other way around.
"I know. I'm sorry. Just bare with me." Prince said. I still held his hand despite my own frustration. Unlike other women, I wasn't stupid enough to file for divorce just because of what happened. It wasn't even our fault that the label actually wanted him to churn something new right away. Fans still begged for more since "Parade."
"Of course." I finally turned and kissed his cheek. Silence fell between us as we made up, trying to figure our next move. The bodyguards had stopped lurking to still beyond this plane and quieted themselves, too. At least these folks understood.
_____
Back to business.
"I love you." Back on common ground, Prince insisted on dropping me off at the studio one day in his limousine. Of course, I then welcomed his three words and we shared one final kiss before he finally allowed himself to let me go. He'd work too.
This wedding ring gleamed directly under hovering sunlight as my heels clicked to enter the studio. I waved to everyone, but still ended up strutting with feigned confidence. I'd take out my emotions on the music and hoped things would change.
It didn't take long for everyone in the studio to realize that I wasn't in the best mood. Instead, all I truly wanted was Prince and some red wine. Yet, reality just didn't want us to enjoy our honeymoon. At least not anymore. I swallowed my pride and prepared to hustle. I needed some kind of distraction at a time like this.
My next album wasn't even planned to release until next year, but I clearly had to start hunkering down now. I grabbed the nearest electric guitar and shredded for dear life to wake up at that moment. The producers and engineers gaped in shock.
Before I knew it, this new song flowed into the mixing board.
The hours, they turn into seconds whenever I'm with you.
And it feels like the minutes are running away from me, too.
I could just live here in your arms, I don't wanna move.
'Cause the way that you love me, it makes me feel like I'm brand new.
You tell me that we can stay here forever.
And me, I foolishly believed.
'Cause nothing can last as long as we want, baby.
But I just can't hide it, I want you to stay here with me.
It's so hard to let you go.
Baby, that's how I know it's real love.
I fight, but my feelings show.
They came rushing in just like a flood.
I can't get enough.
I can't get enough 'cause I need you, baby, baby, by my side.
You can give me your time.
And I'll always ask for more.
'Cause forever just ain't long enough...
I thought of Prince instantly.
Everything from our meeting in that record store to the beautiful wedding day raced through my mind. Even as I continued playing the guitar, the mental image of his rare smile prompted butterflies in my stomach. I sang my heart out, grateful.
Prince and I were in love. Of course, the media still couldn't tell me otherwise.
Yet, I almost jumped after realizing that Michael entered the studio. I couldn't even hear his footsteps before. One of the producers then cut off playback and everyone else followed him to the hall. I didn't know what to think but still couldn't argue.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Hi," Michael greeted. We hadn't seen each other in person since he visited me on tour. I still couldn't figure out why he congratulated my engagement and walked out seconds later. He and I weren't too close but didn't loathe each other, either.
"Hey," I smiled back out of respect. We even stopped hugging so closely because of my marriage. Not that I didn't trust Michael, but any man could've been jealous. I still kept my guard up of course and just waited for Michael to reveal the truth now.
"I'm working here and heard other music down the hall. Great job." Michael offered his small talk about music, but I still noticed the uneasy expression on his face. My heart thumped as I just tried to understand what else Michael wanted this time.
"Thanks." Another round of silence fell between us both, even as I then accepted his compliment. My mind still jumbled. Questions raced with each passing moment this afternoon. Michael stood here and something wasn't right. I just knew it.
"Nicole?" He handled my name as a question.
"Yes?" I answered back.
"Why him?" Mike folded both arms.
"Why not?" I arched one of my eyebrows.
As soon as Jackson recognized the diamond ring on my finger, he walked right back out of this recording studio.
