Don’t
Elvis Presley x Fem!Reader
A/N: This one is… I think one of my longest, most emotional stories yet. I’m not even really sure how to write a description for it. So I’ll just write the warnings and hope you enjoy it!
Warnings: angst, slight panic attack, betrayal?, but it does have a wonderful, fluffy, happy ending!
Word Count: 6,678
70s Elvis
• •—•• •••— •• •••
1957
Damned if I do and damned if I don’t, I guess. I stared at my unplugged washing machine. The one I spent so much time saving up my hard earned money for. My Daddy had come by to take a look at it. He made note of the slow leak it had and the damage it was doing to the hardwood beneath it. I knew my father couldn’t afford the part to fix it. So, with a heavy sigh, I picked up my rotary phone, and dialed the repair man. Therefore, damned if I don’t have a washer at all and damned if I have to call someone to fix it. I chose the ladder.
The phone rang, tickling my ear. The sound always nested an anxious feeling in my chest. I waited and waited, twirling my index finger into the coil. Then it made a crackling noise, signaling that someone had picked up.
“Thank you for calling Your City Repairs, how can I help you?” The older man said, his voice making the phone rumble.
“Hi. I’m having trouble with my washing machine and I believe there was a piece of it that’s broken or something.” I explained the best I knew how. I heard scribbling on the opposite side and waited for him to speak again.
“We can get someone out there for ya today if you’re available.” He said. The words were like a much needed hug. I smiled, though he couldn’t see it.
“Yes, yes that would be wonderful.” I said gratefully. More scribbling.
“Alright, Darlin’. I’ve got you down for about one o’clock is that alright?” He asked.
“That’s perfect.” I replied, messing with the hem of my skirt.
“Alrighty then, we’ll see you soon.” The man said. Then there was a quiet thump, followed by a dial tone. I put the phone back on the receiver and looked around my small space. It could use a little bit of tidying before the repair man got here. So I quickly got to work.
———
It was around 1:02 when the knock at my door came. I dried my hands on the towel that sat beside the kitchen sink and scurried to the door. When I opened it, a very tall and tanned man smiled brightly at me.
“Hello there. I’m with Your City Repairs.” He said. I glanced down at his name tag briefly before responding. Sonny. That seemed to be very fitting for him.
“Yes! Won’t you come in?” I offered, stepping aside and gesturing into the apartment. He nodded politely and adjusted the grip he had on his tool bag, wandering inside and taking a quick look around.
“Lovely place.” He complimented. I smiled and closed the door, running my hands along my skirt.
“Oh, thank you.” I replied, stepping in front of him to show him to the little laundry room. He followed suit, stopping just behind me once I reached the door.
“This one here.” I said, pointing to the exposed back of the machine. I turned back to him, scooting past and letting him take a closer look. “I’ll just be in the other room if you need me.” I told him.
“Thank you.” He said with a kind nod. I retreated, going to my room and turning on the small radio that I had on my nightstand. The one that was sat next to the photo of Elvis and I from a couple of years ago. I felt a sudden weight on my chest and I rolled over, facing the window of my bedroom.
“…that was this week’s fan favorite!” The radio man’s voice poured from the small box. “Now folks I think we’re going to move on to an artist that the teens have been raving about. The girls love him and the boys want to be him. Here’s Elvis Presley!” The man exclaimed. When the music began to play, I quickly realized it was the song, ‘Don’t’. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping somehow it might transport me to him.
I began to hum along, not even noticing the tears that had begun to stream down my face. It felt like he was beside me. Just as he used to be. Even after all this time, I’m not sure if I’ve ever fully healed. But I knew for sure that I was proud of him. I heard light knock on the door jam and I opened my eyes, sitting up quickly. Sonny was standing in the door, his presence welcomed as it caused Elvis’ voice to fade into radio static.
“I think I’ve fixed the problem.” He said, tapping the wrench in his tool belt. I stood up, straightening my skirt out and wiping the tears from my cheeks.
