AFTERLIFE - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 

Author's Note: This extra special chapter is dedicated to my sweet iMessage spouse after a truly horrible week (and it's late- so it comes way after her truly horrible week- but it's still dedicated to her). And the extra special part is the fact it exists...SORRY once again for the long delay. But I hope you enjoy the update.  At the end of the last chapter, a very unwelcome intruder interrupted a special moment.

Funny, how the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Here they were: years had passed since he had last seen the woman, and yet her eyes still turned the color of steel encrusted ice when she regarded him.  Her mouth tightened- and of course, everything else stayed in place. Plastic tended to do that.

Priscilla Presley in the flesh. Plus some added artificial parts.

Michael was tempted to jot down little details of the scene before his eyes. Plans for making that one amazing movie that would launch his movie writing and directing career were ever present on his mind: The hero and his lady love close- physically and mentally in this honest, open moment.  Tension. Will the walls finally be broken down? Will they learn about the other?  Then- a door flies open.  The superfluous husband and- gasp- the ex mother in law from hell intrude as our protagonists fly apart.  Great stuff for a movie or book. But shoot, nothing could ever compare to real life. 

Recording studios has such wonderful acoustic qualities. And he could swear he heard Priscilla’s teeth clattering as she opened and closed her mouth.

Lisa rose from the chair she had been sitting in.  Her whole body spelled out tension.

“Well, Michael...what a surprise.  I of course had heard you are in the country on your little tour.  But Lisa Marie didn’t mention you would be visiting. How...nice.”

Was that supposed to be a smile? C’mon, Cilla. You can do better than that! Like when you met me all those years ago- and had already decided I was not good enough for your little baby-girl.  That this black boy from Indiana was some sort of threat to you.  

Well, she was right.  He had been a threat.  He showed the world just how great greatness was.  That a new King was born.  And he did corrupt Lisa- right after she corrupted him and stole his heart forever.  Yes, he had always thought it would be kinda neat to hook up with Elvis’ little girl. To get to know the family- to be accepted.  Of course, then he had fallen head over heels in love with Lisa, the person, the woman.  And lost all interest in Lisa, the Princess of Graceland.  

It had been a losing battle all along. The woman he had adored as the “wife of Elvis” never bothered to get over her prejudices and false fears.  She never wanted to get to know him.  She just wanted to save Lisa from him. Keep the business safe. As obviously, in his ample spare time he was plotting to dismantle the Presley legacy stone by stone. In the end, her paranoia and resulting machinations made his life, and Lisa’s a living hell. 

So now, in this other lifetime, he was no longer hurt by Cilla and her sugar coated distain. What in the world could she do to him that had not been done?  And, he was no longer afraid.  The demons he ran from these days were even more horrific than this overdone, plastic relic from another century. Even if she wore an amazing outfit and killer shoes.  

“Record breaking tour. But thank you- glad you’re keeping up with me. Good seeing you. Thank you for the beautiful plant you sent me in June and your heartfelt well-wishes.  I thought the venus fly trap was such an appropriate token of your affection.”

“Mother- wow. I thought you’re coming in tomorrow?” Lisa interrupted his little quip with a quick glance at him to stop goading her mother.  What? She had started it! 

“Funny, Michael, as always the joker. - It was a rubber plant, if I recall correctly. My personal assistant picked it out.. Or was it a cactus?  Lisa- I tried to call but no one has been answering.  The commercial planes were all booked up and so I flew over with John.”

“Travolta?  Cool- I always admire how he talks about reducing the carbon footprint of men and flies his jumbo jet for a quick trip or two. At least he’s taking passengers along now...”

Lisa gave him “the look.” Wow, twice in a row. This certainly felt like the good old days.  What?  He was being perfectly nice. To avoid her laser glare, he put his shades back on.  Time for honesty had passed rather quickly. He’d quiz Lisa later about that whole ‘unbreaking’ business.  Man...her new songs were something...

“So, anyway- Priscilla just got here and we couldn’t find you...” Lockwood chimed in, still looking a tad bit perturbed.  What was his problem?  He was pissed that Lisa was talking to him in her studio? With clothes on? Well, if he had a problem with that, it might be interesting to find out what he thought about his wife’s little trips up the road. 

Michael noticed Lisa’s shoulders tensing up. Wow- had Lockwood not learned not to put her on the defensive yet? She didn’t like that. Maybe he should give the man some lessons.  Then again, maybe not. Let him fall on his own sword.  

“I told Ben where I was. And then....”

“Then I came down to say hi, and Lisa was kind enough to share some of her new songs with me.  Sorry- guess our little session made us lose track of time,” Michael very helpfully added.

Well- maybe it wasn’t all that helpful as both Cilla and Lockwood stared at Lisa. What now? This family needed to chill! 

“Really? That’s....unexpected... Glad, though, you liked it. She’s so insecure about it all right now. And usually quite secretive...” Lockwood intense stare at Lisa did not back up the light tone.

“I’m not secretive- you know the music. And no one else needs to know it for now...”  Funny, how Lisa’s bitchy tone was actually quite funny when not directed at him. 

Don’t grin..behave. Be a grown up....

“No one, but Michael, seems like.  Not like you felt it necessary to share with your poor old mother here.”

Hm..interesting.  So Lisa was right: she was not letting anyone listen.  And she had been all hung up about him being here.  What the heck was on this album?  And how in the world did he get the sneaky suspicion he only had touched the tip of the ice-berg. 

What had she said.... It was all about him... Well, wouldn’t be the first time he had been her inspiration.  And he knew writing songs was cathartic for Lisa.  The question was- would her catharsis reach in and stab his heart, or would it give him information she withheld in any other form of communication. Save one...

“Please, mother. I told you, you be the first to know when the time is right.”

“Guess it was right for some...today...” 

“To be fair, I kind of bullied her to let me have a listen.”  As he spoke, he put his hand on her shoulder. Was it his imagination or was Lisa leaning into him slightly? Magnetized.  He could feel her warmth.  

“You don’t say? You wanna push Lisa into something she’s not willing or ready to do?  Say it isn’t so...”  Cilla shot some sugar coated poisonous darts his way.  Ouch! 

“It’s alright..I could have said no...” Lisa looked down, but didn’t shrug his hand off.  

Michael caught Lockwood’s stare across the room.  “Yes, you could have...” His voice was dry and his blue eyes spoke volumes. Wonder if he still would show him his guitars...  Or was he worried to have him in the house too long?  

Dude...yeah. You should be worried.  

Gosh, he really needed to chill and tell his inner caveman to go to time-out.  He was in this man’s home. 

Well, you were in this man’s wife not too long ago...

Jesus! What in the world was wrong with him? Must be the meds he took earlier to make it through this stupid visit. Had Lisa not been so obviously hell-bent on him not coming he would have bowed out anyway. But shoot- it was utterly impossible to resist picking up the thrown down dare.  And watching her squirm was entertaining at times. 

Thoughts of Lisa squirming lead to some mental images totally inappropriate to the given situation.

“Well, thanks again, Lisa Marie...for sharing. And sorry if I caused any ...strife... So- I guess I gotta go and make sure my kids didn’t jump into that lake and catch pneumonia.  I somehow misplaced my private doctor.”

Oddly enough, no one laughed.  Boring white folks! Lisa elbowed him - well. That was some reaction.  

As they all walked out, Michael found himself walking next to Pricilla.  Seemed Mr Lockwood was holding his wife back a bit to whisper to her. How rude!

“So...Michael. Your children are here, too? How wonderful.  It’s so nice you finally managed to acquire the family you always wanted...”

Oh goody.  She was baiting him.  Again. Surprise.  Surely that made it okay to strike back.  He glanced behind him to make sure Lisa wouldn’t be within earshot should he say something not so nice.  But she seemed busy hissing something at her soul mate.  Who now looked even more pissed.  Maybe it was his hair style giving him that constant dour look. Michael turned back to his perpetual nemesis- or better yet pain in his ass.

“Well- I wouldn’t quite put it that way. But yes, I am blessed to have them. They’re my life... And it’s nice to have been granted what others had conspired to keep from me.... Oh but speaking of little ones and acquiring... Is it a foster child you took in recently? Or ...oh..sorry..that young man is a a friend, right? I get confused.”  The boy toy had looked very young in that tabloid report. Couldn’t hurt to clarify things.

Cilla straightened, then laughed.  “Must be that medication you like so much...”

“No- just high on life... On renewing old friendships...”

Priscilla walked on and glanced behind as well. No doubt also making sure Lisa couldn’t hear.

“I know you didn’t mean me...”

His turn to laugh. Hey, this was fun.  Used to be talking to her was causing him so much stress. Now it was more like a tennis match with an unpinned grenade. 

“Hardly...  But it has been great to see so much more of Lisa Marie and her family.”

Actually, he had seen all of Lisa... Tasted her, too. But he’d never share that. It was good enough to know that she probably imagined him doing the most dirty, lurid things to her little girl.  And the cherry on the cake was that reality probably trumped all her worst fears.  

The stress was all on Cilla’s face now. Guess she didn’t like she dropped the ball.  True to form, she recovered quickly and served up again.

“And isn’t her family just lovely?  The twins she decided to give Michael...her husband.  He is really her soul mate- you know they never spend time apart? It’s so wonderful for me as a mother to see her so stable...so happy...so utterly blissful. Those babies really were a gift ...from them to each other.  I certainly can’t remember seeing her this happy since she gave birth to Ben and Riley.”

Yes, Michael. If you toss around a hornet’s nest, you might get stung.  Even though that bit about Lisa not spending time apart from Lockwood was not reflecting the current situation. Unless she had brought him with her and made him wait outside while getting her brain fucked out. And since they also reportedly never fight, who would know?

“Is it my imagination or do you seem to make this extra effort to point out Lisa’s happiness because you still feel threatened by me?”

He had stopped. Time to take the bull by the horns. Or the goat.

“Michael, I was never threatened by you.  I simply abhorred how you used Lisa and tossed her aside.”

“Seems you had your mind made up that that was going to happen way before I even met Lisa.”

“That’s because you had your mind made up from the start that you would add her to your conquests.  Break all records, create your own silly, gaudy version of Graceland, marry the daughter of Elvis.” 

Well, good thing Graceland wasn’t gaudy then... The shag carpet came to mind. 

“Well, I don’t like to brag...about breaking records that is...”

Okay, this old game was getting boring.  And his headache returned.  Let the old crow think what she wanted.  He knew the truth.  Funny though, how her repeated, almost hypnotizing chant for just a second made him doubt himself.  Dang- if she could do that to him- how poisonous must the ongoing mantra have been to Lisa?  Even though she should have known better...

“Find someone else to play with, Michael. She’s finally over you.”

Not the feeling he got when she ripped his clothes off and killed him with her lovemaking. But hey..maybe different people had different definitions of being over someone. Like Lisa...how in the world had she really thought he was over her?  Because of Deb?  For real?  How many times had he told her how much he loved her since then? 

