virtually Elvis in a jumpsuit

with thanks and apologies to G.W.

there were few things she hated more than calling "him" for help
he always seemed to get the wrong idea
but
she had exhausted her funds from having the transmission overhauled
and if he had only done the routine maintainance
instead of hanging out down at the bar with his buddies...
but
she didn't want to start thinking about all that again
it wore her down
besides
she wanted to sound pleasant on the phone
after all
it made a big difference if she sounded pleasant on the phone
when she asked him for things
pleasant
helpless
and a little stupid

Honey( her voice just dripped pleasant)
that silly old upstairs bathroom sink is leaking down all over the kitchen floor again and you know how impossible it is for me to do plumbing and...

well "he" said he'd be right over with"his" tools ("his" tools?)
they both knew any tool he had
had come from her fathers workbench but she didn't want to start that argument again

she hoped she had caught before he had showered and changed
but
he walked in the door in a clean shirt, his good sneakers and an intact pair of pants
smelling of that expensive aftershave he had refused to wear while they were together

she just stood there in an old robe
looking as hapless as a flood survivor
and offered him some tea
which he gratefully accepted
commencing the ritual
of her putting on water
and him banging on pipes

they both knew that kettle could whistle all night long yet no tea would be made

he could tell she was all dressed up under that robe
and it was into the bedroom and back in a flash
just as a horn honked out in the gravel driveway
signaling it was time for her to go

bye bye
gotta run
promised Mary Lou I'd hang out with her tonight
kiss kiss
and she was out the door

gee
she did look real good
and she had called him

he finished up with the sink
cleaned up
and realized he had to change again
turned off the whistling kettle
and left
locking the door behind him
keeping the house safe for her return

outside the sky seemed clear
and full of endless possibilities