"And that's a wrap on the Michael Jackson LA Gear collaboration commercial." Everyone clapped. I had just finished shooting my commercial for my collaboration with LA Gear. It was a fun shoot. A lot of my friends came to visit me on set like Mac, his brother Kieran, and even my niece Brandi, who was featured.

As Mac, Brandi, Kieran, and I walked back to my trailer, my mind wandered off thinking about Ashley. Two weeks had passed since we were in Paris together, and yep. I still didn't have her number. I couldn't believe she was gonna make me work for it when we had almost kissed!!!

Whatever though, because I am determined to get her and I like a chase. Most girls would drop to their knees for me, but she was different. She wasn't. I had heard from a few people that she's been busy working and traveling the world for photoshoots. I had also heard that she has been asking about me and wanting to know what I was up to.

"Michael," It made me happy to know she was thinking about me. "Michael," I couldn't wait to see her again, "MICHAEL!!!" Mac yelled in my ear. I turned towards him, "Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts." "We can see Uncle Mike," my niece Brandi said. "Yeah, he's thinking about his girllllfrienddd," Kieran said. I laughed aloud.

"That's my girlfriend," Mac said. He had a huge crush on her too. I told him about Paris and he got extremely jealous. We often joked around bickering with each other about who would win the girl. Obviously, it'd be me, but it was just fun and games.

"Mac, she's not your girlfriend. Just because you have a poster of her in your room does not mean she wants you," I said teasingly. "Okay, Michael. You won't be saying that when I steal her from you."

"Mhm, sure," I said back playfully. "That's why she sent me flowers after I finished filming that commercial," Mac said back with a mischievous smirk. "WHAT," I shrieked, "No, she didn't. Stop playin' around."

Mac just smiled as I shook my head. Did she actually send him a gift? Where's mine?

*5 hours later*

As I walked into Neverland, there was a calmful silence. It was like zen being home. The place where I could actually be me.

I also smelled the aroma of food cooking. One of my favorite dishes actually, cheese enchiladas. "The food is almost ready, Mr. Jackson," my cook said. I nodded.

"Okay, I'm gonna jump in the shower," I said back. I walked to my room, peeking out the windows to see the bright lights of Neverland.

As I made it to my bedroom and locked my door, my phone rang. "Hello?" I answered calmly.

"Hi Mike!" It was Dunk. "Hey Dunk. What's up?"

"Nothing much. I just have two things to tell you." "Okay, what are they?"

"Well one, my next album is gonna kick your album's ass." "Oh please, in your wildest dreams," I teased. We laughed together. "And two, come with me to Bell Biv Devoe's album party this Friday night in Hollywood Hills."

"Oh, I don't know Dunk. You know I'm not the party type," I said wearily. "Uh huh, not the party type? Well, what if I told you that Ashleys gonna be there." Ashley? My Ashley?

"What time?" I asked back fast. "Don't worry about it now.I thought you don't do parties." I knew she was smirking through the phone. I could hear it. "Yeah, yeah whatever. I'll pick you up at 9 on Friday." "I don't know whether to be hurt by the fact you're only going because you get to see your girlfriend and not because you want to hangout with me." I laughed.

"Shut Up, you know I love you." "You better not abandon me all night because of her because I'm pretty sure most of the people going will be around your age...not mine." I can't believe her. I'm not old.

"Dunk, go to bed." "I'm serious, Mike. You better no--" I hung up. I couldn't wait to see Ashley this Friday. Who knows, maybe I'll finally get that kiss.

The rest of the night I thought about Ashley and all the fun we had together in Paris. How she showed me the secret spot, all the stories we told each other, how she looked at me, her laugh, and the way she held my hand so tight and so naturally.

2 days till Friday and I couldn't wait.

I walked into my old home in Encino to find it quiet. That's a good thing because that means Randy is not here. I love my brother, but man. He can get on my last nerve sometimes.