“O-oh wonderful! Thank you so much for your help.” I replied, moving to turn the radio down. He must’ve followed my hand because his next question signaled that he did just that.
“You know Elvis?” He asked, his tone slightly excited. I froze for a split second, thinking of my response carefully.
“I did.” I answered, turning to meet his gaze again. “We, um… We dated through high school. He graduated two years before me. We were together until last year. Then he got too big and, uh… We had to go our separate ways.” Sonny’s cheeks suddenly turned a soft pink. He scratched the back of his neck somewhat awkwardly.
“I’m awful sorry. I didn’t mean for you to bring up sour memories.” He said apologetically. I shook my head and waved it off.
“No. None were sour. I just miss him is all.” I told him. He nodded in silent reply. Something flashed across his eyes. A change. Like he knew something about my situation. But I brushed it off. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me.
“Is there anything else I can do for you today?” Sonny asked, stepping backward and out of my room. I followed him, showing him back to the door.
“I don’t think so. You’ve done more than enough.” I told him gratefully. He smiled and stepped outside. “How much do I owe you?” I asked. Sonny then shook his head.
“You don’t have to worry about it. This one is on me.” He said. I gasped, the familiar burn behind my eyes returning.
“Honest?” I asked, laying a hand over my chest. He chuckled slightly and nodded.
“Yes ma’am. It’s the least I can do.” He said. I smiled brightly at him, thanking him too many times to count. When he’d finally gone, I immediately began thinking of ways to repay him.
——
1970
“Sorry I was late, Sonny.” I said, placing my clutch on the corner of the table. “You would not believe the traffic out there right now.” I watched as he tapped his watch, a wide grin on his face.
“Still better than last week.” He teased, I kicked his shin lightly under the table and he laughed. “How’s the ‘ol office job?” I scoffed and rolled my eyes.
“As awful as ever. How’s whatever it is you do that you just will not tell me?” I said, getting comfortable in the booth and resting my chin in my right hand. Sonny shrugged.
“Livin’ the life.” He said, sitting up straighter. “That new?” He nodded toward my top. I shook my head slightly.
“No. Just wearing something over it this time.” I told him. He stuck his bottom lip out in understanding.
“Looks good.” He complimented. I laid a hand on my chest dramatically.
“What? Sonny West giving me a compliment?” I teased. He rolled his eyes and waved a hand in the space between us.
“Not if this is how you react, then no.” he fired back, unable to hide the sheepish grin on his face. It never ceased to amaze me how oddly our friendship had come to be. Thirteen years ago, he’d come to fix my washer but paid for it himself. So naturally I went to the storefront the next day and offered to buy him lunch.
Of course my family and friends encouraged a relationship between us. But Sonny and I had never seen the other in that light. Our bond grew though. We looked after one another much like a brother and sister would.
Today was just another one of our lunch outings. By some miracle, the two of us had the same lunch break times, so we figured we should utilize the time to catch up. Especially since his new, mystery job had seemed to keep him on his toes for the last ten years. Ten years he’s had the job, and never let it slip to me what it was.
Thirty minutes and a couple of half eaten entrees later, Sonny dabbed his lips with his napkin and leaned back into the booth. I smiled and took another bite of my sandwich. I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t literally hear the gears in his head turning.
“What is it, West?” I asked, grabbing my glass of water. He merely glanced over and exhaled softly.
“Nothin’. Stuff you don’t want to talk about.” He replied. I quirked a brow, already knowing he was going to ask more questions about my long-gone relationship with Elvis.
“Ask away.” I said simply. There was enough emotion in those two words to show a halo of sadness above my head.
“You really ain’t been with anyone else since him?” He asked, turning his attention fully to me. I shook my head and through my hands up.
“No, Sonny. He was it to me.” I told him. Quite possibly could’ve been the thousandth time I’d said it. “Plus, you’ve known me for the last thirteen years. You know I haven’t.” I added extra emphasis to ‘know’. Maybe this time he wouldn’t forget that the answer to that question hasn’t changed.
