[Chapter 69: Independence Day]
July 4th, 1990 - America's Independence Day.
It's the nation's birthday.
No parades, no speeches, no grand state-sponsored celebrations, no satellite broadcasts, no extended holiday weekend -- just a day off.
Well, plenty of folks took their annual leave for the day, though.
Orlando woke up slowly, reaching out only to find Madonna was no longer beside him. He wasn't in any rush to get up.
Yesterday, after leaving the meeting at Russell Reynolds, on his way back to the office, he had gotten a call from Madonna.
Knowing that today's party was being hosted and sponsored by Madonna herself, supporting Hillary Clinton's public political event on Long Island, Orlando hadn't immediately committed to showing up.
He still remembered how the last time he'd attended MJ's party, it turned out to be a big political showcase, which caught him off guard.
After that, Orlando had grown more cautious about these things.
So, he called Daisy, and then his political advisor.
---
"Hillary Clinton? I met her in Washington -- she's smart and strong-willed. Her husband has a lot of supporters within the party right now. Personally, I think he will be a major contender against Jerry Brown in two years.
Her party's an open political event, so you can definitely attend.
Her connections in New York are solid, and our relationship with her is okay too..."
That was what Daisy had said.
Her cousin, George Morgenthau, the political consultant, was even more direct.
The political advisor suggested Orlando attend and even perform on stage. He had already sung at one of Jerry Brown's public events. If he didn't want to be pigeonholed as part of the California faction, performing at Hillary Clinton's party would be a good way to clean up that perception.
Plus, it wouldn't upset the California faction too much.
According to George: "Don't underestimate this couple just because they're young -- their influence in the Democratic Party is actually pretty significant."
Sure enough, Orlando thought. Two years later, the young Clinton had indeed defeated George H. W. Bush.
Bush Sr. had been the president who led the U.S. through the Cold War's end and won the Gulf War -- a major figure in American politics.
Because of that, many senior Democrats were convinced Bush Sr. would win again -- so much so that some didn't even participate in the primaries, stepping aside to avoid clashing with him directly.
But surprisingly, the younger Clinton ended up winning.
The behind-the-scenes details were beyond Orlando's reach, but he knew more about the power this couple wielded than even George Morgenthau.
He also knew that from 1992 onward, the United States would enter a long era dominated by the Clinton dynasty -- a time when America would be arguably the most powerful nation in history, if not the world's most comprehensive superpower.
So, he figured, why not attend?
Might as well get his name out there.
As for all those later rumors about the couple -- whether it was wild parties or shady things -- Orlando thought, even if he didn't hang around those types of events or people, as long as he stayed in the entertainment world or certain circles, he'd inevitably encounter such things eventually.
Better to get involved early and stay in control.
Try to walk the fine line--
Visit the wild parties, sure, but don't end up like the rumored tales of guys like Leonardo DiCaprio, who was said to be "used" at those parties...
After making up his mind, Orlando didn't go back to the hotel with Madonna last night. Instead, he headed straight to her Long Island villa.
Naturally, it turned into a night of passion and recharging for the pop queen who had long been addicted.
The next day was Independence Day -- the same day as Madonna's Long Island political party supporting Hillary Clinton.
---
Lying in bed, zoning out for a while, Orlando finally threw off the covers, grabbed a silk robe he'd prepared, and stepped into the hallway.
From the corridor, he heard activity downstairs in the living room.
He walked toward the scene and looked down from above to see Madonna directing a crew of people bustling around.
"...Not enough French oysters? Then use some Sydney rock oysters from Australia as a substitute! They're the same grade!"
"The ice wine has to be Summum's -- the only winery left in the world still using the 'Mysterious Pyramid' method for ice wine. I want only theirs!"
"Jerrison, double-check the party setup again -- even if it's a hundred times or a thousand times -- I want zero issues before the first guest arrives!"
"..."
Wearing only a pink, shiny silk nightgown, Madonna's golden hair was tied up in a bun. Bare-faced, her eyebrows and lips looked a bit faint, lending her an understated charm.
She barked commands left and right and then looked up to find Orlando leaning on the railing upstairs, admiring her.
The pop queen instinctively flashed a coquettish, submissive smile -- a look she'd developed after their "charging" sessions, feeling dizzy and thrilled.
But the next moment, noticing her entourage watching, she quickly suppressed the soft smile.
She dared not look up at Orlando anymore, snapping back into her usual stern diva demeanor.
After giving her orders and sending everyone back to work, she finally directed a teasing glare at Orlando, still standing at the railing.
---
"Why haven't you come down yet? Studying how I boss people around?"
"No, I'm admiring your assets," Orlando smiled back. "They really shake nicely when you talk."
"Fuck!" Madonna cursed, but her face lit up with a bright smile.
Orlando knew her too well now.
Besides being close, he could read her mind and knew how much she valued her appeal to him -- especially her figure.
Despite her powerful aura, high emotional intelligence, and sharp mind, Madonna didn't have much formal education.
She'd dropped out of high school to pursue her career.
So aside from using his electric powers, the best way to please her was complimenting her body, praising her "riding skills" or "technique," or saying a few cheesy pick-up lines.
Clinging happily to Orlando as he came down the stairs, Madonna unusually chatted on and on, "You don't know how much this party means to me! Though it might not compare to MJ's extravagant Neverland show because it's more rushed, it's still important to me."
"Hillary Clinton and a bunch of New York bigshots will come. Although they probably won't stay long, still... "
"..."
*****
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