Fly Away
Chapter 1
May 16, 1983
“Girls..the Jacksons are on!”
Within a matter of seconds, Cassandra and Daphne bolted down the staircase, practically tripping over each other to get to their seats in front of the television set first. It was the night of Motown’s 25th Anniversary’s airing and Nadine, Cassandra’s mother, was supposed to watch and let them know as soon as they were even mentioned as long as they finished their Biology project. They made her promise.
Both girls quickly plopped down on the couch, their eyes glued to the screen, watching five of the Jackson brothers strut across the stage performing their 1969 hit “I Want You Back.” Friends since kindergarten, they both had been fans of the Jacksons for as long as they could remember and each had a favorite brother.
“Ooh girl, look at Jackie!” Daphne excitedly grabbed a fistful of Cassandra’s purple t-shirt, her eyes bugging out at Jackie’s washboard abs in a fishnet shirt and sparkly green jacket.
“Ow! I see! I see!” Cassandra lightly slapped Daphne’s hand, but did not remove her eyes from the fuzzy television screen.
“Sorry,” Daphne defensively replied, trying to contain her excitement as the brothers launched into “The Love You Save.”
“Your man looks pretty good too, Cassie,” Nadine playfully teased her daughter about Michael. “Although I think I have a jacket just like that in my closet.”
“Yeah! What was he thinking?!” Daphne mocked disgust as she flipped her pretty brown locks behind her shoulder.
“Shut up,” Cassandra was quick to stick her tongue out at Daphne “I think he looks sexy.”
“Sexy? Girl, what you know about sexy? You’re seventeen..he’s almost what? 24? 25?” Nadine laughed heartily at the naiveté of her only daughter.
“So? It’s fun.” Cassandra shrugged, turning her attention back to the performance.
“Yeah..thank you! Aw, you’re beautiful! Thank you..thank you! Yeah I’d have to say..those were the good ol’ days..” Michael began after the brothers left the stage.
“It’s called a felony!” Daphne poked Cassandra in her side, emphasizing each word.
“Shhh!” Cassandra quickly hushed her, hanging on Michael’s every word. “He’s talking.”
Daphne rolled her eyes as she watched her friend watch Michael with stars in her eyes. Every time Michael smiled, she smiled. Every time Michael laughed or looked straight into the camera, she blushed furiously like a school girl. It was quite obvious that she was smitten with him, even through the TV screen.
Michael went straight into Billie Jean, dazzling the audience with energy that was almost unearthly. By the middle of the performance, everyone was on their feet, grooving to the up tempo beat, including Cassandra’s mother who managed to dance all the way into the kitchen to check on dinner. Suddenly, Michael did a quick spin and slid backwards but in a forward motion. If the audience wasn’t before, they were now putty in Michael’s hands.
“Oh my god! Did you see that?!” Daphne squealed.
Mesmerized, Cassandra’s jaw dropped and for once, both girls were speechless. . .no one had ever seen anything like it.
As Michael took his final bow, Daphne was the first to speak.
“I swear…you’re going to marry that man someday.”
“I hope so…” she whispered.
“And I’m gonna marry Jackie...” Daphne sighed loudly and stood up from the couch, leaving Cassandra alone with her daydreaming.
*************************
September 2, 1987
Ugh. I hate heels. I don’t know why I even bother with these. Cassandra thought as she readjusted her knee-length black satin dress before entering the party. Although never the party type, for the past year Cassandra had felt kind of obligated to attend these kinds of things since recently she had signed a record deal with Epic/CBS Records; her dream come true.
“Champagne?” A neatly-dressed waiter quickly approached her with a tray full of champagne-filled glasses.
“Um..no, thank you.” She gave him a small smile and let her eyes scan the crowd of elite record executives, producers, artists, and those that worship them. A colorful array of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Dior was on full-display - mostly from the trophy wives that were predictably clinging onto their rich husbands for dear life. The designer duds went hand in hand with the Maseratis and BMWs she had noticed when she walked past the valet on the way in. Cassandra looked down at her $40 shoes that she had purchased from the local department store earlier that month and immediately felt two feet tall.
Don’t just stand there looking like an idiot...go find Tony! She coached herself, trying her best to avoid the stares of onlookers, who had paused to pass judgmental looks. She managed to weed her way through the crowd without bumping into anyone or anything – that was an accomplishment, right?
Man, I wish I hadn’t refused that drink. A little alcohol would loosen me up some. She sighed heavily, glancing over her shoulder for that waiter that had offered her champagne earlier. No! I can’t drink. Not tonight –not in front of these people. I can’t make a fool of myself. She scolded herself.
“Cassie!”
Cassie turned in the direction of the voice to find a middle-aged gentleman with salt and pepper hair, a deep tan, and a thick mustache; attractive by most standards. It was Tony Brennen, a highly successful record executive from the Epic family that was responsible for signing many lucrative acts over the years. Just last year, he had discovered Cassie while she was performing in an Atlanta musical and was looking forward to presenting her to all the big wigs at CBS Records, not to mention the world.
“Hey Tony,” she breathed a sigh of relief, approaching him.
“You look beautiful, as always.”
“Thanks.”
“Here, have a drink,” he said passing her a champagne glass. “I have a few people I’d like you to meet.”
Not waiting for a response, Tony quickly wrapped an arm around Cassandra’s waist and ushered her towards a large group of men standing in the opposite corner.
“Hey Tony, who’s the lovely lady?” Frank took a quick puff off of his cigar, reaching for Cassandra’s hand.
“This is Cassandra Harris, my newest discovery,” Tony introduced, “And Cassie, this is Frank Dileo.”
“Nice to meet you Cassandra – I’ve heard quite a bit about you.” Frank pecked a small kiss on Cassandra’s hand. God he looks so familiar. Where have I seen him before? She wondered. Surely she would recognize a man of Frank’s stature; short and stout, yet intimidating in some way.
“Only good things I hope..” Cassandra flashed her pearly whites and brought her hand back down to her side.
“Of course. I’ve known Tony here for years. You’re in good hands.” Frank winked at her, taking another long drag from his cigar.
“Ah! The man of the hour!” Tony nodded to Walter Yetnikoff who was slowly approaching the group with another gentleman in tow.
“You remember Walter don’t you?”
“Ah, yes. Of course, pleasure to see you again Mr. Yetnikoff.”
“Oh honey, please call me Walter. You’re making me feel old here!” Walter jibbed with Cassandra playfully, causing a few hearty laughs from the group.
Then it began: business talk.
“Did you talk to Dick yet?”
“Nah, he’ll know by the end of the week though. I put a call into Warner yesterday.”
“Well, if he thinks he’s getting away with what he said, he’s sadly fucking mistaken!”
“Ain’t happenin’. I’ll fire his ass so fast his head will spin before I let him ruin anything.”
Cassandra couldn’t feel more out of place. She had no clue what they were talking about and from the sound of it, it wasn’t something she should put her nose in. She listened to them banter back and forth, proving to be some of the industry’s most cutthroat businessmen. Feeling quite self-conscious, she began to study her shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. God I wish this thing would just end. I mean, don’t get me wrong – it’s exciting and I’m honored to be among some of the greats in this business but c’mon, I haven’t seen this much ass kissing in I don’t know how long. Reminds me of back in high school with all the popular girls competing for attention – geesh, it’s Prom all over again. Oh shit! I forgot to turn on the coffee pot before I left. Daph will be so pissed. Lord knows that girl can’t survive without her coffee in the morning. I can hear her now.
Abruptly, someone across the room let out a high pitch laugh, quickly bringing her back to reality. She lifted her chin to see what was so funny, only to be met with the most beautiful brown eyes she’d ever seen staring back at her.
“Nice to meet you Cassandra – I’ve heard quite a bit about you.” Frank pecked a small kiss on Cassandra’s hand. God he looks so familiar. Where have I seen him before? She wondered. Surely she would recognize a man of Frank’s stature; short and stout, yet intimidating in some way.
“Only good things I hope..” Cassandra flashed her pearly whites and brought her hand back down to her side.
“Of course. I’ve known Tony here for years. You’re in good hands.” Frank winked at her, taking another long drag from his cigar.
“Ah! The man of the hour!” Tony nodded to Walter Yetnikoff who was slowly approaching the group with another gentleman in tow.
“You remember Walter don’t you?”
“Ah, yes. Of course, pleasure to see you again Mr. Yetnikoff.”
“Oh honey, please call me Walter. You’re making me feel old here!” Walter jibbed with Cassandra playfully, causing a few hearty laughs from the group.
Then it began: business talk.
“Did you talk to Dick yet?”
“Nah, he’ll know by the end of the week though. I put a call into Warner yesterday.”
“Well, if he thinks he’s getting away with what he said, he’s sadly fucking mistaken!”
“Ain’t happenin’. I’ll fire his ass so fast his head will spin before I let him ruin anything.”
Cassandra couldn’t feel more out of place. She had no clue what they were talking about and from the sound of it, it wasn’t something she should put her nose in. She listened to them banter back and forth, proving to be some of the industry’s most cutthroat businessmen. Feeling quite self-conscious, she began to study her shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. God I wish this thing would just end. I mean, don’t get me wrong – it’s exciting and I’m honored to be among some of the greats in this business but c’mon, I haven’t seen this much ass kissing in I don’t know how long. Reminds me of back in high school with all the popular girls competing for attention – geesh, it’s Prom all over again. Oh shit! I forgot to turn on the coffee pot before I left. Daph will be so pissed. Lord knows that girl can’t survive without her coffee in the morning. I can hear her now.
Abruptly, someone across the room let out a high pitch laugh, quickly bringing her back to reality. She lifted her chin to see what was so funny, only to be met with the most beautiful brown eyes she’d ever seen staring back at her.
They were deep as if they were hiding so many secrets, so much pain, so much anguish. Yet, at the same time they sparkled with the innocence of a baby doe. They were lined thinly with dark eyeliner and were framed perfectly by a set of dark lashes. Although she was dying to look away, she couldn’t and it seemed the owner of these bedroom eyes couldn’t look away either. She was hypnotized. It was only when they blinked, that she realized who the pair belonged to.
Suddenly, she had to remember to keep breathing.
Oh. My. God.
***********************
Chapter 2
“Um..Cassie?”
“Cassie!”
Cassandra felt someone gently nudging her in the side, obviously trying to get her attention.
“What?” Cassandra felt a sharp gasp gather in the back of her throat, aching to come out but she quickly snapped her mouth shut to keep from looking like an overzealous fan. She reluctantly snapped back to reality, realizing that she had been staring and that she was still in a crowded room full of people responsible for determining her future. No, wait. She was in a crowded room full of people responsible for determining her future and Michael Jackson! The man she had been head over heels for since she was old enough to understand what she thought love was. And here he was, less than three feet away from her, looking as good as ever, staring at her with curious eyes. Every little movement from him made her weak in the knees. From the way he slightly cocked his head to the side to the wispy curl that fell softly across his eyes, she swore she could feel energy radiating from him. He was perfect.
“I’m sorry..I just..must’ve..um..” she stumbled, daring to stare at her shoes again. She could feel his eyes on her and suddenly, she was burning up but couldn’t bring herself to look up again. Oh god. He must think I’m some freakin’ fruit loop! Great going, girl.
“It’s fine, dear,” Tony reassured, “I’d like you to meet another friend of mine. This is Michael Jackson.” Tony introduced him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“And Michael, this is Cassandra Harris- I just signed her to Epic in June.” She could no longer deny the beautiful man standing in front of her and certainly didn’t want to come across as rude. Cassandra swallowed hard and slowly looked up at Michael, making eye contact with him for only a few seconds at a time. She was desperate to stare into his eyes but at the same time, they scared her. She was afraid that she might just fall into them.
“Hi.” Michael shyly smiled at her and stuffed his hands into his pockets, shifting his weight from one leg to another.
“Hi.” She returned, biting her bottom lip insecurely.
“Michael’s getting ready to go on tour in a matter of weeks,” Tony broke the silence, attempting to stir up some type, any type of conversation between the two.
“Oh wow,” Cassandra managed to muster up the courage to find her voice, “That’s great!”
“Yeah..” Michael cleared his throat.
“He’ll be in Japan for the first leg.” Tony added.
“Really?” Cassie squeaked, “I’ve always wanted to go Japan.”
“It’s really beautiful. I love Japan.”
“I bet.”
“So-”
“When-” They both spoke at the same time.
“Sorry,” Cassandra giggled nervously. “You first.”
“No, please..” Michael trailed off.
“No, go ahead.”
“I’m going to get something to drink, Cass. You want anything?” Tony offered, “Michael?”
Michael shook his head but never took his eyes off Cassandra. Tony disappeared from the group and made his way towards the bar, greeting a few people on the way.
“Oh..well..I was just wondering about your music.”
“My music?” Cassie giggled. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”
Michael grinned, shrugged and watched her eyes drop to the floor.
“Well..” Cassie brought her eyes back up to meet his brown pools which seemed to look deep into her soul and see right through her. Oooh. She felt a shiver run down her spine. He needs to stop looking at me like that. “Tony and I are currently in the process of working on an album. We’re talking to different producers, but I’ve already started to record some stuff.”
“I’d like to hear some of it sometime,” Michael sincerely mentioned.
“Really?” Cassie couldn’t help but blush.
Tony leaned against the bar and watched them look each other over when they thought the other wasn’t looking. He noticed that when Cassandra would look over her shoulder to observe the other party guests, Michael would let his eyes wander her figure from head to toe and the moment she would turn back to say something to him, he would blush furiously and fidget.
Michael sure has a way with women. Tony chuckled to himself as he sipped his whiskey. It was true. Girls literally melted in his presence and those that didn’t want to attack him with kisses, wanted to take care of him. But Tony saw a look in Michael’s eye that he’d never seen before. He seemed...interested, genuinely interested.
After finishing his drink, Tony decided to make his way back over to the group and noticed that Frank was cracking jokes with Michael and Cassandra. Whatever it was, they both seemed to find it very funny and were laughing together like old friends.
“Well, it’s about time we call it a night. We’ve got rehearsals in the morning.” Frank nodded in Michael’s direction, still puffing on his cigar.
Both Cassie and Tony nodded as if they understood.
“Yeah, man,” Tony took a glance at his gold watch, “I promised the old ball and chain I’d be home at a decent hour.”
Frank chuckled, “Well you better hop to it. I’ve seen her mad before and it ain’t pretty.”
With that, Frank was already leading Michael away from the group and Tony was telling “the guys” goodnight.
“You know, Cassie, you should stay and mingle. Enjoy yourself.” Tony suggested, hugging her.
“Thanks, Tony, but I’m exhausted. I think I’m gonna head on out as well.”
Cassie watched as Frank led Michael through the large crowd and couldn’t help but feel like she was floating on air. Then, out of nowhere, Michael turned around to search for her. His eyes quickly surveyed the crowd until he saw her in the corner, making small talk with Tony. He managed to catch her eye and flashed that million dollar smile at her, showing a perfect row of pearly white teeth. At first, she thought he was looking at someone else but no one was standing behind her. She smiled back and he gave a little wave before exiting through the side door with his entourage.
“Alright, sweetie. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“Sure.”
Cassandra sighed and placed her empty champagne glass on a nearby table and slid her purse onto her shoulder. Wow, what a night! Wait til Daphne hears about all this.
“Oh, and Cassie?” Tony took a few steps back.
“Yeah?”
“Get some sleep, we’re recording this week.”
Cassie laughed softly, “Trust me – I will.”
********************************************************
“Um..Cassie?”
“Cassie!”
Cassandra felt someone gently nudging her in the side, obviously trying to get her attention.
“What?” Cassandra felt a sharp gasp gather in the back of her throat, aching to come out but she quickly snapped her mouth shut to keep from looking like an overzealous fan. She reluctantly snapped back to reality, realizing that she had been staring and that she was still in a crowded room full of people responsible for determining her future. No, wait. She was in a crowded room full of people responsible for determining her future and Michael Jackson! The man she had been head over heels for since she was old enough to understand what she thought love was. And here he was, less than three feet away from her, looking as good as ever, staring at her with curious eyes. Every little movement from him made her weak in the knees. From the way he slightly cocked his head to the side to the wispy curl that fell softly across his eyes, she swore she could feel energy radiating from him. He was perfect.
“I’m sorry..I just..must’ve..um..” she stumbled, daring to stare at her shoes again. She could feel his eyes on her and suddenly, she was burning up but couldn’t bring herself to look up again. Oh god. He must think I’m some freakin’ fruit loop! Great going, girl.
“It’s fine, dear,” Tony reassured, “I’d like you to meet another friend of mine. This is Michael Jackson.” Tony introduced him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“And Michael, this is Cassandra Harris- I just signed her to Epic in June.” She could no longer deny the beautiful man standing in front of her and certainly didn’t want to come across as rude. Cassandra swallowed hard and slowly looked up at Michael, making eye contact with him for only a few seconds at a time. She was desperate to stare into his eyes but at the same time, they scared her. She was afraid that she might just fall into them.
“Hi.” Michael shyly smiled at her and stuffed his hands into his pockets, shifting his weight from one leg to another.
“Hi.” She returned, biting her bottom lip insecurely.
“Michael’s getting ready to go on tour in a matter of weeks,” Tony broke the silence, attempting to stir up some type, any type of conversation between the two.
“Oh wow,” Cassandra managed to muster up the courage to find her voice, “That’s great!”
“Yeah..” Michael cleared his throat.
“He’ll be in Japan for the first leg.” Tony added.
“Really?” Cassie squeaked, “I’ve always wanted to go Japan.”
“It’s really beautiful. I love Japan.”
“I bet.”
“So-”
“When-” They both spoke at the same time.
“Sorry,” Cassandra giggled nervously. “You first.”
“No, please..” Michael trailed off.
“No, go ahead.”
“I’m going to get something to drink, Cass. You want anything?” Tony offered, “Michael?”
Michael shook his head but never took his eyes off Cassandra. Tony disappeared from the group and made his way towards the bar, greeting a few people on the way.
“Oh..well..I was just wondering about your music.”
“My music?” Cassie giggled. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”
Michael grinned, shrugged and watched her eyes drop to the floor.
“Well..” Cassie brought her eyes back up to meet his brown pools which seemed to look deep into her soul and see right through her. Oooh. She felt a shiver run down her spine. He needs to stop looking at me like that. “Tony and I are currently in the process of working on an album. We’re talking to different producers, but I’ve already started to record some stuff.”
“I’d like to hear some of it sometime,” Michael sincerely mentioned.
“Really?” Cassie couldn’t help but blush.
Tony leaned against the bar and watched them look each other over when they thought the other wasn’t looking. He noticed that when Cassandra would look over her shoulder to observe the other party guests, Michael would let his eyes wander her figure from head to toe and the moment she would turn back to say something to him, he would blush furiously and fidget.
Michael sure has a way with women. Tony chuckled to himself as he sipped his whiskey. It was true. Girls literally melted in his presence and those that didn’t want to attack him with kisses, wanted to take care of him. But Tony saw a look in Michael’s eye that he’d never seen before. He seemed...interested, genuinely interested.
After finishing his drink, Tony decided to make his way back over to the group and noticed that Frank was cracking jokes with Michael and Cassandra. Whatever it was, they both seemed to find it very funny and were laughing together like old friends.
“Well, it’s about time we call it a night. We’ve got rehearsals in the morning.” Frank nodded in Michael’s direction, still puffing on his cigar.
Both Cassie and Tony nodded as if they understood.
“Yeah, man,” Tony took a glance at his gold watch, “I promised the old ball and chain I’d be home at a decent hour.”
Frank chuckled, “Well you better hop to it. I’ve seen her mad before and it ain’t pretty.”
With that, Frank was already leading Michael away from the group and Tony was telling “the guys” goodnight.
“You know, Cassie, you should stay and mingle. Enjoy yourself.” Tony suggested, hugging her.
“Thanks, Tony, but I’m exhausted. I think I’m gonna head on out as well.”
Cassie watched as Frank led Michael through the large crowd and couldn’t help but feel like she was floating on air. Then, out of nowhere, Michael turned around to search for her. His eyes quickly surveyed the crowd until he saw her in the corner, making small talk with Tony. He managed to catch her eye and flashed that million dollar smile at her, showing a perfect row of pearly white teeth. At first, she thought he was looking at someone else but no one was standing behind her. She smiled back and he gave a little wave before exiting through the side door with his entourage.
“Alright, sweetie. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“Sure.”
Cassandra sighed and placed her empty champagne glass on a nearby table and slid her purse onto her shoulder. Wow, what a night! Wait til Daphne hears about all this.
“Oh, and Cassie?” Tony took a few steps back.
“Yeah?”
“Get some sleep, we’re recording this week.”
Cassie laughed softly, “Trust me – I will.”
********************************************************
Michael tilted his head back and closed his eyes as he felt her tongue trail across his Adam’s apple and down across his muscular chest. He reached to pull her to his lips but she was already sitting on the bed in front of him, her wet, pink tongue circling his long middle finger. He opened his eyes and looked down at her, his eyes heavy at the thought of that tongue being put to better use. She was looking up at him with his finger in her mouth; her eyes not leaving his for a mere second. She let his moist finger fall out of her mouth as he kneeled in front of her.
He had been toying with the waistband of her tiny black panties earlier and now he was more than determined to remove them. He unwrapped his present slowly, kissing along her pelvic bone while sliding the lacy material across over her ass and past her thick thighs. He slid his hands up and down her smooth, shapely legs, stopping occasionally to kiss behind her knee. She giggled softly as this was clearly a ticklish spot for her.
“I’ll let you play later,” she purred seductively “but right now we’re gonna play by my rules.”
He gently grasped a fistful of her long, red hair as she kissed her way across his stomach and began unzipping his pants, letting them drop to the floor.
“Oooh..” he anticipated her touch as she gently cupped his throbbing manhood through his boxers.
“Oh no..” she bit her bottom lip in somewhat of a pout, “These just have to go.”
Without waiting for a response, she quickly slid his underwear down around his ankles and began placing tiny kisses on the head of his penis.
“Oh god..” He panted watching her circle her tongue around his dick in the same way she had done to his finger moments earlier. She began taking him into her mouth over and over again, each time with a longer stroke, coating him with a thin layer of her saliva.
He gripped the back of her head a little bit more forceful once she found her rhythm and couldn’t help but grind his pelvis in sync with her mouth. He closed his eyes and saw flashing colors behind his eyelids. The pleasure was more than he had ever felt and her sweet mouth was responsible for this feeling.
“Mmm..yeah like that.” He groaned lowly and stared down at her, pleasing him.
His breathing got more and more shallow, letting her know that he was close. Out of nowhere, she dug her long nails into his lower back and…
Michael shot up straight out of the bed, gasping for air. His eyes sprung open and he searched the bedroom for her. She was nowhere to be found. Beads of sweat were dripping from his brow and he could feel the sheet clinging to his limbs, his pajama bottoms soaked through and through.
It was a dream. He wiped his forehead and lazily swung his legs out of the bed, standing up to look for something else to sleep in. But it was so real. He argued with himself. He could still remember every detail of the dream after awaking so suddenly – the shadows that were cast on her body from the outside light, how soft her hair was, how her tongue could bring him to his knees. He knew it was her.
The girl from the party.
He sighed somewhat disappointed that it was only a dream, changed clothes and climbed back into bed, swinging the soiled sheet off the bed and onto the floor. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling, remembering what she looked like. God, she was beautiful. She was awfully shy but he could tell that once you got to know her, she was probably bubbly and very outgoing. She was obviously younger than him he figured but wasn’t built like a girl at all. This was a woman. Her hourglass figure was hard to miss and her dangerous curves suited her frame appropriately. She was tall – but not too tall and she had been wearing a tight black satin dress that clung favorably to each curve. Her legs were long and shapely which led to a set of feminine and dainty feet, balanced delicately in stilettos. She was obviously detail-oriented, he had observed, because not only were her nails manicured to perfection but they matched her toenails with intricate designs. Her face reminded him of Old Hollywood glamour with high cheekbones, full lips, and almond-shaped brown eyes. She was wearing a light amount of makeup, highlighting her vibrant hair color and her clear complexion. And that smile...He found himself smiling too.