“If he came through the door right now what would you do?” He asked. This felt like I was in middle school again. Talking to my friends about my crush and daydreaming hopelessly about him.
“Seriously?” I replied dryly, popping a fry into my mouth. Sonny nodded, checking his watch quickly.
“I’d just look at him,” I started, my eyes glazing over as if my mind was trying to put me there. “And I’d say, ‘I hope that it’s been everything they promised you.’” Suddenly my vision became clear again. Sonny stared at me, his eyes searching mine. Then I shrugged, acting as if the question had never been asked nor answered.
“Listen,” Sonny said, checking his watch again. “There’s a party tomorrow night. Real fancy one. Gotta get real gussied up for it. I’m allowed to bring somebody and I’d like it to be you if you wanna come.” He explained. I felt my eyes widen.
“Sonny, you know how I feel about,”
“Real fancy stuff. I know.” He finished for me. “But it’s really important to me. Besides, it could be a great introduction of my job for you.” I straightened up at that. I’d been dying to know what he did. But I was still hesitant.
“Tomorrow night you said?” I asked, watching as his face lit up. He knew I would cave.
“Mhmm.” Sonny hummed, waiting patiently for my answer. I let out a short, sharp breath.
“Fine.” I said simply. He clapped his hands together, the sound loud enough to draw people’s stares.
“Great. I’ll give you some more details at tomorrow’s lunch. What are you doin’ after work?” He asked, scooting out of the booth and offering me his hand to do the same. I took it and stood to my feet before answering.
“Going dress shopping I guess.” I said. On the inside I was excited at the idea, but my tone sounded almost disappointed.
“Can I come? I’ll pay for it too.” Sonny asked. His excitement mirrored that of a toddler who’d just received an ice cream cone. I furrowed my brows together.
“Yes, you can come. But you are not going to pay for it.” I told him. We walked out of the small diner, stopping out on the sidewalk.
“Well, I’m gonna do it anyway. I’ll come get you around six.” He said, beginning to walk backwards.
“Sure, Sonny. Have a good rest of your shift.” I said, my tone letting on that I was trying to process far too much at a time.
“You too.” He called back. I paused for a moment after he was gone. Why on Earth was he so excited? Sonny was never one for big fancy parties either. So why was he suddenly all about this one? What about this one is he so excited about? All I knew was that I had to make it through the remainder of my shift.
———
“Sonny! No way!” I begged, pulling on his jacket sleeve. But it was no use. “I was kidding! Please! This one is way too much!” The protests didn’t stop until we were about six feet from the front counter.
“Quit tuggin’ on me.” He demanded playfully, holding the dress over his arm.
“Sonny, please.” I begged some more. Suddenly, he bent down to my level, carefully laying the dress over his shoulder and rested his palms against his thighs. I stuck my tongue out at him before he spoke.
“You looked amazing in this one. It just the right amount of simple and stunning. Just like its wearer tomorrow night. Alright?” Sonny said, his voice low. I crossed my arms, fighting to keep a stern face.
“Callin’ me simple?” I asked playfully. He stood to his full height again and shook his head.
“Nope. Trouble. Just as I always have.” He replied, walking up to the counter and laying the dress down.
“Still a stupid nickname.” I said.
“But a fitting one nonetheless.” Sonny replied. I dropped my arms, watching as the clerk put the dress in one of those fancy zip up bags. One I never thought I’d be able to hold in this life. Or even the next.
The man and Sonny exchanged a few words, ones that they were speaking just quiet enough to keep me in the dark. Then scarily large number popped up on the register. Only it was slightly less than what was written on the tag. I watched as Sonny pulled out some cash and handed it to the clerk with a grateful smile. A few thank you’s later, I was holding a navy dress bag, walking with my best friend out to his car.
“Thank you, Sonny.” I said quietly. Sonny stopped on the passenger side, keeping his hand on the door handle.