As I walked into the living room, I saw Joseph sitting on the couch talking to someone on the phone. I nodded at him and he nodded back. I've never had the greatest relationship with my father. I wish I did, but I don't think it bothers him as much as it bothers me.

It would mean the world for me to get to know Joseph and have an actual father and son conversation where I could actually call him 'daddy' but I know that'll never happen. He's just not built like that. Through everything though, I'm learning to accept that, that is just who he is and in that process I'm learning to forgive him even through all he put me and my brothers through. He's shown me everything not to do when I have children of my own one day.

I walked into the kitchen to see my beautiful mother fixing up lunch. She doesn't know I'm surprising her today, so I can't wait to see her face.

As she turned around from the stove, she saw me standing at the island in the middle of the kitchen. "Michael! What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Hi mother. I came to visit you! I've missed you." I went and hugged her tightly. 'Well, you came just in time, I made lunch. We can sit outside if you want." "Sure, yeah," I said, trying to be nonchalant. I didn't want anyone to know my vitiligo was getting worse and worse everyday. I'm ashamed of it and all the doctors have told me there's nothing I could do to stop it or reverse it. I wear makeup in areas that are visible by other people to help cover it up, but soon, I don't think there will be anything I can do about it.

As me and mother walked outside to sit underneath the gazebo I had built at Hayvenhurst for lunch, we made small talk. Mother made chicken fried rice for lunch and it was delicious. As mother and I caught up, she asked me a question I knew was coming.

"So, Michael baby, anyone new woman in your life?" I sighed. "Oh, don't give me that, I'm just asking," she said. "I know, but.." I replied pouting. She poked my lip. "Don't pout. I'm just asking. I think it's time you get back out there. I want you to be happy. You seem to be over Noelle," I groaned hearing her name. "Michael, stop it."

"I'm sorry mother, it's just I don't want to talk about her. She left me," I said sadly. Mother grabbed my hand and said, "I understand. I'm sorry. I just want you to be happy because you truly deserve it." I smiled at her. Instantly, Ashley popped into my head making me smile more. Mother would love her. I just know it. Who doesn't love Ashley?

"Ohh, so there is a special woman in your life," my mother said as she smiled slowly at me. I blushed. "Come on, tell me about her."

I laughed. I wanted to tell her, but not who she was because she'd tell Joseph and then Joseph would tell my brothers and then Jermaine and Randy would lust after her and that's not happening. Ain't no way in hell.

I decided to tell her just a bit. "Well, there's not much other than I've met this girl a few weeks back. She's so sweet and pure. One of the nicest people I've ever met," I smiled thinking about her. "Tell me more," mother said amused.

"There's not much more. We're getting to know each other. I like her though. She told me she likes me too," I said as I smiled. "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen too. After you of course," I said as mother shook her head smiling.

"Well, just by the little bit, and I do mean little bit, you told me. She seems like a lovely, young girl. I hope it works out for you, Michael. You deserve to be happy."

Mother's right. I do deserve to be happy after Noelle broke me. And just maybe Ashley is that piece to piece me back together.

"Okay silver or gold accessories?" I asked Alisha who was no help at all. "Tip from me to you, show more cleavage. Let loose tonight." I rolled my eyes and raised my hand in offense, "Please Alisha, okay? I can't tonight and you know why. Plus, who's gonna want me."

"GIRL PLEASE. These men have been lusting over you in the press and you know that. Stop tryna act shy and humble because deep down you know it. Relish in it. As a matter of fact, if you run up on LL Cool J tonight, get his number FOR ME. Hook ya girl up. Lord knows I need a man." We laughed because we both knew Alisha was dead serious.

"Will do," I said with a smirk. "Bitch I'm serious." "Oh, I know you are. Trust me." I said back. "Okay, let's go pregame," I said as I finished accessorizing my outfit. "You ain't said nothing but a word. Shots, shots, shots!" Alisha screamed.

