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eBookISBN:978-1-101-61613-0

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Alden,Ginger.ElvisandGinger/GingerAlden.—First

edition.

pagescmISBN978-0-425-26633-5(hardcover)1.Presley,Elvis,1935–1977.2.Alden,

Ginger.3.Rockmusicians—UnitedStates—Biography.4.Actresses—UnitedStates—

Biography.I.Title.ML420.P96A642014782.42166092—dc23

[B]2014009089

FIRSTEDITION:September2014

CoverphotocourtesyofDavidSpencer.CoverdesignbyJasonGill.

Theeventsinthismemoirarerealevents,asexperiencedandrememberedbytheauthor.Mostconversationsareexactwordsandafewhavebeenreconstructedfromtheauthor’smemoryandpresentedinamannerthat

conveystheirspiritandintent,asrecalledbytheauthor.

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Penguiniscommittedtopublishingworksofqualityandintegrity.Inthatspirit,weareproudtoofferthisbooktoourreaders;

however,thestory,theexperiences,andthewordsaretheauthor’salone.

Version_1

ToElvis,forsharingapartofyourremarkablelifewithmeandmy

family.Yourlove,music,generosity,andmanybeautifulmemoriesholdaspecialplaceinourheartsforever.

Tomyparents,JoandWalter,andmysiblings,Mike,Rosemary,andTerry,foralwaysbeingthere.Tomy

husband,Ron,andmyson,Hunter,whosepatience,love,understanding,andsupportIcouldnothavedonethiswithout.

Iloveyouall...

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thankyoutomyagent,FrankWeimann,forhisinitiallettertome,understandingthatthetruestoryofElvisandmyrelationshiphadyettobetold.MydeepestgratitudetoeveryoneattheBerkley

PublishingGroupforalloftheirassistanceinbringingmymemoriestolife.Aspecialthank-youtoLeslieGelbman,publisher,andtomyeditor,DeniseSilvestro,forherpatience,guidance,andexpertisethroughoutthislong,emotionaljourney.IappreciateallthehelpfromeditorialassistantAllisonJanice,andabigthank-youtoHollyRobinsonforourtalksandherhelpindoctoring

whatneededtobesaidatvarioustimes.Tothecopyeditor,CandaceB.Levy,andthebook-designdepartment,thankyou.Tothepublicitydepartment,especiallyHeatherConnorandDianaFranco,mysincerethanks.

ToPeggy,Teri,Rachael,Jeanine,Cindy,andLouise,yourfriendshipsIholddear,andthankyouforyourencouragement,support,andalwayslendinganearover

thepastyears.Iloveyouall...

MydeepgratitudetomycousinDavidSpencer,RussHowe,ShantayWood,BobKlein,KeithAlverson,andRonnieBellfortheuseoftheirphotosandforassistingmewithothers.MydeepappreciationtoElvis’sfansforyourencouragementandsupport,andthankyouforyourunendingloveforElvis.

CONTENTSTitlePageCopyrightDedicationAcknowledgmentsEpigraphAuthor’sNote

PROLOGUECHAPTER1CHAPTER2CHAPTER3CHAPTER4CHAPTER5

CHAPTER6CHAPTER7CHAPTER8CHAPTER9CHAPTER10CHAPTER11CHAPTER12CHAPTER13CHAPTER14CHAPTER15CHAPTER16CHAPTER17CHAPTER18CHAPTER19

CHAPTER20CHAPTER21CHAPTER22CHAPTER23CHAPTER24CHAPTER25CHAPTER26CHAPTER27CHAPTER28CHAPTER29

Photos

“Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,

Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.”

“Yougivebutlittlewhenyougiveofyourpossessions.

Itiswhenyougiveofyourselfthatyoutrulygive.”

—KAHLILGIBRAN,THEPROPHET

AUTHOR’SNOTE

OneSeptemberafternoonin2001,IwasstandingonthesideporchofmyhomeinNewYork.TheschoolyearhadjustbegunandIwaswaitingfortheyellowbusthatusuallycameroaringupourstreetatthistimetobring

myson,Hunter,home.Whenthebusarrivedat

theendofourdriveway,thedoorsswungopenandHunterjumpedout,racingtowardmewearingapairofoversizesunglasseshehadtakenwithhimearlierthatmorning.“SomeofthekidsonthebuswerecallingmeElvis!”heexclaimedbreathlessly.“Who’sElvis?”

Iwassurprisedthatchildrenasyoungasmine

wouldknowwhoElviswas.Hunter’squestioncaughtmeoffguard.Iwasn’tpreparedtorevealanextremelyspecialrelationshipinmylifetomyson,whosebirthsevenyearsearlierhadbeenscheduledforAugust16,thesamedayElvisdied.Hunterarrivedfourdayslate,sparingmetheironyofhavingsuchahappyeventcoincidewiththedateofsuchatragiceventinmylife.

Thatafternoon,ItoldHunterthesimplesttruth.“Elviswasaveryfamousentertainer,”Isaid.Ibreathedasighofreliefwhenheraninside,seeminglysatisfiedwithmyresponse.

Astheyearprogressed,however,HunteroccasionallyaskedmemorequestionsaboutElvis:“Whatkindofhairstyledidhewear?”“Whatkindofmusicdidhesing?”

Iknewthesequestionshadtobepromptedbyconversationsatschool.Still,Ikeptmyanswersshortandsimple,knowingonedayI’dhavetosaymore.

Bytheendofthatschoolyear,IhaddecidedtotellHunteralittleaboutElvisandme.Ididn’tknowquitehowtobegin.ItfeltstrangetotalkwithhimaboutamanI’dlovedlongbeforemeetinghisfather.

Notknowingwhatmyson’sreactionwouldbe,Iwasalittlenervousandfeltaninvoluntarytremble.Ihadn’ttalkedaboutElvisinalongtime.“Thispersonyou’vebeenaskingabout,Elvis,well,Mommyknewhim,”Isaidandthenpaused.Iwasn’tfeelingcomfortableenoughtotellhimthatElvisandIhadbeenengaged,soIsimplyadded,“ElviswasaverynicemanImetlongago.

Hewassomeonewholovedtosingandmakepeoplehappy.”

Iwaitedforanyquestions,buthejustsaid,“Cool!”andashewentofftoplay,Ibegantofeelthatallofmyapprehensionaboutopeningupthisconversationwithhimwasunnecessary.Forhimitwassimple.Forme,itwasprofoundlycomplex.

IhadwrittendownmymemoriesofElvisnotlong

afterhepassedawayasawayofholdingontothem.IfeltIhadtograntafewinterviewsatvarioustimes,butIalwayskeptthetrue,completestoryandintimatedetailsofourtimetogethertomyself.Iwentforwardwithmylife,butovertime,Iwasshockedandhurttoseethatspeculations,exaggerations,andcompleteuntruthsregardingElvis,me,andourrelationshipwereunjustly

beingtoldbyafewpeoplewhohadbeenaroundElvis—peopleI’dbarelygottentoknowandsomeIhardlyknewatall.SomeoftheirstorieswerethenpickedupandspreadbyotherwritersfortheirownElvisbiographies.ManybookshavesensationalizedandevenfictionalizedElvisasbeingdepressedandinadownwardspiralduringhislastyearoflife.However,theElvisthatI

knewwasnotthewayhewasportrayedinthemedia.Hesawhisrelationshipwithmeasanewbeginningandwasexcitedaboutboththerelationshipandwhatthefuturewouldbringforthetwoofus.

IknewIhadastorytotell,butunderstoodthatthetruthaboutmyrelationshipwithElviswasonethatwouldrequireagreatdealoftimeandemotionalenergyto

write.WhenIgavebirthtomy

son,Idevotedmytimetohim,ashebecamemynumberonepriority.IfeltIcouldn’tbethereforhimasamotherifIchosetowritesuchanintenselypersonalbook.Whenmysonwentofftocollege,Ifeltthetimewasfinallyright,soIbeganputtingtogethermymemoirs.Thisprovedtobeanall-encompassingandextremely

emotionaljourney.Elvisallowedmanypeople

inandoutofhislife,allofwhomhedevelopeddifferentrelationshipswithashisneedsanddesiresevolvedovertheyears.Iwasthelastseriouslovehewouldletintohisheart.Ourmeetingwasawonderfulaccidentthatturnedintoalife-alteringninemonthsasIgottoknowaverycomplicated,intenseman.ThereasonsIfellin

lovewithElvisdon’tfitneatlyintoatidy,easilycategorizedlist;theywerethingsIfeltmyheartwastellingme:IwantedtomarryElvisandspendmylifewithhimbecauseIlovedhimforhisgoodheartandgenerous,kindspirit.

Thisbookisaboutthesteeplearningcurveofawomaninlovewith—andlovedby—amanwhomostoftheworldcouldexperience

onlyfromafar.Elviscouldbedifficultattimes,butforme,hisgoodnessandlovingspiritgreatlyoutweighedanyfaults.

Iexperiencedagreatdealduringmyshortbutjam-packedmonthswithElvis,andourlovestorygoesbeyondanynormaldescription.

Simplyput,it’snearlyimpossibletounderstandwhatit’sliketobepulledinto

theorbitofamanaspowerfullycharismaticashewas.Elvishadhisowngravity,andhisuniversewasunlikeanythingtheaveragepersonislikelytoexperienceorevencomeintobriefcontactwith,otherthanafewselectpeopleinhistoryluckyenoughtobearoundsupernovapersonalitiesorachieverswhotouchdownonourplanetfromtimetotime.

WhenIfirstmetElvis,I

wasayoung,impressionablewomanwhohadjustturnedtwenty.Hewasforty-oneandwantedtoteachmemanythings.Oneofthelessonshetaughtmethatprovedtobethemostvaluableduringthepainfulmonthsfollowinghisdeathwasthis:Ifsomethingbothersyouorifpeoplearesayinguntruethingsaboutyou,“Killitandgetitbehindyou,”Elvisadvisedme.

Hewasalwaysquickto

pointoutthatit’sfarhealthiertoletthingsgothantodwellonthemiftheymakeyouangryorunhappy.Hewouldrefertosomelessannoyingthingsas“pureMickeyMouseshit,”usuallyadding,“There’sabiggerpictureoutthere.”

Thiswaspowerfuladvice,comingfromamanwhosesensitivenaturewouldnotalwaysallowhimtofollowthatwisdom.However,

althoughIclungtohisruleof“Killitandgetitbehindyou”astightlyasIcouldafterhisdeath,itwouldultimatelyprovetobeimpossibleformetoremainunscathedbythegossip,rumors,andliesafterElviswasgone.

SomepeopleevendaredtodismissthelastyearofElvis’slifeasarunawaytraintowardsuicide.Thereisawell-knownsaying,“Ifyoucan’tcarveyourplacein

historybyvirtueofyourowntalent,perhapsyoucanmakeitbyassassination,”andthatwasthepathsomepeopleunfortunatelychosetotakeinbooksandinterviewsafterElvispassedaway.

ThismistakenimageofElvishurtmedeeply,asIknewfirsthandthathisworld,duringourtimetogether,continuedtobemainlyfilledwithlove,sensitivity,brilliance,humor,and

generosity.I’mnotclaimingtobeanElvisexpert,butIgottoknowhimintimately,inawaythatfewhave.

Elvis,amultifacetedman,withhispassionformusic;thirstforknowledge;anddeeploveforfamily,friends,andfans,wasnotadepressed,run-downman.Farfromit:Elviswasamanwhowasexcitedaboutlifeandenthusiasticallymakingplansforthefutureashe

endeavoredtotransformhisdreamsintoareality—arealitythatincludedmarryingme.

Elvis,youandIknowthetruthaboutourtimetogether.Unfortunately,you’renotheretosettherecordstraight.Withthisbook,Iwilltrytodoso.Betterlatethannever.

PROLOGUE

Graceland,August16,1977

Weallrefusedtogiveuphope.

Itwasafter3P.M.onTuesday,August16,1977.IwassittinginsideDodger

Presley’sbedroomatGracelandwithmembersofElvis’sfamily,includingVernon,hisfather;Dodger,Vernon’smother;Elvis’sdaughter,Lisa;andmynieceAmber,whohadbecomefriendlywithLisa.Astheminutestickedaway,Ifeltmyanxietymountingandwasfindingitdifficulttobreathe.

Wehadbeensittingvigilforwhatseemedlikeaneternity,silentlyprayingfor

goodnews.Thetensionwasunbearable.IsuddenlyfeltlikeIhadtoleavetheroom,asifbydoingso,mymindcouldescapetothatprecioustimeashortwhileagobeforeI’dmadetheshockingdiscoveryintheupstairsbathroom.

Ofcourse,Iknewthatwasimpossible.TheimprintofwhatIhadseenwouldbeforeverburnedintomymemory.

IslowlywalkedoutofDodger’sbedroomdoor,wishingmorethananythingthatI’dbegreetedbyElviswalkingdownstairstowardmerightthen,laughingandtellingeveryoneitwasallajoke,evenasIknewinmyheartthatthismoment,asbadasitwas,wasveryreal.Pausinginthefoyer,Inoticedafewotherpeopleprayinginthediningroomandlivingroom.Isaidmyprayersagain

aswell,feverishlyindenial,stillwantingtobelievethatthedoctorsatthehospitalcouldsaveElvisbysomemiracle,andthathewouldalwaysbeherebymyside.

Elvis’sauntNashsawmestandingthere.Sheapproachedmeandgavemeahug.“Everythingisgoingtobeallright,Ginger,”shesaid.“Hehassomuchlefttodo.”

Idon’tknowwhetheritwasthefactthatshewasa

relativeoranolderwomanwhoseemedwise,butIfeltacomfortingfeelingwashoverme.Iwantedsobadlytobelieveher.

SomeofthedarkfearshauntingmeslowlybegantoeaseasIconvincedmyselfthatsurelyAuntNashhadtoberight.Itwastrue!Elvisdidhavealotlefttodo,andsomanyofhisdreamswouldremainunfulfilledifheleftusnow!

IreturnedtoDodger’sbedroomafterafewminutes,feelingalittlemorehopefulthanwhenIhadleftandcontinuedtokeepvigilwiththeothers.LisawasplayingbythebedwithAmber;asthetwoofthemwhisperedtogether,everythingseemedalmostnormal.

Thephonesthroughoutthehousebuzzedintermittently.Somewhere,someoneansweredthem.Eachtime,

withstillnowordfromthehospital,Igrewincreasinglyfrightened.

Suddenlyamovementinthedoorwaycaughtmyattention.MybreathcaughtinmythroatasIsawElvis’spersonalphysician,Dr.GeorgeNichopoulos,standingthere.

MylastflickerofhopefadedasIwatchedDr.Nichopoulosslowlyentertheroom,holdingalargeyellow

envelope.Shakinghisheadatus,hewalkedovertoVernonandhandedhimtheenvelope.“I’msorry,”hesaid.

IfeltlikeI’dstoppedbreathingaltogetherandfeltlight-headed,mypulsesuddenlypoundinginmyears.Istaredattheenvelope.Iwasunabletolookatthedoctor’sface,muchlessVernon’s,asIrealizedthattheenvelopemustcontainthejewelryElvishadbeen

wearingwhenhewasrushedawayfromGracelandbyambulance.OneofthosepieceswouldbeanecklaceElvishadpurchasedwhileweweretogether,agoldchainwiththeHebrewletterchaimeaninglifeortolive.

Iwentcompletelynumb,feelingasifnotjustElvisbuteverythingaroundGracelandandwithinmehaddied.Ifeltempty,hollowedout.

Everyonearoundmewasdevastated.Wecriedandhuggedoneanother,searchingforcomfortinembracesandtears.ItwasimpossibleforanyofustograspthatElvis,amanwhoseemedlargerthanlife,couldbegonefromthisworld.

Myheadwaspounding.Ineededtowalkabit.Idecidedtoleavetheroom,asIexperiencedanoverwhelmingneedtoknow

iftheoutsideworldwasawareofwhathadhappened,ofwhatweweresuffering.

IleftDodger’sroomandwenttooneofthewindowsinthefrontlivingroom,whereIpeekedoutthroughthesideofaclosedcurtain.ItimmediatelybecameclearthatthenewsofElvis’spassingwasspreadingfast.CarswereslowingdownastheydrovepastGraceland.Somevehicleshadstopped

completely,theirpassengersgettingoutandstandinginthemiddleofElvisPresleyBoulevard.Peoplehadbegungatheringbythefrontgates,too,andalongGraceland’sstonefence—afencethathadneverreallybeenabletoseparateElvisfromhisloyalfans.

ThisdayhadbegunwithexcitementandhopeforElvisandme,butendedinheartacheanddisbelief.At

theageofforty-two,myfiancé,ElvisAaronPresley,wasdead.Theworldaroundmehadcrumbledandmyheartwasbroken.

CHAPTER1

Certainthingsinlifeareboundtomakeyouwonderhowmuchofyourdestinyisduetofateandhowmuchistheproductofchance.Formyfamily,theU.S.Armywasacatalyst.

In1943,theworldwasat

warandmyfather,WalterAlden,wasdraftedintothearmy.Mymother,JoSpencer,enlistedintheWomen’sArmyCorpsandtheywerebothpostedatFortStewart,Georgia.Twoyearsaftermeetingatthebaseservicestationonefatefulday,theymarried.Elevenmonthslater,theyhadmybrother,Mike,andfiveyearslatermysisterRosemarywasborn.

Mydaddecidedonacareerinthemilitary,andin1951theysettledinMemphis,Tennessee.Memphiswashometomanygreatmusicaltalents,butinthemid-1950s,ElvisPresleyhadbeguntoputourcityonthemapformillionsaroundtheworld.

In1955,theyearmysisterTerrywasborn,myfamilywaslivinginanapartmentbuildingonGetwellRoad.

UnawarethatElvislivedaboutfiveblocksaway,mybrotherwasridinghisbikeonStriblingStreetonedayandrecognizedElvisinaflatbedtruckashedroveupbesidehim.ElvissmiledatMikeandslowlypassedhim.MikefollowedhimtoDunnAvenueuntilElvismadeaturnandhelostsightofhim.Mybrotherlatertoldmyparents,“HeprobablysmiledatmebecauseIwasstaringat

him.”Likemybrother,most

MemphiansfeltasenseofpridethatElvissharedtheirhome.IwasbornonNovember13,1956,atthenavalhospitalinMillington,Tennessee,andIwouldgrowupfeelingthatprideevenasasmallchild.

In1957,myfather,nowrankedsergeantfirstclass,wasinpublicrelationsandrecruitingforthearmy.He

workedcloselywiththeMemphisdraftboard,notifyingandadvisingindividualsthatiftheyenlisted,theywouldbeabletoreceivespecialopportunities.Earlierthatyear,theboardhadannouncedthatElviswouldprobablybedrafted.Everybranchofthemilitarybeganmakingoffers,tryingtogethimtoenlist.

Hopingtospeakwith

Elvisonthearmy’sbehalf,mydadmadeatriptoGraceland,Elvis’srecentlypurchasedhome,onlytobetoldthatElviswasaway.BeforemyfathercouldreturntoGraceland,hewasinformedthatElvishaddecidednottoenlistandwouldtakehischanceswiththedraft.Attheendoftheyear,ElvisreceivedhisnoticeforinductionintotheU.S.Army.

OnthemorningofMarch24,1958,Elvisarrivedwithhisparents,GladysandVernon,atthedraftboardofficelocatedinsidetheM&MBuildingindowntownMemphis.ElvisandtheotherrecruitsbeingdraftedthenboardedabusforphysicalsattheU.S.ArmyandAirForcerecruitingmainstationatKennedyVeteransHospital.Shortlyafterarriving,theyenteredareceptionroomand

satonchairslinedupinrowsbehindlongtables.

Inthatroom,soon-to-bePrivateElvisPresleylaideyesonmyfatherforthefirsttimeasmydadwalkedinandsaidafewwords,givingthenewrecruitssomeinsightastowhatlayahead.MyfatherhadfinishedspeakingandwasgatheringhisthingstoleavewhenElvisapproachedhim.

“Istheresomeplaceinside

thisbuildingwhereIcouldgetchange?”Elvisasked,explainingthathewantedtouseoneofthepayphones.

MyfatherreachedintohispocketandofferedElvisadime.Elvistookitandthankedhim.Elvishadhisphysical,andbythatafternoon,hewasswornintotheU.S.Army.

DuetoElvis’sfame,thepresscoveredtheevent.Photographerstookpictures

ofhimwithmydadforthenewspapers,andwheneverIlookatthoseclippings,itstillhitsme:HereisayoungElvis,andhereismydad.Theywereworldsapart,yetatthatmomenttheywereconnectedforthefirsttime.

MyfathercamehomethateveningwithtwopublicityphotosofElvis,onesigned,“ToMike,”andtheother,“ToRosemary.”Beforegoingtobed,hewroteinsidemy

sister’ssmallautographbook,“TodayIshookthehandofElvisPresley,March24,1958.”

Elvis’smotherhadbecomeill,andthatAugust,thearmygrantedElvisanemergencyleavesohecouldreturntoMemphistoseeher.HismotherpassedawayonAugust14,1958,andhewasgrantedanextendedstayforherfuneral.OnMarch7,1960,aftertwenty-four

monthsofactiveduty,ElvisreturnedtoMemphisagain,thistimeasacivilian,withfouryearsleftinthereserves.

Afewnightslater,myfatherdecidedtostopbyGracelandafterwork,hopingforsomefollow-uppublicrelationstidbitsforanarmynewsletter.HeparkedhisarmysedannearGraceland’sdrivewayandwalkedtowarditsclosedgates,wheresomeothersweremillingabout.

Thegateshadbecomeapopularplaceforfanstohangout,chat,andcatchaglimpseofElvis.

MydadsawElvisandafewothersstandinginthedriveway,talkingtoateenagerwithabandagedhand.WhenElvisnoticedmyfather,stilldressedinhisarmyuniform,heyelled,“Lethimin,”toaguardnearthegates.

Myfatherlearnedthat

Elvishadassistedtheteenagertwonightsearlier,whenhe’dbeeninamotorcycleaccidentnearGraceland,andtheteenhadreturnedtothankhim.Mydadluckedout;hegottoseeElvisandnowhadastory.

MyfatherstoppedbyGracelandafewmoretimesthefollowingyearalongwithafriend,areporterfortheMemphisPress-Scimitar,whowasalsolookingforElvis-

relatedpieces.TheybecamefriendlywithaguardatthegatesnamedTravisSmith,whohappenedtobeElvis’suncle.Oneevening,TravisinvitedmydadtobringmymomandjoinElvisatalocalmovietheatercalledtheMemphian,whereElvisoftentreatedotherstomovieshowings—itwastheonlywayhecouldwatchamovieoutofthepubliceye.

AsTravishadrequested,

myparentsdrovetoGracelandandwaitedintheircarbythefrontgates.Beforelong,afewothercarsemergedfromaroundbackofthemansionand,astheyexitedthedriveway,myfathereasedinbehindthemandfollowed.

Itwaswellaftermidnightwhenmyparentsarrivedatthetheater,itsmarqueedark,showingitwasclosedtothepublic.TheysawElvisanda

fewothersalreadyoutoftheircarsandtalking,sotheyapproachedthem.Recognizingmydad,Elvisshookhishandandmyfatherintroducedmymother.

ThegroupsoonenteredthelobbyandElviswalkedovertothefoodcounterwhilemyparentsandsomeotherguestsmadetheirwayinsidetogetseats.Beforelong,Elviscamewalkingdowntheaislewithpopcorninhand.

Uponnoticingmyfatheragain,hetossedoutjokingly,“Hey,Sarge,I’mreadytogobackintothearmy.”

Mydadreplied,“We’llbegladtohaveyouback.”

Elvisscreenedtwomoviesthatnight,anditwouldn’tbeuntiltheweehoursofthemorningwheneveryoneleftthetheater.

Notlongafterward,Travisinvitedmyparentsforasecondouting,tellingthem

ElviswasrentingtheMemphisFairgroundsAmusementPark,andfriendsandguestswerewelcometobringtheirchildren.Travisandhiswifeweregoingalongthistime,andhetoldmydadwhenandwheretomeetthemaftertheparkclosedtothepublic.

IwasfiveyearsoldwhenIrodewithmyfamilytothefairgroundsthatnight.AlthoughIwastooyoungto

remembermuch,thateveningbecameamemorableexperienceformyentirefamily.Mybrotherandoneofhisfriendsdroveseparately.Asecurityguardletusintotheentranceoftheamusementpark,wherewewaitedalongsideotherinvitedguests.

Travisarrivedandintroducedhiswife,Lorraine,tomyparents.Beforelong,ablackcarslowlypulledupto

theentranceandthesecurityguardwaveditinside.ThecarcametoastopandElvissteppedout,dressedinadarkshirtwithdarkpantsandwearingawhitecaptain’shat.MymostvividmemoryisoneofseeingElvisshakehandswithpeopleandthinkinghemustbeimportant,forhisfacelookedjustliketheonesI’dseenonsomerecordsleevesathome.

MyparentsgreetedElvis,

andasmyfatherintroducedeachoneofus,ElvisshookhandswithMikeandRosemary,thenpattedTerryandmeonourheads.Whenmymommentionedthatmybrotherwastakingguitarlessons,Elvisjoked,“I’vegotoneathomehecanhave,becauseIcan’tplaythething.”

Everyonelaughed,andthenthegroupcontinuedinside,followingElvistothe

park’slargewoodenrollercoaster(aridethatwouldremainoneofhisfavorites).Elvisclimbedintothefrontcarwithhisdate,BonnieBunkley,andastheseatsbegantofill,Travisapproachedmymom.“Wanttoridewithme?”heasked.

Neverhavingbeenonarollercoasterbefore,shetoldhimyes,aslongashepickedasafeandnot-too-scaryseat.Theyendedupsittinginthe

verylastcar,whichunbeknownsttomymomwasnotoriousforbeingrough.

MyfatherandLorraineSmithsatinthecarinfrontofthem,whilemysiblingsandIstoodbytowatch.Screamsoffrightandlaughterechoedfromtherideasitracedbyusmultipletimesbeforefinallycomingtoahalt.Wheneveryonegotout,mymother,alittlerattledbutsmiling,toldTravis,“IthinkImight

justhaveaheartattackrighthere.”

Elviscontinuedthroughtheparkwithhisdateandsomefriendswhilemyparentstookmysistersandmetothekiddiesection.Mybrotherandhisfrienddecidedtowandertheparkalone.Aconcessionstandwasopentoallofus,andwegottoenjoytheridesasmanytimesaswewanted.

Ourspecialnightwasover

toosoon.CatchingupwithTravisandElvis,myparentsthankedthemforouramazingevening.Mikeandhisfriendbeggedmyparentstoletthemstaylonger;theydidn’treturnhomeuntilnearlysunrise.Later,stillexcited,MiketoldmyparentsthatElvisandhisfriendshaddividedintogroupsandhegottodrivethedodgemcarswiththem.ThenElvissentsomeoneacrossthestreettogetmilkshakesata

placewithtwolargepolarbearsoutfrontcalledthePolarBearFrozenCustardshop.

Ididn’tknowitthen,butthatnightwasjustapreviewofElvis’sgivingnature.

CHAPTER2

Bytheearly1960s,myfamilywaslivinginathree-bedroom,one-bathroomhouseinoneofthenewsuburbsspringinguparoundMemphis.Ourhomewashalfablockdowntheroadfromacottonfieldthatafarmerand

hismuleplowedfromtimetotime,aremnantfromtheOldSouth.Whenthepostwarboomhit,partofthefieldwaspavedandagasstationwaserectedthereasmodernizationsweptacrossMemphis,eventuallysurroundingourhomewithmallsandfast-foodrestaurants.

Myparentswerehardworking,everydaypeople.Myfatherhadretired

fromthearmyandwasmanagingalocaldepartmentstore.Mymotherworkedupthestreetfromourhome,managingastampstore.MysiblingsandIwerebaptized,andourparentsdidtheirbesttoraiseuswithgoodmoralsandvalues.

Duringmychildhoodandearlyteens,asIwaslearningtoreadandwriteanddiscoveredaloveofart,Elvis’scelebritycontinuedto

skyrocket.Hemademusicandmovies,gotmarried,andhadachild.Onoccasion,whenrelativesvisitedusinMemphis,theywantedtoseeGraceland.Weaccommodatedthemandrodealongwithasecurityguardinastriped,canopiedpinkjeep—renownedattheestate—upGraceland’sdrivewayandback.Itwasasmalltouroftheestate,usuallyofferedwhenElviswasoutoftown.

Tomboyish,Iroller-skated,rodehorses,andclambereduptrees.Ioftenclimbedonmybrother’smotorcycle,too,pretendingtorideit.Thoughourparentsworried,occasionallyMikewouldtakemeoutforashortspinandIwouldbethrilled.

Mybigbrother’sloveformotorcyclesquicklybecamemyownobsession.WhenIwasfourteen,Ipesteredmyfathertopurchaseaminibike

forme.Myparentswereapprehensive,havinghadenoughsafetyconcernswithmybrotherridingmotorcycles,butmyfathergaveinandIgotmyminibike.Icontinuedtolovemotorcycles,andyearslater,Iwouldeventuallygetmyown.

Art,however,wasmybiggestpassion.Iwasconstantlydrawingandpainting,andIreveredmy

brother,Mike,awonderfulartistwhohadbeguntakingartclassesincollege.IhadaninspirationalartteacherinhighschoolnamedMrs.Murphywhousuallydressedinpurple.Sheworepurpleeyeglassesandcarriedapurplecane.Evenhersilverywhitehairseemedtohaveapurplehue.Artwasaneasywayformetoexpressmyself,andbymyteensIwasthinkingabouthowtoturn

mypassionintoacareer.Ialsolovedtosing.

Pretendingmyhairbrushwasamicrophone,I’ddressupinoneofmymother’soldskirtsandcroonalongwithvariousrecords.Thiswasn’tsurprisingtoanyonebecausemusicwascentraltoourhomelife.Mymotherwasaself-taughtmusicianwhocouldplaypiano,guitar,andmandolin.Herfatherhadbeentheministerofasmall

churchinArkansas,andhavingbeenspirituallyinfluencedbybothparents,sheusuallyplayedgospelhymnsonourpiano.

Mymomenjoyedavarietyofmusic,fromclassicaltogospel,andwhenshewashomeyou’dhearthevoicesofDeanMartin,BingCrosby,EngelbertHumperdinck,TomJones,andyes,Elvis,resonatingfromthestereoinourlivingroom.Herloveof

musicrubbedoffonus.Terrybecameinterestedinthepianoandbegantakinglessons,practicingfervently.Atthirteen,Istartedtakingvocallessons.IcouldplaypianoalittlebitbyearandoccasionallyfooledaroundonabigredguitarI’dbeengiven,butusuallywhenIwantedtosing,I’dpesterTerrytoaccompanymeonthepiano.Despitethefactthatourparentsweren’t

wealthyandhadfourchildrentofeedandclothe,theyhadgenerouslyfoundthemoneyformusiclessonswhenweexpressedourinterest.

Whenevermymotherwasplayingthepiano,I’dwanderinandstandbehindhertosing.Myfatherandsisterswouldoccasionallyjoinin,makingthosemomentssomeofmyfondestmemories.Whenansweringmachineslatercameout,mymother,

sisters,andIrecordedasingingmessageinharmonyonawhim.FriendsclaimedwesoundedjustliketheAndrewsSisters.

AsmuchasIenjoyedsinging,Iwastooself-consciousandconcernedaboutwhatothersthoughttosinginpublic.ImademyfamilylooktheotherwaywhenIpracticedandevenaskedthemnottocometomyrecitals.Icontinuedvoice

lessonsthroughhighschool,thenstopped,unabletoovercomethisgreatshyness.Idecideditwouldbeallrighttoletthisparticularpassionofmineremainachildhoodfantasy,safelytuckedaway.

Despitemytomboyishinclinations,mysisterTerryandIusedtocutoutpicturesofmodelswelikedfromMcCall’smagazineandtheSearscatalog,usingthemlikepaperdolls.Asateenager,I

thought,“Wow,beingamodelsoundssocool.”

Atsixteen,Ifinallysawmyfirstlivefashionmodel,andcaughtaglimpseoftheworldbeyondMemphiswhenItaggedalongwithRosemaryandhergirlfriendtoLowensteinDepartmentStoredowntowntowatchauditionsforapageantcalled“ModeloftheYear.”ThepageantwasputonbyStewartCowley,theownerofaNew

Yorkmodelingagency.AsIstoodamongthe

crowdgatheredtoviewtheentrants,IbecamefascinatedbythesightofafemalemodelseatedbesideMr.Cowley,helpinghiminterviewcontestants.Thisgirlwasrailthinandshe’dcutherblackhairveryshort.Inmymind,sherepresentedeverythingIthoughtaNewYorkCitymodelmustbe.

Lookingabouttheroom,

Mr.Cowleystoodupatonepointandwalkedourway.Heapproachedmeandasked,“Whyaren’tyouinthecontest?”Offeringmeanentryform,hereturnedtohistable.

Ibeganfillingouttheform,butmyhandwasshaking.Iwasexcitedbutunpreparedforthis.RosemarypressedmetopersonallyhandtheformbacktoMr.Cowleyandsaid,

“Makesureyousmile.”ShehadmoreconfidenceinmethanIdid.Ireturnedtheformbut,uponseeingmyage,Mr.Cowleyaskedmetocomebackinafewyears,foreighteenwastheeligibleagetoenter.

Afewweekslater,throughfriends,ImodeledsomeclothingalongsidetwoothergirlsduringabriefsegmentoftheshowTalentParty,whichshowcasedbands.My

interestinmodelinghadoutweighedanyfears.Someonesawmeontheshow,andnotlongafterward,Iwascontactedandhiredtoworkinahometowntelevisioncommercial.Ialsoheldtwopart-timejobsafterschool,workingatarestaurantonweekendsanddecoratingthewindowsofadressshop.Iviewedthelatterasanapprenticeshipandastepping-stoneintheartistic

field.Myinterestinart

continuedthroughouthighschool,andIbeganenteringmypaintingsintolocalartcompetitions,evenwinningsomeawards.Igraduatedinthespringof1974withscholarshipmoneytoputtowardacollegethatfall.IchosetheMemphisAcademyofArt,asmallprivatecollegeofartanddesign.AsIstartedclasses,Igaveupmyjobat

therestaurantbutcontinuedworkingpart-timeatthedressshop.

Iwasoneoftheyoungerstudentsinmyclasses;betweenmydrawing,sculpting,andpotterycourses,Ifeltoutofmydepthandslightlyoverwhelmed.Althoughmyteachers,friends,andfamilytoldmeIhadtalentandIbelieveditonsomelevel,theacademy’scurriculumprovedtobetoo

intenseforme.Wantingtoslowdownandfigureoutmyfutureonestepatatime,Idecidedtotakeasabbaticalfromtheartacademyaftermyfirstyear.Ihopedtofindadifferentpaththatcouldleadtoafutureart-relatedcareer.

Inthespringof1975,TerrysawanadfortheMissMemphispageant.PageantswereprominenteventsintheSouth,andshedecidedto

enter,winningfirstrunner-up.Findingitchallengingandfun,bytheendofthatyearshebeganencouragingmetoentertheMissTennesseeUniversepageant.Iwasn’tacompetitiveperson,butIcoulddefinitelyseehowcompetingcouldhelpmeovercomemyshyness.So,withnothingtolose,inthebeginningof1976Itooktheplunge.Thetitlewenttothesisterofthepageant’s

executivedirectorandIplacedfirstrunner-up.

InFebruary1976,myfamilymovedintoalargerhomeonanicecornerlotineastMemphis.MyfatherstillmanagedalocaldepartmentstoreandmymotherhadbeenworkingfortheInternalRevenueService.Mybrother,nowafirefighter,livedclosebywithhiswifeandtwodaughters,whilemysistersandIstilllivedathome.

Rosemaryworkedinsales,TerryattendedMemphisStateUniversity,andIdidextraworkatthedressshopwhiletendingtothestore’swindows.

Myparents’relationshiphadnotbeenatitsbestthepastfewyears.Mymotherhadappliedforadivorcetwicein1974,butdismisseditbothtimes,hopingtoworkthingsout.Whenmyparentspurchasedournewhome,my

siblingsandIwantedtobelieveitwasthebeginningofabrighterfutureforthem.

Inthespring,TerryenteredMissMemphisagainandwon.ThisledhertotheMissTennesseepageantinJune,andourfamilyproudlywatchedasshewascrownedMissTennesseeof1976.Thepageantshadbeenexciting,andwithmysistersencouragingme,Ienteredafewmorelocalonesaround

thesametime,winningMissTrafficSafetyandDuchessinourannualCottonCarnivalBall.

AsMissTennessee,TerrywasinvitedthatsummertoacountryclubinMemphis,whereshegotfreeticketstoseeElvisperformatourlocalMid-SouthColiseumonJuly5.Duetoofficialobligationselsewhere,shewasunabletogototheconcert,soshegavetheticketstomymother,

Rosemary,andme.LittledidmyfamilyorIknowthat,intheverynearfuture,Terry’stitlewouldopenthedoortoGraceland,leadingmestraightintoElvis’slife.

WhenJuly5rolledaround,IwasthrilledtoseeElvisperformforthefirsttime.Ididn’tpersonallyownanyElvisalbums,butmymotherhadhisgospelandChristmasones,andmybrother,Mike,ownedafew

ofElvis’sSunlabel45s.Ienjoyedavarietyofmusic,fromclassicaltorock’n’roll,andsomeofmyfavoritebandsatthetimewereFleetwoodMacandLedZeppelin,andthesingerEltonJohn.

Ourseatsweren’ttooclosetothestage,butasElvisenteredandthecamerasbeganflashing,Iwascompletelyspellbound.ThemanwhosevoiceI’dgrown

uphearingallmylifewassuddenlyrightthereinfrontofme,flesh-and-bloodandveryreal!ItwaswonderfultohearhimsingthesongsthatI’dheardbeforeonlyontelevisionandtheradio.

Hishairwaslongerandhelookedalittleheavierthaninhisearlieryears,butIwascaptivatedbythewayElvisstruttedontothestagedressedinawhitejumpsuitwithanEgyptianbirddesign,blue

silkpuffsleeves,andamatchingbeltwithchainshangingfromhiswaist.

Thatsummernightin1976,thecrowdwasamixofmiddle-agedadults,teens,andchildren.Elvisputonagreatshowandatonepointthatnight,hetoldtheaudience,“ThefirstrecordthatIdidhereinMemphis,yaknow,was‘That’sAllRight(Mama),’andsoforthandthey...hadacoupleof

peoplesaywellyoucan’tdothatanymore.You,byGod,watchme!”

Hewentfullforceintothesongthenandprovedthemwrong.Mymother,sister,andIwerethreeoutofthousandsthatnight,captivatedbyashowthatunfortunatelywouldturnouttobeElvis’slasthometownperformance.

CHAPTER3

InearlySeptember1976,TerrywenttoAtlanticCity,NewJersey,torepresentthestateofTennesseeintheMissAmericapageant.IwasabletoworkaroundmyjobatthedressshopandgowithmyfamilytoNewJerseyto

supporther.Terrywasanextremely

giftedpianistwhosemanyhoursofdisciplinedpracticehadgottenherfar.Ononeofthepreliminarynights,shewonallthreehonorsintheswimsuit,talent,andeveninggowncompetition.AlthoughtheMissAmericacrownwouldn’tbehersthatyear,shewasalwaysawinnerinmyeyes.

BeforegoingtoNew

Jersey,IhadenteredandwonMissMid-SouthFair,ahugetwo-weekeventthatIlookedforwardtoeveryyear,whenitcametoMemphisattheendofSeptember.

AlittleoveraweekafterreturningfromNewJersey,theMid-SouthFairbeganandIattendediteachdayastheofficialhostess.Asusual,itwasalotoffun,butbeforeIknewit,thefairwasoverandsowasthemonthofOctober.

AtypicalweekendnightinMemphisusuallyfoundmysistersandmeouttodinner,themovies,orsocializingwithfriends.OntheeveningofFriday,November19,1976,however,allthreeofuswereathome.WeweresittinginthedenwithLarry,ayoungmanI’dbeenseeing,whenthephonerang.Ourmotheranswereditinthekitchen,thenenteredthedentosaythatGeorgeKleinwas

callingforTerry.MysistersandI

exchangedcuriouslooks.Georgewasawell-knownlocaldiscjockeyandtelevisionpersonality.Last,butcertainlynotleast,hewasalsoalongtimefriendofElvisPresley’s.

Terrypickedupthereceiverinthekitchen.Meanwhile,ourmother,lookingslightlystunned,reportedthatGeorgehadtold

herElvishadbeendatingaroundandwouldliketomeetthenewMissTennessee.HewasinvitingTerrytoGraceland!

Itcertainlywasn’tyoureverydayphonecall.HavingseenGracelandonlyfromtheoutsidemadeitallthemoresurreal.RosemaryandIscurriedintothekitchentounashamedlyeavesdroponTerry’sconversation.

TerrymayhavebeenMiss

Tennessee,buttheideaofa“date”withElviswasunimaginabletomysistersandme.Thatonlyhappenedinthemovies!Terryhadalsobeendatingsomeonesincehighschool,souponhearingheraccepttheinvitation,weknewshehaddonesoforthesamereasonwewouldhave:ShewaseagertomeetElvisinpersonandgetapeekinsideGraceland.

Thethreeofuswerevery

close,andknowingTerrywouldfeeluneasyaboutgoingalone,Rosemarybroughtupthepossibilityofthetwoofusaccompanyingher.Asexcitingasitsounded,Ididn’tfeelcomfortablewiththisideabecausewehadn’tbeeninvited.

BeforeIcouldprotest,however,RosemaryquicklyapproachedTerrywhileshewasstillonthephoneandwhispered,“AskGeorgeif

GingerandIcancome!”Terrypausedforasecond

—sheknewthiswasn’tproper,butshewasoursister,andwealwayslookedoutforeachother,soshewentaheadandasked.Then,loweringthereceiverfromherear,shetoldusGeorgehadsoundedabithesitantandputheronholdwhilehechecked.Nowwewereembarrassed.

WhenGeorgecamebackontheline,however,muchto

ourrelief,TerrynoddedyesandRosemaryandIwenttotellourmotherandLarry.Larrywasn’ttookeenaboutmegoingtoGraceland,butseeinghowexcitedweallwere,hesaid,“Idon’tblameyouforwantingtogo,”andleft.

WhenTerryfinallyhungupthephoneandjoinedusbackintheden,shesaidElvishadwantedtosendacarforus,butshe’dtoldhimshe

woulddrive.Georgehadaskedwhatcarwewouldbeinsohecouldtelltheguardatthefrontgatestowatchforus.

OurappointedtimetobeatGracelandwas11P.M.Webegangettingready,feelingenthusiasticbutnervous.MeetingElvisplustouringtheinsideofGracelandmeantwewereinforadoubletreat!

Aswechattedandtouchedupourmakeup,Terrysaid,

“I’mgladyouandRosemaryaregoing.”Afewmomentslater,shereflectedonGeorge’shesitancyandhavingtocheckaboutit.“Ireallyhopeit’sallrightyou’recomingwithme.”

FeelinguneasyaboutitmyselfandnotwantingTerrytofeelworried,Iwalkedawayandstoppedgettingready.Rosemarysoonnoticedandtoldme,“Georgesaiditwasfine.”Then,half-

joking,sheadded,“TheworstElviscandoisaskustoleave.”

Shewasright,soIfinishedgettingdressed.By10:30weweresayinggood-byetoourparentsandexcitedlyheadingoutthedoor.

Gracelandwasalittlelessthanhalfanhourfromourhome.Weweresokeyedup,wechattedallthewayover.Whatoncehadbeenasection

ofHighway51SouthwasnowElvisPresleyBoulevard;asweturnedontoit,thethreeofusgrewquieter.ThefieldstonewallsurroundingGracelandsooncameintoviewand,asweenteredtheturninglane,blinkerflashing,thewrought-irongateswiththeimageofElvisholdingaguitarslowlybegantoopen.Itwasanincrediblefeeling,knowingthiswashappeningjustforus!

Terrygavehernameattheguardhouse.Thegatesswungclosedbehindusaswestartedupthelongdriveway,eventuallystoppingjustshyofGraceland’slitfrontporch.Wesatinthecarforafewmoments,unsureofwhattodonext.Wouldsomeonecomeouttogetus?Shouldweparkhereoraroundback?

Asecurityguardsoonemergedfromthedarknessandapproachedthedriver’s

sideofthecar.Terryloweredherwindowandasked,“Whatshouldwedo?”

Smiling,theguardreplied,“Tryknockingonthefrontdoor.”

MysistersandIclimbedoutofthecar,laughingatourselvesandtheguard’scommentasournervesgotthebetterofus.Passingbetweentwohugelionstatues,wejokinglychanted,“Lionsandtigersandbears,

ohmy!”inanefforttorelax.Wewalkedupthestone

stepstothefrontporchwhereRosemary,alwaysthebravestamongus,pressedthedoorbellbesidethegreenwrought-ironfrontdoor.ExpectingElvistoappearatanymoment,myearlierconcernsaboutshowingupuninvitedresurfaced.Igrewincreasinglyanxious,wondering,“WhatifElvisreallydoesn’twantRosemary

andmehere?”Ihungback,letting

RosemaryandTerrywaitatthedoor.Whenitopened,GeorgeKleingreetedus,whichsurprisedme.Naiveasthismayseem,becausethiswasElvis’shouse,Iexpectedhimtoanswerthedoor.

GeorgewasthesameageasElvis,forty-one,andafriendlyguywithblackhair.IthadbeenhisTalentPartyshowthatIoncebriefly

modeledon.Ididn’tsayanythingaboutthis,becauseIdidn’tthinkhewouldremember.

Heintroducedhimselfandthenbeckonedforustofollowhim.FeelinglikeAlicesteppingthroughthelookingglass,ItookadeepbreathandenteredGracelandforthefirsttime.

Myfeetsankintothick,redshagcarpet,whichextendedintothefoyerand

upastaircasewithagold-and-whitebanisterandrailings.Georgeinvitedusintothediningroom.Passingbeneathanenormous,ornatecrystalchandelier,IglancedtotherightandsawaroomdecoratedallinredwithFrenchprovincialfurniture.Peacockstained-glasswindowswereoneithersideoftheentrancetoamusicroomdominatedbyablackbabygrandpiano.Many

peoplehavereferredtothisreddécorasgaudyanditwouldeventuallybechanged.But,gaudyornot,itimpressedmeatthetime,andit’sstilloneofmymostlastingmemoriesofGraceland.

Tomyleft,Iheardvoices.Iturnedandsawsomepeopleseatedinred,silver-studded,high-backedchairsaroundamirroreddiningtable.Cigarsmokecurledintotheairas

weapproached.Staringatthechairattheendofthetable,itsbackfacingus,Iexcitedlythought,ThishastobeElvis!andslowedmysteps,almostholdingmybreath.

Iwaswrong.Georgeintroducedthechair’soccupantasGeeGeeGambill.Hiswife,Elvis’scousinPatsyPresley,wasthere,too,alongwithanothercousin,BillySmith,andBilly’swife,Jo.Theywereplayingcards,the

mensmokingcigars,allofthemcasuallydressedinjeansandT-shirtsorblouses.

Everyonegreeteduscordially.Icouldn’ttellbytheirreactionwhethertheyhadbeenexpectingusorknewwhowewere,butIdidgetthesensethattheyweresizingusupastheygaveusquick,up-and-downappraisinglooks.ThethreeofushaddressednicelytomeetElvis,buthadn’tputalotof

thoughtintooverlytryingtoimpressanyone.

Georgethenledusthroughthekitchen.Itsfloorwascoveredinwall-to-wallcarpetinamulticolorpatchworkdesign.Ihadneverseencarpetinginakitchen,butthiswasElvis’shome,soIfiguredtherewouldbemuchIhadneverseenbefore.Theroomlookedwarm,withdarkbrowncabinetsandstained-glasslampshanging

fromtheceiling.Thekitchenhadabreakfastnookandopenedintoaden.

“ThisistheJungleRoom,”Georgeannounced,gesturingaroundthedenashepausedtoansweragreenphonebuzzingonanearbytable.AsIwatchedGeorgelistentosomeoneonthephone,IheardlaughterechoingfromthediningroomanditstruckmehowcomfortableeveryonewasinElvis’s

home.Ibegantorelaxalittleand

gazedaroundtheroom.TheJungleRoomwasfarfromyourtypicalden.Inoticedwatertricklingdownthefaceofastone-coveredbackwall,andthefurniturefeaturedcarvedanimalheadsandengravings.

Georgehungupthephone.“Canyoupleasewaitrighthere?”heasked.“Elvisisn’treadyyet.He’spracticing

karate.”Thenhewalkedaway,leavingthethreeofusaloneintheroom.

ItseemedalittleoddthatElviswouldinviteushereatacertaintimeandnotbeready.Still,Iwasn’tcomplaining.IwasexcitedjusttobeseeinginsideGraceland.

Isatonafaux-furchairwithwoodenarmscarvedtolooklikeAsiandragonheads.RosemaryandTerrychosea

matchingcouch.Infrontofitwasahugecoffeetablemadeoflacqueredwood.Statuesofjungleanimalswereplacedrandomlyabouttheroom;alargemirrorframedwithfeatherswashangingonasidewall;andthegreencarpetwas,surprisingly,onpartsoftheceilingaswellasthefloor.

Afterafewminutes,amaidenteredandofferedusadrink.Weaskedforsodas

and,whensheleft,easedourtensionbytakingourmirroredcompactsoutfromourpurses,openingthem,andjokinglypretendingtoprimp.

Suddenly,Inoticedcamerasmountedonthewallsneartheceiling.Thecamerasseemedtobeaimedourway!Iquicklyclosedmycompactandpointedthemouttomysisters.Mortified,Iwonderedifwewerebeingwatched.

Themaidreturnedwithourdrinksandwesatquietly,nowcautiousofeverymovewemade.

Consideringthelatehour,IwassurprisedthatGracelandwassoactive.Phonesperiodicallybuzzed(theydidnotring)andvariouspeoplecameandwent.Atonepoint,ayoungmaninhistwenties,withlongblondhair,steppedintotheJungleRoomandcasually

introducedhimselfasElvis’sbrother,RickyStanley.Brother?Iwaspuzzled.I

didn’tknowElvishadanysiblings.Later,IlearnedthatRickywasElvis’sstepbrother;hismother,Dee,hadmarriedElvis’sfather,Vernon,afterGladysPresleydied.WeintroducedourselvesandfoundoutthatRickyworkedasanaidetoElvis.

Notlongafterward,a

short,dark-hairedmaninhisfortiesappearedandintroducedhimselfasCharlieHodge.Withadrinkinonehandandacigaretteintheother,hebegantellingoff-colorjokes,allthewhileleaningasifbalancingonthedeckofaheelingship.IfElviswasconsideredtheKingofRockandRoll,IthoughtCharliewouldcertainlyqualifyashiscourtjester.Iwonderedifhe’d

beensentexpresslytoentertainus.AsIdiscoveredafterIstartedseeingElvis,CharliesangharmonywithElvisandassistedhimonstageduringhisshows.

Georgefinallyreturned.“Elvisisstillpracticingkarate,”hesaid.“Wouldyouliketoseedownstairs?”

