Always On My Mind

Part 19

March 25th, 1960

It was so easy to fall back into the swing of things with E. He's your best friend so it just felt natural. Your relationship with Sonny, however gradually had drifted back into a steady, close friendship as Sonny took his place helping Elvis with his brother and a few other guys. He wasn't hurt by any means. He understood more than anything how the dynamic of your relationship with Elvis was, which was always a complicated mix between keeping him company twenty four seven not only as his photographer, but in and out of bed, but you continued to try to keep that part as discreet as possible. Regardless of Sonny's accepting nature, you felt a twinge of guilt. You had wanted or at least tried to have a life outside of Elvis, but at that point Elvis was your life. Being back in his life constantly meant being on the go twenty four seven again and Elvis was already booked that day on the Frank Sinatra song of all things. That had you a bit more excited than usual and Elvis was definitely eager to get back in front of an audience as well. You both got up extra early that morning. Elvis, still not a morning person groaned as he got dressed in his suit for the show, but you noticed him pop a small pill in his mouth as he proceeded to brush his teeth. "Are you sick?" You ask, curious about what he took. "Hmm? No..." He said with the toothbrush hanging out of his mouth and then he spit and met your eye contact in the mirror. "It's just something my buddies back in Germany told me could help with early mornings and I know I'm gonna need it with what the Colonel has lined up for me this whole year." He explained. "Okay, if you say so. Just...okay." You say, a bit concerned, but brush it off easily. You finish getting ready and Elvis takes a look at you with your tight skirt and Red blouse and black blazer. You opted for an extra professional look for meeting THE Frank Sinatra. Your camera hangs from your neck as you stand in front of the mirror and spray your hair to get it to the height you were happy with. Elvis comes up behind with his boyish grin, sending butterflies flying in your tummy. "Mooo." He erupts and you both burst into a fit of laughs at the memories. Memories that seemed like a lifetime ago, yet were just a few years back. It was just so much had changed, but that was one thing Elvis didn't want to admit. He was happy just going with the flow and falling back into what was comfortable. After you wipe the tears from your laughs from your eyes, it was time to depart. Sonny, Red, Lamar, and a new addition, Joe Esposito, a buddy from the army were down in the lobby waiting to take you both to the studio.

The studio is bustling with life as crew members buzz around like worker bees going from one place to another and all this to prepare for Elvis's arrival. You were promptly led to a dressing room by one of the crew and there you, E, and the guys settled in before showtime, though a knock came quickly at the door, summoning Elvis for a dress rehearsal. "Y/n, come with me? I'm sure you can get some good shots yoo." Elvis suggested giving you a wink. You nod and grab your camera, following behind as you're both led through the maze of backstage hallways until you come to a room with a piano and musical equipment. Your eyes widened as you caught sight of Frank Sinatra standing at the piano. "Sinatra, Elvis Presley is here." The crew member announced. He looked up and smiled widely. "Elvis! Glad you could make it!" He said, his voice sounding like velvet. "Hi there. And this is my photographer and childhood friend, y/n. She'll be taking photos during rehearsal and the show." Elvis introduced. You smiled shyly and Frank met your eyes. "Well, what a beautiful friend you have. Nice to have you both here " He smiled and then his gaze went off as another person walked up. You looked at where he was looking and saw Colonel Parker walk up. His smile sent chills down your spine. "Mr. Sinatra, thank you for having my boy here." He said and walked up to both men, putting a hand on their shoulders as if they were all long time friends. You could tell his presence here was strategic. "Y/n, how about you start doing your duties while these fine boys start their rehersal." The Colonel practically ordered. You held up your camera to hide your eye roll and started snapping photos as the Colonel looked on proudly at his 'job well done' of getting Elvis back in the spotlight. CLICK!