As me and Alisha went to raid my bar, she asked, "Are you almost done with your home?" I was having a home built from the ground up in Beverly Park Circle in Beverly Hills. This has been a dream of mine and I'm so grateful that I'm able to do this and build my dream home. "Almost, a couple more rooms need to be finished, the backyard needs to be done, and a few bathrooms."

I looked at the time and it was 8 PM which seemed to be a reasonable time to call Calvin and Wes to come pick us up for the party. We were a bit tipsy so I hope this party is fun enough to not kill our buzz.

"Do you know who's gonna be there?" Alisha asked as I was touching up my lip gloss and fluffing my hair. "I actually don't. I think it's celebrity studded though, I'm not sure."

"Just how I like it. Finding me a rich man tonight," Alisha said as I playfully rolled my eyes. "Oh, is he meeting us there?" Alisha asked me. "Uh yeah, he is. I told him to be there by 10 at the latest since we have a red eye to New York at 2 AM, which by the way, thanks for that."

"Hey, we were going to this party and I was making sure of it and that was the only way," Alisha said back smartly. "Whatever," I said as my pager went off, "Let's go."

I got back from my meetings later than I expected and so me and Janet were walking into the party at 10:30. Janet was a little pissed since I told her to be ready and I was late, but she got over it.

As we walked in, everyone was dancing, the music was bumpin', and it seemed to be on and crackin'. I usually don't go to parties, but I'm glad I came out tonight and I was excited to see Ashley.

Janet and I stuck together as people came up to us and mingled. It was great seeing people I haven't seen in a while and Bell Biv Devoe's album, 'Poison' album sounded pretty good.

Every now and then I would try and look around to see if I could find Ashley, but she was nowhere to be found. Where could she be?

As the famous 'Poison' song came on, the crowd roared and everyone sang as Bell Biv Devoe rocked out by the DJ booth and that's when I saw her up by the DJ booth dancing to the music with Alisha and a drink in her hand. Looked like rum and coke. I smiled to myself thinking back to Paris when she ordered me one. She looked beautiful. Her hair was in its usual waved curls and light makeup. She was dressed in all black. Black high waisted jeans, a black crop top, and a black striped cropped blazer paired with black heels.

I smiled watching her have a good time. I whispered to Janet that I was gonna go talk to her and when I started to make my way up the stairs, my heart broke at the sight. Some guy had his arms wrapped around her skinny waist and he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Who was this guy?

He didn't even look like her type? He wasn't that good looking, at least to me, and he could never amount to me! Me and her could be unstoppable together and THAT is who she decides to date? What about our almost kiss? Bet, he doesn't know about that. Why didn't she mention him to me before? This makes no sense.

I turned around giving up, hoping she didn't see me, and looked for Janet.

"Hey! What's wrong? What happened?" Janet asked. "I just saw Ashley kissing some guy."

"WHAT!" she screamed, "How could she!?" Dunk said, raising her voice still. "Dunk, calm down." "Where is she?" she asked. "Up by the DJ booth," I said, irritated and wanting to go home.

Janet looked and low and behold, Ashley and this bum were whispering into each other's ear. "Wow, I'm so sorry Mike. I didn't know." "It's not your fault. Plus, she'll just have to live with the fact she missed out on a great opportunity with me," I said back with a tight lipped smile. "And here comes the arrogant Mike, but in a way you're right." "I'm not arrogant, but I know I'm right."

"Well, let's go get a drink. I'm thirsty," Janet said, feeling sorry for me. The night went on as me and Janet talked to Quincy and Eddie most of the night. Every now and then I would look around and try to spot Ashley.

During a conversation about Eddie's latest hookup, I turned to look in search of Ashley. I spotted her on the middle level of the 3 tier backyard and she was talking to the girls of En Vogue with Alisha. They all hugged and En Vogue walked away while Ashley and Alisha talked and laughed. I wanted to go over to her, but I was still hurt.