Thinkingweweredownstairs,Iwassurprisedtofollowhimdownastaircaseatthebackoftheden.We

enteredacolorfulroomwithvibrantlypatternedfabricinblue,red,andyellowliningitswallsandceiling.Piecesoffurniturewereupholsteredinmatchingmaterial.Anelectricorganstoodagainstonewall,andabilliardtablesatinthemiddleoftheroombeneathtwolargeTiffany-stylelampssuspendedfromtheceiling.

Georgethentookusintoanotherroomhecalledthe

TVRoom.Ifeltimmediatelydisorientedasweenteredthisroom,becauseitwasfilledwithmirrors:Mirrorscoveredtheceiling,framedthefireplace,andcoveredasquarecoffeetable.Whatlookedtobesmallmirrorswereshiningintheembroideredfabricofyellow-and-whitepillowsscatteredacrossalargenavysectionalsofa.Yellowleatherstoolswerepulleduptothebar,and

threetelevisionsetshadbeenbuiltintoasidewall.

Ahugewhitelightningboltinsidenavyandyellowcloudshadbeenpaintedabovethecouch.GeorgeexplainedthatElvishadamotto,TCB,whichstoodfortakingcareofbusiness.Thelightningboltwasasymbolfortakingcareofbusinesslightningfast.

Aphonebegantobuzzin

theroom.Georgeansweredit,listened,thenhungup,sayingweweregoingupstairsnext,toElvis’sdaughter’sroom.Upstairs?Icouldn’t

believeit!Ourtourhadhelpedmecalmdown,butnowmynervesbegantohumagain.IknewElvishadtobeonthetopfloorbecausewe’dprettymuchcoveredtheentiredownstairs.Thetimehadcome,Ithought:We

werefinallygoingtomeethim!

•••

Elvis’srelativeswerestillplayingcardsinthediningroomaswepassedbythemagain,thistimeheadedforthefoyer.WhenGeorgestartedupthestaircase,myheartbegantobeatevenfaster.Atthetop,wefollowedhimdownahalland

intoLisa’sbedroom.Thisroomwasdecorated

mainlyinyellowandwhite.Ablackleathersofawasagainstthewalltotheright,andthecenteroftheroomwasdominatedbyalargeroundbedblanketedinwhitefauxfurwithmatchingcanopy.MysistersandIsatonthecouchandGeorgeturnedonanearbytelevisionset.

Georgeleanedback

againstLisa’sbedandcontinuedvisitingwithus.RickyandBillySmithbothentered,leaningagainstthebedandjoiningtheconversation.

Ihadn’tpaidanyattentiontothetimeandglancedatmywatch.Itwasnowapproaching1A.M.

Twohourshadpassedsinceourarrival.Althoughithadn’treallyfeltlikethatmuchtimehadgoneby,the

moreRicky,George,andBillycontinuedtotalk,themoreIbegantowonderwhethertheywerecoveringforElvis.Hadhechangedhismindaboutmeetingus?Nowthatwe’dbeenentertainedwithatour,wouldwebeaskedtoleavewithoutmeetinghim?

Anotherman’sfigureappearedinthedoorwayofLisa’sroom.Iturnedtolook,preparedtogreetanother

relativeorfriend,butitwasElvisenteringtheroom.Iwascaughtoffguard.Ihadhalfwaybeenexpectingtoheartrumpetssoundathisentrance.

Elvis’sjet-blackhairwascasuallystyled.Therewasnopompadourorglitzyoutfit,justElvis,dressedinadarkbluekaratetop,blackpants,andblackboots.Iwasimmediatelyattractedtohim.Hishairlookedsoftand

shiny;hisskinwasclean-shavenandsmooth.Thinkinghewasgorgeous,myshynessflewrightoutthewindow.

“Hi,Elvis!”Iblurted,asifI’dknownhimforyears.

“Hi,”Elvissaidandshookourhands,correctlyacknowledgingmysistersandmebyname,onebyone.Someonehadobviouslyinformedhimwhowaswho.

Then,crossingtheroominfrontofus,Elvissatinalarge

darkchairtoourrightandputacigartohislips.Billyquicklyleanedoverandlititforhim.Elvissettledfartherbackinthechairandapologizedforkeepinguswaiting.

BillythenlefttheroomwhileElvisproceededtoaskTerryaboutherself.Shetalkedabouthermusicandthevarioustitlesshehadwon.

“Howaboutyou?”Elvis

askedme.“Haveyouwonanytitles?”

Itoldhimalittleaboutmyself.WhenElvisgottoRosemary,shementionedshehadneverenteredanypageantsoutsideofhighschool.Hesmiledandsaid,“Well,youshouldhave,butfornowyou’lljusthavetobeMiss...Miss...Miss...Understood.”

Wealllaughed.ThemoreElvisjokedaroundwithus,

themoreInoticedhowsimilarhishumorwastoours.I’dhadthisfeelingofapowerfulpresenceandenergytheminuteElvisenteredtheroom,andhecontinuedtoholdmyfocuscompletelythroughoutthenight.Atthesametime,Iwastakenbyhowdown-to-earthhewas,andbyhissexysmileandlaugh.

Wecontinuedtotalk,withRickyandGeorgechimingin

periodically.ElvistolduswhatanhonoritwastohavethestreetnamechangedtoElvisPresleyBoulevardandmentionedhesometimesjoked,“Getoffmystreet!”toothermotoristswhiledrivingdownit.Hetalkedaboutkarate,too,lettingusknowhewasaninth-degreeblackbelt.

“It’sabeautifulartform,”Itoldhim,addingthatI’dwantedtotakelessonswhenIwassixteen,butmyparents

thoughtIwastooyoung.Elvisdisagreed,sayingit

wasnevertooyoungtostart.Terrytalkedabouttheclassicalpianomusicsheenjoyed.Ibroughtupmyloveforart,butdidn’tdarementionmysinging.Rosemary,themostcomicalofthethreeofus,oftenhadhimlaughing.

Elviswaspoliteandeasytotalkwith,whichwasputtingmeateaseuntilhe

tiltedhisheadtooneside,lookedtowardthefloorandsaid,“Ginger,you’reburningaholerightthroughme.”Hisintenseblueeyesslowlydriftedbackuptomyface.

“Who,me?”Iasked.“Yes,you,”hereplied.Ididn’tknowwhathe

meant,asIdidn’tfeelI’dbeenstaringathim.Wewerejusttalking.Iwasembarrassedandfeltaflashofheatwarmmyface.

Wetalkedalittlemore,thenElvisasked,“Wouldyouliketoseetherestoftheupstairs?”

Thrilled,wesaid,“Sure!”AlongwithRickyand

George,wefollowedElvisoutintothehall.Iwasstillholdingmyunfinishedglassofsoda.Elvisreachedforit,tookasip,andhandeditbacktome.ThisdistractedmesomuchthatImadeawrongturnandheadedtowardthe

frontstairs.IthenfeltElvis’shandsonmyshoulders,gentlyturningmeandguidingmebackthroughasetofdoubledoors.

EveryonefollowedElvisandmeaswecutthroughanofficeandthenanothersetofdoubledoorsintohismasterbedroom.Thefirstthingthatstruckmewasthatthematchingcouchandchairslookedidenticaltothefurniturewehadinourdenat

home.Whatweretheoddsofthat?

Otherwise,theroomdécorherewasverydifferentfromanythingI’deverseenbefore.Ashiny,black,Naugahydeheadboardcrownedthemassivebed,whichElvisproudlytolduswasninefeetbyninefeet.Readinglampswereattachedtothewalloneithersideofit.Thesameredshagcarpetcoveredthefloor,withblackandgold

wallpaperliningonewallandpaddingontheother.Thebedroomdoorsandceilingwerealsopaddedand,muchtomysurprise,thereweretwotelevisionsetsembeddedintheceiling.Elvisexplainedthepaddingbysayinghedidn’tcareforoutsidenoisewhenheslept.

RickyleftasmysistersandIfollowedElvis,alongwithGeorge,intohisoffice.Itwasdecoratedinmasculine

tansandbrowns.Onmyleftwasaglasscasefilledwithriflesandhandguns;inthecenteroftheroom,twocouchesfacedeachother,acoffeetablebetweenthem.Nearthebackoftheroomwasalargedeskwithachair,andbehindit,twobookcasesstoodagainstthewall.

Elviswalkedovertoanelectricorgannearaclosedaccordion-styledoorandsatdownonthebench.Istood

behindhimwithGeorgeandmysistersgatheredaround.SomethingaboutthisfeltcomfortablyfamiliarbecauseI’dsooftenstoodandsungbehindmymomwhilesheplayedpiano.

Placinghisfingersonthekeyboard,Elvisbegantosing“You’llNeverWalkAlone.”IfI’deverfeltlikeIwasdreaming,itwasnow!

Atvarioustimesduringthesong,Elvislookedup

fromtheorgan,smilingatRosemaryandTerryorglancingoverhisshouldertosmileatme.Atonepoint,IlookedintothemirrorabovetheorganandnoticedGeorgeyawning.Thatmademewonderwhetherhe’dseenElvisdothissortofthingmanytimesbeforeorifhewasjusttiredbecauseitwassolate.

Elvisfinishedandweapplauded.Standingup,he

said,“I’dliketoshowyoumydressingarea.”

Iwassurprisedbythis;I’dalwaysthoughtofpeople’sclosetsaspersonal.Ontheotherhand,seeingElvis’sdressingroomwouldbeanaddedbonusbecauseIwasenjoyingbeingwithhimandthrilledbytheideaofseeingoneofhisinnersanctums.

WefollowedElvisbackthroughhisbedroomandintohisbathroom,whichwas

carpetedinthesameroyalredshagcarpet.Onmyleftstoodablackcommodewithatelephoneattachedtothewallnearby.Ablackvanitywascoveredwithtoiletriesontheright.Aboveit,themirroredwallwasoutlinedwithmakeuplights.

Beyondanenormous,curvedshowerwithmulticoloredtiles,weenteredElvis’sdressingarea.Itwasfilledwithracksofclothing

surroundingabedcoveredinafauxfursimilartotheoneinLisa’sroom.AbustoftheGreekgodApollosatonapedestalbesideanopendoorwayleadingouttothehall.(Later,Elviswouldtellmehethoughtthebustresembledhim.Ithoughtitdid,too.)

Pointingoutafewstagejumpsuits,Elvissaidhewasproudoftheworkmanshipthatwentintomakingthem.

Hetoldustheyweremadeofmaterialthatdidn’tletanyairinorout.Thenhebeganshowingushisbootsandcasualclothes.

“Casual”forElvisappearedtobecoatswithfurcollars;brightlycolored,high-collaredsatinshirts;flaredpants;andhatsthatlookedliketheycouldhavebeenwornonthesetofthemovieShaft.

IcouldunderstandElvis

wantingtoshowushiscostumes,butagainIwassurprisedthathe’dbewillingtoshowushismorepersonalclothes.Wasthisanextensionofhispersona?Wasthissomethinghefeltheneededtodowithus?

WhenElviswasfinishedgivingusatourofhisdressingarea,heexcusedhimselfand,ashewalkedtowardthefrontofthebathroom,calledoutfor

Georgetofollowhim.MysistersandInow

foundourselvesintheextraordinarypositionofstandingaloneinElvisPresley’scloset,tryingtoprocesswhathadstartedoutasaninnocenteveningathome.Elvishadbeencaptivating,entertaining,funny,andgracious.Wetalkedquietly,assumingtheshowwasoverandwe’dbeaskedtoleavewhenGeorge

reappeared.Tomysurprise,George

camebackandsaid,“Ginger,Elviswouldliketoseeyouforaminute.”

WhatdidElviswantwithme?IglanceduncertainlyatTerryandRosemary.

“He’swaitingforyou,”Georgeurged,motioningmetowardthefrontofthebathroom.

Takingafewstepsforward,Iturnedbacktosee

Georgeguidingmysistersoutthroughthedoorbythedressingarea.Myanxietyroaredback.MysistersandIhadactedasasafetynetforeachother,butnowIwasonmyown.

WhenIsteppedpastthedoorwayofhisbathroom,IsawElvisseatedonthesideofhisbed.Hesmiledandpattedtheredbedspread,motioningmetositdownnexttohim.Unsureofwhat

hewanted,Inervouslywalkedinandcomplied.

“DidyounoticeIwaspayingmoreattentiontoyouthantoyoursisters?”heaskedwithafaintsmile.

Ibrieflylookedaway.Myheartbegantopound.

WasElvisactuallyhittingonme?Itwentfarbeyondmywildestimaginingsthathewouldsinglemeout.Ifelthehadtreatedthethreeofusfairlyequally,butwhenI

thoughtback,Irememberedhiscommentaboutme“burningahole”throughhim,howhe’dtakenasipfrommyglassofsoda,andthewayhe’dplacedhishandsonmyshouldersinthehallway.Wasthatwhathemeant?

Notquitesure,Ilookedupathimandanswered,“Yes.”

Henodded.“WhenIlikesomeone,Ireallylikethemalot,”hesaid.“It’snotjustafling.Idon’tlikeone-night

stands.”“Idon’tlikeone-night

stands,either,”Ireplied,wantinghimtobesureIwasn’tthatkindofwoman.

Elvisregardedmesilentlyforamoment,thengesturedtowardthewindow.“I’mnotthatstreetoutthere,”hesaid.“Ifyoucutme,Ibleed.”

Icouldn’tbelievethatElvis,acharismatic,handsomesuperstar,wastalkingtomeinthisintimate

way.TheonlythingIcouldthinktosaywas,“Iunderstand.”

“Good,”hereplied.Heleanedoverthenandpickedupabooklyingwithsomeothersonthefloorbesidehisbed.ItwastheBookofNumbersbyCheiro,theworld-famousseer.

“When’syourbirthday?”Elvisasked,openingthebook.

“Novemberthirteenth,”Ireplied.

“You’reanumberfour,”hesaid,andbeganexplainingthathereachedthenumberbyaddingtheoneandthreetogether.Pickingupapairofglassesfromhisnighttable,heputthemonandbeganreadingtomeaboutthenumberfour.Hetoldmethatfoursaresensitiveandhadtheirfeelingshurteasily.Fourswerelikelytofeel

lonelyandisolated,withfewrealfriends,buttothefewfriendstheydidhave,theyareveryloyal.

Elvishadmyattention.Ididn’tfeellonely,butIwasshy,sensitive,andloyaltomyfriends.ElvisobviouslywaspassionateaboutthesubjectofnumerologyandIfoundmyselfbeingdrawnintoit.TellingmeJanuary8washisbirthday,whichmadehimanumbereight,heread

onregardingthatnumber.Hesaidthesepeoplewereoftenmisunderstoodandforthisreasonfeltlonely.Theyusually“playsomeimportantroleonlife’sstage,butusuallyonewhichisfatalistic,orastheinstrumentofFateforothers.”Healsosaidthateightpeopleareeitherverysuccessfulorcompletefailures.Theyfeeldifferentfromothersand“seldomreaptherewardfor

thegoodtheymaydowhiletheyareliving.”Itisonlyaftertheirdeaththattheyarepraisedandhonored.

Myfirstthoughtwas,Wow!Someofthecharacteristicsreallyseemedtofithim,butElvislonely?Thatwasdifficultformetobelieve,giventhenumberofpeoplegathereddownstairsonthisnight.

Elvisstayedonthetopic

ofnumerologyforawhile,thenliftedanother,largerbookoffthefloorandbeganleafingthroughit.“ThisissupposedtobeanillustrationofGod,”hesaid,stoppingonacertainpageandshowingittome.

Itwasadrawingofamanwithalongwhitebeardseatedonathronewithsymbolsoffire,ice,rain,andwindathissides.Thebookremindedmeofalarge

illustratedBiblemymotherhadthatsheoftenreadtomysiblingsandmewhenwewereyounger.Stillholdingthebigbookinhishands,Elvissettledfartherbackonthebedandmotionedmeupbesidehim.

Bynow,Iwasfeelingmorecomfortableanddecideditwasaharmlessenoughrequest;Elvisseemedabsorbedbythebook.Iscooteduptositrightnextto

himwithmybackagainstapillow.Hethensurprisedmeagainbyhandingmethebookandaskingmetoreadaloud.Idid,feelingshyaboutit.Ididn’twanttomakeamistakebecauseIcouldfeelhimwatchingmeclosely.

Thesubjectmatterinthisbookwasdifferent.IwasagaindrawnintoitwhileElvisobserved,periodicallysippingicewaterfromalargeglassjarsittingonhisnight

table.Coolairwasblowingfromanairconditionerunitsituatedinsidethebedroom’sfrontwindow.Iwaschilled,butElvisseemedfineandIdidn’tfeelrightaskinghimtoturnitdown.

Wetookturnsreadingandtalkingintotheearlymorning.Atonepoint,Elviswentintothebathroom,leavingmetothinkthatithadbeenanunforgettablenight.Iwasgoingtohavequitea

storytotellmyfriends.Havingbeenupalmost

twenty-fourhoursbynow,however,Iwasstartingtofeeloverwhelmedbyfatigue.IhateditbutcouldtellthatIwasn’tgoingtobeabletoconcentratewellanymore.NowthatElviswasoutoftheroom,Ialsobecameawarethatalotoftimehadgonebyandourparentsstillhadn’theardfromus.Iwasworried,too,aboutTerryand

Rosemaryhavingtowaitforme.

WhenElvisreturnedfromthebathroom,Ipolitelysaid,“Elvis,Ishouldfindmysistersandprobablyleave.It’sreallylate.”

Hesatbackdownonthebed.“They’vealreadygone,”hesaidcasually.“Yoursisterswenthomeearlier.”

Iwasstunned.They’dalreadyleft?I’dbeenatGracelandallthistime

withoutthem?Puzzled,Iwonderedhowheknew.HadElvisarrangedallthisearlierwithGeorge?

“Someonewilltakeyouhomewhenyou’reready,”Elvisadded,watchingtheconfusedexpressionsflitacrossmyface.

IdecidedthatElviswasprobablytired,too.Thinkingitwasproperformetogo,Ithankedhimonbehalfofmysistersandmyselfforthe

night.HemovedtotheedgeofthebedandIinchedmywaybesidehimashepickedupatelephonereceiverfromhisnighttableandaskedsomeonetogivemearidehome.

Tomyshock,headded,“Pleasebesureandgethernumber,”beforehangingup.Thenheturnedtomeandsaid,“Youshouldalwayspolitelyasksomeonetodosomethingforyou.Nevertell

apersonwhattodo.”AsInodded,still

dumbstruck,Elvistookapenandamatchbookfromthenighttabledrawer,openedthematchbook,andasked,“What’syourphonenumber?”Thiscan’tbehappening!

MythoughtssuddenlyflashedonLarry,whohadn’twantedmetocometoGracelandtonight.Despitefeelingconflicted,IgaveElvismy

number.Hewroteitdown.AsIlookedathim,Elvis

suddenlyleanedintowardme,catchingmetotallyoffguard.Hekepthishandsonthebedandgavemeaquick,lightkissonthelips.ItwassoquickIbarelyhadtimetoregisterwhathadjusthappened,butIwasstunnedandexcited.

Afterward,IwalkedoutofGracelandinatrance.AsIrodehomewithanemployee

namedSteveSmith,Iwentoverthekissagaininmymind.Icertainlydidn’twantElvistogetthewrongimpressionofme.Iwasn’taseasonedprowhenitcametosexorrelationships.Ontheotherhand,Ihopedhehadlikedkissingme.

Eventhoughitwasnearlysunrise,thelightswereoninsidemyhousewhenwepulleduptothecurb.Beforegettingout,Steveaskedme

formyphonenumber.Givingitasecondtime,Iquicklyraninside.

Mymotherandsistersweresittingonthecouchinourden.Ifiguredmyfathermustbeinbedbecausehesometimesworkedonweekends.OurparentshadbeenexcitedwhenwewereinvitedtoGraceland,butmymotheradmittednowthatthey’dstartedworryingwhensomuchtimewentby

withoutanywordfromus.“Ifeltbadaboutleaving

youthere,”Terrysaid,explainingthatGeorgehadtakenthemoutsidetoaracquetballcourtbehindthehouse,whereCharlieandRickyjoinedthemforatourofthecourt.

GeorgethentoldTerryandRosemarythatElviswantedtospendmoretimewithme,andthattheywerewelcometowaitifthey

wantedor,asitwassolate,toleave.HehadassuredthemthatElviswouldseeIgothomesafely.

Exhausted,butstillrunningonnerves,Ifilledtheminonwhathadhappened,leavingoutthekiss.Weweren’takiss-and-tellsortoffamily.Somethingswerepersonal,andwewereprivatewitheachotherwhenitcametothatsortofthing.

NowthatIwashome,thewholenightseemedunreal.ElviswasdifferentfromanyoneI’devermet.Herewasthisrock-’n’-rollsuperstarsingingtomysistersandme,showingushiscloset,andtheninvitingmetojoinhimonhisbed,wherehe’dbeenagentleman.He’dreadreligiousbookswithmeandsharedhisthoughtsandfeelings.

Elvishadbeenpoliteand

funny,too,whichIrelatedto.He’ddemonstratedasinceredesireformetounderstandwhathewasaboutinashortamountoftime,andinthehourswe’dspenttogether,I’dfeltanintenseattractionbetweenus.

Ihadenjoyedthenight;itwasmagicalandunique,andfromwhatElvishadsaidandhowhehadacted,Ithoughthehadenjoyedspendingtimewithme,too.

WhenIwasfinallyaloneinmybedthatmorning,noneofthatseemedrealorevenpossible.Iwasinturmoil.WouldElviscallme?And,ifhedid,wouldIagreetoseehimagain,knowingitwouldhurtLarry,theniceguyI’dbeendating?Ihonestlydidn’tknowifIwasmoreafraidofElvisbeingattractedtomebecauseofthisormoreafraidthatI’dfindmyselffeelingletdownifhedidn’tcallme.

Irolledoverinbed,searchingforsleep.Beforelong,Ihadtoadmittomyselfthatifhedidn’tcall,I’dbedisappointed,andsoIdecidedifElviswantedtoseemeagain,Iwouldsayyes.

CHAPTER4

IwokelatethatSaturdayafternoonandbeganthinkingabouttheeveningagain.Ihad,ofcourse,beenenthralledwithmeetingElvis,thatwastobeexpected:ThiswasElvis,afterall.However,hehadbeentryingtoconnect

withme,andafterIsawhowopenandapproachablehewas,hehadsucceeded.Ouragedifferencedidn’tevenentermymind,andIhopedI’dgetthechancetotrytogettoknowhimbetter.

Gatheringwithmysistersintheden,wetalkedabouttheevening’sevents.Iendedourconversation,musing,“IfIdon’thearfromElvis,I’llwritelastnightoffasthemostamazingnightofmylife

sofar.”Around8P.M.,thephone

rang.Mymotheranswereditinthekitchen,andIheardhersayhitoGeorge.Iwalkedinandshehandedmethephone.

“Elviswouldlikeyoutocomeover,”Georgesaid.“I’lldrivebyandpickyouup.”

“Allright,”Isaidandrushedtogetready.IwonderedwhyElvishadn’tcalledmehimself,butit

mademefeelgreatthathe’dactuallybeenthinkingaboutmeandwantedtoseemeagainsosoon.

GeorgeandImadesmalltalkontherideovertoGraceland,whereheledmestraightupstairstothemasterbedroomandleft.Iwasjustasnervousasthenightbeforeandcouldfeelmyheartracing.

Elviswassittingonhisbed,watchingtelevision.He

worealoose-fittingnavyjumpsuitandablackrhinestonebeltwithchains.Ashegreetedmewithasmile,Irelaxedalittleandthoughtwithrelief,Solastnightwasreal.

ElvisgotupandwalkedpastthefootofhisbedtoturnofftheTV,lookingoverhisshoulderatme.“Youknow,televisiondestroystheartofconversation,”hesaid.

Thiswasaninterestingobservation,comingfromamanwhohadatleastonetelevisionsetinjustabouteveryroom.Returningtohisbed,heaskedmetositbesidehim.Ididasherequested,trustinghimtobeasgentlemanlyashe’dbeenthenightbefore.

Wetalkedalittleaboutmusic.WhenItoldElvisthatmymotheroftenplayedhymns,andthat“Inthe

Garden”and“HowGreatThouArt”hadalwaysbeentwoofmyfavorites,heaskedmetofollowhimintohisoffice.Iwastouchedwhenhestartedplayingtheorganandsang“IntheGarden”justforme.

IhadalwaysadmiredElvis’svoice,whichwassouniquelyhis—itcouldbesoulful,tender,orpowerfulashechose.Now,asElvissangsoftlytome,Ifeltcalmedby

thesamepeaceful,comfortingfeelingI’dhadbackhomewhenlisteningtohisgospelalbums.Elvisknewhowtoreachinsideyouandtouchyoursoulwithhisvoice.

Afterward,IfollowedElvisbacktohisbedroom,wherehebegantalkingaboutacarheowned,aFerrarithathe’dnicknamedtheBlackMamba.“Inameditafterthefastestsnakeintheworld,”he

saidenthusiasticallyandthenwentintomoredetailaboutthecar.

IhadneverevensatinaFerrari,muchlessriddeninone.Whenhebroughtuphiscar,Ithoughthewantedmetoseeit.“CanwegoforarideinyourFerrari?”Iasked.

“Notnow,”Elvissaid.“I’lldecidewhenwetakearideinit.Thatcaristoofastforyou.”Ha!Ithought.Littledidhe

knowhowmuchIlovedtospeeddownthehighwayonamotorcycle.Ifeltalittleawkwardatthatmoment,wonderingifthiswasElvis’swayoflettingmeknowhelikedtobeincontrol.

Afewbooksstilllayonthefloorbesidehisbed.ElvisreachedforCheiro’sBookofNumbersandseemedeagertopickupwherewehadleftoffreadingthepreviousnight.

Goingthroughbooksagainwasn’twhatIhadexpected,butIthoughtitwasinterestingthathewantedtoreadtogetheronadate.

Ifeltalittlelesstensethistimeaswereadtooneanother,andIfoundthesubjectofnumerologyintriguing.Itwasn’tsomethingIthoughtanyonecouldunderstandrightoffthebat,butIwasopentoit.Elvisseemedtoenjoyteaching,and

Ilistenedclosely,tryingtograspthematerial.

Afterwe’ddiscussedthebookalittlewhile,Elvischangedthesubject,bringingupanotherofhiscars,aStutzBlackhawk.HementionedtakingmeforarideinitovertoMemphisAerotoseeanairplaneheowned.(MemphisAerowasapartofMemphisInternationalAirportforprivateplanes.)

IgrewexcitedasElvis

madeafewphonecalls,settinghisplansinmotion.Heeveninvitedsomecousinsalong,whichmademewonderwhetherElvis,likeme,sometimesneededasafetynet,justlikeIreliedonmysisters.

WhenElviswentintohisbathroom,leavingmeseatedonhisbed,IglancedabouttheroomandobservedmoredetailsthanI’dtakeninduringmyfirstvisit.

Antihistaminebottles,aboxoftissues,andtwotelephonescrowdedhisnighttable.Aclosed-circuittelevisionmonitor,itspoweroff,wascloseby.IwonderedagainifElvishadbeenwatchingmysistersandmethenightbefore.(Ineverwouldseeitturnedonthough.)

AtelevisionsetwithaBetamaxtapeplayerontopofitstoodagainstthewalloppositethefootofthebed.

Totheleftofthat,abookcaseheldarecordplayer,radio,andsomeBetamaxtapes.OntopofthebookcasewereacoupleofframedphotosofawomanIhadseeninsomemoviemagazines.IrememberednowthathernamewasLindaThompson.

Atthatpointinmylife,IknewverylittleaboutElvis’spersonalrelationships,otherthanthesefacts:thathe’dbeenmarriedtoanddivorced

fromawomannamedPriscilla;hadonedaughter,Lisa,fromthatmarriage;andhaddatedvariousgirls,Lindaamongthem.NowIwonderedwhyLinda’sphotoswerestillinElvis’sroom.

Ididn’thavetimetowonderlong.Elvissteppedoutofhisbathroom,nowdressedinacoat,andsaid,“Youknow,lastnightwhileIwaspracticingkarate,George

cameuptomeandsaid,‘TerryisveryniceandRosemaryisverynice,butGinger...’”Hepaused,shakinghishead.“ThenRickycameinlater,saying,‘Man,Ithinkyou’regonnalikeGinger.’”

Elvis’svoicewastingedwithsarcasmashewenton.“ItoldRickythatI’dhadalotofgirlsbroughtuptoGracelandinthepastfewweeks,andyeah,I’msure

I’mgonnafindsomeoneIreallylikeinMemphisonaFridaynight.”HethenaddedthathiscousinBilly’swife,Jo,hadtoldhim,“There’ssomeonedownhereyouaregoingtolike.”

Iwasflatteredbytheattention,butslightlyuncomfortable.Irealizedthatmyinitialinstinctaboutmysistersandmebeingscrutinizedthenightbeforehadbeenrightontarget.

Itwasaftermidnightbythetimewewentdownstairs.Afewpeoplewerewaitinginthefoyer,includingtwobodyguardsandGeeGeeandhiswife,Patsy.Wewalkedoutontothefrontporch,andIsuppressedagaspwhenIsawacarlikenoneotherI’deverseenbefore.

ItwasElvis’sStutzBlackhawk,glisteninginthesoftglowfromtheoverheadlight.Thecarwasblackwith

chrometrim,exhaustsidepipes,andwirewheels.ItwassobeautifulthatIfoundmyselfwonderingwhetherthiswaswhyElvishadn’twantedmetorideinhisFerrarifirst.

Elvisopenedthepassengerdoorforme,pointingoutthatthetrimonthedashandthroughoutthecarwasplatedineighteen-karatgold.PatsyandGeeGeeclimbedintothebackseatandIslidintothe

redleatherpassengerbucketseat.Elvisgotbehindthewheel,starteduptheengine,andweproceededdownthedrivewaywithhisbodyguardsfollowinginacarclosebehind.

Thestreetswerequietaswerodetowardtheairport.Itwasaboutfifteenminutesaway,andaswenearedit,PatsysuddenlysuggestedwetakeatouroverMemphisinElvis’splane.

“Let’sflyoverNashville,”Elvisquicklycountered.

Ididn’tsayathing.Takingashortflightinhisprivateplanewouldbeanextraordinaryexperienceforme,notonlybecauseitwaswithElvis,butbecauseIhadonlyflowncommercialoneothertimeattheageofthirteen.

AtMemphisAero,Elvis’sLockheedJetStarstoodaloneonthetarmac.Itsinterior

lightswereaglow,thedoorwasopen,andthestepsweredown,awaitingourarrival.IfollowedElvisintotheplane,whereheintroducedmetoapilotwiththefittingnameofMiloHighandhiscopilot,George.

AsPatsyandGeeGeetookaseatonalime-coloredcouch,IfollowedElvisdowntheplane’ssmallaislepastyellowchairsfacingeachother,withsmalltables

betweenthem.Patternedfabriclinedthewallsneareachwindow.

Ichosealime-coloredchairinthebackandElvis’sbodyguardssatnearby.IexpectedElvistositdownnearme,butinsteadheturnedaround,walkedtothefrontoftheplane,andbeganspeakingwithMilo.

Afterafewmoments,helookedbackatmeandsaid,“Iforgotsomething.”

Elvisheadedoutthedoorwithhisbodyguardsinclosepursuit;IsuspectedhehadgonebacktoGraceland.PatsyandGeeGeeremainedseatedandIstayedinmychair,thethreeofusmakingsmalltalk.Bythewaytheywereacting,likethiswasanyotherordinarynight,IgotthefeelingthatthissortofimpulsiveoutingwithElviswasn’tunusualforthem.

WhenElvisandhis

bodyguardsreturned,hewalkeddowntheaislewithamischievousgrinonhisfaceandsatdowninthechairoppositemine.Theplane’sdoorclosedandtheenginesfiredup.Aswebegantotaxi,ElvisannouncedthathehadgonetogetpajamasforeveryoneandwewereallgoingtoLasVegas.LasVegas!Pajamas!The

thoughtofflyingoverMemphisorNashvillewas

onething,butIhadneverbeenoutwest.NorhadIeverspontaneouslyleftwithanyoneonatrip—nevermindamanI’djustmet!Howlongwouldittakeustogetthere?Howlongwouldwebegone?WherewouldIsleep?

IwastwentyyearsoldbutsuddenlyfeltlikeIwasaboutten.Iwantedtocallhometoletmyfamilyknowwhatwashappening.WhenElvisaskedmeifthisplanwasallright,

whatcouldIsay?“No”?“Maybe”?“It’stoofar”?“Stoptheplane,Iwanttogetoff!”

SeeingElvis’senthusiasm,Imadeanefforttohidemyconcerns.Isimplysmiled,answeredyes,andallowedmyselftobesweptawaytoLasVegas.

Iwassilentaswetookoff,andgazedoutmywindowintothenight,mymindracing.Outofthecornerof

myeye,IcouldseethatElviswaswatchingme.Iglancedathimandhequicklyturnedhishead,lookingouthiswindowasifnotwantingmetoknowhehadbeenstaringatme.Thecabinremainedfairlyquietuntilawhileintotheflight,whenElvislookedoverhisshouldertowardPatsyandGeeGeeandsaid,“Youknow,IwouldliketoseeGingerinnewclothesandjewelry.”

Elvisstoodupandtookafewstepstotherearoftheplane.Hereturnedcarryingasmall,wornblacksquarecasebyitshandle.Placingthecaseonthetablebetweenus,hesatdown,openedit,andtookoutalongnecklacemadeofblackplasticbeadswithacrossatthecenter.

“Leanforward,Ginger,”hesaid,andgentlyplacedthenecklaceovermyhead.

“Thankyou,”Isaid.

“Holdoutyourwristandcloseyoureyes,”hesaidthen.

Ifeltsomethingslipovermyhand.Openingmyeyes,Iwasshockedtoseeagoldidentificationbraceletonmyarmwith“Elvis”writteninsparklingdiamonds.

“That’sbetter,”hesaid.“Noweveryonewillknowyoubelongtome.”

AsIthankedElvisforthesepieces,Ifeltstunned

thathewouldgivemegiftssoearlyinourrelationshipandunsettledthateverythingseemedtomovesofastwithhim.IwonderedifElvisdidthissortofthingwithwomenonaregularbasis,orwhetherhewasseriousaboutwantingmetobelongtohim.

Formypart,Ifeltsuddenlyspecialdespitemyanxiety.Iwasmoreexcitedthanapprehensivethoughandfalling“inlike”withElvis.

Later,whenItookthebraceletoff,Inoticedadateinscribedonthebackandsawthathe’dbeengiventhebraceletin1963.Itwasn’tuntilafterElvispassedawaythatIdiscoveredhehadwornthisbraceletonstageandinprivateformanyyearsbeforegenerouslygracingmewithitasatokenofhisaffection.

Sandwicheswerepassedaround,butIwastoooverwhelmedtoeat.Shortly,

thelightsinsidetheplaneweredimmedsoeveryonecouldrest,butIwaskeyedupemotionallyandcouldn’tsleep.SoIsat,eyesclosed,wonderingwhatlayinstoreforme.Myconcernseventuallygavewaytoexcitement,however,themoreIthoughtaboutseeingLasVegas.

Aswenearedtheendoftheflight,Elvisaskedmetofollowhimtothecockpit.I

did,andasIstoodnexttohimbehindthepilots,lookingthroughthewindshieldatthelightsbelow,Isuddenlyfelthisarmsliparoundmywaist.

“Isn’titbeautiful?”Elviswhisperedinmyear.

Inthedistance,whatlookedlikeanislandoftinyshimmeringdiamondssurroundedbyaseaofblackvelvetslowlybegantoappearasweapproachedLasVegas.

“Yes,”Ireplied,asitwas

trulybreathtaking.WelandedattheHughes

AirTerminal.Aswedescendedthestairsfromtheplane,adark-hairedmaninhislatethirtiesgreetedus.ElvisintroducedhimasDr.EliasGhanem,hisfriendandpersonalphysician.ThetwoofusjoinedDr.GhaneminhiscarwhileElvis’scousinsandbodyguardsfollowedinanother.

Ridingthroughthestreets

ofdowntownLasVegas,IfeltlikeIwasmovingthroughadreamworld.Iwasmesmerizedbythecity’sendless,brilliantdisplayoflights.Icouldn’tbelieveIwasreallythere.

WedrovearoundtothebackoftheHiltonInternationalHotel,enteredthebuilding,andtookanelevatoruptooneoftherooms.Elvis’sbodyguardsbroughtinasuitcaseand,

aftermakingsurethingsweresecure,theyleft.

IsatnexttoElvisonthebedashebeganchattingwithhiscousinsandDr.Ghanem.IwouldlaterlearnthatElvisandPatsyweredoublefirstcousins.Herfather,Vester,whoworkedasaguardatGraceland’sgates,wasElvis’sdad’sbrotherandPatsy’smother,CletteSmith,wasElvis’smom’ssister.

Afterawhile,Patsyand

GeeGeeleft,andElviscontinuedtalkingwithDr.Ghanem.Theirconversationeventuallyturnedtovitamins.ElvismentionedthathegotvitaminB12shotsregularly.Understandingtheyweresupposedtohelpgiveenergy,Itoldhimthatmymother,onoccasion,hadgottenthemfromanursewhousedtobeourneighbor.

Dr.Ghanemofferedto

giveeachofusashotofB12.I’dneverhadoneandwashesitant,butsincehewasElvis’sdoctor,Itrustedhim.Notknowingwhatlayaheadandwithnosleeptofuelme,Idecidedalittleenergyboostcouldn’thurt.ElvisandIeachgotashotinthearm.

WhenDr.Ghanemfinallyleft,IwasexpectingthatElvisandIwouldventureoutside,butElvisturnedon

theTVandsettleddownonthebed.“Whatabouttelevisiondestroyingtheartofconversation?”Inearlysaid,butIheldback.

IquicklylearnedthatElvislikedtojokearoundandtalkaboutthingsontelevision.Hehadaquickwit,andwewerehavingsuchfunthatIdidn’tmindstayingintheroomafterall.Atonepoint,Elviswentintothebathroomandreturnedwearingblue

pajamas.JustasIgotmymind

aroundthefactthatElviswasinpajamas,Irealizedthatheheldamatchingpairinhishand.Ihesitatedasheheldthemouttome.ThethrillofbeinginLasVegashadtakenmymindoffsomeofmyinitialreservationsaboutbeinginElvis’shotelroom,butnowtheyquicklyresurfaced.Shouldn’tIbeinaroomofmyown?Ididn’t

wanthimtothinkIwasaseasyasthat.

Elvishandedmethepajamasandsaid,“Goahead.Puttheseon.Youcanchangeintherestroom.”

IwasshyaboutwearingpajamasinfrontofamanIdidn’tknow,andworriedabouthowtohandlewhatmightbeatoo-soonsexualsituationforme.Nowthathe’dgivenmethebracelet,wouldElvisexpectmeto

becomeintimatewithhim?IsensedElviswasagoodman,butIwasn’treadytobewithhiminthatway.Puttingonpajamaswoulddefinitelysendthewrongsignal.

ButwhatelsecouldIdo?IwasalonewithElvisinahotelroom.Ihadtofollowmyinstinctsandtrusthim.

Takingthepajamas,Iwalkedintothebathroomandslowlybegantoundress,myfingerstremblingalittle.I

hadlostalltrackoftime,andknowingmyparentsthoughtIwasstillinMemphis,IfeltIshouldatleasttellthemwhereIwas.Iwalkedoutandsatonthebed.“IsitallrightifIcallhome?”Iasked.“IneedtoletmyparentsknowwhereIam.”

Elvisunderstood.Iphonedourhouse,wakingmymother.WhenItoldherwhereIwas,shewasshocked,tosaytheleast!I

wasfillingherinonhowthetripcameaboutwhenElvissuddenlymotionedformetohandhimthephone.

Confused—whywouldElviswanttotalktomymother?—Icompliedandgavehimthereceiver.Elvisbeganspeakingwithmymother,oftencallingher“ma’am,”whichIfoundendearing.Heseemedabitnervous,actuallystutteringalittleasheassuredherthathe

wouldtakegoodcareofmeandseeIgothomesoon.

Handingmebackthephone,ElvissettledunderthecoversandcontinuedtowatchtelevisionwhileIfinishedsayinggood-bye.WhenIhungup,hetookmyhandandagainIfeltuneasy.AlthoughIwasn’tavirgin,Icertainlywasn’tabouttoleapintobedwithanyonerightaway,evenElvis.Mymindbegantoraceforsomething

tosay,awaytoexplainmyhesitation.

ButElvisdidn’tmakeamovebeyondholdingmyhand.Igraduallyrelaxedandlaybackbesidehim,watchingtelevision.Hewenttosleepholdingmyhand.Bythendaylightwasvisiblealongtheedgesoftheclosedcurtainsintheroom.Exhausted,Ifinallyfellasleepbesidehim.

•••

Uponwaking,Elvisorderedroomservice.GeeGeebroughtinthefood,layingatowelinfrontofusonthebedandplacingtrayswithourfoodontop.Elvissatcross-leggedandIfollowedsuitasweate,talked,andwatchedtelevision.

WhenIfinishedeating,Iwalkedovertothecurtainsandpulledthemasidetopeek

attheview.ThelightsofLasVegaswereshiningbrightly.Anticipatingtheprospectofexperiencingthecity,Iwentintothebathroomandchangedbackintomyclothes.WhenIcameout,ElviswasonthetelephoneandIheardhimarrangingourreturntoMemphis.

HadIdonesomethingwrong?Ithoughtitwouldberudetoaskifweweregoingsightseeing,buttoflyallthe

wayherewithoutseeingLasVegasseemedodd.Itriedmakingsenseofit.Maybehehadtogetbackforwork?OrmaybeElvisjustdidthisattimes,flyingsomeplacebecauseherelaxedbetterwithachangeofscenery?

ImaynothaveunderstoodElvisinthosemoments,butIconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatatleastI’dgottenachancetospendmoretimewithhim.I’dflownonhis

planeandreceivedbeautifulgifts,andallthewhileElvishadremainedagentleman.Reflectingonthis,mydisappointmentaboutnotseeingLasVegasbegantoevaporate.

Wereconnectedwithhiscousinsinourroom,andwhathadstartedasaSaturdaynight“date”formelasteduntilourreturntoMemphisintheearlyhoursofMonday,November22.We

drovebackfromtheairporttoGraceland,whereElvisaskedmetostayforawhile.Ifollowedhimuptohisbedroom,wherehesatonthebed,turnedonthetelevision,andbeganflippingthroughchannelswitharemotecontrol.

HestoppedwhenanewscasterremindedusitwastheanniversaryofJohnF.Kennedy’sdeath.Elvistalkedbrieflyabout

Kennedy’sassassination,thinkingmanywereinvolvedratherthantherebeingasingleshooter,andthenhemovedontotalkaboutself-defense.

Atonepointduringthisconversation,Elvisleanedoverthesideofhisbedandsatbackupwithaguninhishand.Itstartledme;Ihadn’tnoticeditonthefloorbefore.Myfatherownedarevolverandrifleathome,butIwasn’t

usedtoseeingagunupcloseandoutintheopenlikethis.ElvissaiditwasaColt.45andproudlyshowedmeitsturquoisehandlewiththeinitialEononesideandPontheother.

“It’sforprotection,”heexplained,andtoldmeaboutathreateningletterhehadreceivedoncewhilegettingreadytoperforminLasVegas.“Mydaddycametomeonenightwithtearsinhis

eyes,askingmenottogoon,”hesaid.“Itoldmydaddy,asaperformer,theshowmustgoon,sotheytightenedthesecurityandItooktherisk.Luckily,theletterturnedouttobeafluke.”

SpeakingofyetanotherincidentduringaVegasshow,Elvistoldmeaboutthreethugsapproachinghimonstageandhowhe’ddefendedhimselfusing

karate.HelaidthegunbackonthefloorandIcouldonlyimaginehowmanyotherfrighteningexperienceshe’dhadtodealwithinthepast.Iappreciatedhimsharingthesestories,andwasnewlyawareofthefearheobviouslylivedwithonadailybasis.Iunderstoodhowthatfearcouldbringhimtoapointwherehefeltinneedofconstantprotection.

Thebuttonsatopaphone

onhisbedsidetablelitupthenandElvisanswered,listeningwithaconcernedlook.Whenhehungup,hetoldmetheguardatthefrontgates,hiscousinHaroldLloyd,saidthattheentertainer,JerryLeeLewis,hadarrivedinhiscarandwantedtoseehim.

JerryLeeLewis?Iwasamazed.Muchtomysurprise,though,Elvistoldmehedidn’twanttoseeJerry

Lee.“He’sagreatpianoplayer

andperformer,butIjustthinkhe’scrazy,”Elvissaid.Gettingtheguardbackonthephone,ElvisinstructedhimtotellJerryLeehewasunavailable.

Ididn’tgettomeetMr.Lewisinthoseearlymorninghours,butithadbeenoneheckofadate.BynowIwasexhausted.WhenItoldElvisIthoughtitwastimeforme

toleave,hesurprisedmeagain,asking,“Wouldyouliketogoontourwithmesometime?”

I’dbarelyhadthechancetoabsorbwhatI’dalreadyexperiencedovertheweekend,butIwasthrilledbytheofferandcuriousaboutwhatothernewworldsImightexperiencewithElvis.“Yes,”Isaidatonce.

Elvishadsingledmeout,pursuedme,andsaidthings

thatmademefeelspecial.Yetasmallpartofmestillwasn’tfullysurehowhefeltaboutme,becausewewerejustgettingtoknowoneanother.Therehadbeennopassionatekissesorheavypetting,andthefactthathe’dbeensuchagentlemanfueledmyattractiontohimevenmore.IthoughtElviswasafascinatingman,andIdefinitelywantedtolearnmoreabouthim.

BeforeIleft,Elviskissedmelightlyforthesecondtime,anothergentlemanlypeck.Ifoundithardtosaygood-byebecausethewordsoundedfinal.Insteadofsayinggood-bye,Ichosetosay,“I’llseeyoulater,”hoping,insomestrangeway,thatthismagicphrasemightguaranteeI’dseehimagain.

And,fortherestofmytimewithElvis,Ineverwouldsaygood-byewhen

leavingGracelandbecauseIalwayswantedtocomebacktohim.

CHAPTER5

Afterthatfirstexhilarating,overwhelmingtriptoLasVegaswithElvis,Itriedtoresumemynormallife.IsleptbrieflyandwentrightbacktoworkatthedressshopforacoupleofhoursthatMondayafternoonanddidn’ttell

anyonethereaboutmyweekend.

Afterwork,myfriendTeristoppedbymyhouseandwewentforadriveinhercar.BythenIwasaboutreadytoburst;Icouldn’tresisttellingheraboutmyadventures.“You’llneverguesswhoImetovertheweekend,”Isaid,deliberatelytryingtosoundcasual.

“Who?”“Elvis.”

Terislammedonthebrakes,pulledovertothesideoftheroad,andrefusedtodriveuntilI’drecountedhowmysistersandIhadmetElvis.Needlesstosay,shewasblownaway.Ididn’tblameher.Istillhadahardtimebelievinganyofitwasrealmyself.IthenwentonandtoldheraboutourLasVegastrip.

Ididn’thearfromElvisMondaynight.Byearly

Tuesdaymorning,itwasalloverthenewsthatJerryLeehadbeenarrestedoutsideofGraceland.HehadreturnedintheearlymorninghoursandnudgedthefrontgateswithhisLincoln,demandingtoseeElviswithaDerringer.38pistolinhispossession.AsIlistenedtothenews,IrememberedElvis’scommentsregardingJerry;maybeElvishadbeenrightnottohaveseenhimthat

night.IwonderedwhatElvishadbeenthinkingwhenJerryreturned.

WednesdayeveningrolledaroundwithoutanywordfromElvis.Ithadonlybeenafewdays,butIwonderedwhyhehadn’tcalled.HehadseemedtowanttoseemeagainafterourtimetogetherinLasVegas,andhe’dcertainlyactedlikeIwasspecialtohim,withallofthethingshehadsaidanddone.

Fromhisaffectionatebehaviortowardme,IwouldhavethoughtElvismighthaveatleastcalledtosayhello.Afterall,Iwastheproudownerofabraceletwithhisnameonit,andhehaddeclared,“Noweveryonewillknowyoubelongtome.”

Mydoubtsbegantoswirl,asIwonderedwhetherhe’dreallymeantthethingshe’dsaidtome.WasitpossiblethatmaybeIwasplacing

morevalueonourtimetogetherthanhedid?Ihopednot.

WhenLarry,themanI’dbeenseeingforafewmonths,telephonedmeathomethatnight,Iwasthrownintoanotheremotionaltailspin.Whetheritwasmydoingornot,thingshadchangedforme.Thepastweekendhadbeencompletelymind-blowing,andIhadn’tgoneonedaywithoutthinking

aboutElvis.Ineededtobehonestand

up-frontwithLarry,soIaskedhimtocomeoverthatnight.IknewthattellinghimaboutElvisandmysuddenchangeofheartwouldcatchhimasoffguardasithadme,andIfeltbadaboutthat.Ididn’tknowifElviswouldevencallmeagain,butIwaswillingtowaitandsee.

LarryandItalkedforawhile.Afterward,hestill

wasn’treadytoacceptthatIwantedtoendthings,andheleftexpressingthehopethatwecouldsortthingsthrough.

Ihadgoneaboutmynormalschedule,workedatthedressshopandotherwisespenttimewithmyfamily,butIhadn’tgoneoutintheevenings,wonderingifElviswouldcall.MyfamilyhadbeenstunnedbythebraceletElvishadgivenme.Iwassoafraidofhavingitfalloffmy

wristthatIdidn’twearitoften;Ionlylookedatitinmybedroom,stillsurprisedthatElvishadgivenittome.ItseemedtohavebeensomethingspecialtohimandyetIhadn’theardfromhim.

WhenThanksgivingcameandwent,andalldayFriday,too,withoutacallfromElvis,Itrulyfeltthatsomethingwasn’tright.ImusthavemisinterpretedwhathadhappenedbetweenElvisand

me.Iwasjustgoingtohavetowakeupandreturntomyreallife.

OntheSaturdayafterThanksgiving,amancalledourhome.HesaidhewasElvis’sroadmanager,JoeEsposito,andaskedtospeakwithme.MymoodimmediatelyliftedasJoetoldmeElviswasontour,wouldbeinSanFrancisco,andwantedmetoflythereandseehisshow.

Myinitialreactionwasoneofenormousrelief.That’swhyIhaven’theardanything,Ithought.He’sbeenontour!IevenrationalizedthatmaybethisroadtripwasthereasonwhywehadleftLasVegassosoon.

InthemiddleofarrangingthingswithJoe,IsuddenlyheardElvis’svoicecomeontheline.“Ineedyououthere

withme,Ginger,”hesaid,andaddedwithachuckle,“Getyourassouthere!”

IwassogladtohearhisvoicethatIsimplysaid,“Okay,”eventhough“Getyourassouthere!”wasn’texactlythewayIthoughtI’dbeinvited.Itwasn’tthesortoflanguageIwasusedtohearing.Iwasmomentarilytakenaback,butmyexcitementkickedin,andIdecidedtooverlookit.Elvis

wantedmetojoinhimontour!

