by Thorn, Ava
All Kari could think about was a nice hot shower and something good to eat. She stood beside Hank as he talked to the attendant behind the desk. The hotel was different than what she was used to, the interior felt like she was in a throwback 60’s with colors of bright blue, mustard yellow and purple walls. Kari had to stop from tugging on Hank’s arm and begging him to go to another hotel. Instead, she reached up for a brochure.
“I’m sorry sir, all of our 128 rooms are completely sold out,” the male attendant named Jimmy, said with a smiled.
“Oh that sucks!” Kari said aloud. “Maybe we can go to the hotel down the street?”
Hank turned to see a small smile on Kari’s beautiful face. “We have reservations.”
“Hold on.” The attendant plucked away on the computer. “We have the Burnin’ Love Suite available,” he said.
“We’ll take it,” Hank said quickly, pushing his credit card forward.
“I just want to inform you the room is normally used for romantic lovers on anniversaries and honeymoons,” he said.
“It’s okay, we’ll take it,” Hank said.
“What is burnin’ love?” Kari asked, she wasn’t privy to the whole Elvis Presley experience, by the expression and clearing of the throat from the lady beside them said it all. The brochure said that fans flocked to Memphis to see Graceland and to stay at the Heartbreak Hotel. Kari turned around when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked at the woman who was decked down in Elvis souvenirs, oddly this reminded her of a kid who buys Mickey Mouse ears as soon as they step foot at Disney Land.
“I’m sorry dear, are you guys on your honeymoon?” the woman asked with a hint of an Irish accent, she adjusted her fanny pack in a true international tourist fashion.
No was on the tip of Kari tongue until Hank put his arm around her waist. “Yes it is,” Hank said.
“Well, hopefully the burning love experience will help you guys conceive tonight.”
Kari started to cough and move slightly away from Hank. “Thanks-”
“Dearie,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “Arthur and I conceived on our honeymoon. You know what, I’m going to wish baby dust your way.”
“No please don’t,” Kari said shaking her head no, she looked up to see Hank with a grim look on his face.
“Eloise, leave those young love birds alone.”
Kari saw the man who she presumed was the husband named Arthur walking towards them holding a white envelope. He was a cute, tall older man wearing a kagol hat that covered his white hair.
“Dear, they’re on their honeymoon. I told them how we conceived Adam on our honeymoon.” She smiled dreamily at her husband.
Kari needed to get this woman’s attention off baby dust. “How long have you guys been married?”
“Forty-two years,” Arthur said happily, staring into his wife eyes. “Every day we have together is a blessing. We learn years ago not to take one another for granted.”
Hank wrapped his arm tighter around Kari’s waist. “Well hot damn, I hope me and my sugar gets to be married that long.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“Yeah,” Kari responded in a low voice.
“Fight for what you want and you will,” Arthur said.
“Baby dust,” Eloise said, blowing imaginary air at Kari and Hank.
“Eloise, this is your fifth couple you’ve wished that on,” Arthur said, pulling her to the elevator.
Kari’s ears perked up as she heard Janet remark before climbing onto the elevator. “I have a great track record with wishing young couples baby dust,” Eloise boasted proudly.
“What’s wrong?” Hank asked looking suspiciously at her.
“Oh nothing,” she replied. “We’re not having sex.”
“Why not?” he asked, trying to keep a straight face.
Kari’s face paled and looked behind them and back at him “She wished baby dust on us,” she whispered.
Hank took the white envelop from the attendant, they walked to the elevator where he stared laughing at her. “You don’t believe in that Hocus Pocus.”
“No,” she lied. Crap, Kari swore when the elevator dinged open. She didn’t know what to believe, Rita had so many old wives tales that were burned into her memory.
“Good,” Hank replied with a smirk on his handsome face.