Something about her made him want to undress her quickly and let his hands explore her body but another part of him wanted to hold her, kiss her sweetly, and care for her, protecting her from harm’s way. She seemed so vulnerable and fragile, like a porcelain doll that just might break. At the same time, she came across as a bit of tough girl – one that’s seen a lot and doesn’t take anyone’s crap. She was sassy and had a super quick wit that even left Michael struggling to keep up throughout their conversation. Damn girl got my nose wide open. He shook his head and turned over on his side, bringing the pillow closer to him. But I’m getting ready to go on tour. Damn. He cursed himself. He was so lonely and it seemed it was always his career that seemed to stand in his way of his happiness.
*************************************************
Chapter 3
“You did WHAT?!” Daphne shrieked, throwing down her hairbrush on the counter.
“I talked to Michael Jackson...” Cassandra spoke nonchalantly, picking at her cuticles.
“And you didn’t faint?!”
“Oh c’mon, I’m not that crazy about him.” Cassandra was trying to brush it off and act all calm and collected but inside, she knew she was going ballistic.
“Oh please! You’re such a bad liar!”
“I am not!”
“Oh yes you are, but that’s not the point. What was he like?! What was he wearing?! What did he say?! What did you say?!”
Daphne grabbed Cassandra by the arm and pulled her down into a chair at the kitchen table.
“Girl, slow down...” Cassandra giggled.
“What? I want ALL the details!”
“Well,” Cassie sighed deeply, “He was gorgeous of course! Girl, it took everything in me to keep from jumpin’ him right then and there! He’s pretty quiet but once we started talking, he opened up quite a bit. He was really sweet…very nice. He was wearing all kind of buckles and straps, like from the Bad video…and his hair is pretty long now. And his eyes - Oh my god! And ooh, he smelled so good! Like he was fresh from the shower.”
“Did you call your mom yet and tell her the good news?”
“What good news?”
“That you met Michael Jackson of all people!”
“Oh no, not yet. I was gonna call her later today once I got back from the studio but I might just wait depending on how tired I am.”
“So, What’d you guys talk about?” Daphne was hanging on every word.
“Um, mostly music. He’s getting ready to go on tour in Japan and he asked about my career. I told him how I was “discovered” and told him about some of the stuff I’m working on.”
“And?”
“And…he said he was interested in hearing some of my stuff but he was probably just being nice..”
“Was he with anyone?”
“Just his manager, Frank and some bodyguards..”
“Mmhmm,” Daphne raised an eyebrow, “I smell trouble.”
“What are you talking about, Daph?” Cassandra stood up to pour herself some orange juice. “I’ll probably never see the man again. And if I do, I doubt he’ll remember me.”
“If you say so..” Daphne grinned goofily and went back to brushing the tangles out of her long brown hair.
*******************************
“Um..hello? Earth to Mike!” Randy, one of Michael’s backup dancers and friends, waved his hand in front of Michael’s face, trying to break him from his trance.
“Sorry man, I’m here.”
Michael had been staring off into space on and off all morning long, thinking about the previous night’s events. He couldn’t get Cassandra out of his head and now it was starting to interfere with rehearsals.
“I don’t think you are. You got somethin’ on your mind?” Randy took a swig of his water from his bottle. He had never seen Michael like this before. Michael was always on top of everything – the ultimate perfectionist, not wanting a single minute of rehearsal to go to waste.
“Kind of.” Michael scratched his chin.
“You wanna talk ‘bout it?”
“Nah. It’s no big deal. I’m fine.” Michael rose to his feet and began pacing the hardwood floor beneath his feet.
“What do you wanna work on now?” Randy rolled the water bottle into a corner of the rehearsal hall.
“I wanna work on Beat It some more. I’ve got some new stuff I’d like to try with the fellas.”
“Alright, boss. I’ll get everybody set up.”
**************************************
“Tony’s here. Come out of there and we’ll take five..” Chase pushed a button on the studio’s soundboard, projecting his voice into the sound booth.
Chase Wiley was onboard as Cassandra’s main producer on her debut album, Struck, which as of now had no release date. That was a relief to Cassie since she felt she could have plenty of time to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. Chase Wiley was an experienced, award-winning producer, working with artists like Whitney Houston, De Barge, and Diana Ross. Cassandra was comfortable with Chase and felt like they had the same vision regarding her album. Chase Wiley understood from day one that she wasn’t interested in coming across as the cookie-cutter young female pop artist with glitter nail polish, bubblegum looks, and a Minnie Mouse voice. She was a young woman but a woman nonetheless and wanted that to be evident from her music. Fortunately, all of the record executives at Epic agreed with her ideas and seemed to be enthusiastic about branching out.
Since this was her first album and she had no other previous experience in the business, Cassandra understood that it was going to be that much harder for her and she was going to have to give 110% on everything she did. She was not going to have much “pull” in the industry but she felt that if this album did particular well, perhaps the company would give her a little more room for creative control in the future.
“Be right out.” Cassandra called, taking off her thick black headphones and picked up a stack of papers resting on the stool in front of her. They were lyrics to a song that her and Chase had been working on all afternoon and they were considering putting on the album. So, far they had picked out 5 or 6 tunes that Chase was convinced were going to be hits and had been playing around with different hooks and lines on the others.
“Hey Tony! It’s good to see you.” Cassandra gave Tony a friendly hug and sat down on the studio couch, taking a sip of her caramel cappuccino.
“I’m gonna go have a smoke real quick and leave you guys to it.” Chase stood up, picking up his pack of Marlboro Reds and stuffing a lighter into his pocket. Once they were alone, Cassandra couldn’t help but ask Tony why he had stopped by. She wasn’t expecting to let him review the completed tracks until later in the week.
“Well...I’ve got some news..”
“Oh?” Cassandra searched his face for any type of indication of whether it going to be good or bad. There was no sign. As usual, Tony was all business.
“I talked to the guys today and they’ve come up with a release date.”
“Already?”
“Yeah, everyone’s real excited about it. They love what they’ve heard so far so they decided on September 30th.”
“September 30th? Of this year? As in a few weeks?”
Tony laughed, “Yes. Aren’t you ready?”
“Well,” Cassandra swallowed the lump in her throat, “Yeah. I guess I am. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon.” The pressure was on.
“Cassie, sweetie,” Tony reached for her petite feminine hand that was resting in her lap. “You’ve been working on it for several months. I know you want it to be absolutely perfect but you gotta learn to let go. Once it’s released, it’s no longer in your hands and you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“I know, Tony..” Cassie sighed, ‘I just..”
“You just what?”
“I’m just so-“
“Scared?” Tony equipped. “That’s perfectly normal, honey. You’re new to this but with time, you’ll master the ropes.”
Cassandra nodded and began nervously picking at the embroidery on the arm of the sofa.
“Cassandra, look at me..”
Cassandra let her eyes meet his.
“You’re going to be HUGE! I know it...your name in lights, people screaming your name, on the cover of every magazine and newspaper in the country, traveling the world. Can’t you just taste it?”
Cassandra wasn’t sure whether he was awaiting an answer or if it was just hypothetical. She parted her lips to begin to answer but pursed her lips when she saw that he was on a roll.
“Not many of us get this opportunity, Cassie. I would say you’re very lucky, but it’s not just luck. You’re a star, Cassandra. You were born to do this. This is your dream…this is your destiny..” He squeezed her hand emphatically.
Cassie smiled softly. It was true. She had been dreaming of fame and fortune since she was enrolled in her first dance class at the tender age of 4. She loved being the center of attention and lived off the energy of the audience every time she performed, whether it was in her living room in front of her mother and her friends, or a large group of complete strangers.
Tony’s speech was certainly inspiring but she couldn’t help but feel like this wasn’t the first time he had ever spoken those words to an artist. It seemed so rehearsed and she swore she saw dollar signs in his eyes. With those words of encouragement from Tony, she heard her mother’s voice in the back of her mind. Be careful what you wish for - You just might get it.
***************************************************************************
Chapter 4
September 5, 1987
Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please hang up and try again..
“You plannin’ on using that thing, Smelly?”
Quincy walked past Michael to get a cup of coffee in the empty rehearsal hall. Michael had been sitting at a flimsy fold out table staring at the phone for the past ten minutes. He would muster up enough guts to pick up the receiver and begin dialing the number and then immediately regret it. Then he would sit there and stare at the handle while deep in thought, the dial tone resonating through the phone. It had become a vicious cycle.
“Or are you just gonna sit there and stare at it?” Quincy jibbed with Michael, shaking a sugar packet for his coffee between his thumb and index finger. Michael ignored Quincy and chewed anxiously on his bottom lip, playing with the white curly cord that connected the receiver to the cradle.
Okay…one more time. You can do this. Michael picked up the receiver once more, resting it between his ear and shoulder and began dialing, fingering the tiny piece of paper containing Cassandra’s phone number between his fingers. He had been able to convince Tony to give it to him, saying that he was interested in possibly working with Cassandra in the future as an excuse. Well, it was partially true although he had never heard the girl sing before. That girl don’t have to sing. Michael remembered thinking. At first, he was going to have one of his “people” call her but he figured that wouldn’t look too good either.
Don’t pick up...don’t pick up...don’t pick up. Michael prayed silently, peeking over to see his shoulder to see if Quincy was still around. Thankfully, he wasn’t.
“Hello?” The female voice quickly startled him. Michael parted his lips to say something but nothing came out.
“Hello?!” The voice on the other end asked again.
“Um. Yeah...hi,” Michael practically whispered, “Is this Cassandra Harris?”
“Sir...I can’t understand you. You’re going to have to speak up.”
“Um,” Michael cleared his throat nervously, “Is Cassandra there?”
“No she’s not. Would you like to leave a message?”
Michael let out a sigh of relief and almost forgot he was still on the phone. He really wanted to talk to her but he wasn’t sure he was prepared to speak to her just yet. He had no idea what he was going to say and he’d prefer to be at home when he did get in touch with her.
“Hello?”
“I’m sorry...no thanks…I’ll call back.”
“Alright, bye.” Daphne quickly hung up the phone, not even giving Michael an opportunity to say goodbye. It was obvious she didn’t recognize his voice or it probably would’ve been a different story.
Now, what am I going to do?
**************************************************************
His breathing got more and more shallow, letting her know that he was close. Out of nowhere, she dug her long nails into his lower back and…
Michael shot up straight out of the bed, gasping for air. His eyes sprung open and he searched the bedroom for her. She was nowhere to be found. Beads of sweat were dripping from his brow and he could feel the sheet clinging to his limbs, his pajama bottoms soaked through and through.
It was a dream. He wiped his forehead and lazily swung his legs out of the bed, standing up to look for something else to sleep in. But it was so real. He argued with himself. He could still remember every detail of the dream after awaking so suddenly – the shadows that were cast on her body from the outside light, how soft her hair was, how her tongue could bring him to his knees. He knew it was her.
The girl from the party.
He sighed somewhat disappointed that it was only a dream, changed clothes and climbed back into bed, swinging the soiled sheet off the bed and onto the floor. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling, remembering what she looked like. God, she was beautiful. She was awfully shy but he could tell that once you got to know her, she was probably bubbly and very outgoing. She was obviously younger than him he figured but wasn’t built like a girl at all. This was a woman. Her hourglass figure was hard to miss and her dangerous curves suited her frame appropriately. She was tall – but not too tall and she had been wearing a tight black satin dress that clung favorably to each curve. Her legs were long and shapely which led to a set of feminine and dainty feet, balanced delicately in stilettos. She was obviously detail-oriented, he had observed, because not only were her nails manicured to perfection but they matched her toenails with intricate designs. Her face reminded him of Old Hollywood glamour with high cheekbones, full lips, and almond-shaped brown eyes. She was wearing a light amount of makeup, highlighting her vibrant hair color and her clear complexion. And that smile...He found himself smiling too.
Something about her made him want to undress her quickly and let his hands explore her body but another part of him wanted to hold her, kiss her sweetly, and care for her, protecting her from harm’s way. She seemed so vulnerable and fragile, like a porcelain doll that just might break. At the same time, she came across as a bit of tough girl – one that’s seen a lot and doesn’t take anyone’s crap. She was sassy and had a super quick wit that even left Michael struggling to keep up throughout their conversation. Damn girl got my nose wide open. He shook his head and turned over on his side, bringing the pillow closer to him. But I’m getting ready to go on tour. Damn. He cursed himself. He was so lonely and it seemed it was always his career that seemed to stand in his way of his happiness.
*************************************************
Chapter 3
“You did WHAT?!” Daphne shrieked, throwing down her hairbrush on the counter.
“I talked to Michael Jackson...” Cassandra spoke nonchalantly, picking at her cuticles.
“And you didn’t faint?!”
“Oh c’mon, I’m not that crazy about him.” Cassandra was trying to brush it off and act all calm and collected but inside, she knew she was going ballistic.
“Oh please! You’re such a bad liar!”
“I am not!”
“Oh yes you are, but that’s not the point. What was he like?! What was he wearing?! What did he say?! What did you say?!”
Daphne grabbed Cassandra by the arm and pulled her down into a chair at the kitchen table.
“Girl, slow down...” Cassandra giggled.
“What? I want ALL the details!”
“Well,” Cassie sighed deeply, “He was gorgeous of course! Girl, it took everything in me to keep from jumpin’ him right then and there! He’s pretty quiet but once we started talking, he opened up quite a bit. He was really sweet…very nice. He was wearing all kind of buckles and straps, like from the Bad video…and his hair is pretty long now. And his eyes - Oh my god! And ooh, he smelled so good! Like he was fresh from the shower.”
“Did you call your mom yet and tell her the good news?”
“What good news?”
“That you met Michael Jackson of all people!”
“Oh no, not yet. I was gonna call her later today once I got back from the studio but I might just wait depending on how tired I am.”
“So, What’d you guys talk about?” Daphne was hanging on every word.
“Um, mostly music. He’s getting ready to go on tour in Japan and he asked about my career. I told him how I was “discovered” and told him about some of the stuff I’m working on.”
“And?”
“And…he said he was interested in hearing some of my stuff but he was probably just being nice..”
“Was he with anyone?”
“Just his manager, Frank and some bodyguards..”
“Mmhmm,” Daphne raised an eyebrow, “I smell trouble.”
“What are you talking about, Daph?” Cassandra stood up to pour herself some orange juice. “I’ll probably never see the man again. And if I do, I doubt he’ll remember me.”
“If you say so..” Daphne grinned goofily and went back to brushing the tangles out of her long brown hair.
*******************************
“Um..hello? Earth to Mike!” Randy, one of Michael’s backup dancers and friends, waved his hand in front of Michael’s face, trying to break him from his trance.
“Sorry man, I’m here.”
Michael had been staring off into space on and off all morning long, thinking about the previous night’s events. He couldn’t get Cassandra out of his head and now it was starting to interfere with rehearsals.
“I don’t think you are. You got somethin’ on your mind?” Randy took a swig of his water from his bottle. He had never seen Michael like this before. Michael was always on top of everything – the ultimate perfectionist, not wanting a single minute of rehearsal to go to waste.
“Kind of.” Michael scratched his chin.
“You wanna talk ‘bout it?”
“Nah. It’s no big deal. I’m fine.” Michael rose to his feet and began pacing the hardwood floor beneath his feet.
“What do you wanna work on now?” Randy rolled the water bottle into a corner of the rehearsal hall.
“I wanna work on Beat It some more. I’ve got some new stuff I’d like to try with the fellas.”
“Alright, boss. I’ll get everybody set up.”
**************************************
“Tony’s here. Come out of there and we’ll take five..” Chase pushed a button on the studio’s soundboard, projecting his voice into the sound booth.
Chase Wiley was onboard as Cassandra’s main producer on her debut album, Struck, which as of now had no release date. That was a relief to Cassie since she felt she could have plenty of time to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. Chase Wiley was an experienced, award-winning producer, working with artists like Whitney Houston, De Barge, and Diana Ross. Cassandra was comfortable with Chase and felt like they had the same vision regarding her album. Chase Wiley understood from day one that she wasn’t interested in coming across as the cookie-cutter young female pop artist with glitter nail polish, bubblegum looks, and a Minnie Mouse voice. She was a young woman but a woman nonetheless and wanted that to be evident from her music. Fortunately, all of the record executives at Epic agreed with her ideas and seemed to be enthusiastic about branching out.
Since this was her first album and she had no other previous experience in the business, Cassandra understood that it was going to be that much harder for her and she was going to have to give 110% on everything she did. She was not going to have much “pull” in the industry but she felt that if this album did particular well, perhaps the company would give her a little more room for creative control in the future.
“Be right out.” Cassandra called, taking off her thick black headphones and picked up a stack of papers resting on the stool in front of her. They were lyrics to a song that her and Chase had been working on all afternoon and they were considering putting on the album. So, far they had picked out 5 or 6 tunes that Chase was convinced were going to be hits and had been playing around with different hooks and lines on the others.
“Hey Tony! It’s good to see you.” Cassandra gave Tony a friendly hug and sat down on the studio couch, taking a sip of her caramel cappuccino.
“I’m gonna go have a smoke real quick and leave you guys to it.” Chase stood up, picking up his pack of Marlboro Reds and stuffing a lighter into his pocket. Once they were alone, Cassandra couldn’t help but ask Tony why he had stopped by. She wasn’t expecting to let him review the completed tracks until later in the week.
“Well...I’ve got some news..”
“Oh?” Cassandra searched his face for any type of indication of whether it going to be good or bad. There was no sign. As usual, Tony was all business.
“I talked to the guys today and they’ve come up with a release date.”
“Already?”
“Yeah, everyone’s real excited about it. They love what they’ve heard so far so they decided on September 30th.”
“September 30th? Of this year? As in a few weeks?”
Tony laughed, “Yes. Aren’t you ready?”
“Well,” Cassandra swallowed the lump in her throat, “Yeah. I guess I am. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon.” The pressure was on.
“Cassie, sweetie,” Tony reached for her petite feminine hand that was resting in her lap. “You’ve been working on it for several months. I know you want it to be absolutely perfect but you gotta learn to let go. Once it’s released, it’s no longer in your hands and you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“I know, Tony..” Cassie sighed, ‘I just..”
“You just what?”
“I’m just so-“
“Scared?” Tony equipped. “That’s perfectly normal, honey. You’re new to this but with time, you’ll master the ropes.”
Cassandra nodded and began nervously picking at the embroidery on the arm of the sofa.
“Cassandra, look at me..”
Cassandra let her eyes meet his.
“You’re going to be HUGE! I know it...your name in lights, people screaming your name, on the cover of every magazine and newspaper in the country, traveling the world. Can’t you just taste it?”
Cassandra wasn’t sure whether he was awaiting an answer or if it was just hypothetical. She parted her lips to begin to answer but pursed her lips when she saw that he was on a roll.
“Not many of us get this opportunity, Cassie. I would say you’re very lucky, but it’s not just luck. You’re a star, Cassandra. You were born to do this. This is your dream…this is your destiny..” He squeezed her hand emphatically.
Cassie smiled softly. It was true. She had been dreaming of fame and fortune since she was enrolled in her first dance class at the tender age of 4. She loved being the center of attention and lived off the energy of the audience every time she performed, whether it was in her living room in front of her mother and her friends, or a large group of complete strangers.
Tony’s speech was certainly inspiring but she couldn’t help but feel like this wasn’t the first time he had ever spoken those words to an artist. It seemed so rehearsed and she swore she saw dollar signs in his eyes. With those words of encouragement from Tony, she heard her mother’s voice in the back of her mind. Be careful what you wish for - You just might get it.
***************************************************************************
Chapter 4
September 5, 1987
Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please hang up and try again..
“You plannin’ on using that thing, Smelly?”
Quincy walked past Michael to get a cup of coffee in the empty rehearsal hall. Michael had been sitting at a flimsy fold out table staring at the phone for the past ten minutes. He would muster up enough guts to pick up the receiver and begin dialing the number and then immediately regret it. Then he would sit there and stare at the handle while deep in thought, the dial tone resonating through the phone. It had become a vicious cycle.
“Or are you just gonna sit there and stare at it?” Quincy jibbed with Michael, shaking a sugar packet for his coffee between his thumb and index finger. Michael ignored Quincy and chewed anxiously on his bottom lip, playing with the white curly cord that connected the receiver to the cradle.
Okay…one more time. You can do this. Michael picked up the receiver once more, resting it between his ear and shoulder and began dialing, fingering the tiny piece of paper containing Cassandra’s phone number between his fingers. He had been able to convince Tony to give it to him, saying that he was interested in possibly working with Cassandra in the future as an excuse. Well, it was partially true although he had never heard the girl sing before. That girl don’t have to sing. Michael remembered thinking. At first, he was going to have one of his “people” call her but he figured that wouldn’t look too good either.
Don’t pick up...don’t pick up...don’t pick up. Michael prayed silently, peeking over to see his shoulder to see if Quincy was still around. Thankfully, he wasn’t.
“Hello?” The female voice quickly startled him. Michael parted his lips to say something but nothing came out.
“Hello?!” The voice on the other end asked again.
“Um. Yeah...hi,” Michael practically whispered, “Is this Cassandra Harris?”
“Sir...I can’t understand you. You’re going to have to speak up.”
“Um,” Michael cleared his throat nervously, “Is Cassandra there?”
“No she’s not. Would you like to leave a message?”
Michael let out a sigh of relief and almost forgot he was still on the phone. He really wanted to talk to her but he wasn’t sure he was prepared to speak to her just yet. He had no idea what he was going to say and he’d prefer to be at home when he did get in touch with her.
“Hello?”
“I’m sorry...no thanks…I’ll call back.”
“Alright, bye.” Daphne quickly hung up the phone, not even giving Michael an opportunity to say goodbye. It was obvious she didn’t recognize his voice or it probably would’ve been a different story.
Now, what am I going to do?
**************************************************************
I’m finally home. Cassandra sighed heavily as she tossed her keys on the dining room table and picked up a stack of mail, thumbing through it. She had gone into the studio at 6 AM, worked a little a bit on her own and Chase showed up somewhere around 7:45. It was now a little after 9:30 PM. She was exhausted. Her and Chase had been working non-stop after Tony made the big announcement, determined to get as much done as possible and make it the best they could.
“Somebody called for you earlier..” Daphne emerged from her bedroom, fiddling with her sterling silver earring and shoving her foot into a ridiculous pair of spike heel shoes.
“Who?”
“I don’t know, I didn’t ask.”
“Great.” Cassie huffed. She was frustrated. She and Daphne had already had the talk about the importance of phone calls. Daphne understood that with Cassie’s career on the up and up that the phone would soon start ringing off the hook and it was important to at least to try and take a message.
“Well I guess if it’s important, I guess they’ll call back.” Cassie rationalized before losing her cool.
“Right.”
“Around what time did they call?”
“Hmm,” Daphne paused to consider the question. “I guess it was around lunch time…some guy..”
“Well that narrows it down.” Cassie raised an eyebrow.
“He was kind of hard to understand. I had to say ‘hello’ like three times.”
Daphne saw Cassandra’s face scrunch up and knew she was trying to figure out who it could be.
“Maybe it was Tony.”
“Nah, I’ve already talked to him today and he was supposed to be spending the rest of the day with his wife – it’s their anniversary.”
“Hmm,” Daphne shrugged, “Well then I have no idea. Like you said – if it’s important, they’ll call back. Anyways, I promised I’d meet Will for dinner.”
Will Thomas was Daphne’s new boyfriend of six months. Will was the prom king and the star of the high school football team all rolled into one. He came from old money and was currently attending one of the top medical schools in the country. With an athletic build and devastatingly good looks, girls absolutely fawned over him. At first, Cassandra wasn’t too fond of him but then again, she never thought anyone was good enough for her friends. But after hanging out with him and Daphne from time to time, Cassie saw that he wasn’t so bad. He worshipped the ground Daphne walked on and treated her like a princess. Together they were the perfect couple, looking like they stepped right off the pages of a Banana Republic catalogue.
“Where’s he taking you?” Cassandra threw herself down on the sofa and began flipping through the channels on the television.