“What was that? Couldn’t quite hear you.” He teased, leaning down sarcastically.
“Thank you!” I shouted this time, making him shoot back up quickly. But he laughed and nodded.
“You’re welcome. You won’t regret this. I promise.”
———
Afternoon, Next Day, Sonny’s POV
I approached Elvis’ makeshift dressing room. My heart was pounding with excitement. By the time I got back to the hotel last night, Red was already standing outside Elvis’ room, saying he’d gone to bed early. I’d filled Red in on everything that had happened. That she’d agreed to come. That she let me buy the dress. The way she looked in it. Elvis was going to flip when he saw her.
I raised my right hand and knocked, waiting on Elvis’ answer. Then the door opened and I was met with Red first, seeing Elvis toward the back of the room.
“EP.” I said excitedly. Elvis looked up at me from his place on the couch with curious eyes. I sat down in the arm chair across from him. “EP, she’s coming.” I told him. His face immediately lit up.
“Really?” He asked, sitting up and resting his elbows just above his knees. “Was she like, excited? Or mad?” I told him the whole story starting from lunch yesterday all the way until dress shopping.
“EP, wait until you see this dress on her man. She is a real treasure.” I said, shaking my head at the thought. Just because I see Trouble as a best friend doesn’t mean I can’t fawn over how beautiful she is.
“Easy boy.” Elvis laughed, patting my leg before standing up and beginning to pace. “She’s still my best girl.” I nodded and held up my hands defensively.
“Oh I know, EP.” I replied, turning to watch as he walked, deep in thought. He picked at his lower lip, his eyes scanned the ground like it had some hidden message etched in the floor.
“What if this is a bad idea?” He asked, making another lap.
“It’s the best idea, Elvis.” I replied, standing up and crossing my arms.
“Yeah, but what if it’s not?” He said, stopping dead in his tracks and turning to face me. “What if she wants nothing to do with me, man?” I watched him for a moment, making note of the worry and excitement swirling in his eyes. Then I saw hope. I walked over to him, laying a firm and comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Trust me, Elvis. She does not feel that way.” I said honestly, retaining eye contact the whole time. Elvis breathed a sigh of what I hoped was relief.
“Alright then. Let’s get ready for a reintroduction.”
———
Reader’s POV
It was only an hour before the time that Sonny and I agreed on for my pick up. My skin was hot and my heart was racing. I was growing more and more anxious with every curl that fell from my curling iron. I finished my hair, giving it a light shake with my hands before flipping it a few times. I stood straight again, pausing before looking back in the mirror. I was a complete stranger to myself.
“Whoa.” I said, shaking my hair just a little more before moving on to eye makeup. I checked the clock, its display startling me into moving faster. I finished my makeup before I even realized I had started, then moved back into my room to put on the dress.
I stared at it. Lying on my bed. It’s soft gold color reflecting the sunlight beautifully. Some ugly voice was whispering that it looked better lying there than it did on me. But then I thought about what Sonny had said last night and that ugly voice was quick to disappear. I gingerly picked it up, unzipping the back and stepping into it. After a brief struggle to zip it, I was ready.
The reflection I was seeing was beautiful. I truly felt lovely. The fabric hugged my body just right. The color complimented my skin tone. The accessories I had chosen were perfect. My hair was actually cooperating for once. Tonight might actually be great. I smiled.
Then something else crossed my mind. Something that made tears brim my eyes, threatening to spill over. Him. I wonder what Elvis would say. What he used to say.
“You’re perfect.”
“Can’t believe God allowed me to call you mine.”
“Let me hold you like this a minute.”
I could almost see him in the mirror with me. The weight of his arms falling across my hips and stomach. The lingering burn of his kiss on my cheek. The way he would stand behind me looking in a mirror. Close enough to keep me warm but far enough to remain polite. Then a tear fell. Then another.
