Black Rose || The Outtakes

Black Rose || Outtake 39

Author's Note: Dedicated to Indiii_bindiii. Enjoy!

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August 1984 – New York

No Prince.

After another concert, I hurried out a clearly sweated outfit. My footsteps rushed into the nearest limousine. Brenda and I chose another superstar hotspot. After confirming my presence with a bouncer, my bodyguards scattered all over this nightclub. Bill obviously took charge in advance.

I looked around to find Brenda obviously grooving on the dancefloor. Bass rumbled under my steps with every moment that passed by. My perverted mind noticed those circling hips. The back of her short curls brightened under dim lighting as usual. Clearly, dance never escaped her body off camera.

Daring, I sifted my way through the famous face crowd and readied my hands. I'd covered those pretty brown eyes and surprise her in my own way. Those around us smiled, but drifted from my mind. A sly grin crept onto my face just before I planned to whisper over the loud music.

"Guess who." I flirted.

"Skipper?" Brenda laughed to herself, teasing me. She'd mentioned Prince's childhood nickname if I remembered correctly.

"No." I kept both hands over her eyes.

My own gaze looked over to find celebrities greeting me. I could only nod in silence before turning back around. Motown artist and Gordy son Rockwell winked in my direction. We'd seen each other time and time again after his record came out.

"Jackie?" I knew Brenda giggled. Servers passed by with drink filled trays as expected. I pursed my lips while standing right behind this gorgeous woman. Our bodies almost pressed together, but I wouldn't acknowledge that.

"No." I chuckled back. "Stop playin." My hands slid off her eyes before long. Music continued blaring while girlfriend turned around to face me. If only I could just wrap my arms around her right now. She looked so precious with that friendly smile.

"This was a great idea." Brenda shouted to me for obvious reasons. Even chuckles of our peers mixed with rhythms nearby.

I almost apologized for my delay, but chose against it. Yelling further would hurt my voice. Regrettably, the tour wouldn't fade out until December. As much as I loved the stage, I couldn't handle my brothers any longer.

__

Minutes later, we lounged together in VIP section. The railing across from us exposed dancing figures below. Colorful strobe lights flashed all around. Brenda lifted a Corona to the atmosphere. I chickened out for once and just ordered water from a server nearby.

"You look great." I said. Brenda looked down at her outfit after taking a swig. Curious eyes around us smiled, but I prayed that no one assumed anything.

"Thanks." she blushed. Once again, I never knew girlfriend would turn a shade of red. Her brown skin lightened with every light that scoped. "You look very handsome, but isn't that a little overdressed, Michael? This wasn't a dinner."

I picked unseen lint off my suit jacket. "Maybe I wanted to look extra nice." "Curious" by Midnight Star began playing, but I couldn't distract myself right now. The fitting record overlapped this moment between us.

Brenda soon looked around, honestly confused. She still laughed through her words. "Um, that's nice, but why? This is a nightclub and you're all dapper."

I dressed up for you! Please notice. my thoughts screamed. Fellow personalities continued their happiness, but I chewed my bottom lip. Despite my nosy and sometime irritating behavior, I'd earned alone time with someone with Prince never truly respected.

At the same time, I felt sprung to be honest.

Bold once more, I scooted close until Brenda and I sat knee to knee. Not once did she cringe when I turned to face her, smiling against dark shaded lips. Just I thought she'd go in for the kill, girlfriend faced in her dimple in my path.

I'd kissed her cheek, but disappointment crept into my heart. I just knew Prince brainwashed her or something. My entire mood shifted from happiness to a lukewarm joy. Voicing my opinions right now would ruin the night. I'd refuse such a thing.

"Sorry." Brenda suddenly whispered out of respect. I didn't know what to think, but she continued speaking. "I know you like me Michael, but it's complicated."

I honestly just wanted her to hold me right now. My voice almost trembled, but no one around us suspected anything. Shameless tears welled in my eyes. "Girl, Prince steps out on you too much and I know you enjoy spending time with me. What's the problem with moving on?"

"I can't just move on." Brenda clenched her teeth. "He's so much more than a womanizer, if you can believe it. He's actually sweet like you on a good day." The tension melted piece by piece as soon as she grinned. I believed her somehow.

In that moment, my eyes popped out. Curiosity struck more than anything just when my eyes narrowed. Still, I knew better than to snoop any more than I already did. My heart never enjoyed the idea of Prince breathing down my neck. Our hostile phone calls with Brenda in the middle already strained things.

I sighed out loud. "I'll back off, but he gives any more trouble, you know how to find me." I kissed the top her head and we both moved out of here. Bass continued while I followed her further and further down these steps.

If only she'd understand how much I wanted her.

Physically and emotionally.