Reflections || Prince

Reflections || Chapter 5

1983

Valerie Thomas

I couldn't rush to call Prince immediately when he gave me his phone number. After quite some time, I finally scored one amazing deal with an independent record label. Soon after, this new team had even arrived to help out with my career.

At least these folks still knew how to roll with the big-time music execs. I'd actually lose my mind if members of my own staff couldn't function around leadership from Epic or Warner Bros. Unlike many other new artists, I still wasn't stupid, of course.

Weeks later, I was already working in the studio. Session musicians joined in as well, helping me layer different sounds if I still wasn't able to play certain instruments. Even cameras filmed, gathering footage for future archives. My entire team learned that I wasn't like everyone else and soon the world would know.

Tracee and my mother even surprised me by visiting. I waved frantically in the middle of listening to playback for another track. Both of them stood in the open doorway and nodded, already jamming like the supporters they'd always been.

We all shared this overdue embrace once the music faded out. I nearly cried in front of Momma, letting her hold my face with both hands. I'd turned into my young self again and Momma and had seen my dreams come true. There was no better feeling in the world. Even Tracee wiped away from her own tears while watching us.

"How many records on your album?" Momma then asked me as we all talked in the hallway. Tracee cornered herself to listen with the biggest smile on her face. Some partners of my session left for lunch breaks or other tasks. She hadn't sang in quite a while, but still knew the gist of show business. Joy beamed through her presence.

"The label wants me to have ten tracks in all and I'm already halfway done." I smiled joyfully, praying that I could finish this project sooner than later. Reaching airwaves was crucial and I still needed to have my promo photoshoot in the future.

"Proud of you." Momma reached out for one last hug and I bid farewell alongside Tracee. When my mother finally left out through double doors, Tracee smirked with folded arms. I rolled my eyes, humored. I could only imagine what Trace mused.

"What now, Trace? You only give me that look when I've screwed up." I laughed to myself for a moment, but still waited to hear Tracee's opinion. Otherwise, she'd keep smirking towards me with that knowing pout. Of course, only time would tell.

"You didn't screw up at all, but guess where I stopped by for work this morning?" It wasn't long before Tracee stopped leaning against the wall and stood straight. Even back in high school, this girl knew how to stay gorgeous and fashionable at once.

"Where?" I asked. Tracee quickly smiled with red lipstick as her glowing Amber skin tone beamed under fluorescent lights here. Today, she rocked this sleeveless Polo shirt with dark slacks and pumps. Even her picture-perfect Jheri Curl juiced with Activator, but still looked great. Questions then reached my mind all over again.

"Soul Train." Tracee winked and just knew that we both adored the show. I also considered auditioning in the past, but of course college was first. We both squealed for a moment, but settled down before I asked more questions.

"Spill! Tell me everything." I whispered-yelled to Tracee and glanced around this hallway. On other hand, everyone in the studio knew that I still called the shots. Staff here would let me stay for as long as needed, especially since this project was still my album. Trace laughed to herself once more and told me what happened.

"Our girls were on the show and Don Corneulis interviewed them later. I was just sent there to write another article." Tracee detailed what happened earlier. Her comfortable smile returned with each passing moment. At least she was happy.

"No way! Vanity 6 performed?" Seeing the trio open for Prince twice already crossed my mind. On stage, Denise and Susan sported lingerie. Brenda varied her wardrobe while still fitting the mold. Their campy yet hot album impressed me.

"Yep. And just as I left to go find my car again in the parking lot, Denise stopped me. We chatted for a while, but then she asked about you." Once again, Tracee smirked towards me. Those particular details had finally explained our talk now.

"What did she say? And please be honest." I asked. Silence fell between us. I could only imagine what Tracee found out this time around. Denise could've said anything. Again, so many different questions reached my mind before long.

"She asked me why I was alone this time. Of course, you and I always visited the concerts together. I said that you were working on your album. Denise was happy for you, but then she said something else." Tracee had the nerve to wink again.

"What else did she say?" It wasn't long before I wanted to choke Tracee for still leaving me in suspense. Instead, I quickly remembered that security cameras were here. There was no other choice but for me to keep my cool around this space.

"Denise said that Prince recorded a few songs from your demo last night." Tracee revealed, laughing out loud.

I wanted to scream.