Then a knock at my door. The ghost of Elvis’ reflection vanished and I was left alone. Two tear stains making my cheeks sparkle. I looked in the direction of the door then back at the mirror. Without a second thought, I wiped away the tears, drying my face carefully and then I straightened my dress. I glanced over my appearance once more and then headed for the door. I knew before I put my hand on the knob that it was Sonny. Just a gut feeling. I opened the door and was met with a very spiffy looking Sonny.
“Well look at you, Stud.” I said confidently, almost forgetting that I was dressed for the very same occasion. Sonny smiled, dropping his head to hide the blush rising to his cheeks.
“Not lookin’ too bad yourself, Trouble.” He replied, stepping back to offer an out. I grabbed my apartment key and walked outside, turning to lock it and then handing Sonny the key. A habit I’d developed after our ten years of friendship. Plus, he’d never failed to keep my belongings safe. We walked away, chatting about our days. Me more so than him due to his secrecy.
Then came the drive. We sang and talked. I fixed his tie when he accidentally tugged on it too hard. He tricked me into thinking I’d missed a piece of hair when I was curling it. I was glad to be going to this crazy shindig with him. I was glad he wanted me to come. The drive seemed to go by much quicker than I thought it would have.
“We’re here.” Sonny said, throwing the car into park. I took a deep breath, looking past Sonny and toward the hotel we’d pulled up to. Only when I read the name did I understand where I was.
“Sonny.” I said plainly. He was just about to open the door when he stopped and looked over at me.
“Yes?” His tone told me he already knew what I was going to ask. He held my gaze for a brief moment before I noticed him swallowing hard.
“He’s not here… right?” I asked seriously. My stomach dropped, my own words inducing the intensity of my nerves. Sonny swallowed again, his own eyes widening at my question.
“I wouldn’t know. I know that he signed some deal to be doing shows. But tonight is the first night the hotel is actually open. So I doubt it.” He explained, eyeing the steering wheel in front of him.
“I know about the deal, Sonny. I also know he took up residency here. He can’t be here. If I even think he’ll be here, I need you to take me home.” I told him. Sonny began to nod slowly, letting the seriousness in my voice settle under his skin.
“Okay, Trouble. You have my word.” He promised.
“Swear?” I asked, holding up my pinky to him. He huffed a small laugh and hooked his pinky finger with mine.
“I swear.” He said.
“Thank you.” I breathed, dropping my hand to my lap and then waiting for Sonny to get out first. He made his way around the front of the car and opened my door, offering me his hand. I took it and peeled myself from the seat carefully.
“Good?” He asked as I steadied myself. I tossed my hair from my face gently and nodded.
“Mhmm.” I muttered. We walked up on the curb and I waited as the Valet took Sonny’s keys. Then we made our way inside the brand new International Hotel. It was beautiful. The look of the marble alone in the foyer was enough to send a chill down my spine. I subconsciously moved closer to Sonny as we walked down the carpeted halls, continuing to take in the visuals around us.
It smelled like pine trees. Must’ve been whatever cleaner they were using. Or maybe the polish they were using on the tiled floor in the hall in front of the show room. The doors to the Goliath room stood closed, its shiny wooden finish catching the light just so. Next to them was a sign with an arrow that was pointing to the right reading: ‘Welcome Party’.
Sonny changed direction and walked down the hallway. It started to get smaller in size, its pale orange walls and mint green trim growing closer together in my peripherals. My head started to spin, the door at the end of the hall seeming to glow.
“Sonny, wait.” I suddenly said, my feet sticking to the floor. He stopped and stood in front of me.
“You okay?” He asked, searching my face. I laid my right hand over my chest, feeling my heart rate increasing. “What’s going on?” I shook my head, trying to catch my fleeting breath. Sonny stayed with me, rubbing the outsides of my arms comfortingly. Then my mind went blank. Something that had happened only a handful of times. I don’t know how much longer we were standing there before I came to, feeling like myself again.