“Um, some place called the Ivy?" Daphne grabbed her silver clutch, "Apparently, it’s LA’s newest hot spot and it’s practically impossible to get reservations there this time of year but Will pulled a few strings.”
“Well, you two kids have fun,” Cassandra winked at her, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Don’t wait up,” Daphne giggled, closing the door behind her.
Cassie glanced around at her crummy apartment and clicked off the television. Okay, it wasn’t that crummy. Daphne had luckily managed to find a rent-controlled, two-bedroom apartment in L.A. a couple of years ago. They both had distinctive styles and had managed to turn it into their feminine sanctuary complete with a full size bathroom that they shared and a simple balcony with a few potted plants. The view wasn’t too bad either. But like everything else, when times got hectic, they hadn’t necessarily devoted all of their time to keeping it spotless. After graduating high school, they both promised that no matter where they found themselves, they’d stick together. Daphne was at one point interested in attending law school but currently was bartending at a local club to pay the rent. It certainly wasn’t a mansion but with their budget, it was home.
Silence.
“Great,” Cassandra groaned. She hated being alone. She debated whether or not she should try to straighten up the apartment. Come next week, she wouldn’t even have time to think about it. But I’m so tired. I just wanna lay down, forget everything and wake up next year. Out of nowhere, her stomach grumbled. She’d be working so hard for so long that she’d completely forgotten to eat today. Chase had taken a break and invited her to grab lunch with him but she insisted on staying in the sound booth until she got the bridge on “Livin’ It Up” just right.
“I guess I could fix somethin’ quick..” Cassie stood up and made her way to the kitchen, opening the freezer.
Well I guess it’ll be another TV dinner for tonight. Cassie frowned. Yum. Sooner or later, she was going to have to learn to cook something substantial without burning the house down.
*********************************************************************
“Alright...alright...I’m comin’! Hold your horses.” Cassie had just heard the phone ring when she stepped out of the shower. She had glanced at the nearby clock and decided to just let the machine get it but when it continued to ring, she had no choice. She grabbed a terry cloth towel and wrapped it around her body, ignoring the moisture that had gathered on all the mirrors in the bathroom.
“Hello?” She began drying off her hair and waited for the other person to speak. She was planning on curling up in her pajamas, watch late night TV and treat herself to some caramel fudge ice cream that had her name on it. This had better be good.
“Hi..”
Her heart stopped. She knew that voice.
“Um...hello.” Cassandra searched her mind over and over again for that voice but couldn’t place it.
“Is this Cassandra?” This had to be the most awkward phone conversation yet.
“Yes it is…can I ask who this is?”
“Yeah,” she heard some shuffling in the background and then a door close, “This is Michael.”
“Michael-? Michael who?” Last she checked she didn’t know a Michael. Must be a new business associate of Tony’s.
Oh, wait...hold up.
“Michael Jackson..” He spoke his full name as if it were the most abnormal thing in the world. It almost seemed forced, like it was torture for him to admit who he was.
Oh Ish. Cassandra immediately dropped the towel she was using to dry her hair and looked around the room like he could actually see her through the phone.
“From the party the other night,” Michael added when she didn’t respond. She swore she could feel her heart in her throat.
“Oh…hi.”
“Listen, I’m sorry for calling so late. I called earlier but you weren’t there so I didn’t know when else to call...I’m sorry if I woke you. I can call back another time.."
Wait. Did he say he called earlier? Think quick!
“No! No...it’s okay. I just got out of the shower...it’s fine.”
Cassandra slapped her hand to her forehead. The minute she heard it come out of her mouth, she immediately regretted it.
Silence.
“I hope you don’t mind…I got your number from Tony.”
“Oh…no, it’s fine. I just…I just wasn’t expecting to hear from you. I’m a little surprised to say the least.”
“And why is that?” His voice suddenly dropped an octave.
“Um...well. You’re a very busy man...and,” she stumbled, “and we only met for a few minutes. I just assumed you’d be busy doing other things.”
“Well I am very busy but, I figured I’d give you a call and…see what’s up.”
“Oh, that’s nice..”
Dead silence.
Cricket. Cricket.
Tumbleweed blows through the conversation.
Say something! Her head screamed at her.
“So...whats up?” He was the first to speak.
“Um…well, not too much. Just been working a lot. How about you?”
“Workin’,” he chuckled. “As usual.” That broke the ice.
“When do you leave for Japan?”
“Um...I’ve got the dates around here somewhere,” she could hear him rummaging through papers. “Uh...looks like the first show is the 12th in Tokyo so I’ll be leaving in about four days.”
“Are you nervous?”
“About the show? No, I never get nervous. I worry about some of the technical elements of the show but as far as performing, no I’m fine.”
I know you are.
“What about you? Do you get nervous?”
“Me?”
“No…the person behind you,” Michael laughed, “Yes, you!”
“Oh,” Cassandra gave a girlish giggle, “Nah. I’ll occasionally get butterflies but when I do perform, it’s actually rather calming.”
“I know what you mean – I would sleep on stage if I could.”
“Well I don’t know about all that,” Cassandra teased. “A girl’s gotta have her pillows!”
“Okay,” Michael laughed at her attempt at a joke, “Ms. Princess and the Pea..”
“What?!”
Her defensive tone only made him laugh harder.
“I swear you girls..”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about..”
“Sure you don’t..”
Cassandra let out a light hearted laugh and laid down on her bed, completely forgetting that her hair was still dripping wet. She felt like she was in high school again, in her teenage bedroom talking to cute boys on the phone.
“I love your accent..”
“Oh…well thank you.” She blushed.
“Where are you from again?”
“I’m originally from Atlanta but I moved out here about two years ago with Daphne to pursue my career.” She suddenly felt very aware of how she pronounced her words and the scarlet drawl that rolled off her tongue.
“Ah,” Michael spoke like he suddenly understood everything about her. “A Georgia peach, huh?”
“Born and bred..”
For the next three hours, they talked like old friends. Always curious, Michael was full of questions about her home life and her family. Despite coming from a huge family, the subject matter seemed so foreign to him and he was fascinated over little things that most people would brush off or take for granted. As the conversation progressed, he felt more and more comfortable with her and vice versa. He discovered that she was very funny and witty as he predicted. Her cute little laugh gave him “warm fuzzies” and he found himself coming up with different things to say to make her laugh, just to hear it again.
She was impressed with his vast knowledge of art, history, and film and how observant he was of the simplest of things. They talked about their favorite movies and learned that they both shared a strong passion for reading. Michael had recommended some books that he had read and she promised she’d check them out. Cassandra couldn’t help but notice the flirtatious undertones of their conversation at times and found herself flirting back. Michael’s voice would drop an octave to almost a deep, sexy growl and like clockwork; she would get goose bumps all over again.
They talked about his tour and her album, which he said he was looking forward to hearing. He put her to some relief that he’d been through the exact same situation with the record company before and that he wasn’t too fond of it either but told her to keep her head up and her feet planted firmly in the ground – to not let anyone push her around. “Pressure makes diamonds,” he comforted her.
Even though it was their first full-length conversation, Michael felt like he could trust her with his innermost secrets and him with hers. They kept the majority of their conversation light and upbeat but occasionally, Michael would touch on his relationship with his father or lack thereof and the abuse he was subjected to growing up. She comforted him the best she could and tried to give him some uplifting things to think about without prying. She spoke of not knowing her own father and about the fact that he was in prison, saying that her mother had divorced him when she was only an infant and she has no clue what he is doing today. He was interested in knowing more about why he was incarcerated but thought it was best not to push it. In her own time, she’ll tell me. He decided.
Before they knew it, it was past 3 AM. They had completely lost track of time and Cassandra had completely forgotten about being so tired.
“Oh my God! Look at the time! It’s goin’ on 4 AM!” Cassandra eyes widened after glancing at the digital clock on her nightstand.
“I’m sorry if I kept you up. You probably have to get up really early..”
“No, it’s ok. I just didn’t think it was that late.”
It was quiet again. She could hear his deep breathing through the phone. He must be in bed too. Cassie blushed at her own thoughts.
“I really like talking to you..” He whispered softly.
“I like talking to you too..”
“Really?!” Michael’s voice suddenly cracked like a teenager going through puberty. Cassie had to bite down on her tongue to keep from giggling out loud.
He was so full of enthusiasm at times – like a kid on Christmas morning. She sometimes swore she could hear his eyes widen in wonder through the phone.
“I mean,” he cleared his throat, “I’m not the most interesting person in the world to talk to…my life is actually pretty dull-”
“No,” she stopped him. “I like talking to you. .I feel so comfortable talking to you. It’s like I knew you in a past life or something…not that I believe in that kind of stuff or anything..”
She could feel herself rambling. It was true. Michael made her feel more secure and safe in the past four hours than she had felt in her entire life. At first, it was a bit awkward but after they both opened up and came out of their shells a bit, the words just flowed.
“I know what you mean..” Cassandra closed her eyes and just listened to the smoothness of his voice. The way his accent seemed to curl around the syllables in each word, the way she could just barely hear his lips parting to speak – in her mind, it reminded her of some type of sweet, honey-coated chocolate. It was an odd comparison but seemed to fit him perfectly.
For a few moments, they just sat there and listened to each other’s breathing. Cassandra’s mother had always told her that when two people could just sit there and enjoy what would normally be an uncomfortable silence without saying a word- that it was not to be taken for granted. That’s something special.
“Cassie..”
“Yeah?”
“I wish I didn’t have to leave in four days..”
“Why?”
“I wish I could just stay here and talk to you all day..”
Cassandra was silent but was nodding, as if he could see her.
“I want to get to know you,” he purred unintentionally.
All the tiny hairs on the back of Cassandra’s neck stood up at the same time.
“Me too..” she whispered back.
For the first time in four hours, she wasn’t sure what to say. His kind words throughout the conversation had touched her deeply and this certainly wasn’t an everyday occurrence she’d ever experienced before. She’d spent most of the night talking to Michael Jackson, the man she’d grown up loving. But now he more than just a handsome face with a pretty voice, gravity-defying dance moves and glitzy military jackets on the television screen. He was a person with feelings, needs, and wants. He was sensitive and raw with his thoughts, a vulnerable man that was often misunderstood by his peers. He was now...Michael.
But in a matter of days, he would be on the other side of the world in front of thousands of people, away from her. What would become of their conversation? What if he just forgot all about her? Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. She scolded herself for being so foolish. It was evident how much Michael loved his fans and could not deny them his presence. After all, they’d only spoke once--well twice if you count the time at the party. He certainly hadn’t mentioned any type of romantic relationship or that he was seeing anyone. For all she knew, he could be practically engaged to some stick thin model type. And who was she? Nobody. Or at least for now. There was no way in hell he’d pick her out of the thousands of girls that threw themselves at him every day. But why had he called? More importantly, why did he call her? It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that he was a lonely soul and obviously he wanted to talk to her awfully bad because he had kept calling until he could get in touch with her. She could only imagine how hard that must’ve been for someone so painfully shy like him. She was flattered.
And she loved talking to him and certainly didn’t want that to end just because he was a few thousand miles away. He’s coming back. It’s not like he’s moving there. She rationalized with herself. And I’ll be so busy with the album and promoting. It won’t be like that forever. Perhaps we could meet up for coffee or something after he gets back.
“Tell you what,” she spoke broke the silence, “How about when you come back to the States, we’ll get together and hang out? That is, only if you want to..”
“Why not tomorrow?”
“What?” She almost thought she hadn’t heard him correctly.
“What I mean is why wait til I come back to the States? Why not tomorrow?”
The idea shook Cassie to her core. She wasn’t expecting him to want to get together so soon.
“Um...yeah…I guess we could..”
“I mean...only if you want to.”
“Yeah.,.sure. I’d love to.”
“I have rehearsal first thing in the morning...we usually break for lunch around 1 or 2. Why don’t you stop by? ”
“Are you sure? I mean I don’t wanna disrupt-“
“No, it’ll be fine. I’d kind of like to have an outsider’s opinion anyways...that is, if you don’t have already have plans. I know you’ve got your work cut out for you with the album and everything..”
“I’m supposed to be at the studio in the afternoon around 4. Chase and I usually get together in the morning and work through the afternoon but I think it’s his daughter’s birthday or something so we decided we’d take an easy day tomorrow..”
“Well then I guess I’ll see you then. It’s at the Glendale Studios off of Wilshire. Do you know where that is?”
“I think so. I’m somewhat familiar with Wilshire..”
“Are you sure? If you want, I can have my driver call you in the morning and give you directions..”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll be okay,” Cassandra giggled at his eagerness, “I’m a big girl, Michael.”
“Alright. If you get lost, please don’t hesitate to call the studio. As I’m sure you know by now, LA has horrible traffic..”
“Oh yeah. It didn’t take me long to figure that out.”
“And when you get there, ask for Bill Bray. He’ll bring you right back..”
“I will. Thanks.”
“Well then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow..”
“Guess so..”
“I’ll talk to you later..”
“Okay..”
It became quiet again. It was apparent that neither of them really wanted to get off the phone with each other but the sun would be coming up in another hour or two.
“Alright. I’ll see ya.”
“Okay,” Michael giggled, “goodnight Cassie.”
“Goodnight, Michael.”
Silence.
“Michael..”
“Yeah?”
“Hang up!”
“Why?”
“Uh, ‘cause that’s what you do when you finish a phone call.”
“Oh! Right!.”
Long pause.
“Michael!”
“Sorry…on 3.”
“1...2..”
Suddenly, Cassandra heard the jiggling of keys and the front door open. Daphne was home. Just in time.
“3!”
They both hung up and Cassandra grabbed her bath robe out of her closet, slinging it across her shoulders and around her body. Hopefully, Daphne would just go straight to her bedroom but of course, she didn’t. She was passing by Cassandra’s open door and noticed that the light was on. If Daphne knew that she just spent the past four hours on the phone with Michael Jackson, she’d never heard the end of it.
“Hey, what are you doing awake?”
“Hey! Did you and Will have a good time?”
“Girl,” Daphne was slightly slurring her words, “I haven’t had that much fun in a long ass time!”
“Well I’m glad you guys had fun.” Cassandra nodded, smiling so hard that it was amazing her face didn’t break.
That was odd. Cassandra was almost ALWAYS in bed by 2 AM and she was never this happy at this hour. Something’s up - I’m not that drunk. Daphne leaned against the door frame and looked her girlfriend up and down warily. Cassie looked like a kid that’d just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar before dinner.
“But you didn’t answer the question,” she wagged her finger, “what are you still doing up?”
“Oh, nothin’…just couldn’t sleep, figured I’d watch a little bit of television.” Cassie shrugged.
Daphne poked her head inside Cassie’s room and looked around the room suspiciously.
“But the TV’s not even on!”
“I know.. I was just getting ready to go to bed.”
“Ooh!” Daphne eyes suddenly lit up. “You took my advice and invested in a good vibrator, didn’t you?! THAT’S why you look so happy! Girl...” Daphne ran to embrace her, “I am so proud of you! Lord knows you haven’t gotten any in god knows how-”
“No!” Cassie gasped and shoved her playfully. “I did not!”
Daphne practically fell over in her four inch heels, the alcohol slightly affecting her balance.
“Mmhmm..,well you’re up to something...I don’t know what it is but I’m not trying to kill my buzz with your crazy ass trying to figure it out” she managed to catch herself on a nearby bookcase and continued to stumble out of the room, “I’m going to bed.”
“Goodnight,” Daphne called from the hallway.
“Goodnight, Daph.”
4:36 AM. Cassandra groaned once she read the time on the clock for the millionth time that night. Morning was going to come awfully early. She cut off the lights and laid down, feeling her cheek. Her face was still hot from holding the phone to her ear for so long but she didn’t care. It was SO worth it.
***************************************************************************
“Michael-? Michael who?” Last she checked she didn’t know a Michael. Must be a new business associate of Tony’s.
Oh, wait...hold up.
“Michael Jackson..” He spoke his full name as if it were the most abnormal thing in the world. It almost seemed forced, like it was torture for him to admit who he was.
Oh Ish. Cassandra immediately dropped the towel she was using to dry her hair and looked around the room like he could actually see her through the phone.
“From the party the other night,” Michael added when she didn’t respond. She swore she could feel her heart in her throat.
“Oh…hi.”
“Listen, I’m sorry for calling so late. I called earlier but you weren’t there so I didn’t know when else to call...I’m sorry if I woke you. I can call back another time.."
Wait. Did he say he called earlier? Think quick!
“No! No...it’s okay. I just got out of the shower...it’s fine.”
Cassandra slapped her hand to her forehead. The minute she heard it come out of her mouth, she immediately regretted it.
Silence.
“I hope you don’t mind…I got your number from Tony.”
“Oh…no, it’s fine. I just…I just wasn’t expecting to hear from you. I’m a little surprised to say the least.”
“And why is that?” His voice suddenly dropped an octave.
“Um...well. You’re a very busy man...and,” she stumbled, “and we only met for a few minutes. I just assumed you’d be busy doing other things.”
“Well I am very busy but, I figured I’d give you a call and…see what’s up.”
“Oh, that’s nice..”
Dead silence.
Cricket. Cricket.
Tumbleweed blows through the conversation.
Say something! Her head screamed at her.
“So...whats up?” He was the first to speak.
“Um…well, not too much. Just been working a lot. How about you?”
“Workin’,” he chuckled. “As usual.” That broke the ice.
“When do you leave for Japan?”
“Um...I’ve got the dates around here somewhere,” she could hear him rummaging through papers. “Uh...looks like the first show is the 12th in Tokyo so I’ll be leaving in about four days.”
“Are you nervous?”
“About the show? No, I never get nervous. I worry about some of the technical elements of the show but as far as performing, no I’m fine.”
I know you are.
“What about you? Do you get nervous?”
“Me?”
“No…the person behind you,” Michael laughed, “Yes, you!”
“Oh,” Cassandra gave a girlish giggle, “Nah. I’ll occasionally get butterflies but when I do perform, it’s actually rather calming.”
“I know what you mean – I would sleep on stage if I could.”
“Well I don’t know about all that,” Cassandra teased. “A girl’s gotta have her pillows!”
“Okay,” Michael laughed at her attempt at a joke, “Ms. Princess and the Pea..”
“What?!”
Her defensive tone only made him laugh harder.
“I swear you girls..”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about..”
“Sure you don’t..”
Cassandra let out a light hearted laugh and laid down on her bed, completely forgetting that her hair was still dripping wet. She felt like she was in high school again, in her teenage bedroom talking to cute boys on the phone.
“I love your accent..”
“Oh…well thank you.” She blushed.
“Where are you from again?”
“I’m originally from Atlanta but I moved out here about two years ago with Daphne to pursue my career.” She suddenly felt very aware of how she pronounced her words and the scarlet drawl that rolled off her tongue.
“Ah,” Michael spoke like he suddenly understood everything about her. “A Georgia peach, huh?”
“Born and bred..”
For the next three hours, they talked like old friends. Always curious, Michael was full of questions about her home life and her family. Despite coming from a huge family, the subject matter seemed so foreign to him and he was fascinated over little things that most people would brush off or take for granted. As the conversation progressed, he felt more and more comfortable with her and vice versa. He discovered that she was very funny and witty as he predicted. Her cute little laugh gave him “warm fuzzies” and he found himself coming up with different things to say to make her laugh, just to hear it again.
She was impressed with his vast knowledge of art, history, and film and how observant he was of the simplest of things. They talked about their favorite movies and learned that they both shared a strong passion for reading. Michael had recommended some books that he had read and she promised she’d check them out. Cassandra couldn’t help but notice the flirtatious undertones of their conversation at times and found herself flirting back. Michael’s voice would drop an octave to almost a deep, sexy growl and like clockwork; she would get goose bumps all over again.
They talked about his tour and her album, which he said he was looking forward to hearing. He put her to some relief that he’d been through the exact same situation with the record company before and that he wasn’t too fond of it either but told her to keep her head up and her feet planted firmly in the ground – to not let anyone push her around. “Pressure makes diamonds,” he comforted her.
Even though it was their first full-length conversation, Michael felt like he could trust her with his innermost secrets and him with hers. They kept the majority of their conversation light and upbeat but occasionally, Michael would touch on his relationship with his father or lack thereof and the abuse he was subjected to growing up. She comforted him the best she could and tried to give him some uplifting things to think about without prying. She spoke of not knowing her own father and about the fact that he was in prison, saying that her mother had divorced him when she was only an infant and she has no clue what he is doing today. He was interested in knowing more about why he was incarcerated but thought it was best not to push it. In her own time, she’ll tell me. He decided.
Before they knew it, it was past 3 AM. They had completely lost track of time and Cassandra had completely forgotten about being so tired.
“Oh my God! Look at the time! It’s goin’ on 4 AM!” Cassandra eyes widened after glancing at the digital clock on her nightstand.
“I’m sorry if I kept you up. You probably have to get up really early..”
“No, it’s ok. I just didn’t think it was that late.”
It was quiet again. She could hear his deep breathing through the phone. He must be in bed too. Cassie blushed at her own thoughts.
“I really like talking to you..” He whispered softly.
“I like talking to you too..”
“Really?!” Michael’s voice suddenly cracked like a teenager going through puberty. Cassie had to bite down on her tongue to keep from giggling out loud.
He was so full of enthusiasm at times – like a kid on Christmas morning. She sometimes swore she could hear his eyes widen in wonder through the phone.
“I mean,” he cleared his throat, “I’m not the most interesting person in the world to talk to…my life is actually pretty dull-”
“No,” she stopped him. “I like talking to you. .I feel so comfortable talking to you. It’s like I knew you in a past life or something…not that I believe in that kind of stuff or anything..”
She could feel herself rambling. It was true. Michael made her feel more secure and safe in the past four hours than she had felt in her entire life. At first, it was a bit awkward but after they both opened up and came out of their shells a bit, the words just flowed.
“I know what you mean..” Cassandra closed her eyes and just listened to the smoothness of his voice. The way his accent seemed to curl around the syllables in each word, the way she could just barely hear his lips parting to speak – in her mind, it reminded her of some type of sweet, honey-coated chocolate. It was an odd comparison but seemed to fit him perfectly.
For a few moments, they just sat there and listened to each other’s breathing. Cassandra’s mother had always told her that when two people could just sit there and enjoy what would normally be an uncomfortable silence without saying a word- that it was not to be taken for granted. That’s something special.
“Cassie..”
“Yeah?”
“I wish I didn’t have to leave in four days..”
“Why?”
“I wish I could just stay here and talk to you all day..”
Cassandra was silent but was nodding, as if he could see her.
“I want to get to know you,” he purred unintentionally.
All the tiny hairs on the back of Cassandra’s neck stood up at the same time.
“Me too..” she whispered back.
For the first time in four hours, she wasn’t sure what to say. His kind words throughout the conversation had touched her deeply and this certainly wasn’t an everyday occurrence she’d ever experienced before. She’d spent most of the night talking to Michael Jackson, the man she’d grown up loving. But now he more than just a handsome face with a pretty voice, gravity-defying dance moves and glitzy military jackets on the television screen. He was a person with feelings, needs, and wants. He was sensitive and raw with his thoughts, a vulnerable man that was often misunderstood by his peers. He was now...Michael.
But in a matter of days, he would be on the other side of the world in front of thousands of people, away from her. What would become of their conversation? What if he just forgot all about her? Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. She scolded herself for being so foolish. It was evident how much Michael loved his fans and could not deny them his presence. After all, they’d only spoke once--well twice if you count the time at the party. He certainly hadn’t mentioned any type of romantic relationship or that he was seeing anyone. For all she knew, he could be practically engaged to some stick thin model type. And who was she? Nobody. Or at least for now. There was no way in hell he’d pick her out of the thousands of girls that threw themselves at him every day. But why had he called? More importantly, why did he call her? It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that he was a lonely soul and obviously he wanted to talk to her awfully bad because he had kept calling until he could get in touch with her. She could only imagine how hard that must’ve been for someone so painfully shy like him. She was flattered.
And she loved talking to him and certainly didn’t want that to end just because he was a few thousand miles away. He’s coming back. It’s not like he’s moving there. She rationalized with herself. And I’ll be so busy with the album and promoting. It won’t be like that forever. Perhaps we could meet up for coffee or something after he gets back.