Elvisthenaskedifhecouldspeakwithmymother.“Iwanttoeaseanyworriesshemighthaveaboutyoutravelingtoseeme,”hesaid.

MymotherandElvisspokeforafewmoments,thenElvisputJoebackonthelinetofinishdiscussingtravelarrangements.JoetoldmetobeatMemphisAeroat10:30thatverynight.

Tonight?Panicked,Ihungupandquicklybegantopack.Ihadnocluewhattowearandfeltnothinginmywardrobewasright.Thankfully,Terrycametomyrescueandgenerouslyloanedmeacoupleofniceoutfitsshe’dreceivedfromherpageants.

Itwasabrutallycold,snowynightinMemphis,andmyparentswereworriedaboutmetravelinginthose

weatherconditions.JustasIfinishedpacking,MiloHigh,Elvis’spersonalpilot,calledtosaythatthedoortotheJetStarwasfrozenshut.“We’renotsurewecanopenit,”headmitted.

Healsotoldmetheyhadtowaitfortherunwaystobeclearedandtheplanetobedeiced.AftertheanticipationofseeingElvisandallofmyrushingaround,Isatinourdenandanxiouslywondered

ifI’devenbemakingthetripatall.

Afewhourslater,Milofinallycalledback.“We’rereadyforyou,Ginger,”hesaid.

MymotheraskedmetocallwhenIarrivedinSanFranciscoasIleftwithmyfatherfortheairport.TheJetStarwaswaitingformeontheedgeoftherunway;Isaidgood-byetomydadandhurriedlyboardedtheplane,

alreadyfeelingthebitterwindseepingthroughmycoat.

Itwassocoldinsidetheplane,Icouldseemyownbreath.MiloandGeorgegreetedmewhenIboardedandhandedmeablanket.Aswetookoffandbeganourjourneywest,Ireflectedonhow,onceagain,IwasexperiencingthingswithElvisthatI’dneverdonebeforeinmylife:leavingMemphisaloneforthefirst

timeandgoingtoanothercityI’dneverseenbefore,tobewithamanIhardlyknew.

Ifeltashadowoftrepidationcreepoverme.Isuddenlywishedmysistersorafriendcouldhaveaccompaniedme,soIwouldn’tfeelquiteasalone.Ilayacrossthecouch,pulledtheblanketuparoundme,andtriedtosleep,knowingI’dneedmyenergyforwhateveradventureslay

ahead.WelandedinSan

FranciscoafewhourspastmidnightonwhatwasnowSunday,November28.IrodewithMiloandGeorgetoaHiltonHotel,wheretheyhelpedwithmysuitcaseandescortedmetomyroom.

ThefirstthingIdidwasplaceacollectcalltomyparentstoletthemknowIwasokay.ThenIstartedunpacking.Ididn’tknowif

Elviswouldhaveashowthatafternoonorevening,butbecausehehadarrangedmytravel,hemusthavesurelyknownofmyarrival.IwascertainI’dgetaknockonmydoororaphonecallshortly.Iwasreallylookingforwardtoseeinghim.

Theminutestickedby.Ibegantofeeltiredfromthethrillofthetrip,theanticipationofseeingElvisagain,andbeingawakeforso

long,especiallysinceIwasstillrunningtwohourslateronMemphistime.Itriedtofightsleepbywatchingtelevision.

Acoupleofhourswentslowlyby.Itwasgettingclosertodawn,butstillfeelinglikeIwasoncall,Iwasreluctanttowashmyface,putonpajamas,andcrawlintobedonlytohaveElvisknockatmydoor.SoIstayedup,lettingafewmore

hourspass.Finally,feelingsilly,I

decidedElviswasasleepandIshouldgetsomerest.Igaveupandwenttobed.

Iwokethatafternoonaround3P.M.,feelingbetterbutstillabitjet-lagged.PositivethatI’dhearfromElvisanyminutenoworatleastfromsomeonewho’dgivemeinformationabouthisshow,Itookaquickshowerandhurriedlygotdressed.

Ihurriedfornothing,asitturnedout.Moretimepassed.EvenifElvishadperformedlastnightandhadnotgottentosleepuntilearlymorning,hemusthavebeenupforawhilenowbecauseitwasafterfour.Whyhadn’tIheardfromhim?

Again,Itriedtorationalizewhatwasgoingon.SinceI’darrivedsolate,maybeElviswaslettingmesleep,Ithought.Ihadn’teatensince

leavingMemphisandbegantofeelhungry.SuddenlyIrealizedthat,inallofmyexcitementandrushingaround,Ihadn’tbroughtanymoneywithme.I’dneverbeeninasituationlikethis.

Ididn’tfeelrighttakingadvantageofElvisbycallingroomservice.IwonderedifIshouldleavetheroomandtrytofindamemberofhisstaff,butIwasafraidtoleaveforfearofmissingElvisora

phonecallfromoneofhisemployees.

Feelingmoreawkwardbytheminute,Icontinuedtowatchtelevisionasthehoursmarchedby.Itwasbizarre,beingwhiskedoutofMemphisandthenhavingtowaitaroundlikethiswithoutawordfromanyone.

Ididn’treallyfeelangryatElvisbecauseheclearlyhadwantedmetoseehisshowenoughtobringmehere.I

washappythathe’daskedandexcitedaboutseeinghim.But,asdayturnedintonight,Iwasstartingtofeelabandonedandconfused.WherewasElvis?

Thephonefinallyrangaround6P.M.Ileapedtoanswerit,excitedthatsomeonehadfinallyrememberedIwashere.

ItwasoneofElvis’semployees,askingifIneededanything.WhenItoldhimI

washungry,hesaid,“Orderanythingandchargeittotheroom.”ThenhehungupwithnomentionofElvisorwherehewas.

WasElvis’slocationasecret?Ifeltcompletelybaffled.Istillhadnoideawhatwasgoingon.Atthatpoint,though,IwasjustrelievedtoknowIcouldbeeatingsoon,andsoIorderedroomservice—anothernewexperienceforme.

Itwasn’tuntillatethatnight,aftereleven,thattherewasfinallyaknockonmydoor.IfiguredithadtobesomeoneassociatedwithElvis,ormaybeevenElvishimself,soitwouldbesafetoopenthedoor.

Amaninhisearlythirtiesstoodthere.Hehadmid-length,darkshaggyhairandintroducedhimselfasJerrySchilling.

“You’regoingtobe

movingtoadifferentroom,”Jerryannounced,thenquicklywalkedaway.

Iclosedthedoor,morebewilderedthanever.Adifferentroom?Why?

Thingshadhappenedslowlyuptonow,soIfiguredIhadplentyoftimetopack.Isatbackdowntowatchmoretelevision.

Afewminuteslater,however,anothersharprap

soundedatmydoor.Already?IopeneditandJerrywasback,thistimeaccompaniedbyJoeEsposito,Elvis’sroadmanager.JoewasshorterthanJerry,inhislatethirties,withacompactbuildandadarkrecedinghairline.

Whilethetwomenwaitedinthehallway,Iquicklythrewthingsintomysuitcase.JoeandJerrythenledmeonalongwalktoanothersectionofthehotel.Whenwe

reachedwhatIthoughtwasmynewroom,Jerryopenedthedoorandgesturedformetoenter.IwassurprisedtoseeElvisinside,sittingonacouchinthecenterofasuiteanddressedinahoodedblueterry-clothrobe.Hewassurroundedbymen.

Oureyeslockedandmyheartdidalittleskip.Allofthehoursofwaitinganduncertaintywereworthit.Iwasthrilledtoseehim.

Atthesametime,Ifeltuncomfortablewalkingintothisroomfullofmen.I’dalwaysbeenshywithmen,andeventhoughIknewI’dbeeninspectedduringmyfirsttimeinsideGraceland,thescrutinywasevenmoreintensewhenIenteredthisroom.

Elvisseemedatease.Hestoodupwithasmileandwalkedovertogivemeahug,thenturnedtothegroupof

strangersandbeganintroductions.ThemenintheroomincludedLarryGeller,hishairdresser,aleanmaninhislatethirties;BillyStanley,Elvis’sstepbrother,inhistwentiesandanaide;EdParker,astronglybuiltHawaiianmaninhismid-fortieswiththicksilverhairwhohadtrainedElvisinkarate;Dr.GeorgeNichopoulos,lateforties,Elvis’ssilver-haired

physician;DeanNichopoulos,thedoctor’sson;andAlStrada.DeanandAlwerebothintheirtwentiesandworkingasElvis’saidesalongwithBilly.

Finally,Iwasintroducedtoanoverweightmaninhisearlyfortieswithsalt-and-pepperhairnamedLamarFike.Nojobwasmentionedforhimatthetime,soIwaslefttowonderifhewasemployedbyElvis,too,or

simplyvisiting.Elvistookmyhandand

ledmeintothesuite’sadjoiningbedroom.Hedidn’texplainwhyIhadn’theardanythingorseenhimuntilnow,butIdidn’tcareanymore.MyfeelingsofconfusionandabandonmenthadvanishedtheminuteIsawhim.

Bookswerescatteredeverywhere,ontopofhisbed,onthefloor,andspilling

outofthesuitcases.Afewlookedfamiliar;theydealtwiththesametopicsIrememberedseeinginhisbedroomatGraceland,includingreligiousphilosophyandnumerology.

Seeingthatmostofthebookshadtodowithspirituality,IrealizedforthefirsttimethatElvistrulywasonaseriouspersonalquest.Wesatonhisbedandtalkedforalittlewhileaboutmy

trip,whathe’dbeenreading,andthisandthat.Hetoldmethathehadashowthefollowingnight,andIwonderedifhe’dhadonetonight.

Elviswasn’tinterestedintalkingabouthisshows,however.Hewantedtolookthroughsomeofhisbooks.Aswecontinuedtosittogether,Elvisbeganreadingtome,pointingoutphraseshehadunderlinedonwell-worn

pages,someofwhichhadloosenedandwerefallingoutofthebindings.Seeingthathehadevenwrittennotesinsidesomeofthemargins,Iunderstoodthiswasn’tjustcasualreadingforElvis.Hewasstudyingthesebooksindetail.Iadmiredthefactthathewashungryforknowledge.

Elvishadleftthebedroomdoorslightlyajar.Afteratime,Inoticedsomeofthe

menI’dmetearlierstillseatedinthelivingroom.Couldthesebenormalhoursforallofthem,Elvisincluded?Itwasnowwellafteroneinthemorning.

ThepasttimesI’dbeenwithElvis,Ihadthoughthewasstayinguplateonlybecausehewasoffworkandenjoyinghimself.IbeganwonderingifmaybethelatenighthoursprovidedtheonlytimeElviscouldtrulyfeel

relaxedandfindsomepeacebecausetherestoftheworldwasasleep.

Wetalkeduntiltheearlymorninghours.Whenthetwoofuswerebothexhausted,ElvistoldmeIhadaseparateroomadjoiningthelivingroomsuite.Stillthegentleman,heescortedmeacrossthenow-emptylivingroomandsaidhewouldseemelaterthatafternoon.Withanotherlightkiss,heheaded

backtowardhisownbedroom.

Ienteredmynew,largerroomandsawthatmysuitcasehadbeenplacedinside.Iopenedit,tookoutpajamas,andwalkedintoagenerousbathroomwallpaperedinapaisleyprint,noticingatelephoneattachedonthewallabovethetoilet.Thephonewouldn’thavemeantmuchtosome,butthiswasmyfirsttimeinsucha

lavishhotelsuiteandIwastickledbythissmalltouchofluxury.

Isoonsettledinbed,marvelingathowmylifecouldchangesoquickly.BetweenthetripandtheanxietythathadmountedwhileIwaswaitingtohearfromElvis,Iwasbone-tired.MyheadhadbarelyhitthepillowwhenIfellintoasoundsleep.

Iwasjoltedawakeat4

P.M.byaloudknockonmydoorandavoiceannouncing,“Breakfast!”Alittlelateforbreakfast,Imused,butthenagain,IwasinElvis’sworldandlivingintheElvistimezonenow.

Ijumpedup,quicklydressed,putonsomemakeup,andenteredthesuite’slivingroom.Elvis’sbedroomdooropenedandhejoinedme,stillwearingpajamasandabluehoodedrobe.Forthefirst

time,weactuallysattogetheronacouchinsteadofabed.

OneofElvis’saidesspreadatowelacrossthecoffeetableandplacedtwoplatesofsouthwesternomelets,bacon,coffee,andjuiceinfrontofus.Thetelevisionwasturnedon,andElvisandIchattedasweate.

Shortly,someofthemenI’dmetthenightbeforebeganfilteringintotheroom.Giventhefactthateveryman

thereworethesamegoldnecklacewiththeTCBlightningboltemblem,IguessedtheyhadtobepartofaspecialgroupassociatedwithElvis.

Ihadn’tspentmuchtimealonewithElvis,butnowIhadtheopportunitytowitnessmoreofhissharpsenseofhumorashelitupacigarandbeganjokingaroundwiththeguys.Hefoundsomeofthethingson

televisionamusingandmadefunnycommentsashesurfedthroughvariouschannels.

Astheothermenlaughedalongwithhimandtheconversationbecameincreasinglyanimated,Elvis’sconversationwaspepperedwithcursewords.Ithoughtthismustbehiswayoftalkingaroundtheguyssince,exceptforanoccasionalfoulwordhereandthere,Ihadn’tnoticedhimspeakthisway

before.Later,asourrelationshipgrew,IlearnedtooverlookthechoicewordsElvisusedattimes,althoughI’dneverbe100percentcomfortablewiththem.

ElvisandthemencontinuedtopalaroundwithoneanotherwhileIatequietly.WhenIfinished,Istoodtogotothebathroom.

Elvisgrabbedholdofmyhand,startlingme.“Whereareyougoing?”heasked.

“Justtowashmyhands,”Ireplied.

“Oh.Okay.Hurryback,”hesaid.

Iwaspleasedandflattered.Elvishadbeensoengagedinconversationwithhisentourage,I’dthoughthewouldn’tevennoticeifIslippedoutoftheroomforafewminutes.Apparently,though,hewasstillfocusedonme,andmypresencewasimportanttohim.

AsthetimeforElvis’sshowdrewnear,hewentintohisbedroomtogetreadywhileIdressedinmine.BythetimeIreturnedtothelivingroom,therewasabuzzofactivity.Variousaides,alongwithElvis’shairdresser,physician,roadmanager,andbodyguards,wereallrushinginandoutofhisbedroom.

Beforelong,Elvissteppedoutofhisroomwearinga

whitejumpsuitwithvaryingshadesofblueinarainbowpatternswirledacrossthefrontofhissuitanddownthesidesofbothpantlegs.Hishairwasstyledtoperfection.Heworeamatchingbeltwithchainsaroundhiswaist,andhisfeetwerecladinwhiteleatherboots.Seeinghimdressedinoneofhisstagesuitsupcloselikethis,helookedsohandsome,ittookmybreathaway.

Whilesomepeoplegatheredaroundtofinishpreparinghimtogoonstage,Elvisglancedoveratmewithafaintsmile,placinghishandsonhisbeltandshiftingitupabit.Heraisedaneyebrowatmeandgavemeaslightlyworriedlook.

Icouldn’tbelieveElviswasshowingahintofanxietybeforeaperformanceaftersomanyyears!Thatendearedhimtomeevenmore.I

mouthedthewords“verynice”tohimfromacrosstheroom,wantinghimtoknowthatIthoughthelookedgreat.

SurroundedbyElvis’sentourage,wefinallylefttheroomandwalkeddownthehotelcorridor.Elvisgrewquiet.Icouldtellhewasfocusedonhisupcomingshow.

Wetooktheelevatordowntothehotel’sgroundfloor.Outside,acoupleofcarsand

alimousinewerewaitingforuswithapoliceescort.Ihadneverbeeninalimo,soclimbingintooneofthesecarswasyetanothernoveltyforme.

Iscootedintothecenterofthebackseat.Elvissatbesideme.Someoftheothermencrowdedinwithus,whileotherspiledintothesecondcar.IsensedthatElviswasstillanxiousabouthisperformance.Hestared

pensivelyoutofthewindowduringtheshortride,occasionallymakingsmalltalkorkiddingsomeone,butspeakingsoftly.Heexplainedthisbywhisperingtome,“I’mprotectingmyvoice.”

UponourarrivalattheCowPalacearena,ahugeindoorarenainDalyCity,everythingwarpedintohyperspeed.Weimmediatelyexitedthecar,andElviswasrushedintoadressingroom.I

wasescortedpastbackstagehandsontothefloorofthearenaandtoldtowaitbythestage.

ThearenalookedfullandtherewasacomicnamedJackieKahanealreadyperformingonstage.IwouldlaterlearnthathehadbeenElvis’sopeningactforthepastsixyearsorso.Istoodaloneandfeltextremelyexcitedbutalittlescared,too,asIwaitedforsomeoneto

tellmewhattodoorwheretogo.

ReflectingontheonlyotherElvisconcertI’dseen,backinJulywithmymomandsister,IthoughtabouthowluckyIwastobehererightnow,abouttowatchhisshowfromtheperspectiveofaguestinsteadofonemoreticketholder.

Eventually,DeanNichopoulosapproachedandhandedmeasoftdrink,then

broughtoverasteelchair,explainingitwasforme.Elviswantedthechairplacedrightonstagebehindhissoundmen!Itfeltgreatthathewantedmethisclosetohim!

“Justmakesureyouheadforthelimoatthestartofhisclosingsong,‘Can’tHelpFallinginLove,’”hewarned.“Otherwise,itmightbetoughtogetyououtofherewhenthefansrushthestageattheendoftheshow.”

MyheartbeatfasterasIwasassistedontothestage.ThereImetsoundmenFeltonJarvisandBruceJacksonasIsatdown.

JackieKahanedidagreatjobofwarmingupthecrowd.AsJackie’sroutinewounddown,athrillofanticipationbegantoripplethroughtheaudience.Iwasfeelingthisexcitement,too,butonamuchmoreintense,personallevel.Iwasn’tjustgoingto

watchElvistheperformertonight,butamanwhomademefeelspecialandwasbeginningtostirfeelingsinme.IreallywantedtoseeElvisdowell.

Finally,thelightsslowlydimmedasmusiciansandsingerswalkedontothestageandtooktheirplaces.Screamseruptedfromtheaudienceastheorchestrabeganplaying“AlsoSprachZarathustra,”betterknownas

thethememusicfromthemotionpicture2001:ASpaceOdyssey.

Elvis’sonstageentrancewasgreetedbythousandsofflashingcamerabulbs.Theflashesblindedmemomentarilyandgavethearena’sinterioraneeriestrobelighteffect.Likeamagnet,Elvisdrewalleyestohimasheassertivelystrodebackandforthacrossthe

stagetogranteveryonethebestchancetoseehimandtakephotographs.

ElvisthenapproachedCharlieHodge,whohelpedplacethestraptoaguitaracrosshisshoulder,andmovedtothecenterstagemicrophone.Therehebeganplayinghisguitar,beltingout“C.C.Rider”withgreatpassion,volume,andtimbre.Hisiconicvoiceboomedoutoverthearena,immediately

bringingmanyintheaudiencetotheirfeet.

Throughouttheconcert,Elvisgenuinelyseemedtobehavingfun.Hejokedwiththecrowd,hismusicians,andthebackgroundsingers.Charliesangharmony,playedrhythmguitar,occasionallyhandedElvisaglassofwater,andwasquicktoplaceafreshscarfaroundElvis’sneckafteronewentsoaringfromhishandoutintothe

audience.Sittingonstagesoclosetohim,Ifounditalarmingtowatchhowthefanstumbledandclimbedoveroneanotherinaheatedcompetitiontograbascarf.Iwasafraidoneofthemmightgethurt.

AsIwatchedElvisperform,realtimeseemedsuspended.He’dbeenonstageforwelloveranhourwhenthebandstartedtoplay“Can’tHelpFallinginLove.”

Withastart,IsuddenlyrememberedDean’swarningaboutbeinginthelimobeforethesongended.

Istoodupandpreparedtoleave.Suddenly,theword“Stay!”resoundedthroughthespeakers.

IglancedovermyshoulderandsawElvismomentarilypointatmewhilecontinuingtosing.Icouldn’tbelievethathewasimmediatelyawarethatIwas

leaving!Isatbackinmychair,

embarrassed,wonderingifanyoneelsehadpickeduponthis.Icouldonlyhopethedimlightinginmycornerofthestagehadmadeitimpossibleforanyoneintheaudiencetonoticeme.

Igrewincreasinglynervousasthesecondstickedby,worriedabouthowI’dmakeittothecarintime.Finally,whenIsawElvis

walkingtotheoppositesideofthestage,Ijumpedupandranoff,stillalittlefearfulthathe’dnoticeIwasgone.ThelastthingIwantedhimtothinkwasthatIdidn’twanttohearhisclosingnumberorappreciatetheefforthe’dgonetoinordertobringmehere.

Thelimousinewaswaitingattheendofanundergroundramp,itsenginerunning,itsdoorsopen.Someoneledme

there,andnotamomenttoosoon,forsuddenlyElviscamerushingtowardthelimo,surroundedbymembersofhisentourage.

Hehurriedlyclimbedintothecar,drenchedinsweat,withatoweldrapedaroundhisneck.Hisbodyguards,Dr.Nichopoulos,JoeEsposito,andafewothersquicklyjoinedus.

“Goodshow,goodshow,”Joecongratulatedhimas

Elvisleanedbackintheseat,wipinghisfacewiththetowel.

OthersbegancomplimentingElvisaswell.Ifinallyjumpedin.“Youwerewonderful,”Isaid.

Asthelimousineslowlybeganmovingforward,Elvisleanedtowardmeandsoftlyasked,“Didyouseetheveryendoftheshow?”

“No,”Iadmitted.“Iwastoldtobeinthecarbeforethe

lastsongfinished.”Isawaflashofannoyance

darkenhisface.“BesureGingerremainsseateduntiltheveryendofthenextshow,”heannouncedtoeveryoneinthelimo.

Ifeltasmiletugatthecornersofmymouth.Iwasgoingtoseeanotheroneofhisshows!

Fansmobbedthelimoasourcaremergedfromthebuilding.Itwasascary

feelingtobesurroundedlikethat,withsomefanseventryingtoclimbontopofthelimo.

ItookholdofElvis’shand.Elvis,however,seemedcalm.Hewasclearlyaccustomedtothissortofthing.Hewavedtohisfansandjokedwithmeaboutbuyingaplasticarmwithahandattachedsoitwouldlooklikehewasstillwaving,whilerestinghisown.

Icouldn’thelpbutthinkabouttheearlyBeatlesmovieAHardDay’sNightandtheshotsinthatfilmoftheirfanschasingafterthem.Waitaminute,Ithought.Elvismusthaveexperiencedthatlongbeforetheydid!Ididn’tseehowanyonecouldevercompletelygetusedtothiskindofattention.

Backatthehotel,ElviswentintohisbedroomwithhisaidesandDr.

Nichopoulos.Iwentintomine.Afterthemenleft,Elvisaskedformeandorderedroomservice.

IwalkedintoElvis’sbedroomandwassurprisedtoseehimalreadydressedinpajamasandarobe.Icouldn’tblamehimforwantingtogetoutofhisstagesuitandintomorecomfortableclothing,butIwasstillsurprisedbythepajamas.Itwasn’tthatlateat

night.Variousothermembersof

hisstaffenteredtheroomandourfoodwassoonbroughttous.Whileweate,Elvisbeganscrutinizinghisperformance.Isawhowimportantatop-qualityshowwastohimashewentovereverything:theband,thelighting,thesound,andtheaudienceexperience.Hedidn’twanttodisappointhisfansinanyway.

Aswesatthereandtalked

abouttheshow,itdawnedonmethatIhadenteredElvis’ssuiteataroundthesametimethepreviousnight.Elvishadbeendressedinhisrobethen,too,andsurroundedbythesemen.Hadhefinishedashowlastnight?And,ifso,whywasn’tIinvited?

(Itwouldn’tbeuntilafterElvis’sdeaththatIwouldlearntherealreasonIhadbeenleftsittinginmyhotelroomforaday:Linda

ThompsonhadbeeninthehotelandElviswasusheringheroutwithonehandandmeinwiththeother.WhatElviswanted,Elvisgot.Formanyaroundhim,thiswas“takingcareofbusiness.”)

•••

Aftertheguysleft,ElvistoldmethathistourwouldfinishthefollowingeveninginAnaheim,California.“You’ll

stay,won’tyou?”heasked.“Ofcourse,”Isaid,thrilled

bytheinvitationtoseeanotherofhisperformances.

Oncewe’dsettledthat,Elvispickedoutabooktoread.Afterentertainingthousandsofhisfans,heseemedtoneedawaytofocushisthoughtsandturneverythingoff—afeatIimaginedcouldn’tbeeasy,especiallyforamanwholovedperformingasmuchas

Elvisdid.Wereadtogetherfora

longtime.Elvisalwaysputintensephilosophicalthoughtintointerpretingwhathefeltvariousauthorsweretryingtosayintheirbooks.Thisexercisewashelpfultomebecausethebooksthemselvesweren’teasytounderstandrightaway.IfeltlikeIwasinthepresenceofaninterestingteacher.

Ibegantogetsleepyafter

atime,butIdidmybesttostayfocused,feelingitwasimportanttoElvis.Arounddawn,anaidebroughtinasmallyellowpacketandleftitonthenighttable.Elvisswalloweditscontentswithwaterfromanearbyice-filledjug.

Iwasinstantlyalertandcurious.“What’sthatfor?”

“Somethingtohelpmesleep,”Elvissaid.

Hehadbeendeeply

absorbed,evenenergizedbythedifferentbookswe’dbeenlookingover,soIdidn’tthinktwiceabouthimneedingtotakesomethingtohelphimsleep.Althoughitwasmorningbynow,Itoldhimgoodnight.Onceagain,hewalkedmetomyroomlikeagentleman.

Forsomereason,Ididn’tsleeplong—probablybecauseofthecombinationofjetlagandthestrangereverse

scheduleElviskept,turningdayintonightandnightintoday.WhenIgotuparound1P.M.,itwasquietintherestofthesuite.

IfiguredElviswasstillasleepbecausewe’dbeenupsolate.Ihadn’treallyeatenmuchdinnerandnowIwashungry.Ifeltmorecomfortableaboutorderingroomservice,soIdid,eatingaloneinmyroomasIcontemplatedthisintriguing

newworldIwasinhabiting.TherewasElvis’slifestyleanddynamicpersonalitytothinkabout,alongwithhismusic,hisreligiousstudies,andthemanypeoplewhoseemedtosurroundhim24/7.

Itwasintense,exhilarating,andexhaustingasItriedtoprocesseverythingandunderstandwhereIwasinallofthis.Ididn’tyetthinkofmyselfas“theone,”thoughElvis

seemedtobedoinghisbesttomakemefeellikeIwasspecialtohim.Ifhewantedourrelationshiptogofurther,IdecidedIwasready.

Finally,around4P.M.,someoneknockedonmybedroomdoor.IopenedittofindElvisstandingthereinhispajamasandrobe—asightIwasbeginningtothinkofasnormal.“I’mgoingtoorderusfood,”hesaid.WhenIconfessedthatI’dalready

eaten,itseemedtobotherhim.“Fromnowon,I’dlikeustoeattogether,”hesaid.

“I’msorry,”Iapologized.IhadnoideaElviswouldbesensitiveaboutthat.Atthesametime,Iwaspleasedthathe’dsaid“fromnowon,”whichindicatedhewascertainlyseeingafutureforourrelationship.IwantedtofitinhoweverIcould.

Ontourwithhimlater,wheneverIhappenedtobein

myroomwhenbreakfastwasbroughtin,Elviswouldknockonmydoor,takemyhand,andleadmetothecoffeetableorhisbedsowecouldeattogether.

•••

Beforelong,Elvis’sfoodwasbroughtuptohimandwesattogetherinthelivingroomwhileheate.HetoldmehewasgoingtoperforminLas

VegasrightafterthistourandaskedifIwouldliketogowithhim.“I’llbetherefortendays,”hesaid.

Ilovedwatchinghisshowsandwasexcitedbytheprospectofspendingmoretimewithhim.Iwasconcerned,though.I’donlybroughtenoughclothesforwhatIthoughtwouldbeashortvisit.CouldIreallygofromCaliforniatoLasVegaswithhim?Andwhatabout

myjob?HowcouldIjustnotshowupfortendays?

AsIwasthinkingaboutthelogistics,themeninElvis’sentouragebeganshowinguponebyone.Whatwasquicklybecomingafamiliarscenarioensued:Elvisjokedaroundandsmokedwhileeveryonelaughedalongwithhim.AfterElvis’sdeath,IwouldlearnmoreofthepersonalhistoryElvishadwithsomeofthese

men,whounbeknownsttomeatthetime,hadbeendubbedthe“MemphisMafia”bythemedia.

IleftthelivingroomtoplaceacalltoMemphis,lettingmyparentsknowIwouldn’tbecominghomeforawhile.Itwasunusualformetobeawayfromhomeforsolong,anditfeltgoodtoheartheirfamiliarvoices.

Attheendofourconversation,mymother

mentionedthatshehadspokentoherfather,mygrandfather,whomIwascloseto,aboutmetravelingwithElvis.Beingeighty-fiveandold-fashioned,mygrandfatherhadexpressedconcernastowhetherthiswasproper.“TellElvisshe’smygirl,”mygrandfatherhadsaid.

IunderstoodhowsomeonefromhisgenerationmighthaveconcernsaboutwhatI

wasdoing.IfiguredmyparentsdidaswellbecauseIseemedtobemovingheadlongintoanuncertainfuture.Ihadmyownfears;Ididn’twanttofallinloveonlytogetmyheartbroken.Ontheotherhand,Elvis’smagnetismwaspullingmecloserandclosertohimbytheday.

IaskedmymothertocalltheshopwhereIworked.“Pleaseexplainwhat’s

happening,”Itoldher,wonderingwhetherI’dstillhaveajobwhenIcamebackfromLasVegas.

Icouldn’tworryaboutthatrightthen,though.MyfocusnowwasonbeingwithElvis.Iwantedtodothatmorethananythingintheworld.Therestofmylifecouldwait.

•••

Aswepreparedtoleavefor

Anaheim,Ibegantopack.IknewIwastotallyunpreparedforLasVegas,butwhatcouldIdo?

Iclosedmysuitcaseandwalkedintothelivingroom,thinkingI’djusthavetomanagewiththeclothesIhad.Elvissoonjoinedme,havingchangedintohiscasualnavybluejumpsuit.

Duringtheridetotheairport,ElvisfellintowhatIwasstartingtoseewasoneof

hisfrequenthabits:Heproppedhisrightfootontopofhisleftkneeandbegantonervouslyshakeit.Iwastickledtonoticehehadn’treallychangedclothesatall,fortheedgeofhispajamabottomwasstickingoutfrombeneaththepantlegofhisjumpsuit.

Ahugepassengerjetwaitedforusattheairport.Untilthen,I’dhadnoideaElvisownedanotherplane.

Hisdaughter’sname,LisaMarie,waswritteninblueontheupperfrontoftheaircraft.HighuponthetailwasapictureoftheAmericanflag,andbelowthatappearedthelettersTCBingoldaboveagoldlightningbolt.

Aswewalkedupthestairwaytothedooroftheplane,Elvistoldmehehadpickedoutthecolorschemehimself.“ThefirsttimeIshowedittomydaughter,

Lisa,shejustyawned,”hesaidwithagrin.

Aflightattendantgreetedus.Ialsomettherestofthecrewandthepilot,CaptainElwoodDavid.Ithoughtthecaptain’snamewasacoolcoincidence,sincemyfather’smiddlenamewasElwoodandthiswastheonlyothertimeIhadheardit.

TheJetStarhadcertainlyimpressedme,buttheLisa

Mariewasmagnificent.Themaincompartmentoftheplanewasfurnishedlikealivingroom,withtwosuedecouches—onegreen,onebrown—leatherchairs,leather-toppedtables,andeventelevisionsets.AsIfollowedElvisdeeperintotheplane,wepassedalargeconferencetablesurroundedbytanleatherchairsandenteredasittingroomfurnishedwithbluesuede

chairs.Finally,weentereda

bedroom.Decoratedinblue,ithadeverythingyoucouldwant:aqueen-sizebed,areadingchair,andevenadressingareawithahalfbathandbluewashbasin.IstayedinthebedroomwithElviswhiletheotherstookseatsupfront.Duringtheshortflight,Elvisproudlycontinuedtellingmeabouttheplane’svariousspecialfeatures.

Afterlanding,someemployeesbeganenteringthebedroomtohelpElvisprepareforhisshow,soImovedupfront.WhenElvisfinallywalkedout,hewasdressedinabeautifuljumpsuitwithanornateNativeAmericanfeatherdesign.WeweresoonofftotheAnaheimConventionCenter,where,onceagain,Ifoundmyselfseatedonstagebehindthesoundmento

watchtheshow.ThistimeIwasmindful

aboutremaininginmychairabitlonger.ItwasfantastictobesoclosetoElviswhenheperformed.Sittingonstagereallypulledmeintohisshow.Ifeltluckytobesocompletelyinthemomentwithhim,followinghiseverygesture,comment,joke,andglance.

Asthesong“Can’tHelpFallinginLove”drewtoa

close,theband’sdrummerkickedinandElvisbegandoingimpressivekaratemoves,whichendedwithhimcrouchedinalonglowstance,onelegbentandtheotherextended.Helookedquicklyoveratmeandsmiled.

Ismiledback,realizingthiswaswhathe’dwantedmetosee.Havingbeenafanofkarateasachild,Ilovedseeingitontelevisionandin

films.IcouldtellElvismusthavestudieditforyearstobethisproficient.Iwouldn’thavetradedbeingwhereIwasthatminutetobeanywhereelse—orwithanyoneelse.

Whentheshowwasover,Ihurriedtocatchthelimousine,almostbumpingintoElvisasweexitedthetheater.Safelyinsidethecar,hesaidhewashappyI’dseenhisfinale.

“Goodshow,goodshow,”Joedeclaredonceagainasourcarspedawayfromthebuilding.

BackaboardtheLisaMarie,Dr.NichopoulosandsomeaideswalkedtothebackoftheplanewithElvisandclosedthebedroomdoor.AsIfollowedbehindthem,Inoticedthatmanyofthesamepeoplewereontheplanewithus,alongwithsomenew

faces.AlStradawalkedoutof

thebedroom,carryingElvis’sbootsandstagesuit.He’dleftthedoorpartiallyopen.Throughthecrack,IcouldseeElvis,halfcladinhiscasualnavyjumpsuit,standingwithhisarmsintheairandouttohissides.IwasamusedtoseeDeanscramblingaroundhim,zippinguphissuitandputtingsocksonhisfeet.

ElvissawmewatchingandmotionedformetoenterthebedroomasDeanandDr.Nichopoulosleft.Walkingtowardhim,Inoticedthezippertagtohissuitwasflippedupward.Decidingtoplacethefinishingtouchonhischangeofclothes,Iquicklyflickedthezipperdownwithmyfinger.

IwasstunnedwhenElvisreachedoutandgrabbedmywrist.“Don’tdothatagain,”

hesaid.“I’vebeentrainedtoguardagainstsuddenmoves.”

Ibelievedhimforasecond.ThenElvisbrokeintoasmileandIsawhewasjoking.Still,afterseeinghiskaratemovesonstage,IbelievedElviswouldhavebeenperfectlycapableoftakingsomeonedowniftheneedarose.

ElvissatontheedgeofhisbedandItookthechairbesideit.AstheLisaMarie

tookoff,ElvisopenedasuitcaseandremovedCheiro’sBookofNumbersagain.BythenIunderstoodenoughfromourreadingstoknowthatthepointofthisnumerologybookwastohelppeopleusethepowerofnumberstopredictthefutureusingthingslikebirthdates.

NowElvisturnedtoapageIhadn’tseenyet.Onthispage,Cheirodescribedhowpeopleshouldwear

certaincolorsandcarryluckystonesaccordingtotheirnumbers.Aswetalkedaboutcolorsandtheirmeanings,ElviswasremindedofastoryhisfatherhadtoldhimaboutthedayheandhistwinbrotherwereborninTupelo,Mississippi.

“Whilemymommawasinlabor,”Elvissaid,“mydaddywentoutsideourhometogetwaterfromthewell.WhenDaddyturnedaround,he

noticedabluelightaboveourhouse.DaddyrushedbackinandfoundoutmybrotherJessewasstillborn.ThenIwasborn.”

Elvisspokewithreverence,asifthebluelightrepresentedGod’srelationshiptohimandhisownunderstandingofthepathhislifehadtaken.Vernon’sstoryinitiallysoundedfar-fetchedtome,butstill,itgavemechills.I

wonderedifElvisreallybelievedthestoryanddecidedfromhistonethathemostlikelydid.ReflectingonwhereElvishadcomefromandwhohehadbecomemademewonderifhereallyhadbeenchosenbyGod.

SinceIhadbeenbroughtupinaChristianfamily,IbelievedthemiraclesdescribedintheBibletobetrue.IfeltElviswasastrongChristianbecauseofhislove

ofgospel,andifhedidn’tseeaconflictwiththiswayofthinking,Ifelttherewouldn’tbeaconflictinmybeliefsaswell.Iwasdeterminedtokeepanopenmind,feelingthatmaybeGoddoestoucheachofusindifferentways.“Idobelievecertainthingslikethatcanhappen,”ItoldElvisnow,speakingassolemnlytohimashehadtome.

Atthatmoment,Elvis

pulledoffoneofhissockstoshowmehisrightfoot.Hissecondandthirdtoeswerejoinedtogetheratthebottom,aphysicalattributehecalled“twintoes.”

“Ithinkbeingatwinwasthecauseofit,”hejoked.

WhenIlaughed,Elvisgavemealonglookandsaidsoftly,“Youknow,Ginger,IfeellikeI’veknownyouforalongtime.WhenIfirstsawyouitwaslikeasirenwent

offinsidemesaying,‘Back...whoa.Back,boy!Findoutwhatshe’slike.’”

AsElvistoldmethis,heplacedonehandoverhisheartandraisedtheotherintheairasiftryingtohaltsomething.“SeeingyouwaslikeseeingsomeoneI’vealwaysknownandyetneverknown,”hewenton.“IkindofseemymotherwhenIlookatyou.”

Toosurprisedtospeak,I

wonderedifhewastalkingabouthowIlookedorhowIacted.Eitherway,Iwasdeeplytouchedandtookthisasacompliment.ElvisturnedhisattentionbacktoCheiro’sbookwithoutwaitingforareply.He’dmadethesestrongstatementssocasually,yetsosincerely.Icouldn’thelpbutaskmyselfwhetherIfeltthesameway:AsifI’dknownhimforalotlongerthanthefewdayswe’dspenttogether.

Theanswerhadtobeyes.WhenImetElvisthatfirstnightatGraceland,inLisa’sbedroom,Iwastheonewhohadgreetedhimfirst.Somethingdeepinsidehadmademefeelinstinctivelycomfortableenoughtodoso.

Afterashortwhile,Elvismentionedheneededtotalksomebusinessandcalledafewotherstotheback.Ilefttheroomtogivethemprivacyandwaitedjustoutsidethe

bedroomdoor.Theotherpassengerson

theLisaMariewereconversingwithoneanother.Severalwereplayingcardsorothergames.Idefinitelyfeltlikethenewgirlintown.

Isquaredmyshoulders,tookadeepbreath,anddeliberatelywalkedupfronttointroducemyself,thentriedtojointheconversations.CharlieHodgeweavedinandoutofthemainroomwitha

cocktail,tellingjokes.Deanshouted,“I’mtheking!”aftermakingagoodmoveinbackgammon,agameIhadneverheardofbefore.

Therewereafewotherwomenontheplaneaswell.SomeofthemworegoldnecklaceswiththelettersTLC,similartotheTCBnecklacesalotofthemenhad.SoonIwouldlearnthatTLCstoodfortenderloving

care.ThesenecklacesweregiftsfromElvis,giventohisfamily,friends,andafewselectothers.

Ihadintroducedmyselftoacoupleofpeople,tryingtomakeheadway,whensomeoneapproachedtosayElviswasaskingformetoreturntohisroom.Ididso,hopingthatatleastI’dmadethefirststepintryingtogettoknowtheinsulargroupsurroundingElvis.

CHAPTER6

AfterlandinginLasVegas,weclimbedintoawaitinglimousineandwereescortedbypolicetotheHiltonInternationalHotel.Aswepassedbyalarge,glitzymarqueedisplayingElvis’sname,Imusedonthefactthat

I’dneverbeentoLasVegasbeforeinmylife,andnowI’dbeenheretwiceinashorttime.

Onceagain,weenteredthehotelthroughthebackdoor,butthistimerodetheelevatortothethirtiethfloor.IfollowedElvisdownahallwaytowardasecurityguardsittinginachairbesidesomedoubledoors.Oneofthedoorswasopened;wewalkedthroughitanddowna

fewstepsintothelivingroomofapenthouse.

Itwasasumptuoussuitedecoratedwithgoldcarpetinganddrapes.Blackpillowsaccentedthegoldsofaandchairsfurnishingthelivingroom.Therewasadiningroomandkitchen,too.

I’msureImusthavelookedasawedasIfelt,asIgapedatournewsurroundings,becauseElviswaswatchingmyreaction

andsmiling.Fromthemainpartoftheenormoussuite,hewalkedmedownashorthallwayandintoamasterbedroom.Therewerehisandherbathrooms,asittingarea,andaking-sizebedonaraisedplatform.Themirroredceilingabovethebedreflectedourmovements.

Anaideenteredthebedroom,openedasuitcasecontainingbooks,andlaidafewonthefloorbesidethe

bed.Anotheraideplacedawatercontaineronthenighttable,alongwithaboxofRoiTancigars,thebrandElvishadoccasionallysmokedinfrontofme.Theaidealsoleftascheduleonthenightstandlistingwhichemployeeswereondutyandatwhattime,alongwiththeirroomnumbers.BynowIhadobservedthattheaidesseemedtohavevariousassignments.Somehelped

withwardrobe,whileothersservedasextrahandsduringconcertsorbroughtfoodandpacketsofmedicationtoElvis.

Oncethey’dmadesureeverythingwastoElvis’sliking,theaidesevaporated.NosoonerhadtheyleftwhenElvispressedabuttonbythebed.Thedrapesagainstonewallslowlybegantoopen,revealingwindowsandaspectacularviewofLas

Vegasspreadbelowourpenthouse.

Elvisgavemeatouroftheotherroomsconnectedtothesuiteandmentionedthathisfatherwascomingandwouldbestayinginone.Iwonderedwhichbedroomwouldbemine,afternoticingJoeEspositoinoneofthem.

Tellingmethathisdad,Vernon,hadsufferedaheartattacktheyearbefore,ElvissaidhewasgladVernonwas

abletocometohisshowsagain.WereturnedtothelivingroomandElviswalkedovertoarecordplayer.ThesonghechosetoplaywasCharlesBoyersinging“OnceUponaTime.”

Asthesongechoedthroughoutthesuite,Elvisclosedhiseyesandbegantospeakthelyrics,Boyer-style.Hecontinuedtodothesamewiththesong,“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou.”Thewordswere

beautifulandIsat,enchanted,asElvisdeliveredthemwithgreatpassion.

Whenthealbumended,Elvistoldmethat“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou”waswrittenbyamaninahospitalwhobegantofeellikehewasdyingafterhiswifelaybesidehimandfellasleep.Notwantingtowakeher,themanwrotethewordstothesonginalettertohiswife.IknewthissonghadtouchedElvis

deeply,asIrecalledhimsingingandtalkingaboutitonstage,thefirsttimeIsawhimperformbackinJuly.ElviswouldplaythisalbummanymoretimesformewhilewewereinLasVegas.

•••

Withnoshowuntilthenextevening,Elvishadtimetorelax.Ifollowedhimintothebedroom,thinkingwemight

rest,buthestayedupasvariousemployeespoppedinandout,somegoingoverbusinessandothersjustcheckingtoseeifheneededanything.

Dr.Ghanemstoppedbytosayhello,makingmewonderwhathadhappenedtoDr.Nichopoulos.WhenElviswantedtospeaktooneofhisstaffprivately,he’dsometimesgesturetothebathroomdoorandjokingly

say,“Stepintomyoffice.”Idecideditmadesense;thebathroomwasprivateandmoreconvenientforhimthangoingtoanouterroomoraskingotherstoleave.

Whenthingsquieteddownandwewerefinallyrelaxinginbed,Elvispickedupabook.ThistimeitwasTheProphetbyKahlilGibran,theLebanesephilosopherandartist.Ididn’tknowityet,but

duringtheintimatemonthswewouldspendtogether,Elviswouldrefertothisbookmanytimes.Itwasanimportantphilosophicaltouchstoneforhim.

Elvisturnedthebookoverandshowedmetheauthor’sphotoonthebackcover.“Doesn’thehaveaknowinglook?”heasked.

ItookinwhatseemedtometobeapensiveGibranandansweredyes.

TheProphetspokeofapersonnamedAlmustafawhowaswaitingtoreturnhomeafterlivingtwelveyearsinthecityofOrphalese.Withsadness,heanswersquestionsfromthepeopleoftheislebeforehedeparts.

Elvissingledoutsomequotesandreadthemtome.OneofthemcamefromasectionwhereAlmustafaisaskedtospeakoflove:

Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.Andwhenhiswingsenfoldyouyieldtohim,Thoughtheswordhiddenamonghispinionsmaywoundyou.Andwhenhespeakstoyoubelieveinhim,Thoughhisvoicemayshatteryourdreamsasthenorth

windlayswastethegarden.Forevenaslovecrownsyousoshallhecrucifyyou.Evenasheisforyourgrowthsoisheforyourpruning.

Elvisreadthewordswithgreatpassionandpower.IcouldsensethathereallywantedtograspwhattheauthorkneworhowGibran

hadbeenfeelinginordertowritethisway.Formypart,Ilistenedtothewordsandfeltmyowninexperienceinrelationships.Atagetwenty,Ihadyettoknowatrulygreatlove.WouldElvisbemyfirst?

Aftersharingthesepassageswithme,Elvisexplained,“Idon’tthinkapersoncancontrollove.Whenithappens,youjustgoalongwithitandtryyourbest

tobepreparedforthegoodandbad.”

And,whenAlmustafaisaskedwhatofmarriage,Gibranwrotethesewords:

Youwereborntogether,andtogetheryoushallbeforevermore.

Youshallbetogetherwhenthewhitewingsofdeath

scatteryourdays.Ay,youshallbetogethereveninthesilentmemoryofGod.

Butlettherebespacesinyourtogetherness,

Andletthewindsoftheheavensdancebetweenyou.

Atonepointduringthis

reading,Elvispausedtosmileandsay,“IthinkIcouldbeengagedtoyou,”thenreturnedhisattentiontothebook.

Iwasnolongerconcentratingonthebook.Iwastooflabbergasted.Engaged?HadIheardElvisright?

Idecidedhewasjoking,sayingthisjustbecausewehappenedtobereadingtogetherandenjoying

ourselves.We’donlybeentogether,inall,aboutaweek.

Still,hisstatementhungovermeasElviscontinuedtoread,emphasizingcertainwordsandshakinghisheadinamazementattheirpower.

Ithoughtthewritingwaswonderful,too,andfoundmyselfgoingoverquotesandaskingquestionswhileElvisanalyzeddifferentpassagesfromthebook.Eveninsuchashorttime,Icouldfeelthat

readingwithhimwashelpingmelearnandgrow.

Alittlewhilelater,Elvispausedagainandshuthiseyes.“Youknow,whenIclosemyeyes,Icanenvisionyouinalongwhitegown,”hesaid.Thenheslowlyopenedhiseyes,cockedhisheadtooneside,andraisedaneyebrowatme,gaugingmyreaction.

“Oh,”Isaid,strugglingtothinkofsomereply.“That’s

nice,”Iaddedandsmiled.Alongwhitegown?Engaged?IsitpossiblehemeanswhatIthinkhemeans?Thiscan’tberight,Ithought.Notaftersuchashorttime.

Ontheotherhand,I’dalreadyseenhowspontaneousanddecisiveElviscouldbeaboutcertainthings.Ihadcertainlyfeltastrongattractionbetweenusfromthefirstdaywemet,but

theideaofusalreadydiscussingmarriagewasnearlyimpossibleformetograsp.Iwasjusttwoyearsoutofhighschoolandwecouldn’thavebeenatmoredifferentplacesinourlives.Yet,thesepotentialobstaclesseemedtoberapidlyfading.Also,itwasnosmallthingthatthiswasElvis,amanwhoseemedtoliveinaworldofhisownmaking.

Withoutremarkingonmy

shockedexpression,whichI’msuremusthavemirroredmythoughts,Elvissimplysmiledandwentbacktoreading.Meanwhile,mymindcontinuedspinningoutofcontrol.HowcouldElvisfeelsostronglyaboutusalready?

Asdawnbroke,Elviswentintohisbathroomandchangedintopajamaswithnomentionofaseparateroomforme.Realizingtherewouldbelittletonoprivacynow,I

decidedtojustgowiththeflowandwentintothedesignatedladies’bathroomtochangeforbed.NotonlydidIstillhavetoworkonfeelingcomfortablewearingpajamasaroundElvis,Inowhadtobeokaybeingdressedinthem,chanceswere,infrontofhisentireclanofmalepalsandsupportstaff.

IcameoutofthebathroomandsatbesideElvisonthebed.Ihadbeentryinghardall

eveningtounderstandandaccepttheideasandinformationhe’dbeensharingwithme.Nowhesprangsomethingnewyetagain.

“Comeon,let’smeditatetogether,”hesaid.“It’scalmingandawayofbeingintouchwithone’shigherself.”

Ihadnevermeditatedandhadnocluewhathemeantbya“higherself.”Still,Iwaswillingtotryit.Isatbeside

himandcrossedmylegs,imitatinghisposition.

“Pyramidspossessaspecialenergywhichhelpgivestrengthtoanindividual,”Elvisexplainedasheshowedmehowtoformapyramidshapewithmyindexfingersandthumbs.Thenheplacedhishandsuptohisforeheadandtoldme,“Praytothethirdeyeandsay,‘Christlight,Christlove,Christpeace.’”

AfterI’drepeatedthesewords,Elvisexplainedthatthethirdeyewasanenergycenterthatrelatedtobeingabletoevaluateourpastexperiencesandlifepatterns,sowecouldputthemintoperspectivethroughthewisdomofthethirdchakra,whichwaslocatedbetweentheeyes.Ifthischakramalfunctioned,thesymptomsmightbeaheadacheandeyetension.

WesatinthispositionandItriedtofocusonblockingouteverythingelseasIrepeatedthesewordswithElvis.Tomysurprise,afterawhileIfeltapeacefulfeelingwashoverme.IcoulddefinitelyunderstandhowsomeonelikeElvis,withsomanydemandsonhistimeandenergy,couldbenefitfrommeditation.

Elvislookedrelaxedwhenwe’dfinishedmeditating.He

toldmethatwhenhisex-wife,Priscilla,wasspeakingwithhimonthephoneonceandtellinghimthatshedidn’tknowhowtohandleLisa,he’dsaid,“Getapenandapieceofpaperandwritedownthisword...meditate.”

