*Playing in the background is a video montage of the nominees for best R&B album by a group, band, or duo*

I looked at myself in the mirror on the side of the stage, smoothing out my black spaghetti strapped sparkly dress that was fitted tightly around my skinny lean frame that flared out towards my freshly manicured feet.

As I was running my hands through my straightened black hair with brown highlights that was curled to a beach wave, I turned to my right and heard, "Richmond, here you go," Matt smiled and handed me the award. Matt was the one who hired me to be an award presenter at the 1989 Soul Train Awards.

My agent's assistant, Gianna, heard about the job and mentioned it to my agent who decided it could be a great opportunity for me to at least have my face be shown on TV, even if it was only for 3 seconds. So, here I was.

I smiled at Matt and turned towards the stage with the award in hand waiting for my que. As the video ended, I received my que and walked towards the stage with a bright smile. Hell, it should've been as bright as much teeth whitening they made me do hours prior to the show. My gums were literally sensitive.

"And the winner for best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the year by a group, band, or duo is......NEW EDITION for "Heart Break." The roar of cheers and clapping was heard throughout the Shrine Auditorium and I stepped forward to hand the award to the presenters who happened to be Chuckii Booker and Karyn White. Karyn gave me a soft smile as I handed her the award. New Edition had made it onto the stage and I stepped off to the side, while New Edition relished in their moment.

As they all were saying a few words, I looked out to scan the audience. And there, right there, in the front row; the one and only, Michael Jackson. The most gorgeous man in the world. The boy who I crushed so hard on in elementary school all the way up till now. The one whose posters were plastered in my room. The biggest entertainer in the world who just had earned a new title by the gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor as the "King of Pop, Rock, and Soul." As I watched that iconic moment backstage, I couldn't think of a better way to describe him and his influence on the entertainment industry.

I found myself in a trance watching him from the side. I was snapped out of my trance when I heard clapping signifying that New Edition had finished giving their acceptance speeches. I began to clap and put on my best smile as I watched them walk across the stage to head backstage. I turned my head once again to look at Michael because this was the first time tonight I saw him in person in the audience. He looked all kinds of right, especially tonight. God I was thankful I wore my contacts tonight. As I was looking at him, his head snapped in my direction. He was talking to the legendary Quincy Jones who was sat next to him with Rashida Jones, Quincy's daughter. I internally panicked and snapped my head forward to walk to exit the stage.

There was no way he was looking at me. There's no way. Right??

"And you, the public, thank you very much. I love you," I said as I stuck the award out in the air. I had just won my last award at the 1989 Soul Train Awards for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Video for 'Man in the Mirror.'

I had swept the majority of categories tonight. Take that Grammys. I was happy for myself and all of the success that my album 'Bad' had received tonight. This particular category was presented to me by the amazing Anita Pointer who was a part of The Pointer Sisters and my great friend and musical partner, Quincy Jones. It was so great to see Quincy tonight. I hadn't seen him in a while since I had recently finished off my Bad tour. It was a great run, but I hate touring. It sucks the life out of ya. The constant traveling (don't even get me started on flying), the difference in time zones, the chaos, the sleepless nights, and of course my perfectionism when a show isn't at least 110%. But, I do love getting to see and meet my fans. I love them more than anything.

I wouldn't be me without them.

As Quincy and I walked backstage with Anita, I couldn't stop thinking about one of the most beautiful women I saw tonight. She was tall, lean, and had a nice ass. She wore a black sparkly gown and her hair was lightly curled that fell to the middle of her back. She had dark brown eyes, but they looked so bright and full of life.She had light makeup on and her beautiful brown skin looked so soft. Soft like a newborn. She was a natural beauty. I couldn't take my eyes off of her watching her walk backstage. She had to model with a walk like that.

She should model if she doesn't is what my first thought was when I saw her looking in my direction. I'm not sure if she was looking at me, but I sure was looking at her. I couldn't wait to get backstage to see if I could spot her.

About 3 feet away, I saw Bill and Wayne talking. I then turned to Anita and thanked her with a kiss on her cheek. I turned to Quincy and was engulfed in a huge bear hug. I laughed and hugged him back. "You better call me Smelly!" I laughed at my nickname that Quincy had given me years ago. "I will," I said back, chuckling. "I mean it! Don't make me call Ms. Kat!" Quincy said with a smirk.

Ms. Kat was his nickname for my lovely mother. I waved him off and walked over to Bill who was talking to Matt. Matt was a great guy. He oversaw backstage at the Soul Train Awards and I commend him. I could never. I'm not that organized. As I approached them, Bill turned to me and said, "You ready Joker? Or should I say, King of Pop, Rock, and Soul?" "You should considering I sign your check every month," I said with a serious face, even though I was joking. However, I don't think I could ever get over this new title. I loved it. "Oh whatever, Joker. Wayne! Get the car!" Bill said as he walked a few feet away.

"Congratulations on your wins tonight Jackson!" Matt exclaimed as he pulled me in for a quick hug. "Thanks man. I appreciate it," I responded amused.

As we pulled back from the hug, way down the hallway by the dressing rooms, I looked and there she was. The girl who was handing out the awards. The one in the sparkly black dress. I grabbed Matt and said "Hey, who is that girl way down there?"

Matt, being a smart ass, "Oh, Madonna? Come on, I'll introduce you two," he said, smirking deviously at me. I never rolled my eyes so hard. "No, you ass. The girl with the black sparkly dress on. She was handing out awards on stage tonight."

"Oh! Richmond?" "Richmond?" I questioned. "That's Ashley Richmond. One of the sweetest people you'll ever meet." "I've never seen her do the Soul Train Awards before?" I said, cocking a brow as I turned back to glance at Matt. "That's because this is her first time award presenting. She's trying to become a model. Isn't she gorgeous?" Matt asked. I knew it. A model. I could see it from 1,000 miles away. I scanned her body down the hall from head to toe, biting down on my lip hard. "What is she like?" I asked.

"Oh, a sweetheart. She's shy at first, but once she opens up, she doesn't shut up. Quite the party animal I heard as well too." Matt said as he caught me eyeing the hell out of her. I wanted her to turn her head towards us so bad. I felt Matt patting my back and heard him laugh. I turned to him and he said, "Good luck buddy. Every male celebrity who walked back here tonight tried getting at her or asked about her."

"Joker, the car's ready! Let's head out," Bill said as I was still staring down the hallway towards Ashley.

I glanced at Matt and said, "I don't need it. I'm Michael Jackson. Or, excuse me, the King of Pop, Rock, and Soul," with an arrogant smirk and walked towards Bill.

"You're so full of yourself!" I heard Matt yell laughing. I waved him off and headed to the car.

I got into the car heading to my condo in Westwood. As Wayne drove, I couldn't stop thinking about her.

"Joker, what girl got you smiling like that?" "What? How do you even know it's a girl Bill," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. "I know you, son. What's her name?" Bill asked gently.

"I'll tell you when she's famous," I said back, closing my eyes, dreaming of the day when I would see her name on TV.