“You back?” Sonny asked, leaning down a bit to be eye level with me. I met his eyes and nodded, giving him a nervous smile. He let out a sigh of relief and pulled me into a hug. “You’ve got this.” He reassured before stepping back and moving to stand beside me. Then we started walking again, leaving the moment of distress and pushing forward.
We got to the door and the chatter from inside flooded my senses. Then the smell of fine dining and expensive wine. Only then did I realize how hungry I was… and how badly I needed a drink. Sonny opened the door and ambient light spilled out. Orange bulbs in the two chandeliers that hung above the group.
There were a few tall standing tables occupied by various dressed up men and women. Two security guards were posted just inside the door and they seemed to know Sonny as they both greeted him with a hearty, ‘how are you, man?’. I paused, watching the interaction with a smile. As they talked, I looked out across the group again, scanning for any faces I might recognize. Or maybe I was just afraid I would see him.
I felt Sonny’s hand fall on the center of my back, signaling that we could keep moving into the room. We walked on, muttering soft ‘hello’s and ‘excuse me’s’.
“I need a drink.” I told him, looking around for the beverages. Sonny chuckled and led me through the crowd, his hand firmly on my back. A group burst into laughter somewhere behind us and I turned instinctively, thinking I’d heard one that was sickeningly familiar. I nearly tripped and Sonny was quick to steady me.
“Eyes forward, Trouble.” He said teasingly. I shook my head and kept moving, the laughter dying out. Finally, we’d made it to the small pop up bar and the woman standing there smiled brightly at us.
“What can I get for you?” She asked, hands folded neatly in front of her. Sonny ordered his drink first and I made note of how sparkly the woman’s eyes became as he spoke to her. It made me smile. Then it was my turn.
“Could I get a Sangria, please?” I asked. The woman nodded and jotted down on the paper in front of her. Sonny turned to talk to another gentlemen and the woman watched him for a brief moment. When she looked back at me and noticed my stare, her eyes grew wide with fear.
“Oh, I’m-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare so hard at him.” She stuttered. I laughed gently in hopes of putting her at ease. Then I gestured to Sonny.
“No, please. Stare away. He’s basically my brother.” I explained. She sighed and returned my smile.
“Well, the both of you look very nice.” She complimented grabbing two glasses for our drinks. I absentminded brushed my palms against the silk of my dress.
“Thank you.” I replied softly. The laughter broke out again and I could’ve sworn I heard him. He was here. Something in my heart just knew it. As I turned to look again, I was met with a man who was dangerously close.
“There she is!” The man said happily. It was someone who I’d grown familiar with over the last ten years.
“Oh, Red!” I said, tilting my head a bit to meet his eyes.
“Hey, Trouble.” He said, taking my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “How’ve you been?” I began to nod slowly. How had I been?
“As good as I can be.” I told him. He smiled in understanding.
“I hear ya.” He said. “Sonny here?” I nodded and looked over my shoulder. But he wasn’t standing by the bar anymore.
“Oh!” I squeaked. “Well, he was standing right there.”
“Here’s your sangria.” The lady at the bar said, holding my drink up for me. I walked over and took it from her, thanking her quickly and continuing to look for Sonny.
“See him?” Red asked, holding his glass by his side. I shook my head carefully as I was mid sip of my drink.
“Not at the moment.” I answered, the small swig I’d had of the wine settling my nerves almost instantly.
“He’s hard to lose.” He pointed out. I looked back at him with a smile.
“Why? Because of how tall he is?” I asked, already knowing the answer. He pointed at me knowingly.
“Give the man a prize.” He said playfully, continuing to look for Sonny. I’d spotted him shortly after, smiling down at someone he was talking to.
“There he is.” I said, scooping up his drink and wandering over to him. I muttered some more ‘excuse me’s’ and stepped lightly, the feeling of being in heels still a foreign one.