Hehadyettomakeanyphysicaladvancestowardme,otherthanthelightkissesI’dreceived.Iwasn’treallysurprisedbythis,givenhis

schedule.Butnowherewewere,inanotherhotelroom,andhewasn’texhaustedfromashowtonight.Wouldhemakeamove?AndwhatwouldIdoifhedid?

Therewasnoneedforconcern.Elvistooktwocottonballsandputtheminhismouthtowetthem,thenplacedacottonballineachear.“Thishelpstoblocktheoutsidenoise,”heexplained.Hewasclearlypreparingfor

bed.ItseemedthatElviswasas

eagertorespectmeasIwastoberespected.HepurposelykepthisdistancefrommeandIgotthefeelingthathewassavingourphysicalencounterforatimewhenitwouldberightforbothofus.

Westartedwatchingtelevisionand,afterwhathadbeenalong,exhilaratingnight,webothsoonfellasleep.

Whenwewokeagain,anaidebroughtinapacketforElvisandleft.Elvistoldmeitwasamixtureofvitamins,medication,sinuspills,andaspirin.Ifiguredthiswasacombinationdesignedtogivehimtheenergyandclearheadheneededtoperform.

Wethenwentintothelivingroomandate,visitingwithsomeofhisentourage.Whenhiskarateinstructor,EdParker,appeared,Elvis

referredtohimashishighpriest.ElvishadexplainedtomeearlierthatEdwasamartialartsexpert.Edhadtrainedmanystuntmenandcelebrities,andElvishadhiredhimtohelpwithsecurity.

“Mypreviousbodyguardskeptgettingintotroubleandcausingproblemsforme,”Elvissaid,“sotheyhadtobefired.”

ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d

heardElvistalkaboutkaratewithEd,andEd’sknowledgewasextremelyimpressive.NowIlearnedthatitwasEdwhohadpromotedElvistoaninth-degreeblackbelt.Elvistoldmehedidn’twanttherankoftenthdegree,because“therewasnowheretogoafterthat.”Hewantedsomethingtoaspiretoinkarate.

Earlyintheevening,Elvisaskedmetogoshopping.“I

wantyoutolookspecialformyshows,”heexplained.

Heaskedabodyguardtoaccompanyme.IunderstoodthatElvisfeltresponsibleformysafety,butIfeltalittleuncomfortableshoppingwithastrangemanandhavingElvisbuymeclothes.Ontheotherhand,IwassurethatappearanceshadtobeimportanttoElvis,andIdidn’twanttodisappointhim.

TheHiltonhadsome

beautifulshopsdownstairs.Ibrowsedinsideafewstoreswhilethebodyguardwaitedjustoutsidethem.WeweregoingtobeinLasVegasquiteawhileandIdidn’tknowwhattobuy.

Consciousofnotspendingtoomuch,butwantingtogetsomethingthatpleasedElvis,Ifinallydecidedonapairofsilverandrhinestoneeveningshoes,asmokygraycocktaildress,apeachgown,and

anotherwhiteeveningdresswithlongsashes.Thebodyguardpaidforeverythingandwereturnedupstairs.

ElviswasinthemasterbedroomwhenIreturned,sittingonthebedandstillinhispajamas.“Let’sseewhatyougot,”hesaid.“Trythemonforme.”

Feelingshyagain,Iduckedintothebathroomandslippedintothewhitedress.I

pausedforaminuteinfrontofthemirror,hopingElviswouldbepleased.

WhenIwalkedout,abigsmileflashedacrosshisfaceandIfeltamixtureofprideandrelief.“Iloveit!”Elvissaid.“YoulooklikeaGreekgoddess.”

Feelingmoreconfidentnow,Iquicklytriedontheotherdressesandhecomplimentedthoseaswell.Isensedthewhiteonehad

beenhisfavorite,though,anddecidedtochoosethatonetowearforhisopeningshow.

Iputmynewclothesawayand,sinceElviswasinpajamas,changedbackintomineaswell.Imightaswellgetusedtowearingthem,Idecided,sinceheappearedtoliveinhis.

ElvishandedmeoneofhisrobesandpickedupCheiro’sBookofNumbers.Ifollowedhimintothelivingroom,

takingaseatbesidehimonthesofa.

Elvishadearliertoldmethathisnumberwaseight.Nowhepointedoutpassagesaboutcertaincolorsofstonesthat,accordingtoCheiro,wereluckyforthosewhowereanumbereighttowear.Oneofthesestoneswasablackdiamond,sohe’dhadthatstoneplacedinafewofhisrings.

“Ilostoneoftheringsand

anothergotbrokenwhenIslammedmyfistonthefloorduringashow,”hesaid.

Listeningtohimtalkaboutluckynumbersandstones,IsensedthatElvisfeltastrongdesiretofeelprotectedbothon-andoffstage—notjustphysically,butpsychologicallyandspirituallyaswell.

Elvisstoodupandwentbackintothebedroom,thenreturnedwithamagnificent

ringI’dseenhimwearduringhisperformances.Proudlyrotatingtheringinhishandtocatchthelight,hetoldmeitwascustommadeofgoldwithblackonyx.Thecenterstonewasaneleven-caratdiamond.Belowit,thelettersTCBwereindiamondssurroundedbydiamondlightningbolts.

“IwearBand-Aidsonmyfingerswhileperformingtoguardagainstcuts,”hesaid,

“andsonoonecanpullmyringsoff.”Thenheasked,“Didyounoticehow,onstage,IkeepasidestancewhenIbendovertoacceptagiftorgiveakiss?”

“Yes,”Isaid.“Whyisthat?”

“Sonobodyintheaudiencecanpullmeoffthestage.”

AsElvisbegantalkingabouthisupcomingshows,heseemedalittlemorenervous

aboutthesethanhehadaboutthepreviousonesI’dseen.

“I’mnotbeingjudgedbyjustthegeneralaudiencehere,”hepointedout,“butbymypeersaswell.”

Atonepoint,LarryGellerwalkedintothesuite.Hehesitated,silentlysignalingtoElvis,“ShouldIstayorgo?”LarrywantedtocolorElvis’shair—afactthatshockedme.IhadnoideathatElvis’shaircolorwasn’tnatural.Looking

slightlyannoyed,ElvisdismissedLarryandaskedhimtocomebackthenextday.

TheinterruptionmadeElvischangethesubject.Nowhebroughtupthetheoryofsoulmates.Hebelievedtwopeoplecouldbefatedtobesoulmatesandplaycertainrolesinoneanother’slives.

“They’remeanttomeetandbepartofalarger,inevitablepicture,”hetold

me.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d

everheardofthisconcept.Iwasintrigued,butIwonderedwhyElviswasmentioningittome.

Ithoughtbacktohisearliercommentsaboutbeingengaged,envisioningmeinawhitegown,andmebeinglikesomeonehe’dknownandyetneverknown.WasElvisthinkingthatwecouldbesoulmates?

Again,Iexperiencedconflictedemotions,wantingtobelieveElvisthoughtIwasspecialinhislife,whileatthesametimetryingtoprotectmyselfagainstbeinghurt.

Ourconversationcontinued,alternatingbetweennumerologyanddelvingdeeperintoElvis’sthoughtsaboutsoulmates.IlearnedaswetalkedthatLarrywastheonewho’dgivenhimmostofthebooks

we’dbeenreading.Decidinghewantedto

learnmoreaboutsoulmatesnowpromptedElvistoaskanaidetocontactLarry,hopinghemighthavesomebooksonit.Larryreappearedalmostimmediately,eagertospeakwithElvis.However,seeingthatLarrydidn’thaveabookwithhim,ElvisspoketohimbrieflyandLarryleft.

Wecontinuedtalkingthroughthenight,withthe

notionofsoulmatesandapossiblefuturewithElvisswirlingthroughmymind.Neardawn,Elvistookthecontentsofayellowpacketthat,onceagain,hadbeenleftonhisnighttable.Inoticedthewordsleepwrittenontheoutsideofit.ThiswasonlythesecondtimeIbecameawareofElvisneedinghelptogettosleep;Ihadn’tnoticedanypacketthepreviousmorning,and

assumedhe’dgonetobedwithoutanymedicine.

Aftertakingthesleepmedication,hisspeechbegantoslowdownasittookeffect.Ihadn’tnoticedthisbefore.Shortly,ElvislaybackinbedandIhelpedpullthecoversuparoundhim.Irestedmyheadonthepillowbesidehimandreflectedonthethingswe’dreadandtalkedaboutforthepastseveralhours.Hispowerfulbeliefincertain

thingslikenumerologyandfatedsoulmateswaspersuadingmetobroadenmyhorizonsbeyondthetraditionalChristianbeliefsofmychildhood.OurdialoguehadalsoshedmorelightonhowElvissawthetwoofusthroughthefilterofwhathewasstudying.Thathesawusaspossiblesoulmateswasaprofoundthing.

•••

Thatnextafternoon,ImetElvis’sfather,VernonPresley,forthefirsttime.Vernonwassixty-oneyearsoldandclosetoElvis’sheight(fivefeet,eleveninchesaccordingtoarmyrecords),butVernonwasthinandfraillooking.Hishairandmustachewerebothsilver,butIcouldseethestrongresemblancebetweenElvisandhisfather.

Vernonenteredthesuite

withanattractiveblondeinherthirties.IlearnedthatVernonandElvis’sstepmotherwerenolongertogetherasVernonintroducedthewomanashisfiancée,SandyMiller.(VernonandDeePresleyhadbeenseparatedsince1974;SandywasadivorcedlabtechnicianandnursefromColorado.)

ElvisspokewithVernonabouthowthingsweregoing,

andIcouldtellthatElvistookhisfather’sopinionsandthoughtstoheart.Vernonwaspleasanttome,buthedidn’tsaymuch,understandablyfocusinghisattentiononhisson.

AfterVernonandSandyleft,ElvisaskedLarrytocomeinandcolorhishair.Closertoshowtime,ElvisinvitedJoeintoourroomandwantedtospeakwithhiminprivate.Isteppedintothe

livingroomtogivethemtimealone.

Afterafewminutes,Joereappearedandleftthesuite.IthoughtElviswouldaskforme,butinsteadJoereturned,wentbackintoElvis’sbedroom,andhastilyexitedthesuiteagain.Joedidthisafewmoretimes.

WhenElvisdidfinallycallforme,nosoonerhadIsatdownbesidehimonthebed,whenElvisgotupandwalked

intothelivingroom.Iwascompletelymystified.

ThenElvisreturnedtothebedroomoncemore,satacrossfrommeonthebed,andaskedmetoclosemyeyesandholdoutmyrighthand.Ididasheasked,tremblingalittlewithnervesbythistime,andfelthimsliparingontomyfinger.

Openingmyeyes,Isawthathe’dgivenmeagorgeousgoldanddiamondcluster

ring.IwastryingtowrapmymindaroundthisgenerousgiftwhenElvisaskedmetoholdoutmyotherhand.Thistimeheplacedaringofsapphiresanddiamondsontomyleftringfinger.

“Here,”hesaidcheerfully.“Youhavetohavebackups.”Bringingonehandfromaroundhisback,heproceededtogivemetwomorerings!Oneofthemwassetinrubiesanddiamonds,

andtheotherwasaseconddiamondclusterring.

“Man,thisoneremindsmeofmybirthday,”Elvissaid,pointingtothefree-formdiamondsonthering.“They’resetintheshapeofthenumbereight.”

AnyoneoftheseringswasmorethanI’deverbeengiven.Iwasspeechlessandoverwhelmed.IfeltthatallofJoe’scomingsandgoingsmusthavehadsomethingto

dowithElvisputtinghiminchargeofsecuringtherings.

ItwasalltoomuchandIfeltslightlyawkward.Ididn’twantElvistofeellikehehadtodothis.Hesitantly,Itriedtoexplainthistohim.

“Elvis,theseringsarebeautiful,butI’veneverreallybeenajewelryperson.”

Undaunted,hesaid,“Thisisonlythebeginning!You’lllearntolikeit.”

“Okay,”Iagreed.“Iguess

Iwill.”

CHAPTER7

WhileElvisgotreadytogoonstagethatnight,Iwentintothebathroomandmademyowntransformation.Ichangedintomynewwhitegownandbuckledthestrapsonmyrhinestoneshoes.Iplacedmynewringsonfour

ofmyfingers,stillamazedthatElvishadthoughttobuythemandmanagedtopulloffsuchahugesurprisewitheverythingelseonhismind.

Finally,feelingmuchlikeCinderellaafterherfairygodmotherhaswavedhermagicwand,Iwalkedintothelivingroomanddiscoveredafewotherwomenwaitingthere.TheyweredressedmorecasuallythanIwas,andIworriedthat

Ihadoverdressed.Iwasafraidthiswouldalienatethem,andIreallywantedtofitin.You’rewearingwhatElvis

likes,Iremindedmyself.Ihadtoadmit,Ilikedit,too.

AthinyoungwomanwithshortblondhairintroducedherselfasShirleyDieu,JoeEsposito’sgirlfriend.Ididn’tgetachancetospeakwiththeotherwomenthere,however,

asoneoftheaidesappearedandquicklyledmedownstairstotheHiltonshowroom.

Onceagain,Iwasawedbythesplendorofmysurroundings.Theshowroomwasabsolutelybeautiful,withchandeliers,alargestage,andstylishlydressedmenandwomenintheaudience,someofthemsittingincurvedredbooths.Iwasescortedtoacenterbooth,whereItooka

seatbesideVernonandSandy.

Astheopeningactconcludedandthelightsdimmed,Iwasshockedwhensomeoneapproachedourbooth,stuckoutapieceofpaperandpentowardmeforanautograph,andsaid,“Priscilla?”

Howodd.DidIlooklikeElvis’sex-wifeinthedark,Iwondered?

Vernonimmediately

shooedthefanawaywithhishand.TheJoeGuercioOrchestrabegantoplay,andElviswalkedonstagewearingaKingofSpadesjumpsuit.Rightoffthebat,hehadtheaudiencecaptiveinthepalmofhishand.ThiswasamuchsmallervenuethanI’deverseenhimperforminbeforeandtheshowfeltmoreintimateandpersonal.Elvisjokedaroundwiththeaudience,andtheyfelt

comfortableenoughtoyellbackathim,makingcommentsandrequestingsongs.

Elviswasclearlyenjoyingtheinterplaywiththeaudienceandseemedtobeingreatspirits.Atonepoint,heintroducedtheactressVikkiCarr,singerGlenCampbell,andVernon.Whenhesang“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou,”Irememberedthestoryhe’dtoldmeaboutthedyingman

lyingnexttohiswifeandgotchills.

Despitethesmaller,lushsettinganddesignerclothingandexpensivehairstyles,thesefanswereonlyslightlylessexuberantthanthefansattheCowPalace.TheyseemedtohavethesameuncontrollableneedtomakephysicalcontactwithElvis.Atvarioustimes,womeninelegantgownsactuallyliftedtheirdressesandbegan

climbingovertabletops,hopingtogetcloseenoughforakissoroneofElvis’sscarves,buttheywerestoppedbysecurity.Childrenwerethrustontothestage,too,andElvisneverfailedtonotice,immediatelyconnectingwiththem.Hehadabigsoftspotforkids.

Whentheshowended,Vernon,Sandy,andIwereusheredintoabackstagedressingroomwhileElvis

changedinanadjoiningroom.IsatquietlyonacouchwhileVernonandSandygreetedpeople.Ididn’tthinkI’dseeElvisuntilhe’dfinishedvisitingwitheveryone,butafterafewminutesanaidemadehiswaythroughthecrowdedroom,leanedover,andtoldmethatElviswantedmewithhim.Onceagain,Ifeltathrillatbeingsingledout.

AsIfollowedtheaideinto

theadjacentroom,IsawElvisseatedandindeepconversationwiththesingerGlenCampbellandhiswife,Sarah.

AfterbeingintroducedtoGlenandSarah,theycontinuedtheconversationthey’dbeenhavingaboutthescienceofnumbersandvariousothertopics.IlistenedcarefullyandwasabletoreflectonwhatElvishaddiscussedwithmeoverthe

lastfewnights.Iwasactuallysurprisedthatwhatwasbrand-newtomeseemedtoalreadybesomethingofrealinteresttoanotherpersonintheentertainmentfield.

Thinkingandtalkingaboutthesealternativebeliefsdidn’tfeelthreateningtome.Elviswasjustdeeplycuriousaboutlifeingeneral,andwonderingwhyhisownlifehadturnedoutthewayithad.SpendingtimewithElvisoftenfeltlike

takingaphilosophycourse,makingmeopenupandconsidernewideas.

Despitemyinterestintheconversation,atonepointmythoughtsmomentarilydriftedtothepeoplewaitingtoseeElvisinthenextroom.He’dbeentalkingwithGlenforquiteawhile.Iwonderedifanyoftheotherpeoplewouldgettiredofwaitingandleave.

WhenElvisandGlenfinishedvisitingandwe

steppedintotheouterroomagain,however,itwasstillcrowded.Elvistooktimetogreetallofthosewaitingforhim—hewasgenerousthatway—andthenwefinallyreturnedtothesuite,whereatlastIgotachancetotellElvishowmuchIhadenjoyedhisshow.

ElvisorderedroomservicewhilehisfatherandSandycameintovisit.Vernongaveacurt,candidappraisalofthe

show.Iwouldlaterfeelthat,whenitcametohisperformances,Elvisseemedtovaluehisfather’sjudgmentabovethatofalltheothermenaroundhim.

Atonepoint,ElvismentionedtoVernon,“Youknow,Daddy,Lisa’scomin’in.”AsVernonsmiled,Elvisproudlyadded,“And,Ginger,Iwantyoutomeether.”

“I’dloveto,”Isaid,lookingforwardtoit.

OnceVernonandSandyhadgone,anaideappeared,laidatowelonthebed,andplacedatinfoilpanfulloflasagnainfrontofElvis.Itwasalargeamount,notportionedout.IwonderedifhewasintendingtoeatthewholethingasElvissprinkleditwithsalt.

EdParkerandafewothermembersofElvis’sentouragecameandwent.Asthemenweretalking,Isatquietlyand

noticedElvissaltthelasagnaagain.Caughtupinvisiting,hedidn’ttakeabite,butendedupsaltingthefoodseveralmoretimes.

Whenhefinallytookabitoflasagna,ofcourseitwascold.Elvissentitbacktobereheated.Whenthefoodwasbroughtback,IknewithadtobeextremelysaltyandworriedabouthowthatmightaffectElvis’shealth.Luckily,hedidn’teatmuchofit.

•••

Lateintothenight,wewerefinallyalone.AsElvispickedoutabooktoreadandwesettledbackagainsttheheadboardofhisbed,heasked,“DoyouknowwhataFerrarilookslike?”

“No,I’mnotexactlysure,”Iadmitted,thinkinghemustnotremembertellingmeabouthisBlackMamba.

“Ifyouweremeandyou

weregoingtobuyanewcar,whatkindwouldyouget?”heasked.

Iwasflatteredhewantedmyopinion,buthadnoideawhatkindofcarhemightliketodriveanddidn’tdareguess.“Well,itdependswhatyouwant,”Ihedged.

Heponderedthisthoughtforafewseconds,thensaid,“Idon’tknow.Ineedyourhelp.”

Itookadeepbreath,

considering.“ACadillacorContinentalwouldbenice,”Iventured.

“Whatcolor?”heaskedatonce.

“Blueorwhitewouldbepretty,”Isaid.

Ahintofasmilepassedoverhisface.“Thanks,Ginger.I’vejustbeenthinkingaboutgettinganewcarlately.”Thenwewentbacktoreading.

Icontinuedtobe

impressedbyElvis’szealousspiritualappetite.Despitethelongdayandtheenergyhe’dexpendedonstage,followedbytalkingwithpeopleforhours,Elviswasstillonaspiritualhigh.Hegotenergizedasheread.Wheneverhecameacrossanewideaorhadafreshthoughtaboutsomethingwe’dfoundinabook,hewoulddiscusshisthoughtsandideaswithmeevenatthe

expenseofgoingtosleepatanormalhour.

“Aren’tyoutired?”Iaskedatonepoint.

Heshookhishead.“It’smuchbettertothinkatnight,whentheairisstillandothersaresleeping,”hesaid.“Mostwritersandgeniusesworkbestatnight.”

Ididn’tknowanywritersorgeniuses,butthiscertainlyseemedtobetrueforthemanIwasstartingtohavestrong

feelingsfor,soIcontinuedtoreadwithhim.

Asdawnapproached,anaidebroughtinayellowpacketandplaceditonthenighttable.Thesepacketswereroutine,Irealized,deliveredinthesamecasualmannerasthejugofwateratElvis’sbedside.Heplacedacottonballinsideeachearagain,tookthepacketofmedication,andwenttosleep.

Ifellasleepbesidehim.Afewhourslater,Ifeltmovement.Elviswasawake.“Who’sonduty?”heasked.“Canyoucallwhoeveritisforme?”

IcouldtellbyhisvoiceandthewayhewasmovingthatElviswasstillgroggyfromwhateversleepmedicationhe’dtaken.Iquicklylookedathisemployeecontactlistsheetandcalledtheroomnumber

ofthepersononduty.Anaideentered,assisted

Elvistothebathroomandbackashewasalittleunstableonhisfeet,thenleft.Thiswasunsettlingformetowitness,yettheaidehadtreateditascompletelynormal.

Elviswentbacktosleepalmostimmediately,butIlayawake,wonderinghowlonghe’dbeentakingthismedicationandwhyhe

neededit.Becauseitwasdeliveredinlittleyellowpackets,Ihadnoideawhathewastaking,butitseemedquitestrong.

Ithought,too,aboutElvis’spaddedbedroomdoorsandcoveredwindowsatGraceland.Ifeltasharppangofsympathyforhim.Elvisseemedtohaveeverything,excepttheabilitytodowhatmostofustakeforgranted:justclosehiseyes

andpeacefullyfallasleep.

•••

Elviswantedmebyhissidenearlyeveryminute.Iwashisprimaryfocus,andhewasmine.Still,IoftenfeltlikeI’dbeentransportedtoaforeigncountrywhereIhadyettounderstandthelanguageorcustoms.

Gettingtoknowtheaveragepersonisonething,

buttryingtounderstandElvis,hisjob,andthemanydifferentpeoplewhosurroundedandsupportedhimwasasteeplearningcurve.ThebestanalogyIcancomeupwithisthatElvisatworkwaslikeachampionathletecompetinginaneventeachday,withtrainers,doctors,andstaffkeepinghiminperformance-readyshape.

Iwouldoftenfeeltired

fromnotgettingafull“night”ofsleep,butgraduallyIwasstartingtoadjusttohisscheduleandtobeingsurroundedbyotherpeople.MostofthepeopleworkingforElviswerefriendlytome,butalittledistant.Theyweredoingtheirjobsratherthanjustvisiting.

ItwasnowFriday,December3,andIdiscoveredthatElviswouldhavetwoshowsonweekends:oneat9

P.M.andtheotherat1A.M.Itsaidsomethingabouthisstamina,Ithought,thathehadtheenergytodoboth.

Wewokearoundfourintheafternoon,asusual,andateinthelivingroomwhilemembersofhisentouragevisitedoffandon.Alittlewhilelater,ElviswasinhisbathroomandIwassittingonthebedwhenthephoneonthenighttablerang.Iwaitedtoseeifanyonemightanswer

itfromanouterroom,buttheringingcontinued.

Finally,Ipickedupthereceiver.“Hello?”

“IsElvisthere?”awomanasked.

“Yes,buthe’sbusyrightnow,”Isaid.

Thewomantheninquired,“IsthisGinger?”

“Yes,”Ireplied,mycuriosityaroused.“Whoisthis?”

“ThisisLindaThompson.

DoyoumindifIwait?”Iwasshocked.Linda

Thompson?Whywasshecallinghimnow?Andhowdidsheknowmyname?

“No,it’sfine,”Isaid,andputdownthereceiver.

Dr.Ghanemwalkedintotheroomjustthen,andItoldhimLindawasonthephone.Hewenttothebathroomdoor,knockedonit,andsteppedinside.

Elvisemergedfromhisbathroom,lookingnonetoopleased.Feelingillatease,Ileftthebedroomtogivehimsomeprivacyandwalkedintothenow-emptylivingroom,mythoughtswhirling.IbegantowonderifElvishadseenLindarecently.Ihopednot;Ididn’twanttobeinthemiddleofanything.

Dr.GhanemwalkedoutandElviscalledmynamefromthebedroom.WhenI

entered,helookedbotheredandsaid,“Sorryaboutthatcall,”thenaskedmetositbesidehimonthebed.“Lindaandme...thatrelationship’sbeenover,youunderstand?We’refriends,”hesaid.

Inrecentyears,I’dseensomemagazineswithphotosofElviswithvariouswomenandaccompanyingstoriesthathewasdatingthem,soIthoughthewasbeinghonestandhadn’tgoneoutwith

Lindainawhile.Ifhehad,maybeitwasjustasfriends.Still,Icouldn’thelpbutrememberLinda’spicturesinhisbedroomatGraceland.

“Okay,”Isaid,butmyguardwasup.

Elvismusthavereadtheclosedexpressiononmyface.“Youknow,mybodyguard,Sam,isLinda’sbrother,”hesaid.“Idon’twantyoutofeeluncomfortablewiththat,okay?”

Ihadn’tknown.ButthatexplainedhowLindaknewmyname.OutwardlyIagreed,butIknewthiswouldbeawkward,notonlyformebutforSam.Acceptingthesituationwouldbemoreeasilysaidthandone.

•••

Showtimewasnearlyhere.ThebedroomwasabuzzwithmembersofElvis’sstaff

helpinghimprepare.Oncehewasdressed,hesawmewatchinghimuseeyedrops.“Theyhelpkeeptheglaredownfromthestagelights,”heexplained.

IsatwithVernonandSandytowatchhisfirstshow,unabletofullyenjoymyselfbecauseIwasstillfeelingemotionallyunsettledbyLinda’scall.WhenElvissangasongcalled“TryingtoGettoYou,”Ifocusedonthe

lyrics,onelineinparticular:“Thereweremanymilesbetweenus,Butitdidn’tmeanathing.”Inaway,Ithought,thatsongrelatedtothetwoofus,withthemilesbeingouragedifferenceofnearlytwenty-twoyears.Weweretryingtogettoknoweachother,ElvisandI,andouragedifference“didn’tmeanathing.”Irelaxedandlistenedtohimsingthissong,whichquicklybecameoneof

myfavorites.Betweenthehotstage

lightsandhisjumpsuit,Elvisperspiredalotwhenperforming.Duringthisshow,thesweatconstantlydrippingfromhisbrowirritatedhiseyes.Afterward,hequicklyvisitedwithafewpeoplebackstageandthenhurriedtooursuite,wherehelayonthebed.

“Willyouhelpme,Ginger?”heasked.He

wantedmetodampenawashclothsohecouldplaceitoverhiseyes.

Ididso,sittingbesidehimandgentlylayingthewashclothacrosshisbrow.Iwashappytofeelneededandusefuleveninthissmallway.Fromthenon,aftersomeperformances,wehadaritualofmesittingonthebedandputtingawarm,wetwashclothoverhiseyestogivehimcomfort.

Elvisrestedforawhile,thenatesomethingbeforereturningdownstairsforthesecondshow.

WhenElvis’sperformanceended,Iwasescortedbackstage,butinsteadofgoingtohisdressingroom,Elvisaskedmetofollowhim.Idid—mycuriosityonfire—alongwithafewpeoplefromhisentourage.

WefollowedElvisoutofoneofthehotel’sbackdoors.

There,gleamingbeneathnearbylights,wasabrand-newwhiteLincolnContinentalMarkVwithwhiteleatherseatsandaburgundydashboard.Elviswalkedtowardthecarandeveryonegatheredaroundit.

Iwasstillconfusedaboutwhythiscarwashereorwhatweweredoing.ThenElvislookedatmeandnonchalantlysaid,“It’syours,Ginger.”

TosayIwasoverwhelmeddoesn’tevenbegintodescribetheenormityofmyemotionalreaction.Ihadneverevenownedacarbefore,andnowIhadaLincolnMarkV?

IhuggedElvishard,myheartbrimmingwithgratitudeasIsuddenlyrealizedthatourconversationthenightbeforehadabsolutelynothingtodowithhimwantingtobuyacarforhimself.

“Thereweren’tanywhiteLincolnContinentalsinLasVegas,”Elvistoldmeproudly,“sowelocatedoneinCaliforniaandhaditdriventous.”

Stunned,speechless,awed:Thereweren’tenoughwordsintheworldtotellElvishowIfelt.AllIcouldsaywas,“Thankyou.”

Iwasexcitedtotest-drivemynewcar,butElvisturnedtogobackinside.Ididn’t

knowLasVegas,understoodhemustbetired,andwasokaywithfollowinghimbackuptothepenthouse.Iwasstillreelingwithexcitement.

Oncewewerebackinthesuiteandseatedinbed,Elvisaskedme,“Haveyoueverbeenmarriedbefore?”

“No,”Isaid,alittlesurprisedbyhisquestion.

“Wereyouseeinganyonebeforewemet?”hepressed.

Ianswered,“Yes,”

momentarilythinkingaboutLinda’sphonecall.Iwonderedifthatwaswhathadpromptedthisconversation.

Elvisthoughtaboutthisforafewmoments,thensaid,“Well,Iwouldlikeitifyouwouldn’tseeanyoneelse.”

Hewasseriouslyaskingforacommitment!

“Iwon’t,”Isaid,certainthatElvismeanthewouldn’tseeanyoneelse,either.

Itfeltgoodknowingthatwewerenowtakingthistoadifferentlevel.

Elvissurprisedmeagainbypickingupthephonereceiverandhandingittome.“Iwantyoutocallwhoeveryou’vebeenseeingandendyourrelationshipwithhim.”

IknewtheobjectofmyaffectionnowwasElvis,butthisputmeinanawkwardposition.AlthoughIhadspokentoLarryaboutElvis,

hehadstillheldouthopethatwe’dgetbacktogether,andIknewfinalizingourbreakupoverthephonewouldhurthim.ThiswouldbeinsensitiveandIdidn’twanttohurtsomeonewhohadbeennothingbutnicetome.IowedittoLarrytodothisinperson.

“Elvis,Ican’tdothatrightnow,”Isaid.

Istartedtoexplainthiswhensuddenly,Elvis’smood

changed.Forthefirsttime,Isawthathehadahair-triggertemperasElvispickedupafullbottleofGatoradefromhisnighttableandstormedoutofhisbedroomandintothemiddleofthesuite.

Ifollowedhim,completelystunned,intohisroadmanager’sroom.InfrontofJoeandhisgirlfriend,ElvistooktheGatoradecontainerandthrewitagainstthewall.Itscontentssplashed

allover.Shockedandembarrassed,

Iagaintriedtoexplainmyfeelings.Noneofthismadeanysense!Ihadnevermeanttoangerhim.

Joeandhisgirlfrienddidn’thaveaclueaboutwhatwasgoingon.Iwasn’tsure,either.

Irealizedforthefirsttime,thatifElvisandIcontinuedourrelationship,itwouldmostlikelybeplayedoutin

frontofhisentourageand,attimes,inthepubliceye.Iwasalsogoingtohavetocometotermswiththefactthatothersmightspeculateaboutme,andaboutmyrelationshipwithElvis,withoutfullyunderstandingwhatwasgoingonwithusinprivate.CouldIlivewiththat?

Ihadto,ifIwantedtobewithElvis.

JoesaidafewwordstoElvisand,betweenthetwoof

us,wemanagedtocalmElvisdownafterafewminutes.IfollowedElvisbackintothemasterbedroom,whereheshutthedoorandremainedsilentashegotintobed.Itentativelysatdownbesidehim,wonderingwhyhe’dgottensoangry.Hadthisbeenabigmisunderstanding?Hadhemisinterpretedmesaying,“Ican’tdothisrightnow,”tomeanIwasn’tgoingtocommittohim?Wasit

simplybecauseIhadn’tdonewhathewantedwhenheasked?

IttroubledmethatElvishadflownoffthehandlelikethatandIwasstillreelingalittlewithembarrassment.Asoddasthissounds,italsomademefeelgoodtothinkthatElviswasreallythatseriousaboutus.ButhowcouldIbesure?

WhatElvisdidnextmademebelievehefeltasdeeply

aboutmeasIdidabouthim.Withoutsayingaword,Elvissuddenlyleanedinandkissedmeonthemouth,butnotalightkisslikebefore.Thenheslowlybeganremovingmybathrobe.

Ifeltchillsashetouchedme.Wasthisit?Werewefinallygoingtomakelove?Iwasarousedbutanxious,barelyabletobreathe.

Ihadbeenafraidoflettinggoofmyfeelings,terrifiedof

beinghurtbysleepingwithElvisandthenhavehimmoveontosomeoneelse,butatthismoment,Iwantedtomakelovewithhim.Istayedcompletelystill,lettingElvisopenmyrobeandbegintouchingme.

“Idon’tbelievepeopleshouldbecompletelyundresseduntilthey’remarried,”Elvissaidsoftly,kissingmeagain.

Then,stillpartiallydressed

inoursleepwear,ElvisandImadeloveforthefirsttime.Thiscrazytensionandourheightenedemotionsmadeourintimacyallthemoreintense.Elvis’slipsweresoftandhiskisseswerefilledwithpassion.Hewasgentle,yetIfelthisdeterminationtoprovethatheshouldbetheonlymaninmylife.

Hesucceeded.Iwasexperiencingemotionsandphysicalsensationsthatwere

completelyoutofcontrol,and,inkeepingwithElvis’sTCBmotto,itwasallhappeninglightningfast.

Therewasnodoubtaboutit.IwasfallinginlovewithElvis.

CHAPTER8

MakinglovewithElvishelpedforgeanevendeeperemotionalbondbetweenus.IfeltlikeIwascompletelyhis,ineverywaypossible.Inolongerhadanycontrolovermyfeelingsforhim.Inourbrieftimetogether,Elvishad

alreadyturnedmysleepingandeatingpatternsupsidedown,andalmosteverythingelseinmylifeaswell.Nowthingswererapidlymovingbeyondanynormalframeofreferenceforme,andallmyintuitiveguidepostswerefallingbythewayside.Thenewnormalformewasthattherewasnonormal.

Theverynextafternoon,ElvisandIeagerlyawaitedhisdaughter’sarrival.Now

eightyearsold,LisahadbeenlivinginLosAngeleswithhermothersinceherparentsdivorcedin1973.Havingthetwoofusmeet,Ifelt,wasonemorewayforElvistobringmeintohislife.

IwassittingbesideElvisonthesofainthelivingroomwhenthedoortothesuiteopenedandapetiteblond-hairedgirlcamein,followedbyananny.Lisa’sresemblancetoElviswas

uncanny.ElvisandIstoodupas

Lisarantowardhimandtheyhugged.Heintroducedmetoherandwesatbackdown.Lisawasseatedbetweenus,butsheremainedcompletelyfocusedonherdad.Itwasclearthatsheadoredhim.Atonepoint,Lisaaccidentallyrestedherhandonmykneeandglancedmyway,butwasquicktoturnherattentionbacktoherfather.

IenjoyedwatchingElviswithher.HisfacereallylituparoundLisa,andIsensedhewasacaring,prouddad.Atonepoint,ElvislookedatmeoverLisa’sheadandsaid,“WhenLisawasborn,Iheardmymother’svoicesay,‘She’sbeautiful,son.’”

IlovedchildrenaswellandhadbeenanauntsinceIwastenyearsold,soIwashappytohaveLisawithus.

WhenitwastimeforElvis

toprepareforhisfirstshow,LisaandhernannywentofftoherroomandIleftformybathroomtogetready.Inthemiddleofapplyingmymakeup,IlookedinthemirrorandwasstartledtoseeLisa’sreflection.Shehadbeenstandingbehindmeandsilentlywatching.

“Hi,”Isaid,andturnedaroundtosmileather.

“Hi,”Lisasaid,thensatdownandbegantryingon

someofmyshoes.Ididn’tmind.Iwasglad

thatsheseemedtobesocomfortablewithme.Thenshesurprisedmeagain.

“IthoughtyouwereLinda,”Lisasaid,glancingupatme.

Itwasaninnocentremarkonherpart,yetIwassuddenlyawarethatLisamayhavegottenclosetosomeofElvis’sformergirlfriends.IwasanewfaceinLisa’slife,

andwebothneededtimetogetusedtoeachother.

“Well,I’mnotLinda,”Isaidgently,andwentbacktothebusinessofputtingonmymakeup,chattingwithherabitasshecontinuedplaying.

•••

ImaynothavegottenatourofglitteringLasVegasyet,butthatdidn’tstopElvisfrombringingmoresparkletome.

DisregardingwhatI’dtoldhimaboutnotreallybeingajewelryperson,hesurprisedmewithabeautifuldiamondandemeraldnecklacebeforehisnextshow.Thatwasfollowedshortlybythegiftofanotherdiamondnecklaceandadiamondwatch.WhenItoldhim,“Thisisreallytoomuch,”heshookhishead.

“Peoplelovetoseebeautifulthingswhentheywakeup,”hesaid.

IfeltthiswasaninsightintoElvis’sthinking.Hesawhimselfassomeonewhowasinapositiontoenhanceotherpeople’slivesbybringingbeautyintoit,becausehethoughtthatwouldmakethemhappy.Hewasnotonlyagenerousmanbuthehadafundamentallygenerousandkindspirit;hewantedtomakelifebetterforthosehetouchedinallwaysthathecouldboththroughmusicand

inhiseverydaylife.Hewasagiverinthemostdecentway,notataker,andthiswasoneofthethingsthatdrewmetohim.

Elviswantedmetowearallofmyjewelryatthesametimeforhisshows.AlthoughIdidfeelregal,Ialsofeltoverdressed.Iwasn’tusedtothis.IremindedmyselfthatIwaswithElvis,andneededtodressinawaythatcomplementedhisstyle.

Intheshowroom,LisasatwithVernon,Sandy,andme.ElviscameonstagedressedinabeautifulIncaGoldLeafjumpsuit,andIwonderedwhatwasgoingthroughLisa’syoungmindasshelistenedtoherfathersing.Shemustbesoproud,Ithought.

Fansyelledoutvariousrequestsduringthatshow,astheysooftendid,andElvisdidhisbesttogivethemwhat

theywanted.Elvis’saudiencemayhave

beguntoage,buttheywantedhimtoremaintimelessandperformthemovesthathadmadethemfallinlovewithhim.Asashowman,hewasaperfectionistwithakeenear.Anytimeheheardthesmallestthingthatdidn’tsoundquiteright—feedbackfromamicrophone,astrangenoise,anoffnote—Elviswouldstop,apologizetohis

audience,andusuallystartover.

Thatnight,ElvisintroducedLisaandhisdadtotheaudience,promptingalargestagelighttosweepacrosstheroomandsettleonthetwoofthem.Smiling,LisastoodupandVernonwaved.

ThesingersRoyOrbisonandEngelbertHumperdinckwerethere,andElvisacknowledgedtheirpresence

aswell.Hewasinajovialmood,jokingwithhisbandandtryingonvarioushatshandedtohimbymembersoftheaudience.Isatinwonder,struckbywhatacharismaticperformerhewas.Onemoment,Elviswouldbedeliveringanelectricmusicalperformance.Thenext,hewasplayfulandflip,usinghumortoseguefromonesongtoanother.

Charlie,alwaysreadywith

lyricsheets,handedonetoElvisbeforehesang“BridgeoverTroubledWater”thatnight.Itwasalengthysong,butElvisonlyreadalineortwoandthendiscardedthesheets,givingmethesensethathereallyknewthesong,butwantedtomakesurehedidn’triskmissingasingleword.

Backinthedressingroomaftertheshow,IsatonthecouchnearLisa,Vernon,and

Sandy,quietlywatchingpeoplemingle.RoyOrbisonandhiswife,Barbara,enteredtheroom.IwasthrilledtoseeRoy,sinceI’dbeenafanofhismusic.Hewaseasytospot,dressedinallblack,withpaleskinandhistrademarksunglasses.

Bythen,Elvishadfinishedchangingoutofhisjumpsuit.Heenteredtheroom,greetedhisdaughter,dad,andafewothers.Thenhesatdown

besideme,andtheOrbisonscameovertositacrossfromusandtalk.TheroomwassonoisythatElvishadtoleanforwardtohearthem.Icontinuedtositquietlybesidehimandwatcheveryone.

Suddenly,Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatme.“Wouldyouputyourhandonmybackandcalmmedown?”heasked.

Ihesitatedamoment.Myfamilywasclose,butwe

rarelydisplayedanypublicaffection.EventhoughElvisandIhadbeenintimate,Ifeltshyaboutcasuallymassaginghisbackinpublic,letaloneinfrontofacelebritylikeRoyOrbison.

Ilightlyplacedmyhandonhisbackandgentlybegantorubit.

Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatmeagainandsmiled.Iwasgladthatthetouchofmyhanddidseemto

calmhim.Iwantedtopleasehimandseeingthatsmallgestureslikethisdid,washelpingmelearntobemoreopenlyaffectionateinpublic.

AftertheOrbisonsleft,IcaughtaglimpseofhowtrulyappreciativeElviswasofhisfans.Hegreetedthreeladieswho’dbeenwaitingtopresenthimwithhandmadefiguresofthethreewisemen.Eachfigurewasbeautifullycrafted,andElvisspokewith

theladiesforawhile,admiringthedetailandworkmanshipthathadgoneintomakingthem.ThesegiftswouldbebroughtuptothesuiteandeventuallytakenbacktoGraceland.

Whenhissecondshowwasoverandwewerefinallyaloneinthesuite,Elviswasservedalatemeal.Ashegrabbedthesaltshakerandbegansprinklingitoverhisfood,onceagainIthought

thiscouldn’tbehealthy.Thiswasconfirmedwhen,shortlyafterfinishinghismeal,hehelduphislefthand.“Ican’tbelievehowbloatedIget,”hesaidwithadiscouragedlook.Hethentriedbendinghisfingerstoshowmehowswollentheywerefromfluidretention.

“ThedoctorshavemetakewaterpillsbeforeIgoonstage,”hecontinued,soundingaggravated,

explainingthatthepillsweremeanttohelpremovefluidfromhissystem.“Ihatetodothis,becausethosepillsmakemefeelweakandzapsomeofmystrength.”

Ourrelationshipwasstillsonewthatitwasdifficultformetofeelcomfortabletellinghimwhatheshouldorshouldn’teat.“Iheardtoomuchsaltcancausefluidretention,”Itoldhimandleftitatthat,hopingthatover

timeImightbeabletoguidehimtotakeahealthierapproachtofood.

•••

Wewenttobedarounddawn,asweusuallydid.ThenextafternoonIwokeupearlyandwalkedoutontotherooftopterracetoadmiretheview.

Istoodoutsideforafewminutes,feelinglikeatourist,amazedbythesheerfactthat

Iwashererightnow,experiencingsomanynewthingswithElvis.JustasIwasfinallyturningtogobackinside,IwasstartledtoseeLisastartingtoclimbontoaledgebehindme.Shemusthaveenteredthesuiteandfollowedmeoutside.

“Lisa,don’tdothat,”IsaidascalmlyasIcould.AsIwalkedherbackinside,Igentlyexplainedhowdangerousitcouldhavebeen

forhertoclimbonthatledge.Icouldn’tevenimaginewhatElviswoulddoifsomethinghappenedtohisonlydaughter.

Lisascamperedofftoherroom.Ireturnedtothebedroomand,seeingElvisstillasleep,decidedtokeeptheincidentfromhim.Hehadenoughconcernsatthetime.Lisawasokayand,afterourtalk,Iwassureshewouldn’tdoitagain.

Laterthatafternoon,astout,baldingmanwithalargecigarclenchedbetweenhisteethenteredoursuite.Elvisintroducedhimtomeashismanager,ColonelTomParker.ElvistoldmethattheyneededtotalksomebusinessandaskedifI’dmindleavingtheroom.

Otherthanacasualhello,Iwouldn’tseeorspeakmuchwithColonelParkerinLasVegas.Heneverstayedlong

whenhecametothesuite,andheandElvisalwaysmetinprivatetodiscussbusiness.

•••

Thatevening,Elvisinjuredhisankle.Iwasinmybathroomwhenithappened,buthelatertoldmehehadsteppedofftheplatforminthebedroomandtwistedit.Toeasethepainandprotectit,hehadhisanklewrapped.

Hetoldhisaudienceaboutitthatnightduringtheshow.

Hechattedaboutafewotherthingsonstageaswell,includinghisbirthday,numerology,andthesignificanceofblackdiamonds.“Theydon’tshine,”hesaidofthediamonds.“Theydon’tdonothin’.They’rejustthere...they’relikeCharlie,”hejoked.

Uncomfortable,andnot

wantingtoinjurehisanklefurther,hesometimessatonastoolwhileperforming,butstillputhisbesteffortintoputtingonagoodshow.

Inthesuiteafterward,Elvisbeganexperiencingpaininhisupperlegaswell.Hetoldmehethoughthehadapinchednerveandfeltthathemighthavepulledahamstringmuscleduringapreviousshow.

Myheartwentouttohim.

ElviscalledforDr.GhanemandLarryGeller.IcouldunderstandwhyElviswantedtoseehisdoctor,butIwasmystifiedaboutwhyhe’drequestedhishairdresser.

Whenthetwomenappeared,ElvisputLarrytousebyhavinghimmassagehisleg.Dr.GhanemadministeredashotofcortisoneintotheinjuredmusclesothatElviswouldbeabletoperform.

Whenwewerealoneagain,Elvisstartedtalkingaboutthedrydesertair.Hehadalreadymentioneditduringafewshowsandwasworriedaboutgettingasorethroat.“Idon’tseehowsomesingerscanactuallyliveandperformfull-timeinLasVegas,”hesaid.“It’sessentialtoalwaysprotectthevoice.That’swhyIdon’tusuallytalkloud.Youshouldnevershoutortalkloudover

atelevisionsoyoucanpreserveyourvocalcordsaswell.”

Elvisdeeplyappreciatedthevocaltalentofotherperformers,especiallythebeautifulvoicesofhisbackupsingers,SherrillNielsenandKathyWestmoreland.Thatnight,suddenlyinthemoodtovisitwithoneofthem,hecalledSherrillandaskedhimtocometoourroom.

ElvisteasedSherrill

onstagebuttrulyadmiredhim,tellingme,“Hisvoiceneverseemstofalterorcrack.”IcouldappreciatewhatElvismeant.Sherrillreallydidshineasheplayedguitarandsangforuswhilewesatinbed.

Elvisalsoenjoyedhavingconversationswithhisbasssinger,J.D.Sumner.HeinvitedJ.D.toourroomoccasionally,andaskedhimtohitsomeofhisfamouslow

notesforme.Thesespecialmoments

wouldcontinueonfuturetourswithElvis,andItreasuredthemall.Theywerelikehavingminiconcertsrightintheprivacyofourownbedroom.

Beforegoingtosleepthatmorning,IlearnedthatElvissometimeslikedtobecoddled.Heaskedmetowetapairofcottonballsinmymouthandplaceoneinside

eachofhisears.SeeingthisasalittleboysidetoElvis,Ididn’tminddoingit.ThisbecameoneofthesmallthingsIwashappytodoforhim,likerubbinghisbackorsoothinghiseyeswithawashcloth.

ThisLasVegasengagementwaslettingmegettoknowtwodifferentmen.ThefirstwasElvistheentertainer,whogavemearareinsidelookattheintense

natureofhispreparationforshows,hisjoyandstrainduringperformances,andwhatittookforhimtowinddownandsleepafterbeingonstageinfrontofsomanyadoringfans.

TheothermanwastheprivateElvis,withhislove,passions,concerns,hurts,likes,anddislikes.HewasveryobservantandhadsomepetpeevesthatIneverwouldhaveguessed.Hewouldget

annoyed,forinstance,ifapersondidn’tlookdirectlyathimwhilehewastalking.ItalsobotheredElviswheneverhenoticedsomeoneyawningwhilehewasspeaking.“It’sthesignofashortattentionspan,”hetoldme.

Afterthat,wheneverIwastiredfromtryingtokeepupwithhisschedule,ImadesuretostiflemyyawnswheneverIwasaroundhim.

•••

Elvishadgivenmealittlespendingmoney.WhileLisawasvisiting,IaskedifIcouldtakehershopping,sinceIhadn’treallyhadachancetobealonewithher,andhesaidyes.

Wakingearly,IgotLisaandtookherdownstairs.Shehadshownagenuinefondnessforshoesandlater,ifminewentmissing,Iwould

findherwearingthem.Idecidedashoestorewouldbeatreatforher.

Weenteredashoestoreinthehoteland,inthemidstofmetryingonapairofpumps,IlookedoverandsawLisaseatedonthefloor.Shewassurroundedbyshoesshehadremovedfromvariousdisplayracks.

AsLisabegantryingsomeofthemon,Iwalkedovertoher.“Lisa,theseareladies’

shoesandtoobigforyou,”Isaid.

Shelookedupatmeandsaid,“That’sokay.I’llgrowintothem.”

Ihadtolaugh,becauseshewasright.

Wecontinuedon,visitingotherstoresinthehotel.Acouplepassingbystoppedusatonepoint.“IsthatElvis’sdaughter?”theyasked.

“Yes,”Isaid,startled.AlthoughLisaresembledher

dad,ithadn’tevenenteredmymindthatsomeonecouldpossiblyrecognizeher,especiallyifshewaswithme.IhadunderestimatedthekeeninterestofElvis’sfans.

WeranintothepilotMilosoonafterthat,andhekindlyofferedtodriveLisaandmeinmyContinentaltodosomeshoppingoutsidethehotel.IknewourtimewaslimitedbeforeElviswoke,butIthoughtitwouldbefuntogo

aroundLasVegasforthefirsttime,especiallyinmynewcar.

LisaandImadeourwaytotheHiltonentranceandinafewminutes,MilopulledupintheContinental.Lisaclimbedintothemiddleofthefrontseat.Igotinbesideherandshutthedoor,stillindisbeliefthatthisgorgeouscarwasactuallymine!

MilodroveustotheMGMGrandHotelandwaitedwhile

LisaandIbrowsedinside.Carefullykeepingtrackoftime,IendedourshoppingatastorethathadlargebarrelsofcandyandletLisafillsmallbagswithsomegoodies.

ItwasnicespendingtimewithLisa.Shewasasweetlittlegirl,closetomyniece’sage,andIhopedwewouldbecomefriends.

UponourreturntotheHilton,Elviswasawakeand,

muchtomysurprise,displeasedthatwe’dgoneout.Hedidn’trecalltellingmethatIcouldtakeLisa.“Youshouldneverhavegoneoutwithoutabodyguard,”hereprimanded.

Iwasalittlehurt.IexplainedthatIwouldneverhavetakenherwithouthispermission.ThisnewworldI’denteredintowassomethingIdefinitelywasn’tusedtonavigating.

Sensingmyfeelings,Elvisdelicatelyrepeated,“Justnexttime,makesureyoutakeabodyguard.”

ItdawnedonmethenthatoneofthedailyfearsElvislivedwithwasthatsomeonemightkidnaphisdaughter.“Iwill,”Isaid.