Kari could tell that the cowboy didn’t believe her. She stood there in silence thinking about Eloise and the whole ‘Baby Dust’ remark. Since she could remember, Kari had never wanted to have kids, it wasn’t because she could afford the sounds of pitter patter of little feet. She wanted to be a better parent than hers. Clare and Nigel were selfish parents who only thought about their needs and wants which didn’t include their children, unless it was to show them off at family or business functions.
Following the red carpet to their room for the night, they both stood there gawking at the room that read “Burnin’ Love.” Hank put the key card into the slot and opened the door slowly. Kari looked at Hank and back at the room that was decorated in black and red, did she mention there was a lot of red in the room? There were pictures of Elvis hanging from the wall. The room made it feel like she was in some gothic sex dungeon.
Walking past the gold dining room set with dark red velvet chairs to a sitting area with a matching colored throwback sofa. The furniture was old, not even her grandparents had furniture like that. She followed Hank to bedroom where there was contemporary black furniture. Kari ran her finger across the dark red comforter set.
“I thought I would be seeing a heart shape bed,” she said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Or mirrors above the bed.”
“Ha! That would be exciting,” Hank said, putting their luggage on the bed.
Kari peeled back the comforter on the bed and checked for any spots or hairs.
“What are you doing?” Hank asked.
“Well, I wish I had one of those lights so that we could see if there’s any juices on these sheets and comforter.”
Hank fell onto the bed laughing. “It’s clean, baby,” he said pulling her down on top of him. Wrapping his arms around her, and kissing until they both had to come up for air.
“Do we stay in or do we go out for dinner?” she asked when her tummy started to rumble.
Hank got off the bed and threw a red pillow at her. “I propose that we take a shower and hit Beal Street.”
Kari laughed harder and threw the pillow back at Hank, hitting him upside the head. “What is Beal Street?”
“Where all the music is at,” he replied, before heading into the bathroom.
Scooting off the bed, she rifled through her luggage searching for something to wear that Hank bought her from the boutique earlier today.
“Kari,” Hank called out.
“Yeah?”
“The bathroom has mirrors,” he laughed.
“Oh God,” she mumbled.
***
Hank hadn’t been to Beale Street in years. This was where everything happened at night, from live entertainment to delicious food. Beale Street was a historic part of downtown Memphis, Tennessee with a two block stretch of live music, clubs and restaurants. The street was closed off to traffic so pedestrians could walk freely up and down the street. Hank held Kari’s hand tighter as they walked passed a group of people. There were people everywhere. They stopped a few times to take pictures in front of neon nights.
“The best performers played here on Beale Street,” he said.
“Even you?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, stopping them in front of BB Kings restaurant. “This is my favorite place on Beale Street.”
The faux roadhouse sported blues music memorabilia, including jazz guitars woven into the wall as artwork. Kari nodded her head to the beat of the music; there was a group of guys singing on a song on stage.
“Hank!” a heavy black woman shouted as she walked towards them quickly. She hugged Hank, wrapping her meaty arms around him. “I’m so happy you finally brought your butt back here.”
>
“Corrine, you know I can’t stay away that long.” He kissed the woman on the cheek.
“Now who might this be?” Corrine smiled with one hand on her hip, looking back and forth between Hank and Kari.
“Hi, I’m Kari,” she said, extending her hand to the woman.
“Now child we don’t be handshaking around here.” She held her arms open for Kari. “Give me some love.”
Kari hesitantly stepped forward and hugged the woman; oddly it felt like a mother that hugged a child. It was heartwarming and comfortable. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”
“No honey, it’s all mine when my Hank told me he was coming for a visit and bringing a special person with him,” Corrine said in a loving tone. “Now, follow me to the table I have picked out for you guys.”
After sitting down at the table, Corrine left to give the chef orders for their table. Hank’s eyes traveled to Corrine standing near the bar, she mouthed “I like her.”
“Did you hear me?” Kari asked, looking at him strangely.
“No darling, I’m sorry what did you say?” Hank asked.
“When was the last time you came here?”