And just how deep had he cut her?  For her to write a song about it all...so long after it all happened...

“Daddy...! Miss Lisa has a whole lake! Like we did at Neverland.  Ben said they will get some little boats and stuff and then...then...we can all go for a ride when it gets warmer again.”

The kids came running up to them, hijacked his attention and brightened his mood.  Yes- there was so much goodness and light in those three...not even a rainmaker like Cilla could spoil his unbridled joy at seeing them dashing across the lawn.  Free and totally entranced in their own magical moment.  Blanket was slightly behind, holding Riley’s hand, while one of the twins toddled along on her other side. Ben carried the other little girl on his shoulders, talking to Katherine.  

Oh God.  His heart stopped looking at them all as time seemed to freeze the moment, imprinting it onto the seal of his heart. Lisa’s children...his children...babies that could have been theirs... A family.  

But no.  It was a lie.  Two families.  And while his kids would probably be okay if Lisa came back to him, the lives of the babies would never be the same. And what of Riley and Ben?  How many times could they be jerked around?  

It was just not right.  It had to end.  He had to talk to Lisa.  She was married and was a mother of little babies. It broke the command of God and of men.

His head once again gave him all the righteous direction in the world.  And his heart beat so frantically it was difficult to not pass out.

Don’t do it.  You can’t live without her. Not again.  You tried. And you failed.  How can you say it’s wrong?  It feels so absolutely right... You love her. And she loved you... Once...maybe again..maybe still.

Except. If he pushed her- would she end up hating him? This time forever?  

“Daddy! Are you listening?” Paris had come up next to him, snuggling up to his side like she always did, tugging at him.  

Michael swallowed.  Grateful for the jolt back to reality.  Maybe if he tried real hard he would be able to be the responsible adult here, play nice, and then get the hell out of there. For the hundredth time he cursed his decision to come.  If only the pull to see Lisa wasn’t that strong...  It was sad, but he’d walk through fire for her.  And even sadder- she didn’t seem to realize that at all.  Being over her, indeed. 

“Children: Come and meet Mrs Presley- Miss Lisa’s mother. Priscilla- those are my three: Prince, Paris, and Blanket.”

Priscilla smiled at the children and suddenly he saw a totally different side of her.  Almost caught him by surprise.  Was she human after all?

The children very politely shook her hand and answered the questions she asked.  Michael scanned her carefully, making sure none of her usual poison would be directed at his children. No, she seemed utterly sincere and pleasant.  She complimented Paris on her dress and managed to get her to smile.  Asking Prince how he liked England so far, she became engaged in a very sincere conversation, that was only interrupted when  his mother came and joined them and the two women cautiously and politely greeted each other.  Michael did not miss his mother’s worried look toward him, even as she sweetly conversed with the suddenly downright lovely Priscilla.  Seemed the old witch’s  venom was for him alone.  

Suddenly it occurred to him that if someone caused any of his children as much grief as Lisa had been through with him, he also would not take that kindly.  

But no- he would never approach anyone loving one of his three precious ones as she had him.  So, no....no need to cut her any slack right now.

“Okay, guys...I think it’s time to get going.  Prince and Paris have some work to finish up on and I think we took advantage of Miss Lisa’s hospitality long enough.”

The almost immediate response took him by surprise: all three- even Blanket- bombarded him with reasons why it was essential to stay a bit longer, and that they had just gotten there.  So...what was he to do?  Bad enough the kids were so isolated and really only had adults around them.  And they seemed to have fun with Ben and Riley.

And you seem to have a horrible time breaking away from your addiction.  Even if she doesn’t seem to want you around at all. During the day, anyway.

Thinking of Lisa made him turn and look for her after he relented and stated they could stay just a little while longer. 

He wasn’t sure what Lockwood and Lisa had discussed, but they both looked less than relaxed.  Michael felt the hair on the back of his neck rise.  That man better not have hurt his girl.

Oh shit.  There it was again.  

She wasn’t his.  Not like that.

And what, Mike? You got the market on hurting her covered?

Gosh- all he had ever wanted to do was love her.  Be with her.  Cherish that this amazing, vibrant, beautiful woman had chosen fucked up him with the freak skin disorder and the ugly mug.  And yet- over the years he had to accept the sad truth: they had hurt each other more than either one of them ever had thought possible.  And obviously, the blood letting was not over.

A very pale Lisa and equally pale Lockwood joined them and the twins literally beamed when their father came and picked them up, carrying each on one arm. Michael’ stomach clenched in the most familiar way.  There it was again- the reality check.

Lisa came to life when she went to Katherine, greeting her, and being hugged for a long time by his mother.  He teared up...damn...he was such an old sap. The two women talked quietly for a moment, before his mother was distracted by a question Cilla asked, leaving Lisa standing alone.  There- his chance!

“You okay?”  Sneakily inching over bit by bit, Michael had managed to stand next to Lisa again.  And what a reaction he got.  She seemed thrilled to have him back.  Not... Face sullen, Lisa scanned the ground, kicking some rocks loose with her shoe.  For a second, he wondered if she heard him. 

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Oh, good- she had heard. And either was ignoring him or  taking time coming up with that brilliant reply.  

“Seemed like you guys had an intense little exchange back there.”  He glanced over at Lockwood who was fussing with Harper, pretending not to watch what was going on like a hawk.

“Married people talk...that’s what they do.”  Her mouth tightened.  She looked tired.  

“No joke.”

Lisa shook her head as if she was exasperated and kicked another rock. Okay. Someone was not happy! Of course, if Priscilla were his mother and would pop in after catching a ride with the alien sect member he might be miffed, too.  

Speaking of...

“Hey...we never talked about you leaving the sect. I heard rumors that some of your songs are about that.”

Lisa looked up.

“Random. Yeah- we never talked about that. Let’s not start now.”  The ground once became all consumingly interesting to her.

He was really trying to be sensitive to her mood, but hey, could she maybe manage to feign some civility here?

“Guess we can’t talk as if we were married. We can only do...other stuff. Like f...”

Okay. That did it. She finally looked up at him and gave the poor pebbles a well-deserved break.

“Cut it out...”

“What?” He rewarded her attention with the most innocent of gazes.  “Fuss?  I meant to say we fuss as if we were still married. What did you think I was gon’ say?”  

Lisa fought it, but was not able to suppress that little lop sided smile.  Just like that rays of sun appeared for him.  And here he thought she only hung the moon for him. He had to remember that line for a song...

“Why, Miss Lisa Marie! Is your dirty little mind in the gutter again...”

“You better cut it out for real. I’m already in the dog house.”

“Well..in that case, I can offer you much more comfortable accommodations...”

“Lisa Marie! Are you coming? I told the staff to get some tea ready for all of us...once I’d find you. It’s getting a bit chilly...”

“Thanks, mother for ordering my staff around.” Lisa quickened her step, her arms crossing over as if she was indeed feeling the chill.  

Michael reached for her hand and his fingers ran alongside her arm for a split second.  A quick enough touch to make it look like an accidental gesture.  And yet he had needed that little contact with her.  God...why could he not reach out and walk hand in hand with her.  Like so many other times... Times he had taken for granted.

“She just wants you to stop talking to me.  Correction: she wants me to stop existing. Hey...how ‘bout I stop and kiss you...like on the cheek or something. Will she turn to salt?”

Lisa giggled. “I think you gave her enough excitement for one day.  She’s getting old. Don’t give her a heart attack.”

“She doesn’t look old...just.... preserved. Like King Tut. Queen Tut. Queen ‘Tut-Tut Lisa don’t talk to this bad boy Michael Jackson‘  ..long title, I know. ”

Lisa tried hard to suppress a grin.  “Be nice... You nut.”  He never realized nut could be a term of endearment.  And yet, with the softening of her voice, it was just that.

“So- what did Guitar Hero say to you?” Michael tried to keep his tone light. 

“Why are you always so damn nosey?”

“Cause I really don’t want you to be in trouble over me.”

“You might wanna stop fucking me then...”

Michael stopped.  “What?” Had she gone from ‘we are not mentioning that’ to an all out ‘sure let’s just put it all out on the table’?  Well, he was game if she was. On second thought, his mother was here. 

Lisa blushed. “Fucking with me, I meant.”

She started walking again, and he reached out to catch her hand, stalling her.

“Lise...”

“Lisa! Can you take Harper? I think someone needs a diaper change here.”

Despite her husband’s voice, Lisa’s eyes stayed connected to his.  She looked as if she was about to say something, then dropped her eyes and walked away. And all he could do was let her go.

+++++

Despite his worst fears, the little tea party wasn’t too bad.  Riley and Ben quizzed him about the tour and about other upcoming projects, while he, in turn, dove into their world, finding out what their plans entailed. He could not believe his little Danielle was getting ready to be in several movies, while Ben was very serious about his music.  

While in conversation with them, he kept half an eye and ear on Prince and Paris, chatting away with Priscilla and Lisa.  He also noticed that his son showed keen interest in Lockwood.  Great...it was getting harder and harder to not like the guy.  He was actually quite funny and witty, once he stopped looking sour about constantly finding his wife with him, Michael.  Not that he could blame him.  Once, he had been the new husband...and he had hated Lisa and Danny’s little bond.  Well, to be fair, he was pretty sure Lisa and Danny’s reconnection did not involve a penis and a vagina.  

Priscilla laughed loudly at something Paris said, and Michael looked over, catching her munching happily on some cookies.  Wait a minute...were those...  Oh yeah. Oh cool! This was too funny.  

Blanket, perceptive as always, had followed his eyes and pulled on his sleeve.  “Daddy..those look like...” 

“Yeah, I know...” He whispered back.

“Did you bring some?”

No- but he had sent some over the other day.  His newest business venture.  Sharing was caring, so he very thoughtfully let Lisa have some.  Cookies.  This time. 

Pricilla saw Blanket tugging on him. “Here, Blanket, would you like some of these wonderful cookies?  I simply can’t stop! I think I ate a dozen all by myself.  These are amazing, Lisa... so creamy and sweet, yet totally delicious.”

Michael coughed and raised his cup of tea to not burst out laughing. 

“Oh, you like those?”

Lisa stayed totally serious.  He really admired her at times.

“What are they?  I have to get some and take them back with me.”

Cilla stuffed another one in her mouth, wiping some white cream and chocolate crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

“They are new... Aren’t they the best thing you’ve ever eaten, mother?”

“You know...you will get a belly-ache if you eat so many of them- that’s what Daddy tells me...” Blanket, very uncharacteristically chimed in.

“That’s cause you can’t just eat one or two- you eat the whole package.”

“I don’t eat the package, Paris. I eat the cookies, cause they’re good and their ours...”

“They are not our’s Blanket- they are Dad’s, ” Prince informed his brother.