LisavisitedoffandoninthesuiteasoftenasshecouldinbetweenElvis’sschedule.Shestayedonlyafewmoredays,butwhensheflewback

toLosAngeles,IwassurealargepieceofElvis’sheartwentrightalongwithher.

CHAPTER9

Elvislikedhavingmewithhimanytimehewasn’tperformingordiscussingbusiness.Thisfact,alongwithmyshynature,meantthatotherthanacasualhello,Ididn’ttalkmuchwiththemanyotherpeoplewhowere

alwaysswirlingaroundhim.Onoccasion,I’dseeafew

womenchattingtogetheroutinthelivingroomofElvis’ssuiteclosetoshowtime,buttheykepttheirdistance.Inpart,IthinkthiswasbecauseIwasidentifiedas“Elvis’sgirl,”butIwasalsoyoungerthanmostofthemandinclinedtokeeptomyself.I’msuretheotherwomenweretryingtofigureoutwhattomakeofme.

Oneofthem,afriendlyHawaiianwhoaccompaniedCharlie,madeanefforttospeakwithme.IthoughtsheresembledElvis’sex-wife,Priscilla;othersmusthavethoughtthesamething,becauseonenightsomeonemistookthiswomanforPriscillaasIwasaccompanyingherfromtheshowroomtotheladies’room.Ithoughtthiswasironicbecauseafanhad

mistakenmeforPriscilla,too,andthiswomanandIdidn’treallylookalike.

Overall,though,Iwasleftprettymuchonmyown.Iwasacutelyawareofhavingthisincredibleexperience,butwithnoonearoundwhoIreallykneworfeltcomfortableenoughtoshareitwith,Isometimeswishedoneofmyclosefriendswerewithme.Ihadcheckedinoncewithmyfamilyearlyon

butitwasimpossibletodescribeoverthephonejustwhatIwasexperiencing.

Elvismanagedtoperformhisnextshowdespitestillexperiencingenoughpaininhislegthatheevenmentionedittotheaudiencewhilehewasonstage.Thepainwasdefinitelystartingtointerferewithhissinging;atonepoint,heaskedacoupleofhisbackupsingerstoperformwithouthimsohe

couldrest.Backinsidethepenthouse

thatnight,hesummonedLarryandCharlietoourbedroom.Whentheyarrived,ElvistoldmehewantedLarrytoperforma“healing”onhisleg.

Ihadnoideawhatthismeant,butfromthatmomenton,Iwassoonplungedintotheliteratureandpracticeofbothpsychichealingandself-healing.LarryandElviswere

firmbelieversinthis.Iwasopen-minded,butmyonlyexperiencehadbeenwithtraditionalmedicine.However,beingwithElvis,Iwouldsoonwitnesssomethingshappenaroundhim,andstartwonderingifperhapshewasright,andthatmaybeGoddidinstillinustheabilitytohealourselves,ifwecouldconcentratehardenough.

Thatnight,asElvisand

Larryexplainedhowpsychichealingworkedandwhattheywereabouttodo,IunderstoodwhyElvishadaskedforLarry’spresencethepreviousnight.AsLarryexplained,ifapersonwasinpainandconcentratedonahealingcolorintheareawherethepainwas,theyorotherscouldhelphealtheinjuredareaor,attheveryleast,makethepainsubside.

ElvisandLarrywentonto

explainthecorrelationbetweencolorsandspiritualhealing.Greenwasthehealingcolor;yellow,theChristcolor;purple,theGodcolor;andsoon.Asbizarreasthisallsoundedtomethatnight,Iwascurioustoseewhatwouldhappennext.Sofar,withElvisalmostanythingseemedpossible.Whynotthis,too?

CharlieclosedthebedroomdoorandLarry

beganlightingcandles,placingtheminvariousareasaroundus.Hethenturnedoffthelights.

Inthedimlylitroom,ElvislaydownonhisstomachacrossthebedwhileCharlieandIstoodtoonesideandwatched.Itwasexceptionallyquiet.ThenLarryaskedeachofustoimagineagoldenlightoverElvis’sleg,andtochannelallofourthoughtsandenergy

intothatvisualization.IunderstoodthegoldencolortobeaChristcolor,butfigureditmustalsobeforhealing.IalsoguessedthatLarrywantedCharlieandmetobetherebecausethemoreenergythatwasfocusedonhealing,thebetteritmightwork.

AsLarrybegantoalternatelymassageorholdhishandoverthemuscleinthebackofElvis’sleg,I

focusedintenselyonthatarea.Iwasn’tawareofhowmuchtimepassed,butwhetheritwasjusttheeffectofthecandlesoranactualphenomenon,IthoughtIsawasoftgoldenglowradiatefrombeneathLarry’shand.

WhenLarryhadfinished,heturnedthelightsbackonandblewoutthecandles.Elvisstoodup,tookatentativestepandsaidhislegfeltbetter.

HadIjustwitnessedatruepsychichealing?Clearly,ElvisandLarrybelievedso.DidI?

Commonsensemademequestionthis.Yet,anotherpartofmehadalwaysbelievedinthepoweroffaith.IhadjustwitnessedElvishavepainandnowI’dheardhimsay,“Ifeelbetter.”

Asunbelievableasthisseemed,ifthismysticaltypeofhealinghadindeedgiven

Elvissomerelief,that’swhatmatteredmosttome.

•••

AfterLarryandCharlieleft,Elvisbegantellingmeaboutabreathingtechniquehehadlearnedwhilestudyingmartialarts.Elvisbelievedthat,ifdonecorrectly,thistechniquewouldenableanindividualtomoveobjectswithouttouchingthem,using

mentalenergyalone.“Showme,”Isaid.Elviswalkedovertoa

sectionofthebedroomcurtainsandplacedhispalmacoupleofinchesawayfromthem.Hetookafewdeepbreaths,focusedonhishand,andsaid,“Watch.”

Istaredatthecurtainsandtriedtokeepanopenmind.Suddenly,IthoughtInoticedahintofmovement.Iblinked.WasIreallyseeing

thecurtainsmovebecauseofElvis,orwasittheresultofcirculatingair?

Elvisgavemealittlesmile.Hisknowingexpressionhelpedsupportmygrowingbeliefthat,withElvis,thingsI’doncethoughtwereimpossiblemightnotbesofar-fetchedafterall.

Alittlewhilelater,asElvisandIweretalking,hebeganquotingfromoneofhisbooks.Wehadgoneover

themsooftenthatI’dmemorizedsomeofthelines.Now,whenheforgotpartofasentence,Iwasabletojumpinandfinishitforhim.Helikedthat,tellingmethatIwasaquicklearner,whichmademefeelgood.

Atonepoint,Isuddenlybegantofeelalittlequeasy.Elvisnoticedmydiscomfortandaskedmetoliebackonthebed.WhenIdid,heplacedhishandlightlyover

myabdomenandhelditthere,askingmetofocusonthecolorgreensohecouldhealme.

Iforcedmyselftoliequietlyandconcentrateonthecolorgreen.Afterafewminutes,Elvissuddenlywhippedhishandhighintotheair,asifpullinganillnessrightoutofmybody.

Miraculously,Ifeltlessnauseous.CouldElvisreallyhealme?Andcouldheteach

metohealmyself?Iwasabitshakenbythe

experience.Ifeltthat,inorderforthiskindofthingtowork,onehadtobelieveinit.MaybeIwasbecomingabeliever.Elvishad,onceagain,challengedmetoexperiencesomethingnew.

Asthenightwenton,theteacherinElviscontinuedtoemerge.Atonepoint,Iwasreadingtomyselfwithmyheadtiltedforwardoffmy

pillow,andElvislookedoveratme.“Liftyourchinandsitupstraight,”hesuggested.“You’renotgettingenoughoxygen.”

Itookhisadviceandsatupinbed.

Later,Elvissaid,“Youshouldavoidwrinklingyourforeheadandyoushoulddrinklotsofwaterbecauseit’llhelppreventdarkcirclesunderyoureyes.”

FiguringthatElvisdidn’t

wantmetolooklikeaneighty-year-oldraccoon,andalwaysopentobeautysuggestions,Iwasgladtofollowhisadvice.

•••

DespiteLarry’smassagesandministrations,Elvis’slegcontinuedtobotherhim.DuringhisDecember7show,hetalkedabouthispinchednerveandapologizedtothe

audience,sayinghewoulddohisbesttogiveagoodperformance.

Laterintheshow,Elvisannouncedthathewantedtodosomethinghehadn’tdonebeforeandsingacoupleofspiritualsongsthatweren’tnormallyincludedinhissetlist.WithallofthereadingElvishadbeendoingonEasternreligions,IhadyettoaskhimhowhefeltaboutJesus,orwhathebelieved

aboutGod.But,whenamemberoftheaudienceshoutedtoElvis,“You’retheking!”hisanswertoldmeagreatdeal.

“Thankyou,sir,”Elvissaid.“I’mfixin’tosingaboutHim.”Hewasmakingitclearthat,forhim,therewasonlyoneKing.

•••

Ihadn’tspokentomyfamily

sincemyearliercall.Oncewereturnedtothesuiteafterthatparticularshow,Ifeltlikecheckinginwiththem.Icalledhomeandmymotheranswered.Shesoundedsleepy,andIfeltbad,realizingI’dforgottenaboutthetimedifference.Evenworse,mymothertoldmethatmygrandfather,AlonzoSpencer,hadbeentakenillafewdaysearlierinhisnursinghomeinArkansas.

IlovedAlonzoandhadalwaysfeltclosetohim.Hewasmysolesurvivinggrandparent.Mymotherwasneveronetoworryothers,butIknewherwellenoughtodetectanuneasinessinhervoice.

AfterIhungup,Isatthere,staringatthephoneandworrying.DidIneedtogoseemygrandfather?Ifelttorn.Ididn’twanttoleaveElvis,butwhatifIdidn’tgo,

andsomethinghappenedtoAlonzo?

IwentbacktothebedroomandtoldElvisaboutthephonecallandhowIwasfeeling.

“Didyourmothersayanythingthatalarmedyou?”heasked.

“No,notreally,”Isaid.“Ijustheardsomethinginhervoice.”

Elvisreassuredmethatmygrandfatherwouldbeall

right,whichwascomforting,andsaidhewouldlikemetostay.Iknewhewasprobablyright—afterall,mymotherhadn’tsaidanythingaboutmeneedingtoseemygrandfather—soIagreed.

Meanwhile,ElvissaidhewasstillfeelingsomepaininhislegandwantedtoseeDr.Ghanem.InsteadofhavingthedoctorcometotheHilton,Elvisarrangedtogoseehimthistime.

IfiguredheprobablywantedtogetoutforachangeandIaccompaniedhim.Oncewewereinthecar,however,myconcernaboutmygrandfather’shealthreturnedandgnawedawayatme.Imusthavebeenextraquiet,becauseElvisaskedwhatwasbotheringme.

“I’mthinkingaboutmygrandfather,”Isaid.

Elvisagaintriedtocalmmyworries.Whenwearrived

atthephysician’soffice,Dr.GhanemofferedmeaseatinthechairbehindhisdeskwhileheandElviswentintoanotherroom.Iwaited,hopingthatDr.Ghanemcouldhelphimwithhispain.

Afterafewminutes,Dr.Ghanemreturnedandwalkeduptome.“Ginger,can’tyouseeElvisneedsyou?”heasked.Thissurprisedme.I’dbeenconcernedaboutmygrandfatherbuthadn’tsaidI

wasleaving.Irealizedwithastartthat

ElvismusthavediscussedthispossibilitywithDr.Ghanem.BeforeIcouldreply,Elvisjoinedus.

“Iwanttogetatopdoctortohelpyourgrandfather,”hetoldme.“I’llseetoitthateverythingpossiblewillbedone,ifneedbe,tohelphim.”

Elvisthenaskedforthephonenumberofthenursing

home.Iwastakenabackdespitedeeplyappreciatinghisoffer.ItwashardtofathomthatElvishadaneedformethatwassogreatthat,evenwithmygrandfather’shealthissue,hedidn’twantmetoleave.

Dr.GhanemlefttheroomtogiveussomeprivacywhileIcalledmymom.ShehadnoideahowalarmedIhadbecome,andshegavemethenumberofthenursinghome.

AsElvisbegandialingit,Iwonderedifwhoeveransweredatthenursinghomewouldreallybelieveitwashim.IwasunawareatthetimethatthepressknewofmyexistenceandstoriesaboutmeandElviswerecirculating.WordwasalreadyspreadingrapidlyaboutapossiblemarriagebetweenElvisandme.Myaunts,forinstance,hadheardradiopersonalityPaulHarvey

announcemyengagementtoElvis.Thenursinghomeemployeesseemedtoknowaboutitaswell.TheyputElvisstraightthroughtotheheadnurseadministrator.

Elvistalkedtotheadministratorforafewminutesaboutmygrandfather’scare.Whenhehungup,hetoldmemygrandfatherhadthebeginningofwhatcouldbepneumonia,buttheywerewatchinghim

closelyandhewasinverygoodhands.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,andimmediatelyfeltbetter.

JustwhenIthoughtElviscouldn’tpossiblybeanykinderorbighearted,heaskedmetogetmymotherbackonthetelephone.“I’dliketoflyyourfamilyintogivethemabreak,tomeetmeandseemyshows,”hesaid.

Stunned,Iredialedmyhomenumberandhanded

Elvisthereceiver.Ashespokewithmymother,Elvistoldheraboutcallingthenursinghome,thensaid,“I’dliketoseetoitthatyourfatherhasthebestpossiblecare,withthebestdoctor,shouldhesuddenlytakeaturnfortheworse.”

Lookingdown,helistenedsilentlyforafewminutes.Iknewmymothermustbethankinghim.

ThenElvisinterruptedher.

“Mrs.Alden,I’minlovewithyourdaughterandIwanttomarryher,”hesaid.

Ashockrippledthroughmybody.IstraightenedbesidehimasElvislookeddirectlyintomyeyes,andIhadtoforcemyselftobreathe.Couldthisreallybehappening?

Ifiguredsomeonebackhomeatthatmomentmustbepickingmymotherrightupoffthefloor,asElviscasually

proceededtoinvitemyfamilytoLasVegasfortheweekend.Thenhehungupthephonewithalookoftotalsatisfaction.

Formypart,Iwashavingtroublefindinganywordsatall.Elvismayhavemadearemarkaboutusbeingengagedearlier,butthisdeclarationcompletelyblewmeaway!NowIlookedbackoneverythingElvishadsaidtomeaboutsoulmatesand

wonderedifI’dfoundmine.ManyofElvis’swordsand

hisbehaviorhadcertainlyintimatedhehadbeenthinkingagreatdealabouthowImightfitintohislife.Nowhe’dmentionedmarriagetomymotherasifhehadcometoaconclusion,formulatedaplan,andjustwantedmetoknowsohecouldcarryitout.ElviswassomeoneIcertainlythoughtIcouldmarry,buteverything

washappeningtoofastformetoprocessitallatonce.OurtimetogetherhadbeensointensethatIfeltlikeIneededtoslowdownandcatchmybreath.ButallIcouldthinktodoatthemomentwasthankhimagainforhiskindnessandgenerositytowardmeandmyfamily.

Afterwe’dreturnedtooursuitefromthedoctor’soffice,Elvisbeganflippingthrough

thepagesofCheiro’sBookofNumbers.Stoppingonsomepassagesdealingwithourrespectivenumbersoffourandeight,hebeganexaminingtheirqualitiesandanalyzinghowtheyaffectedoneanother.IwonderedifheknewhowstunnedIwasfeelingandwastryingtoprovetomethatwewerecompatible.Orwashelookingforanumerological

validationofhisfeelings?Mymindwasonoverdriveashetalked.HowcouldElvisknowwithsuchcertainty,aftersoshortatime,thatIwastheoneforhim?

ThenexttimeIcalledhome,mymothermentionedElvis’sdeclarationthathewantedtomarryme.IcouldonlysaythatI’dbeenassurprisedasshewasandthatElvissurelookedserious.“YouknowasmuchasIdo,”

Isaid.Meanwhile,mymother

hadspokenwithdoctorsatthenursinghomeandbeentoldthatmygrandfatherwasdoingokayandthathewasn’tanyworse.“Theysayit’sallrightforustocomeseeyou,”shesaid.

Delighted,IrelayedthenewstoElvis,whoimmediatelybeganarrangingformyfamily’sfirstvisittoLasVegas.

CHAPTER10

Ihadn’tspokenmuchwithVernonPresleyyet,butsincehewasElvis’sfather,Ihopedhewouldlikeme.ItwashardformetofindtimetotalkalonewithVernonbecausewheneverhewasinoursuite,hemostlytalkedwithElvis.

Heonlyoccasionallyaskedmeaquestionordirectedacommentmyway.Wecouldn’tconverseduringElvis’sshows,andbackstage,withSandyathisside,Vernonwasusuallybusytalkingwithguests.

December8provedtobeahorriblenightwhen,afterElvis’sshow,Vernoncollapsedinthebackstagedressingroom.Elvis,myself,Dr.Ghanem,Sandy,andJoe

rodewithhimtoSunriseHospital,whereVernonwasrushedintotheemergencyroom,followedcloselybyDr.GhanemandSandy.

Whilewewaited,Elvisfoundanemptywheelchairinamostlyvacantcorridorandsatdowninit.SomeoneplacedachairbesidehimformeandIsatdown,too.InoticedElvis’seyesgetmistyandhelightlywipedthemwiththebackofhishand.I

placedmyarmaroundhim,wantingtocomforthimanywaypossible.Onenightearlier,I’dbeenafraidImightlosemygrandfather.NowherewasElvis,inasimilarsituationwithhisownfather.Iknewhowhelplesshemustfeel.Herewasamanwhothoughthecoulddoanything,yetthiswasbeyondhisreach.IwishedtherewassomethingIcoulddoforElvis,thewayhehadofferedtohelpme.At

thismoment,allIhadtogivehimwasmylove,andthat’swhatIgave.

Wesaidprayersinthehallwayaswewaitedfornews.SandyfinallywalkedoutandexplainedthatVernonhadfluidbuildupinhislungs,butotherwisehewasdoingallright.Shealsomentionedthathewoulddefinitelyhavetostopsmoking.

Dr.Ghanemjoinedus

then,relayingsimilarinformation.HetriedtoreassureElvisandputhimatease.IwaitedwhileElviswentintoseehisfather.Afterward,thedoctorsrequestedthatVernonstayinthehospitalovernight.

IhadseenElvisbepensivebefore,butduringourridebacktotheHilton,hewasdeadquiet.IwasdeterminedtocomforthimandrespecthisfeelingsanywayIcould.

IfElviswantedtothinkinsilence,Iwastheretokeephimcompany,orifhewantedtotalk,Iwastheretolisten.

Aswereturnedtooursuite,RickyStanleywaswaitingforus.HeimmediatelywalkeduptoElvisandhuggedhim.Rickythensurprisedmewithahugandsaid,“Thankyouforbeinghere,Ginger.”

Itmeantagreatdealtome,hearingthat.Iwas

gratefulif,insomesmallway,IhadactuallyhelpedElvisinatimeofneed.

Alittlelater,Elvisdecidedhewantedtomeditate—notsurprising,Ithought,onsuchanemotionalnight.HeaskedLarryandCharlietojoinusinourroom,wherethefourofussatonthebed,heldhands,andvisualizedcolors,ourheartsandmindsfocusedonhealingVernonPresley.

Thefollowingevening,

mystomachbecameunsettled.WhetherthiswasfromthetensionI’dfeltduringthepreviousnightorfromsomethingelse,Ihadnoidea.NotwantingtoworryElvis,Idecidedtotryaself-healing.

Wehadbeenreadinginbedtogether;nowIleftElvisandwentintothebathroom,whereIshutthedoorandstretchedoutonthecarpetedfloor.Itooksomedeep

breaths,focusedonacolor,andconcentratedonfeelingbetter.

Whenmystomachfeltlessqueasy,Ireturnedtoourroom.Elviswasstillinbed,reading,andasIsettledinplacebesidehim,helookedupfromhisbook.“Whywereyoulyingonthefloor?”heasked.

Completelymystified,Iasked,“HowdidyouknowIwasonthefloor?”

Withoutsayingaword,Elviswinkedandsmiledthatsatisfied,knowingsmileIwasbecomingfamiliarwith—asmilethatintimatedsometypeofsixthsense.

Ifeltmyeyesgowide.HadElvissomehowperformedahealingonmefromadistance,throughacloseddoor?

Iwasbeginningtobelieveincertainpowersdespitethefactthatlogictoldme

otherwise.NowIrememberedhowElvishadoncesaidheknewwhatwasabouttohappen,andwhere,asifhehadthegiftofsecondsight.Hadhejustdemonstratedthatgifttome,orwasitaninnocentparlortrick?

ThelongerIwaswithElvis,themoreanythingseemedpossible.

•••

IhadenjoyedwatchingElvisteasehisbandmembersonstage,andI’dgrownaccustomedtohimchangingthelyricstocertainsongsinjest.However,duringhisnextshow,Elvisseemedtoactuallyforgetafewwords.

Foramoment,Ithoughtmaybehewassimplyboredbyrepeatingsomesongs.Iquicklydismissedthenotionthathewouldturninasubparperformance,though,because

theElvisIwasgettingtoknowonlyeverwantedtogivehisaudiencethebest.

Couldhiswaterpillsoranypainmedicationbeaffectinghismemory?Italsoseemedlikelythat,withVernoninthehospitalandsomuchgoingonaroundhim,Elviscouldforgetafewwords.Iwasslowlybecomingawareofhowunforeseenfactorscouldaffectaperformance.

IwaitedforElvisinthedressingroomaftertheshow.Beforelong,hesentformefromtheadjacentroom.WhenIentered,IsawtwogorgeouswomendressedinfurcoatsseatedoneithersideofamanwhoElvisintroducedasPrinceAdnanKhashoggi.ThewomenseemedcompletelyenthralledbyElvis,hangingonhiseverywordasthemenconversed.IsatbesideElvis

andlistenedquietly.PrinceKhashoggiandthe

ladieshadnosoonerleftwhenElvisturnedtomeandsaid,“Ihadtousethebathroomthewholetime.”Ashehastenedtothemen’sroom,heglancedoverhisshoulderatmeandgrinned.“Ibetthat’sthefirsttimeyoueversawaprinceandakinginthesameroomtogether,”hesaid.

Asthedoorclosedbehind

him,Icouldn’thelpbutlaugh.

•••

OurprayerswereansweredonFriday,December10,whenVernonwasreleasedfromthehospital.OnceVernonwasbackattheHilton,Elvisvisitedalonewithhisfatherinhisroom.Afterward,Elvistoldmehewantedhisfathertoreturnto

MemphissohecouldrestfromthehustleandbustleofLasVegas.

Atthesametime,ElviswasworriedaboutVernonbeingontheairplaneandhavingasuddenrelapseduringtheflight.VernonarguedthathewasfeelingwellenoughtoremaininLasVegas.Intheend,Elvisagreedtolethisdadstaythroughhislastshow.

Meanwhile,Elvisdecided

hewantedmetohavemoreclothingandarrangedformetogoshoppingwithJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley.ShehadbeenacocktailwaitressinLasVegas,Elvissaid,andreallyknewherwayaround.

Iwasexcitedabouttheouting.Shirleywasenergeticandtalkative.However,aswerodearoundLasVegasinacartogether,ShirleyimmediatelybroughtupElvisandbeganaskingquestions

aboutthetwoofus.Iwasn’tonetoopenupwithsomeoneIdidn’tknow.Icertainlydidn’twanttodiscussmyrelationshipwithElviswithanyoneoutsidemyfamily.Ikepttheconversationlightandeasy,dodgingherquestionsasgracefullyaspossible.

Fortunately,beforelongwepulleduptoastorecalledSuzyCreamcheese.Itwasahigh-endboutiquefilledwith

clothinglikenothingI’deverseenbackinMemphis.

AsIbrowsedthroughtheapparel,Shirleyoccasionallyhandedmesomepiecesshethoughtwereniceandpickedoutafewforherself.IendedupchoosingsomeclothingthatIhopedElviswouldlikeaswell.ShirleypaidforournewoutfitswithmoneyIassumedJoehadgivenherfromElvis.

WereturnedtotheHilton

and,laterthatevening,ElvissenthisLockheedJetStartoMemphis,pickingupmyparentsandsiblings;mysister-in-law,Carolyn;andTerry’sboyfriend,Tony.BillyStanley,whohadleftafterElvis’sAnaheimshow,wasontheflight,too,alongwiththewifeandthesonofoneofthebodyguards.EveryonearrivedinLasVegasintimeforElvis’ssecondshow.

Duringportionsofhisfirstshow,Elvishadperformedsomeofhissongswhileseatedonastool.Hislegwasstillnot100percentpain-free,andIhopedhewouldn’tinjureitanyfurther.

Afterward,wereturnedtothesuitesohecouldrelaxand,beforelong,Iwastoldmyfamilyhadarrived.Excited,Icalledtheirroom,tellingthemI’dseethemsoon.

Closetoshowtime,abodyguardwassenttomyfamily’ssuiteandtheywereescorteddownstairs.Islippedintoapeachvelvetgown,putonmyeveningshoes,andfollowedJoebacktotheshowroom.ThistimeJoeleftmetomakemyownwaytowardtheusualbooth.

AsIwenttositdown,IdidadoubletakeasInoticedmybrothersmilingatme.Ihadwalkedrightpastmy

familywithoutrecognizingthemintheboothbesidemine!HadIreallybeenawayfromhomethatlong?HadmynewexperienceswithElvisoverthepastweekscompletelyalteredmyperception?

RealizingwhatI’ddone,Iquicklybackedupandjoinedthem.

ItwassurrealbutwonderfultogathermyfamilyaroundmehereinLas

Vegas.Finally,thepeopleIlovedwereinoneplace.VernonandSandysoonentered,takingaseatintheboothbesideours.

IhadbarelybegunvisitingwithmyfamilywhenthelightsdimmedandJoereturned,tellingmethatElviswantedmetositintheboothwithhisfather.

Iwasmomentarilytakenaback.Whydidn’tElviswantmesittingwithmyown

family?KnowinghowillVernonhadbeen,though,Iwhisperedtomyfamily,“IthinkElviswantsmetokeepVernonandSandycompany,”andmovedtothenextbooth.

AsElvis’sintrothemebegantoplay,Iwasexcitedformyfamily.NowtheywouldexperiencethesameincrediblefeelingI’dhadthefirsttimeIsawElvis’sshowashisguestinsteadofanaudiencemember.Elvis

appearedtoputextraeffortintohisoverallperformanceand,otherthanafewsoundproblems,itwasagoodshow.Iwasextremelyhappyandproud.

Amemorablemomentintheshowformewaswhensomeoneintheaudienceshouted,“Elvis,Iloveyou!”andhewasquicktoretort,“Ginger,isthatyou?”Elvishadmentionedmynameinfrontofthecrowd,andmy

familywasrighthere!Afterward,myfamilywas

escortedtothepenthousesuiteandIstayedbehindwithElvisinhisdressingroomsohecouldchange.Hesteppedout,lookingincrediblyhandsomeinabluesilkshirt,blackpants,andblackboots.Asusual,hegreetedotherswho’dbeenwaitingandchattedgraciouslywiththem.

Oncewewereintheelevatorandheadinguptothe

penthouse,however,IcouldtellbyhisnervousmannerismsandlittlethingsElvissaidthathewasanxiousaboutmeetingmyfamily.ThiswassomethingIagainfoundendearing,ifhardtobelieve.ThiswasElvis!Whatdidhehavetofeelnervousabout?

Whenweenteredthesuite,abodyguard’swifewho’dhadonedrinktoomanyturnedtolookatElvisand

slippedoffherstoolatthebar,landingonthefloor.Elvislookedslightlyembarrassedasheapproachedmyfamily.Theywereseatedtogetheronthecouch.

AsIintroducedeachpersoninturnandElvisaskedhowmysistershadbeen,IrealizedIhadstillnevertoldElvisthatmyfathermethimyearsago,whenElviswasfirstswornintothearmy.I

relatedthestorynow.IalsotoldElvisthatmysiblingsandIhadmethimatthefairgroundswhenwewerelittle.

Elviswasgenuinelysurprised.Ihadn’texpectedhimtohaveanyrecollectionofthesememories;however,helookedlongandhardatmydadandsaid,“Mr.Alden,Irememberyounow.”Hethenwenton,mentioningthearmybeforegoingonto

discussotherthings.Later,whenwewerealone,Elviswouldbringupagainthatitwasprettyneatmyfamilyandhehadmetearlier.

Atonepointintheevening,Elvisaskedsomeonetobringhimthethreewisemengiftshehadreceivedafewnightsbackandtheconversationturnedspiritual.

MymothertoldElvisthatherfatherhadoncebeenapreacher,yearsback,which

interestedhimandtheychattedalittlemore.Hethenpolitelyaskedmyfamilyiftheywouldmindhimcontinuinghisvisitwiththemthenextevening,becausehewastiredbutwantedtospendmoretimewiththem.HesaidhewouldliketotreatthemtoaFrenchshowgirlrevuecalledtheLidodeParisattheStardustHotel,thenhavethemreturntotheHiltontoseehissecondshow.

Thefollowingnight,myfamilywenttoseetheLido,andElvis’sex-in-laws,theBeaulieus,alongwiththeirdaughterMichelleandsonDon,cametoseeElvisperformduringhisfirstshow.Wewereintroducedbackstageand,insteadofbeingseatedwithVernonintheshowroom,IwassurprisedwhenthistimeElvisplacedmeinaboothwiththeBeaulieus.Mr.

Beaulieuwaspolite,brieflysayingafewwordstome,butIcouldn’thelpbutfeelawkwardthroughouttheentireshow.

ElvisandIeventuallywentbacktothesuitebetweenperformances.WhenIreturnedtotheshowroom,IsawthattheBeaulieushadstayedtowatchanothershow.Myfamilywassitting,unknowingly,inaboothbesidethem.

ThistimeIwasdirectedtositwithVernonandSandy.Thisdecisionbaffledmealittle,asElvishadyettoseatmewithmyfamily.Asalways,though,ItriedtokeepanopenmindwhereElviswasconcerned.BynowIknewthatElvisdidthingsinhisowninexplicableway.SometimesIwouldunderstandhisthinkingandsometimesnot.

Duringthissecond

performance,Elvisoccasionallysatonastool,stillfavoringoneleg,buthehadagoodtimeandjokedheavilywithCharlie,whichhadeveryonelaughing.Atonepoint,asheleanedovertokissamemberoftheaudience,Elvishastilysaid,“Ginger,it’sonlypartoftheshow.”

Hehadmentionedmynameagain!Iwasoncloudnine!

Afterward,myfamilyjoinedmeinthedressingroomandIwasfinallyabletofreelychatwiththem.TheywerebowledoverwhenItoldthemaboutmynewcar.Elvisvisitedwithafewpeopleintheadjacentroomandkeptotherswaiting,asusual,includingmyparentsandtheBeaulieus,neitherofwhomwouldbeintroducedtooneanother.VernonandSandyspokewithmyparentsatone

point,andVernongavemyfatheracigar,tellinghimthathisdoctorshadadvisedhimtoquitsmoking.

ElviseventuallyvisitedwiththeBeaulieus.Whentheyhadgone,Elviscameoutandgreetedmyfamily,thistimeinvitingthembacktothepenthouse,wherehegavethematourofthesuitewhileIwaitedinthelivingroom.

Whentheyreturned,hetookmeaside.“Putonyour

whitegownandallyourjewelry,”hewhisperedinmyear.

Iwentintomybathroomanddidasherequested.Takingonelastlookinthemirror,Iliterallyglitteredfromheadtotoe.Feelingasregalasanyprincess,IsteppedoutandwasgratifiedtoseeElvisbeamingatmefromacrosstheroom.“There,”hesaidtomyfamily.“Iwantyoutosee

yourdaughterinhertrueattire.It’slittleGinger’stimetoshine.”

Myfamilyhadseenmeweargownsatpageants,butthiswastherealthingandtheywerefullofcompliments.Elvislefttheroomthen,onlytoreturncarryingtheframedreproductionofapaintingofhimselfbytheartistLoxiSibley.

Afterwe’dadmireditfora

fewmoments,Elvishandedthepaintingtomyfather.“Iwantyoutohaveit,”hesaid,onceagaindemonstratinghowmuchhewantedtogivetoeveryonearoundhim.IthoughtElviswouldbetiredaftertheshow,buthecontinuedtovisitwithmyfamilyforalongtime,andIwashappytoseehimenjoyinghimself.

Atsomepoint,theconversationturnedtoElvis’s

loveofkarate.Gatheringmyfamilyinacircle,Elvissaidhewantedtodisplaysometechniquesforthem.

HeaskedEdParkerandRickyStanleytocomeintotheroom,thencarefullyplacedRickyinvariouspositionsashis“victim”whileEdnarratedwhatElviswasdoing.Edwasfascinatingtolistento,andIwasmesmerized.

ElvisandEdalso

demonstratedafewoftheirownkaratemovesononeanother,anditwasgreattoseeElvisapparentlyfreefromthepainhe’dbeensuffering.Itwasallextremelyentertaining,butitwasquitelate.Mysister’sboyfriend,Tony,eventuallycouldn’thelphimselfandbegantoyawn.

Elvisshothimaquickglanceandsaid,“AmIboringya,son?”

Extremelyembarrassed,Tonyabruptlyclosedhismouthandreplied,“No.”

ElviswrappeduptheeveningbytellingusastoryaboutBarbraStreisandapproachinghimtoworkonaremakeofthefilmAStarIsBorn.Thereweretworeasonshedidn’twanttodothatfilm,Elvisexplained.Thefirstwasthathedidn’tunderstandwhythemaincharacterwouldkill

himself.Thesecondreasonwasthat,whenBarbraStreisandandtheproducer,JonPeters,discussedthemoviewithhim,Jonhadyawned.

“Man,Ijustcouldn’tseehimdirectingit,”Elvissaid.

•••

Sunday,December12,ElvisperformedwhatwouldbehislastshowinLasVegas.

WayneNewton,LolaFalana,KayStevens,andMichelleLeewereallintheaudience.Thepresenceofsomanystarswasanaddedgiftformybrother,who,unbeknownsttoElvis,happenedtobecelebratinghisthirty-firstbirthdaythatday.

ElvishadagoodtimecuttingupwithCharlieonstagethatnight,andeventhoughCharlie’sbirthdaywasafewdaysaway,Elvissang

“HappyBirthday”tohim.IonlywishedIhadtoldhimitwasmybrother’sactualbirthday,becauseifElvishadacknowledgeditfromthestage,whatagiftthatwouldhavebeen!

WayneNewtonvisitedwithElvisinhisdressingroomwhileWayne’swife,Elaine,chattedbrieflywithmeandmyfamily.Aftertheyleft,myparentsthankedElvisandreturnedtotheirroomsto

pack.Itwasalittletoughformetosaygood-bye,butIremainedwithElvisanextradaysohecouldrest,whilemyparentsflewhomeontheJetStar.

AsIlookedbackonourintensetimetogetherinLasVegas,IwonderedwhatitwouldbelikewhenElvisandIwerefinallyapartinMemphisafterspendingsomuchintimatetimetogether.Wehadsharedourthoughts

andfeelingsaswediscoverednewthingsabouteachother.Hehadevenspokenofmarriage.IhadbeenmagicallytransportedintoElvis’sworldandinhabiteditasfullyaspossible,learningmuchabouthisconnectiontohisfans,hislifeasaperformer,hisentourageofcloseemployeesandfriends,andhisspiritualquest.

Inourexcitingweekstogether,Elvishadbecome

mymentor,lover,andprotector.Hehadrockedmenotonlymusically,butphysicallyandemotionally.Myworld,asI’dalwaysknownit,wasforeverchanged,nomatterwhathappenednext.

CHAPTER11

IflewbacktoMemphiswithElvisontheLisaMarie.Astheplanetoucheddownonfamiliarsoil,itfeltnicetobehome.Yet,IalsofeltslightlydisplacedafterhavinglivedinElvis’sworldforalmostthreeweeksnonstop.

DavidStanley,anotherofElvis’sstepbrothersandemployees,waswaitingtopickusupattheairport.Hewasclosetomyagewithlong,shaggy,darkbrownhairandabrawnierbuildthanhistwosiblings.IhadnotroublebelievingitwhenElvistoldmeDavid’snicknamewasMagillaGorilla.

DrivingtowardGracelanddownElvisPresleyBoulevard,aswenearedthe

frontgates,Isawalargenativityscenenowsittinginthefrontyard.Ihadseenthisnativityscenemanytimesinthepast.Duringmychildhood,myfamilywoulddrivearoundtheareaeveryChristmas,marvelingattheholidaylightsasnearbyneighborhoodstriedtooutdooneanotherwithbeautifuldecorations.Whatseemedmagicaltomethenwasindescribablywonderfulnow

asIvieweditseatednexttoElvis.

Aswepassedthelife-sizestatuesofMary,Joseph,andJesusinthemanger,Elvislookedmyway,shruggedhisshoulders,andjoked,“Whoarethosepeople?”

InsideGraceland,oneofthemaidsgreetedusandInoticedaChristmastreestandinginthediningroom.Fromthefoyer,Icouldn’ttellifitwasrealornot,butitwas

beautiful.Iwonderedwhohaddecoratedit.

Justthen,anolderwomanwithanadorablehoney-coloredPomeraniancradledinherarmsenteredtheroomandwelcomedElvishome.ElvisintroducedherasAuntDelta.IwouldlaterlearnthatshewasVernon’ssisterandhadbeenlivingatGracelandsincethe1960s.AnaidecarriedthethreewisemenElvishadbeengiveninside

andplacedtheminthefoyernearthefrontdoor.

Wordlessly,ElviswalkedupstairsandIfollowedhimwiththeunspokenunderstandingthatheexpectedmetoaccompanyhimtohisbedroom.Istillfeltlikeavisitorontheoutsidelookingin,butitseemedthat,forElvis,mebeingatGracelandwasalreadythemostnormalthingintheworld.

AlthoughwehadtakenanextradayinLasVegastorelaxattheHilton,ithadstillfeltlikeawhirlwindtrip.Nowthatwewerehome,Icouldfeelmyadrenaline-fueledenergygivingwaytoweariness.IthoughtElvismustfeelthesamewayandwouldwanttorestorjustbeawayfromthemanypeoplewhohadsurroundedhimforthepastfewweeks.

Upstairs,Elvis

immediatelydisappearedintohisbathroom.Istoodwaiting,unsureofwhattodo.IfeltthatIneededtogohome,regroup,andreflectonallofthenewexperiencesI’dhadwithElvis,butIdidn’twanttoleaveifthatwoulddisappointhim.Ialsoknewthat,becauseElvisandIhadbeentogethernonstop,Iwouldmisshim.

Elvisreturnedfromthebathroom,wherehehad

changedintohisusualpajamas,andsatdownonhisbed.Pickinguponeofhisbooksfromthefloor,hemotionedmeovertositbesidehim.

IfthiswaswhatElvisneededtorelax,Iwashappytostayuntilhewasreadytogotosleep.However,asItookmyplacebesidehimwhileElvisread,myeyeswanderedtothepicturesofLindaThompsonontheshelf.

Iwonderedifhe’dsimplyforgottentheywerethere.ShakingthoughtsofLindafrommymind,IturnedmyfocusbacktoElvis.

Atonepoint,Elvisaskedaboutmygrandfatherhavingbeenaministerandsaidhewantedtospeakwithmymotheragain.Icalledhome,saidaquickhello,andhandedhimthephone.

Elvisdoverightintoaconversationwithherabout

theBible.“HaveyouevernoticedhowthewordhistorybrokenupmeansHisstory?”heasked,alludingtohistorybeingGod’sstory.

Mymotherhadastrongspiritualfaith.ShehadfrequentlyreadpartsoftheBibletous,soIknewshe’denjoythisconversation.Astheytalked,itwasinterestingtohearsomeofElvis’spersonalobservations

regardingtheBible.Withallofthereadingwehadpreviouslydone,wehadnotyettoucheduponthisarea.

Theirconversationlastedafewminutes,thenElvisabruptlychangedthesubject.“Whatkindofcardoyoudrive?”heasked.

Ashesatquietlylistening,IknewshewastellinghimabouttheDodgeChargertheyhadrecentlypurchased.“That’syourfamilycar?”he

asked.Whentheconversation

endedandElvishungup,heseemedtobemullingoversomething.Lookingmyway,heannounced,“Iwouldlikeyourparentstohaveanewcar,alargerone.”

Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Hecouldrendermespeechlesslikenobodyelse.

Afterthinkingaboutitforafewmoreminutes,Elvisasked,“Wouldyoumind

givingthemtheContinental?IhaveanothercarIwannagiveyou.”Thistookmetotallybysurprise.

IntheexcitementofbeingwithElvisinLasVegasandcominghometoMemphis,Ihadn’tgiventheContinentalathought.Infact,Istillhadn’tevendrivenit.

“That’sfine,”Isaid,amazedthatElviswouldwantmyparentstohaveanewcar.“Butwhereisthe

Continental?”“Itshouldbehere,”he

said.“SomeonewassupposedtodriveittoMemphis.”

“Oh.Okay,”Ianswered,smilingasIthoughtabouthow,inElvis’sworld,magicalthingslikethiscouldjusthappen.

•••

TheContinentalwasindeeddeliveredtoGraceland.Now

Elviswantedmetodriveithome.Hecalledforanaidetoescortme.

Eagertosurprisemyparents,ItookaseatbehindthewheelofthecarforthefirsttimeandbeganfollowingAlStradatowardGraceland’sgates.Itwasasurprisinglyharrowingexperience.Ihadn’trealizedhowbigthecarwasuntilIwasdrivingit.AsIpeeredoverthewheel,the

Continental’sexpansivehoodseemedtostretchoutforever.Itwasbasicallyalandyacht!AsthecarsqueezedthroughthebrickpillarsandontoElvisPresleyBoulevard,Iwasworriedabouthittingany-andeverything.

KeepingupwithAlwasn’teasy,either.Hewasdrivingfast,sofastthatIhadtheimpressionhewasjusttryingtogetthischoreoverwith.Iwonderedifhewastiredafter

thetrip,too.Luckily,Imadeithomewithnofenderbenders.

MyparentswereatworkwhenIarrived,butmysisterswereinthehouse.Itwascomfortingtoseethem.Atthesametime,itactuallyfeltslightlysurrealtobeathome.Ibroughtmysistersoutside,andastheygaspedatthesightofthegleamingwhiteContinental,ItoldthemthatElviswantedmetogiveitto

ourparents.Theywereflabbergasted.

TheywantedtohearaboutLasVegaswhenweheadedbackinside.AsmuchasIwantedtotellthemaboutit,IsuddenlyrealizedhowexhaustedIwas.IexplainedthatIneededtorest,becauseElviswassleepingandmightcallwhenhewokeup.Thiswouldbemyonlychancetogetcaughtuponsleep.

“CanItellyouallaboutit

whenMomandDadgethome?”Iasked,thenretiredtomybedroom.Iwaspracticallyasleepbeforemyheadhitthepillow.

Idon’tknowhowmanyhoursIsleptbeforetherewasaknockonmydoor.Itwasmymom.Iwalkedwithmyparentsoutsideand,astheystareddisbelievinglyattheContinental,IrepeatedthewordsthatElvishadoriginallysaidtome:“It’s

yours.”Itwasapricelessmoment.Itoldmyfamilyasmuch

asIcouldaboutwhatI’dexperiencedwithElvis,butIcouldn’trevealeverything,especiallytheinexplicablemomentswhenI’dwitnessedtheself-healingorElvis’sattemptstomoveobjectswithhismind.Idoubttheywouldhavebelievedmeanyway.

Inturn,theysharedtheirownexperiencesinLas

Vegas,andhowthetriphadtakenmymother’smindoffherfather’shealthforabit.Itwasherfirsttimeonanairplaneand,althoughshehadafearofflying,“OncewewereinsidetheJetStar,”shesaid,“Ididn’tthinktwiceaboutit.”

Myparentshadn’tbeeninsidetheirroomattheLasVegasHiltonlongbeforetherewasaknockattheirdoor.Whentheyopenedit,a

manstoodinthehallway,holdingavaseofflowershesaidwerefromElvis.Mymotherthankedhimandcarriedthevaseintotheroom.

Whensheturnedbackafterputtingtheflowersonatable,shecaughtthemaninchinghiswayintotheroom.“IsGingeryourdaughter?”hehadasked.

“Yes,”she’danswered,startled.

“AresheandElvisgoingtogetmarried?”heasked.

Onlythenhadmymotherrealizedhewasprobablyareporter,andtheflowersweren’treallyfromElvisatall.“I’msorry,”shetoldhim,“butIcan’tansweranyquestions.”

Themanhadtriedtostepinsidetheroomevenmore.“Ipracticallyhadtoclosethedooronhim!”mymotherreportednow.

Welaughedabouttheincident,butIwasuncomfortable.NeithermyfamilynorIhadanypreparationfordealingwiththepress.Ihopedthissortofthingwouldn’thappenagain.

Thatwasonehopethatwouldgounfulfilled.

“DoyouthinkIstillhaveajob?”Iaskedhernow.

“WhenIspokewiththem,theytoldmeyoudid,”shesaid.

Ibreathedasighofrelief.AtleastonesmallthingwouldstillfeelnormalnowthatIwasbackinMemphis.

Laterthatnight,Elviscalledmyhousehimselffortheveryfirsttime.Myfatheraskedtospeakwithhim.HethankedElvisforthecar,buttoldhimtheyhonestlyfeltawkwardasitwassuchalargegift.Itwasfunseeingtheexpressiononmydad’sface,becauseIcouldtell

fromhislookofshockandconfusionthatElviswaspressinghimuntilhefeltallrightaboutacceptingthecar.

WhenIgotbackontheline,Elvisinvitedmeover.

“I’lldrive,”Isaid,butElvis,alwaysthegentleman,insistedonsendingsomeonetopickmeup.

BackatGraceland,Iwasn’tinsidelongwhenElvistookmyhandandaskedmetowalkdownstairswithhim.

Ifollowedhimoutsideontotheporch,wonderingwhathewasuptonow.Iwasrapidlylearningtoexpecttheunexpected.

HeadlightssuddenlyappearedfromaroundthesideofthehouseasagorgeoussilverandmaroonCadillacSevillepulledupinfrontofus.Anaideclimbedoutofthedriver’sseat,andElvisturnedtome.“Thanksforgivin’theContinentalto

yourparents,Ginger,”hesaid.“Thisisyours.”

IhuggedElvis,understandingnowwhyhehadn’twantedmetodrivemyselftoGraceland,thenranovertoexcitedlylookovermynewcar.ItwasacustomizedversionofCadillac’snewlyintroducedSevillewithwirewheels,achromegrille,andabuilt-incitizenbandradio.

Elvisexplainedthathehad

originallyboughtthecarforhisfather.“Mydadtoldmehedidn’treallyhaveanyuseforit,”hesaid.Icouldn’thelpbutwonderifElvishadfeltalittlehurtaboutthis.

Earlythenextmorning,IdrovemyCadillachomeandsleptforalittlewhile.Mylifehadtakenacompletelynewdirection.Whetherthisdirectionwasrealandpermanent,orjustamomentaryillusion,Iknew

thatIwaswillingtotakeachanceontherelationshipIwasdevelopingwithElvis.

WhenIwoke,ImadethephonecalltoLarrythatIhadpromisedElvisIwouldmakebackwhenheaskedmetostopseeinganyoneelse.IinvitedLarrytomyhomeandmadeitclearthatwecouldn’tseeeachotheranymore.Ashardasitwastodo,IwantedtobewithElvisnowandIhadtobetruthfulaboutthat.

Thatnight,ElvisinvitedmebacktoGraceland.Ifoundhimseatedonhisbed.WhenIenteredtheroom,hemadeasurprisingannouncement.

“LindaThompsoncalledandaskedifIwasgoingtospendChristmaswithher,”hesaid.“DoyouwanttospendChristmaswithme?”

“Yes!”Iansweredwithouthesitation.

Hesmiledatme.“Good.”

Ifeltsuddenlyuncertain.WhywasLindastillcallinghim?I’dthoughthisrelationshipwithherwasover.IwashappythatElviswasinvitingmetospendChristmaswithhim,ofcourse,butwhatwouldhehavedoneif,forsomereason,I’dbeenunableto?WouldhehavespentitwithLinda?I’djustendedthingswithLarryandmadeacommitmenttoseehowthingsprogressed

withElvis.WhyhadheeventoldmeaboutLinda’scall?Didhewantmetobejealous?

Elvisseemedtobetrackingmythoughts,whichIsupposemusthaveshownonmyface,becausehepointedtothepicturesofLinda.“Whydon’tyoutakethosedown?”heinstructed.

Doingthiswouldsuremakemefeelbetter.AsIbegangatheringthephotos,

Elviswenton.“Lindaplacedthosethereawhileago,whenIwasaway,”hesaidandaskedmetoputthephotographsinhisofficebathroom.

Ihadnoideatherewasabathroomoffhisofficeatthatpoint;itwasoneroomI’dneverseen.Ionlyknewaboutthebathroomadjoininghisbedroom.

Photosinhand,Iwalkedintohisoffice,towarda

closedaccordion-styledoor.Ihadalwaysthoughtthiswasacloset.Now,slidingthedooropen,Isteppedontoafloorcoveredindeep,bubblegum-pinkshagcarpeting.Intheopenclosetfacingmehungafewitemsofwomen’sclothing.Whosewerethey?

Mystomachwasinaknot.NaiveasIwasbackthen,I’dhadnoideaawomanhadbeenstayingherewithElvis.WeretheyLinda’sthings,or

someotherwoman’s?Tomyright,makeupand

toiletrieswerescatteredacrossthecounter.Liquidmakeuphadsplatteredalongthebottomofthemirroredwallaboveit,makingmewonderiftherehadbeenasmallfightofsomekind.Avanitychairwastuckedbeneaththecounter,andontheleftwasaprofessionalsalonchairwithbuilt-inhairdryer.Besidethatwas

anothercounterwithasink.Thatwallwasalsomirrored.Aglassbath/showerstallstoodattheendofthebathroom,amistygreentoiletacrossfromit.Atelephonewasattachedtothewall.Thefinishingtouchwasatallvasefilledwithyellowandgreenfeatherplumes.

Iplacedthepicturesonthevanitychair,notknowingwhatelsetodowiththem,andwalkedout,slidingthe

doorshut.Backinthebedroom,Isat

downbesideElvis,feelingdisorientedandupset.Again,hereadmyemotionseasily.

Elvistookmyhandsinhis.“Youknow,InevercouldpicturemyselfmarriedtoLinda,”hesaid.“Shekeptaskingme,butIalwaysthoughtthatitwastheman’splacetoask.”

HeaddedthatLindahadbeenpursuingacareerin

California,saying,“PoorLinda.She’sgoneHollywood.”

Ibegantorelaxalittle.Ihadneverbeentherethoughandsaid,“IthinkitwouldbefuntoseeLosAngelesoneday.”

Elvisshotback,“YougoingtoHollywoodwouldbelikethrowingpizzatohungrylions!”

IcertainlyhadnoplanstogotoHollywoodand

appreciatedthathewasbeingprotectiveofme.Elvis’spronouncementwasalittleconfusingthough.Hollywoodhadbeensuchabigpartofhislifewhenhewasmakingmovies.DidElvisdisapproveofit?HadsomethinghappenedinHollywoodtomakehimfeelthatway?