“Tell you what,” she spoke broke the silence, “How about when you come back to the States, we’ll get together and hang out? That is, only if you want to..”
“Why not tomorrow?”
“What?” She almost thought she hadn’t heard him correctly.
“What I mean is why wait til I come back to the States? Why not tomorrow?”
The idea shook Cassie to her core. She wasn’t expecting him to want to get together so soon.
“Um...yeah…I guess we could..”
“I mean...only if you want to.”
“Yeah.,.sure. I’d love to.”
“I have rehearsal first thing in the morning...we usually break for lunch around 1 or 2. Why don’t you stop by? ”
“Are you sure? I mean I don’t wanna disrupt-“
“No, it’ll be fine. I’d kind of like to have an outsider’s opinion anyways...that is, if you don’t have already have plans. I know you’ve got your work cut out for you with the album and everything..”
“I’m supposed to be at the studio in the afternoon around 4. Chase and I usually get together in the morning and work through the afternoon but I think it’s his daughter’s birthday or something so we decided we’d take an easy day tomorrow..”
“Well then I guess I’ll see you then. It’s at the Glendale Studios off of Wilshire. Do you know where that is?”
“I think so. I’m somewhat familiar with Wilshire..”
“Are you sure? If you want, I can have my driver call you in the morning and give you directions..”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll be okay,” Cassandra giggled at his eagerness, “I’m a big girl, Michael.”
“Alright. If you get lost, please don’t hesitate to call the studio. As I’m sure you know by now, LA has horrible traffic..”
“Oh yeah. It didn’t take me long to figure that out.”
“And when you get there, ask for Bill Bray. He’ll bring you right back..”
“I will. Thanks.”
“Well then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow..”
“Guess so..”
“I’ll talk to you later..”
“Okay..”
It became quiet again. It was apparent that neither of them really wanted to get off the phone with each other but the sun would be coming up in another hour or two.
“Alright. I’ll see ya.”
“Okay,” Michael giggled, “goodnight Cassie.”
“Goodnight, Michael.”
Silence.
“Michael..”
“Yeah?”
“Hang up!”
“Why?”
“Uh, ‘cause that’s what you do when you finish a phone call.”
“Oh! Right!.”
Long pause.
“Michael!”
“Sorry…on 3.”
“1...2..”
Suddenly, Cassandra heard the jiggling of keys and the front door open. Daphne was home. Just in time.
“3!”
They both hung up and Cassandra grabbed her bath robe out of her closet, slinging it across her shoulders and around her body. Hopefully, Daphne would just go straight to her bedroom but of course, she didn’t. She was passing by Cassandra’s open door and noticed that the light was on. If Daphne knew that she just spent the past four hours on the phone with Michael Jackson, she’d never heard the end of it.
“Hey, what are you doing awake?”
“Hey! Did you and Will have a good time?”
“Girl,” Daphne was slightly slurring her words, “I haven’t had that much fun in a long ass time!”
“Well I’m glad you guys had fun.” Cassandra nodded, smiling so hard that it was amazing her face didn’t break.
That was odd. Cassandra was almost ALWAYS in bed by 2 AM and she was never this happy at this hour. Something’s up - I’m not that drunk. Daphne leaned against the door frame and looked her girlfriend up and down warily. Cassie looked like a kid that’d just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar before dinner.
“But you didn’t answer the question,” she wagged her finger, “what are you still doing up?”
“Oh, nothin’…just couldn’t sleep, figured I’d watch a little bit of television.” Cassie shrugged.
Daphne poked her head inside Cassie’s room and looked around the room suspiciously.
“But the TV’s not even on!”
“I know.. I was just getting ready to go to bed.”
“Ooh!” Daphne eyes suddenly lit up. “You took my advice and invested in a good vibrator, didn’t you?! THAT’S why you look so happy! Girl...” Daphne ran to embrace her, “I am so proud of you! Lord knows you haven’t gotten any in god knows how-”
“No!” Cassie gasped and shoved her playfully. “I did not!”
Daphne practically fell over in her four inch heels, the alcohol slightly affecting her balance.
“Mmhmm..,well you’re up to something...I don’t know what it is but I’m not trying to kill my buzz with your crazy ass trying to figure it out” she managed to catch herself on a nearby bookcase and continued to stumble out of the room, “I’m going to bed.”
“Goodnight,” Daphne called from the hallway.
“Goodnight, Daph.”
4:36 AM. Cassandra groaned once she read the time on the clock for the millionth time that night. Morning was going to come awfully early. She cut off the lights and laid down, feeling her cheek. Her face was still hot from holding the phone to her ear for so long but she didn’t care. It was SO worth it.
***************************************************************************
Chapter 5
10:30 AM.
Michael looked at the clock on the wall, wiping well-deserved sweat from his forehead with his dark sleeve. He stopped to look around the crowded room, thinking maybe that she was already here and he didn’t see her come in.
Where is she? The anticipation was tearing him apart. Calm down...focus on your work and she’ll be here soon.
********************************
“You want some eggs?” Cassandra slid a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Daphne, balancing an iron skillet in the other hand. She was busy preparing Daphne breakfast with a permanent smile plastered on her face. Surprisingly, she was wide awake and couldn’t wait to get out of bed this morning despite only getting a few hours of sleep. She had managed to get up early enough to take a long, warm shower and had already blow dried her hair straight. Of course, Daphne, who was fighting “a killer hangover” wasn’t thrilled to hear the hair dryer so soon and had no choice but to face the dreaded morning light.
“Ugh! Don’t even mention food.” Daphne forcefully pushed the plate to the other side of the table and laid her head down on her arms, trying to avoid the stench of freshly made eggs from invading her senses.
“That bad, huh?” Cassandra couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend’s unfortunate battle with last night’s alcohol.
“I feel like I’ve got a garbage truck parked on my forehead.” Daphne muffled through her red nightshirt’s long sleeves.
“Ouch,” Cassie cringed for her friend, truly sympathizing with her. “You want me to make you some coffee or somethin’?”
“You don’t have to yell,” Daphne groaned. “We’re in the same room.”
In actuality, Cassie was practically whispering but apparently, Daphne didn’t think it was low enough.
Cassandra turned on the faucet to rinse off the skillet and began scraping left over, greasy egg fragments off its flat black surface.
“You’re not gonna eat?” Daphne dared to raise her head from the table to look at her friend and instantly regretted it. Her
tired, mascara-smeared eyes were attacked by the incoming sunlight.
“Nah. I’ve gotta get downtown pretty soon.”
“Where you gotta be?” Daphne questioned, nursing her throbbing temples with her fingertips.
“Oh, you know...just some boring meeting with some of Tony’s associates.” Cassie hated lying to her best friend but she didn’t really feel like explaining why Michael Jackson had called her house and talked to her until the early morning hours – hell! She wasn’t even sure she knew why. She wanted to wait and play it by ear before letting Daphne get her hopes up. Knowing Daph, she’d be planning a wedding before the second phone call.
“You’re wearing THAT to a business meeting?!” Daphne raised an eyebrow at Cassandra’s low cut mini dress and knee-high black boots.
“You think it’s too much?” Cassandra sighed. She had been arguing with herself all morning whether or not she was overdressed. She didn’t want to be too sexy but she didn’t want to look like she just rolled out of bed either.
“Not if you’re planning to turn tricks at 11 in the damn morning.”
“I guess you’re right,” Cassandra tossed her head back and laughed at Daphne’s brutal honesty. She could always depend on Daphne to tell her the truth.
“Let me find something else to wear.” She sat down her glass of orange juice and headed to rummage her closet.
Wait for it... 5, 4, 3… Daphne paused and began counting down. 2...1.
“Oh my god.. I have NOTHING to wear!” Cassandra shrieked from her bedroom.
Daphne couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She knew her too well.
****************************************
Cassandra looked up at the tall billboard-style sign that read “Glendale Studios” and sighed deeply. This was it. Her stomach started to churn with nervousness that hadn’t been there before. Sure, she had butterflies on the way over but not so bad that she thought she was going to get sick. Last night had been amazing but so surreal. Now it was real, staring her in the face.
Well I guess it’s now or never. She slung her white Bohemian-styled purse over her shoulder and adjusted her outfit. After an hour of agonizing over different ensembles, she had decided she was building herself up to fail so she settled on a short-sleeved, scarlet red scoop neck shirt with a light pair of comfortable boot cut jeans and ivory flip flops. It was casual, very girl next-door but she was able to dress it up some with a tiny locket necklace and light silver hoop earrings.
Oh great. She looked down at her pants leg and recognized a huge hole in the knee of her jeans. In the midst of all the excitement and nervousness, she hadn’t even noticed and she’d come too far to go home and change. Maybe nobody will notice. She gave herself the benefit of the doubt.
Yeah, sure. She laughed to herself, flipping her long, wavy red hair behind her shoulder and began her ascent up the studio stairs.
“Session In Progress.”
Cassie grabbed a hold of the cold, steel handle of the heavy door and swung it open, catching it with her hand once it threatened to push back. She slipped her dark sunglasses up onto her head and looked around the empty room in search of any sign of Michael or his entourage, but no one was to be found, only closed doors. Where is everyone? It was eerily quiet.
Unexpectedly, one of the doors opened and an older Black gentleman wearing a soft felt fedora-like hat with a mustache and thinning beard appeared.
“You must be Miss Cassandra,” he approached her with a warm smile, removing his hat in a gentlemanly way for a mere moment.
“I am,” she reciprocated his smile and met him halfway.
“I’m Bill the director of security,” he extended his hand and shook her hand gently.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Come on back. He’s been expecting you.” He waved his hand enthusiastically toward the door from which he had appeared. She nodded nervously and followed him.
“Well Mike sure was right about one thing,” he slowed his pace to allow her to catch up with him. “You sure are a pretty little thing.”
“Oh,” she turned about ten shades of red, “thank you.” Normally, Cassandra would’ve passed the comment off as just another man looking at her as a piece of meat but not this time. There was something about Bill that was warm, fatherly, and safe. Michael had spoken the previous night of Bill as the “father he never had.” Now, she understood exactly what he meant.
“Here we are,” he opened the door to the intimate rehearsal hall, exposing the thundering bass of the music that ricocheted off the walls, “Go right on in..I’ll get you a chair.” She was about to thank him but when she turned to respond, he had vanished.
Well I’ve come this far. I can’t chicken out now. She inhaled deeply and stepped inside the loud rehearsal hall, closing the door carefully behind her. She immediately recognized the percussion of Workin’ Day and Night, one of her favorite songs from Off the Wall and stepped back into a corner closest to the door.
And there he was – in the flesh.
10:30 AM.
Michael looked at the clock on the wall, wiping well-deserved sweat from his forehead with his dark sleeve. He stopped to look around the crowded room, thinking maybe that she was already here and he didn’t see her come in.
Where is she? The anticipation was tearing him apart. Calm down...focus on your work and she’ll be here soon.
********************************
“You want some eggs?” Cassandra slid a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Daphne, balancing an iron skillet in the other hand. She was busy preparing Daphne breakfast with a permanent smile plastered on her face. Surprisingly, she was wide awake and couldn’t wait to get out of bed this morning despite only getting a few hours of sleep. She had managed to get up early enough to take a long, warm shower and had already blow dried her hair straight. Of course, Daphne, who was fighting “a killer hangover” wasn’t thrilled to hear the hair dryer so soon and had no choice but to face the dreaded morning light.
“Ugh! Don’t even mention food.” Daphne forcefully pushed the plate to the other side of the table and laid her head down on her arms, trying to avoid the stench of freshly made eggs from invading her senses.
“That bad, huh?” Cassandra couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend’s unfortunate battle with last night’s alcohol.
“I feel like I’ve got a garbage truck parked on my forehead.” Daphne muffled through her red nightshirt’s long sleeves.
“Ouch,” Cassie cringed for her friend, truly sympathizing with her. “You want me to make you some coffee or somethin’?”
“You don’t have to yell,” Daphne groaned. “We’re in the same room.”
In actuality, Cassie was practically whispering but apparently, Daphne didn’t think it was low enough.
Cassandra turned on the faucet to rinse off the skillet and began scraping left over, greasy egg fragments off its flat black surface.
“You’re not gonna eat?” Daphne dared to raise her head from the table to look at her friend and instantly regretted it. Her
tired, mascara-smeared eyes were attacked by the incoming sunlight.
“Nah. I’ve gotta get downtown pretty soon.”
“Where you gotta be?” Daphne questioned, nursing her throbbing temples with her fingertips.
“Oh, you know...just some boring meeting with some of Tony’s associates.” Cassie hated lying to her best friend but she didn’t really feel like explaining why Michael Jackson had called her house and talked to her until the early morning hours – hell! She wasn’t even sure she knew why. She wanted to wait and play it by ear before letting Daphne get her hopes up. Knowing Daph, she’d be planning a wedding before the second phone call.
“You’re wearing THAT to a business meeting?!” Daphne raised an eyebrow at Cassandra’s low cut mini dress and knee-high black boots.
“You think it’s too much?” Cassandra sighed. She had been arguing with herself all morning whether or not she was overdressed. She didn’t want to be too sexy but she didn’t want to look like she just rolled out of bed either.
“Not if you’re planning to turn tricks at 11 in the damn morning.”
“I guess you’re right,” Cassandra tossed her head back and laughed at Daphne’s brutal honesty. She could always depend on Daphne to tell her the truth.
“Let me find something else to wear.” She sat down her glass of orange juice and headed to rummage her closet.
Wait for it... 5, 4, 3… Daphne paused and began counting down. 2...1.
“Oh my god.. I have NOTHING to wear!” Cassandra shrieked from her bedroom.
Daphne couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She knew her too well.
****************************************
Cassandra looked up at the tall billboard-style sign that read “Glendale Studios” and sighed deeply. This was it. Her stomach started to churn with nervousness that hadn’t been there before. Sure, she had butterflies on the way over but not so bad that she thought she was going to get sick. Last night had been amazing but so surreal. Now it was real, staring her in the face.
Well I guess it’s now or never. She slung her white Bohemian-styled purse over her shoulder and adjusted her outfit. After an hour of agonizing over different ensembles, she had decided she was building herself up to fail so she settled on a short-sleeved, scarlet red scoop neck shirt with a light pair of comfortable boot cut jeans and ivory flip flops. It was casual, very girl next-door but she was able to dress it up some with a tiny locket necklace and light silver hoop earrings.
Oh great. She looked down at her pants leg and recognized a huge hole in the knee of her jeans. In the midst of all the excitement and nervousness, she hadn’t even noticed and she’d come too far to go home and change. Maybe nobody will notice. She gave herself the benefit of the doubt.
Yeah, sure. She laughed to herself, flipping her long, wavy red hair behind her shoulder and began her ascent up the studio stairs.
“Session In Progress.”
Cassie grabbed a hold of the cold, steel handle of the heavy door and swung it open, catching it with her hand once it threatened to push back. She slipped her dark sunglasses up onto her head and looked around the empty room in search of any sign of Michael or his entourage, but no one was to be found, only closed doors. Where is everyone? It was eerily quiet.
Unexpectedly, one of the doors opened and an older Black gentleman wearing a soft felt fedora-like hat with a mustache and thinning beard appeared.
“You must be Miss Cassandra,” he approached her with a warm smile, removing his hat in a gentlemanly way for a mere moment.
“I am,” she reciprocated his smile and met him halfway.
“I’m Bill the director of security,” he extended his hand and shook her hand gently.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Come on back. He’s been expecting you.” He waved his hand enthusiastically toward the door from which he had appeared. She nodded nervously and followed him.
“Well Mike sure was right about one thing,” he slowed his pace to allow her to catch up with him. “You sure are a pretty little thing.”
“Oh,” she turned about ten shades of red, “thank you.” Normally, Cassandra would’ve passed the comment off as just another man looking at her as a piece of meat but not this time. There was something about Bill that was warm, fatherly, and safe. Michael had spoken the previous night of Bill as the “father he never had.” Now, she understood exactly what he meant.
“Here we are,” he opened the door to the intimate rehearsal hall, exposing the thundering bass of the music that ricocheted off the walls, “Go right on in..I’ll get you a chair.” She was about to thank him but when she turned to respond, he had vanished.
Well I’ve come this far. I can’t chicken out now. She inhaled deeply and stepped inside the loud rehearsal hall, closing the door carefully behind her. She immediately recognized the percussion of Workin’ Day and Night, one of her favorite songs from Off the Wall and stepped back into a corner closest to the door.
And there he was – in the flesh.
He was dressed in a black button up shirt that was left open to reveal a plain white t-shirt that was tucked into his black pants, beads of sweat highlighting his brow and firm jaw line. Of course, he was wearing his signature black loafers and white socks. His ebony locks were freely flowing with the exception of some in the back that had been messily tied into a loose ponytail.
She noticed there were about five other dancers but didn’t really pay any attention to them except noting their interaction with Michael throughout the routine. For now, she only had eyes for Michael, mesmerized by his fluidity and grace as he danced his way from one side of the room to the next. He exuded a level of energy that filled the room and absolutely took her breath away.
“Here ya go,” Bill’s voice interrupted her thoughts as he brought forward what looked like a leather office chair, “I brought you a bottle of water. I wasn’t sure if you wanted anything to drink.”
“Oh, thank you,” she smiled at his hospitality and took the water from him, feeling the moisture from the bottle dampen her fingers. “I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he held out the chair for her to sit down and she obliged, setting her purse on the hardwood floor next to her.
Michael and his dancers finished the rest of the routine without stopping to change or correct anything. But once they finished, Michael was quick to point out what he thought were the weakest points. The dancers fidgeted but gave Michael their full attention, digesting his ideas and criticism.
For the most part, Cassandra had managed to go unnoticed which pleased her. She hated to think she was interrupting anything and was actually enjoying herself, watching Michael do what he did best. Bill had left halfway through to attend to a phone call he had received but let Cassie know if she needed anything—anything at all--to not to hesitate to let him know.
At one point, Michael had pulled LaVelle, one of the dancers aside and was discussing what he thought would look best with the intricate rhythms of the song. The other dancers were left to their own devices for a few minutes until Michael and the dancer had made a decision.
“Oooh…who is that?” Randy elbowed Eddie in the ribs, nodding in Cassandra’s direction.
“I don’t know,” Eddie surveyed Cassie over from head to toe curiously and grinned, “But I wouldn’t mind finding out.”
Randy chuckled and watched Cassie sift through her purse, obviously looking for something, not aware she was being watched.
“Alright..so after the second chorus, you and Randy need to be stage right...” LaVelle and Michael shifted their attention to Eddie, trying to explain the change in the choreography. But Eddie wasn’t listening.
LaVelle and Michael turned to see what Eddie and Randy were looking at, finding a beautiful woman sitting in the corner, her long legs crossed, searching through her purse. Michael immediately beamed and couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence rush through his body. She was finally here to see him!
Once she found what she was looking for, she looked up to find all male eyes were on her. She smiled shyly and let her eyes meet Michael’s. She opened her mouth to speak but Michael was already making his way over to her.
“Hey, you made it! How long have you been here?” He embraced her much to the Cassie’s surprise, taking in the fruity scent of her hair. Cassie hugged him back and felt like she just might collapse in his arms, his feathery curls brushing against her cheek. He smelled like a combination of a light aftershave, a hint of cologne, and sweat. His body molded perfectly with hers, his pelvis lightly brushing with hers, his strong shoulders pulling her body closer to his. She had heard he gave great hugs but that was an understatement.
“Oh, just a few minutes ago.” Cassie peeked over his shoulder, remaining locked contently into his embrace. Everyone in the room was staring at them with wide eyes, trying to determine the nature of their relationship. “Traffic was better than I thought it would be.”
“You look beautiful,” Michael gushed and broke the tight hug, unwrapping his long arms from her tiny waist.
“Well,” she could feel her temperature rising. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He chuckled softly at her teasing and shifted his eyes to the side, embarrassed by her compliment.
She looked back at the small crowd that had gathered on the other side of the room and searched Michael for a hint of what she should do next. Instead, he just stood there, casually looking her over and over, trying to convince himself that this beautiful creature standing before him was actually here to hang out him.
He noticed her eyes were distracted and followed their path to see his dancers, his choreographer, two musical directors, and Bill Bray staring at them. The group realized they had been staring and immediately scattered like cockroaches, trying to play off their gawking by pretending to cough and pointlessly fiddling with the stereo equipment.
“C’mon,” he protectively placed a large hand on her lower back. “I’ll introduce you.” The gesture was mannerly, purely out of instinct but Cassandra’s back felt like it was on fire. The electrical charge that Michael carried with his touch was unbelievably strong, so intense she swore she could feel it in her bloodstream. This man was amazing.
They approached the group and Michael began to coolly introduce his crew. “This is Eddie, Randy, and LaVelle.” His hand never left her back, guiding her into his world. “And this is Greg and Kevin..and that is Vincent over there, he’s working with me on the choreography..and you’ve already met Bill.”
“Everybody, this is Cassandra.”
A series of ‘hello’s and ‘what’s up’s followed appropriately and everyone seemed to be happy to meet her, their minds stirring with questions but no one dared to ask outright who she was. They were lucky to be working with a figure like Michael Jackson in their careers and continued to maintain a professional disposition with him, all jokes aside.
“You hungry?” Michael dropped his voice to almost a whisper.
“Kind of,” Cassie shrugged, assuming that she had interrupted his work, “But it can wait.”
“Well, I was thinking we could go get something to eat.” He shyly looked down at a scuff mark on one of his penny loafers and began rubbing it against a spot on the floor. “I uh...you know...well, can’t really go out but I have an apartment not too far from here…if you want to pick something up and take it back there.”
“Sure,” Cassandra adjusted the purse on her shoulder and smiled at his sweet efforts. He was trying so hard. He seemed a little ashamed about not being able to take her out for a casual lunch at an appropriate place “like a normal person” (whatever that was), but he didn’t want the massive array of photographers that would surely show up to scare her off – that would be a bit too much for a first date. Wait...date? Was this a date? It didn’t feel like a date.
“That sounds good,” Cassandra caught his gaze and smiled, trying to ease some of his anxieties.
“Great! Let me just go tell the guys and get some stuff, and we’ll go.”
“Okay…I’ll be out in the lobby.”
He jogged swiftly to the back of the rehearsal hall where the group had congregated, leaving Cassandra to gather her things. She grabbed her purse, tossed the empty water bottle Bill had given her into a nearby recycling bin and made her way back out into the lobby. It was still empty.
Cassandra’s presence put Michael in such a good mood that he told the guys to go ahead and take a two hour lunch instead of the usual one. He was grinning from ear to ear and the guys couldn’t help but mercilessly tease him, whistling and catcalling after him as he left.
He noticed her eyes were distracted and followed their path to see his dancers, his choreographer, two musical directors, and Bill Bray staring at them. The group realized they had been staring and immediately scattered like cockroaches, trying to play off their gawking by pretending to cough and pointlessly fiddling with the stereo equipment.
“C’mon,” he protectively placed a large hand on her lower back. “I’ll introduce you.” The gesture was mannerly, purely out of instinct but Cassandra’s back felt like it was on fire. The electrical charge that Michael carried with his touch was unbelievably strong, so intense she swore she could feel it in her bloodstream. This man was amazing.
They approached the group and Michael began to coolly introduce his crew. “This is Eddie, Randy, and LaVelle.” His hand never left her back, guiding her into his world. “And this is Greg and Kevin..and that is Vincent over there, he’s working with me on the choreography..and you’ve already met Bill.”
“Everybody, this is Cassandra.”
A series of ‘hello’s and ‘what’s up’s followed appropriately and everyone seemed to be happy to meet her, their minds stirring with questions but no one dared to ask outright who she was. They were lucky to be working with a figure like Michael Jackson in their careers and continued to maintain a professional disposition with him, all jokes aside.
“You hungry?” Michael dropped his voice to almost a whisper.
“Kind of,” Cassie shrugged, assuming that she had interrupted his work, “But it can wait.”