“Oh, you guys love them as well?  Guess they are a British thing... I don’t think I’ve ever had them before.”

“They are quite new,” Lisa, still stone-faced, replied.

“Well, I gotta make sure to get a whole bunch and bring them with me. I think I’m addicted.”

“Must be the cream...Seems to hook folks...” Michael mused, suddenly getting kicked under the coffee table.  Damn! Little Lisa had long legs...

“Where can I get them, Lisa?”

“Maybe Michael here can hook you up...” Lisa suggested.

“Michael...?” Cilla, starting to feel a bit lost, looked at her current son in law.

“Nope- wrong one.” Lockwood laughed. He, no doubt knew of his mother in law’s distaste for the other Michael, which did make her cookie addiction really hilarious.  

“I would love to send you some, Priscilla. And I’m sure your young friend will also enjoy them - they are great dunked in milk.” Yeah, the batch dipped in some special stuff for the old lady. 

“That’s too kind- but how come you are the connection here? Did you bake them?”  She raised an eyebrow, obviously very entertained by her snide comment. He did have to give her props. That much botox and still being able to raise an eyebrow was admirable. 

“No- I had them baked for me.  The kids and I spent months tasting cookies till we found the right one.  I got this lovely cookie deal, you see... And right now we are trying to figure out the perfect name... MJs is so pretentious... I was thinking ‘bout sCreams ...”

Cilla, her mouth still full of the creamy deliciousness that were his cookies, swallowed hard, and started to cough, reaching for her water glass.

“I sent a whole bunch over- hoping Lisa Marie and her crew could help with coming up with a name.”

Cilla, still coughing, choked out, “Well...thats...special...”  

He could tell she really, really wanted to spit out the rest, but had to swallow anyway.  Funny, cause her daughter usually swallowed quite willingly... That tightening in his pants was totally misplaced.  But damn, the words cream, swallowing, and Lisa took his brain on a different journey altogether.  Michael looked over at Lisa whose eyes were laughing while she somehow managed to stay very serious.

She reached over and picked up another tray. “Here, Mom...more?”

Lockwood, laughing, picked up his napkin to wipe his mouth. His mother in law, who usually seemed quite entranced with him, shot him a warning look as well.  Man, Michael almost felt sorry for Cilla. Almost.

“No...I’m good for now. Thank you...” 

“You don’t want to be sick!” Blanket warned again. Bless his sweet child.

“You might want to remember that advice tonight when you try to sneak some, Blanket,” Mother addressed his son, smiling.  “He so reminds me of Michael when he was young. Always going after the sweet stuff...sneaking all over the place to get his fix.”

“See?” Michael turned to Lisa with a wink.  

Earning him the “you better cut it out NOW” look.

“What?”  

Lisa raised her eyes to the ceiling and murmured some thing like “impossible...” But he could be wrong.

What he was not wrong about was finding Queen Tut’s eyes on them as if she was studying an insect.

Probably would be real rude to stick his tongue out at her.  

“So, speaking of business ventures...” Cilla coughed once more. “Lisa- one of the things I did want to run by you is this interesting partnership you entered into...”

“I run my own business affairs now, mother, so I would thank you very much for butting out.” Lisa, quite sharply interrupted her mother.

His interest was piqued. Almost biting his tongue off, he resisted the urge to ask, as he knew that would make Lisa clam up faster than anything.

“I am not butting in or interfering. I am simply wondering, if it’s wise that you...”

“Mother,” Lisa put down her napkin and slid her chair back in an ostentatious manner. “I will not discuss this here and now. It’s neither the time or the place.”

“Well, actually, I think it’s great timing since...”

“If you came here to pick a fight you better call John and have him pick you up right away.”

“Lisa- think of our poor environment. I mean- I could always chip in and donate a buck or two for an airline ticket....”

Lisa shot him a look that stopped him cold.  

“Michael, stay out of this.”

Okay, okay...he was simply trying to be a good friend here.

“Well, I’d think that he has every right to...” Priscilla started again.

“Okay- I’m done.  Mother- my money, my business.  Not up for debate.  We can talk about other things in private later. If you should still be here.” Lisa got up this time and probably for one of the few times in her life, towered over her mother.

Cilla stared at Lisa for a moment, then looked down.  The really interesting part was, she smiled.  Very odd.  Another thing to follow up on.

Obviously trying to be kind and save everyone from the more than uncomfortable situation, Ben asked Michael if he would like to come and hear him play some of the songs he had written. At least someone in this family was willing to share.  Michael spent the next hour or so with Ben, before Lockwood joined him, also bringing his guitar.  For a short while Michael was in a different place- one where music took him under his wings and forgot all the tension from before.  They goofed around, him at the piano in the room, Ben on drums and his bass guitar, and Lockwood jamming along.  

Before long, Michael looked up, surprised to see that Prince, Paris, his mother, and Riley also had come into the room. Blanket, never far from him, had been sitting on the floor playing with some action figures all along.  

“You guys sound good...maybe if that performing thing doesn’t work out, Michael can join Lockwood and Ben and hit the road with them.” Riley joked, causing her brother to blush.

“No way- I’m nowhere near good enough to be anywhere performing with Michael...”

Michael turned serious.

“Ben..don’t ever say that. You’re good enough to perform with anyone. Just like we just jammed here- That’s how music is s’posed to be. Easy...natural..joyful.  Don’t let anyone ever take that from you and cage that passion up.”

As the words came out he realized that’s exactly what had happened to him.  That was the real tragedy of his life.  That his love for music, his passion, his joy...they had led him into a golden cage where money hungry fools got to prod him and chain him up.  Inserting their claws into him- sucking him dry.  Turning everything golden into nothing but cheap brass.  

The room fell silent ,and he suddenly could not breathe.  Walls seemed to pulsate and close in.  Curtains friendly dancing in the evening breeze converted to threatening spirits, reaching out their hungry tentacles.

Escape.  Shit.. The pounding in his heart turned to painful jabs in his chest.  He felt hot, a burning fireball in his gut, while the icy feel of his clenching hands startled him. He knew the signals. How had a perfectly wonderful moment once again turned into panic? 

“Michael?”  Lisa’s concerned voice somehow made it through the fog. 

“Uhum...yeah...I’m...”

“Everything okay?” Her touch on his shoulder made him jump up.

“Uh..yeah....Sorry... Just gotta step out for a moment.  I think I had too much sugar earlier...”  

“Michael....”  His mother’s voice was also there, her worried eyes right there.  Shit. He really had to get a grip. He could not afford to scare his mother like that. Not when she was still guarding his every move.

“I’m fine, mother.” He took a deep breath and tried hard to sound normal. “Could you get the kids ready?  Time to get going I think. We don’t want to impose on Lisa and Michael’s hospitality.”

“Yes..sure... You just look so pale- are you sure you’re alright?” Katherine approached.

“Not to sound mean, but isn’t he always pale?” Not even Priscilla’s stupid joke could get to him in that state.

“Mother. For real?” Lisa snarled at the old bitch, then turned to him, taking him by the hand. “What do you need?”

All he saw were her eyes. 

“Can you show me to a restroom, I just wanna splash some cold water on my face.  Excuse me...”  He turned to the rest of the people in the room, but really could not make out faces right now.

There was Lisa’s hand in his, her voice.  He couldn’t make out her words. But she was here.  That’s all that counted. He wasn’t alone. This time.

“There...I’ll get you some water while you freshen up. Are you sure you’re okay? Don’t bullshit me...”

“Yeah..fine...”

“It’s okay, Michael. It really is.  I’m here... You’re safe.  I’ll be right back.”

Surprising him, she hugged him tightly, holding his head to her shoulder just like a mother would with a child.  God, how good she felt.

“No fainting, ‘kay? You’re little, but I ain’t picking your ass up.”

“I ain’t little...”

“Glad to see you’re coming ‘round...”

He managed a painful smile.

After she left, Michael ran the cold water and used a washcloth he saw in a basket by the sink to cool his face.  Just as he had been taught, he dipped his head forward and splashed water from his cupped hands.  At the same time, he concentrated on his breathing, repeating the mantra that he was safe and that there was no danger.  

Finally, he seemed to get back to somewhat normal, even though his heart was still racing. But at least he felt as if he could breathe.  Looking up, he stared into the mirror at his huge eyes.

Great job, Jackson. Have a panic attack right there inf ront of the woman who thinks you are enemy of the State Nr One and the man who probably wants to shoot you to the moon.  And Lisa... Well, she already knows you’re a fucked-up weakling anyway.

His breathing once again got shallow. 

Fuck.  This was not working.  How could he calm down his nerves when once again he looked like a total, helpless idiot in front of her?

Reaching over, he turned the lock.

The next move was automatic.  The orange bottle was out before he even decided to do it. 

Just one pill.  He needed to make it through the next couple of minutes till he could get back home to safe ground.  He needed to show Lisa that he was a man who could take care of his own fucking self.  Not some invalid she had to baby.

“Michael?”

The knob turned.

He swallowed the pill, drinking from the sink.

“I’m okay.”

“Great- then open the door.  I got your water.”

“I’m fine Lisa...thank you.”

“Open up, now.”

God, she was one pushy woman. Well, he might as well listen as she’d never give him any peace otherwise.

Looking into the mirror he was starting to focus on the image before him.  His heart beat was not running a losing race any longer.  

He opened the lock, then realized he was still clenching the bottle. Quickly he put it into his pocket as Lisa slid into the bathroom closing the door behind her.

Yeah, he was fast, alright.

But she was quicker.

“What did you take?” Her narrowed eyes bore into him.

Dammit.

Hey- why should he feel guilty?  She was not his mother.  Not his wife.  And not in charge of his healthcare.  

“Nothing. Why are you always so damn suspicious?”

“Well, since you’re fronting I can assume you’re back to doing some shit you shouldn’t be doing. Great.  Can you not get high in my house, at least. In front of your children. And in front of mine...”

Seriously?  Was that how she thought of him?

“Lisa, I was not getting high.  I was feeling bad and I took some vitamins.”

“Fast acting vitamins you got there.  Dude- whatever- lie to me...do whatever you want. You wanna have your kids grow up without you, go ahead. But don’t do it right before my eyes.  Not after everything...” Her eyes welled with tears.  Anger...but something else, too.

“Lisa, I swear...I literally took a vitamin...”

She stared at him.  “Whatever.  We’re done. Leave my house and leave my life. No more of this shit.  I can’t do this again.”

She started to turn and he caught her arm, bringing her into him.  No, she was not walking out thinking he was some irresponsible junky.  And she was sure as shit not kicking him out of her house.  

“Lisa Marie.  Fine. I took a very small dose of Attivan.  I’m allowed to take them as needed.  In small doses.  I had a little panic attack, okay.  Noting major- and I’m not overmedicating.  It’s all regulated.  By doctors.”