“Last month,” he said, as a waitress sat a pilsner glass filled with draft beer in front of him and a glass filled with colorful slushy alcohol beverage.
“What is in this?” she asked, staring at the colorful concoction.
“Baby that is a Lucille, made up of Malibu coconut rum, blue curacao, mixed with orange and pineapple juices,” Corrine said as she sat a plate with appetizers in front of them. “Soul Samples; we got fried pickles, catfish bites and our good ol’ Memphis wings.”
“You know the way to my stomach every time I come here.” Hank picked up the hot sauce, shook a few drops over the pickles and catfish.
“I never had catfish or fried pickles before,” Kari admitted.
“Child, where the hell you from?” Corrine laughed uncontrollably.
“Beverly Hills,” Kari replied in a deadpan voice.
“Don’t worry baby girl, Auntie Corrine will take care of you and that sophisticated pallet. Now, I’m going to go back and allow you guys to eat you meal.” Corrine looked Hank directly in the eyes. “We’ll talk later.”
“Yes ma’am,” he said.
“I see why you like it here,” Kari said after Corrine left their table. “The food is surprising great, the atmosphere relaxing and not to mention the music is wonderful. I can sit here all night and listen to the great sounds coming from the guitars and saxophone.”
“This is the best time I’ve enjoyed being at this restaurant,” he said in a lower, more seductive tone, making Kari blush. “You’re absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Kari breathed as she began to blush again.
Hank popped another catfish bite into his mouth to keep himself from drooling over the brown sequin dress that fitted Kari’s body like a glove. “I think we should dance,” Hank said standing up, holding his hand out for her.
“Okay,” she said, putting her smaller hand into his bigger one.
Standing on the dance floor, he placed a hand at Kari’s waist and took one of her hands in his own. “Are you okay?” he asked, as they started to slow dance to the music.
“Yes.” Kari smiled into his eyes.
“I like this.”
“Me too.”
With a little smile, Hank began to sing along with the song that was playing. “You make me a better man,” he said.
“Why do you say that?” she asked, pulling back to look him in the eyes.
“Because when I’m with you… I’m reminded of the man that I want to be. You know how the saying goes, love brings out the best in people and that’s what you doing with me.”
“Are you saying you love me?” she asked as he twirled her around.
“Would I be wrong if I did?” he asked her back.
“No.”
“The first time I laid eyes on you, I loved the way your black hair danced in the wind. You brighten my day up, even with the road rage.”
“It wasn’t road rage,” she smiled.
“Everything is worth fighting for even with the ups and downs that may come with us.” He pulled Kari just a little bit closer in their dancing.
“The same goes with you,” she exclaimed quietly. “I’m realizing that you’re breaking down my walls slowly. I like who I am with you. I feel like I have the whole world in my hands.”
The song was long over, but they still danced to beat of their hearts. “I will give you the world.”
Kari wrapped her around him tighter. “Thank you,” she said to his chest.
“I’m a lucky man,” he smiled, looking into her eyes.
“Vice versa.” Kari stood on her tiptoes and kissed him slowly until someone cleared their voice from behind.
“Dinner is served,” Corrine said, and walked away.
“We can dance again?” she asked, her passionate eyes looking up at him.
Without thinking, his mouth descended down upon those tempting, full lips of hers. She tasted like coconut and pineapple. He felt like his lungs were close to bursting, he pulled back, looking down at her, their chests heaving.
“Hank,” her voice was low, as if the words were ripped out between gasping breaths. “Can we take our food back to the hotel?”
Taking her by the hand, he made his way to the bar where Corrine stood. “I already had it prepared in a to-go box,” she said, handing them a bag.
“We’ll be back tomorrow,” he said, and kissed the older woman on the cheek.