Elvisturnedonthetelevisionandtookmyhandagain.“Youdon’thavetoworry,”hesaid.“Itoldyou

before.LindaandIareover.I’llseetoitthatthethingsinthebathroomareoutofthere.Thatbathroomshouldbeforyoutouse.”

Irelaxed.ClearlyElvisintendedformetobespendingalotmoretimeatGraceland.Iwasgladtohearit.

CHAPTER12

IhadastrongfeelingthatIwasgoingtobemoreonElvis’sschedulenowandknewthatIwouldn’tbeabletocontinueworkingandspendtimewithhim.Idrovetothedressshopandspokewiththeowneraboutleaving

myjob.Ithadbeenonlypart-timework,andIdecideditwasworthputtingmycareeronthebackburnertospendasmuchtimeaspossiblewithElvistoseehowourrelationshipdeveloped.Luckily,theownerwasunderstandingandwishedmewell.

OnethingIwantedtodowasseemygrandfather.IletElvisknowandheadedtoArkansaswithmymotherfor

aquickovernighttrip.Itfeltgoodtobedrivingalonewithher.Irarelyhadheralltomyself,evenwhenIwashome,andIalwaystreasuredourtimealonetogether.Neveronetopry,shehadalwaysbeentheretolisten.

Thistripwasnodifferent.Asthemilesflewby,wetalkedaboutwhatwashappeninginmylife.Iknewfromanearlyagethatmymotherandfatherhadalways

enjoyedElvis’smusicandhadapositiveopinionofhimasaperson.Ididn’tgetanysensethatmymotherhadanyreservationsaboutourdatingorquestionedElvis’scharacter.However,althoughIdidn’treallyfeeltheagegapbetweenElvisandmyselfmattered,IdecidedtobringitupwithherbecauseIwonderedifshehadanyconcernsaboutit.

“Iknowthere’sabigage

differencebetweenElvisandme,”Isaid,statingtheobvious,thenfellsilenttoseeifshehadanythingtosayaboutit.

Shereplied,“Iwonderedaboutthat,butIdidn’tsayanythingtoyoubecauseitdidn’tseemtomattertoyou.”

Shewasbeingdiplomatic,Irealized,anddoingthesamethingIwas:tryingtoassessmyfeelingsbeforeshegavemeanopinion.“Idon’tfeel

thatit’sanissueatthispoint,Mom,”Isaid.

Luckily,sheseemedtoagree.“Elvisdoesseemtoactlikeamuchyoungerman.Heremindsmeofsomeonemoreyourbrother’sage,”shesaid,addingthatshetrustedElvisanddidn’tfeelanyreasonnottobelievehewassincereabouthisfeelingsformeandwouldtreatmeright.“Aslongasyou’rehappy,bothyourdadandIarehappyfor

you,”shesaid.Itwaswonderfultoseemy

grandfather.Hisillnesshadn’tprogressed,andIhopedourvisittothenursinghomeliftedhisspirits.Becauseofhisageandhimhavingbeenill,itwasdifficulttosaygood-byewhenthetimecame.IhopedhewouldbewellaswelivedfarapartandIwasn’tsurehowsoonIwouldbeabletoseehimagain.

“TellElvishe’dbettertakecareofyou,”mygrandfathersaidinparting.

WhenwereturnedtoMemphis,ElviscalledandinvitedmebacktoGraceland.Uponenteringhisoffice,Inoticedthebathroomdoorwasopenand,peekinginside,Isawthatthetoiletriesweregoneandallofthewomen’sclothinghadbeenremovedfromthecloset.HadElvistakenthemout,orhadhe

askedsomeoneelsetodoit?Eitherway,Iwashappy,feelingthatthiswasabigstep.ElviswaslettingmeknowhewasseriousaboutusandcommittedtoourrelationshipasIwas.Soonafterthat,Elvisgavemehisprivatephonenumbersandbegancallingmyhousedaily.SometimesIphonedhim,butthiswasstillElvisPresley,abusyandimportantman,soIgenerallywaitedforhimto

callme.Ascloseaswewerebecoming,Istilldidn’tfeelcomfortableenoughtojustpickupthephoneonawhimandcallhim.Whatifhewasworkingorhadotherobligations?Iwantedtorespecthistimeandprivacy.

NowthatwewerebackinMemphis,IwonderedifElvismightswitchbacktoamorenormalsleeppattern,buthedidn’t.Consequently,Ialternatedbetweenhis

scheduleandmymoreordinaryhours.IsleptathomesomenightsbutmainlyfoundmyselfatGracelanduntilearlymorninghourswhenElviswenttosleep,thenI’dgohometonapduringthedaybecausetheoddhourssometimestookatollonme.

WheneverIarrivedatGraceland,AuntDeltaoroneofthemaidswouldusuallygreetmeatthefrontdoor.

ThehousekeeperswereLottieTyson,MaryJenkins,NancyRooks,andPaulineNicholson.TheyreferredtoElvisasMisterElvisorMisterP,andastimewentby,theyevenbegancallingmeMissGinger.

Onceinawhile,CharlieorBillySmithopenedthedoorandgreetedme.CharlieoccupiedaroomonthefirstfloorofGraceland.Billylivedwithhiswifeand

childreninatraileroutback.AlthoughtheywerearoundGracelandonaregularbasisalongwithaidesandafewotherfamilymembers,myfocuswasonElvis,andbecausehelikedkeepingmenearhim,Iwasn’tspendingtimealonewithanyofthematGraceland,thesameasinLasVegas.WhenIarrived,Iwastypicallytoldtogoupstairs,whereElviswouldeitherbeinhisbedroomor

Lisa’s,visitingwithotherpeopleorwatchingtelevisionalone.Isoonmetmorefamilymembersandemployees.MinnieMaePresley,VernonPresley’smother,livedinthehouseandsleptinabedroombackbythestaircase.Shewasatall,thin,sweet,soft-spokenwomanwhomElviscalledDodger.ShegothernicknamewhenElviswasyoungandthrewaballather,missingherbyafewinches.I

wasverytouchedwhenoneofthefirstthingsDodgereversaidtomewashowmuchshelovedElvis.

TishHenley,anurse,workedforDr.Nichopoulos,andherhusband,Tommy,wasacaretakeratGraceland,soIsawthemeveryonceinawhile.TishandTommybothlivedinatrailerontheproperty,asdidVernon’syoungersister,Nash.HaroldLloyd,afirstcousintoElvis,

alsoworkedatthefrontgate,likeVernon’sbrotherVester.

Infact,asIgraduallysortedoutfacesandnames,IrealizedthatElvisseemedtohavetakenontheresponsibilityofsupportingagreatmanypeople.Unclesworkedasguards,familyandfriendslivedonthegrounds,andstepbrotherswereonthepayroll.Elvis’sgenerositywaslegendary,andnowherewasitmoreevidentthanat

Gracelandwithhisextendedfamilyandfriends.

ElvismayhavehadmembersofhisfamilyandsomefriendslivinginGracelandandonthesurroundingproperty,butheseemedtopreferstayingupstairsinhispajamasandhaveothersvisithim.WhenIcametoseehim,heneverdirectlyaskedmenottowanderaroundthehouseorhangoutwiththeother

people,butIstronglysensedhewantedmetobeathisside.

Thiswasfinewithme.Ididn’tblameElvisforwantingtostayinhispajamasandbecomfortable.Theornatesuitsheworeonstagewereheavy,tight,andconstricting.Heonceshowedmerawspotsonhisbackcausedbyoneofhisstagecostumes.Healsolikedtokeepthetemperatureinhis

bedroomonthecoolersideand,whensittingwithhiminbed,Iusuallykeptablanketovermylegs.

Eveninhispajamas,though,Elvisstilllikedsomeflash.Heoftenworeablue-jeweledrobe,evenoverregularclothing.HeusedacolognecalledZizanieandNeutrogenafacesoap;eventoday,thosescentsmakemethinkofhim.

Wewouldoftensitonhis

bedandreadforhours.Sometimeswewouldtaketurnsreadingtoeachotherorsitsidebysidereadingtoourselves.Wheneverwewerereadingtoourselves,ifthetwoofushappenedtotakeabreathatthesametime,orevensighatthesamemoment,Elvisalwaysnoticed.Oncehesaid,“It’salmostasifwe’reone.”

IfIdidstartreadingalone,Elviswouldusuallyputdown

hisownbooktoseewhatIwasimmersedin,andhe’dendupaskingmeaboutit.IwasimpressedwithhisinsatiablecuriosityandappreciatedhiscontinuingeffortstobothinstructmeandfindoutwhatIwasthinking.

ElvisandIalsospenthourswatchingtelevisionandmoviesinhisbedroom.HehadthefirstBetamaxtapemachineI’deverseen,andIlovedthenoveltyofbeing

abletowatchanymovieondemand.ElvisadoredtheBritishactorPeterSellers,andgotthebiggestkickoutofSellers’sportrayalofInspectorClouseauindirectorBlakeEdwards’sPinkPantherfilms.

Wewatchedthesemoviesmanytimes,andElviswouldoftentrytosquinthiseyesthewaySellersdidandmimicSellers’sphonyFrenchaccent,sayingtheword

minkeyfor“monkey.”ElvisalsolovedtorepeatthatfamouslinefromCasablanca,“Here’slookingatyou,kid.”IwasneverboredwhileElvisandIwerewatchingtelevisionbecauseElviscouldn’twatchaTVwithouttalkingbacktoit.Ifoundthisquiteentertaining.He’doftenrepeatdialogue,andifamangotrejectedbyawomaninafilmorona

televisionshow,Elvisoftenshoutedout,“Burned!”

HelovedcomedieslikeWhat’sHappening!!andespeciallygotakickoutofacharacternamedFishplayedbyAbeVigodaontheshowBarneyMiller.ElvisfoundAbeamusing,hesaid,because“healwayslookssodisgustedwiththeworld.”

HelovedthecomedyofReddFoxx,too,andsaidthat

IshouldseehimperformliveinVegassomeday.Sadly,wewouldnevergetthechance.

Wheneverweweren’twatchingsomethingorreadingtogether,ElvisandIlistenedtomusic,orElviswouldsitattheorganandsing.InthiswayIlearnedsomethingabouthispersonalmusicaltastes.ElvisespeciallyadmiredtheAmericantenorMarioLanza,andthebaritonesingerBrook

Benton,frequentlyplayingtheiralbumsforme.Beforethat,I’donlyheardBentonsinging“TheBollWeevilSong”and“RainyNightinGeorgia,”andI’dneverknownaboutMarioLanzabefore.Iquicklygrewtoappreciatehisgreatvoice.

Whenitcametosinging,Elvisbelievedhehadbeengivenadivinegift.Inhisview,hewasamessengermeanttobringjoytoothers.

EvenbeforemeetingElvis,hisvoiceandmusichadbroughthappinesstomyfamilyforyears.OneofmyfavoritealbumswhileIwasgrowingupwasElvis’sHisHandinMine.Withgospelmusicrootedsodeeplyinhissoul,Iwasn’tsurprisedthatElviswantedtospendearlySundaymorningswatchinggospelshows.Helovedlisteningtothesingers.

WhenevertheTVwasoff,Elvislefttheradioonandtunedtoamusicstation.Musicofalmostanykindseemedtocomforthim.Asheoftentoldme,“Musicistheuniversallanguage.”

IfElviswastryingtogetmetounderstandsomethingandasonghappenedtobeplayingwithlyricsthatcorrelatedwithapointhewastryingtomake,hewouldstopandnodhisheadtowardthe

radio.“Listen,”he’dsay,“it’stalkingtoyou,”asifthesongwerebackinghimup.

Notallmusicwasforhim,though.Once,aheavy-metalsongwithashriekingguitarbegantoplayontheradio.Elvisgotuptousetherestroom,andashepassedbytheradio,hepausedforasecond,lookedatit,andsaid,“Boy,I’llbreakyourGoddamnfingers!”

Icherishedthoseearly

morningswhenitwasjustElvisandmealoneupstairsatGraceland.Ifhegotanideaforasong,he’dgoovertotheorganinhisofficeandaskmetositbesidehim.Isometimessatonthefloortogivehimmoreroomonthebench.

Elvislovedplayingaroundwiththevariousinstrumentsoundsbuiltintotheorgan.Once,heturnedonthedrumsandjoked,“Someonebetterletthatguyouttathere.”

Asthedrumbeatpoundedaway,helaughedandstartedsinging,“Youpoorworthless,foolish...foolish...fool.”

Othertimes,hewasserious,puttingagreatdealofemotionintodifferentsongsasheexperimentedwiththem.Elvissometimestriedreachingvariousnoteshethoughthenevercouldhit,too.Thrilledonetimewhenhehitanunexpectedbassnote,hesaid,“MyGod,I’ve

neversungthatlowbefore.”Theindirectlightingalong

theedgeoftheceilingsinhisbedroomandofficewasalwayson.ManytimesasIwatchedhimattheorgan,wherehewasbathedinsoftlightandlostinsong,dressedinhisjeweledrobe,I’dfeellikeonepartofmewerethereandanotherpartofmewereviewingthisscenefromadistance.Istillcouldn’tquitebelievethatIwaswithElvis,

andhearinghimsingneverceasedtobespecial.

WhileElvisandIwereupstairs,hisaidesmainlyhungarounddownstairsoncall.ThisseemedtobearelativelyundemandingjobwhenElviswasn’tontour.DeanNichopoulos,AlStrada,SteveSmith,andeitherDavidorRickyStanleyalternatedworkshifts.InolongersawElvis’sstepbrotherBillyaround.

DavidStanley,Elvis’syoungeststepbrother,calledElvisBoss.DavidwasmarriedtoayounggirlnamedAngie,whomIhadyettomeet,andsometimeswhenhewasonduty,hewouldcomeupstairstotalktoElvisabouthismaritalproblems.ElvistoldmeitbotheredhimthatDavidwasgoingthroughthis;hehadfaithinthesanctityofmarriage.Iwouldgivethem

privacyasElvistriedofferingDavidthebestadvicehecould.AsDavidbegantodothismorefrequently,however,ElvistoldmethathewasgettingfrustratedbecausenoneoftheadvicehegaveDavidseemedtobechangingthingsorhelpingDavidresolvethingsinhismarriage.

AlthoughIdidn’tseemuchofAuntDelta,herPomeranian,Edmund,had

freereinofGracelandandperiodicallywanderedaroundupstairs.CharlieoccasionallypoppedinandoutofElvis’sbedroom,usuallytellingdirtyjokes,andoftenIcouldtellhehadbeendrinking.BillySmith,Elvis’scousin,wasafrequentvisitorupstairsaswell;heandElvissharedasimilarsenseofhumor,andElvisoftencalledhimMarbleEyes.

Dr.Nichopouloshad

stoppedbyafewtimes,nervouslyjinglinghiscarkeysagainsthispantlegwhilechattingwithElvis.ElvisreferredtohimasDr.Nick,andIthoughthowniceitwastohaveyourdoctorcheckinonyou.

BeforeleavingGracelandtogohomeafterspendinganeveningwithElvis,Isometimesnoticedsleepmedicationpacketsleftforhim.Thissurprisedme

becauseElviswasn’tontour.Whywouldhehavedifficultysleepingifhewasathome?Ididn’tthinkmuchaboutthisatfirst,though;ItrustedDr.NichopoulostokeepaneyeonElvis’shealthandfeltreassuredknowingtherewasalwaysanurseontheproperty.

Elvishadtwotelephonesonhisbedsidetable.Agoldoneservedasaprivateline,theoneIcalledwhenI

phonedElvisandthatIassumedheusedwhenhecalledme.Theotherphonehadbuttonsmarkedforvariousroomsinthehouse.Bypressingabuttonmarked“kitchen,”Elviscouldrelaytothemaidswhatwewantedtoeat.Sometimesheaskedmetobetheonetocalldownstairs.Iwasn’taccustomedtogivingpeopleordersandknewitwouldtakemealittlewhiletogetusedto

it.WhenIdidrelaywhatElvisrequested,IalwaysmadesureIsaidpleaseandthankyou.

ElvishadsimpletastesinfoodandespeciallylikedLottie’scooking.Shepreparedwonderfulsteakswithspecialseasoningandhamburgerswiththeirbunssteamedinbutter,whichElviscalledLottieburgers.Onenightatdinner,IhadmyfirsttasteofCanadianbacon

withcrowderpeas,anotherofhisfavoritemeals.

IgotsousedtoourmealsbeingbroughttothebedroomthatIfounditdifficulttoimagineElvissittingatatabletoeat.Infact,duringthemanymonthswespenttogether,thatwassomethingIwouldneverwitness.

•••

Oneevening,wellpast

midnight,Iwashomewithmyfamilyandfastasleepwhenarumbleinthedistancewokeme.Ourdogsbeganbarking,andtherumblingsoundslowlybecamemoreofaroar,growinglouderandlouderuntilitfinallystoppednearby.

Frommybedroom,Ihearddoorsinsideourhomeopening.Terry,whosharedaroomwithme,satupinbed.“What’sthat?”sheasked.

Webothputonrobesandwentintotheden.Shortly,ourmom,Rosemary,andfatherappeared.Mydadwenttothefrontdoorandopenedit.Meanwhile,Ipeekedoutofourmusicroomwindowtoseewhatwasgoingon.Therewerenostreetlightsinourneighborhoodanditwaspitch-blackoutside.

Myfatherturnedonourfrontporchlightandsteppedoutsidewhileweanxiously

watchedhimfrominsidethedoorway.Thesoundofrustlinginthegrassdrewourattention.

Ashadowyfigureemergedoutofthedarknessandintothelight.Itwasamotorcyclistcladinblackleather.Itwasn’tuntilhesteppedontotheporchandremovedhisshinyblackhelmetthatIsawitwasElvis!

AlStradastoodbehind

him.IhadneverseenElvistravelanywherewithoutanentourage,soIfiguredtheremustbebodyguardswaitingaroundthecorner,unseen.ButonlyElvisandAlcameinside,andElvistookaseatonthesofainourden.JustwhenIhadbeenthinkingthisincrediblemancouldn’tsurprisememorethanhealreadyhad,hesucceeded.HerewasElvisatmyhouse!NotatGraceland,notinan

arena,notinahotelpenthouse,butsittinginourdenlikehewasaneighborfromdownthestreet!

ThiswasthefirsttimeElvishadseenanyoneinmyfamilysinceLasVegas.Wewereallsostunnedtohavehimshowupatourhouselikethis,atsuchalatehour,thatwedidn’teventhinkaboutgettingoutofourpajamas.Elvisdidn’tsayawordabouthowlateitwas.Luckily,it

wasaweekend,andneitherofmyparentshadtogetupforworkthenextday,butIdoubtedElvishadthoughtaboutthat.Thiswasmyboyfriendandmyparentscouldn’thelpthathekeptoddhours.ThefactthiswasElvis,alsogavehimalittlemorelatitude.Afterwe’dchattedforafewminutes,ElviseventuallybegantalkingwithmymotherabouttheBible.Shebroughtoutthelarge,

worn,familyBiblesheoftenusedtoreadtous.Elviswentoverafewpassages,directingmostofhiscommentstomymother,andaskedifhecouldwriteinsidetheBible.

“No,Idon’tmind,”mymothersaid.Icouldtellhehadpiquedherinterest.

Elviswrotethewordaskabovethetitle“Genesis,TheFirstBookofMoses,”andthenbeganreadingaboutGodcreatingheavenandearth.He

underlinedcertainlinesandwrotedownafewwords,dissectingthemashehaddoneoncebeforewithheronthephone,shortlyafterourreturnfromLasVegas.HethenmovedonandbeganunderliningversesintheBookofRevelation.

Thevisitlastedquiteawhile,andIlovedseeingElvisenjoyinghimselfwithmyfamily.Itwasamuchmorerelaxedandintimate

settingforusalltobetogetherthanithadbeeninLasVegas.IwashappythatmyparentswerefinallygettingthechancetowitnessalittleofElvis’sspiritualquestandtoseehimasIhadoverthepastweeks,asamanwhowasbright,interesting,andcharming.

Neardawn,Elvisdecideditwastimetogoandwenttouseourrestroom.Alhadbeensittingquietlyintheroom

withus.Nowmyparentsaskedhimalittleabouthimself.Alsaidthathewasn’tthathappywithhisjob,butsaidhewasworkingtohelpsupporthismotherinLosAngeles.IunderstoodhowAl’sjobcouldsometimesbedifficult.Elviswantedothersaroundhimtopickupandgowheneverandwherever.Hewantedtohavehisemployeesathisbeckandcall.HearingAltalk

remindedmethat,evennow,AlwasatworkforElvis.Beingatmyhomewasapaidjob!Icouldseewherenightslikethiswouldn’tnecessarilybefunorexcitingforanaide.

WhenElvisreturned,Ifollowedhimoutside.“Thankyouforcomingover,”Isaidaswewalkedtogethertowardhismotorcycle.“Yourbikeisbeautiful.”

“I’lltakeyouforaridesometime,”hesaid.

Then,strappinghishelmetbackon,Elvisclimbedontohismotorcycle.Algotintoawaitingcar.Istoodonthelawntowatchthemleave,smilingasIwatchedElvisrideoffintothenight.

•••

AfewdaysbeforeChristmas,ElvisaskedifIwouldhelphimshopforhisrelatives.HehadarrangedforGoldsmith’s

DepartmentStoreinMemphistoreopenafterpublichours.Goldsmith’swaslocatedintheSouthlandMall,notfardownthestreetfromGraceland.Elvis’scousinPatsyGambillandabodyguardaccompaniedus.

Asweturnedintothemall’sparkinglot,weweregreetedbyapoliceofficerwaitinginhiscar.OneofthemallsecurityguardsopenedthedoortoGoldsmith’swhile

thepoliceofficerwaitedoutside.

Itfelteerietowalkthroughthedepartmentstore,emptynowexceptforusandafewsalesclerkspatientlywaitingforthisoneshopper.IhadbeeninGoldsmith’smanytimes,butthiswasshoppingElvis-styleandcompletelydifferent.

WehadbeeninthestoreforonlyafewmomentswhenElvissaidhe’dliketobuyme

somenightgownsandrobes.Iwassurprisedthathewantedtobuysomethingformeandbytheintimatenatureofthegifts.IfollowedElvisandtheguardtothelingeriedepartment,whereIbrowsedthroughthesleepwearwhilethemenmadesmalltalkcloseby.

Duringtheirchat,Elvisaccidentallyreferredtomeonceas“Sheila.”Hequicklycaughthimselfandsaid,

“Ginger.”WhenIhastilyturned

around,wonderingwhoSheilawas,Elvisglancedatmewitha“sorryaboutthat”look.

Thisthrewmeforamoment,butIwentbacktoshopping.ItwasonlymuchlaterthatIlearnedElvishaddatedawomannamedSheilaRyanforafewyears,notlongbeforemeetingme.

Iselectedsome

nightgownsandrobes,thenfollowedElvisovertothefurcoatsection,wherehebeganlookingthroughthecoats.HeseemedtoknowwhathelikedandIstartedtofeellikehedidn’treallyneedmealongashepickedoutacoatandhadPatsytryiton.

Lookingthroughafewmore,Elvissingledoutablack-and-whiteminkandonemoremadeofwhiterabbitfur.Heaskedmetotry

themonsohecouldseeiftheywouldfitsomeofhisrelatives.Islippedintoeachcoatandturnedaround,brieflymodelingthemwhileElviswatchedandmulledthemover.HethenpurchasedallofthecoatswhileIbrowsedcloseby.

BackatGraceland,ElvisgavePatsythecoatshehadtriedonandIknewElvis’sotherrelativeswouldbepleasantlysurprisedbythe

giftshehadwaitingforthem.IwonderedifhewasthisgenerouswithhisfamilyeveryChristmas,anddecidedheprobablywas.Elviswashisfamily’srealSantaClaus.Infact,I’dbeguntoseethateverydaywithElviscouldfeellikeChristmas.

IleftGracelandshortlyaftersunrise.Onthewayhome,IwonderedwhatIcouldgiveElvisfortheholidaysthathedidn’t

alreadyhave.Icouldn’tpossiblyrepayhiminkindforthegenerousgiftshe’dgivenmyfamilyandme.

Atfirst,becauseofeverythingwe’dbeenreading,Iconsideredhavingaspecialturbanmadewithalargestoneinitscenter,butIdidn’tthinkI’dhaveenoughtime.Iwenttosleepforawhile,stillponderingideas,andlaterwentshoppingwithRosemary.

Inanearbymall,Ifinallypurchasedagoldchainnecklacewithalargecrossmadeoutofagemstonecalledtiger’seye.ItwasasimplegiftcomparedtomostofElvis’sjewelry,butIlikeditandhopedhewould,too.

Thatnight,Elviscalledtoonceagaininvitemetohelphimchoosecoatsforsomerelatives.IwenttoGraceland,andfromthere,forthefirsttime,Igottorideinhis

Ferrari.Thebodyguard,Sam,squeezedintothebackseatwithElvis’scousinBillyandBilly’swife,Jo.IsatinthepassengerseatwithElvisatthewheel.

SoonwewerezoomingalongontheexpresswaytowarddowntownMemphis.ElvisdroveataspeedIhadneverdaredtodrive.Itwasscary,yetexhilarating.Ineverdoubtedhisabilitytohandlethecar.

Weflewpastaparkedpolicecar.Luckily,forsomereasontheofficerdidn’tpursueus.IwonderedifherecognizedElvis’sFerrari.Asfastasweweregoing,Idoubtthepolicecouldhavecaughtusanyway.

Arrivingdowntown,ElviswheeledintotheparkinglotofastorecalledKingFursandcametoaquickstop.Relieved,Iopenedthedoorandgotout,releasingthe

othersfromtheirconfinementinthebackseat.AsSamstartedtogetout,hemadeacomicalsuctionnoise,pretendingtoremovehisfingersfromthetightgriphe’dhadonthebackofmyseat.Ilaughed,butIwassurehe’dexperiencedthatkindofridewithElvisbefore.

Insidethestore,Elvis’sattentionwentstraighttoafull-lengthwhiteminkcoathangingonarackintheback.

Heaskedthesalespersontopullitoutandwantedmetotryiton.

Whilehiscousinsandbodyguardstoodaround,Isteppedinfrontofathree-waymirrorandslippedintothisincrediblecoat.InthereflectionIcouldseeElvis,nowseatedinachairbehindme,watchingandlookingquitepleased,withagreatbigsmile.Thesalespersonhandedmeawhiteminkhat,

andwhenIliftedmyhairtotuckupunderit,Elvisjumpedupandwalkedtowardme.Puttinghishandonthebackofmyneck,inachildlikevoicehesaid,“Nowletmeseethatneck...nowthat’sachickenneck!”

HewasclearlygettingakickoutofteasingmeandIhadtolaugh.Laterhewouldtellme,“I’mself-consciousaboutmyownneck.It’stoothin.That’swhymy

jumpsuitsandshirtsaredesignedwithhighcollars.”

Elvispurchasedthewhiteminkcoatandhatwithoutbotheringtolookatanythingelse.Onthewayoutthedoor,hetoldmetheyweremine.Astonished,Ithankedhim.Itwasclearhehadn’tgoneouttonighttoshopforanyoneelsebutme.

Hewavedahand.“Iwishthey’dhadafull-lengthblackoneforme,”hesaid.Hadthe

salespersonheardhim,I’msuretheclerkwouldhavebentoverbackwardtofindone.

Thefiveofusreturnedtothecar,whereElvispeeledoutoftheparkinglotwithmeholdingonfordearlife,smilingatmynewnickname,ChickenNeck.Itwasn’tglamorous,butitwasmine.

BackatGraceland,Elviswentintothedressingareaofhisbathroomandreturned

withthetwocoatshehadpurchasedthepreviousnight.HeaskedmetotakeoffthecoatIwaswearingand,whenIdid,heputoneofthecoatsaroundmyshoulders,givingmeasoftkissonmyneck.

“Theseareyours,too,”hesaid.

Iwasdazedbytheextravagance.Whatabouthisrelatives?Wasthishisplanallalong?Ihadnevergivenanythoughttoowningafur

coat,andnowIhadseveral.Noquestionaboutit:Elvislikedtodothingsbig.Hecouldn’tjustgivemeonecoat;hehadtogivemethree!

“Thankyou,Elvis,they’rereallybeautiful,”Isaid,simply,forwhatmorecouldIsay?Thishadbeenanotheroneofhisplansandhewasbeaming.

Caughtupinthemomentandobviouslyproudofwhathehaddone,Elvissuddenly

wantedmetocallmyfamilyandinvitethemovertoseewhathe’dgivenme.

ItwasaftermidnightwhenIcalledhomebutIknewthatmyfamilywouldbeokaywithlate-nightcallscomingfromGraceland.ItwasallpartofthisnewadventurewewerehavingwithElvisasourguide.IspokewithmymotherandtoldherthatElvishadsomethinghe’dliketoshowthefamily.Iknew

they’dbecuriousbutonlymymotherandRosemarywereabletocomeover.ElvisaskedmetolayallthreecoatsoutonhisbedandsoIcarefullyarrangedthemonhisbedspread.WhenRosemaryandmymomarrived,heinvitedthemupstairs.Ofcoursetheyexclaimedoverhowbeautifulthefurswere.Mymotherwaswowedbecausethiswasherveryfirstlookinside

Graceland.ElvisgraciouslytookheronabrieftourwhileRosemaryandIwaitedinhisbedroom.

Whentheyreturned,wefollowedElvisintohisoffice,wherehesangandplayedtheorganforallofus.Notlongafterward,amanwalkedintotheroom.I’dneverseenhimbefore.Elvissaidhelloandthetwoofthemdisappearedintothedressingareaofhisbathroom.Iwonderedifhe

wastalkingbusiness.ForElvis,theworldwasawakewheneveryoneelsewasasleep,soIknewthatwaspossible.

Giventhelatehour,mymotherandRosemarytoldmetheydidn’twanttooverstaytheirwelcome.Theypreparedtoleave.Elvisreappearedbeforelong,however,andmymotherthankedhimforinvitingthemoverandsaidtheyshouldbe

going.Wehadallstartedwalking

downstairswhenElvisstoppedmidwayonthestaircaseandsaid,“Oh,Ialmostforgotsomething.”Heopenedhishand.

Inhispalmglitteredtwodiamondrings.“Youwon’tfindtheseinaCrackerJackbox,”heteased,handingmymotherandRosemaryeacharing.

TheystaredatElvis,

speechlessforamoment.Thenmymothershookherhead.“Elvis,I’msorry,butwecan’t—”shebegan,butElviscutheroff.

“Mrs.Alden,IreallywantyouandRosemarytohavethese,”heinsisted.

IhadalreadylearnedthattherewasnoforcethatcouldmatchElviswhenhewasintentonbeinggenerous.Mymotherandsisterfinallyrealizedthatandgraciously

thankedhim.Iwastouchedbyhis

gestureandwonderedifthestrangerwhohadarrivedhadbroughttherings.Isawmymotherandsistertothefrontdoor,thentookElvis’shandasweheadedupstairs,thinkingI’dnevermetanothermansojoyfulandenthusiasticaboutsharingthebountyofhislifewitheveryonearoundhim.

Ieventuallywenthometo

getsomesleep,butwhenIwokethatafternoon,Elviscalledandtoldmehewantedtogethisdadanewcar.Apparentlyhisgenerousmoodhadlastedthroughthenight.“Wouldyoucomewithmetolookforone?”

“Ofcourse,”Isaid.IdrovebacktoGraceland,

andtogetherwewenttoalocaldealership.Itdidn’ttakelongforElvistodecideonafour-doortruckforhisfather.

Hiskindnessdidn’tstopthere.Elvisalsoboughtanewcarforoneofthedealership’semployeesbeforeweleft.Asalways,thecombinationofbeingabletosurprisepeopleandgivethemmagnificentgiftsneverfailedtoputasmileonElvis’sface.Hewantedtomakepeoplehappyandwowthemwhiledoingit.

•••

LisaflewtoMemphistospendtheholidaysatGraceland,whereshedividedhertimebetweenElvisandplayingwiththechildrenofSandyMiller,TishHenley,andBillySmith.Iwasstillanewpersoninherfather’slifeandshewasalittlequietaroundmeatfirst,butIfeltconfidentwe’dgettoknoweachotherbetterovertime.DuetoElvis’snearlyreversedsleeppatterns,he

allowedLisatostayupquitelate,buthewasagreatdad.Heespeciallylovedtuckingherintobed,oftensayingtome,“Let’sgosaygoodnighttoLisa.”

OnChristmasEve,IwaswatchingtelevisionwithElvisinhisbedroomandlefttousetherestroom.TheTVwasoffwhenIcamebackandElvisseemedabsorbedinreadingabook.

AsIwaswalkingaround

thefootofhisbed,Inoticedsparklinglightsdancingallalongthewallsandceiling.Ilookedtowardtheheadboardandsawabeautifuldiamondnecklacewithmatchingwatchandbraceletproppeduponmypillow.Thebedsidelighthadbeenturneditswayandwasaimeddowntoshineonthejewelry.

Icaughtmybreath.Ihadreceivedsomanyincrediblegiftsalreadyandwasn’t

expectinganythingforChristmas.Elvispretendedtoreadforafewmoreseconds.Thenheglancedupfromhisbookandjoked,“Iwishithadbeendesignedforaman,becauseIwouldhaveboughtitformyself.”

Takingthejewelryfrommypillow,Ileanedovertohughim.Onceagain,Iwantedtotellhimthiswastoomuch.However,nowthatwewerecloser,Iunderstood

Elviswouldbehurt,orevenalittleangry,ifsomeoneturneddownagiftfromhim—especiallyifthegiftwassomethinghe’dputalotofthoughtandeffortintochoosingandhowhewouldpresentit.

Still,Itried.“Thisreallyisn’tnecessary,Elvis,”Iprotested.“You’vealreadygivenmethecoats,andIfeelbadbecauseIdon’thaveyourgiftwithme.”I’dbeen

preparedtogiveittohimonChristmasDay.

Beforehecouldrespond,Lisacamein.ShesatonthebedinfrontofusandElvisturnedtheTVbackon.Lisabeganwatchingitwithus.Elvislovinglyobservedherforamomentandthentappedmeontheshoulder,motioningformetowatchLisaassheperiodicallyglancedabouttheroomandbackatthetelevision,

oblivioustothetwoofus.“Wehavethesamelookin

oureyes,”Elvissaidsoftly.Isettledagainstthe

pillows,thinkingitwastouchingthathesawhimselfinhisdaughter.

ThehousewasquietearlyonChristmasmorning.Lisawasstillasleep,andbecauseElviswasgoingtobed,ItoldhimIwouldgoseemyfamily,exchangegiftswiththem,andbringhispresent

backwithmelaterintheday.IalsohadasmallsilverbracelettogiveLisa.

Ivisitedwithmyfamilyathome,thenreturnedtoGraceland.IexpectedtoseeElvisasIusuallydid,relaxedanddressedinpajamas,withhishairabitmussed.WhenIreturnedthistime,however,hewassittinginhisbedroomdressedinniceclothesandwithhishairstyled.

Isatbesidehimonthe

bed.“MerryChristmas,”Isaid,andhandedhimhisgift.Asheunwrappedthenecklace,Iheldmybreath.

Elvistookthecrossoutofthebox,lookedatme,andsmiled.“Iloveit,”hesaidandallmyfearsdisappeared.Hethenaskedmetofastenitaroundhisneck.

VernonandSandycameoverlaterthatevening,andwemetwiththeminthedressingareaofElvis’s

bathroom.Isatonthebed,surroundedbyElvis’sclothing,whileElvistookacoupleofnearbychairsandplacedthemacrossfrommeforhisdadandSandy.Asthefourofuswerevisiting,LisajoinedusandIwasabletogivehermysmallgift,too.

Ifanykindoftraditionalgift-givingritualhappenedaroundthetreeatGraceland,itmusthavehappenedbeforeIgotthere,becauseElvis

seemedtotallycontenttostayupinhisbedroomandspendthispartofChristmasdaywithme.Wewatchedtelevision,talked,andvisitedwithLisa.

AftertuckingLisaintobedthatnight,ElvisandIwentbackintothebedroomandIthankedhimagainformybeautifulgifts.

“Ilikewomeninfurs,”Elvissaid,andtoldmehe’donceboughtachild-sizemink

coatforLisa,buthisex-wife,Priscilla,didn’twanthertowearitandreturnedit,thinkingitwastooextravagantfortheirdaughter.

Elvis’sfamilydidn’thavemuchmoneywhenhewasgrowingup,andIfeltthatwaspartofthereasonhewantedtospoilLisaandmanyoftheotherpeoplehelovedwithsuchextravagance.However,I

coulddefinitelyunderstandhisex-wife’spoint.Whatchildneededaminkcoat?Ontheotherhand,howmanychildrenhadElvisasafather?

SinceElvisseemedsensitiveaboutthereturnedgift,Ichosenottosayanything.Hisimpulsehadbeenagenerousone,andIdidn’twanttoaddtoanyhurtfeelings.

CHAPTER13

Elvis’snexttourwasscheduledtostartDecember27inWichita,Kansas,andwouldendonNewYear’sEveinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania.Iwaslookingforwardtoit.AlthoughI’dflownfromSanFranciscoto

AnaheimandintoLasVegaswithElvis,thiswouldbemyfirsttimetoreallygetthefeelofbeingontheroadwithhim.

WhileIwashomepacking,LarryGellerhadflowninandgivenElvismorereligiousbooks.ElvisgavesomecopiestomewhenIreturnedtoGraceland,andIwashappytobeincluded.Ihadbeguntoenjoyourritualofreadingtogetherand

talkingaboutthevariousideasthatwefoundintriguinginthesebooks.IwasalsogladtofindElvisrestedandreadytogo.Vernon,Sandy,andLisawerecoming,too,soIthoughtElviswouldbeevenmoreinspiredtoperform.

Whileothersrushedaroundpreparingforourdeparture,IremainedupstairswithElvisandLarry,lookingoversomeofthenewbooks.Itwasobviousfromlistening

tothementalkthatElvisandLarryhadbeenstudyingspiritualmaterialforquiteawhile.Becauseoftheirextensivesharedknowledgeaboutreligionandphilosophy,Iwasn’tabletocontributemuchtotheconversation;however,Idefinitelyfoundthedialoguethought-provokingeventhoughIknewitwouldtakemetime—maybeyears—tomakesenseofthedifferent

philosophiesthatfascinatedElvis.

Later,IwouldseethatElviswasn’tsimplyonaspiritualquest,butstrivingtobroadenhisgeneralknowledgeaswell.Manytimesontour,hewouldasksomeonetoholdadictionaryandchallengehimwithwordstospellordefine.

•••

DuringElvis’sconcertinWichita,hesatbehindthepianoandplayedabeautifulsongtitled“UnchainedMelody.”I’dneverhearditbeforeandlovedit,feelingthesong’slyricsaboutloveandlongingspoketothedeep,soulfulconnectionbetweenElvisandme.LarryGellertoldmelaterthatithadbeenquiteawhilesincehe’dseenElvissitatthepianoandperformthewayhedidthat

night.Despitethepaceand

demandsofhavingtotravelfromonecitytothenext,onthistourElvisseemedfreeofthehealthproblemsthathadplaguedhiminLasVegasandhewasinagreatmood.Hisvoicewasinfineshapeaswell,andhisoverallimprovedstatewasreflectedinthequalityofhisperformances.

Otherpeoplenoticedthis

aswell.IhappenedtobestandingbesideLarrybeforeoneshowandheleanedoverandsaid,“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redoing,butwhateveritis,keepdoingit.”

Hearingthiscertainlywasanegoboost,butwhetherElvisfeltbetterbecauseofourrelationshipornot,itwaswonderfultoseehimdoingwell.Iwasalsoextremelyhappytoseethat,duringhisshows,Elviscontinuedto

wearthenecklaceI’dgivenhim.

Elvisseemedattunedtomypresenceevenwhenhewasbusyperforming.WhilehewasonstageinBirmingham,Alabama,IwasdeeplytouchedwhenElvisloweredhisheadtowardthemicrophoneandsaid,“I’mgonnadothissongforyou,sweetheart,”thensang,“TheFirstTimeEverISawYourFace.”

Speakingtomedirectlyinthemiddleofthesong,heinterjected,“Listentome,”andthen,“Yougottalistentome.”Elvissangthesongbeautifully,andIwasfallingevermoredeeplyinlovewithhim.

Noteverythingwentsmoothlyonthattour,though.Elviswasstillworriedabouthisfather’shealth,especiallyontheroad,andperiodicallymade

commentstomeaboutit.Unfortunately,myattentionwasfracturedbypersonalconcernsofmyown,aftercheckinginwithmyfamilyandlearningthatmygrandfatherwasnowexperiencingcomplicationsduetopneumonia.

WewereinAtlanta,Georgia,onDecember30.ItriedtorestbeforeElvis’sshowthatnight,butIwashavingtroublesleepingand

wokeshortlyafter2P.M.IstartedthinkingaboutmygrandfatherandtossedandturnedwhileElvisslept.FinallyIdecidedtoplaceacalltomyparents,whowereathisnursinghome,toseehowmygrandfatherwasdoing.

Whenmymothercameontheline,Icouldtellshe’dbeencrying.“Grandpapassedawayabouttenminutesago,”shesaid.

“I’msorry,Mom,”ImanagedaroundthelumpinmythroatasIheardthepaininhervoice.

Hadmyurgetocallherbeenapremonitionormerelyacoincidence?Mymothertoldmeshe’djustbeendiscussingwhentohavethefuneralwithourrelatives.“WewerethinkingofhavingitonJanuarythird,”shesaid.

AwaveofsorrowwashedovermewhenIhungup.It

wasreallyimpossibleformetosleepnow,butIdidn’twanttodisturbElvis,soIlayquietlybesidehim.Whenhewokeup,Itoldhimthesadnews.

Veryconcerned,Elviswantedtohelpinsomeway.Hecalledmymother,gaveherhiscondolences,andsaid,“Iwantyourfathertohavethenicestcasketpossible.”Heevenofferedtopayhisfuneralexpenses.

Mymotherthankedhim,butsaidmygrandfatherhadsetasidemoneytopayforhisownfuneral.Everythinghadbeenprearranged.TheirconversationendedwithElvisassuringherIwouldbeatthefuneral.

DuringElvis’sshowthatnight,Icouldn’tshakemylingeringsadness.Ifeltsosorryformymom.Ialsofeltterribleaboutnothavingbeenabletoseemygrandfather

onemoretimetosaygood-bye.

Elviswasintunewithmyemotions.WhilewewereflyingintoPittsburghforhisnextconcert,heencouragedmetotalkaboutmygrandfatherbyaskingmequestions.Isharedafewfamilymemoriesand,tomysurprise,foundmyselflaughingwithElvis.Iwasglad.IknewthatElvishadashowcomingupandIdidn’t

wantmygrieftoaffecthismood.Iputonabravefrontandwasdeterminedtokeepasmileonmyface.

WestayedattheHiltoninPittsburgh.Thenextevening,IwasgettingreadyforElvis’sshowwhenhecalledmeintohisroom.Twoofhisstagecostumeswereonhisbed,onewithmulticoloredbluestripesandtheotherwiththeimageofablackeagleonitsfrontandback.

“WhichonedoyouthinkIshouldwear?”heasked.

Iwasflattered.He’dneverwantedmyopinionabouthisstageoutfitsbefore.SinceitwasNewYear’sEveandnotanordinarynight,Ipointedtothejumpsuitwiththeeagle,thesymbolofAmerica.

Beforeweleft,Elvisaskedmetowearmyfull-lengthwhiteminkcoatandmatchinghat.Iputthemon,comfortednotbythecoat,but

bythefactthatElvishadearlierliftedmyspiritsandwasdoingeverythinghecouldtoshowhowmuchhecaredaboutme.

TheatmosphereinthePittsburghCivicArenawassuperchargedwhenwearrived.PeoplewerereadytocelebrateNewYear’sEvewithElvis,andtheirexcitementbuoyedmyspirits.ChairshadbeenplacedononesideofthestageforLisa,

Vernon,Sandy,andme,butLisachosetositinmylapduringtheconcert.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundher,happytohaveherclose.

Elvis’sperformancethatnightwasenergeticandnothingseemedtobehurtinghim.Soonaftertheconcertstarted,heintroducedhisfather,thenLisa.IhelpedLisastandsootherscouldseeher.

Asheeventuallytooka

seatatthepiano,Elvissaid,“Iwanttodedicatethissongtomydaddy,Lisa,andGinger.”Heproceededtoplay“UnchainedMelody.”Asalways,Elvis’svoiceandthosehauntingsonglyricstouchedmysoul.

Itwasafantasticshow.TheeveningwasmadeevenbetterwhenwereturnedtotheHiltonandElvisreceivedaphonecallfromPresidentJimmyCarter,whowanted

ElvistoserveasaspecialadvisertotheyouthofAmerica.Bytheproudlookonhisfaceandtheexcitementinhisvoice,IcouldseehowhonoredandtouchedElvisfeltbyPresidentCarter’srequest,andIwasthrilledforhim.

•••

BeingontheroadwithElviswasamazing,theexperience

madeevenmoresurrealbecauseweweretravelingfromcitytocityandfromhoteltohotel.Everymorning,I’dhavetoremindmyselfwhereIwaswhenIwokeup.

OnthewaybacktoMemphis,Elvistoldmehe’dhaveasix-weekbreakfromperforming.Hewascomingdownfromtheexcitementofthetour,hismoodevenlowerbecauseLisawasgoingbacktohermotherinLosAngeles.

Still,oncewe’dreturnedtoGraceland,Icouldn’tstaylong,either,sinceIhadtoattendmygrandfather’sfuneral.

“Wouldyoulikemetogowithyou?”ElvisofferedasIwasleaving.

Iwasastonished.ElvishadjustfinishedatourandIknewhemustbeexhausted.“Aren’tyoutired?”Iasked.

Heshookhishead.“I’dliketobethere.”

IfeltverymovedthatElviswouldmaketimetosupportme.MyplanshadbeentodrivefromMemphistoArkansaswithmysiblings,butnowIwasstymied.IfElviscame,therewouldn’tbeenoughroominthecar.Maybemybrothershouldtakehiscar,too.Butthentherewerehisbodyguards:IhadyettoseeElvisgosomewherewithoutone.

OnceIwasbackathome,

Iphonedmyparents,relayingthenewsthatElviswouldbecomingtothefuneralwithme.MyparentsinformedusthattheweatherinArkansaswasn’tgood,andonJanuary2,thecityofMemphiswaswallopedwithaterriblesnowandicestorm.

IcalledElvis.“Idon’tthinkwe’regoingtomakeittothefuneral,”Isaid,worried.“Theweather’ssobad.”Elviswouldn’tletthat

fazehim.“IfIhavetocallthepresident,”hesaid,“I’llseethatyoumakeittoyourgrandfather’sfuneral.”

“Elvis,howisthisgoingtowork?”Iasked.

Hewassilentforaminute,thensaid,“We’reallgoingtoflyinontheJetStar.I’msendingsomeonetoescortyoutoGraceland.”

Itwasclosetomidnight.Iphonedmybrother,tellinghimtobringhisfamilyover

tomyhouse.Beforelong,therewasaknockatourdoor.

Iopenedit,expectingtoseeoneofElvis’semployees,butinsteadrecognizedthemanstandingonourfrontporchasourlocalsheriff,GeneBarksdale.Thebrightflashinglightsoffivepolicecarsilluminatedthenightskybehindhim.

Thesheriffintroducedhimself.“I’mheretotakeyouandyourfamilyto

Graceland,”hesaid.Thiswasourescort?

SheriffBarksdalesteppedinside,alongwithseveraldeputies,eachmanremovinghishatashecrossedourthreshold.Icouldn’thelpsmiling,thinkingthatElviswasprobablychucklingtohimselfrightaboutnow,asheimaginedtheshockedexpressiononthefacesofmeandmysiblings.

MyfamilyandIgathered

afewbelongings,enteredthepolicecars,andslowlymadeourwaytoGracelandinacaravan.ElviswaswaitinginthefoyerwithCharlie,Lamar,hisstepbrothers,aides,bodyguards,andJoe.TheywereallpreparedtogowithusontheJetStar.Havingjustcomefromatour,Iknewthesemencouldn’tbetoohappyaboutthisnewtravelplan,especiallygiventheweather.

ElvistoldmethattherunwaysatMemphisAerowerebeingdeicedsowehadtowaitalittlewhile.Heinvitedthesheriffandhisdeputiesinsideforcoffee.Rightbeforethepoliceleft,ElvispresentedSheriffBarksdalewithagunfromhispersonalcollection.

IintroducedElvistomybrother’sdaughters,AmberandAllison.Ashelookedoverthehugegroupofpeople

he’dassembled,Elvisrealizedtherewouldn’tbeenoughroomforeveryoneontheJetStar.HeendedupcharteringaLearjetoutofNashvilletoflyintoMemphisformybrother,hisfamily,andafewothers.

Beforelong,IwasintheairwithElvisonhisplane,alongwithmysistersandafewmorefromtheentourage.Ourflightwasturbulentenoughthatsomeoftheguys

periodicallyvoicedaconcern.AswewereflyingintoHarrison,Arkansas,theJetStarapproachedtherunway,butwedidn’tlandbecausetheconditionsweretoorough.Milomadeasecondattempt.

Mostofuswereuptight,saveElvis,whocalmlytoldeveryonenottoworry.Deepdown,Ididn’treallythinkanythingbadwouldhappen,either,becausewewerewith

him.DuringmytimewithElvis,Ihadbeguntobelievehetrulywasspecial,andthatGodwasn’tgoingtoletanythinghappentohim.

Duetoiceandsnow,theJetStarskiddedabitwhenfinallytouchingdown,butwearrivedsafely.MilocamebackfromthecockpitandinformedElvisthathehadtoldthepilotofmybrother’splanetogoninetymilesnorthintoSpringfield,Missouri,

becauseoftheweather.Milofelttheirplanewouldn’thavethebrakingpowertheJetStardidtolandonthisshorterrunway.

Myparentswerewaitingforusasweexitedtheplane.“Mrs.Alden,I’mverysorryaboutyourfather,”Elvissaidwarmlywhenhegreetedmymother.ShethankedhimandhethensenttheJetStartoSpringfieldtopickupmybrother,hisfamily,andthe

others.Rentalcarswerewaiting

foreveryone.WefollowedmyparentstoaRamadaInn,wheretheywerestayingwithsomeotherrelatives.Elvishadreservedafewroomsfortherestofus.MysiblingsandIgatheredwithmyparentsintheirroom.IvisitedwiththemforawhileandthenjoinedElvisinhisroom.Elvishadbroughtbooksandhisjeweledrobewithhim;

nowheputontherobeandsatonthebed,wherewereadtogether,talked,andrestedforafewhours.

Theservice,scheduledfor10A.M.,wouldtakeplaceinasmallcommunitycalledMountShermantwenty-fivemilesaway.IknewthisrelativelyearlymorningstarttimewouldthrowElvisoffhisusualscheduleandhopeditwouldn’tprovetoodifficultforhim.