Lisa laughed in a dry way. “And that worked out so well the last time.”

“Psychiatrist. Not cardiologist. Promise!”

They stared at each other for quite a while.  Lisa’s features finally softened.

Man, did she really always have to be on his case about this?  Oh- he forgot. The sect hated psychiatry.  So, if she was really not gonna get on him about that part then maybe his hopes, dreams, and prayers had come to pass...and his sources were actually correct.

Funny, how half his army of sources seemed to be digging up stuff on someone who thought he didn’t care about her.  Well, today he gathered enough info to keep them busy for a year. So much he wanted - no, needed- to find out.

But just to make sure he scratched the surface a bit more. “And don’t start on me- I mean, I know what you think of psychiatry.”

“You think you know so much, don’t you?  But at times you don’t know shit.”

“So you did leave them and all their idiotic beliefs behind.”

“We were talking about you.”

“Yeah, funny, how you wanna know all about my stuff and are on my ass all the time, but you clam up even about simple things like your music.”

“Back to that? I didn’t clam up. I just don’t think you need to stick your nose into everything that’s not your business.”

“You are my business.”

Hearing it loud startled him. And yet it was true. She always would be.  No matter how many people had told him to forget her, stop dreaming about her, stop talking about..not matter how often he had ordered the person in the mirror to just forget her. It never had worked. It never would. 

Lisa’s eyes narrowed as she seemed to think that over.

“Am I? I thought that was ancient history.”

“You also thought I was over you for some reason.”

“Your husband going on a baby making marathon with his nurse can do that to you.”

“Your wife filing for divorce when she promised not to also leads to doubts, I hear.”

Lisa cracked a smile.  “Here we go again. I can’t decide which one of us will sport that straight jacket first. But hey- you’re the one with the jacket fetish.”

“Well- hence the psychiatrist.”  He could not help but grin as well.  Suddenly, he noticed how close she was.  How pretty she looked when she let her guard down.  How much he wanted to kiss her. Without thinking, somehow his fingers caressed the outline of her face, his thumb tracing her mouth. Lisa’s eyes darkened.  

“‘Bout time someone took care of that fucked up head of yours.  I guess I get how my Mom can induce panic attacks...”  Her voice sounded slightly hoarse as she tried to steer them back onto safe ground.  Why do that?  When the ice was so much prettier to dance on...

He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.  She believed him.  About the anxiety and the treatment anyway.  Funny how the truth would do that.  Maybe one day she would believe how much she meant to him.  How much it freaked him out when she threatened to back away.  

“Lisa...I...I’m sorry....”

She blinked, then suddenly something changed in her expression.

“Wait- Mom didn’t say anything.  You were talking to Ben. About how he should go after his passion.  It wasn’t Mom, was it?  It was the shows.  The pressure.  Riley said you weren’t at rehearsal the other day.  Is it too much, Michael?  Be honest...please...”  Her hand came to his cheek.  

Dammit. He didn’t like it at all when the spotlight was turned on him. When she cut to the heart of the tumor with her razor sharp scalpel. 

Lisa knew him too well.  Could he risk telling her?  Then what? Where would he start if he opened those floodgates?  How he felt that performing wasn’t as easy as breathing anymore?  How it was painful most of the time.  How his body was letting him down. How his fears seemed to drown him at times?  How he was sure Philipps and the rest were out to kill him and make a fat buck of his demise?  How he had spotted enough imperfection on the tape of the opening to populate a whole country of washed out, old, MJ impersonators.  Yeah- that’s how he felt.  Shit- worse than that. He had seen many impersonators better than he had felt about this clown on the tape who pretended to be the greatest entertainer of all times.  No matter how they all cheered.  He knew.  He felt the difference.  

Too much?

Those two words could never describe his thoughts.

“No- I’m fine.  It’s a great show.  I love being in front of my fans again. The kids...you...”

“You’re not fooling me. Who do you think I am? Some journalist?  Oprah? Do you forget how much rehearsed bullshit I have heard tumble from your mouth over the years?”

“Who do I think you are? That’s one excellent question...”

Good- she had given him enough to hook into and distract her.

“I don’t know who you are, Lisa Marie.  One moment you are the woman I can always count on. The next you are my distant ex-wife. At night...”  He cleared his throat. 

“At night you’re my lover who I can’t get enough of...can’t touch enough...” His voice dipped an octave lower, as his hand played with her hair.

“Michael...” She reached out and captured his hand.

“Can’t smell enough...” Bending forward he inhaled the sent of her...feeling dizzy. Hot... Drugged... But not in a panic attack kind of way. More a passion attack...

“Stop it....” Her voice a whisper. “Please...”

When he backed away slightly he saw her eyes were closed and she was fighting a battle. 

“Can’t kiss enough...taste enough...”  His lips brushed hers every so softly.

Suddenly, it didn’t matter he was in the house she shared with someone else.  The house she raised the other man’s children in.  Didn’t matter their mothers were downstairs... Nothing mattered... The distraction meant for her had become his trap.

“Don’t...”  Her lips opened as she exhaled the false command.

Helpless. Hopeless... Addicted. Drowning.

The kiss was tender and sweet.  His hands framed her face and he fed on her little moan.

“Daddy?  Are you okay?”

They flew apart for the second time today.  Lisa’s panic stricken blue eyes the first thing he saw. “Dammit...,” she whispered. He was sure she didn’t mean the interruption, but more likely was mad he kissed her at all. Well, tough. No regrets on his part. 

“Yes, baby-girl...” he cleared his throat, straightened just in time for his daughter to enter the bathroom.  

“Miss Priscilla said it was okay I go looking for you...are you better again?”

“Of course she did...” Michael hissed, before opening his arms to hug his daughter. “Yes, Paris, thank you...I just needed a minute.”

Lisa had backed all the way to the other end of the bathroom, leaning against a sink. Looked like she was the one recovering from a panic attack now. 

“Thanks, Lisa Marie for the water...and your help.” He managed to sound almost normal.

“You’re welcome. Looks like things are under control now...” She sounded breathless.

“You should have let Prince or me help you, Daddy.  Strangers don’t know you like we do. We always help Daddy when he’s feeling bad.” Paris looked over at Lisa.

Ouch...what was this about?  Paris normally didn’t let her little claws show.  Unless she somehow felt competition for his affection.  And here people always think children don’t pick up on feelings.  

“Paris- Miss Lisa is not a stranger.”

“No, Michael, it’s okay. I’m sure everyone was concerned. I’ll leave you guys...”

“Lisa...” he stepped over and took her hand. “Thank you.”

“Are we ready to go, Daddy?”

“Paris- adults say when it’s time to go, remember?  Go ahead though.  Tell Prince and Blanket to start saying their goodbyes.”

Paris squeezed him one more time, then turned to leave.  Tossing her hair, she looked at Lisa. “Miss Lisa- are you coming?”

“I am...” Lisa could not help but smile.  She obviously also picked up on his daughter’s little possessive streak. 

“Paris- go ahead. I have to ask Miss Lisa something real quick.”

“Michael, I don’t think it’s wise we...”

Paris stopped, stalling.  Looking from one to the other.

He raised his eyebrow, and she turned and left the room.  Lisa shook her head, smiling. “Let’s go before she sounds the alarms.”

“Lisa- we’re not done... I gotta talk to you.”

“We talked enough for one day, Michael.  I can’t...please.  Let’s go. They’re waiting.”

She started out the room and toward the stairs. 

“Fine...but we gotta talk. And not at night...we don’t seem to get talking done then...Not when all I wanna do is...”

“Hush...” She turned and brought her hand to his mouth. How could he help but kiss it?

“Gosh, woman...”

“Lisa? Are you still up there? Paris said you guys are coming. Does Michael need help? A doctor maybe?” 

Yeah, the old viper would love that. She’d supply the poison drip herself, he was sure.

Lisa rolled her eyes and turned from him.  His hand stopped her.

“When...?”

“Later...you gotta let me think, okay?”

“Come to rehearsal tomorrow.”

He just had a brilliant idea.

“Why?”

“Well- you think I’m sick and all- that the show is too much.  And I wanna show you that things are peachy.”

“Maybe...I don’t know...We gotta go Michael.  I think we raised enough red flags for one day.”

“What- we’re friends...?” He couldn’t help but grin.

“Yeah...”

She pulled away again. 

He stopped her once more. 

“Rehearsal?”
“Maybe- stop being pushy... Let’s go. Please Michael. I really don’t need this shit right now.”  She looked tired, suddenly.

Stubborn, his grip tightened. No, she was not having everything her way. 

Lisa rolled her eyes.  “Fine.”  Surrender made her eyes sparkle at him in the dim hallway.

He smiled and kissed her hand, then let go. Not that he wanted to...but he heard voices coming closer.  And this was her house and he owed her respect.  Plus, he could not count on Lockwood being oblivious forever.  Not when no doubt, Priscilla was filling him in on the evil that was Michael.  That, plus, he hated to be duplicitous like this.  He had decided he wanted Lisa...but damn, he had no clue how he would rip her away from her family and be able to live with the guilt.  And what about Lisa?  The first time she left, it had almost ripped them apart.  Still, knowing all that, and knowing how wrong his involvement with her was, he still could not think of anything but her. Of being with her.  In all sorts of ways.

The next half hour went by in a blur.  As much as Michael had loved to see Riley and Ben- he needed to get out of there.  This whole visit had been a crazy idea. Maybe Lisa and her idea of keeping their lives separate was right. It was too painful to be close to her and not being able to touch her the way he wanted.  The little glimpses of conversations and memories were torture.  Because at the end of every familiar smile and touch was the vision of the man holding their children.  And now Priscilla was back on his case. 

++++

“Michael, you really shouldn’t sit out here like that... It’s cold, son. And it feels so damp in this country all the time.”

Mother had appeared behind him, interrupting his racing thoughts. He pushed the papers he had been scribbling on to the side and turned, smiling up the woman he adored so completely. 

“I’m fine, really. I kinda like how the chill here keeps you alert.”

“Well, being alert has never been a problem for you. It’s you sleeping, I worry about. Always have.”  She smiled and kissed his cheek as he pulled a chair back, motioning for her to sit with him. 

“Please, don’t worry. I’m doing okay. Really.”

“Well- I know I’m not the only female worrying over you.”

He smiled, picking the pen back up, letting his thoughts guide his hand.

“Yes, Paris finally went to sleep. She insisted she would not be able to turn in until I laid down with her for a bit.” He wasn’t sure if that’s who his mother was referring to, but better to play it safe. 

“You spoil her, you know that, right?”

“Yeah... But she’s my little girl.  Prince is such a little adult at times. And Blanket is my baby.  Paris is my Princess.  It still breaks my heart...”