They barely made it back to their room at the Heartbreak Hotel, his moth was all over hers as they walked through the threshold of the bedroom. Clothes were discarded all over the suite. He laid her gently on the bed. He kissed her deeply before trailing heated kisses down her body, stopping at her breast to give extra attention with his mouth; he let his tongue flicker across her nipple until it became nice and firm in his mouth. Kari was letting out soft moans to let him know she was pleased. Her perfectly manicured hands were running through his hair.
Hank continued his way down her body, kissing her belly until his mouth found the thin barrier of her lace panties. Kari raised her hips automatically to let him take them off her. His eyes met hers as he kissed between each thigh, Kari bit down on her lips as Hank kissed her treasure spot.
Kari thrashed on the bed as Hank’s tongue darted in and out of her. She moaned and arched her back as that sensational feeling built in her stomach. His mouth gave more attention to her clit while he entered two fingers inside of her, moving them in and out. Kari moaned louder, grabbing a fist full of Hank’s hair to keep him in place and after a few more sucking and strokes, she cried out her orgasm, her body trembling and shuddered. When her orgasm passed, Hank kissed his way back up where he planted tenderly kisses on her lips.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” whispered Kari in a hushed breath.
Hank positioned himself between her legs. They kissed tenderly for a moment; Kari pushed her hips up against his. He bit back a groaned as he looked her directly in the eyes.
“I can’t remember anything feeling so right.” Kari smiled and kept eye contact when he entered her gently. Once he was in her wet warmth, he kissed her softly before moving inside of her slowly at first. He knew that Kari hated when he held back.
Picking up the tempo, the room was soon filled with the sounds of two bodies moving together, moans, and quick breathing. When they both reached their climax, Hank was pushing in and out vigorously, he felt Kari contract around him with spasms, making him find his release inside of her, both crying each other’s name in ecstasy.
Hank fell onto Kari totally spent, trying to catch his breath.
“That…was…” began Kari between breathes. “Amazing.”
“Unbelievable,” said Hank at the same-time.
They both chuckled. Hank rolled off her onto his back and Kari nestled against him. Laying her hea
d on his chest, as Hank caressed his abs.
“We should eat,” Kari said after she heard Hank’s stomach growl.
“I’ll get the food and you find something to watch,” he said, easing up from the bed.
By the time Hank made it back to the bed, Kari was sitting in bed wearing his button up shirt. “My shirt looks better on you,” he said, sitting on the bed with the box of food from the BB & King Restaurant.
“Well, thank you, sir.” She smiled seductively at him. “There is nothing on cable except for an Elvis movie called ‘Loving You’ that is coming on.”
“It’s fine, but I know how you 80’s babies can be.”
“What does that mean?” Kari asked with her hand on her hips.
“It’s really old, 80’s babies don’t watch anything older than 1998,” he said.
“Ha, ha, ha, that was a low blow,” she laughed. “I’ll have you know I still watch Shirley Temple movies when I catch them on AMC.”
“Eat baby,” he said.
Sitting on the bed eating BB& King Famous Lip Smacking Ribs with baked bean coleslaw and Bourbon pecan pie while watching Elvis Presley movie call ‘Loving you’.
Hank shook his head at Kari who was passed out thirty minutes after the movie started. He threw away the food containers and climbed into bed next to her. He loved the way she breathed in and out, running his finger across her moist lips. Laying his head closer to her just to get a whiff of her sweet fruity perfume that was etched into his memory bank. She must have sensed him close to her, because Kari snuggled closer to him.
He closed his eyes in an attempt to get some sleep before the sun rose. But when he closed them all he could see was Kari. Their life together flashed before his eyes, as is his mind and heart was trying to tell him that she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with.
***
The next morning they walked through the Colonial Revival style mansion that sat on a small hill behind the tress, which once was the home of Elvis Presley. Kari couldn’t pay attention to the tour guide, her thoughts where on the cold shoulder she received from Hank this morning. As they wander through the foyer, living room, dining room. It was eerie how everything was exactly the way Elvis left it since he died with the 1960’s décor.