“Well, I was thinking we could go get something to eat.” He shyly looked down at a scuff mark on one of his penny loafers and began rubbing it against a spot on the floor. “I uh...you know...well, can’t really go out but I have an apartment not too far from here…if you want to pick something up and take it back there.”
“Sure,” Cassandra adjusted the purse on her shoulder and smiled at his sweet efforts. He was trying so hard. He seemed a little ashamed about not being able to take her out for a casual lunch at an appropriate place “like a normal person” (whatever that was), but he didn’t want the massive array of photographers that would surely show up to scare her off – that would be a bit too much for a first date. Wait...date? Was this a date? It didn’t feel like a date.
“That sounds good,” Cassandra caught his gaze and smiled, trying to ease some of his anxieties.
“Great! Let me just go tell the guys and get some stuff, and we’ll go.”
“Okay…I’ll be out in the lobby.”
He jogged swiftly to the back of the rehearsal hall where the group had congregated, leaving Cassandra to gather her things. She grabbed her purse, tossed the empty water bottle Bill had given her into a nearby recycling bin and made her way back out into the lobby. It was still empty.
Cassandra’s presence put Michael in such a good mood that he told the guys to go ahead and take a two hour lunch instead of the usual one. He was grinning from ear to ear and the guys couldn’t help but mercilessly tease him, whistling and catcalling after him as he left.
“You ready?” Michael emerged from the rehearsal hall with Bill following closely behind. He was wearing the same outfit but now with a thick brown jacket and dark sunglasses.
“Sure am...” Cassandra nodded, waiting for Bill to finish looking outside to see if there were any photographers or mobs of fans in sight. The coast was clear and thankfully, Michael was able to just walk right out the front door with Cassandra without any problems. So far, so good.
******************************************
“Aww, look at you!” Cassandra was gushing over various family pictures that Michael had on display on his mantle in his Century City condominium. “You look exactly the same!” Cassandra was holding a picture of him as a baby and couldn’t help but notice that even as a baby, he had a large head with huge brown eyes and long hands. “You were such a cute kid!”
“Gee, thanks…” Michael was standing behind her, with his hands politely placed behind his back, feeling more and more embarrassed each time she recognized him in a picture.
Cassandra noticed the change in his demeanor and remembered him talking to her about how he had tried so hard to break free from the child star image that so many people kept in their minds of him. With Thriller, he had successfully proven himself to the world but there were people that still expected him to be a cute and cuddly nine-year-old with a fuzzy Afro, belting out soulful, Motown classics despite the fact that he was going on 30.
“I’m sorry,” she immediately apologized and stepped directly in front of him, setting the picture frame back in its place. “You don’t look exactly the same.”
“You’re a man now.” His breathing got choppy as she placed her fingers on his chest, picking at a piece of stray lint. It was an innocent gesture but her slight touch made him tingle all over, praying that she would do it again. “And you’re still pretty cute.” She winked playfully, managing to remove the annoying piece of lint from his black button-down shirt in one fell swoop and turned to walk back to the kitchen before he could say anything. They had decided on Chinese takeout, a favorite of Cassandra’s. Bill had left earlier to go pick it up.
Michael suddenly felt very bold. “Just cute?!” He reached out and grabbed her by the waist with one hand before she could get any further and pulled her backwards into him. There was only two ways she could react to this, he thought. She can either get really freaked out and slap me or she can play along. He was willing to risk it – he was dying to get her to let him inside her comfort zone and test her boundaries.
“Michael!” She squealed as he began to tickle her, digging his fingertips into her ribs.
“Stooooopppppp!” She begged, trying to catch her breath. The more she squirmed, the more he tortured her and the funnier he found it. Thankfully, for him, she was very ticklish – if she hadn’t been, it would’ve been quite awkward.
“Huh?! What did you say?! I couldn’t hear you?!”
“I-I said STOOOOPPPPPPPPPP!” She struggled with him, trying to get loose but his strong arms and quick reflexes maintained too strong of a grip on her to break free. He was able to hold her in his lap with one arm and tickle her with the other. He wasn’t as weak as he looked and frankly, the sight of the veins in his forearms protruding turned her on. At one point, she almost escaped, managing to pry both of his hands off of her and tried to slide out from under his grasp but, thinking quickly, Michael grabbed her by the hips only to pull her back down again.
She had definitely put up a good fight even thought it was obvious that Michael was stronger than her. He took advantage of her weakness by letting her think she was going to get away, only to grab her tighter and tickle her harder. He was toying with her.
Somehow, in the middle of their playful battle, they had ended up on the floor, with Michael on top of her, holding her down while she took every opportunity she had to swing back at him. Both of them were gasping for air, but couldn’t stop laughing long enough to breathe deeply.
Cassandra was starting to tire and stopped swinging for a moment to catch her breath.
“What’s the magic word?” Michael teased breathlessly, hovering over her face.
“Please?” She pouted, hoping that was the magic word he was thinking of.
“See that’s all you had to say.” Michael released his grip on her but didn’t immediately pull away from her face. Instead, he got even closer, pressing his forehead to hers.
“I’m so going to get you back for this.” She chuckled and looked into his eyes that were now sparkling with desire.
“I know you are, but just so you know,” he spoke slowly watching her pink lips intently, his voice dropping an octave, “I always get what I want.” With those words, Cassie was trembling beneath him and ready to surrender everything to him.
The sparks between them were now, undeniable.
“I bet you do.” She watched him slowly start to tilt his head to the side, indicating that he was going to kiss her and let her eyes flutter close.
“Hey Joker, food’s here!” Bill’s voice suddenly rang out through the apartment.
They both immediately jumped and pulled away, their eyes springing open. Michael jumped up off of her and instantly felt a familiar tightness in his pants. But despite the awkwardness of the entire situation, Michael remained a true gentleman and helped her off the floor, without looking her in the eye. That was close.
“Gee, thanks…” Michael was standing behind her, with his hands politely placed behind his back, feeling more and more embarrassed each time she recognized him in a picture.
Cassandra noticed the change in his demeanor and remembered him talking to her about how he had tried so hard to break free from the child star image that so many people kept in their minds of him. With Thriller, he had successfully proven himself to the world but there were people that still expected him to be a cute and cuddly nine-year-old with a fuzzy Afro, belting out soulful, Motown classics despite the fact that he was going on 30.
“I’m sorry,” she immediately apologized and stepped directly in front of him, setting the picture frame back in its place. “You don’t look exactly the same.”
“You’re a man now.” His breathing got choppy as she placed her fingers on his chest, picking at a piece of stray lint. It was an innocent gesture but her slight touch made him tingle all over, praying that she would do it again. “And you’re still pretty cute.” She winked playfully, managing to remove the annoying piece of lint from his black button-down shirt in one fell swoop and turned to walk back to the kitchen before he could say anything. They had decided on Chinese takeout, a favorite of Cassandra’s. Bill had left earlier to go pick it up.
Michael suddenly felt very bold. “Just cute?!” He reached out and grabbed her by the waist with one hand before she could get any further and pulled her backwards into him. There was only two ways she could react to this, he thought. She can either get really freaked out and slap me or she can play along. He was willing to risk it – he was dying to get her to let him inside her comfort zone and test her boundaries.
“Michael!” She squealed as he began to tickle her, digging his fingertips into her ribs.
“Stooooopppppp!” She begged, trying to catch her breath. The more she squirmed, the more he tortured her and the funnier he found it. Thankfully, for him, she was very ticklish – if she hadn’t been, it would’ve been quite awkward.
“Huh?! What did you say?! I couldn’t hear you?!”
“I-I said STOOOOPPPPPPPPPP!” She struggled with him, trying to get loose but his strong arms and quick reflexes maintained too strong of a grip on her to break free. He was able to hold her in his lap with one arm and tickle her with the other. He wasn’t as weak as he looked and frankly, the sight of the veins in his forearms protruding turned her on. At one point, she almost escaped, managing to pry both of his hands off of her and tried to slide out from under his grasp but, thinking quickly, Michael grabbed her by the hips only to pull her back down again.
She had definitely put up a good fight even thought it was obvious that Michael was stronger than her. He took advantage of her weakness by letting her think she was going to get away, only to grab her tighter and tickle her harder. He was toying with her.
Somehow, in the middle of their playful battle, they had ended up on the floor, with Michael on top of her, holding her down while she took every opportunity she had to swing back at him. Both of them were gasping for air, but couldn’t stop laughing long enough to breathe deeply.
Cassandra was starting to tire and stopped swinging for a moment to catch her breath.
“What’s the magic word?” Michael teased breathlessly, hovering over her face.
“Please?” She pouted, hoping that was the magic word he was thinking of.
“See that’s all you had to say.” Michael released his grip on her but didn’t immediately pull away from her face. Instead, he got even closer, pressing his forehead to hers.
“I’m so going to get you back for this.” She chuckled and looked into his eyes that were now sparkling with desire.
“I know you are, but just so you know,” he spoke slowly watching her pink lips intently, his voice dropping an octave, “I always get what I want.” With those words, Cassie was trembling beneath him and ready to surrender everything to him.
The sparks between them were now, undeniable.
“I bet you do.” She watched him slowly start to tilt his head to the side, indicating that he was going to kiss her and let her eyes flutter close.
“Hey Joker, food’s here!” Bill’s voice suddenly rang out through the apartment.
They both immediately jumped and pulled away, their eyes springing open. Michael jumped up off of her and instantly felt a familiar tightness in his pants. But despite the awkwardness of the entire situation, Michael remained a true gentleman and helped her off the floor, without looking her in the eye. That was close.
“We’re comin’!” Michael called into the kitchen to Bill who was busying himself with unloading the takeout cartons onto the marble countertops. Cassandra couldn’t help but giggle under her breath at his ironic choice of words.
Michael realized what she was laughing at and without hesitation, turned bright pink. “C’mon,” he rolled his eyes flirtatiously, “Let’s go eat.”
********************************************
Their visit seemed short-lived, but in actuality, they had hung out for over two hours looking at the movies in Michael’s collection, and enjoying the greasy Chinese takeout that Cassandra figured she was going to have to burn off later. Michael had even asked her opinion of the routine she had seen.
“I really liked it, it was good.” She nodded, prodding her shrimp fried rice with her chopsticks. In all honesty, she didn’t remember much of it since she spent most of her time watching Michael.
“Good? No, really, tell me the truth.” Michael pushed. He was used to having people tell him how great his performances were but no one was ever bold enough to stop kissing his ass and give him any constructive criticism.
“Well,” Cassandra sighed and put down her takeout carton on the counter, “I thought the rond de jambes were a bit um…feminine for an all-male crew.”
Michael cocked an eyebrow and Cassandra immediately cringed, thinking he took it personally. He was actually impressed with her knowledge of dance terminology and the way her French naturally flowed past her lips like water. Unlike himself, Cassandra was a classically trained ballerina who had spent the first fourteen years of her short life in a dance studio. She absolutely loved it and went on to gain experience in other forms of dance including tap, lyrical, hip hop, and jazz to name a few, but ballet would always be her first love. Her hopes of a dancing career had come crashing down when she shattered her right ankle in an accident at a rehearsal. Well it wasn’t so much an accident as another dancer that was jealous of her rank in the studio’s elite had intentionally tripped her while she was rehearsing her turns in Pointe shoes. Since then, she was always having trouble with her ankle and had even developed arthritis in it.
“Does it hurt?” Michael had asked her on the phone.
“Eh...not really hurts, just aches – especially when it rains or it’s cold outside.”
Cassandra had tried everything in her power to pick up where she had left off before the injury including pain medication and physical therapy but now, it just wasn’t the same. Her near-perfect technique had drastically gone downhill due to the pain she suffered and several doctors had told her that her ankle just wasn’t strong enough anymore to support her body in Pointe shoes. She remembered crying the whole way home. But after several years, she had been able to leave that dream behind and move onto other things. She still loved dancing and knew that no matter what she did with her life, no matter what obstacle she was faced with - she could still go home, close all the windows, take the phone off the hook, crank up her stereo and let it all out – bum ankle and all.
Michael had remembered her mentioning her training but she wasn’t kidding – this girl knew her stuff.
“I mean…that’s just my opinion,” she stammered. “Other than that, I loved it.”
“No, no...thank you. I’m so glad you told me,” he looked like a light bulb had just gone off in his head. “I was thinkin’ the same thing…I just couldn’t figure out what was missing.” They had managed to find something else they had in common – their love for the art form.
After they finished their meal, Michael knew he was going to have to get back to rehearsal soon since he had told the guys to take a two hour lunch break and he himself was running behind.
“Won’t they be mad?” Cassandra had questioned him, noticing that he was supposed to be back at the rehearsal hall over 30 minutes ago.
“Nah, I’m the boss,” he winked at her. “They’ll get over it.”
Cassandra didn’t complain about him having to leave considering she was going to have head to the studio as well. He had promised he’d call her later that night.
However, there was still an unmentioned question plaguing their minds since they almost kissed. What did it mean? If they were planning to start a relationship, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Michael was going to Japan in a matter of days and Cassandra had no clue what to expect with her debut album being released; based on what Tony had told her, it was going to be anything but a walk in the park. For the time being, they were just going to have to continue to deny the sexual tension mounting between them. But ignoring it wouldn’t make it going away. Eventually, it would build and build until it was inevitable. Now, it was only a matter of time.
*************************************************************
Chapter 6
For the next two weeks, Cassandra was starting to feel like a robot. She woke up at the “ass crack of dawn” as Daphne put it, went straight to the studio, stayed there until late in the evening, came home, picked at her dinner, took a shower, talked to Michael for several hours on end, and finally went to sleep. Then she’d wake up the next morning and do it all over again. But she didn’t care. She was the happiest she’d been in years. Her friendship with Michael was blossoming quickly and her album’s release date was getting closer and closer as the days went on. The highlight of her day was hearing Michael’s voice at the end of a hard day’s work. It had become her lullaby. He had left for Tokyo on the 9th and was busy with the tour but managed to call her every night from his hotel room, usually after the show. He would also try to call her before the sound check but the conversation was usually cut short by his handlers trying to rush him off the phone.
Through their nightly conversations, Michael and Cassandra had managed to grow closer even though they were thousands of miles away from each other, if that were possible. He spoke of the debilitating loneliness he felt when he stayed in hotel rooms and how much he wished she was there with him, looking out at the bright city lights.
One time, she had dozed off in the middle of their conversation about some of the sound equipment that had failed that night. When she was awoken by the screams of fans that had gathered outside of his hotel that were audible in the background, she was most apologetic.
“I bet you’re pretty when you sleep,” he had remarked randomly, making her giggle and blush like a school girl. Michael learned quickly how to make her smile with a simple compliment when she was so tired that she thought she just might collapse and give up altogether. But she couldn’t help but feel like their conversations were one-sided. He always knew the right thing to say to cheer her up but she could tell his loneliness was crippling him. She tried so hard to comfort him but to her, it never seemed to help. Michael disagreed and sweetly told her that she didn’t need to say anything - that just listening to her breathing on the other line, that knowing someone was there, was more than enough for him.
********************************************
Their visit seemed short-lived, but in actuality, they had hung out for over two hours looking at the movies in Michael’s collection, and enjoying the greasy Chinese takeout that Cassandra figured she was going to have to burn off later. Michael had even asked her opinion of the routine she had seen.
“I really liked it, it was good.” She nodded, prodding her shrimp fried rice with her chopsticks. In all honesty, she didn’t remember much of it since she spent most of her time watching Michael.
“Good? No, really, tell me the truth.” Michael pushed. He was used to having people tell him how great his performances were but no one was ever bold enough to stop kissing his ass and give him any constructive criticism.
“Well,” Cassandra sighed and put down her takeout carton on the counter, “I thought the rond de jambes were a bit um…feminine for an all-male crew.”
Michael cocked an eyebrow and Cassandra immediately cringed, thinking he took it personally. He was actually impressed with her knowledge of dance terminology and the way her French naturally flowed past her lips like water. Unlike himself, Cassandra was a classically trained ballerina who had spent the first fourteen years of her short life in a dance studio. She absolutely loved it and went on to gain experience in other forms of dance including tap, lyrical, hip hop, and jazz to name a few, but ballet would always be her first love. Her hopes of a dancing career had come crashing down when she shattered her right ankle in an accident at a rehearsal. Well it wasn’t so much an accident as another dancer that was jealous of her rank in the studio’s elite had intentionally tripped her while she was rehearsing her turns in Pointe shoes. Since then, she was always having trouble with her ankle and had even developed arthritis in it.
“Does it hurt?” Michael had asked her on the phone.
“Eh...not really hurts, just aches – especially when it rains or it’s cold outside.”
Cassandra had tried everything in her power to pick up where she had left off before the injury including pain medication and physical therapy but now, it just wasn’t the same. Her near-perfect technique had drastically gone downhill due to the pain she suffered and several doctors had told her that her ankle just wasn’t strong enough anymore to support her body in Pointe shoes. She remembered crying the whole way home. But after several years, she had been able to leave that dream behind and move onto other things. She still loved dancing and knew that no matter what she did with her life, no matter what obstacle she was faced with - she could still go home, close all the windows, take the phone off the hook, crank up her stereo and let it all out – bum ankle and all.
Michael had remembered her mentioning her training but she wasn’t kidding – this girl knew her stuff.
“I mean…that’s just my opinion,” she stammered. “Other than that, I loved it.”
“No, no...thank you. I’m so glad you told me,” he looked like a light bulb had just gone off in his head. “I was thinkin’ the same thing…I just couldn’t figure out what was missing.” They had managed to find something else they had in common – their love for the art form.
After they finished their meal, Michael knew he was going to have to get back to rehearsal soon since he had told the guys to take a two hour lunch break and he himself was running behind.
“Won’t they be mad?” Cassandra had questioned him, noticing that he was supposed to be back at the rehearsal hall over 30 minutes ago.
“Nah, I’m the boss,” he winked at her. “They’ll get over it.”
Cassandra didn’t complain about him having to leave considering she was going to have head to the studio as well. He had promised he’d call her later that night.
However, there was still an unmentioned question plaguing their minds since they almost kissed. What did it mean? If they were planning to start a relationship, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Michael was going to Japan in a matter of days and Cassandra had no clue what to expect with her debut album being released; based on what Tony had told her, it was going to be anything but a walk in the park. For the time being, they were just going to have to continue to deny the sexual tension mounting between them. But ignoring it wouldn’t make it going away. Eventually, it would build and build until it was inevitable. Now, it was only a matter of time.
*************************************************************
Chapter 6
For the next two weeks, Cassandra was starting to feel like a robot. She woke up at the “ass crack of dawn” as Daphne put it, went straight to the studio, stayed there until late in the evening, came home, picked at her dinner, took a shower, talked to Michael for several hours on end, and finally went to sleep. Then she’d wake up the next morning and do it all over again. But she didn’t care. She was the happiest she’d been in years. Her friendship with Michael was blossoming quickly and her album’s release date was getting closer and closer as the days went on. The highlight of her day was hearing Michael’s voice at the end of a hard day’s work. It had become her lullaby. He had left for Tokyo on the 9th and was busy with the tour but managed to call her every night from his hotel room, usually after the show. He would also try to call her before the sound check but the conversation was usually cut short by his handlers trying to rush him off the phone.
Through their nightly conversations, Michael and Cassandra had managed to grow closer even though they were thousands of miles away from each other, if that were possible. He spoke of the debilitating loneliness he felt when he stayed in hotel rooms and how much he wished she was there with him, looking out at the bright city lights.
One time, she had dozed off in the middle of their conversation about some of the sound equipment that had failed that night. When she was awoken by the screams of fans that had gathered outside of his hotel that were audible in the background, she was most apologetic.
“I bet you’re pretty when you sleep,” he had remarked randomly, making her giggle and blush like a school girl. Michael learned quickly how to make her smile with a simple compliment when she was so tired that she thought she just might collapse and give up altogether. But she couldn’t help but feel like their conversations were one-sided. He always knew the right thing to say to cheer her up but she could tell his loneliness was crippling him. She tried so hard to comfort him but to her, it never seemed to help. Michael disagreed and sweetly told her that she didn’t need to say anything - that just listening to her breathing on the other line, that knowing someone was there, was more than enough for him.
Sometimes, she would just sit on the phone with him – not saying a word and let him ramble, which he did quite often, after a show. Surprisingly, his energy level would be through the roof after two hours of non-stop dancing and singing and he found it difficult to go to sleep. He would talk wildly about all the different faces he saw in the crowd, what went well, what went wrong, and the fans that were camping outside his hotel room. He also spoke of the hospitals and orphanages he had discreetly visited, and the children he had spent time with.
The inflection in his voice told it all. This was a man that deeply cared for not only the children he had met but any child in the world. The way he spoke about children as his inspiration and how much he wished to end their suffering warmed her heart. While staying in Osaka, Japan, Michael had been informed of a five-year-old boy named Yoshioka Hagiwara that had been kidnapped and murdered. Cassandra remembered hearing Michael cry on the phone as he recounted the details of the tragic story to her and talked about the amount of pain and suffering the boy and his parents must’ve felt. He would go on to dedicate the rest of his Japanese tour to the Yoshioka as well as each performance of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.”
It was then, that Cassandra realized just how warm and compassionate he was, not just to her, but to people in general. Most entertainers and movie stars were glad to write checks out to the terminally ill or charities that helped those in need, but very few seemed to actually go out, take time out of their busy schedule, and visit those who would be benefiting from their charitable deeds.
But, sadly, because of his status, there would always be a barrier between Michael and the general public. He would never be able to go out, sit on a city bench, and just talk to people passing by without them reacting to him as Michael Jackson, the superstar, an action that most people took for granted. He was destined to be isolated from the rest of the world - a rare gem that was only spoken of, never really spoken to. Cassandra soon realized that she was falling in deeper and deeper with each conversation they had. She had figured she would grow close to him with time but not like this. This wasn’t some innocent high school crush; this was pure love for another human being, although she was reluctant to say it out loud. When she wasn’t on the phone with him, she was thinking about where he was and what he was doing – if he was okay. She worried about him constantly and was always anxious to hear his voice at the end of the night.
She was trying her hardest to not let it interfere with her work but at times, she seemed to be lost in a dream world. And she knew it would only get worse once they were forced to talk less and less because of her own work obligations. When Chase pointed out that she seemed “distracted” over the past two weeks, Cassandra knew it was time to get her act together. That was the final straw. She was not going to put her career on the backburner for a man that she wasn’t even sure felt the same way that she did about him. Her mother had always raised her to be independent and self-sufficient – a sensible woman - and to take care of business first no matter how many butterflies he gave her in her stomach. Alright, girl. She had told herself. It’s time to get it together. They would continue to talk nightly, she decided, but when it was time to work – she would shut everything else out and focus on getting the job done.
“Oh my God!” Daphne squawked, her eyes widening in shock, as she sat on the living room couch, holding a piece of mail in her caramel hand.
“What? What’s wrong?’
“Have you seen this?!” Daphne shook the piece of paper at her in utter disbelief.
“What is it?” Cassie stopped making notes in her spiral notebook and cautiously approached Daphne, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“This new phone bill! It’s almost two hundred dollars!” Cassandra’s heart leapt into her throat. She still hadn’t told Daphne about her nightly escapades with the “Elusive Mr. Jackson” and had completely forgotten that the international calls would surely show on the next phone bill. What was I thinking?! That she wouldn’t notice?
“Calls to Japan? There must be some mistake,” Daphne picked the phone up from its cradle, “I’m calling the phone company right now and getting this straightened out!”
“No!” Cassandra reached for the phone and managed to pry it out of Daphne’s hands before dropping it back into its base. “No.”
Cassandra actually was planning to tell her but wanted to wait until the “right time” to tell Daphne. Apparently, now was the right time.
“Cassandra, what are you-”
Cassandra was silent.
“Cassie, what’s going on?”
“Um…I have something I have to tell you,” Cassandra meekly spoke, fidgeting with her charm bracelet. “I made those calls to Japan.”
“What? Why?” Daphne’s face writhed in confusion. “Better yet, to whom?”
“Daph, do you remember when I met Michael Jackson at that party for Walter?”
“Yeah…but what does this have to do with the phone bill?”