He could not go on.  His throat was constricted.  The pain of watching the children toss and turn with nightmares he caused was neverending. Paris had always been a little worry wart, but now she would barely leave his side. Half the time she would not go to sleep unless he was right next to her, and more than once had he run to her room in the middle of the night, hearing her scream and then sob, yelling for him not to leave her. 

This was his doing.  He had been an ignorant fool- believing yet another enabler to be his friend.  Trusting the wrong people.  Risking his life- risking having his children grow up without their father. When he had already deprived them of a mother.  

Speaking of... There was another demon in the wings.  Deb had been trying to contact him. Supposedly wanting to make sure he was not overwhelmed with the shows and his task as a father. Shoot... As if being a father had ever been difficult.  He needed to deal with her at some point.  Make sure she didnt’ make good on her offer- or threat as he saw it- to come on a motherly visit. Mother indeed... Why oh why had he not stuck with the surrogacy agreement? The main reason was sitting opposite of him. 

His own mother, his heart, his confidante, his strongest supporter, put her hand on his.

“Son, you gotta try and let this go. Let the pain and the demons go.  You are here. You once again are healthy.  And guilt won’t do you any good.”

“Yeah....and yet, it won’t let me go. What I did to them..to you...to everyone who ever loved me...”

“To Lisa Marie?”

He looked over into his mother’s wise eyes. “How did I know you would bring her up?”

“Kind of difficult not to.  I had ample time to watch you two today...”

“Oh, God, not you, too! Did you compare notes with Janet?”

Mike, if you think I believe that Lisa walked funny all day long from getting the newspaper you’re an idiot. I’ve been watching you two...

“Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.  And I always talk to your sister.  But not always about you, believe it or not.”

Well, perfect! Because Mother did not need to hear Janet’s version of Lisa doing the walk of shame that morning.

“Well, she’s riding the same dead horse.”

“Well, maybe she’s also observant.  And if it’s indeed a dead horse, how would one ride it?  Hm? Michael, son...I hate to tell you, but you’re not exactly subtle when it comes to Lisa Marie.  You look at her as if she was your holy grail. At times with such longing and love, at times with pain. But always with deep emotions.”

Damn- he better work on his poker face.  

“Maybe I’m just zoning out and making a list of other bad habits to break.”

His mother smiled at him as if he was some pitiful imbecile. Well, he was.  When it came to Lisa anyway.

“Or maybe you are still hopelessly in love with her.”

“Is this the part where you tell me it’s wrong to be? I mean...you know...if it was true.”

“With you two, I kinda gave up to try and understand what’s right and what’s wrong. But I have watched this dance for so long...”

“And sometimes you handed out invitations to it, didn’t you, mother?”

Mother and the sisters had done their fair share of match making. And at some point, Janet refused to speak to him because she was so pissed how he had treated Lisa.  

Guess they always knew what you were too stubborn to see at times...

Smiling himself now, he reached for Katherine’s hand, which she covered with her familiar, comforting, soothing touch.

“Son- I hate to see you in pain. And I go back and forth on this one. There are times when I thought you being with Lisa Marie would stop the pain. There were also times when I watched you two hurt each other so much it tore my heart out... But this time...I just don’t know, Michael.”

“Cause she’s married, right?  I know...”  

He hung his head in shame. He hated to look up and find he again had disappointed mother.  Only, as much as he loved her, he also learned that her judgments at times could be off. Like when she forgave Joseph time after time. Or pushed his lovely siblings on him  Or talked him into making an honest woman out of Deb. What a joke that had been.  Talk about pain...

“Well- you certainly know what’s right there. She’s married. He’s a nice guy. Funny dressed fellow, but nice. And she’s got those adorable babies.  Michael- what are you asking of that woman?  Hasn’t she been through enough?”

Ah....a little maternal sympathy for what he’s been through might be nice at this moment.  What was he asking? Lisa was asking him to be her dirty little secret so she could get her rocks off and still be with Big Bird. 

“We’ve all been through a lot. And yes, her hu... uhm...that Lockwood guy...he seems ‘aight.’  The babies are amazing, aren’t they.  So sweet and special...” His voice drifted off.

“You still are hurting over not having babies with her, I can tell. But she made her way.  You refused to give her what she needed, too.  For whatever reason...”

The way mother said that made him think she might think it was tit for tat. Lisa didn’t give him the children he needed.  So- when the ball was in his court, he didn’t give her the commitment she craved.  Not right away anyway.  He had just gotten divorced after all.  And Lisa did what came natural to her at the time: she panicked and sought safety in another pretend relationship.  Which did not cause him to have a case of the warm fuzzies.  But he took her little freak-outs.  Over and over.  Because he knew what he had done.  He had ripped her heart out, made her feel replaced and unloved.  Quite publicly. 

I see the way you and she put on a play. How she plays that part much better than I played...

As the song he overheard testified to.  He had to know when she wrote that.  Back then... or more recently.  Either way, maybe it was evidence that she’d never get over the past.  Maybe she never fully would. Always condemning their already measly chances to a life in darkness.  Never allowing the blossom to bloom to full beauty. 

If she couldn’t get over the past and didn’t want him in the future, then what the fuck were they doing?  He had already decided he wanted her, even though he was willing to play her stupid little game.  Follow her idiotic, brain dead rules. But not forever.  His energy was finite right now and he could not fight wars on all those different fronts.  But he wouldn’t play the bootiecall on the side lines forever.  That wasn’t happening.  She was his...

“Everything’s changed now, mother.  I learned from my mess-ups. Don’t you see I’m different?  That all I wanna do is be with my family. Watch the kids play...laugh with them, talk about their plans...and share it all with the one I love.”

The image in his mind was warm and soothing. And Lisa was center stage.

“Lisa Marie.”

He sighed. What use was lying to mother? Or even stalling. 

“Yes...” He admitted in a whisper that evaporated into the night like a sacred wish and swirled to the stars.

“Oh, Michael...You just don’t do things the easy way, do you?”

Laughing he got up and hugged her tightly from behind. “No, mother...I guess I don’t. C’mon, let’s go in. It’s cold. I bet that fireplace feels good by now.”

His mother got up and hand in hand they walked toward the backdoor. “Just be careful son...okay?”

Oh yeah.  He had to be super duper careful. He had to come up with a precision sharp way to extract Lisa from her current life with minimum damage to her and her children.  While figuring out what the secret was about her music.  And what new business deal her mother wanted to know about.  Something in Priscilla’s spider-like face made him suspect it had something to do with him. She had almost hinted that he had a right to know.  But what?  Dammit, maybe was he paranoid again? No...he knew Cilla too well. And Lisa’s strong reaction also was a red flag.

But first thing was first.  He’d have to sleuth a little, but it shouldn’t be too hard.  Lisa worked with a lot of people he had access to.  And so he dove into his self- appointed reconnaissance mission 

Several hours later, he put down the phone, smiling to himself. Oh yeah.  This was almost to easy.  Even though it had taken a bit longer since Paris had been a little needy tonight.  It was quite interesting as she was full of questions about Lisa.  Of course, wasn’t everyone in his family tonight?

“So you and Miss Lisa have been friends a long time, right?”

“Paris- Daddy told you this a million times already since you first asked in the car.”

“Prince- I’m not stupid. I know that. But I’m asking ‘cause I don’t remember her.”

“Well, then you are stupid...Cause I do remember we all went to lunch...in LA still.”

“Prince, Paris, no name calling. I thought we are watching this movie?”  Reaching for the remote, he turned the volume up, hoping to avoid further questions. 

Which worked for all of 2.6 minutes.

“Daddy...how come Miss Lisa is in England, too.  I mean at the same time as us. Riley said her Mom sold her house in LA and she doesn’t live in Elvis’ house.”

He wanted to know the answer to that question as well. And why had Lisa sold their house. He was still a bit sour on that topic.  Some story about “spiders and vampires” around her didn’t quite wash.  

“No one lives in Graceland.” 

“Yeah..kinda like Neverland.” Her sad tone broke his heart. “Daddy- Did you go there? Graceland? When you were friends with Miss Lisa?”

“Yes, I went there.”  Michael had to swallow hard to suppress the rising tide of memories. 

“Paris- I can’t hear the movie!” Blanket complained. Then added, “She’s real nice. Miss Lisa.”

Michael sighed. And here he had hoped the topic was buried. Fat chance with those three.  Prince laughed, then agreed with Blanket, leading to high fives.

Paris looked at her brothers as if they had grown more heads, then rolled her eyes.  Oh- interesting.  She normally tended to go with Prince’s opinion.  

For about five minutes everyone’s attention was back on the movie.  Michael started to relax and lean back into the couch.

“Daddy- were you friends with Riley and Ben’s Daddy as well?”

For real?  He almost dropped his apple cider. That was a question that almost made him laugh.  Or cry.  Oh Gosh, how that man had irritated him once upon a time! 

“I know their Daddy, but I wouldn’t say I’m friends with him.”

“Was my Mommy friends with Miss Lisa?”

Now, that almost did cause him to laugh out loud. He just shook his head, fearing more questions about their mother...  As he had dreaded, the kids were starting to ask more and more. Prince in roundabout ways, while Paris came right out. Well...he had explained some truths to Prince, and his son seemed to understand.  Paris was a different story. She was his fragile princess, and she seemed to thrive on fairy tales. Stories that brightened her eyes and made her little frown turn upside down. One day though...one day he would no longer be able to protect and shelter her.  Not with the internet and the rise of social media. But for now...for now her magical world had to remain in tact. As much for his sake as hers.  Bad enough Deb had inserted herself back into their lives while he was in the hospital, coming and introducing herself to them again.  And mother, sweet to a fault, had let it happen. Well, he was back on the watch now.  

Funny, though, how Paris had picked up something regarding Lisa.  Normally, Paris enjoyed female companionship, seeing she was so deprived of it. He could tell she practically worshipped Riley and even interacted nicely with the old witch.  But something about Lisa, who was a natural with children got her defenses up.

And so, she stayed on target with millions of questions.  Went on and on and on, until Michael, much to the protest of the boys, shut the movie off, and had them settle down to read a bed time story.  Paris snuggled into his lap like a little cat.  He knew she might have abandoned her mission for tonight, but she was determined to figure out how this other woman fit in their lives. 

As was he.  

After leaving the kids’ rooms and making sure his mother had everything she needed, he poured himself a drink.  Then started his barrage of emails and phone calls until he was able to set up some things that might give him insight into Lisa’s mind.  Shouldn’t he feel at peace now?  Fat chance! He felt he was on edge and keyed up, and probably would not easily find sleep.  Which was not good at all...given he actually had to show up at rehearsal tomorrow.  Unless he wanted to enforcers to invade his home once again. Plus, he’d invited Lisa.

Lisa...

Her name filled him with butterflies and he smiled. Then slowly at first, like raindrops on a sunny day they came.  Each drop bursting, dousing him with images... A trickle at first, then a downpour, the impacts leaving bruises.