As the small group in front of me stepped aside, the man Sonny was talking to had come slightly into view. Just as I was about to form a polite interruption, the two had fully appeared. My stomach instantly dropped. The long, black hair resting against a perfectly tanned neck was something I was all too familiar with. I took an unconscious step back, feeling all the color drain from my face.
“Sonny.” I whispered, knowing full well he didn’t hear. My vision stayed clear long enough to see Sonny’s eyes fall on me, widening suddenly in horror. Then the man he was speaking to turned his body toward me, revealing the one person Sonny swore I wouldn’t see tonight. He lied to me. He’d been friends with him this whole time. “Sonny.” I said again, this time louder and full of pain.
“I can explain.” He pleaded, stepping past Elvis as if to catch me. Whether or not I was going to fall over, I wasn’t sure. But he must’ve been seeing something I wasn’t. His arms darted out and I felt my whole body go numb against him. I fought to get away, even though I couldn’t feel a single nerve in my body. But I could feel the stares.
I was angry. I was scared. I was desperate to get away. When I finally broke free of Sonny’s hold, I took off, losing those stupid shoes in the process. I bolted, pushing past confused guests and curious security guards. As soon as I’d made it outside of the hotel, I found the farthest, most hidden bench I could, sat down, and cried.
My shoulders shook and hot tears streamed down my cheeks. It wasn’t even the fact that Elvis was there. It was the fact that my ten year long friendship with Sonny was crashing down. Over a broken promise.
The way he was talking to Elvis was the same way that two close friends would talk. The stance. The mannerisms. The eyes. I wrapped my arms around myself, offering no comfort. Every distant footstep was putting me on edge. I looked up through blurry eyes, ready to run if I saw Sonny.
No one was there. I curled up again, a fresh wave of sadness washing over me. More tears. More soft breaths. Then there was another set of footsteps. This time approaching the small garden space I was hiding in. I sat up, my heart thumping loudly in my ears. Closer. Closer. My brows furrowed in desperation. I pleaded silently for whoever it was to hurry up and pass by me so I could continue to cry. But then the owner of the steps came into view. Elvis.
He was carrying my shoes, the back of the heels hooked in his index and middle fingers. I froze, unable to tell if I was even still breathing. The city around us became muted. The air stilled. Almost like it had when I saw him for the very first time. I felt tears welling up once again as Elvis approached me. His face was neutral. No strong emotion to show. He sat down beside me, letting out a long breath and keeping his eyes forward. I instantly grew warm.
“Lost something.” He said after a moment, lifting my shoes a little. I stared at the ground, trying to decide if I should respond playfully, angrily, or at all.
“I hated them anyway.” I squeaked, my voice hoarse from my crying. Elvis huffed a laugh.
“You always did.” He replied, setting them down on the ground beside him. I sucked in a breath, beginning to sob once again. I didn’t care that he was next to me. I buried my face in my hands, hunching over to rest my elbows on my thighs. As I cried, I felt Elvis’ left arm wrapping around my back. Cautiously, afraid that I might jerk away as if he’d burned me. But I didn’t move. Just cried, feeling as though I was drowning.
Then he began to pull me closer. I slid easily across the polished wood. His other arm wrapped around my front and I was quick to adjust, my arms shooting out to wrap around him. I laid there, face buried in his left shoulder, staining his lovely blue silk shirt with tears and mascara. But he didn’t seem to mind. He never did.
“Oh, Satnin.” He whispered, dropping his face to the crook of my neck. I took a deep breath, the warmth of his words bringing a newfound calm. “Satnin, I’m so sorry.” I rolled my eyes and then squeezed them shut. The way he was holding me was something I had to learn to forget. His voice when it was just me and him had to become a lost melody in my mind. A song I just couldn’t remember the words to. When he told me all those years ago that we couldn’t be together anymore, it shattered me. It felt as though I had to relearn so many things.