“Well, he got my number from Tony a few weeks ago and we’ve been talking ‘til 4AM every night, and he invited me out to lunch with him the other day after rehearsal, but he’s on tour in Japan, and he’s a huge superstar with women throwing themselves at him every day so nothing will ever happen,” Cassandra mumbled quickly, rushing her words together before changing the subject. “So anyway! What do you want for dinner, girl?!”
“What?! NU UH girl!” Daphne grabbed Cassie by the wrist and pulled her back towards her. “You’re friends with Michael Jackson? And you kissed? You’re not getting off that easy. Spill it!”
Cassandra sighed. This was going to be a long night.
“I said we ALMOST kissed but Bill walked in and yes, we’re kind of friends. He’s been calling me every night from his hotel room and we just talk..”
“Just talk? Mmmhmm…that’s what they all say.” Daphne rolled her eyes. “Wait...who’s Bill?”
“He’s Michael’s security guard, real nice guy...been with him since he was with the Jackson 5.”
“Oh,” Daphne nodded. This was becoming a bit much to take in all at once. “So what’s this ALMOST kissed stuff?”
“We were at his apartment after rehearsal because he can’t go out like everybody else and-”
“You saw his apartment?! What did it look like? Was Jackie there?!” Daphne interrupted, suddenly turning back into a 16-year-old version of herself, giddy over the eldest Jackson brother.
Cassandra frowned.
“Sorry...continue.”
“And he asked Bill to pick us up some Chinese from this place called the The Golden Dragon, I think it was. Great food. Their egg drop soup was to die for! You gotta-”
“Oh, get to the point already!”
“I’m getting there. I’m getting there. Calm down, geesh!” The girls couldn’t help but bicker like an old married couple.
“Well hurry up! William and I haven’t done it in days and I’m horny! I’ll take what I can get!”
Cassandra twisted her nose at her friend’s bluntness. “Girl, I ain’t need to know ALL that! You coulda just said you-”
“I don’t care what I could of said. I want details!”
“Okay, where was I? Oh yeah! The soup! It was awesome.”
“I don’t care about no damn soup..”
“Alright! Alright!” Cassanda giggled, “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. Anyways, Bill went to go get the food and he was showing me around the apartment and I was teasing him about some of his baby pictures and he started tickling me. Somehow we ended up on the floor and it got really quiet. He was staring at me like he was going to kiss me, and we were SO close but then Bill came back with the food and we had to stop.”
“So, does that mean you guys are gonna try to kiss again?!” Daphne was overflowing with excitement for her girlfriend.
Cassandra suddenly took a serious tone.
“I don’t know. Now that we’ve gotten to know each other, it’s kind of complicated. I mean, he’s so sweet it’s ridiculous. He’s really a great guy. He makes me feel so…secure. I’m really comfortable with him. I just kind of feel like I can be myself around him.”
“But?”
“But, he’s a huge celebrity, and he’s on tour right now, jumping from country to country. My album is about to be released, and I’m going to be absolutely overloaded with work on that. It’s just that we’re in two totally different places right now. I don’t know how it’d ever work. Besides, I’m not even completely sure he likes me like that. I mean he’s flirtatious and we joke around but he’s never said anything, and I wouldn’t dare bring it up.”
“Do you know if he’s dating anyone?”
“Not that I know of. He could be. What woman wouldn’t want to be with him?”
“True,” Daphne nodded understandingly. “Well why don’t you just ask him?”
“No! I can’t do that!”
“Why not? You guys apparently talk about everything else,” Daphne held up the phone bill as proof, “What happened to ‘Oh, I feel like I can be myself around him?”
“I can. I’m just scared. When I talk to him, or when I’m around him, I can’t help but feel like I’m slowly losing control. I completely fall apart and become this blubbering idiot that just wants to do anything I can to make him happy. And you know that is so not like me! I have never jumped through hoops for any man!”
“Except Michael,” Daphne added, laughing at the irony of the whole situation.
“That’s not the point. I just don’t-I can’t,” Cassandra huffed, having difficulty finding the words to express herself, “I’ve just never felt like this before. It scares me.”
“Well perhaps, that’s a good thing. You know everything happens for a reason.”
“But me? C’mon? I look okay but this is Michael Jackson we’re talking about here. He can have any woman he wants! Why me?”
“Why not you? You’re attractive, you’re smart, you’re funny, you want to do your roommate’s laundry tomorrow while she goes out with her successful boyfriend to a hot new club,” Daphne winked at her.
“Thanks D,” Cassandra had to laugh. “But that’s the thing. It’s not just Michael Jackson, it’s Michael. I don’t even care about the whole famous thing. I mean it’s a plus but I actually like who he is as a person. I care about him and would never want to see anything to happen to him. When we talk, I completely forget that he is, who he is.”
“You love him.” Daphne concluded, smiling at the way Cassandra’s face lit up whenever Michael was mentioned and the way her eyes danced around in her head with enthusiasm when she spoke about their friendship.
“I…I think I do.”
*************************************************************************
It was then, that Cassandra realized just how warm and compassionate he was, not just to her, but to people in general. Most entertainers and movie stars were glad to write checks out to the terminally ill or charities that helped those in need, but very few seemed to actually go out, take time out of their busy schedule, and visit those who would be benefiting from their charitable deeds.
But, sadly, because of his status, there would always be a barrier between Michael and the general public. He would never be able to go out, sit on a city bench, and just talk to people passing by without them reacting to him as Michael Jackson, the superstar, an action that most people took for granted. He was destined to be isolated from the rest of the world - a rare gem that was only spoken of, never really spoken to. Cassandra soon realized that she was falling in deeper and deeper with each conversation they had. She had figured she would grow close to him with time but not like this. This wasn’t some innocent high school crush; this was pure love for another human being, although she was reluctant to say it out loud. When she wasn’t on the phone with him, she was thinking about where he was and what he was doing – if he was okay. She worried about him constantly and was always anxious to hear his voice at the end of the night.
She was trying her hardest to not let it interfere with her work but at times, she seemed to be lost in a dream world. And she knew it would only get worse once they were forced to talk less and less because of her own work obligations. When Chase pointed out that she seemed “distracted” over the past two weeks, Cassandra knew it was time to get her act together. That was the final straw. She was not going to put her career on the backburner for a man that she wasn’t even sure felt the same way that she did about him. Her mother had always raised her to be independent and self-sufficient – a sensible woman - and to take care of business first no matter how many butterflies he gave her in her stomach. Alright, girl. She had told herself. It’s time to get it together. They would continue to talk nightly, she decided, but when it was time to work – she would shut everything else out and focus on getting the job done.
“Oh my God!” Daphne squawked, her eyes widening in shock, as she sat on the living room couch, holding a piece of mail in her caramel hand.
“What? What’s wrong?’
“Have you seen this?!” Daphne shook the piece of paper at her in utter disbelief.
“What is it?” Cassie stopped making notes in her spiral notebook and cautiously approached Daphne, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“This new phone bill! It’s almost two hundred dollars!” Cassandra’s heart leapt into her throat. She still hadn’t told Daphne about her nightly escapades with the “Elusive Mr. Jackson” and had completely forgotten that the international calls would surely show on the next phone bill. What was I thinking?! That she wouldn’t notice?
“Calls to Japan? There must be some mistake,” Daphne picked the phone up from its cradle, “I’m calling the phone company right now and getting this straightened out!”
“No!” Cassandra reached for the phone and managed to pry it out of Daphne’s hands before dropping it back into its base. “No.”
Cassandra actually was planning to tell her but wanted to wait until the “right time” to tell Daphne. Apparently, now was the right time.
“Cassandra, what are you-”
Cassandra was silent.
“Cassie, what’s going on?”
“Um…I have something I have to tell you,” Cassandra meekly spoke, fidgeting with her charm bracelet. “I made those calls to Japan.”
“What? Why?” Daphne’s face writhed in confusion. “Better yet, to whom?”
“Daph, do you remember when I met Michael Jackson at that party for Walter?”
“Yeah…but what does this have to do with the phone bill?”
“Well, he got my number from Tony a few weeks ago and we’ve been talking ‘til 4AM every night, and he invited me out to lunch with him the other day after rehearsal, but he’s on tour in Japan, and he’s a huge superstar with women throwing themselves at him every day so nothing will ever happen,” Cassandra mumbled quickly, rushing her words together before changing the subject. “So anyway! What do you want for dinner, girl?!”
“What?! NU UH girl!” Daphne grabbed Cassie by the wrist and pulled her back towards her. “You’re friends with Michael Jackson? And you kissed? You’re not getting off that easy. Spill it!”
Cassandra sighed. This was going to be a long night.
“I said we ALMOST kissed but Bill walked in and yes, we’re kind of friends. He’s been calling me every night from his hotel room and we just talk..”
“Just talk? Mmmhmm…that’s what they all say.” Daphne rolled her eyes. “Wait...who’s Bill?”
“He’s Michael’s security guard, real nice guy...been with him since he was with the Jackson 5.”
“Oh,” Daphne nodded. This was becoming a bit much to take in all at once. “So what’s this ALMOST kissed stuff?”
“We were at his apartment after rehearsal because he can’t go out like everybody else and-”
“You saw his apartment?! What did it look like? Was Jackie there?!” Daphne interrupted, suddenly turning back into a 16-year-old version of herself, giddy over the eldest Jackson brother.
Cassandra frowned.
“Sorry...continue.”
“And he asked Bill to pick us up some Chinese from this place called the The Golden Dragon, I think it was. Great food. Their egg drop soup was to die for! You gotta-”
“Oh, get to the point already!”
“I’m getting there. I’m getting there. Calm down, geesh!” The girls couldn’t help but bicker like an old married couple.
“Well hurry up! William and I haven’t done it in days and I’m horny! I’ll take what I can get!”
Cassandra twisted her nose at her friend’s bluntness. “Girl, I ain’t need to know ALL that! You coulda just said you-”
“I don’t care what I could of said. I want details!”
“Okay, where was I? Oh yeah! The soup! It was awesome.”
“I don’t care about no damn soup..”
“Alright! Alright!” Cassanda giggled, “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. Anyways, Bill went to go get the food and he was showing me around the apartment and I was teasing him about some of his baby pictures and he started tickling me. Somehow we ended up on the floor and it got really quiet. He was staring at me like he was going to kiss me, and we were SO close but then Bill came back with the food and we had to stop.”
“So, does that mean you guys are gonna try to kiss again?!” Daphne was overflowing with excitement for her girlfriend.
Cassandra suddenly took a serious tone.
“I don’t know. Now that we’ve gotten to know each other, it’s kind of complicated. I mean, he’s so sweet it’s ridiculous. He’s really a great guy. He makes me feel so…secure. I’m really comfortable with him. I just kind of feel like I can be myself around him.”
“But?”
“But, he’s a huge celebrity, and he’s on tour right now, jumping from country to country. My album is about to be released, and I’m going to be absolutely overloaded with work on that. It’s just that we’re in two totally different places right now. I don’t know how it’d ever work. Besides, I’m not even completely sure he likes me like that. I mean he’s flirtatious and we joke around but he’s never said anything, and I wouldn’t dare bring it up.”
“Do you know if he’s dating anyone?”
“Not that I know of. He could be. What woman wouldn’t want to be with him?”
“True,” Daphne nodded understandingly. “Well why don’t you just ask him?”
“No! I can’t do that!”
“Why not? You guys apparently talk about everything else,” Daphne held up the phone bill as proof, “What happened to ‘Oh, I feel like I can be myself around him?”
“I can. I’m just scared. When I talk to him, or when I’m around him, I can’t help but feel like I’m slowly losing control. I completely fall apart and become this blubbering idiot that just wants to do anything I can to make him happy. And you know that is so not like me! I have never jumped through hoops for any man!”
“Except Michael,” Daphne added, laughing at the irony of the whole situation.
“That’s not the point. I just don’t-I can’t,” Cassandra huffed, having difficulty finding the words to express herself, “I’ve just never felt like this before. It scares me.”
“Well perhaps, that’s a good thing. You know everything happens for a reason.”
“But me? C’mon? I look okay but this is Michael Jackson we’re talking about here. He can have any woman he wants! Why me?”
“Why not you? You’re attractive, you’re smart, you’re funny, you want to do your roommate’s laundry tomorrow while she goes out with her successful boyfriend to a hot new club,” Daphne winked at her.
“Thanks D,” Cassandra had to laugh. “But that’s the thing. It’s not just Michael Jackson, it’s Michael. I don’t even care about the whole famous thing. I mean it’s a plus but I actually like who he is as a person. I care about him and would never want to see anything to happen to him. When we talk, I completely forget that he is, who he is.”
“You love him.” Daphne concluded, smiling at the way Cassandra’s face lit up whenever Michael was mentioned and the way her eyes danced around in her head with enthusiasm when she spoke about their friendship.
“I…I think I do.”
*************************************************************************
Updated: October 2, 2011
Chapter 7
****************************************************************
September 30th, 1987
Cassandra Harris
Struck (1987)
Epic/CBS Records
Running Time: 37:13
Rating:
In her debut album, Struck, Cassandra Harris chronicles her journey into womanhood using high tempo beats and slow grooves to signal the mark of a new era in her life. Her upbeat personality shines through on the contemporary-pop song “Paralyzed” while a sense of maturity graces the soulful “Shattered," a ballad about a love ultimately lost. Produced by the award-winning Chase Wiley, Struck is primarily a production showcase, custom-fitted to compliment Harris’ sultry mezzo-soprano and her sassy persona that is evident from the end of the first track. Reminiscent of a young Donna Summer, Harris is quick to show from the opening chord that she’s not willing to live inside the box as the newest young ingénue of the pop world or as a woman of the 80’s.
“Okay, now look up..” Gabe, her makeup artist, directed Cassandra to shift her eyes to the ceiling as he began applying dark mascara to her long lashes. Cassandra tossed the newest Rolling Stone Magazine that contained a review of her album aside and continued to let him complete his work. Cassandra was preparing to do an on camera interview with Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart regarding the release of her album and after that, she was scheduled to appear on two other cable networks including MTV and its newly launched sister channel named VH1. Just earlier that day, she had also appeared on Good Morning America via satellite and completed a photo shoot with People Magazine.
For the past week, the promotion circuit had been just as hectic but with the official release of her album, it had escalated to a three-ring circus. It was too soon to predict the success of it, but the record company was prepared to let Cassie live up to her full potential by booking her on any and every news program in the country.
“So..what’d they say?” Gabe’s voice broke her train of thought.
“Who?”
“The review, girl!” Gabe pointed with his brush in the direction that Cassandra had thrown the magazine onto the makeup counter.
“Oh..it was a good review but I’m not really concerned about what the critics say. I’m more worried about how the public reacts..”
“Good girl. Half of those ‘critics’ can’t tell their asses from a hole in the ground.” Gabe rolled his eyes in mock disgust.
“That’s what I’ve heard.” Cassandra recalled Tony explaining the importance of reviews, or lack thereof to her and emphasizing that it’s the mainstream public’s opinion that matters since they’re the ones that buy the albums.
“Cassie, we need you at Stage B in five.” A plump man with a headset and a clipboard poked his head in the door and disappeared as quickly as he came.
“Oh-kay,” Gabe touched up her lip gloss one last time, “You’re all done, honey. Go knock ‘em dead!”
“Thanks, Gabe.” Cassandra stood from the makeup chair and adjusted her black halter top in front of the mirror before her. Here goes nothing.
***************************************
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Ugh. I haven’t even been home an hour. Cassandra had just slipped into a hot, relaxing bath when she heard the phone ring. Her “home” for the moment was the Beverly Hills Hotel’s patio suite that was now littered with her thick black rolling suitcases and the scattered ruins of that day’s outfit. She’d been so tired when she walked in the door that she didn’t even bother putting her clothes away.
She didn’t really even see the point of being put up in this hotel in the first place. It was truly a beautiful room complete with classic wood furnishings, a gas fireplace, marble bathrooms, and a spacious peach and mauve sitting area, but Tony had insisted saying that with all of her scheduled appearances that she’d be much more comfortable. I guess I better get used to living out of a suitcase because it’s only going to get worse after this. She figured.
“Hello?” Cassandra was tempted to just let it ring but not many people had this number so she slipped her silk black kimono robe around her body and bit the bullet.
“Hey, kid!” She immediately recognized the thick Boston accent of Alex Burns, her fast-talking manager, along with the nickname he often used with her.
“Oh, hey Alex.”
“What’s wrong? Not glad to hear from me?”
“No, I’m just kind of tired.”
“It’s time to wake up, sweet-cheeks! You can sleep when you’re dead!”
“I beg to differ,” Cassandra laughed and pushed her wavy red locks into a messy bun, pressing the phone’s receiver against her shoulder.
“Well, it looks like you’re gonna have to.”
“What?”
“Do me a favor and turn on Channel 3.”
“Okay.” Cassandra reached for the remote control that was resting on the cotton sheets of her king size bed and pushed the power button, flipping through the channels until she reached her destination.
The cameraman scanned a large crowd that was formed in a single file for several blocks.
“I’m Justine Brown, reporting live outside VIP Records in Bel Air, where reportedly they are sold out of Struck, Cassandra Harris’ pop album.”
Cassie’s jaw dropped.
“As you can see behind me, there is quite a large crowd that has gathered, hoping to get in and get a copy. It is actually wrapped all the way around the block.”
The camera’s lenses panned out, showing the line that extended past the building.
“We spoke to an employee from the store and they said they are expecting another shipment somewhere around 11:30 tonight but we’re not sure exactly how many will be made available to the public.”
“Oh...wow.” Cassandra was actually speechless.
Alex burst into maniacal laugher, “Yeah, baby! You did it!!”
Silence.
“Girl, pick that jaw of yours up off the floor and say something!”
“I don’t… know… what to say,” Cassandra managed to stammer out.
“We also spoke to some representatives for VIP’s other locations and apparently they are experiencing the same shortage. One clerk told us that they sold out in literally five minutes, that customers were actually trying to purchase the album before he could finish stocking the shelves..” The reporter’s voice slowly became a muffled blur in the background as Cassandra began to digest the news.
“You’re on fire! On the first day too! Imagine what it’s going to be like tomorrow! This is wild! I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I guess all that hard work paid off.”
“Damn right it did! But listen kiddo, I’m so proud of you, but I gotta get back to work.” Out of nowhere, there was a knock on the door. “But I’ll be giving you a call in the morning. Get some sleep, you got a long week ahead of you.”
“I will,” Cassandra looked over her shoulder at the door, “Thanks Alex.”
“Anytime, anytime.”
The camera’s lenses panned out, showing the line that extended past the building.
“We spoke to an employee from the store and they said they are expecting another shipment somewhere around 11:30 tonight but we’re not sure exactly how many will be made available to the public.”
“Oh...wow.” Cassandra was actually speechless.
Alex burst into maniacal laugher, “Yeah, baby! You did it!!”
Silence.
“Girl, pick that jaw of yours up off the floor and say something!”
“I don’t… know… what to say,” Cassandra managed to stammer out.
“We also spoke to some representatives for VIP’s other locations and apparently they are experiencing the same shortage. One clerk told us that they sold out in literally five minutes, that customers were actually trying to purchase the album before he could finish stocking the shelves..” The reporter’s voice slowly became a muffled blur in the background as Cassandra began to digest the news.
“You’re on fire! On the first day too! Imagine what it’s going to be like tomorrow! This is wild! I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I guess all that hard work paid off.”
“Damn right it did! But listen kiddo, I’m so proud of you, but I gotta get back to work.” Out of nowhere, there was a knock on the door. “But I’ll be giving you a call in the morning. Get some sleep, you got a long week ahead of you.”
“I will,” Cassandra looked over her shoulder at the door, “Thanks Alex.”
“Anytime, anytime.”
Cassandra hung up the phone, readjusted her robe, and approached the door, standing on her tippy toes to peek through the peephole. It was the doorman, waiting patiently for her to answer.
“Hey Charles,” Cassandra opened the door and motioned for him to come in.
“Ms. Harris, I’m so sorry to disturb you so late but you have a delivery.”
“No, uh, it’s okay.” Cassandra watched questioningly as two other men came into the room, carrying a vase full of fresh, red roses in each hand.
After the men were dismissed and she shut the door, Cassie smelled one of the beautiful roses and immediately reached for the card that was securely attached.
Cassandra was smiling so hard she thought her face just might break, as she ran her fingertip slightly over his definitive handwriting. The butterflies in her stomach went wild as she thought about Michael coming home to see her. She thought about calling him right then and there, but he was supposed to be working on the show in Yokohama and had to keep the drastic time zone difference in mind. Not to mention she knew her body was actually really tired, despite the adrenaline high she was on. How did he find out where I was staying? He sure is somethin' else.God, could he get any sweeter?
Between the initial success of her project and Michael’s roses, this had been the perfect day. She looked at the handwritten note from Michael again before tucking it safely between the pages of a book she'd been reading.
*************************************************
Chapter 8, Part 1
*************************************************
November 1987
With record sales still skyrocketing, Cassandra’s phone was ringing off the hook, overwhelming her with offers of interviews, performances, promotional deals, and rumors of a possible tour. She’d even been approached to participate in various film projects but decided that for the time being just wanted to focus on her current recording career. Her album also was doing quite well in several parts of Europe, Australia, and Asia, adding to the overall success. Within a matter of days, the press had locked into their sources, discovering where Cassie was staying, where her mother lived, and the fact that her mother was a school teacher among other tidbits of information. When reporters had showed up at her mother’s place of work, an Atlanta elementary school, in search of anything to report, Cassie was advised to hire a security force to protect her from her own new-found fame.
Between the initial success of her project and Michael’s roses, this had been the perfect day. She looked at the handwritten note from Michael again before tucking it safely between the pages of a book she'd been reading.
*************************************************
Chapter 8, Part 1
*************************************************
November 1987
With record sales still skyrocketing, Cassandra’s phone was ringing off the hook, overwhelming her with offers of interviews, performances, promotional deals, and rumors of a possible tour. She’d even been approached to participate in various film projects but decided that for the time being just wanted to focus on her current recording career. Her album also was doing quite well in several parts of Europe, Australia, and Asia, adding to the overall success. Within a matter of days, the press had locked into their sources, discovering where Cassie was staying, where her mother lived, and the fact that her mother was a school teacher among other tidbits of information. When reporters had showed up at her mother’s place of work, an Atlanta elementary school, in search of anything to report, Cassie was advised to hire a security force to protect her from her own new-found fame.
Before it was even suggested by her team, Michael had been pushing the idea to Cassie for the past month, telling her about several of the instances where he’d been recognized and mobbed by fans over the years. Cassandra was surprised when he told her he still has scars from where crowds (mostly girls) got a little too rough with him on several occasions.
“Yeah, but what I would do with a bodyguard? I’m a big girl, Mike. I can take care of myself.”
“Just trust me on this one, Cassie.”
So naturally, Michael felt like he could rest easier when she told him that she had hired a maximum of three security guards from different backgrounds with a wealth of experience. She and Michael continued to talk on a nightly basis for but for shorter periods of time as the weeks went on. Their usual four hour conversations had quickly dwindled to 10 minute chit-chats, only giving them an opportunity to say hello and talk about what they were doing and what they thought they’d be doing the next day.
She of course thanked him for the beautiful flowers the following night and he mentioned he was even planning to purchase a copy of her album when he was scheduled to visit a Japanese electronic store later that day.
“Cassie?” Tony’s familiar voice jolted her from her faraway daydream.
“Sorry,” Cassandra glanced meekly around the room that was filled with several record executives from Epic, her newly hired security team and her manager, Alex. “I’m listening.”
“Well, like I was saying,” Tony continued, swirling around in his leather office chair. “The figures globally have been outstanding and we’re really happy with the results so far. But I think it would be in Cassandra’s best interest to travel abroad.”
Travel abroad? Cassandra’s ears perked up. What are they getting me into? Alex had once mentioned the record company’s desire for her to visit other parts of the world where her album was selling popularly.
“But she just can’t abandon the American audience for this one appearance,” Dennis, another executive spoke up.
“But, she wouldn’t be abandoning them. This would be for two or three days, a week tops.”