A million impressions of today, mixed and mingled with old memories like some lunatic artist going apeshit on his color palette. Lisa with her twins...Lockwood kissing their heads...Lisa playing with Prince as a toddler... Lisa holding baby Paris, trying to hide a tear sliding down her cheek.  Pictures of a pregnant Lisa...Pictures of her with her baby girls.  

Voices...arguments,,whispers of love..promises of a future...questions..demands...their wedding vows...Lisa telling him there was no reason for him to stay... Lisa’s voice “you hope there’s no bad blood...” “Somewhere along the line I must have been a backstabbing liar...”

Michael downed another drink and reached for his phone almost without thought or volition. Maybe, in nights like this promised to be, it was his link to sanity. Or at least to madness of a different sort.

Pushing a button, he got ready to get into his messages. The words and his smile appeared at almost the same time.

 -Hope you got home ok. Pls check in. Get some sleep- after checking in.

Did she worry?  Or was she possessed by the same need to hook into their matrix?

-Safe n sound. And wide awake.

He stared as his response. Unsure for a second she’d even see it right away.  Not like she didn’t have a life. A husband. A pesky mother, visiting.

-Try counting sheep...

There she was! As was the familiar swirling in his belly.

• Right now I’m going over your song lyrics... Fascinating.
• don’t overthink things. They’re just songs. Plus I’ve been told I’m hard to understand when signing.
• Np for me... I know all ur sounds -
• where is that eye-roll thing?
• no matter- I imagine u doing it now. So- whats with the secrecy? Ur mom seemed miffed she hadn’t heard them. Guess I’m honored.
• You bullied me! Don’t go fluff your feathers too much.
• So- mother hen- why you sittin on them?
• I thought you’d understand...they’re not ready. And when they r they’ll be released.
• have you narrowed them down yet?
• Kinda.
• How many u got?
• A bunch
• that many? :)
• I tell you what: when it comes out I’ll get you a signed copy
• Do I get a dedication?
• yeah...that would fly
• Your man still mad?
• He wasn’t mad.
• yeah he was. What’s his problem? Insecurity?
• I aint gonna respond to that.
• u just did. If he was secure he wouldnt mind me being round you.
• Like you didn’t mind me being friends with Danny?
• oh...you now saying u were friends w Danny like you r friends w me?
• Dude...really???
• Just sayin... But I know...cause i’m secure.
• hold on

Michael stared at the screen for a while.  Did he piss her off? But for real- he could tell Lisa’s dude was not thrilled finding them in the studio.  Or have Lisa jump up and grab his hand, helping him during his panic attack.  What man would stand for all that?  It was baffling.  Surely he suspected something...or was he really that out of it? No- Michael had seen the looks and felt the energy.  What did Lockwood know?  And if he knew stuff, how was the dufus still letting her go on her outings?

Maybe this is not his fault, Mike. Maybe you and her are at fault for fucking ‘round...

Irritated by his own thoughts, he got up and poured another drink.  

-Sorry- Mom came to look for me.

-Man, she got radar bout me

-She got radar about US.

• As in the United States?
• Funny. 

- :) What she say?

-Some bull about not repeating old mistakes.

-Am I a mistake Lisa?

-I used to think so...

She used to think so?  Oh yeah..when she was running her mouth. How she regretted it all...how she loved him...and he took advantage of her.  Never loved her...

• And now?
• You know...when you were in your coma...I had those dream...really weird, intense dreams
• bout me?
• bout us. Falling in love. it was as if it was happening now... And then I’d wake up.
• Did they end when I woke up?
• i can’t talk to you about that
• who can you talk to about that
• no joke.
• hey- i’m going to vegas soon. Wanna go?
• Sure. I’m sure Lockwood, Mom, and the kids would love that.
• The kids can come- Momma dearest and Guitar Hero gotta find another train to ride
• be nice
• Fine- they can come and stay somewhere on Freemont...they’d fit right in.
• that’s nice?
• so- u coming?
• get real.
• I’m as real as they come. 
• you’re something alright.
• What you doing in Vegas
• got some stuff to do.
• and I can help you w that?
• u can help alright.
• with ???? 
• We gotta talk- and it aint happenin here w everyone watching us. I dont like how things  are. Dont like ur stupid rules. Dont like that we gotta

Why had he hit send? Oh..cause he couldn’t think of a good word...

• Gotta ???
• You know...
• I told you before - if you don’t like it we can stop it all right there.
• For real?  One day youre gonna push and I’ll be gone.
• no shit. not like you didn’t do that before. 
• I need you, L. You said you need me...that you can’t let me go. That changed?

Another break. He could just about imagine her sitting there, biting her lip...

• No, Michael, that didn’t change. Heaven help me... this is so fucked up.

Funny, how anguish could be conveyed in typed words on a glass screen. Maybe because it mirrored his own emotional state.

• Think about it. Vegas.
• Good thing you dont ask much...
• See you at rehearsal tomorrow? Or you gon swing by tonight? Since it’s dark and all...
• Vegas- don’t think so. Tomorrow..maybe. Tonight- not.
• I need you, baby.  
• Get some lotion and say hi to ur hand.
• LOL- ur so damn gross!  For real...is that what ur gonna do? Use ur hand- think of that kiss today?
• you better put the breaks on, big boy.
• yeah...it’s big aint it... I like how it stretches you.
• Fucking hell- you better stop!
• Getting wet?
• Dammit- now I gotta delete all this shit...
• Im laughing for real now, girl.
• Glad ur amused.
• and hard
• STOP IT!
• funny tho- u tell me to stop and keep texting...
• f u 
• soon, baby.....soon.
• youll fuck yourself soon?
• language! No...u do it 4 me
• keep dreaming
• I sure am. Evry nite...awake or asleep. Mostly awake.
• speaking of. u okay? 
• stop fussing
• cant I worry? 
• I’m fine
• why does it worry me more when you say that?
• maybe cause u gotta create drama. 
• the pace for the shows okay?
• send me the demos for your songs
• for real- they treating you okay? 
• oh yeah- they treat the robot just fine.  No yanking the chain of the ass shittin gold
• when’s rehearsal 2morrow
• you gonna bring the demos?
• I’m gonna bring some kick-ass if u don’t take care of yourself
• hey- need more cookies? Now that your Mom can’t get enough.
• LOL...must be that cream that gets people hooked. Ur too much. I was dying for real
• you KICKED ME!
• I apologize for any injury I caused you
• for breaking my heart
• man! You gotta go to sleep!
• REMEMBER????? I CANT!!!! Get that ass into your funny little car and drive over
• Mom is watching me...she’s just sat down next to me.
• spies, spies, spies...everywhere. 
• gotta go. 
• DOn’t walk away...
• See u 2morrow- GET SLEEP!
• tell me u love me
• she watching me...I gotta go.
• anyone ever tell you you don’t have to say the words out loud when u type?
• F U ! 
• I love you!
• going
• tell me
• Fine, you tyrant! 
• hurry up- mommy’s gonna take the phone from u
• <3 you
• that’s all I’m gon get?

No answer

• LISA! 

Still nothing.

• Fine- Imma gon call then...
• I LOVE YOU...happy?
• :)

He smiled.  There. She said it. Typed it.

• Lunatic- gotta go
• Love you more, lisa. Show you how much 2morrow. Rehearsal at 3

-Don’t hold your breath

• Thought u had to go?
• Get sleep. It’s an order

Well...if only things were that easy.  He tried. Had another drink. Laid down even... Got back up and wrote down some random stuff popping into his head.  Took a walk.  Noticed his back acting up... Stared at some orange bottles...

He could do this.  Why the hell was he still freaking out? He’d done it. Delivered. All he had to do was do it 49 more times.  

And just like that the panic was back.  That time, he did more than stare.  

++++

The morning brought headaches and drowsiness. And more back problems.  Great. Rehearsal would be amazingly wonderful.  Somehow, he made it through the day- talking to the kids, supervising schoolwork. Tinkering around with some music. About a hundred times, he was tempted to call Kenny to let him know he wasn’t going to make it.  Just as he reached for the phone, Kenny called him- telling him Philipps would be around later.  Well- great.  He’d never get over the instant disgust, nausea, and anxiety he felt at the pure mention of the asshole’s name.  Not after what he had done..how he had treated him.  Proving once and for all that any illusion of power Michael once had was dead and gone...dead and gone as maybe he should be. Somehow he had cheated death.  And was a slave still.  Or some victim in an abusive relationship with the honeymoon phase coming to an end. The tension was building.  Beatings would ensue any moment. The anticipation of more abuse had him cracking up.  Anxiety was up. Pain was up.  Sleeping was down.  He couldn’t work like that. Fuck..no one should have to work like that.  Sure, things were a bit better now- his miraculous recovery had brought in some old and new interest and therefore money.  And still he heard the old threats...

I’ll destroy you! You will be nothing and your kids will have nothing. We own you now and you better deliver and stop playing the victim.  No one is buying your little act. So get your whining, lazy ass to rehearsal and man up.

That had been one of the nicer screaming matches he had to endure.  God...and he had thought Joseph was the worst he’d ever had to survive.  

Recently, Philipps had made it sound as if he’d ride him much harder if it wasn’t for some new business partner and his demands.  When he dug deeper, he was told to not worry about stuff that wasn’t his business.  Well...if someone was backing them and pretended to look out for him, it was his business. ‘Cause it was essential he knew who the new threat was. People didn’t ‘look out for him’ out of kindness. No one really had his back. Ever. Not when the mighty gods of money were involved. If there was some new partner that pretended to care, Michael had to flush that one out faster than a known danger.  Before there was another player controlling his fortune, and holding the prison door shut. When he tried so hard to break out of the golden cage. 

Surprisingly, rehearsal went okay.  He got to address some of the flaws he had detected in the tapes. Mostly, because he worked with Travis during the week, trying to battle himself- his body that was letting him down badly. Fuck this getting older shit! He didn’t care how often they told him he was ‘amazing for a 51 year old.’  He was in pain and nothing worked like it used to.

Well...almost nothing....

Michael smiled, looking around for the millionth time, trying to spot the one person he actually wanted to see.  Would she bail on him?  Freaking out she told him she loved him? Feeling conflicted and guilty... Well, so was he, but his passion and addiction were so much stronger. Were hers?

“Michael- show Orianthi what you were talking about her solo....could you?”

“Girls- could you focus and stop giggling for another couple of minutes?” Kenny turned from sweet talking to him to being the strict director real quick.  

Michael, almost glad to have something else to do but stress about Lisa showing or not, sauntered over to where Judith and Orianthi had been playing around, using some down time. 

“Kenny, now you know, it ain’t just gon be a couple of minutes while I mess with the ladies. I ain’t playin like that..” Michael joked, winking at the girls, causing the little Aussie to blush and Judith to laugh again. 

“Glad to see you’re feeling better today, MJ.”  