WhenElvisorderedbreakfast,Ibecameincreasinglyconcernedaboutourtiming.Itwasalmosttimeforustogetreadytoleavefortheservice,andElvisdidn’tseemtobeinanyhurry.AlStradaeventuallybroughtourfood.ElvisturnedontheTVandthetwoofusbeganeating.Suddenlytherewasaknockonthedoor.Alopeneditandmymotherwasstandingoutside.

“Thestatepolicehavemadeanextraefforttomaketheroadtothefuneralmorepassable,”shesaid.Then,noticingElvisinhisrobeandourbreakfastinfrontofus,shegentlyremindedusofthetime,andsaiditwasquiteadrivetotheservice.

ThiswasenoughtonudgeElvisintofastgear.Wefinishedeatingand,asvariousmembersofhisentouragebegancheckingin

withhim,Ileftsohecouldgetready.

Itwascoldoutside.Iputonmylongwhiteminkcoat,thenjoinedmyfamily,waitingforElvis.Beforelong,hesteppedoutofhisroomwithafewbooksinhand,wearingadark,high-collaredcoatandbluescarfaroundhisneck.

MyparentshaddriventheirLincolnContinentaltoHarrison.Nowtheyofferedit

toElvis,tellinghimtheywouldtakeoneoftherentalcars.“That’sfine,”Elvissaid.

Charlie,David,andRickytookthebackseatoftheLincolnwhileElvisandIsatupfront.WithJoebehindthewheel,wepulledoutoftheparkinglotandheadedtowardtheMt.ShermanAssemblyofGodChurch.

Theweatherconditionswerestilltreacherous.Theridewasslowalongthetwo-

lane,ice-andsnow-coveredroadandgrewworseasweenteredNewtonCounty,wheretheareabecamehillyandtheroadmorewinding.

WefinallyreachedthesmalltownofJasper,turnedontoanothernarrowroad,andbeganourascentupthesnow-coveredmountaintowardthechurch.TheroadlookedsoslipperythatIcouldn’thelpvoicingmyconcernsaboutbeingableto

makeituptothechurch.“IfIcanlandmyjeton

thaticyrunway,Icanalsolandontopofthatmountain,”Elvisassuredme.

Fiveslick,nail-bitingmileslater,wefinallypulledintothesmallgraveledparkinglotofthecountrychurch.Mygrandfatherhaddonatedthelandforthischurch,helpedbuildit,andpreachedinit,too.Organmusicwassoftlyplaying

whenwewalkedinside.Althoughwewerefifteenminuteslate,theministerhadwaitedforusbeforestartingtheservice.

Itwasasmallchurchwithonlysixpewsoneachside.Wequietlytookseatsintheback.TheReverendMaddoxsteppedforwardandbegansinging“HowGreatThouArt.”Therewasahintofnervousnessinhisvoiceuntilsuddenly,Elvisbegansinging

along,andthenCharliejoinedin.IwasinitiallysurprisedthatElviswouldsing,buthediditsoftly,nottryingtotakeovertheservice,andthereverend’svoicegrewinpowerasElvissubtlynoddedhisheadathim.

TheReverendMartinVillinesandtheReverendGuyJones,bothfriendsofmygrandfather,handledtherestoftheservice,withtheReverendVillinesgivingthe

eulogy.Neartheend,Elvisleanedmywayand,withhiseyesfixedonmygrandfather’scasket,saidunderhisbreath,“Son,you’reonyourown.”

ItwasalineIrememberedfromthefilmBlazingSaddles.Iwonderedifhewastryingtomakemelaugh.Attimes,Elvisdealtwithtensionbyinjectinghumor,andinastrangeway,hearinghimsay

thisdidlightenmymoodforamoment.

Whentheserviceended,westeppedoutsidethechurch.Everyonewasverycourteousandpolite.OneofmycousinsbeganspeakingwithElvisascarsbegantolineupbehindthehearse.Elviscontinuedtalkingwithher,whichpromptedmymothertomentionthatitwastimeforustogo.

Beforereturningtoour

car,Elvisquicklymentionedtomymother,“Mrs.Alden,youknowthischurchremindsmeofthechurchIwenttowhenIwasalittleboy.”

Wethendrovethetwomilestothecemeteryforashortgravesideservice.

Afteritwasover,Elvisonceagainwaskindandgraciouswitheveryone,takingtimetospeakwithafewrelativesandtellingone

ofmycousinsthattheweatherremindedhimofhisdaysintheserviceinGermany.

WereturnedtotheRamadaInn,wherewegatheredourbelongingsandElvischangedbackintohisjeweledrobe.MyparentsweregoingtodrivetheContinentalbacktoMemphis,butElvisaskedmymotherifshe’dliketoflybackwithmeandmysisters.

Mymotheracceptedtheinvitationwhenmyfathersaidhedidn’tminddrivingbecauseitwasonlyasix-hourtriphomeandsomeonehadtobringthecarback.Mybrotherdecidedtoaccompanyhim.OncewewerebackinMemphis,theJetStarwouldreturnformysister-in-law,nieces,andtheothers.

Elvishadmymotherridewithusonthewaytotheairportandtookaseatacross

fromherwhenweboardedtheplane.Duringtheflight,thetwoofthembeganconversingaboutvariousthings.Iheardhimtellheratonepointthathisfavoritecousin,BobbieJane,haddiedaroundthesametimeasmygrandfather.

Iwasstartledbythisrevelation.HadElvischosentogotomygrandfather’sfuneralinsteadofhisowncousin’s?He’dneversaida

thingaboutittome!Mymother,siblings,andItoldhimhowsorrywewere.Elvisalsomentionedthathe’dliketotakeavacationtohishomeinPalmSprings,California,andinvitedmymother,sisters,andme.Iwasthrilled.Itwouldbewonderfultoseehiminarelaxedatmosphereafterhishecticschedule.

Unfortunately,mymotherhadtoworkandTerrycouldn’tcome.ButRosemary

wasbetweenjobs.“I’dlovetogo,”shesaid,andIwasgladsheandElviswouldhaveachancetogettoknoweachotherbetter.

IthankedElvisoncewewerealoneagainatGraceland.Histremendousactofkindnessinattendingmygrandfather’sfuneral,especiallygivenalloftheeffortithadentailed,wouldforeverholdaspecialplaceinmyheart.

CHAPTER14

Truetohisword,ElvisimmediatelyplannedourgetawaytoPalmSpringsforJanuary4.ThisleftlittletimeforRosemaryandmetopack.

SomehowwemanagedtogettogetherourclothesandreturntoGracelandforthe

trip.Ihadimaginedwe’dbeflyingtoPalmSpringsontheJetStar,perhapswithanaideortwoandabodyguardalongfortheride.However,whenwearrivedattheairportwithElvis,IsawtheLisaMariereadytogo.

Charlie;Lamar;Joe;David,andhiswife,Angie;Ricky;Al;andafewotherswerewaitingforusontheplane.Icouldn’tbelieveElvistraveledwiththismany

peopleonvacation!Thenagain,Iremindedmyself,Elvisalwaysdidthingshisownuniqueway,andgrandgesturesseemedtobethenormwithhim.Healsoseemeddeterminedtosurroundhimselfwithpeople,bringingalittlebitofhomewithhimontheroad.

ItwasRosemary’sfirsttimeontheLisaMarieandElvisgaveherthegrandtour.Thiswouldalsobeherfirst

triptoCalifornia.RosemarywasmoreaudaciousandoutspokenthanTerryorI.Shedidn’tseemtheleastbitintimidatedbyeithernewexperience.Ialsoquicklylearnedthat,ifanyonecouldmatchwitswithElvisandCharlie,itwasRosemary.

WhenCharlieappearedwithdrinkandcigaretteinhand,firingoffjokes,Rosemarykeptupwithhimjokeforjoke.Ilovedhaving

herwithusandwatchinghercutupwiththem.RosemaryreallyknewhowtomakeElvislaugh,anditmademehappytoseehimsorelaxedandcomfortablewithmybigsister.

WelandedatthePalmSpringsairportneardawn.TheglitzofLasVegaswasnowhereinsight,onlytheserenedesertwithspectacularmountainsinthedistance.Weexitedtheplaneandthegroup

divided,mostgoingontoahotelwhileElvis,oneofhisaides,Charlie,Rosemary,andIrodetoElvis’shomeonChinoCanyonDrive.

Ilovedthehouse.Itwasalow,sprawling,Spanish-stylewhitestuccohomewitharooftiledinawarmterra-cottacolor.Thepropertywassurroundedbyablackironfence.

“Notmuchyard,”Rosemarysaidasshenoted

thelackofgrass.Elvislaughed.“That’s

whyIhadsomeoftherockspaintedgreen.”

Excitedtoshowusthehouse,Elvisledusdownahallwaytotheright.Wepassedafrontbedroomandstoppedoutsideasmallerroomwithacouchandbarinside.ElvisturnedtoRosemary.“Whichroomdoyouwant?”

Rosemaryglancedat

Charlie.Then,lookingpointedlyattheroomwiththebarandsofa,shesaid,“Charlie,thisone’syours.”

Weenteredthemasterbedroomattheendofthehall.LiketheoneontheLisaMarie,thisonewasdecoratedinblue,apparentlyoneofElvis’sfavoritecolors.Elvisthenledusbacktowardtheentrywayandintoalivingroomwithafireplaceand

largewindows.Continuingthroughthe

room,Elvistookusoutsidetoafree-formpoolsurroundedbyapatio.Viewingthecalmlandscapewithitsbackdropofmountains,Elvisputhisarmaroundme.Aswestoodtheretogetherforafewmoments,quietlyabsorbingtheserenityaroundus,Iwasdeeplycontent.

Backinside,Elvisledustoadenwithcouches,pinball

machines,andatelevision.WhenRosemaryandIbothcomplimentedthebright,multicoloredcarpeting,Elvislaughedandsaid,“ThecarpetwasagiftfromtheMafia.”

Washejoking?Likeeveryone,I’dheardstoriesthattheMafiacontrolledalotofwhatwentoninLasVegas,butIdidn’treallyknowanythingaboutthat.Still,itmadesensetomethatElvismighthaveatleastmet

somemembersoftheMafiabecauseeveryonefromfanstofellowentertainerssoughtoutElvis’scompany,ifonlytobeseenwithhim.Itcertainlywasn’toutoftherealmofpossibilitiesthatsomeoneintheMafiahadgivenElvisthecarpetasagifttoimpresshim.Ontheotherhand,I’dneveroverheardanyconversationsorseenElvisinvolvedinanyactivitythatwouldleadmeto

believehewasactivelyinvolvedintheMafiainanyway,andIneverwould.

•••

ElvishadbroughthisbookstoPalmSprings.I’dbroughtmine,too,andI’dadoptedhishabitofmakingnotesinthemarginsandunderliningtextthatIfoundinterestingorwantedtounderstandbetter.Istillneverfeltmybeliefsasa

Christianwerebeingtested,onlythatElviswastryingtointroducemetodifferentwaysofthinkingandexploringdifferentwaysoflookingattheuniverse.

EagertohaveRosemarysharewhatwewerereadinganddiscovering,Elvisinvitedhertojoinusinthebedroomandgaveherafewbooksaswell.Thethreeofusreadforalittlewhile,butRosemarywasn’tusedtoElvis’ssleep

patternsandreturnedtoherroombeforetoolongtorest.

Evenonvacation,Elvisneededsomehelpgoingtosleep.AlittlewhileafterRosemaryleftus,anaidebroughtinwhatIassumedwasasleeppacket.IdecidedithadtohavebeenprefilledbackinMemphis,sincenodoctorornursewasstayingwithushereinthePalmSpringshouse.

Thatafternoon,ElvisandI

wereawakebutstillsittinginbedwhentherewasaknockonourdoor.ItwasRosemary.Shecamein,saying,“Elvis,yourlockjustgottaken!”

Rosemarytoldusthatshe’dbeenawakenedbyfemalevoicesoutside,shouting,“Elvis!”She’dlookedoutherwindowandhadseenwomengatheredbythedrivewaygate,removingwhatlookedlikealarge,

unlockedpadlockfromit.Icouldn’tbelieveElvis’s

fansalreadyknewhewashere—orthatthey’dbethatdaring.Itwasn’tcleartomeifanybodyguardshadarrivedatthehouseyet,butElvisdidn’tseemworried.

HethankedRosemaryandshruggedofftheincidentasifhe’dencounteredsimilaractsmanytimesbefore.Iactuallythoughtitwaskindoffunnyatthetimeanddidn’tfeel

Elvis’ssafetywasreallyatanyrisk.

FromwatchingElvisperformonstage,Ihadseenfirsthandhowmuchhisfanswantedapieceofhim—ascarf,aring,andsoon.WithElvis’ssingularcelebrity,whichhehadbeenexperiencingforovertwentyyears,Iknewthathewasusedtothiskindofbehaviorfrompeople.Heunderstooditwasjustawayforhisfansto

trygettingclosertohimbecausetheylovedhimthatmuch.Mostofthetime,heseemedtoaccepttheirattentionasacomplimentratherthananyrealthreattohissafety.

•••

JustastheyhadatGraceland,themembersofElvis’sentouragecongregatedinPalmSprings.Elvis’s

stepbrothersandAlalternatedbetweenstayingatthePalmSpringshousewithusandinahotel,cateringtoElvis’sneeds.Irarelysawthebodyguardsandwasunsurewheretheywerestaying,butwhentheywereatthehouseIsuspectedtheygatheredintheden.

IknewwhatCharlieandJoedidforElvis,butIcouldn’tfigureoutLamar’srole.ThefewtimesI’dbeen

aroundhim,hewasplainspokenanddirect,andElvisusuallybouncedjokesoffofhim.FinallyIaskedElvis,“WhatdoesLamardoforyou?”

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Remindmetoaskhimlater.”

Sureenough,whenLamarcametosayhellothenexttime,Elvislookedatmewithagrin,thenbackatLamar.“Lamar,remindmetoask

yousomething.”Lookingperplexed,Lamar

said,“Okay.”IsmiledatElvis,feelingI

hadtheanswertomyquestion.ItseemedElvislikedLamarforentertainmentpurposesandwasjustgenerousinincludingLamarwheneverhewentplaces.

Iwouldn’tgettoknowthesemenmuchbetterduringourtimehereastheycontinuedtomainlyspeak

withElviswhenstoppingbyourroomtogreethim.However,duringthattimeIdidgettoknowsomeofthecomicalnicknamesElvisgaveafewofhisemployeesandfriends.HesometimescalledCharlieHodgeSlewFoot.LamarFikewasLardAssbecauseofhisweight.Inprivate,Elvistoldmehecalledhisaide,AlTheAtheistandthathisbodyguardDick“hadthe

personalityofarhinoceros.”Despitehisgenerosityandhabitofjokingaroundwiththesemen,theblackhumorofthesenicknamesmademewonderifhewascompletelyhappywithsomeofthem.

Forinstance,oneevening,Rosemaryrushedintothebedroomtoannouncethatshe’dbeensittinginthelivingroomwhenDavid’swife,Angie,camerunningin,lookingterrified,withDavid

inclosepursuit.DavidhadbeencarryingwhatRosemaryrecognizedasadogtrainingstick.

“Lamarwasintheroom,too,”Rosemarysaid,“andAngiewastryingtohidebehindhim.”ApparentlyDavidandLamarhadexchangedstrongwords.

Rosemarywasalsoworriedbecausethereweresomegunslyingoutintheopenclosebyonatable.She

wasafraidsomeonemightreallygethurt.

“IwantDavidinherenow,”Elvissaid,andyelledforDavidtocomeintotheroom.Clearlyangry,ElvisaskedustostepoutsidewhilehetalkedtoDavid.IwenttoRosemary’sroomwithher.Alittlewhilelater,Elviscalledusbackin,lookingembarrassedandshakinghishead.Hesaidhecouldn’tunderstandRicky,Billy,or

Davidsometimesbecause“they’reondifferentwavelengths.”

Occasionally,Iwouldseethattheguysweren’tallthatpleasedwithElviseither.EventhoughElvis,Rosemary,andIwererelaxing,itwasstillworkasusualforthemandalittleresentmentwouldshowitselffromtimetotime.WhenElviswashungry,forinstance,hewouldusually

askmetotelloneoftheaideswhathewanted.OnetimewhenAlwasonduty,IsawhimseatedinanotherroomandgavehimElvis’sorder.Alrolledhiseyes,stoodup,andwalkedintothekitchenwithoutsayingawordtome.

Al’sreactionsurprisedme.WasitbecauseitwasmeaskinghimtodosomethingorbecausehewasmadatElvisforsomereason?Orwashejusttiredofhisjob?I

rememberedthetimeAlhadcometomyhouseandtoldmyfamilythathewasn’toverlyhappywithhisjobatGracelandandworkedmostlytosupporthismother.

Rosemaryhadasimilarexperienceonce,whenshewalkedintothekitchenandheardAlandRickylightlybickeringoverwhichonehadtoreheatElvis’sfood.Neitheronewantedtodoit.Elvisoftenwantedhismeals

reheated,typicallyaftergettingcaughtupinconversationsandlettinghisfoodgetcold.Itdidn’tseemtobeadifficultjob,butIguessforsomeofthem,itwastryingtheirpatience.

•••

JustashedidatGraceland,Elvischosetorelaxbystayinginsideandreadingorwatchingtelevisionrather

thangoinganywhere,hangingoutbythepool,orsocializing.Itwouldhavebeennicetoleavethehouse,evenjusttotakearidearoundandtourthearea,butIunderstoodthatElvishadtobetiredafterhistourandthengoingstraightontomygrandfather’sfuneral.Besides,forElvis,goingoutinpublicwasneveraneasytask;asthepadlockincidenthadprovedtomeyetagain,

everyonewantedtogetclosetoElvis.

TheonlyexceptiontothiswasourtriptoseeColonelTomParker,Elvis’smanager,whohadahomenearbyinPalmSprings.Oneafternoon,Elvistoldmethatthecolonel’swife,Marie,wasveryillandhewantedtovisither.Wearrivedatthecolonel’shomeandasIfollowedElvistothefrontdoor,Inoticedanumberof

statuesofelephantsinalldifferentsizes.

“Whydoyouhavesomanyelephants?”Iaskedwhenthecolonelsteppedoutsidetogreetus.

“Anelephantneverforgets,”hesaid.Then,smiling,headded,“IwantElvistobuymearingwithanelephantonit.”

Icouldn’ttellwhetherhewasjokingornot,butdecidedhemustbe.The

colonelandElvisbegantochat.Aswewalkedaroundthesideofhishome,heshowedmehisbackyard.Carouselhorsessittingatoppolesrosefromtheshrubberysurroundingapool.Wefollowedthecolonelinside,whereElvistoldmehewouldberightback.HeandthecolonelleftmewhiletheyvisitedwithMarieinanotherroom.IwonderedhowlongMariehadbeenill,and

thoughthowniceitwasofElvistoseeher.Theyreturnedashorttimelater,andElvissaidgood-byewithoutlingeringtosocialize.Ididn’tknowthedetailsoftheirlonghistoryatthattime;fromourvisit,Icouldn’ttellifheandColonelParkerwereclose.Sofar,theirrelationshipseemedtobemostlycenteredaroundbusiness.

Iacceptedhischoicenot

tosocializemuchwithColonelParkerandsomeoftheothersalongwithus,anddidn’tpushElvistodootherwise,figuringwhenhefeltready,hewoulddoso.ItwasjustnicebeingwithhiminadifferentenvironmentanditwasgreathavingRosemarywithusaswell.

•••

AsIbecameclosertoElvis,

gettingtoknowhimwaybeyondtheimageofthesuperstar,therestillwereconstantlittleremindersofwhohewas.OnJanuary6,RosemaryandIwereinElvis’sroomwithhimwhenhegotaphonecallfromColonelParker.Afterlisteningforafewminutes,Elvishungup,lookingstricken.

“FrankSinatra’smotherjustcareenedoffa

mountaintop,”hesaid.DollySinatra,eighty-two

yearsold,wasoneoffourpeoplekilledwhentheirLearjettookofffromPalmSpringsandcrashedintotheSanGorgonioMountains.ShewasheadingtoLasVegastoseeherson’sopeningshowatCaesar’sPalace.

Elviswasusingdarkhumorinthefaceoftragedy,butIcouldtelltheaccident

upsethim.WhenhementionedwantingtoofferoneofhisplanestoFrankSinatra,itstruckmethat,amongentertainersatthislevel,theremustbeacertaincamaraderie.ElvisfeltcomfortableofferinghelptoFrankSinatrainthesamewayIwouldoffertohelpifsomethinghappenedtooneofmyfriendsorneighbors.

Elvisspentalotoftimeflyinginhisownplanes,both

largeandsmall,andhisfatherhadflowninononetoseehisLasVegasshows.Privateplanescarryingcelebritieshadgonedownseveraltimesoverthepasttwentyyears;althoughIneverthoughtanythingwouldhappentoElvis,Ifoundmyselfwonderingifthiswassomethingthateverworriedhim.Ithoughtbacktomygrandfather’sfuneral,andfeltthankfulonceagainthatwe’d

madeitsafely.Whilehisplanetravel

didn’tcausemegreatworry,Iwasconcernedabouthishealth.

Whenitcametomealtimes,ElvisandIenjoyedeatingsimilarthingssuchashamburgers,steak,andomeletsbutIcontinuedtonoticecertainfoodswerebeingbroughttoElvisinlargerthannormalportions.SometimesElviswasseduced

bythetemptationsoftheselargerportionsandsometimeshewasn’t.Ihopedtomoveustowardahealthierdiet,butIjustdidn’tknowhowbecausehewasusedtogettingwhathewanted.

Elvisdidlikeyogurtthoughandsometimesaskedforsome,whichIencouraged.Iwasn’tanutritionexpert,butthoughtyogurtwouldbegoodforhim.Ihopedtofindother

foodslikethisthatIthoughtwouldbemorebeneficialforhimtoeataswell.

Oneafternoon,IenteredElvis’sbedroomandfoundhimtalkingonthephone.AsIcrossedtheroom,helookedupatmeandsaidintothereceiver,“Tellherhowtotakecareofme,”thenheldthephoneouttome.“It’sPriscilla.”

Itookthereceiver,confused,asElvissatby

watching.“Hello,”Isaid.Afemalevoiceinstructed,

“Seethatheeatsrightandgetsplentyofrest.”

“Okay,”Isaid,quicklyhandingthephonebacktoElvisandwonderingifthatwasasawkwardforPriscillaasithadbeenforme.ButIdidthinkitwouldbenicetohaveallieswhenitcametohelpingElviswithhisdiet,evenifonejustmightbehisex-wife.

ElviscontinuedhisconversationandIwentintothebathroomtogivehimsomeprivacy.IwonderedhowoftenhespoketoPriscilla.I’dbeenunawareofwhattheirrelationshipwaslike,butnowIremindedmyselfthatElvisandPriscillawereraisingLisatogether;itwasonlynaturalthatthey’dtalkonceinawhile.

Havingleftthedoorslightlyajar,IheardElvis

say,“Really,Priscilla.GingerisoneoftheprettiestgirlsI’veseeninalongtime.”

Isuddenlyfelttenfeettall,hearinghimcomplimentme,butthenIhadtoaskmyselfwhyhewastellingPriscillathis.Didhewantthewomeninhislife,pastandpresent,tobejealousofoneanother?

Shortly,IheardElvishangupthephone.Ireturnedtositonthebedwithhim.Tomysurprise,heopenedupalittle

abouthisrelationshipwithPriscillawithoutmeevenpromptinghim.

“I’llalwayslovePriscillabecauseshe’sthemotherofmychild,”hesaid,“butIlethergo.Whathurtmewasthatherboyfriend,MikeStone,saidthatIcouldn’tseeLisa.”

Isawthewoundedlookonhisfaceandcouldonlyimaginehowthathadfelt,knowinghowmuchhelovedhisdaughter.Itookhishand.

ItmeantalotthatElviswouldsharethisintimatedetailofhislifewithmeandIwasgladthathewastalkingabouthisemotionssoopenly.Ihopedhe’dalwaysfeelthiscomfortablesharinghimselfwithme.

•••

ThroughoutourentirestayinPalmSprings,theflowofpeopleinandoutofthehouse

continuednonstop.TypicallythevisitorswouldincludeLamar,Joe,Elvis’sstepbrothers,variousgirlfriendsandwives,bodyguards,andafewunfamiliarwomen.

But,nomatterwhowasatthehouse,Elvisseemedmoreinterestedinthenewbookshishairdresserhadgivenhimthanhewasinsocializingwithanyofhisemployeesorguests.Hewantedtospend

histimereadingwithmeinthebedroomandaskedonlyRosemarytojoinus.

Elvishadthecharismaandpersuasiveabilitytodrawyouintohisactivities,andRosemarywassoongettingexcitedaboutthebooks,too,sayingshelikedthemysteryofthespiritualphilosophieswewerestudying.Iwonderedhowoften,orevenif,anyoftheothersamongElvis’sfamilyandfriendseverread

withhim.IhadyettohearanyoneotherthanLarrymentionthebooksorgetdrawnintodiscussionsaboutthephilosophicalandreligiousideasthatinterestedElvis.

OneofhisfavoritebookswasAutobiographyofaYogibyParamahansaYogananda,thestoryofYogananda’slifelongexplorationofthemysteriesofthesaintsandyogis.Elvisseemed

fascinatedbyYogananda;hewasalsoreadingOnlyLove,bySriDayaMata,whichdealtwithYogananda’steachings,andTheRoadAhead,bySwamiKriyananda,abookthatilluminatedYogananda’sworldprophecies.

ElvisalsoadmiredDavidAnrias’sbookThroughtheEyesoftheMasters,whichexpoundedonthebeliefthata

personcouldincarnateinanotherperson’sbody.Overtime,ElviswouldtellmehethoughtKootHoomi,oneofthemastersfromthebook,wasincarnateinhimself,andpointedoutaphotowiththemasterdressedinahigh-collaredjacketsimilartohisownfavoritestyleatthetime.

Elvisfelttherewassomeforceinsidehim,guidinghimtoteachandbringjoytoothersinvariousways,

especiallythroughmusic.Hewasreadingthesebooksnotonlytounderstandhisownlifebuttohelpothersaswell.HavingwitnessedsomemysticalthingswithElvisalready—andtherewouldbemoreofthoseeventsahead—Iwasbeginningtowonderifthekindsofmiracleswewerereadingaboutwerepossible.Iwasn’trulinganythingout.

Elvis’sendlessfascinationwithEasternphilosophersled

himtobelievethatweintheWestcouldonlybenefitfromstudyingtheirteachings.“Indiahasthespiritual,andwehavethenaturalresources,”heexplained.“Theyhavetomeetatsomepoint.”

WhenIlookedoverElvis’sbookswithhim,heoftenaskedifIunderstoodwhatwewerereading.Sensinghisdeepneedformetobeinsynchwithhim,I

usuallytoldhimIdid.Iwantedtoandalwaystriedmybest,hopingintimethatIwouldachieveasdeepanunderstandingofthesesubjectsasElvisdid.

Elvistookspecialcaretoexplainhisintellectualandspiritualintereststome.Hehadstudiedchakrasandatonepointheshowedusabookonthem.IlearnedthatthewordchakracamefromtheSanskritlanguageand

meant“wheelcenter.”Achakrachanneledlifeforce,feelings,memories,andthoughts.

Thekundalini,or“lifeforce,”waslikeaspiritualenergyresidinginarestingbody,Elvissaid,asleepingserpentintherootchakralocatedatthebaseofthespine.Todemonstratethis,Elvisplacedhishandatthebottomofmyspine,forcefullyapplyingpressure

whileexplainingthat,ifthisspiritualenergywasarousedandreleased,itspowerwasenormousandcouldbringonetoanenlightenedstate.

Shakinghisheadfromsidetosideasifsaying,“Man,ohman,ifIcouldonlydothis,”hetoldmeittookalotoftimeandtrainingtolearnhowtoreleasethatenergy.

Elvisalsoeagerlytaughtmeaboutacupressure,which

heexplainedcouldhelprelievetension.Takingholdofmyfoot,hepressedhisfingersondifferentpressurepoints,showingmehoweachhadaneffectontherestofthebody.Elvishadstronghandsandithurtafewtimes,butoverall,Ifounditreallyrelaxing.Moreandmore,Iwasfindinghisbeliefspersuasive.Elviswasawakeningmyowncuriosityasheintroducedmetothese

differentconcepts.Duringoneofourreading

sessions,Rosemarybegantofeelnauseous,whichledElvistotryahealingonher.HeaskedCharlietojoinusandthefourofuswentintoherroom.

Rosemarylaydownonherbed.CharlieheldherhandandElvishoveredhisownpalmcloseaboveherabdomen.Staringintenselyathishand,Elvissaidto

Rosemary,“Thinkofthecolorgreenforhealing.”

Hewaitedforacoupleofmoments,thenquicklyliftedhishandhighintheair,shakingit,seeminglytryingtocastawayherailment.

WatchinghimbroughtmebacktomyownexperienceinLasVegas.IrealizedIwasalmostholdingmybreath,willingElvis’shealingtoworkonmysister.Iwantedhertofeelbetterandtruly

wantedtobelieveinthisalternativehealingtechnique.IalsowantedthingstogowellbecauseitwassoimportanttoElvis.

Inanycase,itworked!Afterafewmoments,Rosemarysaid,“Ifeelbetternow,”andgotup.

ElvisbegantalkingaboutthepowerofconcentrationthenandaskedRosemaryandmetofollowhimouttothebackyard.Thesunwas

comingupaswewalkedpastthepoolandovertoanearbyshrub.

Placingoneofhishandsneartheleaves,Elviswatchedthemandwaitedforsomesubtlemovement.Ididn’tseeanythinghappen.

Afterashorttime,Elvisturnedhisattentiontowardthesky.Raisinghisarmsandturninghispalmsupward,hebeganfocusingonsomecloudsoverhead.Afew

momentspassed,thenthecloudspartedalittle.ElvislookedbackatRosemaryandmewithasubtlesmile.

“That’swild!”Rosemarysaid.WelcometoElvis’sworld,

Ithought.IwasstartingtofeelthatmaybeElviswasright.Maybeweallreallydidpossessabilitieswe’renotcognizantof;maybeifwetrainedandlearnedtofocus,wecouldmorefullytapinto

thepowerofourminds.WhowasItosaynotothat?

ThewayElvisviewedlifeandhisplaceinitledmetobelievethathethoughthehaddevelopedakeenerawarenessofhisownspiritualityandoftheunseenlayersoflivingthanmostpeople.Idon’tthinkElvisthoughtofhimselfasGod-like.However,fromhisinsatiablecuriosityandintensestudiesofdifferentreligiouspracticesand

philosophies,itwasclearhefelthehadachievedahigherconsciousness,onethatgavehimuniqueinsightsandanenlightenedviewofthepowersweallmightpossessifwewerewillingtofollowhispath.Eventoday,manyyearslater,Istillthinktheopportunityisopentoallofus,butitwouldtakemuchtimeandstudy,whichisnotusuallyavailabletotheaverageindividualwhofaces

anormalworkdayandraisingafamily.

Elvis’smindwasalwayschurning.Hewaseitherorchestratingeventsortryingtounderstandthem.Irememberoneafternoon,Elviswasdressed,asheusuallywas,inhispajamas,andbeganpacingbackandforthinfrontofme,circlinghisbedroom.“Whatdoyounoticeaboutmywalk?”heasked.

Iwatchedhimcarefullyforafewseconds,tryingtofindsomethingoutoftheordinary.Ididn’tseeathing.“Onelegisshorterthantheother?”Ijoked.

Again,Elviswasbeingsurprisinglyserious.Hepointedoutthathiswalkwasverycatlike,andletmeknowhisanimaltitleinkaratewasMr.Tiger.

“Ifightthewayatigerdoes,lightonmyfeet,”he

explained.Ihadseenformyselfhow

Elvishadinterwovenkarateintohisshows.NowitoccurredtomethatElvisliterallyprowledfromonesideofthestagetotheothersohisaudiencescouldseehim.Iwonderedifhisiconicpacingmighthavesomehowbeendevelopedwhilelearningkarate.

ThedeliberatewayElviswasdemonstratinghisstride

atthatmomentmademethinkthateventhissimpleactofwalkingwassomethinghewasacutelyawareof.WithElvis,everydetailmattered.

Healsolovedtotalkaboutthepeoplehekneworeventsinthenews,especiallywhensomethingmysterioushadhappened.

WhilewewereinPalmSprings,atonepointElvisbecameanimatedwhentalkingtoRosemaryabout

ClaudineLonget,theex-wifeofsingerAndyWilliams.Claudinehadgonetojailbrieflyearlierthatsameyearfortheshootingdeathofherboyfriend,askierknownasSpiderSabich.Claudineclaimeditwasanaccident,butElvisthoughttherewasmoretoit.Hedidn’tstopatpurespeculation,either:Elvisactuallyphonedafriend,aprivateinvestigatornamedJohnO’Grady,andhad

Rosemarylistenonaseparatephonelinewhiletheydiscusseddifferenttheoriesconcerningthecase.

ElvisalsolovedtopostulateaboutpossiblefoulplayinthedeathofBruceLee,themartialartsexpert.GivenElvis’spassionforkarate,Iwasn’tsurprisedthathewasfascinatedbyLee’sdeath—andbysomesupposedlyspecialtechniquesonecouldemploywhile

fighting.Forinstance,Elvistoldmeaboutthepossibilityofgeneratinganinvisiblewallofresistanceoutofprojectedenergy,aprotectiveshieldwithaspecialcharacteristic:Itcouldsoakuptheenergyofanattackingfoeandrepelitbackonitself.

Onlyafewpeopleknewhowtoexecutethis,Elvissaidexcitedly,andcalledCharlieintothebedroomforademonstration.Elvisstood

upandputhishandsoutinfrontofhim,focusingintenselyasifcontrollingsomekindofenergy.Then,aftertakingafewdeepbreaths,heaskedCharlietorunathim.

CharliebackedupandcamechargingfullforceatElvis,onlytofallsmackbackdownontothefloor,asifhehadrunintoaninvisiblewall.Istartedtolaugh,thinkingtheymusthavedonethisto

entertainme,butbothmenseemeddeadlyserious.Iquicklystifledmylaughterandwasleftfeelingbewildered.HadElvisreallylearnedsomespecialmindtrickinkaratethatallowedhimtocreateaninvisibleforcefield?

Ihadmydoubtsaboutthisparticulardemonstrationthatday,butseeinghowseriousElviswasaboutit,Ibegantothinkthatcertaininexplicable

thingsmightactuallybepossible.WelcometoElvis’sworld,Ithoughtagain.Onesimplyhadtobetheretounderstand.

CHAPTER15

ElviskeptthecurtainsclosedinhisPalmSpringsbedroom,helpingtobluranydifferencebetweennightandday.Mydayswerenolongerdictatedbytheriseandfallofthesun,butbywhenElviswenttosleepandwokeup.Elvis,

Rosemary,andIhadbeensocompletelyimmersedinvariousbooksandourdiscussionsthateachdayhadmeldedintothenext.Thecalendarwascompletelyforgotten.

Itwasn’tuntilwewokeoneafternoonandanaidewishedElvisahappybirthdaythatIrealizeditwasJanuary8.Elviswasforty-twothatday,andIfeltterriblethatRosemaryandI

hadn’tbeenabletobuyhimanything.

Weeventuallygotdressedandwentintothelivingroom,wheremembersofhisentourageandacoupleofunfamiliarwomenwerewaitingtogreethimwithbirthdaywishes.Elvischosetospendtheeveningvisitingwitheveryone,occasionallyreadingtothempassagesfromsomeofhisspiritualbooks.

Laterthatnight,ElvisannouncedthathewasgoingtohaveRobinsonDepartmentStorereopenforalltheladies.Hewantedtosendusonalittleshoppingspree.ItfeltoddtobeleavingElvisonhisbirthday,butIthoughtmaybeElvisjustwantedtobealonewiththemen.

Elvisprovidedspendingmoneyforeachofus,givingRosemaryandmealittleextra.Weheadedout

accompaniedbyabodyguard.OnceinsideRobinson’s,I

foundapurseIliked,thensetofftofindagiftforElvis.Ibrowsedtheaisles,butElviswasn’tthekindofmanyoubuyatieorapairofcufflinksforoffanordinarystoreshelforrack.Nothingcaughtmyeye,soIdecidedIwouldusetherestofthemoneytogetElvisagiftbackinMemphis.Ididn’tknowwhatthatwouldbeyet,butIhoped

tofindsomethingdifferent.Weeventuallyreturnedtothehouse,wheretherestofhisbirthdaywaslow-keyandspentdoingoneofthethingsElvislovedmost:readingtome,Rosemary,andafewothers.

Thenextafternoon,Elvis,Rosemary,andIstartedwatchingTheGongShowontelevision.Itwasanamateurtalentcontestandthethreeofuswerehavingfun,laughing

atsomeoftheshow’scontestantsandtheiroften-absurdtalent,whenJoeEspositocameintoElvis’sbedroom,walkedovertoElvis,andwhisperedsomethinginhisear.

“That’sokay.YoucansayitinfrontofGingerandRosemary,”Elvissaid.Lookingslightlyuncomfortable,Joerepeated,“Lindacalledandwaswonderingifyou’regoingto

paytherentonherapartmentinLosAngeles.”

Iwascompletelytakenaback.ElvishadbeenpayingLinda’srent?Why?Andforhowlong?Elviswaswatchingmeclosely,ashedidsometimes,studyingmyfaceforareaction,butItriednottoletmysurpriseandconcernshow.

ElvislookedatJoeandshookhisheadno.

Lookingbackatmehe

said,“It’snotfairtoyou.”Joewalkedaway.

“Well,Elvis,itwouldn’tberight,”Isaid,rememberingthatElvishadaskedmetocommitmyself100percenttohim,andfeelinglikeheshoulddothesameforme.

Elviskepthiseyesonmyface.“IboughtLindaahousenotlongagotoputsomedistancebetweenus,”hesaid.

HadLindalivedatGracelandfull-timeuntil

then?Iwondered,butIdidn’task.Iwastoobusytryingtoabsorbthisnewtwist.

ElvisthenlookedatRosemary.“HowcanIgethertostopcalling?”heasked.

Rosemaryshrugged.“Changeyournumber,maybe?”

Hegrinned,butIwasunabletosmile.IcontinuedtoponderallofthisandwhatitmeantforElvisandme.

WhenElvishadtoldmein

LasVegasthatheandLindawerejustfriends,Ihadbelievedhim.Afterall,he’dbeenpubliclydatingotherwomen,andthatseemedtosayhisrelationshipwithLindamustbeover.However,IwassurethearticlesofclothingandtoiletriesinsideGracelandhadbeenLinda’s.Plus,shehadcalledbefore,askingtospendChristmaswithhim.ItseemedthatLindawastrying

tohangon,nomatterwhatElvisdid.

NowItookcomfortinthefactthat,eventhoughElvishadbeenhelpingLindaoutbypayingherrent,he’djustsaidinfrontofRosemaryandJoethathewouldn’tdoitanymore,andhecertainlywasn’ttryingtohidethefactthatLindahadcalled.IchosetotrustthatElviswasbeinghonestwithmeabouttherelationshipbeingcompletely

overforhim.Unfortunately,Iwould

stillfeeluncomfortableeverytimeIsawSam,Elvis’sbodyguardandLinda’sbrother.SamandIwerefriendlywithoneanother,butIcouldn’thelpwonderinghowhetrulyfelttowardElvis—andtowardme.

•••

Elvisspentagreatdealof

timetryingtounderstandnumbers,customs,signs,theories,andhowtheuniverse’spatternswereinterrelated.Heevenlikedtodissectnames.Sometimeshe’dputhisglassesonupsidedownandsayournamesbackward,callinghimself“Sivle”andme“Regnig.”And,whenItoldElvismymiddlenamewas“Lita,”heseemedpleasedtonotethatGingerLitaAldenandGladys

LoveSmith—hismother’sname—containedtheexactsamenumberoflettersinthem.

ItwasilluminatingtotalkaboutphilosophyandnumerologywithElvis,butitcouldbetiring.Onemorning,afterhavingbeenupallnightwithElvis,RosemaryandIsimplycouldn’tfocusanymore.Webegantomisswords,skipsentences,yawn,andjokearound.

IthoughtElvishadtobetired,too,butinsteadofappearingtoneedsleepasmuchaswedid,hetoldusthatwehadjustgivenupanddidn’twanttocontinuereadingwithhim.

“Elvis,Ican’tkeepmyeyesopen,”Isaid,feelingbadbutwantingtobecompletelyhonest.“We’rejusttired.”

Itwasn’teasytoreasonwithElviswhenhehadhismindsetonsomething.Now,

determinedtocontinuehisstudies,Elvissaid,“I’llgetsomeoneelsewhowillreadwithme,then.”

HecalledforCharlietocometohisbedroomwhileRosemarywentofftoherownroom.Charlieentered,lookingasexhaustedasIfelt,andsatonthefootofourbed.Elvisbeganreadingtohim.

Unabletokeepmyeyesopenevenasecondlonger,Ilaybackagainstthepillows

anddozedoff.IwokeasCharliegotupto

leave.WhenElvisfinallywenttosleep,IhopedheunderstoodIwastryingmybesttobethereforhim.

Elviscouldbejustascompulsiveabouteatingcertainfoodsashewasaboutstudyinghisbooks.Earlythenextmorning,Inoticedthat,betweenvisitsfromsomeoftheguys,Elvismusthaveeatenatleasteightcontainers

ofyogurtoverashortperiodoftime.Wefinallywenttosleep,butElviswokeupshortlyanddecidedhewantedmoreyogurt.Heaskedmetogetitorhavesomeonebringittohim.

Hisrequestconcernedme.IhadyettoseeElvisdoanyexerciseatallduringtheweekswe’dspenttogether,exceptwhenhewasonstage.Now,afterspendingsomanyhourswithhimnonstopin

PalmSprings,Iwasconcernedabouthimovereating.Iwasjusttryingtolookoutforhishealth.

“Idon’tthinkyouneedanymoreyogurt,”Isaid.

Elviswentbacktosleepwithoutpressingtheissue.SodidI,thinkingallwaswell.

Ashorttimelater,adeafeningbangechoedthroughouttheroom.IbolteduprightandsawElvisstandingatthefootofthe

bed,holdinga57Magnumpistolinhishand.Iriskedaglancebehindmeandsawabulletholeinthewallabovetheheadboard.Myheartwasgoingamileaminute.IlookedbackatElvis,tryingtowrapmymindaroundtheideathathereallyhadjustshotaholeinthewall.

Bywayofexplanation,ElvissaidhehadaskedforyogurtagainandIhadn’tresponded.“Itwasan

attentiongetter,”hesaid.Bewildered,ItoldhimI

wasasleepanddidn’thearhim.

Meanwhile,aroundusthehousewassilent.Nobodyelseappearedtohaveheardthegungooff.Or,iftheydid,theyweren’tcomingtoseewho’dbeenshootingwhat.

Extremelyhurt,IbegantocryandranintoRosemary’sroom,almostbumpingintoherasIshutthedoor.She’d

beencomingouttoseeifIwasallright,hereyeswidewithfear.ShelookedasscaredasIfelt.“Whathappened?”Rosemaryasked.“Iwasjustonmywaytoyourroom.”

Iwashavingtroublecatchingmybreath.MypulsewasstillroaringinmyearsasItoldheraboutthegunandtheinexplicablereasonElvishadgivenmeforfiringit.

Rosemary’sreactionwas

immediate.“MyGod!We’releavingrightnow,”shesaid.

Icouldn’tmoveandIwasstillhavingtroublebreathing.Mymindfloodedwithquestions.WhyhadElvisshotaguninourbedroom?Hadhissleepmedicationmomentarilycausedhimtolosetouchwithreality?

Icouldn’tcomeupwithanyrationalexplanationforElvis’sbehavior.RosemarydecidedtogoseewhereElvis

wasandsteppedintothehallway.

Afterafewseconds,shereturnedandclosedthedoor.“IlookedoutthewindowandsawElvisstandingalonebythepool,”shereported.

Ididn’tknowquitewhattodoorhowtofeelasRosemaryandIsatinherroom,unsureofwhatmighthappennext.NowthatIfeltalittlecalmer,deepdown,Ididn’treallythinkwewerein

anydanger.Beforelong,therewasa

knockatthedoor.WhenRosemaryopenedit,Elviswasstandinginthedoorway,dressedinhisrobeandwearinghisglasses,adeeplookofremorseonhisface.

Iwasseatedinachairbesidethedresser.Elvissteppedinsideandsatdowninthechairontheoppositesideofthedresser.Thethreeofusweresilentforafew

moments.ThenElvisstoodup,took

oneofmyhandsandoneofRosemary’s,andledustothebed.Thethreeofussatdown.

Continuingtoholdourhands,Elvisbowedhisheadandclosedhiseyes.“God,don’tletusloseit,”heprayedaloud.“GodblessmyfamilyandGinger’sfamily,andpleasedon’tletusbreakup.”

Obviously,hewasconcernedaboutthelasting

effectthisincidentcouldhaveonus.Icouldofferhimlittlecomfort,though.Iwasstillinshockandextremelyhurtbywhathehaddone.Ihadcompletelyshutdownemotionally.Iwasnumb.

Fortunately,RosemaryseemedtounderstandwhatIwasfeelingandtookover.“Elvis,youcan’tdothiskindofthing,”shesaid.

Graspingforcommonground,tryingtoplay

peacemakerbetweenus,shestartedtalkingtoElvisaboutsomeofmylikes,suchasmotorcyclesandhorses.“Youshoulddosomeofthosethingstogether,”sheventured.

Elvislistenedsilently,stillholdingourhands.Washeabsorbingthis?

Finally,Idaredtospeak.“Iwasonlytryingtohelpyou,”Isaidquietly,almostundermybreath.

Elvislookeddownatthefloor,tookoffhisglasses,andheldthembetweenhisfingers.Silencehungoverthethreeofusforafewmoments.Takingmyhandagain,hesaid,“I’msorry,Ginger.”

Isensed,onadeeplevel,thatElvishonestlywassorry.Itfeltlikeourrelationshiphadbeenputtosomebizarrekindoftest,andallforthesakeofmoreyogurt!Iwas

acutelyawarethatmyfeelingsforElviswerelikenoneI’deverfeltbefore.I’dbeencompletelyconsumedbyhim,andnowIhadreachedapointinmylifewhereIcouldn’tpicturemyfuturewithouthim.IlovedElvis.

DidIthinkhewouldintentionallyharmme?No.DidIthinkElviswasusedtogettingwhathewanted?Yes.

Someironiclittlevoice

insidemyheadobservedthatonegoodoutcomeofthiswholescenariowasthatElvisdidn’tgettohaveanymoreyogurt.IforgaveElvisthatday,butIsuspectedmorechallengeslayahead.

Iwenttosleep,stillgrapplingtounderstandthisverycomplexmanandhopingthathemightnowunderstandmealittlebetter,too.

•••

Latethefollowingnight,Elvisdecidedwithhisusualcombinationofimpulsiveactionanddeterminationthatwebothneededtohaveourteethchecked.HeflewinMaxShapiro,adentistfromLosAngeles,tomakeahousecall.

Dr.Shapirowasinhissixtiesandbroughthisfiancée,Susan,awomanin

hertwenties,toPalmSpringswithhim.Whentheyarrived,Ithought,“Wow,thiswomanisalotyoungerthanthedentist,”thencaughtmyself.

ProbablyalotofpeopleseeingmewithElvisthoughtthesamethingaboutus,Irealized,butitjustseemeddifferentwithus.MaybethishadtodowithhowElvislookedandacted.Hecouldbelikeabigkidsometimes.TheonlytimesIwasactually

awareofouragedifferencewaswhenwewerereadingtogetherandhewasteachingmesomething.

ElvissatinachairinhisbedroomandDr.Shapiroexaminedhisteeth.WhenDr.ShapirofinishedlookingatElvis,Itookaseat.ThedentistsaidhecouldlightlyfileafewofmylowerteethifIwanted,justtoeventhemoutalittle.Iwasfinewiththatandtiltedmyheadback

inthechair.AsDr.Shapiroworkedon

myteeth,hementionedthathe’dbeenthinkingaboutgettingmarried,butheandSusandidn’tknowwheretherightplacewouldbe.

“Doyouhaveamarriagecertificate?”Elvisasked.

“Yes,wealwayscarryitwithus,”Dr.Shapirosaid.

“Whydon’tyougetmarriedhere?”Elvissuggested.

Dr.ShapirostoppedworkingonmyteethandIsatup.Thedentistwasobviouslycaughtoffguard,buthelovedtheideaandsodidSusan.

Elviswaseuphoric.Heimmediatelybeganmakingplans,tellingusthatLarryGellercouldlegallyperformmarriageceremonies.HecalledLarryandaskedhimtocometoPalmSprings,thenquicklyhadanaidesummonajewelertothehousesoDr.

ShapiroandSusancouldchoosetheirweddingrings.

Whenthejewelerarrived,hedisplayedvariouspiecesofjewelryinfrontofElvisonthebed.Dr.ShapiroandSusanchosesomerings.Likeakidinacandystore,Elvisbeganpullingthepricetagsfromafewrings,pickingoutringsforme,Rosemary,himself,andacoupleofotherpeople,withseeminglynoregardforthecost.

Thiswholetime,ElvisandIwerestillinoursleepwear.WhenLarryarrived,Elvisdidn’tbothertochange,soIdidn’teither.Dressedinourpajamasandrobes,ElvisandIwentintoCharlie’sroomfortheceremony.

Rosemary,Charlie,andDavidjoinedusthere.WithElvisactingasbestmanandmeasmaidofhonor,theweddinggotunderwaywithLarryofficiating.Elviswas

beamingasDr.ShapiroandSusanbeganrecitingvowstheyhadpreviouslywrittenforoneanother.

Duringtheceremony,InoticedsomemovementfromDavid.AshestoodbesideRosemary,heturnedandlookedathersuddenlywithabiggrinonhisface,tryingtoholdinlaughter.IcouldseethatthemarriageceremonywasaffectingDavidslightlydifferentlyfromtherestofus.

Unabletocontainhimselfanylonger,Davidgotdownonallfoursandbeganslowlycrawlingoutoftheroom.LuckyforDavid,Elviswassohappyandexcitedaboutbeingabletomakethisweddinghappenthathedidn’tnotice.IwouldhavehatedtohaveanythingspoilthemomentforElvis.

Dr.ShapiroandSusanthankedeveryonewhentheceremonywasover.Thiswas

suchakindheartedthingforElvistodoanditwaswonderfultobeawitness.Iwasalsoimpressedandamazedhe’dbeenabletopulleverythingtogethersoquicklyandeasily.

Surprisingly,thegroomwantedtofinishworkingonmyteethalittlemoreafterward,soIreturnedtothebedroomwithDr.Shapiroandresumedmypositioninthechair.

AfterheandSusanleft,ElvisaskedLarryandRosemarytocomeintothebedroom.

Clearlystillenergizedbythewedding,Elvisdiscussedtheceremony.Helovedtheideaofsayingversestooneanother.HepickedupTheProphet,andreadagainfromitspassagesonmarriage.

Atonepoint,hestoppedreadingtolookoveratme.

“Ginger,ifyouandIweretogetmarried,wouldyouconsiderhavingLarrymarryus?”heasked.