“And it’s important that she put her face with her name and get out there and talk to people.”
Cassandra listened as their voices continued to drone on, arguing their opinions about what would be “best for her.” More like best for their wallets. Cassandra couldn't help but silently snicker. She felt bad about being so jaded, but so far, no one had even asked her opinion on the matter nor did they care to. On occasion, someone would glance over at her when referring to her but for the most part; they acted like she didn’t even exist. Instead, Cassie took a sudden interest in her thumbnail, playing with the cuticle and biting the edges when it seemed appropriate.
“Alright then, it’s settled. I just need you and Cassie to sign here.” Tony stood up from the leather office chair and slid a packet of papers across the large marble desk to Alex before turning his attention to Cassandra. “And you’ll be leaving for Sydney later this week so you can do the in-store signing on the 12th and then you’ll do the interview piece on Countdown on the 14th.”
“Sydney?” Cassandra’s eyes widened. “As in Australia?” She had never even left the country let alone thought about to traveling to the world “down under.”
“That’s right mate,” Tony chuckled, trying to pull off the best Australian accent he could manage.
“But don’t worry about a thing,” Tony paused to place his rough hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. “Alex here will work everything out. We’re going to take good care of you.”
The tone of Tony’s voice and the way his palm stroked her shoulder for several moments gave Cassandra chills, making her very uncomfortable. She suddenly felt so very…dirty. The caring and friendly Tony she once knew was gone, replaced with a manipulative, cunning man she didn’t recognize. She now looked at Tony in a different light and desperately wanted to get out of there. She didn’t want to have to stay there any longer than she had to. Maybe I’m just imagining things. But, something just didn’t feel right.
“Here ya go, kiddo.” Alex picked up the papers and passed them back to her, along with his black ballpoint pen.
“Just sign here.” Tony’s arm brushed against hers as he pointed out the two large X’s next to dotted lines, designating where she was supposed to sign, “And here.”
“What’s this?” Cassandra’s eyes scanned the bold print across the top of the contract.
“Oh it’s just an authorization of release for ABC-TV to use footage of you once they do the interview -basically saying that you give them the right to film you and use your name,” Alex explained.
“Everybody has to sign one,” Tony winked at her, making her stomach slightly turn. “Routine stuff.”
Cassandra gripped the ballpoint pen in her hand and barely skimmed the document before signing it, anxious to get out of there and away from Tony.
“Alright, that’s all boys and girls,” Tony collected the signed papers and stuffed them into a manila folder he’d been flipping through the majority of the meeting.
Following Alex, Cassandra shot up from the desk and adjusted her dark denim jeans, pushing the chair back under the table. Thank god.
“So, you’re gonna get everything set up today?” Tony questioned Alex, who was busy adjusting the cuffs of his white dress shirt.
“Oh yeah. I just need to call the airline, request your passport, and get Shelly to type up a statement once we get all the details worked out.”
“Alright, man. Nice seeing you again.” Tony shook Alex’s hand firmly as Cassandra exited the conference room with her Simon, her bodyguard in tow, not bothering to announce her departure.
“You too.”
Cassandra pulled her dark sunglasses down across her eyes and began to make her way to the elevator that would lead them to the parking deck.
“You ready to go home?” Simon asked, pushing the ‘down’ button on the aluminum switch plate, the doors immediately opening, allowing them to step inside.
“You have no idea.” Cassandra let out a soft laugh, leaning against the internal railing and letting her head rest against the back of the elevator, hearing the familiar ding of the elevator as the doors closed.
***********************************************************************
Chapter 8 Part 2
“When are you supposed to be in Sydney again?”
“Um, I think it’s the 12th,” Cassandra plopped down on the couch, curling up with the sound of Michael’s voice and a chocolate cupcake from the batch Daphne baked. “But I have to leave Tuesday night to get checked in and everything.”
So far, Cassie had been able to sleep in her own bed for the past two days and she loved it. Aside from an interview here and a performance there, it had been a relatively calm couple of days. But Alex had warned her that this was just like a hurricane – the calm before the storm. In a matter of days, she would be swooped back up into the whirlwind of press junctions and public appearances so she figured she might as well enjoy it while she could.
“And where are you going to be staying?”
What’s with the third degree? Cassandra wondered but didn’t protest. Michael was just being curious as always and she had no reason not to tell him.
“Alex says I’m supposed to be at InterContinental Sydney but you know better than anyone that could easily change,” Cassandra tucked her bare feet under herself, licking some of the sticky icing off of her fingers.
“Yeah.”
It was suddenly quiet.
“I’m tired.” Michael’s voice slightly cracked due to fatigue.
“I believe it. You’ve got another show coming up, don’t you? Where is it supposed to be, again?”
“Um...some arena around here.” Michael was being very vague since she had told him about her scheduled visit to Australia which was very out of character for him. Usually, he wouldn’t shut up. Maybe he’s not feeling well.
Right when Cassandra was prepared to ask him where his tour would go next, she heard the front door open and close shut.
“I’m home!” Daphne shouted, coming around the corner of the living room.
Cassandra placed to a finger to her lips, trying to shush Daphne. Daphne noticed her on the phone and cringed, mouthing the word “sorry” to her friend.
“Is that Daphne?”
“Mmhmm,” Cassandra was too busy picking apart her cupcake to notice that Daphne had already left the room, dropping her suede purse and stilettos on the plush carpet on the way out.
“Tell her I said hello.”
“I will.”
“What in the world are you eating?” Michael giggled, obviously able to hear her chewing and licking her fingers despite the connection that was fading in and out.
“A cupcake.”
“Chocolate?”
“Yep. How’d you know?”
“I know how much you like chocolate.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow at the sexual undertone she detected in his comment.
“Oh, really? And how do you know that?” In the beginning of their conversations, Cassandra would just turn bright red and squeak out a giggle, leaving it up to him to change the subject but now, she was comfortable with him and was getting quite used to his flirtatious ways. Well...almost. She would still turn red but now she felt bold enough to flirt back.
“I just do.”
“You really have no idea what you’re talking about,” Cassie let out a low giggle, testing him.
“I don’t?”
“I doubt it.” Now it was her turn to toy with him, her time to get him all riled up.
“Mmhmm...is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, you’ll see.”
“I’ll see what?”
“That I have my ways.”
“And what way is that?”
“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.”
Cassandra sucked the rest icing off of her finger in one quick motion, letting out an audible smack into the receiver.
“Make sure you get it all, girl.” Michael’s telephone voice always made her tingle all over and her heart race but now with each passing moment, he was becoming bolder with his comments, more commanding in his voice. He was no longer the innocent and shy man she had met three months ago.
“Oh I will.” Her eyes widened as she heard the words come out of her mouth, surprised by her own forwardness.
Before the conversation could turn anymore brazen, she heard an unfamiliar voice in the background and a door swing close.
“Okay, just give me five minutes,” Michael whispered to the other person before returning back to their conversation.
“Hey, sweetie...listen I hate to do this.” His voice changed back to a tender and soothing tone.
“No it’s fine. We’ll talk another time. I have some work I have to do anyways.”
“Oh, that reminds me! I picked up your album.”
“Oh?” She paused, awaiting some type of reaction, “so, what’d you think?”
“Well,” he paused, dropping his voice to a monotone, “I gotta be honest with you, Cassie.”
Her heart sunk. His opinion mattered so much to her, especially now that she knew him personally. She, like the rest of the world, saw him as a visionary, a musical genius. If Michael Jackson didn’t like it, why should anyone else?
He tried so hard to keep up the front but he could hear her breath slightly quicken. He couldn’t do this to her – it was too painful.
“I LOVED it!” He enthused, his pitch rising dramatically.
“Oh!” Cassandra let out a deep sigh of relief and then laughed at the stupidity of her initial reaction.
“What? You thought I didn’t like it?”
“Actually, I did.”
“Girl, stop. I love it, Cassandra. I really do.” She shivered every time he said her full first name. The way he said it was just so pure.
“Thank you,” she whispered, swearing he could see her blushing through the phone. “That really means a lot to me.”
It was quiet again.
“I guess I’ll let you go.”
“Yeah they’re going to start getting onto me here pretty soon, but listen, I’ll give you a call sometime tomorrow I guess. Are you going to be home?”
“I should be. The next couple of days are going to be kind of slow before I head out to Sydney..”
“Well then I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”
“Sounds good.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Cassandra could only smile as the words flowed out so naturally.
“Bye, Cassie.”
“Bye.” They hung up from another flawless conversation, leaving Cassandra smiling like a complete goofball. Michael always managed to turn her into a stuttering, smiling fool with something as simple as a phone call.
“Oh MICHAEL! Oh God! YES! YES! YES!” Daphne moaned and groaned teasingly from the opposite room once she knew that Cassie was no longer on the phone.
“Oh, shut up!” Cassie rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but lowly chuckle at her friend’s never-ending annoying antics.
******************************************************************
“Is there anything else I can get you Ms. Harris?” A young blonde in a red and white vest approached her with a cart full of assorted drinks and snacks.
“Um…no thank you. I’m fine.” Cassandra smiled at the petite flight attendant over her dark sunglasses and continued sipping her orange juice, pulling the thin black throw blanket over her arms.
The attendant nodded knowingly and continued pushing her cart down the middle aisle to tend to the other passengers on the first class flight. Cassandra momentarily glanced over at Simon, her trusty bodyguard who was busy sleeping with the seat reclined back. At first, she thought he was out like a light but whenever anyone would approach her seats, whether it was someone heading for the bathroom or an airline employee, he would wake up and observe them with protective eyes.
Their United Airlines flight had departed from LAX at 10:32 PM and they were scheduled to land in Sydney at 8:05 AM that next morning, weather permitting. So far, they’d made it through a little over half of the 14 hour flight with the occasional turbulence much to Cassie’s displeasure. I wish I could sleep like that, Cassie thought, turning back to her novel. In actuality, Cassandra never really liked flying but with her career path, she didn’t really have a choice. Once they got up in the air and the plane leveled off, she was fine but she was never too fond of taking off or landing. She tried to avoid looking down through the window since they were in the process of crossing an ocean and she dreaded to think of anything going wrong.
“Excuse me,” A little girl with braided pigtails in a denim jumper shyly crept close to where Cassandra was sitting, with what would be assumed was her mother. “Are you Cassandra Harris?”
“Ma’am,” Simon sat up in his seat, prepared to tell the mother to not bother Cassandra. “I’m sorry but-”
“No, it’s okay..” Cassandra interrupted, smiling at Simon and then back to the little girl, pushing her sunglasses back onto her forehead, revealing a pair of tired eyes. “Why yes I am. What’s your name?”
“I’m Brianna and I’m 8 years old,” Brianna proclaimed proudly, holding up her chubby little fingers to match her age. Cassandra couldn’t help but smile at the pale pink polish that had been strategically brushed onto her tiny nails with the help of a parent or older sibling. That took some patience.
“8 years old? Wow!” Cassandra gasped, her eyes widening in mock enthusiasm, “You’re a big girl! What grade are you in?”
Brianna glanced up at her dark-haired mother who was standing there with her daughter patiently, smiling at the kindness the young singer was showing her daughter. A lot of celebrities appeared to be nice and giving on stage but off camera, they were rude and often snapped at those that approached them, not wanting to be bothered, no matter how young the fan may be.
“I’m in second grade but I’m going to be third grade next year!” Brianna turned back to Cassandra, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of advancing to the next grade. “And you know what?”
“What?” Cassandra showed genuine interest in the child’s account of life as a second-grader.
“If I get good grades, Ms. Smith says that I can be her class helper!”
“Oh wow! Well then I guess you better make sure you do your homework and study.” Cassandra winked at her mother before letting the 8-year old explain what being the class helper would entail.
“Um...can you sign this, please?” The 8 year old was holding a hot pink and purple flowered diary out with a matching pen, shy about asking her favorite singer for an autograph.
“Sure.”
Cassandra took the pen and notebook from the little girl, and turned to a blank page, passing by some of the doodles Brianna had drawn mostly of horses and cats.
“How about here?” Cassandra pointed to a page that was clear of drawings and notes.
“Yeah!” The girl nodded, her smile growing in anticipation and her eyes wide in awe.
Cassandra wrote a few little notes off to the side before signing her name with the purple ink, adding a simple heart next to the “C” in her first name.
“Just trust me on this one, Cassie.”
So naturally, Michael felt like he could rest easier when she told him that she had hired a maximum of three security guards from different backgrounds with a wealth of experience. She and Michael continued to talk on a nightly basis for but for shorter periods of time as the weeks went on. Their usual four hour conversations had quickly dwindled to 10 minute chit-chats, only giving them an opportunity to say hello and talk about what they were doing and what they thought they’d be doing the next day.
She of course thanked him for the beautiful flowers the following night and he mentioned he was even planning to purchase a copy of her album when he was scheduled to visit a Japanese electronic store later that day.
“Cassie?” Tony’s familiar voice jolted her from her faraway daydream.
“Sorry,” Cassandra glanced meekly around the room that was filled with several record executives from Epic, her newly hired security team and her manager, Alex. “I’m listening.”
“Well, like I was saying,” Tony continued, swirling around in his leather office chair. “The figures globally have been outstanding and we’re really happy with the results so far. But I think it would be in Cassandra’s best interest to travel abroad.”
Travel abroad? Cassandra’s ears perked up. What are they getting me into? Alex had once mentioned the record company’s desire for her to visit other parts of the world where her album was selling popularly.
“But she just can’t abandon the American audience for this one appearance,” Dennis, another executive spoke up.
“But, she wouldn’t be abandoning them. This would be for two or three days, a week tops.”
“And it’s important that she put her face with her name and get out there and talk to people.”
Cassandra listened as their voices continued to drone on, arguing their opinions about what would be “best for her.” More like best for their wallets. Cassandra couldn't help but silently snicker. She felt bad about being so jaded, but so far, no one had even asked her opinion on the matter nor did they care to. On occasion, someone would glance over at her when referring to her but for the most part; they acted like she didn’t even exist. Instead, Cassie took a sudden interest in her thumbnail, playing with the cuticle and biting the edges when it seemed appropriate.
“Alright then, it’s settled. I just need you and Cassie to sign here.” Tony stood up from the leather office chair and slid a packet of papers across the large marble desk to Alex before turning his attention to Cassandra. “And you’ll be leaving for Sydney later this week so you can do the in-store signing on the 12th and then you’ll do the interview piece on Countdown on the 14th.”
“Sydney?” Cassandra’s eyes widened. “As in Australia?” She had never even left the country let alone thought about to traveling to the world “down under.”
“That’s right mate,” Tony chuckled, trying to pull off the best Australian accent he could manage.
“But don’t worry about a thing,” Tony paused to place his rough hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. “Alex here will work everything out. We’re going to take good care of you.”
The tone of Tony’s voice and the way his palm stroked her shoulder for several moments gave Cassandra chills, making her very uncomfortable. She suddenly felt so very…dirty. The caring and friendly Tony she once knew was gone, replaced with a manipulative, cunning man she didn’t recognize. She now looked at Tony in a different light and desperately wanted to get out of there. She didn’t want to have to stay there any longer than she had to. Maybe I’m just imagining things. But, something just didn’t feel right.
“Here ya go, kiddo.” Alex picked up the papers and passed them back to her, along with his black ballpoint pen.
“Just sign here.” Tony’s arm brushed against hers as he pointed out the two large X’s next to dotted lines, designating where she was supposed to sign, “And here.”
“What’s this?” Cassandra’s eyes scanned the bold print across the top of the contract.
“Oh it’s just an authorization of release for ABC-TV to use footage of you once they do the interview -basically saying that you give them the right to film you and use your name,” Alex explained.
“Everybody has to sign one,” Tony winked at her, making her stomach slightly turn. “Routine stuff.”
Cassandra gripped the ballpoint pen in her hand and barely skimmed the document before signing it, anxious to get out of there and away from Tony.
“Alright, that’s all boys and girls,” Tony collected the signed papers and stuffed them into a manila folder he’d been flipping through the majority of the meeting.
Following Alex, Cassandra shot up from the desk and adjusted her dark denim jeans, pushing the chair back under the table. Thank god.
“So, you’re gonna get everything set up today?” Tony questioned Alex, who was busy adjusting the cuffs of his white dress shirt.
“Oh yeah. I just need to call the airline, request your passport, and get Shelly to type up a statement once we get all the details worked out.”
“Alright, man. Nice seeing you again.” Tony shook Alex’s hand firmly as Cassandra exited the conference room with her Simon, her bodyguard in tow, not bothering to announce her departure.
“You too.”
Cassandra pulled her dark sunglasses down across her eyes and began to make her way to the elevator that would lead them to the parking deck.
“You ready to go home?” Simon asked, pushing the ‘down’ button on the aluminum switch plate, the doors immediately opening, allowing them to step inside.
“You have no idea.” Cassandra let out a soft laugh, leaning against the internal railing and letting her head rest against the back of the elevator, hearing the familiar ding of the elevator as the doors closed.
***********************************************************************
Chapter 8 Part 2
“When are you supposed to be in Sydney again?”
“Um, I think it’s the 12th,” Cassandra plopped down on the couch, curling up with the sound of Michael’s voice and a chocolate cupcake from the batch Daphne baked. “But I have to leave Tuesday night to get checked in and everything.”
So far, Cassie had been able to sleep in her own bed for the past two days and she loved it. Aside from an interview here and a performance there, it had been a relatively calm couple of days. But Alex had warned her that this was just like a hurricane – the calm before the storm. In a matter of days, she would be swooped back up into the whirlwind of press junctions and public appearances so she figured she might as well enjoy it while she could.
“And where are you going to be staying?”
What’s with the third degree? Cassandra wondered but didn’t protest. Michael was just being curious as always and she had no reason not to tell him.
“Alex says I’m supposed to be at InterContinental Sydney but you know better than anyone that could easily change,” Cassandra tucked her bare feet under herself, licking some of the sticky icing off of her fingers.
“Yeah.”
It was suddenly quiet.
“I’m tired.” Michael’s voice slightly cracked due to fatigue.
“I believe it. You’ve got another show coming up, don’t you? Where is it supposed to be, again?”
“Um...some arena around here.” Michael was being very vague since she had told him about her scheduled visit to Australia which was very out of character for him. Usually, he wouldn’t shut up. Maybe he’s not feeling well.
Right when Cassandra was prepared to ask him where his tour would go next, she heard the front door open and close shut.
“I’m home!” Daphne shouted, coming around the corner of the living room.
Cassandra placed to a finger to her lips, trying to shush Daphne. Daphne noticed her on the phone and cringed, mouthing the word “sorry” to her friend.
“Is that Daphne?”
“Mmhmm,” Cassandra was too busy picking apart her cupcake to notice that Daphne had already left the room, dropping her suede purse and stilettos on the plush carpet on the way out.
“Tell her I said hello.”
“I will.”
“What in the world are you eating?” Michael giggled, obviously able to hear her chewing and licking her fingers despite the connection that was fading in and out.
“A cupcake.”
“Chocolate?”
“Yep. How’d you know?”
“I know how much you like chocolate.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow at the sexual undertone she detected in his comment.
“Oh, really? And how do you know that?” In the beginning of their conversations, Cassandra would just turn bright red and squeak out a giggle, leaving it up to him to change the subject but now, she was comfortable with him and was getting quite used to his flirtatious ways. Well...almost. She would still turn red but now she felt bold enough to flirt back.
“I just do.”
“You really have no idea what you’re talking about,” Cassie let out a low giggle, testing him.
“I don’t?”
“I doubt it.” Now it was her turn to toy with him, her time to get him all riled up.
“Mmhmm...is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, you’ll see.”
“I’ll see what?”
“That I have my ways.”
“And what way is that?”
“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.”
Cassandra sucked the rest icing off of her finger in one quick motion, letting out an audible smack into the receiver.
“Make sure you get it all, girl.” Michael’s telephone voice always made her tingle all over and her heart race but now with each passing moment, he was becoming bolder with his comments, more commanding in his voice. He was no longer the innocent and shy man she had met three months ago.
“Oh I will.” Her eyes widened as she heard the words come out of her mouth, surprised by her own forwardness.
Before the conversation could turn anymore brazen, she heard an unfamiliar voice in the background and a door swing close.
“Okay, just give me five minutes,” Michael whispered to the other person before returning back to their conversation.
“Hey, sweetie...listen I hate to do this.” His voice changed back to a tender and soothing tone.
“No it’s fine. We’ll talk another time. I have some work I have to do anyways.”
“Oh, that reminds me! I picked up your album.”
“Oh?” She paused, awaiting some type of reaction, “so, what’d you think?”
“Well,” he paused, dropping his voice to a monotone, “I gotta be honest with you, Cassie.”
Her heart sunk. His opinion mattered so much to her, especially now that she knew him personally. She, like the rest of the world, saw him as a visionary, a musical genius. If Michael Jackson didn’t like it, why should anyone else?
He tried so hard to keep up the front but he could hear her breath slightly quicken. He couldn’t do this to her – it was too painful.
“I LOVED it!” He enthused, his pitch rising dramatically.
“Oh!” Cassandra let out a deep sigh of relief and then laughed at the stupidity of her initial reaction.
“What? You thought I didn’t like it?”
“Actually, I did.”
“Girl, stop. I love it, Cassandra. I really do.” She shivered every time he said her full first name. The way he said it was just so pure.
“Thank you,” she whispered, swearing he could see her blushing through the phone. “That really means a lot to me.”
It was quiet again.
“I guess I’ll let you go.”
“Yeah they’re going to start getting onto me here pretty soon, but listen, I’ll give you a call sometime tomorrow I guess. Are you going to be home?”
“I should be. The next couple of days are going to be kind of slow before I head out to Sydney..”
“Well then I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”
“Sounds good.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Cassandra could only smile as the words flowed out so naturally.
“Bye, Cassie.”
“Bye.” They hung up from another flawless conversation, leaving Cassandra smiling like a complete goofball. Michael always managed to turn her into a stuttering, smiling fool with something as simple as a phone call.
“Oh MICHAEL! Oh God! YES! YES! YES!” Daphne moaned and groaned teasingly from the opposite room once she knew that Cassie was no longer on the phone.
“Oh, shut up!” Cassie rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but lowly chuckle at her friend’s never-ending annoying antics.
******************************************************************
“Is there anything else I can get you Ms. Harris?” A young blonde in a red and white vest approached her with a cart full of assorted drinks and snacks.
“Um…no thank you. I’m fine.” Cassandra smiled at the petite flight attendant over her dark sunglasses and continued sipping her orange juice, pulling the thin black throw blanket over her arms.
The attendant nodded knowingly and continued pushing her cart down the middle aisle to tend to the other passengers on the first class flight. Cassandra momentarily glanced over at Simon, her trusty bodyguard who was busy sleeping with the seat reclined back. At first, she thought he was out like a light but whenever anyone would approach her seats, whether it was someone heading for the bathroom or an airline employee, he would wake up and observe them with protective eyes.
Their United Airlines flight had departed from LAX at 10:32 PM and they were scheduled to land in Sydney at 8:05 AM that next morning, weather permitting. So far, they’d made it through a little over half of the 14 hour flight with the occasional turbulence much to Cassie’s displeasure. I wish I could sleep like that, Cassie thought, turning back to her novel. In actuality, Cassandra never really liked flying but with her career path, she didn’t really have a choice. Once they got up in the air and the plane leveled off, she was fine but she was never too fond of taking off or landing. She tried to avoid looking down through the window since they were in the process of crossing an ocean and she dreaded to think of anything going wrong.
“Excuse me,” A little girl with braided pigtails in a denim jumper shyly crept close to where Cassandra was sitting, with what would be assumed was her mother. “Are you Cassandra Harris?”
“Ma’am,” Simon sat up in his seat, prepared to tell the mother to not bother Cassandra. “I’m sorry but-”
“No, it’s okay..” Cassandra interrupted, smiling at Simon and then back to the little girl, pushing her sunglasses back onto her forehead, revealing a pair of tired eyes. “Why yes I am. What’s your name?”
