I already have. And BTW, I have documented proof that you stole over ten thousand dollars from the inn. You’re fired.
33
Presley
Presley is stretched out on Big Blue, reading a romance novel and pretending she’s not alone on a Saturday night, when the sound of Everett’s distinct voice wafts through the closed window from the balcony. He sings “Show Me the Way” followed by “Go Home, Mary.” It breaks Presley’s heart to think about how much his family has suffered. Alcoholism and abuse.
Presley thinks back to earlier in the day when she spotted Everett and his mother in the lobby at the inn. She spied on mother and son from inside Billy’s Bar. The abuse was evident in Mary’s broken arm, missing tooth, and yellowing bruises around her eyes. How devastating to have the man you promised to love, honor, and cherish cause you such pain. Why did Mary stay with Everett’s father? Because she loved him? Or were they so poor she couldn’t afford to leave him?
Presley had softened toward Everett when she saw the way he doted on his mother. He helped Mary into a chair by the window and knelt down beside her when he spoke to her. His lips lingered in her hair when he kissed the top of her head in parting. A man will treat his woman the way he treats his mother. Everett may have trouble telling the truth, but he’s a gentle soul. He would never intentionally hurt someone he cares about. If he keeps his drinking under control. But that is a big if, a chance Presley’s not willing to risk. She does not want to end up like Mary.
His next song is one Presley has never heard before about a red-headed woman named after the King of Rock and Roll. She leaves the sofa for the window. Sliding the bottom sash upward, she sits on the sill with her slippered feet on the balcony. The lyrics in his song speak of his love for Presley and how her presence in his life brightens his world.
Everett’s music is showing her the way. Right back to him.
When the song ends, the crowd on the sidewalk at Town Tavern goes wild. Presley waits for the applause to die down. “You wrote a song about me.”
“I did. Do you like it? I’ve been working on it for a while.”
“I love it. Does it have a title?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m thinking of calling it something simple—like “Presley.”
“I’m flattered, Everett. I hope you don’t mind if I continue to call you Everett. That’s who you are to me.”
“You can call me whatever you like. Everett is my given name. So, are you flattered enough to forgive me?”
She smiles, but he can’t see her in the dark. “No way I’m making it that easy for you.”
Everett’s groupies on the street chant for more.
Presley laughs. “Get used to it. This is your future. You can’t disappoint your fans.”
“Wanna come sit with me while I sing?”
“I’m fine where I am.”
He performs for over an hour until the crowd on the street diminishes.
Everett places his guitar inside his apartment, but he doesn’t leave his window. “So, you’re not going to forgive me?”
Her people reader was right about him all along. He lost his way for a while. His circumstances led him to make some bad decisions. But his core beliefs are rock solid. “I’m not one to hold a grudge, Everett. I forgive you for the lies, although it hurts that you didn’t have enough faith in me to tell me the truth.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I’d like to make it up to you if you’ll give me another chance. Will you give us another chance, Presley?”
“What’s the point? You’re moving to Nashville to become a country music star.”
He lets out an audible sigh. “Can I at least come over to your window, so we can talk face-to-face?”
“I don’t think so, Everett. There’s nothing left to say. I can forgive the lies, but I’m not yet ready to forget about your addiction. I just buried one alcoholic. I can’t go through that again.”
“Whoa. Wait a minute. I haven’t had a drink in over two years.” She hears anger in his voice.
“But you write about it in the song.”
“And the song went viral because my fans could hear my raw emotions. I’m not gonna lie to you, Presley, I fight the temptation to drink nearly every single day. But I’ve stayed sober for two years. I’ve told you before. I don’t like the person I am when I drink. And I never wanna hurt the ones I love like that again.
“There are no guarantees in life, Presley. I’m in love with you. All I’m asking for is a chance. I want a future with you. We’ll take it one day at a time. If we’re both committed, we can make a long-distance relationship work.”
“You’re about to embark on a lifestyle that revolves around partying. The temptation will be great, and I’m warning you in advance, I won’t be forgiving if you fall off the wagon. I can’t go through that again.”
“Understood. Having you in my life is all the more reason for me to stay sober.”
“I need some time to think, Everett. Are you staying for Friendsgiving tomorrow night?”
“We hadn’t planned on it, but I will if it means spending more time with you.”
“I’d like to meet your mom.” Perhaps meeting Mary will help her decide whether to give him another chance.
“In that case, we’ll stay. Mom wants to meet you as well.”
Presley stays in bed uncharacteristically late on Sunday morning. She stares at the ceiling as she struggles with her decision whether to give Everett another chance. One thing he said last night keeps repeating itself in her mind. There are no guarantees in life. Presley knows that as well as anyone. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If it doesn’t work out between them, their relationship wasn’t meant to be. At least, she