“Yes, I heard somehow Riley Keough got the impression you said something about me not feeling well.”  Judith’s turn to blush.  

Kenny looked at her over the rim of his glasses. “Judith- it’s great your’e making friends. But remember the confidentiality clause.  What happens here stays here.” 

Dammit, Kenny had big ears. That was so not his point of bringing it up. He was way more interested in Judith and Riley being friends than that stupid confidentiality clause. As a matter of fact, it was not all bad that people were out to look after his best interest. 

“Yes, or we all have to line up for the mass whipping of us slaves.” Michael half joked.

“Hey- if we got to be punished I’d take a spanking instead,” Orianti chimed in, batting her eyes in that cute innocent way he thought was adorable.

“Oh, that can be arranged...so you better pay attention to whatever Kenny wanted me to show you.”  Michael joked back

“MJ- stop messing with the girls.” Kenny rolled his eyes and went about his own business. ‘Bout time! 

“Oh, I bet there’s a whole lot you could show us...”  

Michael laughed, enjoying the silliness and light, harmless flirtation.  

“One of you, or both at the same time?”

Orianthi laughed... “Well, after what I heard you said about me and our little pole dancer on the bed, I guess we’d have to see what you can handle...”

“Travis has a big mouth... But for now, I guess I take on you two bad girls. Stay here, Judith- there’s something I want to go over with you, too.”

He got up, finally getting down to work, showing Orianthi exactly what he wanted to change, before they went back to some more joking around, before showing Judith how he wanted her to stand at a different angle during their number, walking around her, moving her into the position he thought worked better.

“Oh, hey- Lisa Marie- great seeing you here...” 

Kenny’s voice stopped Michael cold, and he spun around to see Lisa behind them, staring at him.  Looking non too happy.  Pout in place.  Eyes shooting lightening. What did he do now?  Was she.... Oh hell yeah.  Lisa’s frown was no doubt caused by his hand on Judith’s leg. 

Which he did not move right away, enjoying too much the way her her eyes darkened as she watched his every move.

“Hey- Lisa, you made it! Have you met my guitarist, the amazing Orianthi?  And you met Judith here, right?”

Lisa’s mask slid back into place, and she managed to produce her fake little social smile. Her eyes stayed in tornado mode. Which was great, cause that color always turned him on.

“Hello ladies. Nice to meet you, Orianthi. You are such a talent, - my husband could not stop to rave about you. As you might know he’s quite the guitar genius himself.”

Oh yeah. The male version of Diane Keaton was world renowned...  Michael tried hard to not make a face.

“Judith- so nice to see you again.  I’m so glad Riley found someone her age to hang out with.”  Lisa finished her little reply, shooting him a wicked glance at the last part.  Oh, yeah- she was testy, indeed.  Or pissed.   

Michael watched for a moment while the exchanged pleasantries, fidgeting from one leg to the other.  Finally, he could not take being ignored any longer.

“Girls, sorry- I gotta kidnap Miss Presley here. Unless Kenny has more stuff to throw at y’a, here is your chance to get out. Things sound great now- thanks for all your help and  dedication.”

“Yes- I was amazed at everyone’s dedication.” Lisa chimed in, keeping a straight face.  

Michael grabbed her hand, and pulled her along. “Let’s go- we gotta talk.”

“Hey- don’t order me around, buster. I don’t work for you.”

Surprisingly, she followed along without too much of a fuss.  Until they were out of sight, then she pulled hard, yanking her hand back.

“Let me go! Who you think you’re draggin ‘round like that?”

Michael stopped. “I ain’t dragging you. But you were all busy yapping to the girls... and we got stuff to talk about.”

“I was busy yapping? Well, at least I wasn’t busy feeling them up!”

“If you had been busy feeling them up, I would not have dragged you off.”  

She blinked, her face getting slightly red. Gosh! He was just kidding!

“I don’t think this is funny!”

“What? I didn’t do anything!”

“Oh really? Is that why you asked me here? So you could strut ‘round assaulting girls who could be your daughters?”

“Assaulting?  You mad, woman?”

Lisa huffed, placing her hands on her hip, planting her feet.  Man, she looked hot.  In tight jeans, a shirt, leather jacket, heels...and her eyes that glacier color shooting sparks at him. Her hair was open and wild. Kinda like she was... Damn... His pants were getting a tad bit tighter.  All this teasing and flirting with the girls- and one look at his steaming dream girl made him hard as a rock. Steaming as in sexy and angry.

“Me? You bully me into coming so I can see you getting dirty with some little girls? What? Am I s’posed to care? You wanna feel up some little things, you go right ahead.”

Michael stared at her, pondering for a second if he should get mad. Then a wide grin appeared on his face.

“What’s so funny? You done lost your mind, man.”

“Well, you going all southern, mad, black woman on me, is funny. But that ain’t it... You jealous.”

Lisa tossed her hair. “You’re deluded. I’m outa here.”

She turned. Hell no!  Quickly, he grabbed her hand again, proceeding to pull her along to where they would have some more privacy.  Since Lisa’s voice was getting loud and all.

Oh yeah? Not so you can rip her clothes off and fuck her in her sexy heels? 

No! That had NOT been on his mind. Not at all. 

His hard cock protested and called him a liar.  Fuck anatomy! What did it know!

“Let me the fuck go!” Lisa pulled against him, but he was stronger, making her go with him anyway despite her verbal protests.

“I let you go when you stop screeching round like a banshee.”

“Jackson- if you ain’t gon’ let me go I’ll sock you so hard you gotta perform with a black eye.”

He stopped and Lisa bounded into him. Nice! 

“I ain’t letting you go. What you think? Someone’s gonna come and rescue you? From big, bad me? No- all you’re gonna cause is someone running their mouth and your man getting word you going all jealous on me and me having to take you away to stop you causing a scene.”

“I am NOT jealous! You’re ego needs some reality check!”

“Oh, you totally are jealous... And it’s cute.”

Lisa stared up at him, panting. She took a breath and steadied herself. He saw her swallowing.  She tried hard to regain her composure.

“Michael- let me go. Now.  This is a mistake I shouldn’t have come. I should have known you would play some kind of sick game...”

“I was rehearsing!” Now his voice was raised.

“With your hand just about in her crotch?”

“Oh my Gosh! You for real? Let’s go...”

Ignoring her protests, Michael arrived at his private dressing area, pushed the door open, pulled Lisa in, then slammed the door shut.

“Damn you! What the fuck!” Lisa protested as he pushed her against the closed door, making sure to lock it by reaching around her.

“What the fuck indeed! I can’t believe you’re jealous! Acting like a mad woman.  Over some girls I work with.”

Michael stepped in closer...God, Lisa smelled so good. There was something about her skin..something way deeper than her perfume.  He was addicted to her on so many levels. And the silly woman didn’t even realize it.  

“I aint’ jealous. I’m disgusted...and done with your stupid games.”

“You really think I invited you to see me working with my crew?”

“No, you invited me to show me you don’t need me. That you can fuck anything on two legs... Thanks. Lesson learned. Now, get your ass off me!”

Lisa brought her hands between them, pushing against him. Her touch was electrifying.  His whole system went on autopilot as he grabbed her hands.

“You stupid little lunatic! I don’t wanna fuck anyone or get it on with anyone. I want you! I told you that. I love you- I’m in love with you. I want you so bad Imma gon’ explode.  And you...you’re married.  I gotta see you with him. With your babies... Gotta see his hands on you... See him talking to you in a way that makes you all pale... And you..you got the gall to explode on me about something I ain’t even doin’ ? For real?”

Now she did it! He went from amused to mad.  Not that it mattered...his cock was still about to bust through is pants.  How could she doubt his love for her?  How much he wanted her? Only her! It wasn’t his fault they weren’t together... it was her life, her choices keeping them apart. Playing some stupid high stakes russian roulette when they fucked around at night, pretending it wasn’t happening during the day.

Well, fuck that shit! It wasn’t all the way night yet. But he was done pretending.  Done playing by her rules. Done holding back.

He was so close.  could feel her skin radiating.  See the little crinkles around her eyes as she glared at him. Her lips parted and moist, her breath coming quickly.  Lisa’s eyes lowered...noticing no doubt the tent in his pants. Just to make sure she couldn’t miss it, he leaned in, his body pressing into her, his mouth breathing hard into her neck, inhaling the scent of her hair... Needing more, needing to kiss her.  Inhaling, his lips hovered just above her neck.  He spotted goosebumps.

She was frozen in place. Had stopped her struggling.  When he backed up slightly their eyes locked. He approached the tempting flesh of her soft lips...

“Don’t...” Lisa whispered.

“Too late...”  

When he took her mouth, the violence of the impact made his teeth hurt.  He was prepared for protest, and yet all he found was a hungry mirror of his own passion. Forcefully, his tongue entered her mouth, and was met aggressively by her own.  They kissed until everything became blurry. Lisa’s little whimper made him aware of the need for air.  Well, fuck air...he’d happily die if it meant her breath would fill his lungs.

“What are you doing to me...” Her little, hoarse voice drifted to him through the red fog. Vaguely, he was aware of her hand gripping his shirt. He wasn’t sure if she was pushing or pulling.  Just in case, he grabbed her wrist and moved her arm above her head.  Lisa’s eyes opened and she focused on him, lost in her own haze. 

The two actions happened almost at the same time: He opening her jacket and reaching under her shirt, and she, using her free hand to go for his belt and zipper. Damn...

Lisa was not wearing a bra... okay... His hands found her breasts and squeezed hard, enjoying the breath she took and held and her hardening nipples against his palm. Pushing her shirt up, he lowered his head, attacking the other peak, sucking it into his mouth, flattening it with his tongue, sucking and biting.

When her hot little hand found his cock, he moaned out and then bit down a bit harder, causing her to moan, then increase the pressure on his hot meat. 

“Fuck, Lisa...” He was able to force out, before switching to her other tit, sucking hard yet again.

“Michael...dammit...of shit....” Her head rolled against the door, even as she pulled his pulsing dick free, tugging on him, pumping, using her thumb to spread the quickly erupting pre-cum. 

Letting go of her hand, he focused on getting her jeans down, struggling with her zipper. Ever so helpful, Lisa reached between them and helped out, guiding his hand as he dipped lower.   His free hand reached up to pull his shirt off and Lisa attached her mouth to his neck, causing him to be covered in chills.  Kicking his shoes off, he helped shrug his pants away, then pulled off his socks. Lisa, leaning against the door for support now, watched him get naked for a moment.  

Looking at her like this almost was enough to lose it.  Open pants, shirt pulled up, tits wet and glistening.  Her chest heaving, mouth swollen and wet...eyes huge and dark...

“Take em off, baby girl...” he ordered with his voice soft and deep.

Eyes anchored to his, she did as she was told. Good girl. No more silly protests. She knew what she needed... What they both needed. Her jacket was tossed aside, as was her shirt.  

