"Who's that?" I whispered near Carmen Electra as we gave autographs. The "Glam Slam" nightclub filled to the brim with people tonight. As Carmen looked and glanced around, the biggest smile spread onto her red painted lips. My mind jumbled with questions until security dispersed fans. It was time to stop working.
While some personnel then came by to collapse the signing table, bodyguards surrounded me and Carmen, at least to an extent. I still didn't know what to think until another woman appeared. Music continued booming as everyone still danced. Carmen opened both arms to hug her. Staying quiet, I just looked on, observing.
"Hey, Nik!" Carmen pulled away with one more smile after embracing this new woman. The stranger who talked with Carmen looked gorgeous. Her dark complexion beamed under these colorful spotlights. I nearly gaped for a moment.
As this woman continued speaking to Carmen, "Nik" bounced this curly bob to the music. Dark yet alluring makeup accented everything from her eyelids to her lips. Even her beautifully high cheekbones surprised me. She looked picture-perfect.
She sported a metallic-gold blouse with cuffed sleeves. Black leather clothed both legs and her exclusive red bottom heels would probably click out loud if music wasn't noisy. Other people still chatted. The rhythms still played during this hour.
I could only imagine how Carmen met this stranger at all. "Nik" seemed to be quite the bombshell tonight. It wasn't long before Niki then excused herself and said goodbye. My mind raced with questions, but I couldn't help speaking once more.
"This woman must be new." I smiled, hoping that Carmen wouldn't ignore me for a second time. Thankfully, Carmen sat down and we could really understand what just happened tonight. I even began to wonder if "Nik" ever met Prince before.
"Her real name is Nicole Foster, but everyone called her "Nikki" years ago. She actually writes and produces music for other artists now." Carmen offered new information as we sat together. Security guards still kept watch all over this venue.
"That's really impressive. Does Prince know about her?" It wasn't long before I chimed in with another smile. Music had continued playing around us both. Yet, Carmen pleaded the fifth and turned away, only drinking water to stop talking.
Here we go again. I thought to myself.
____
The next morning, I woke up and joined Carmen for breakfast again. Neither one of us had seen Prince the night before. He had lurked in the shadows to avoid cameras and the press, which still wasn't unusual to this day. I just shrugged.
"Nikki's here." After gesturing towards the door frame, Carmen then spoke to me between gentle sips of apple juice. She always used this shortcut to avoid messing up her lipstick. Other people sitting here mumbled for themselves, but I quickly turned my head as well. Footsteps entered this room as Nicole greeted everyone.
Sporting makeup early in the morning, she wore this sleeveless emerald dress. Even her manicure looked brand-new with this jade paint and golden tips. Maybe she'd have to travel somewhere and Brazil was one of the choices.
Nicole then waved at Carmen and beelined towards the hotel breakfast platter. I could only imagine what would happen if this woman sat down with us. Would I actually hold a conversation with her this time? Only time would tell me the truth.
"Look at you! What's going on?" It wasn't long before Carmen beamed. Nicole finally sat down with us. Nicole offered her own smile as large hoop earrings dangled in place. Her high cheekbones were prominent as she blushed for a moment and settled in to eat. I hadn't shared a word with her. At least not yet.
"I've got some time to spare before my flight out of here. Going to Jamaica for my birthday this weekend and Prince spoiled me." Nicole winked, but I stopped cringing. Nicole and Carmen continued chatting and eating. I was still invisible.
Of course Prince hooked up with Nicole at some point. This woman looked absolutely gorgeous and Prince never slept with plain janes. Still, my mind began to question their origin story. Carmen hadn't even explained her own meeting yet.
"Happy birthday, Sweetie!" through another lipstick smile, Carmen whispered to Nicole. I was quickly hoping that other people wouldn't bring attention to us. It wasn't difficult to walk down without fans begging to see Prince, even at this hotel.
"Thanks, Letty." Nicole had even offered Carmen this pet name of sorts. My heart sank in one way or another. Why did Carmen gain such privileges from Nicole when I couldn't even say hello at "Glam Slam?" I didn't know what to think. My eyes watched as Nicole finished her bagel, left out, and disappeared from this building.
____
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"What's the truth?" I offered the question later that night. I'd shot this beautiful music video with Prince earlier and he'd called the record "7." I ditched my performance wardrobe to settle on the private floor. Prince reserved this entire space for himself and personnel, including dancing like me and Carmen, of course.
"What are you talking about?" Carmen allowed her face to breathe for once and wore no makeup. She relaxed on the living room sofa in sweatpants and a shirt from back home. I could only imagine how she still felt being away from family.
"If you're not gonna tell me how Nicole met Prince, at least explain how you're acting like some little sister for her." I honestly fumed right now, because enough was enough. Their persistent silent treatment had been quite irritating to me.
"Okay," Carmen sat up and turned off the mindless television station. Neither one of us paid attention anyway. I just wanted answers and clarity for the questions that still nagged over and over again in my mind. I'd finally learn some truth.
"What's your problem? Just talk." I snipped despite my gentle voice. Silence fell in the living room once more. We sat on opposite ends of the room now and Carmen must've loved our distance because she calmed down afterwards.
"I only met Nicole two years ago. Prince finally started recording Diamonds and Pearls back then. We all crossed paths at the studio and she was so sweet. To be honest, if it wasn't for Roise, Nicole would've sang on the album." Carmen smiled.
"That's nice, but I still don't know why she's acting like your best friend right now." I said.
"You wouldn't understand." Carmen shook her head in return.