Now here I was. Remembering the way he used to hold me. Finally remembering the words to the song. It felt like he was mine again. Even though so many now believed he was theirs. I felt his pulse against my back. I could smell the cheap cologne that he still loved to use. The way his hair was tickling my cheek. After years of reading about him. What the fans and the journalists had written to be Elvis Presley. Here he was. Back in my arms. The boy from Tupelo. A man that so many people see as a God send.
I finally caught my breath. My chest rising and falling against his. We pulled apart and stared. His eyes were the same beautiful blue. Only this time, they were sadder. He looked.. tired. Exhausted. A rubber band that had been stretched a bit too much. Then, he smiled. Sure, there were photos. His smile in every one of his films. But this smile? This one was for me. No one else would ever see it. No photos. No film. Just memory.
It drew a smile from me too. Which in turn caused us to laugh softly. Just like we had when he climbed through my bedroom window for the first time. Then Elvis placed his hand against my left cheek, his thumb brushing over the glistening remains of tears. My hands found home against his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
“Honey, I’m sorry.” Elvis said again, his eyes searching mine. I shook my head.
“I forgave you a long time ago, Elvis.” I told him honestly. His eyes softened at my words. “I’m so proud of who you’ve become. I’m very happy I got to play a role in your life.” Elvis’ lips twitched in a smirk.
“A poet, Baby. That’s what you are.” He said playfully. I smiled and hung my head. Then the air got heavy again.
“But,” I began. “I was hurt. I spent years trying to get over you. Trying to forget all the ideas for a life together that we’d shared. Then Sonny came along. We were friends for ten years. Ten years, Elvis. He never told me he knew you. I told him so many things about us. How much I still cared a bout you. How much I missed you. It hurts knowing that he may or may not have been telling you those things this whole time and he never told me the two of you were in touch.” I ranted. Elvis’ brows furrowed, sharing in my brokenness.
“It just makes me wonder whether or not you felt the same as I did. Maybe you told Sonny too, but he never told me anything. Elvis, I lost a piece of myself when you left me. I lost the woman I thought I was growing into. I had to completely forget that version of myself and mold a whole new one.” I said, staring at my hands on his chest. “I’m just…” I couldn’t say anymore. I looked up, meeting his gaze and attempting to read him.
“Satnin,” He started, licking his lips. “Honey, there ain’t a thing that I can say to you right now that would make all this hurt and betrayal you’re feeling right now go away. But I believe that you and I still know enough about each other for you to understand how sorry I am.” He told me. His other hand reached up and cupped my right cheek, my face now sandwiched in both of his hands. “Sonny and I talked about you all the time. That boy truly admires you and your friendship. Whenever he’d come to me with a story about you or another thought that you’d had about me… Baby that was the only thing getting me through this crazy life that I was foolish enough to leave you for.” Tears began to roll down his cheeks. I reached up, wiping them away and offering him a small smile.
“Ten years is a long time to be broken.” He whispered, trying to keep his voice steady. “And Satnin, I’d love to start helping the Lord put you back together. Not that He needs my help.” I huffed a laugh, pulling a short chuckle from him. Then we embraced each other again. The both of us were crying and laughing. When we pulled apart, Elvis planted a light kiss to my forehead. I smiled and glanced down at his lips.
“Missed.” I teased, leaning up slightly to capture his lips in a quick kiss. He was beaming, his hands holding my hips as though if he let go, I’d slip right through the Earth.
“You’re not gonna be too angry with Sonny, are you?” Elvis asked. I shook my head slightly.
“I don’t guess. But I will be having a solid conversation with him.” I answered, nestling into his left side.
“And I guess I’ll thank him for getting us back in touch.” He told me, laying his head on top of mine.
“Not until I’m done with him.” I said harshly, though he knew I meant well. Elvis held up his free hand defensively.
“Oh, yes ma’am.” He said. I smiled. With that one playful comment, I felt a weight lift from my chest. Like when you take a bandaid off of a wound to let it breathe and fully heal. Maybe now I was finally able to move forward. Even if the life that Elvis and I had first planned was no longer a possibility, I was just happy that he was the only variable that stayed the same.