The Dance

*11*

Like the night before, there were multiple encores, and an after show featuring Larry Graham's band where Prince sat in for several songs. The crowd went wild when Prince came on stage even though it was Larry's set, and Emma wondered if Larry felt any resentment toward an artist who could pull so much energy away from his own performances. Larry, to his credit, looked thrilled to see Prince, and welcomed him onto the stage like family. Prince didn't stay on for the whole show, just slipped in and out a couple of times, obviously trying not to upstage his friend. The rest of the time he stood offstage with Emma, and they danced together along with the infectious music.

Larry pulled Prince to the side as they were all walking to cars after the show. 'Can I ask you something baby brother?'

'Sure, brother! Just a sec.'

Prince called to Emma, 'Go on with Kirk, I'll be there in a minute.'

Emma waved her acceptance, and turned to walk to the limo with Kirk.

'Who is this woman you're kissing in front of Jehovah and everybody?' Larry asked Prince, looking concerned.

'She is, I think, the woman Jehovah has sent to me as an answer to a prayer you and I have been praying about for years,' Prince responded with a huge smile.

'Baby Brother, I love you with all my heart, and I don't want you to get your heart broken again by falling down a rabbit hole. Make sure you take things slowly,' Larry cautioned.

'Larry, did you take a good look at her? We're the same age. She's a widow, a mother, and a musician. She even believes in God. She's everything I've been asking for.'

'I've always included being a member of the Witnesses in my prayers for a partner for you,' Larry responded, raising an eyebrow at Prince.

'At this point, I'm just trying to listen for the voice of Jehovah confirming what I believe to be true. I haven't heard a voice telling me to stay away or end things, and you know I've ignored that in the past, so I'm moving forward,' Prince stated flatly.

Prince took a deep breath, exhaled his frustration, and continued. 'I love you, Larry, and I understand your concerns, but I'm confident she is the one. I'll see you back at my place after you catch a shower, okay?'

'Sounds good, Baby Brother. Thanks for sitting in tonight. It was a blast, as always.' Larry reached over for a hug, which Prince gladly reciprocated, and they parted ways, Prince going on to the limo, pushing past the possibility of Larry's disapproval.

'What did Larry want?' Emma asked, as Prince was getting settled next to her, giving her a quick kiss while he put his arm around her.

'He just wanted to know more about you. He knows how much I've wanted someone special in my life, someone like you.'

Emma blushed at his straightforward words, which made Prince chuckle. 'At some point, you're just going to have to trust that my opinion of you is the truth, mama. You are a very special woman, and I'm thankful we met.'

'Okay, thanks, but since I've only known you 24 hours, I could be putting up a false front for you. I'm not, but I could be.'

'It's pretty hard to play me at this point in my life. I can see through most folks who are trying to run game, and you don't come off that way at all. Relax, I'm not kicking you to the curb anytime soon!'

They both laughed, and realized they were at the hotel.

During the party in Prince's penthouse, Larry came over to Emma, sat down beside her on the sofa, and said, 'I had a chance to visit with Prince about you a little bit. He mentioned that the two of you are becoming very close very quickly, and that you believe in God. Are you a believer in the Truth?'