Michael’s eyes dipped to her waist and her hands started to pull the material off.

“Wait. Let me...”  Stepping up closer, he kissed her deeply, his tongue rubbing against hers before caressing the inside of her sweet mouth. His hands on her waistband, he pulled the jeans off very slowly,removing her panties at the same time. His mouth kissed down her neck, leaving a wet, hot trail before sucking and biting her boobs again.  Lowering himself onto his knees, Michael nibbled and licked a path down her belly, stopping when he noticed she had her piercing in.

“For me?”

Lisa grinned, her eyes dark and hooded. “Like I knew you’d attack me?”

“I ain’t attacking you..yet...”  Tugging on her jeans hard now, he inhaled the intoxicating perfume of her arousal, getting him even higher.  His very own aphrodisiac. 

Michael followed the material of her pants with kisses on her thighs, her knees, down to her calves.

“Step out of the shoes, baby..for now...” One by one, he had her step out of the pants, tossing them aside carelessly.

“Now put em back on”  He looked up at her, and Lisa, grinning slyly, slipped back into her hot as fuck heels.  

“You like that...”

Michael looked up, his hands on her ankles, then following the smooth caress of her skin back up, massaging her calves, kissing where his hands rubbed, rubbing and massaging first the front of her thighs then the back.  Lisa’s hands come to rest on his shoulders and he felt her tensing.

“Like it? Love it. All that’s missing is some jewelry...but we work on that another time...”

His hands came around and he grabbed her ass, making her groan.  Michael pulled her into him, allowing himself one long lap up her snatch, tasting her dripping, spicy honey, while she whimpered again, calling his name.

“You think I do that to anyone else, Lisa? That I wanna taste anyone but you? Eat anything but your dripping pussy? Really?”

“God...you better not... Oh shit...”  

He licked her again, spreading her at the same time.  “You like that? You like me catching your juices?  Tasting how hot you are for me?”

Using his fingers now, he traced the dripping folds, circling her opening, then spreading her juices between her cheeks, giving her some attention there.  

“Fuck...”

“Oh, we will..but I wanna play with you first.  Prove to you that I don’t want anyone but you.”

Kissing up her belly while he drew circles on her swelling labia and then around her quivering opening, his tongue found her piercing just as his finger entered her pussy. 

“Michael...”  She moaned and whimpered.  He could feel her getting even hotter, wetter, as he swirled the little stud around with his tongue, dipping into her navel, enjoying the cool metal like the sweetest candy.

Lisa’s breath hitched and he felt her muscles constrict.  Entering her with another finger, he started to pump her, then rotating his fingers, finding that rough internal spot. 

“Dammit...oh fuck...oh yeah...”

“Startin’ to feel good now? No more thoughts of running away, hm girl...” His rough voice demanded as his lips travelled back the delicious road to the sweet destination his fingers already enjoyed. His mouth watered, imagining how she’d taste...using his thumbs to spread her and hold her open so he could enjoy the sight of his fingers invading her hot flesh.  Juices escaped and coated his skin.  Her clit was distended, standing out proudly from the soft nest of her glistening folds. He loved how she kept bare down there, allowing him the visual stimulation he so loved.  Recalling how at times he would get off just playing with her or watching her play with a toy got him even more sprung. If that was possible. 

Returning to the feast before him, he licked her roughly, enjoying her hips shooting forward and her muscles gripping him.  His cock jumped as well- already knowing how amazing it would feel to be inside her.

“Michael...”

“Tell me...tell me you know I want only you...”

“Shit...fuck...” Oh she was so close.  His tongue swirled around her nubbin, this time using only the tip and keeping the caress ever so soft.  Lisa dangled on the verge of her climax, her skin colored in the pink hue of sexual arousal looking so good on her. 

He licked her from below this time, going from the backside of her slit to the top, where he stopped short of the clit.

“Michael...”

“Say it... say you know I want only you...forever...”

Her eyes focused on him. She licked her lips.  “You want only me. Forever...” Her darkly whispered words stroked him inside and out.

“Good girl!” He closed his lips over her clit, sucking hard while his fingers pumped her in a deep, steady rhythm.  Screaming out, biting the back of her hand, Lisa came apart as he drank from her, holding her while she gyrated against him, her pussy on his face, his fingers keeping up their dance until she came again, his name a muffled caress as she tried hard to stay as quiet as possible.  Oh yeah, years of backstage action had trained her well. Still... They were not made for silent love-making. Neither one of them, really.

Hopefully most people had gone home by now.  Well, some probably still recalled what happened when Miss Presley showed up. But others might think he was torturing a cat... Well..in a way he was. Killing that little kitty of hers, making her clench and quiver.

Kissing up her sweaty body, he once again gave her stud a lick, causing her to call out again and shiver against him.  Pressing against her heated skin, she sank against him and he held her for a moment, kissing her softly till her breathing calmed down.

When she reached down and grabbed a hold of his aching staff, he knew the game was back on.  Her kiss got deeper.  Her hips moved against him.  Her hands grabbed his balls now, making him aware how tight and high they were.  

He needed her. And he needed her now.  Watching her cum, tasting her, eating her out...it all had raised his already high lust to the breaking point.

“Turn ‘round.”

“Your wish...” she turned, making sure she tugged on him again, turning her head to kiss him deeply, “is my command.”

“Hands on the door. Spread your legs.”

“Yes, sir.” Lisa complied, gazing back at him. Her hair was wild and her body a sight to behold in those heels. Her ass out at him.  

Reaching for his straining dick, he grabbed himself, stroking the aching hungry snake.  Lisa’s eyes lit up.

“You like that, don’t ch’a? You like to see what I’m gon give you.”

Nodding, she licked her lips again. Too bad there wasn’t time to feel those lips...his urgency was too pressing. And time of the essence.  Of course, if she hadn’t made a fuss over nothing they’d be done by now.  

Michael smirked.  Oh yeah, he knew what she needed. His hand came down on that amazing ass. 

“Ouch!” Lisa pouted.

“I asked if you liked that?”  He ran his thumb over the exposed head, spreading the little glistening pearl.  God...he needed her hot body. Now.

“Yes, sir!” Lisa answered, her face serious.  Her eyes glossing over.

He smacked her again.  This time a bit harder.

“Ouch! I said it!”

“That one was for you thinking I wanna get it on with girls - how did you put it- not my age...”

“Well- since I said that and more you should give me one more.”

He laughed. Lisa was too much.  But hey- never disobey a lady. One more smack as he watched her cheek turn pink.  Man- was he too rough? 

Lisa spread her legs further. “Fuck me...now... Please... I can’t stand it...”

Well, okay, then.

Michael reached up to guide his straining cock to her dripping opening. Knowing she had just climaxed, he knew she’d be tight, but when he pushed forward he almost lost it right there being squeezed by the pillowy heat.  Lisa whimpered and pushed back slightly, reaching behind herself to grab his ass, forcing him closer yet. Surging forward, Michael braced himself by holding on to her waist.  His vision was becoming fuzzy and he thought his feet were hooked up to some electric current. Damn this was so good...

“Oh God...you feel so ...fucking....good...”

She took the words out of his mouth, and he kissed her shoulder, taking time to nuzzle her neck, pushing her damp hair to the side.  Michael started to move, and he wasn’t gentle.  Too wound up, too ready to take them both into the horizon, he simply wanted to ride the wild current of the tide rushing in. Lisa pushed against him, meeting his every thrust with equal fervor, moaning, grunting, sighing his name.  

Their pace increased and his pelvis slapped against her frantically.  He felt her getting close, ground his teeth as her muscles increased their pressure.  Reaching around, he played with her tits again, tugging and rubbing her nipples, feeling her pussy respond with spasms...

“You like that, don’t y’a? You like it rough like that...Like when I fuck you hard.  When I pull on those sensitive titties...”

“Fuck yeah..you’re driving me mad...I can’t take it..shit...” 

Michael felt her go rigid, then grind against him hard, screaming.  He turned her head, kissing her, being fired up by her biting his bottom lip as she continued to climax around his cock, her juices dripping down his balls.  

“That’s it, girl....you let go...there you go....just like that...”

Letting her ride out her climax, he held still as she rocked against him.  Before she was all the way done,  he pulled back, letting his pulsing rod slip from her. Lisa protested and her muscles tightened again. 

“Don’t...no...”

“Don’t worry, girl. We ain’t done... Hold on...”

Surging forward he hit end, then repeated the move, this time rounding his hips before reaching around, finding her slippery pearl.  

“Michael!” She whimpered, gripping him tightly.

“Oh yeah...here we go...I’m gon’ cum hard baby...go with me...let go...”

Just when he felt the electric heat shoot through his balls and then along his shaft, he increased the pressure on her clit, feeling her take in a deep breath before she flew apart once more.  At the very same time he saw nothing but pure light, tasted nothing but the purest bliss on his tongue.  He heard noises, sighs, moans, little screams...but it was impossible to tell the origin as they both rode the immense wave. 

He had no idea how long his orgasm lasted. He felt himself shooting off into her over and over, fueling more convulsions that in turn kept him going.  

“Fucking hell....” LIsa was finally able to moan against him, her head weakly against his sweaty shoulder.

“Damn...girl...,” he concurred. 

She glanced back at him, and he could not help but kiss her.
“I can’t believe we went at it ...again...like this...” She smiled in an almost shy way, looking up at him from those lowered lashes. 

He had to laugh. Yeah, again was right.  Damn... This was not the first time they exploded in one of his dressing rooms, but he sure as shit thought they both had outgrown this.

“Michael? Are you in there?  Have you seen Lisa Marie? Randy would like to have a word with her...”  Kenny’s voice, followed by someone turning the door knob busted their little bubble.  Well, thank goodness he had possessed the presence of mind to lock that door! 

“Fuck!” He muttered under his breath; then louder. “Uhm, yea, just a moment...Hold on Kenny...”

“Shit...” Lisa stiffened against him, making him jump- given he was still inside of her heat.  Without a condom. Fuck! 

“Is Lisa Marie there with him?”  The next intruding voice belonged to Philipps. 

What the fuck was his obsession with Lisa?

“What’s he want now?” Lisa muttered.

“Now?”  Michael pulled out, being faintly aware of the mess he caused.

Lisa blushed. 

“Lisa? What do you mean ‘ now’- What’s going on between you and Philipps?”

Just like that, his naked ass was dropped back to reality again as he stared at a speechless Lisa. This better be good! 

(to be continued) 

©2013 Erika B Michaels. All Rights Reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Any names, places, and other identifying features are used in a fictional manner, for entertainment purposes only, and are in no way representative of actual events. This work may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted, or stored without expressed written permission by Erika B Michaels. All photos and images, mentioned songs or song titles are copyright their creators. ABSOLUTELY no disrespect is intended to any persons portrayed in this work.