Fuck it, I thought. I stood up starting to head toward her, "Mike, where you going," Eddie asked. "I'll be back. There's someone I gotta talk to." I made my way towards her and when I was about 5 feet away, she noticed me. We locked eye contact and her mouth dropped as she smiled at me. I lightly smiled and continued to walk over to her. She met me and pulled me into a tight hug. She smelled so good. "Michael!!! What are you doing here!?!" she asked, surprised, pulling back from our hug. I eyed her up and down thinking about the things I would do to her, IF she was mine.

"Janet dragged me along with her." "Janet's here too? Oh my gosh, I have to see her but for now.. How have you been?" she asked as she pulled me into her again. "I've missed you," she whispered in my ear. "I missed you too," I said gently, squeezing her.

Damn it. I wasn't supposed to give in. She's dating someone else. That reminds me, "So who are you here with tonight?" "Oh, just a couple of people," she answered back nonchalantly.

"I see Janet! Come on," she said as she pulled my arm. "Janet!!!" she squealed. Janet looked at me and I shrugged as Ashley pulled her into a hug. "Hi Ash!" Janet and Ashley made small talk as I excused myself and walked over to the bar to grab a water when Dr. Freeze, music producer of the 'Poison' album, walked over to me. 'Yo Mike! What's up man!" he exclaimed as we dabbed it up. "Hey man! Nothing much. Congrats on the album! It sounds great!"

We continued our small talk as we heard Janet and Ashley hollering with laughter. We looked over and Dr. Freeze said, "Man, those two girls are the finest ones at this party and one of them is taken. Your sister got a man?" I side eyed him, "Watch it." He raised his hands in surrender as we laughed. Wait...one of them is taken? "Who's Ashley dating?" I asked. "Oh, ole boy. He somewhere around here. She told me tonight they've been dating since high school. He was a star soccer player at USC."

So, that's who he is. "Oh, I didn't know she had a boyfriend," I said, slightly pained that it wasn't me. I can't believe she led me on. And since high school? That's a long time. Why didn't she tell me about him? In Paris, I would've never guessed she was dating someone the way she acted and flirted with me.

As Dr. Freeze got pulled away for some pics, I walked back over to Janet and Ashley. "I'll be right back. I have to use the ladies room," Janet said, leaving me and Ashley. I watched Janet leave and when I turned my head, Ashley was already looking at me smiling. "Wanna sit?" she asked, tapping the seat next to her. I nodded while sitting down. We caught up about what we were doing these past two weeks. I wasn't as interested in the convo knowing I couldn't make her mine or even ask her out properly like I wanted too. I think she could tell because she asked, "What's wrong?" concerned.

"Nothing," I said with a slight smile. I'm gonna ask her about him. "I didn't know you were dating someone," I said lowly, just above a whisper, looking down while playing with my hands. She looked at me and I heard her sigh. "It's complicated. We have our ups and downs. Mostly downs. This is the first time I've seen him in months," she said, shaking her head. I could hear the pain and tiredness in her voice. "It's just not the same," she said exasperatedly, "I'm sorry. I'm sitting here complaining to you about my relationship and you don't deserve that." "It's okay," I said feeling sorry for her. She sniffled and stood up, "I'll see you later. I have a plane to catch in a few hours." She tucked her hair behind her ear and bent down giving me a lingering kiss on my cheek. She smiled once more and walked away towards Alisha and Wes.

I guess I was wrong for just jumping to conclusions. I truly felt for her. She seemed so sad and I hated seeing her like that. Janet came back when I was sitting lost in my thoughts thinking about her. "Ready?" she asked. She noticed my mood change, "what's wrong?" I looked up at her and said, "Nothing. Let's go."

As I dropped Janet off at home, I sat in the car on the way to Neverland thinking about Ashley and how sad she sounded. I wish I could help her in some way, but I can't. That's not my problem and I don't even have her number, STILL.