“I’m Brianna and I’m 8 years old,” Brianna proclaimed proudly, holding up her chubby little fingers to match her age. Cassandra couldn’t help but smile at the pale pink polish that had been strategically brushed onto her tiny nails with the help of a parent or older sibling. That took some patience.
“8 years old? Wow!” Cassandra gasped, her eyes widening in mock enthusiasm, “You’re a big girl! What grade are you in?”
Brianna glanced up at her dark-haired mother who was standing there with her daughter patiently, smiling at the kindness the young singer was showing her daughter. A lot of celebrities appeared to be nice and giving on stage but off camera, they were rude and often snapped at those that approached them, not wanting to be bothered, no matter how young the fan may be.
“I’m in second grade but I’m going to be third grade next year!” Brianna turned back to Cassandra, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of advancing to the next grade. “And you know what?”
“What?” Cassandra showed genuine interest in the child’s account of life as a second-grader.
“If I get good grades, Ms. Smith says that I can be her class helper!”
“Oh wow! Well then I guess you better make sure you do your homework and study.” Cassandra winked at her mother before letting the 8-year old explain what being the class helper would entail.
“Um...can you sign this, please?” The 8 year old was holding a hot pink and purple flowered diary out with a matching pen, shy about asking her favorite singer for an autograph.
“Sure.”
Cassandra took the pen and notebook from the little girl, and turned to a blank page, passing by some of the doodles Brianna had drawn mostly of horses and cats.
“How about here?” Cassandra pointed to a page that was clear of drawings and notes.
“Yeah!” The girl nodded, her smile growing in anticipation and her eyes wide in awe.
Cassandra wrote a few little notes off to the side before signing her name with the purple ink, adding a simple heart next to the “C” in her first name.
“Honey, c’mon,” her mother gently tugged on her daughter’s shoulder, indicating it was time to go back to their seats.
“Thank you!” Brianna ignored her mother’s persistent request and threw her little arms around Cassandra, who hugged her back, smoothing back one of her pigtails that had become twisted in all the excitement.
“Aw, you’re welcome, sweetie.” Cassandra was clearly touched by the little girl’s sweetness and felt flattered that an 8-year old was so excited to receive her name on a piece of paper. At heart, Cassandra truly loved kids and couldn't wait to have some of her own but now was definitely not the time.
“C’mon Bri. Tell Ms. Harris bye.” Her mother flipped one of her daughter’s pigtails playfully, not wanting to intrude on the singer’s flight.
“Bye!” Brianna hopped one from leg to another, clutching her pink and purple notebook close to her chest before turning to leave with her mother trailing behind, who mouthed the words ‘thank you’ before following her daughter back to their assigned seating area.
“Bye.” Cassandra called after her, stretching her legs out in front of her, trying to avoid the feeling of numbness that was forming in her legs from sitting for so long. Every so often, she’d get up and stretch, trying her best to avoid the risk of a blood clot from forming, as unlikely as it might have been. And then it was back to her books and magazines that she had brought on board for the long plane ride.
Out of nowhere, the plane dipped slightly, causing Cassandra’s stomach to flip. She still hadn’t managed to get used to the turbulence they had been experiencing and it was starting to get to her. She began taking deep breaths and closed her eyes, imaging being somewhere else - anywhere but thousands of miles above nothing but dark, open water. This was going to be a long night.
*******************************************************
Feeling completely drained, Cassandra tilted her head back, allowing the hot water from the shower to relax her muscles while she worked the conditioner out of her hair. Her body still wasn’t used to the time zone difference and she had struggled to stay awake on the way from the hotel. But with a cup of strong caffeinated coffee and a banana nut muffin from her hotel’s room service, she managed to pull the energy from the heavens to sit through a two hour in store signing, which was ultimately quite successful. She was able to meet many of her Australian fans which were a diverse group of individuals, ranging from young teenagers to middle-aged men.
Still not used to being famous, she was surprised by the hundreds of people that turned out to just speak to her for a few moments and let her sign their copy of Struck or merchandise that they had collected. She was a bit taken back by some of their reactions to seeing her in person; some screamed, some shed a few tears and some were absolutely speechless and couldn’t find the words to say hello. It was a bit awkward at first but she found the best way was to smile at them and ask how they were doing, even if they didn’t respond. The media was also out in full force, armed with their high powered cameras and microphones, hoping that she would give them a useful picture or grant them a mini-interview before the day was over.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Was that the door? At first, she wasn’t sure if she heard correctly. At this point, she was so tired she wouldn’t be surprised if she was hallucinating.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Ah, hell. Not again. She forcefully turned the knobs in the shower, shutting off the water and slid the glass doors open. Why is it that every time I get in the shower or take a bath, someone always has to show up? Talk about lousy timing. She grabbed a nearby terry cloth towel and glanced at the clock, quickly wiping her body dry of any moisture. It was almost 11 PM. That has to be Alex. No one else would come around at this hour. Or at least it better be Alex. She was not in the mood to deal with anymore reporters or fans, as much as she enjoyed the work. All she wanted to do was dry her hair and go to sleep. There was no way she would be able to get anything done the next day if she didn’t get adequate rest.
She absentmindedly dropped the terry cloth towel on the floor and grabbed a silky white robe, not bothering to put any clothes other than a pair of black panties on underneath. She lazily tied the belt in the front, only enough to shield herself from the visitor. She certainly wasn’t planning on entertaining company. Whoever was at the door would tell quickly tell her their purpose of their unexpected visit and then they would be on their way – nothing more. And if they didn’t want to leave, she was prepared to call Simon, who was staying in the room next door.
“Alex, I already told you,” she grabbed a hold of the door handle, and swung it open briskly, not bothering to check the peephole. “I’m not-”
She stopped mid sentence when she noticed the man standing before her was hardly Alex. No way.
*************************************************************
“Thank you!” Brianna ignored her mother’s persistent request and threw her little arms around Cassandra, who hugged her back, smoothing back one of her pigtails that had become twisted in all the excitement.
“Aw, you’re welcome, sweetie.” Cassandra was clearly touched by the little girl’s sweetness and felt flattered that an 8-year old was so excited to receive her name on a piece of paper. At heart, Cassandra truly loved kids and couldn't wait to have some of her own but now was definitely not the time.
“C’mon Bri. Tell Ms. Harris bye.” Her mother flipped one of her daughter’s pigtails playfully, not wanting to intrude on the singer’s flight.
“Bye!” Brianna hopped one from leg to another, clutching her pink and purple notebook close to her chest before turning to leave with her mother trailing behind, who mouthed the words ‘thank you’ before following her daughter back to their assigned seating area.
“Bye.” Cassandra called after her, stretching her legs out in front of her, trying to avoid the feeling of numbness that was forming in her legs from sitting for so long. Every so often, she’d get up and stretch, trying her best to avoid the risk of a blood clot from forming, as unlikely as it might have been. And then it was back to her books and magazines that she had brought on board for the long plane ride.
Out of nowhere, the plane dipped slightly, causing Cassandra’s stomach to flip. She still hadn’t managed to get used to the turbulence they had been experiencing and it was starting to get to her. She began taking deep breaths and closed her eyes, imaging being somewhere else - anywhere but thousands of miles above nothing but dark, open water. This was going to be a long night.
*******************************************************
Feeling completely drained, Cassandra tilted her head back, allowing the hot water from the shower to relax her muscles while she worked the conditioner out of her hair. Her body still wasn’t used to the time zone difference and she had struggled to stay awake on the way from the hotel. But with a cup of strong caffeinated coffee and a banana nut muffin from her hotel’s room service, she managed to pull the energy from the heavens to sit through a two hour in store signing, which was ultimately quite successful. She was able to meet many of her Australian fans which were a diverse group of individuals, ranging from young teenagers to middle-aged men.
Still not used to being famous, she was surprised by the hundreds of people that turned out to just speak to her for a few moments and let her sign their copy of Struck or merchandise that they had collected. She was a bit taken back by some of their reactions to seeing her in person; some screamed, some shed a few tears and some were absolutely speechless and couldn’t find the words to say hello. It was a bit awkward at first but she found the best way was to smile at them and ask how they were doing, even if they didn’t respond. The media was also out in full force, armed with their high powered cameras and microphones, hoping that she would give them a useful picture or grant them a mini-interview before the day was over.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Was that the door? At first, she wasn’t sure if she heard correctly. At this point, she was so tired she wouldn’t be surprised if she was hallucinating.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Ah, hell. Not again. She forcefully turned the knobs in the shower, shutting off the water and slid the glass doors open. Why is it that every time I get in the shower or take a bath, someone always has to show up? Talk about lousy timing. She grabbed a nearby terry cloth towel and glanced at the clock, quickly wiping her body dry of any moisture. It was almost 11 PM. That has to be Alex. No one else would come around at this hour. Or at least it better be Alex. She was not in the mood to deal with anymore reporters or fans, as much as she enjoyed the work. All she wanted to do was dry her hair and go to sleep. There was no way she would be able to get anything done the next day if she didn’t get adequate rest.
She absentmindedly dropped the terry cloth towel on the floor and grabbed a silky white robe, not bothering to put any clothes other than a pair of black panties on underneath. She lazily tied the belt in the front, only enough to shield herself from the visitor. She certainly wasn’t planning on entertaining company. Whoever was at the door would tell quickly tell her their purpose of their unexpected visit and then they would be on their way – nothing more. And if they didn’t want to leave, she was prepared to call Simon, who was staying in the room next door.
“Alex, I already told you,” she grabbed a hold of the door handle, and swung it open briskly, not bothering to check the peephole. “I’m not-”
She stopped mid sentence when she noticed the man standing before her was hardly Alex. No way.
*************************************************************
Chapter 9, Part 1
She stopped mid sentence when she noticed the man standing before her wasn’t Alex. There stood, none other than Michael Joseph Jackson, in all of his glory, eyes wide with surprise, dressed in a black button up shirt, long black pants, and a letterman-style jacket.
“Oh, hey.” She was absolutely floored. Last she heard Michael was still in Japan and now here he was standing in the doorway of her Sydney hotel room.
“Hey!” He looked her over from head to toe dressed in nothing but a thin robe that left little to the imagination, her hair still wet from a fresh shower. “Um, did I come at a bad time?”
“No. I just got out of the shower.” She motioned to the bathroom behind her and stood there in disbelief, completely forgetting that she was still in her robe.
He looked behind her, sending off a hint that he wanted to come in but didn’t want to ask, still unsure if he was interrupting something. She noticed him glancing behind her and then around him, hoping to go unnoticed and immediately felt terrible.
“I’m sorry,” she stepped aside, gestured for him to follow her inside the room, and closed the door behind him. “Come in. The room’s kind of a wreck. I haven’t had time to straighten up.”
He walked in politely clasping his hands together behind his back and let his eyes scan the room that was currently littered with high heels, a few towels, and a couple articles of clothing. “It’s fine. You should see mine.” He chuckled, thinking of how you were lucky if you could see the carpet in his.
She noticed a pair of red lacy panties on the floor next to where he was standing that stuck out like a sore thumb and swiftly kicked them under the bed when he wasn't looking.
“So, what are you doing here?” She asked point blank, tightening the belt around her waist.
“What? Are you not happy to see me?” He turned around to face her, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“No, I am! I just thought you were still in Japan.”
“I was, but the next date is here in Australia so I figured I’d stop by and surprise you.”
“Well you certainly did,” she sat down on the edge of her bed and habitually crossed her legs, the hem of her robe riding up above her knee. “I thought you were Alex coming to torment me with more work. Sometimes I think he just sits around and thinks up stuff for me to do."
“Yeah, I know the feeling.” Michael caught sight of her smooth tan legs on display in front of him and couldn’t help but gulp. He watched as a single drop of water fell from her damp hair onto her bare thigh and rolled down her long leg until it came to a stop at her ankle. He felt himself imaging her spreading those thighs for him further and what it would feel like touch them but quickly looked away, not wanting her to notice him staring. Instead, he busied himself with observing a painting on the opposite wall.
She looked at him, at first unsure what to say. She was afraid of this. They were so good together on the phone and always had something to talk about but she couldn’t help but wonder if that chemistry would be able translate to in person meetings or if they were destined to be phone buddies forever.
“So how did the thing go?” He spoke up, breaking the silence yet keeping his back to her.
“It was good. Long and tiring, but good. I had
fun.” She let her eyes travel down his back, taking note of his strong
shoulders and long torso, eventually letting her eyes settle on his behind. God, he’s got such a
cute butt. Is everything about this man perfect? She cocked her
head to the side and bit her bottom lip, fighting back every urge to reach out
and squeeze it. She continued to let her eyes wander his frame, taking in
little details about his appearance as if this were the last time she would
ever see him.
“That’s good,” he finally turned back to face her, his deep brown pools immediately pulling her into his world. “Listen, I have a show I have to do tomorrow and I’d really like you to come.”
In more ways than one. His gutter mind added, his eyes noticing that based on what he could see through the sheer white material she was wearing that she must be cold.
“That is, if you’re free,” he finished, shifting his eyes back up to her artistic facial features.
“Yeah, as far as I know I’m free.” she answered almost a little too eager for her liking. “I’d love to.”
“It’s in Melbourne at the Olympic Park Stadium.”
“Okay.”
“I can have Frank call you tomorrow with the details if you want.” He shoved one of his hands in the pockets of his jacket, his curls slightly cascading over his high cheek bones before he pushed them out of the way with the other. It was obvious he didn’t just show up to invite her to the concert – he could’ve done that over the phone. He wanted to spend some time with her after not having seen her in three months and the thought of her being just on the other side of town in a hotel room by herself was too much for him to turn down.
“Tell you what,” She stood up from the bed and made her way, past him to fetch a pair of clothes to change into. Let me get dressed and we can-”
“No, don’t,” he gently reached for her tiny wrist to keep from picking up a pair of jeans she had laying on a chair nearby, sending a hot electrical charge throughout her body in a split second. Once he realized how bad that probably sounded, he was quick to cover it up. “I mean, if you’re tired I can leave. I don’t want to keep you up. I just wanted to come by and see how you’re doing. I know you’ve been busy with everything and you had a long flight last night.”
He was rambling and wasn’t showing any signs of stopping. Rather, she stood there and just smiled at his nervousness. He was trying so hard to be polite but regardless of his manners, he was a man. A sexy man, at that. Although she pretended not to notice for his sake, she saw the way he’d been looking at her and the way he tensed up whenever she passed him by. It was now or never.
“That’s good,” he finally turned back to face her, his deep brown pools immediately pulling her into his world. “Listen, I have a show I have to do tomorrow and I’d really like you to come.”
In more ways than one. His gutter mind added, his eyes noticing that based on what he could see through the sheer white material she was wearing that she must be cold.
“That is, if you’re free,” he finished, shifting his eyes back up to her artistic facial features.
“Yeah, as far as I know I’m free.” she answered almost a little too eager for her liking. “I’d love to.”
“It’s in Melbourne at the Olympic Park Stadium.”
“Okay.”
“I can have Frank call you tomorrow with the details if you want.” He shoved one of his hands in the pockets of his jacket, his curls slightly cascading over his high cheek bones before he pushed them out of the way with the other. It was obvious he didn’t just show up to invite her to the concert – he could’ve done that over the phone. He wanted to spend some time with her after not having seen her in three months and the thought of her being just on the other side of town in a hotel room by herself was too much for him to turn down.
“Tell you what,” She stood up from the bed and made her way, past him to fetch a pair of clothes to change into. Let me get dressed and we can-”
“No, don’t,” he gently reached for her tiny wrist to keep from picking up a pair of jeans she had laying on a chair nearby, sending a hot electrical charge throughout her body in a split second. Once he realized how bad that probably sounded, he was quick to cover it up. “I mean, if you’re tired I can leave. I don’t want to keep you up. I just wanted to come by and see how you’re doing. I know you’ve been busy with everything and you had a long flight last night.”
He was rambling and wasn’t showing any signs of stopping. Rather, she stood there and just smiled at his nervousness. He was trying so hard to be polite but regardless of his manners, he was a man. A sexy man, at that. Although she pretended not to notice for his sake, she saw the way he’d been looking at her and the way he tensed up whenever she passed him by. It was now or never.
“And you must be so jet-lagged so I was just getting ready to leave but I-”
She stepped forward and silenced him by lightly pressing her lips to his, finally giving into the temptation that had plagued her mind since she first laid eyes on him. She could feel him relax beneath her lips and within a matter of seconds; he was cupping her face with both of his hands, his fingertips grazing over her cheekbones, his thumb brushing against her chin.
Suddenly, her eyes sprung open and she was realized what she had just done. She pulled away, breaking the kiss and looked at him with startled eyes. “Oh my god,” she slapped her palm to her forehead, “I am so sorry.” She searched his eyes for any emotion that could possibly mirror what she was feeling but all she could find was desire burning in those hypnotic brown eyes.
“I don’t know what I was-” He didn’t let her finish. Out of nowhere, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back into him, tilting his head to the side to meet her lips. Cassandra let her eyes flutter closed again once more and focused on the way his lips felt against hers. They were so smooth and soft, the bottom lip feeling a little fuller than the other. He parted her lips with the tip of his tongue, and she willingly accepted it, allowing him to deepen the kiss, letting out a light sigh of relief when she felt his tongue brush against her own.
The more he deepened the kiss, the more she felt her knees quiver and her legs turn to gelatin. He tasted so sweet and she could faintly detect a hint of bubblegum mixed with the minty freshness of his toothpaste. She rose up on her tippy toes to slip her arms around his neck, feeling his frizzy curls feather against her arms, the heat from his neck warming her palms.
He responded by pulling her even closer, his fingertips tracing the lines of her hourglass figure, his hands occasionally stopping to cup some of her curves.
The more he deepened the kiss, the more she felt her knees quiver and her legs turn to gelatin. He tasted so sweet and she could faintly detect a hint of bubblegum mixed with the minty freshness of his toothpaste. She rose up on her tippy toes to slip her arms around his neck, feeling his frizzy curls feather against her arms, the heat from his neck warming her palms.
He responded by pulling her even closer, his fingertips tracing the lines of her hourglass figure, his hands occasionally stopping to cup some of her curves.
She could feel his breathing quicken as he paused to stroke her ample backside and her shapely thighs through the robe, a familiar hardness pressing against her own pelvis. Cassandra let her hands wander from his neck to his face where she could feel a light stubble tickling her fingertips, drifting them down to his strong shoulders, pulling him down into her mouth. She bit his bottom lip teasingly, pulling away for a moment only to have him pull her against him more forcefully, the belt on her robe becoming undone in the throes of passion.
Feeling her feminine body beneath his with her soft tongue entering and re-entering his mouth was close to pushing him over the edge. Inside, he was going insane and the aching between his legs was becoming unbearable.
Without warning, he reached under the silky material, gripped her by her bare hips with both hands and picked her up, propelling her legs around his waist, pushing her against the nearest wall. They hit the wall with a heavy thud, not breaking their kiss, which had become more and more dominant than sweet, their hungry mouths gasping for air but not wanting to leave each other’s for a moment. She squeezed his waist with her thighs for support and he pushed her further up the wall’s cold white surface, catching her in his arms as she began to slide down, only to bump her against the wall again, rotating his pelvis into hers in directions she didn’t know were possible.
“Mmm...” She heard him lightly groan as she dug her fingernails into back of his neck, his front teeth nibbling on her bottom lip as he slid a hand inside the open robe, daring to caress her breast. She let out a whimper when she felt his thumb brush against her hardened nipple inside the robe. She looked down at him lustily as he broke the kiss, focusing his undivided attention on her neck. She noticed his brow was slightly damp with sweat as he began planting wet kisses along the nape of her neck, leaving a trail of moistness behind each one.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Cassie looked towards the door and cursed silently but Michael was too caught up in what he was doing to notice that someone was at the door. At first, she thought she would just ignore it and let them assume that she was already asleep. She pushed the nuisance out of her mind and began playing with his ebony mane, wrapping a few curls around her fingers as he continued planting kisses on her collarbone.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
This time it was more rapid and she immediately knew who it was. If she didn’t answer, he’d continue to knock and call her room and she’d never hear the end of it tomorrow.
“Michael,” she whispered, trying to break him from his goal to devour her neck. “Michael.”
He looked up with questioning eyes, pleading for her not to tell him to stop.
“There’s somebody at the door.”
“Oh,” he panted and gently let her stand on her own, her feet touching the plush carpet for the first time in several minutes before padding her way over to the door.
She adjusted her robe, pulling it tightly against her body and looked through the peephole. Sure enough, it was Alex.
“Yeah?” She opened the door halfway, poking her head through the opening, annoyed that she had been disturbed.
“Hey, I was just going to let you know that tomorrow morning at 11 you have a segment with The Today Show to discuss the new album so we’re going to have to leave here about 9 to get all set up.”
“Okay, that’s fine. Thanks, Alex.” She started to close the door, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Wait,” he pushed the door back open, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” she smiled at him, tempted to grit her teeth, “I’m fine.”
“You sure? You look a little flushed.” The concern in his eyes was evident.
“Really Alex, I’m fine. I just got out of a hot shower a little while ago.”
“I don’t want you to come down with anything. You won’t be able to do any performances or interviews if you’re sick.”
Cassandra had to laugh at his concern with the effect that an illness would have on her career, rather than her health.
“I’ll be fine, Alex. I’m good. I just want to go to bed.”
“Well before you do, I think I left some paperwork in your one of your carry-ons. Do you mind if I come in and get it?”
Her face immediately dropped, remembering that Michael was in the room with her. Oh, shit! Could this get any worse?
*****************************************************
To Be Continued...
********************************************
“Mmm...” She heard him lightly groan as she dug her fingernails into back of his neck, his front teeth nibbling on her bottom lip as he slid a hand inside the open robe, daring to caress her breast. She let out a whimper when she felt his thumb brush against her hardened nipple inside the robe. She looked down at him lustily as he broke the kiss, focusing his undivided attention on her neck. She noticed his brow was slightly damp with sweat as he began planting wet kisses along the nape of her neck, leaving a trail of moistness behind each one.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Cassie looked towards the door and cursed silently but Michael was too caught up in what he was doing to notice that someone was at the door. At first, she thought she would just ignore it and let them assume that she was already asleep. She pushed the nuisance out of her mind and began playing with his ebony mane, wrapping a few curls around her fingers as he continued planting kisses on her collarbone.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
This time it was more rapid and she immediately knew who it was. If she didn’t answer, he’d continue to knock and call her room and she’d never hear the end of it tomorrow.
“Michael,” she whispered, trying to break him from his goal to devour her neck. “Michael.”
He looked up with questioning eyes, pleading for her not to tell him to stop.
“There’s somebody at the door.”
“Oh,” he panted and gently let her stand on her own, her feet touching the plush carpet for the first time in several minutes before padding her way over to the door.
She adjusted her robe, pulling it tightly against her body and looked through the peephole. Sure enough, it was Alex.
“Yeah?” She opened the door halfway, poking her head through the opening, annoyed that she had been disturbed.
“Hey, I was just going to let you know that tomorrow morning at 11 you have a segment with The Today Show to discuss the new album so we’re going to have to leave here about 9 to get all set up.”
“Okay, that’s fine. Thanks, Alex.” She started to close the door, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Wait,” he pushed the door back open, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” she smiled at him, tempted to grit her teeth, “I’m fine.”
“You sure? You look a little flushed.” The concern in his eyes was evident.
“Really Alex, I’m fine. I just got out of a hot shower a little while ago.”
“I don’t want you to come down with anything. You won’t be able to do any performances or interviews if you’re sick.”
Cassandra had to laugh at his concern with the effect that an illness would have on her career, rather than her health.
“I’ll be fine, Alex. I’m good. I just want to go to bed.”
“Well before you do, I think I left some paperwork in your one of your carry-ons. Do you mind if I come in and get it?”
Her face immediately dropped, remembering that Michael was in the room with her. Oh, shit! Could this get any worse?
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To Be Continued...
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© 2011 by Miss Tina and PJWN, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Any names, places, and other identifying features are used in a fictional manner and are in no way representative of any actual events. All lyrics, song titles, photographs, song clips, and videos are copyright their creators. This work may not be reproduced, transmitted, copied, or stored without express written permission from PJWN, LLC.