Iwasblownaway.Wow,Ithought,he’sbringingupmarriageagain!Thiswasthefirsttimehe’dmentioneditsinceLasVegas.IknewheandLarrywerefriendsandLarrylookedhappyabouttheidea.“Sure,”Isaid.Iwasexcited.

Elated,Elviscontinued

goingoverhisspiritualbooks.Thefourofustalkedwellintotheearlymorninghours.Thatnight,alloftheexcitementabouttheweddingandourfeelingsaboutmarriagecontinuedtoswirlaroundus.Elvishadonceagainreconfirmedwantingtomarryme.Hearinghimtalklikethismademefeelthetwoofusdrawingeverclosertocreatingafuturetogether.

CHAPTER16

AfterspendingalittleoveraweekinPalmSprings,ElvisdecideditwastimetoreturntoMemphis.Weallpackedupandheadedfortheairport.

AsweenteredtheLisaMarie,thepilotwashavingaproblemwiththeengineand

theinteriorlightsweren’tworking.RosemaryandIfollowedElvistowardthebackofthedarkenedplane,wherethethreeofussatdownattheconferencetable.

ThelightssuddenlycameonandElvislookedatRosemary,shocked.Hehadmistakenlytakenholdofherhandinthedark.Quicklylettinggoofit,hesaid,“GoodGod,Ginger,whereareyou?”Hegrabbedmy

handandthethreeofuslaughed.

Elvis,Rosemary,andImovedintothebedroom,andafteralittlewhile,theplanetookoffsafely.Onceintheair,Elvissaidtome,“Youneedyourownroomandaprivatephoneline.”

Surprised,IrealizedImusthavementionedtohimatsomepointthatIsharedaroomwithTerry.Iwasamazedthatheremembered

this.Elviswasn’tdone

ponderingmylivingsituation,apparently,becausethenhesaid,“Idon’tlikeitthatyouhavetodrivesofartoseeme.I’dlikeyoutohaveahomeclosertoGraceland.”

Istaredathimindisbelief,touchedthathewantedmetoliveclosertohim,butstunnedbywhatIthoughthemightbeproposing.Was

ElvisreallythinkingwhatIthoughthewasthinking?ElvisknewthatIlivedwithmyfamily,soIdidn’tthinkhewassuggestingthatIleavethemtobuyahomeclosertoGracelandformetoliveinalone.Thismustmeanthathewastalkingaboutanewhomeformyentirefamily!

ThisideawassooverthetopthatIfounditdifficulttodigest.Myparentshadjustpurchasedourhome.Itwas

modest,certainlycomparedtoGraceland,butwedidn’treallyneedanewhouse,andIdidn’tthinkoftheonewehadasbeingtoofarawayfromGraceland.However,Iwasextremelyflatteredthathewasthinkingabouthowtomakemylifemorecomfortable.

Luckily,Elvisquicklymovedontoanothertopic,soIdidn’thavetimetoprotestorgivehimanysortof

answerimmediately.Hedidthatsometimes,Inoticed,enthusiasticallyflittingfromoneideatothenextashebaredhisthoughtstome.Sometimesitalmostseemedlikehejustwantedmetosharewhatwasgoingthroughhismind,minutebyminute,asawayoflettingmeknowhim.

IsawsignsthatElvishadagrowingconcernaboutmysafety.Thiswaspartofhis

protectivenaturewithme.HeknewIusuallydrovearoundalonesouponourreturntoMemphishegavemeaSmith&Wesson.22/.32KitGun.HetoldmetokeepitinmycarwhentravelingbackandforthtoGraceland.This“gift”didn’tsurprisemeasIhadlearnedthatElvislovedtocollectguns,andheownedagreatmanyofthem.Heenjoyedshowingthemtomeonoccasion.Amongtheguns

hebroughtoutwereaDerringerwithamother-of-pearlhandle,variousMagnums,anivory-handledrevolver,andevenamachinegun.Ithoughtthegunswerereallyamazing,andespeciallylikedthesmallpearl-handledDerringer.

Ireadilyagreedtokeeptheguninmycar.Myfatherkeptarevolverandarifleinourhomeforprotection,butIhadneverbeentaughthowto

useagun.Iwasn’tafraidtohaveone,though,anditdidmakemefeelmoresecure.WhatElviswasappreciating,andIwasnotyetawareof,wasthatmyworldhadchanged.Iwasnowinhisworldwhereyouneededbodyguards,aspeoplecouldcomeatyouinunexpectedways.

AperfectexampleofElvis’sprotectiveinstinctwouldhappenmonthslater

whenInoticedastrangecarparkedinfrontofourhousewithamaninside.HesatthereforalongtimeandIwonderedifitwasareporterorphotographer.ElvishappenedtocallatthetimeandIinnocentlymentionedthatareportermightbeoutsidemyhome.“I’mcomingoverandIwillsmashhisGoddamnlensout,”Elvisfumed.BeforeIcouldsayanotherword,thephonewent

silentandIbecameworriedaboutapossibleconfrontation.Luckilythecarleft,butnotlongbeforeElvis’sFerraricameflyingaroundthecornerofourstreet.Allwasokaythatday,andElvissimplyendedupvisitingandtakingmysisterTerryforanexhilaratingrideinhisFerrari.

•••

NowthatIwashome,IwasabletogoshoppingforElvis’sbirthdaypresent.ElvishadoncetoldmeheusedtoownamonkeynamedScatter,soIboughtsomethingfuntoremindhimofthatfavoritepet:astatueofamonkeyholdingacandle.IalsopurchasedalargemirrorwiththeoutlineofElvis’sfaceetchedonthefront.InhonorofhisloveforthewayPeterSellers,asInspectorClouseau

inthePinkPantherfilms,saidthefamouslinefromCasablanca,Iwrote,“Here’slookingatyou,kid,”onacardandtapedittothefrontofthemirror.

Elviswastickledbythegifts.Heplacedthemonkeyonashelfinhisbedroomandproppedthemirroragainstthewall.Theywouldremaininthoseplacesthroughouttherestofhislife.

•••

ElviscontinuedtokeeptohiscustomofmainlylivingupstairsatGraceland,butIwasgladtoseethatheseemedmostlyfreeofstress.Wecontinuedenjoyingoureveningsreadingandwatchingtelevisiontogether.WehappenedtoseeanepisodeofSaturdayNightLiveinwhichthecomicAndyKaufmanappearedasaguest

anddidhisimpressionofElvis.

Peeringoverthetopofhisreadingglasses,ElvisaddressedAndyonthetelevisionscreen.“Youbettergetitright,son,”hesaid.

Welaughedandhadfunrootingforhim.Intheend,ElvisthoughtAndydidan“allrightjob,”andtoldme,“Youknowimpressionisthehighestformofflattery.”

IfIwasn’tatGraceland,

ElvisandIusuallyspokeonthephonetwiceaday,usuallyrightbeforefallingasleepandagainuponwaking.Ihadgrownmorecomfortablewithcallinghim,butmostofthetimeIstillwaitedforhiscall,notwantingtowakehim.

Shyly,Ialsobegantosay“Iloveyou”toElvisonthephone.MyfamilyandIlovedoneanother,ofcourse,butwerarelyexpressedthatverbally,

sothiswasabigstepforme.However,ifIdidn’ttellElvisIlovedhimfirst,heusuallyaskedmeifIdid.

DuringmyvisitstoGraceland,IwasfinallybecomingalittlebetteracquaintedwithElvis’sextendedfamilyandfriends.Someoftheirrolesstillconfusedmethough.Ididn’tsensethathiscousinBillySmithwasonthepayrollorhadaparticularlineofwork.

HejustseemedtobeonhandtodothingsforandwithElviswheneverElviswantedhimto.BillywasthesonofTravis,theguardatGracelandwhomyfatheroncehadbeenfriendlywithmanyyearsback.Travishadsincepassedaway.

OnoneofBilly’svisitsupstairs,hetoldmethatbeforeElvishadmetme,heandElvishadbeenoutridingmotorcyclesonce,andafter

returninghome,Elvislaidacrosshisbedandsaid,“Theremustbesomeoneoutthereforme.”

Thismademefeelgood,thinkingthatmaybeIwasthispersonElvishadbeenwaitingfor.Ihadcertainlycometofeelweweremeanttobetogether.

Onoccasion,Billy’swife,Jo,cametoGracelandwithhim.Shehaddarkeyes,paleskin,andpitch-blackhair.

ShewasusuallydressedinblackandElvisteasedherbycallingJohis“assassin.”Sometimesthetwoofthemwouldkidaroundandcutsharpglancesatoneanother,asifeachknewwhattheotheronewasthinking.AsBilly’swife,JohadbeenapartofElvis’slifeforalongtime.SheandIwerealwaysfriendlywithoneanotherbutwedidn’thaveanytimealonetogethertobecomegood

friends.GeorgeKleinvisitedevery

onceinawhile,andhewasalwaysnice.Onoccasion,Vernonmadeappearances.HemaintainedanofficeinabuildingbehindGraceland,alongwithPatsyGambill.IfheandElvisneededtogooverbusinessorsomeprivatematter,sometimesthey’daskmetoleavetheroom,thensummonmebackafterward.Irespectedtheirprivacyand

nevermindedthis.Duringoneofthesevisits,

Elvisaskedhisdad,“Doesn’tGingerlookalittlelikeMamawhenshewasyoung?”

Mr.Presleythoughtamoment.“Yes,”hereplied.Ismiledbackshyly,regardingthisagainasacompliment.Elvissmiledrightbackatme,asifsatisfiedthatwhathehadtoldmeontheplanewasconfirmedbyhisfather.

•••

Wecontinuedtomeditatetogetheraloneinthebedroom,andsometimeswhileElvisread,Iwouldrestmyheadagainsthischest,feelingsafe,andgentlystrokethesideofhisfacewithmyhand.Ilovedthosepeacefulmoments.Everyonceinawhilebeforesteppingintohisbathroom,Elviswouldannounce,“I’mgoingto

meditateandclearmymind.”HehadalsosaidthisinLasVegasafewtimesbeforedisappearingintothebathroomandclosingthedoor.

ItseemedthatElvisoccasionallyneededaretreat,tojustbeonhisown.Forhim,thissanctuaryseemedtobehisbathroomsuite.

Oneday,wewerecasuallysittingtogetherinElvis’sroomandchattingwhen,out

oftheblue,Elvisasked,“Wouldyouliketomovein?”

ThiswascompletelyunexpectedandIwasmorethanflattered.Iknewthiswasanofferthatmanywomenaroundtheworldwouldjumpat,butasmuchasIhadcometoloveElvisandthinkofhimaspartofmylife—andmyfuture—tojustmoveintoGracelandwithoutbeingmarriedfirstwassomethingIdidn’tbelieveinorfeelwas

appropriatetodoatthetime.Althoughthiswas1977andcohabitationwasbecomingmoreacceptable,Icamefromaprettyconservativebackground.MysistersandIhadbeenbroughtuptobelievethatyoulivedwithsomeoneonlyafteryouweremarried.Imayhavebeenbehindthetimesinthatway,butevenbeingontheroadwithElviswasadaringthingtodoforme,andIdidn’ttake

theseactionscasually.Hopinghewould

understand,Ilookedhimintheeyeandnervouslysaid,“Elvis,itjustisn’tmyway.”

Fortunately,Elvisseemedokaywiththat.Hesmiledandsaid,“Fine,Irespectyouforthat.”

•••

LateontheafternoonofJanuary18,justaweekorso

afterreturningfromPalmSprings,RosemaryandIdecidedtoseeamovienearGraceland.IbrieflyconsideredaskingElvistojoinus,thendismissedtheideaasimpractical.Frommyparents’descriptionoftheirmovie-watchingexperiencewithElvisbackinthe1960s,IknewElvisusuallyrentedawholetheaterifhewantedtoseeafilmundisturbed,withoutdrawingtheattention

offans.Besides,Ihadn’theardfromhimyetthatday,soIfiguredhewasstillasleep.

AsRosemaryandIwereleavingforthemovie,IaskedmymothertotellElviswhereIwasifheshouldcall.WeweregettingoutofourcaratthetheaterwhenSteveSmith,oneofElvis’saides,interceptedusandsaidElviswantedustoskipthemovieandgoshoppingformy

family.ThiswassomethingIdidn’tquiteunderstand.Foramoment,IwonderedifElvishaddonethisbecausehedidn’twantmetoseeamovieonmyown.ButwhywouldElvisfeelthatway?

IlookedatRosemary.Ididn’twanttoabandonmyplanwithher.ThisreallyputmeonthespotandIdidn’tknowwhattodo.ElvishadmadeanotherofhisgrandgesturesandIappreciated

thathewasthinkingofmyfamily.However,hereallydidn’tneedtobuythemanythingelse.NowStevewasstandinginfrontofme,expectingmetogowithhim.DoItellhim,“No,thanks,we’regoingtothemovies?”IhadastrongfeelingthatElviswouldbeoffendedbythat.

Iturnedtomysister.“Doyoumindifweseethemovieanothertime?”Iasked.

Rosemaryshrugged.“It’s

okay,”shereplied.ThetwoofusthenfollowedStevetoGoldsmith’sDepartmentStore.

Onceinside,StevetoldusthatElviswantedustobuyminkcoatsforourfamily—andforourselves.Me,too?Elvishadalreadygivenmebeautifulcoats!However,knowingElvisasIdidbynow,IfeltcertainthatifIdidn’tselectsomethingashe’drequested,hewouldonly

bringmebacktothestore.Ipickedoutcoatsformy

mother,Terry,andmysister-in-law,thenchoseasimpleblackminkformyself.Rosemaryfoundalessexpensivefoxfurcoatsheliked,butsinceitwasn’tamink,sheaskedSteveifitwouldbeokay.

StevecalledElvisfromaphoneinsidethestore,thenrelayedtoRosemarythatElvishadsaid“onlyminks.”

Sheputthefoxcoatbackandselectedamink.

WefollowedStevetoGracelandandcarriedthecoatsupstairs,whereElviswasinhispajamasandseatedonhisbed.Welaidthecoatsinfrontofhim.

Helookedoverourpurchasesapprovingly.AsifElvishadn’talreadybeengenerousenough,though,hesaid,“Thereisn’toneforyourfatherorbrother.”

Ithoughthewasgoingtotakeusbacktoastore,butElviswalkedovertoaclosetbyhisbathroomandbeganbrowsingthroughit.Pullingoutasheepskincoatandalong,brownmink,helaidthemamongtheothers.Thenhesteppedintohisloosebluejumpsuit,pullingitupoverhispajamas,andsecuredhisblackstuddedbeltaroundhiswaist.Finallyheputonapairofshinyblackbootsand

tuckedhisMagnum57insidethebelt.

“Let’sgotoyourhouse,”Elvissaid.

Iquicklyphonedhometotellmyparentswewereonourwaytoseethem.AnaidegatheredthecoatsandpiledthemintotheStutz.ElvisslidbehindthewheelandRosemaryandIclimbedinsidethecar.WeleftGracelandwithbodyguardsfollowinginaseparatecar.

Drivingdownatwo-lanecountryroadnearourhome,Elvistoldushehadnoticedanothercarfollowingoursforquiteawhile.Withnostreetlights,itwaspitch-blackout;Isupposedhe’dseentheheadlightsbehindthebodyguards’car.

Elvissuddenlypulledovertothesideoftheroad.Ilookedbacknervouslyandsawtheheadlightsfromthebodyguards’car.Sure

enough,anothercarwasbehindthatone.Bothcarspulledoverbehindours.

Beforethebodyguardscouldexittheircar,Elvisjumpedoutofoursandbeganwalkingbrisklytowardthecarinquestion.Worriedforhissafety,RosemaryandIturnedaroundandtriedtoseewhatwashappeningthroughthebackwindowoftheStutz.

Intheheadlights,Isawthefigureofamanwalking

towardElvis.Thebodyguardssteppedbetweenthem.Whenthestrangerinnocentlyshowedthemapenandpaper,Elvispolitelygavethemanhisautographandreturnedtoourcar.

Asheeasedintothedriver’sseat,Rosemaryaskedhim,“Aren’tyouafraidtodothat?”

Elvispointedtotheguninsidehisbelt.“WhydoyouthinkIcarrythis?”

Atmyhome,Elvissurprisedmyfamilywiththeirnewcoats.Theystoodinourden,quitestunned,andalmostinunison,said,“Elvis,youshouldn’thavedonethis!”

Alookofcompletecontentmentsuddenlygracedhisface.“Iwantedto,”hesaid.

Pleasedbytheirreactions,Elviswasinanupbeatmood,andlateraskedTerrytoplay

somethingonthebabygrandpianoinourmusicroom.Shechoseaclassicalpiece,“Toccata,”byAramKhachaturian,whichshehadperformedintheMissAmericapageant.

WegatheredaroundthepianoandElvisstoodbesideTerry,carefullywatchingherhandsonthekeyboard.IwasgladElviswasnowgettingtoseethemusicalsideofmyfamily.

“Toccata”wasn’ttheeasiestpianosolotoplayandElvisapplaudedwhenTerryfinished,tellingherthathethoughtshewasextremelytalented.Hethensatbesideheronthepianobenchandbeganplayingandsinging“UnchainedMelody.”ToseeElvishavingagoodtimeatourhomewarmedmyheart.Hisloveofmusicandhisenjoymentoffamilywereallthemoreevidentduring

momentslikethese.Ilongedtosharemanymoredayslikethiswithhim.

Thenextevening,ElviscalledtoseeifTerry,Rosemary,andIwouldliketospendthenightatGraceland.Terrywasoutwithherboyfriend,butRosemarysaidshe’dlovetocome.AlthoughIhaddriventoGracelandmanytimesbefore,thistimeElvissaidhewasworriedaboutmedriving

afterdark,sohesentsomeonetopickusup.

SinceourtimetogetherinPalmSprings,ElvisandRosemaryhadenjoyedkiddingaroundwithoneanother.Itendedtobemorereserved,butbothofthemhadawickedsenseofhumor.

Thatnight,thethreeofusweresittinginElvis’sbedroomwatchingtelevisionwhenElvisjokinglymadeanoff-colorremark.

Rosemarybrightened.“Couldyouimagineifyouactedlikethatinsomeofyourmovies?”shequipped.

Elvislaughed.Rosemarythensuggestedtheopeningsequenceforanewfilm,onethatwouldbenothinglikemostofhisAll-American,apple-piemusicals.“ItopensonthegatesofGraceland,”shebegan,“withpeacefulmusicplayinginthebackgroundandbirds

chirping.Faintly,inthedistance,youheartheroarofacarenginegettingcloserandcloser,andsuddenlyyourFerraricomessmashingthroughtheclosedfrontgates.Yougetoutwithacigarinyourmouthandwalkinside.Themaidsareallcowering.Goingupstairs,youfindGingerchainedtoawallsaying,‘Elvis,don’thitmeanymore!’”

Elvisthoughttheideaof

himplayingabadguyonfilmwashysterical.Thethreeofusjokedaround,puttingdifferenttwistsonthestory,changingtheendingofthemovieeachtimetomakeitandElvis’scharactermoreoutlandish.

Wejustsataroundtalkingandlaughing,andwhenElvisheardRosemarywasn’tdatinganyonesteadilyheasked,“Ifyoucouldgooutwithanyone,whowouldyou

liketogooutwith?”“Well,IlikeBurt

Reynolds,”Rosemarysaid.Elviswinkedatherand

said,“Thatcanbearranged,youknow.”

Mysister,awomanofmanywords,wassuddenlyspeechless.

Wecontinuedclowningaroundforawhile.ThenElvisputonatapeofMontyPythonandtheHolyGrail,

andafterwe’dfinishedwatchingit,ElvistoldRosemaryshecouldsleeponthebedinhisdressingarea.

Whenwewokethatafternoon,ElvisdecidedtodriveRosemaryandmehome.WeleftGracelandwithhisaideSteve.Aswepulledintoourdriveway,ElvisnoticedsomedustonmyCadillac.

“Youshouldn’tletitgetdirty,”hesaid.Itwasonlya

littledustbutIdidn’twantElvistothinkthatIwasn’tappreciativeofmygiftorapersonwhowouldn’ttakecareofitsoafterthat,acoupleoftimeswhenIthoughtthecarlookedslightlydusty,IwasheditinourdrivewaybeforegoingtoGraceland.Athome,wevisitedwithmyparentsintheden,whereatElvis’srequestmymotherbroughtoutherlargefamilyBibleagain.

Elvispointedoutafewnewthingshehaddiscovered.HedissectedthewordGenesis,saying“Genes-is,”andjotteddownsomenotes.Healsounderlinedversesandsharedhisthoughtswithusonthemeaningbehindthem.

Whenwestartedgettinghungry,ElvissentStevetogetsomefoodforeveryonefromMcDonald’swhilehecontinuedtalkingwithmyfamily.Afteralittlewhile,he

wantedtoplaythepiano,soweallmovedintoourmusicroom.

Ourkitchentablewasn’tlargeenoughtoaccommodateeveryone,sowhenStevereturned,mymotherbroughtsomeplatesintotheden.ElvisandIsatbesidemyparentsonthesofa.

Whilewewereeating,Elvissaidhe’dlikeusalltoliveclosertoGraceland.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’dheard

himmentiontheideasinceourflightfromPalmSprings.

“I’mworriedaboutGingerdrivingbackandforthtoseeme,”Elvissaid,“andI’dlikehertohaveherownroomandphone.”

Stilladdressingmyparents,Elvisadded,“Asyougetolder,youdon’tneedtheburdenofahousenotehangingoveryourheads.Youshouldbeabletoretire,playgolf,ordowhateveryou

want.I’dlikeyoutolookforahouseclosetoGraceland.”

Myparentsclearlydidn’tknowwhattosaytothisoffer,buttheypolitelythankedhim.DespiteElvis’senthusiasmforbuyingthemahouse,Ithinktheideadidn’tseemrealtothem.Theyhadworkedtheirwholelivestoownamodesthome.Theyhadn’tbeenlivinginElvis’sworld,whereyoucouldbuyminkcoats,newcars,orthree

ringsonawhim.Inaddition,thefrictionin

myparents’marriagehadn’timproved.Thisaffectedmysiblingsandme,naturally,sincethey’dbeengoingthroughdifficulttimesforquiteawhile.However,Ikeptthistomyself,notwantingtoviolatemyparents’privacy,andhopingthatthingsbetweenthemmightsomehowimprove.

Itwasgettinglateand

Elvissaidhewouldliketostayoveratourhome.Thefactthathefeltcomfortableenoughtowanttodothismeantagreatdealtome,butIknewmyfamilyhadtobepanicking,thinkingasIwas,Wherewouldhesleep?

Therewasaking-sizebedintheroomTerryandIshared,butmymotherhadbeenbusydecoratingtherestofthehouseandhadyettobuycurtainsforthebedroom

window.Shehadpinnedalargesheettothewallinordertocoverthewindow.

Luckily,Rosemaryjumpedin,offeringElvisherroom.Sheaskedifhe’dliketoseeit.HestoodupandRosemaryandIwalkedhimdownourhallway.

Rosemary’sroomwasdecoratedintunewiththe1970s.Shehadaffixedcrackledmirrorsquarestoonewall,andherbed’s

headboardandadresser,bothdarkwood,haddetailedsectionscoveredinredvelveteen.She’dchosenredforhercurtainsandbedspread,too,andaswaglampinthecornerglowedasoftred.

LookingatRosemary,Elvissaid,“Yourroomlookslikeabrothel,”thensaidhewaskidding.Hedidn’tmindthat,butRosemary’sbedlookedtooshort—hisfeet

wouldprobablyhangoff,hesaid.Next,noticinghertelevisioninthecorner,Elvisaskedwhatkinditwas.

Rosemarywalkedintotheroomandturnediton.“It’sagoodone.”

Itwasablack-and-whitetelevisionset.WhenElvissawthat,hesaid,“Youneedacolorone.”

Despiteourembarrassmentaboutthesheetcoveringourbedroom

window,TerrysaidshewouldstaywithRosemaryandElviscouldsleepinourroom.Itwastheonlychoice.Myfathersoonwentofftobed,butRosemary,Terry,mymother,andIstayeduptalkingandreadingwithElvisintheden.

Later,thedoorbellrang.IlookedoutourfrontwindowandsawAlstandingonourporch.Tomysurprise,hewasholdingabrand-newcolor

televisionset.NowIputthepiecestogether:Stevehadearliermadeacallfromourhouse,andElvismusthavearrangedforthisthen.

AlcarriedtheTVintoRosemary’sroom,tooktheoldoneandleft.RosemarythankedElvis,expressingherutterdisbelief.Ismiled,knowingexactlywhatmysisterwasfeeling.

Aseveryonegrewtired,mymotherbroughtouta

blanketforSteve,whosaidhe’dsleepintherecliner.Mymothersaidgoodnighttous,andwhenshelefttheroom,IknewshefeltasIdid,thatshecouldtrustElvisasagentleman,andthatIwouldneverengageinanythinginappropriateundermyparents’roof.

RosemaryandTerryheadedtoRosemary’sroom,andElvisandIwentintomine.Ihadbeenalonewith

Elvismanytimesbefore;still,itfeltawkwardsleepingwithElvisinmybedroomathome.

Whenwegotupthatafternoon,ElvissaidhehadarecordingsessioninNashvilleandwantedmetogo.Idressedandgatheredsomeclothes.Beforeleavinghome,Elvistoldmyfamilyitwasthefirsttimehehadspentthenightinsomeoneelse’shomeinawhile.

“IfeellikeIhaveafamily,becauseyou’reasnuttyasIam,andIfeelnojealousyhere,”hesaid.

IwonderedifElvisfelttherewassomejealousyatGraceland,eitherdirectedathimorbetweenmembersofhisfamilyandstaff.Iwouldneverfullyknowwhathemeant,norwouldIeverask.Iwasjustgladthatmyhousewasaplacewherehefeltcomfortable.

•••

WeflewintoNashvilleandsettledintoourhotel.IstayedinmybedroomwhileElviswentintothelivingroomareaofoursuiteandbeganlightlyrehearsingwithafewothers.Iheardsomeonestrummingaguitar.Elvisbegantosing,andtheneverythingfellquietsuddenly.

Shortlyafterthat,Elviscamewalkingintomy

bedroom,rubbinghisthroat.Hetoldmeitwasbeginningtofeelsore.

Ifeltsorryforhim,knowinghowconcernedhealwayswasaboutlosinghisvoice.Iwasn’tawareofanythingthatwasgoingonbehindthescenes.Ididn’tknowwhathewassupposedtoberecording,howimportantitwas,orwhowaswaitingonhim,andElvishadn’ttoldme.Butthatwas

okay:IknewthequalityofhissingingmatteredtoElvisineverysong.That’sjustwhohewas.

Hetalkedwithhisstaff.Adoctorcametoseehim,andwespentthenextcoupleofdaysreadingandwatchingtelevisiontogetherinhisroom,hopinghisthroatwouldfeelbetter.

Atvarioustimes,Elvistoldmethathedidn’twanttorecordifhisvoicewasn’t

perfect.Finally,hesaidhewasafraidtocontinueandendedupcancelingthesession.WeflewbacktoMemphis.Withthreeweeksoffbeforetouringagain,Ihopedhe’dhavetimetorecuperatefullybeforehisnextroundofperformances.

CHAPTER17

BackatGraceland,Elvisstayedupstairs,asusual,andtriedtobeextraprotectiveofhisvoice.Insteadofreadingtomeasheoftendid,heletmetakeoverandreadtohimoverthenextfewdayssohecouldrest.Othersstillcame

andwent,visitingwithElvisupstairsastheyusuallydid,butnowElvismadeapointofspeakingsoftly,takingextrameasurestocareforhisthroat.Beforelong,luckily,Elviswasfeelingandsoundingmuchlikehisusualself.

TheringsElvishadgivenmeinLasVegaswereatadlargeonmyfingers,andElvishadnoticedthatI’dbeenwearingtapewrappedaround

thebandstoholdthemon.Oneevening,hetoldmethathewantedtoknowmycorrectringsizeandmentionedthathe’daskedalocaljewelertocomeoverandmeasureme.Beforelong,thejewelerwalkedintoElvis’sbedroomandintroducedhimselfasLowellHayes.Lowellmeasuredmyfinger,heandElvissharedafriendlyvisit,andbeforelong,Lowellleft.

Ashorttimelater,Iwentintothebathroom.WhenIreturnedtoElvis’sbedroom,Idiscoveredthathe’dproppedamagnificentnecklacewiththelettersTLC,allindiamonds,onmypillow.Onceagain,he’daimedtheoverheadreadinglightonittomakesureitsparkled.Iwasblownaway.Ihadnoticedthesetenderlovingcarenecklaceswornbywomeninhisfamily,femaleband

members,andagirlfriendortwoofcertainentouragemembers.Thisonewasuniquethough;itlookedlargerthantheothersandtheonlyoneI’dseenmadewithalldiamonds.

Iwasdeeplymovedbythisbeautiful,singularexpressionofElvis’saffection.Hefastenedthenecklacearoundmyneck,tellingme,“Ihadthismadeespeciallyforyou,Ginger.”

HavingthisnecklacemeantthatI’dbeentrulyacceptedasapartofElvis’sinnercircle.AlthoughIhadfeltthissentimentfromhimforalongtime,Iwashappynowtohavesomethingthatwouldsignalthismessagetothepeoplearoundus.Turningbacktohim,ItoldhimhowmuchIloveditandthankedhim.

Elvissmiledandwinked.“Idon’tgivetheseouttojust

anyone,”hesaid.

•••

IcontinuedtospendalotoftimeatGraceland,butoneafternoon,mynieceAmberaskedmetotakehertoalocalhamburgerrestaurant,andIsuddenlyrealizedthatIhadbeensofocusedonElvisthatIhadneglectedseeingmyfriendsorhangingoutwithmyfamily.

WantingtospendsometimewithAmber,Ihappilypickedherupandwewenttotherestaurant.

Aswewerefinishingeatingatabacktable,Inoticedawomanatanearbytablestandupandfoldanewspapershehadbeenreading.Iglancedatthefrontpageofherpaperwhenshewalkedbyandwasstartledtoseeapictureofsomeonewholookedremarkablylikeme!

IhurriedlypaidourbillandracedoutoftherestaurantwithAmber.Weheadedstraighttoanearbystore.There,lineduponmagazineracksbesideeverycashierstand,wastheNationalEnquirerwithalargeblack-and-whitephotoofElvisandme,capturedontour,gracingitscover.

Iwasshocked.Me,onthecoverofanationalpaper?Tabloidornot,Iwas

awestruckandthoughtitwasanicepictureofthetwoofus,too.Ipurchasedacopyandrushedhometoshowittomyfamily,figuringthey’dgetakickoutofseeingmeonthecoverwithElvis.

BecauseIhaddevotedmostofmyfreetimetoseeingElvis,I’dbarelygoneoutmuchonmyown.Naively,IhadthoughtthatanypicturessnappedofElvisandmeontourorinacar,

comingfromandgoingtoGraceland,werejustbeingtakenbyElvis’sfans.Beinginthemediaspotlightwassomethingnewtome,especiallybecausewehonestlyhadn’tbeenoutthatmuchinpublicyet.

IsoonrealizedIwasnowofinteresttothepress.Oneday,IwasathomeandplanningtotakeadrivewithmyfamilywhenInoticedastrangecarparkedonthe

streetinfrontofourhomewiththeenginerunning.Amanwassittinginsideit.Whowasthis?Wasthisaphotographerorareporter?

Justincase,mysistersandIdonnedsunglassesbeforewalkingtothecartomakeitmoredifficultforsomeonetotellwhowaswho.Sureenough,thecarfollowedus.

Mydadrandomlydrovearoundforawhile,buteventuallyhadtostopandget

gas.Thecarthathadbeenfollowinguspulledupatthegasstation,too,andthedrivergotout.Heapproachedourcarandpeeredintothebackseat.

“WhichoneisGinger?”heasked.

Determinedtoprotectmyprivacy,mysistersandIpointedatoneanother.Themanwalkedaway,notlookingtoohappy.Iwasgladhecouldn’thearmyheart

thuddingagainstmyribcage.Iknewwewouldn’tbeabletokeepthisupforlongthoughasthewordwasdefinitelyout:IwaswithElvis.

OnthenightofJanuary26,IwaswatchingtelevisionwithElvisinLisa’sbedroom.HelefttheroomatonepointandwasgoneforlongenoughthatIlookedtoseewherehewas.

IfoundElvistalkingon

thephoneinhisbedroom.IreturnedtoLisa’sroomandwatchedsomemoretelevision,thenheardacommotionasotherscameandwentupstairs,speakinginprivatewithElvis.

Itwasn’tlikehimtoavoidme.Asmoretimepassed,Istartedtofeeloddandbeganworryingthatsomethingmightbewrong.WhenElvisfinallyreturnedtoLisa’sroom,hetookmyhand

withoutsayingawordandledmeintohisdressingarea.

Iwasallthemorepuzzledasheguidedmetowardablackchairinfrontofhisbathroomwindow,whereElvisaskedmetositdown.AssoonasIwasseated,hekneltbeforemewithonehandbehindhisback.

“Ginger,I’vebeensearchingforlovesolong,”Elvissaid,“andneverinmywildestdreamsdidIever

thinkIwouldfinditinmyownbackyard.I’vebeensixtypercenthappyandfortypercenthappy,butneverahundredpercent.I’velovedbeforebutI’veneverbeeninlove.Ginger,I’maskingyou:Willyoumarryme?”

Elvisbroughthishandoutfromaroundhisback.Initwasasmall,greenvelvetbox.

Nearlyovercomebyemotion,myvoicequavered.IwasgladIwassittingdown

becauseIwasn’tsuremyshakinglegscouldhavesupportedme.“Yes,”Imanaged,holdingontothebeautifulwordshe’djustspoken.

Elvisplacedtheboxinmyhand,whichwasnowtrembling.InsideitwasthemostmagnificentringIhadeverseen,withahugecenterdiamondsurroundedbysixsmallerones.

IkissedElvis,feelingmy

eyesbrimwithtears.Hedelicatelytooktheringfromtheboxandslippeditontotheringfingerofmylefthand.Itwasaperfectfit.

NowIrememberedthejeweler,Lowell,Elvishadcalledtothehousetomeasuremyfinger.Irealizedhemusthaveplannedthisthen.

Withahintofnervousnessinhisvoice,Elvisaskedmetoholdupmyhandsohecouldseewhatthering

lookedlike.Commentingonhowbeautifulitwas,hesaid,“Godwillcomethroughmeandtellmewhenthetimeisrightforourwedding.Areyouready?Canyoucopewithmylifestyle?”

“Yes,”Ianswered,stillnaivebutreadytodowhateverthatentailed.

“Therewillbealotofpeoplejealousofyou,”Elviswenton,“butyoushouldalwaysbealady,andif

negativethingsareeversaid,justbowoutgracefully.”

“Iwill,”Isaid,cluelessatthatbrightmomentinourlivesastojusthowdeepandbitingthosejealousieswouldbecome.IwasalsounawareofhowclosesomeofthepeoplearoundElvisweretotheotherwomeninhispast,andhowloyaltheywouldremaintothosewomen.IonlyknewthatIlovedElvisandhopedhisfeelingsforme

wereasdeepaswhatIfeltforhim.IwaswillingtowaittomarryuntilthetimefeltrighttoElvis,andintendedtoleaveitalluptohim.But,fornow,havingaringonmyfingermademerealizethathewasasdeeplycommittedtoourrelationshipasIwas.WeweregoingtobuildafuturetogetherandIwasneverhappier.

Whenwewalkedoutofhisbathroom,Iwassurprised

toseeCharlieandBillySmithstandinginElvis’sbedroom.Iblushed,knowingtheymusthavebeeninonthesecretandwerewaitingforustocomeoutandtellthemournews.

Beaming,Elvissaidtome,“Showthemthering.”

Iwasproudto,andinsuchadaze,myhandalmostroseonitsown.

Elvistookholdofitandshookhishead.“Boy,ohboy,”hesaid.

CharlieandBillyhuggedandcongratulatedus.ThenCharliepresenteduswithasmallbackgammonsetandsaid,“Thisisalittleengagementgift.”Thiswassosweetofhim,andIhuggedhimagain.

Shortlyafterward,Elvis’sstepbrothers,RickyandDavid,enteredtheroomtogiveustheirhugsandcongratulationsaswell.Everyoneknew!The

overwhelminglycheerfulresponsewascomforting,butIwonderedifthesemenwouldeverreallyacceptmeasMrs.Presley,oriftheyfeltthatElvisgettingmarriedmightbringsomechangeinthedynamicsoftheirrelationshipswithElvis.

Everyfewminutes,Elviswouldtellmetoholdupmyhandsoeveryonecouldseethering.IthinkIwasstillinastateofshockbecauseeach

timehedidthis,Ihadtroublekeepingmyhandfromtrembling.

Aftereveryonehadfinallyleftusalone,ElvisandIsatonthebed.Heaskedmetoraisemyhandseveralmoretimes,sohecouldlookattheringagain.

“Itlookslikeacarheadlight,”Elvissaidproudlyatonepoint.

“Ithinkit’sbeautiful,”Icountered,leaningoverto

kisshim.Iwassooverwhelmed,Icouldn’ttakemyeyesoffthering.AtfirstIwasdyingtocallmyfamilyandletthemknow,butthendecideditwouldbefuntodoitinperson.

Elviswantedothersinthehousetoseetheringandknowwewereengaged.HecalledforAuntDeltaandthemaidstocomeup.Witheachnewarrival,heproudlyagainaskedmetoholdoutmy

hand,evenaimingtheoverheadreadinglightsotheringgleamedandsparkled,givingthemabetterlook.Eachoneenthusiasticallycongratulatedus.

Itwasn’tuntilafterElvis’sdeaththatIwouldlearnthecenterdiamondinmyengagementringwasthediamondfromhiscustom-madeTCBring,whichElvisalwaysworeonstage.Thejeweler,LowellHayes,had

madeitforhimandyearslaterhedescribedonhiswebsitehowthisengagementringcametobe.Elvishadcalledhimatoneo’clockonemorningtellinghimthathewantedLowelltomakeanengagementringformewithadiamondthatlookedliketheoneinthemiddleofElvis’sTCBring.Lowellprotested,sayinghedidn’thaveadiamondlikethat,butElviscalledhimbackhalfan

hourlaterandsaidhehadtohavetheringthatverynightandpleadedwithhimtomakeit.

Lowellreportedthathe’dcalleddiamonddealersinNewYorkthen,buttheyallreportedthatnobodycouldgetadiamondofthatsizeonsuchshortnotice,sincethediamondswerekeptinvaultsovernight.OnceLowellhaddeliveredthebadnewstoElvis,though,hehad

ponderedtheproblemsomemore,andrealizedtheycouldusethediamondfromElvis’sTCBringandfindanothertoreplaceitlater.Elviswasthrilledwiththatidea.

LowellhaddriventoGracelandtocollecttheringandwentbacktothejewelryshoptoremovethediamondandmakeamountingforit.HecenteredtheTCBdiamondandaddedthreediamondsoneithersideofit,

thendrovebacktoGracelandtopresenttheringtoElvis—allonthesamenight.WhenIheardthisstory,IwasonceagainremindedthattherulesinElvis’sworldwerealotdifferentfromtherulesgoverningeveryoneelse.

•••

Ithadbeenanextraordinarilyunforgettablenight.Bytheendofit,Ihadcometo

believewithcertaintythatallofthethingsElvishadbeensayingtomeaboutusbeingsoulmatesandushavingafuturetogetherwereabsolutelytrue.IwascommittedtoElvisheartandsoul.

Thefollowingafternoon,Iwokeeagertosharemynewswithmyfamily,buttherewereafewmorepeopletoannounceittoatGracelandfirst.ElvisandIwent

downstairstoshowtheringtohisgrandmother.Dodgerwassittinginbedwhenweenteredherroom.WhenElvistoldherwewereengaged,shetookmyhandinhers,smiledsweetlyatElvis,andsaidshewashappyforus.

Elviswasstillasexcitedashe’dbeenthenightbefore;nowhewantedtoshowhisfatherthering.Ifollowedhimoutthebackdoor.Ihadn’tseenthatmuchof

VernonatGraceland.HeusuallyspoketoElvisbyphoneandIfeltnervousabouthisreactiontoournews.Hewasaniceman,butfromthelittleI’dbeenaroundhim,IknewVernoncouldbeblunt.Iwasslightlyintimidatedbyhim.Whatifhedidn’tliketheideaofmebeingElvis’ssecondwife?

Forwhateverreasons—mostlyduetothechillyweather,thefactthatwe’d

beentouring,andElvis’spreferenceforhisbedroom—IhadneveractuallybeeninthebackyardofGracelandbefore,thoughIhadn’treallythoughtaboutthatuntilnow.Wewalkedthroughapasturebehindaracquetballcourt,andIsawsomehorsesinthedistancebeforeenteringVernon’spropertythroughagateinthefencesurroundinghisbackyard.Elvishadbuiltatwo-storywhitehousewith

blacktrimforhisfatheronDolanDrive,whichranalongonesideofthelandsurroundingGraceland.

AfterElvisshowedVernonthering,hisfatherembracedusbothandcongratulatedus.Iimmediatelyfeltrelieved.Ididn’tsensethatVernonwasreallysurprised,though,whichmademewonderifElvishadspokentohimatsomepointaboutgivingmea

ring.Ashehadearlierwithme,

ElvistoldhisfatherthatGodwouldtellhimwhenthetimewasrighttosetthedate.Wevisitedforabit.Beforelong,however,Elvissaidtome,“Let’sgoseeyourparents.”Iwashappyandcouldn’twaittotellthemthenews!

Ididn’tevengivemyfamilyanyadvancewarningofourarrival.Theywereplainlysurprisedwhenthey

openedthedoorandsawElvisandmestandingtogetheronthefrontporch.

Ikeptmyhandbehindmybackuntilwewereintheden,whereElvisturnedtomeandsaid,“Showthemyourhand.”

IwasstillfindingitdifficulttoholdmyhandsteadyasIbroughtitfromaroundmyback.Myparentslookedatthering,thenbackatus,speechless.

“We’reengaged,”Elvis

said,effectivelymakingwhathehadtoldmymotheronthephoneinLasVegasanexcitingreality.Iwastouchedtoseethatheseemedalittleanxiousashewaitedfortheirreactionandapproval.

IwishI’dbroughtacameratocapturethecompletelystunnedlookonmyparents’faces.Mymotherbrokethesilencefinally,smilingandsaying,“I’msohappy!Andwhatabeautiful

ring!I’veneverseenadiamondthatlarge!”

Myparentshuggedthetwoofus.Serious,Elvisthensaidtothem,“I’mgoingtotakegoodcareofGinger,don’tyouworry.”

MakingdirecteyecontactwithElvis,myfathersmiledandsaid,“I’msureyouwill.”Heshookhishand.

ThenRosemaryandTerrycamein,andwhenwe’dannouncedournewstothem,

theelationandcongratulationsstartedupagain!

ElvisandIstayedanotherhourorso,relaxingatmyhouseandbaskinginmyfamily’sexcitement.WhenwereturnedtoGracelandlater,Icouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatVernonreallythought,soIaskedElvis,“Whatwasyourfather’sreactiontoourengagement?”

Hereplied,“Mydaddy

onlyasked,‘Son,doesshedolittlethingsforyou?’AndItoldhimyes.”

Itfeltgoodhearinghisanswer,sinceIhadtriedtopamperElvisinsmallways,suchasorderingfoodforhim,rubbinghisback,readingwithhim,andevenplacingcottonballsinhisearssohecouldsleepbetter.

AccordingtoElvis,hisfatherhadthenresponded,“Good.Whatcouldaforty-

year-oldwomandoforyou,likewhatcanasixty-year-olddoforme?Nothing.”

Ididn’tagreewithwhatVernonsaid,butdidn’tcomment.OfcourseIwasgladthatVernonwascomfortablewiththeagedifferencebetweenElvisandme,buthearinghiswordsmademethinkthatmaybeVernonbroughtElvisupbelievingthat’swhatamanneeded,ayoungerwomanto

takecareofhimsinceElviswaswithmeandVernonwaswithSandy.IwasgladtotakecareofElvis—butequallygladthatElvisseemedkeenontakingcareofme,too.

Afewnightsafterourengagement,Elvisreturnedtomyfamily’shometovisitand,whilehewasthere,invitedhisjewelertocomeover.

WhenLowellarrived,hebroughtTCBandTLC

necklaceswithhim.Ashehaddonewithme,Elvisslippedthesymbolicnecklacesovertheheadsofeachofmyfamilymembers.Hewantedmyfamilytoknowtheywerenowpartofhisinnercircleandfamily.Andthiswashiswayofmakingsurethatothersknewitaswell.

Impulsive,extravagantgesturesremainedthenormforElvis.Onthespurofthe

moment,heinvitedmywholefamilytoLasVegasagain.Hecalledthesheriff,andthesheriffcalledthemayorofMemphistoseeifthedistrictchiefwouldgivemybrotherpermissiontotakethefollowingdayofffromthefiredepartment.

ThepowerofElvisworkedandthechiefsaidyes.

WeflewtoLasVegas,whereweallstayedatthe

HiltonandElvisgaveeachmemberofmyfamilyahundreddollarsforgamblinginthecasino.ElvispreferredtoremaininhisroomwithmeagainandInowfeltthatElvisgotboredsometimesandjustachangeinlocationrelaxedhim.ItwouldhavebeennicetoseeoneoftheLasVegasshows,butIunderstoodthat,ifElviswentout,itwouldbeabigdeal.Iwasconfidentthatoneday,if

Iaskedhim,wewouldseesomeshowstogether.Ididn’tmindstayinginsidewithhimthatnight,andIfeltespeciallyhappyknowingmyfamilywasbeingtreatedtoawonderfultime.

Thetwoofuskepttoourusualpatternsandspentourtimewatchingtelevisionandreadingtogetherinourhotelroom.ThistimeElvishadbroughtTheImpersonalLife,abookbyJosephBenner.It

wasasmallbookaboutself-discoveryandlookingwithinfortruespiritualguidance.Elviswasseriouslyinterestedintheconceptsandeagertosharethemwithme.

OneneverknewwhatElvismightsayordo,andatonepointduringthenight,Elvisaskedmetositwithhim,closemyeyes,andpracticesaying,“BestillandknowthatIamGod.”

Aswesat,chantingthis

phraseinanattempttobringinnerpeace,Elvissuddenlygotacrampinhistoethatdidn’tletup.Somuchforinnerpeace!Hefinallyjumpedupfromthebedand,stillholdingontohisfoot,beganhoppingaround.Hewaslaughingandcursingthroughthepain,whichmademegettickled,too.

Ittookalittlewhileforthecramptogoaway,anditwasprettyfunnytowatchhow

Elviskepthissenseofhumorwhileinagony.AsotherswerebeingentertainedinshowroomsacrossLasVegas,IwasgettingauniquelyprivateperformanceasElvisdancedforme!

Later,weconnectedwithmyfamilyandvisitedwiththemforawhile.WewereinLasVegasforonlyonenightandbeforeIknewit,wewereonourwaybacktoMemphis.

•••

NotlongafterwereturnedtoGraceland,Elvisagainbroughtuphiswishtobuymyfamilyanewhome.HealsomentionedagainthatIshouldhavemyownroomandphoneline,sohecould“easilygetintouchwithme.”IwasstilluncomfortableaboutElvisbuyingahouseformyfamily.

Ihadn’tpursuedtheidea,

norhadmyfamily,butElvisremaineddeterminedtofollowthroughwiththis.HedecidedtotakemattersintohisownhandsonedayandcontactedhiscousinGeeGee,askinghimtosetupanappointmentwithaRealtortolookatahome.ElvisalsoinvitedmyparentstocometoGracelandsotheycouldgowithus.

Mymothershowedup,accompaniedbyRosemary

andmynieceAmber.Myfatherwasworkingalateshift.WerodealongwithGeeGeeandPatsytoatwo-storyhomeintheWhitehavenarea,aneighborhoodclosertoGraceland.

TwoRealtorsgaveusatourofthehome.Itwasanolderhouseandstilloccupied.Aswewalkedaroundthefirstfloor,Elvissaid,“Well,don’tlookatitasitis,becausetherewillbea

lotofrepairsthatwillneedtobemadeonit.Pictureitinadifferentlight,withnewcarpetingandbathroomfixtures.”

Wewentupstairs.WhenIsawthatthehousehadfivebedrooms,Irealizedthehousemustbemuchmoreexpensivethantheonewelivedinnow.Elvispeeredatthebackyardthroughoneoftheupstairswindows.“Youneedapool,”hesaid.“The

backyardlookssmall,andthere’snoroomforapool.”

Elvishadbeenholdingmyhandthewholetime.Whenheletgo,Amberquicklytookmyhand.Elvisshotheralook.“Amber,watchit,”hesaidwithagrin.“You’regettingtooclose.”

Beforeweleft,Elvistoldmymother,“Keeplookingtoseeifyoucanfindoneintheneighborhoodwithfourorfivebedrooms.I’dlikeyouto

haveoneclosertoGraceland,butyouhavetoliveinthehouse.Itshouldbesomethingthatpleasesyouandhasaroomforeachofyou.”

Withthedifficultythatmyparentswerehavingintheirmarriage,Iknewthelastthingtheywouldbefocusedonwaslookingforanewhouse,butwecouldalltellElviswasextremelyseriousaboutdoingthis.Hisbenevolentspiritcontinuedto

astonishme.

CHAPTER18

LearninghowtobepartofElvis’slifewaslikerunningnexttoafast-movingtrain,grabbingadoorhandle,andjumpingonboard.Thatexpresstrainshowednosignsofslowingdown.

Hisnewtourbeganin

FloridaonFebruary12.Elviswantedmetoseehowhepreparedforhisshows,soatonepointheaskedmetojoinhiminhisbathroomontheLisaMarie.Therehemixedupasalinesolution,tiltedhisheadback,andpouredthesaltwaterdowneachnostril.Thismadehimcoughandhelpedclearhisthroat.

AnothertimeaboardtheLisaMarie,Elvisaskedmeto

comeintohisbathroombeforethatnight’sshow.Heleanedagainstthesinkandhandedmeablackeyepencil.Hewantedmetotouchupafewgraywhiskersonhissideburnsandacoupleofgrayhairsinhiseyebrows.Ineverthoughtofhisgrayhairasdetractingfromhissexappealinanyway,butElvisobviouslydidn’tlikeit.

Istartedtopencilinasmallarea.Ourfaceswere

closetogether;Elvisbeganstaringatmeandmakingsubtle,comicalfacialexpressions.Hewouldn’tstopevenwhenIbeggedhimto,andIstartedlaughingsohard,myhandshookinthemiddleofgivinghimhistouch-up.

WhenIwasfinished,Elvisturnedaroundtolookinthemirror.“MyGod,”hesaidinmockhorror.“IlooklikeGrouchoMarx!”

Needlesstosay,hehadtotoneitdownabit.WelaughedashewipedsomeofthecoloroffandthenElvissharedatiphe’dlearnedworkinginfilms,showingmehowtoapplymascaraacertainwaytomakeyourlasheslooklonger.InevercouldhaveimaginedthatIcouldlearnmakeuptipsfromaman,buthereIwas,stilllearningsomethingnewfromElviseveryday.

•••

Becauseweweretouringfromonecitytothenext,ElvisandIusuallydidn’tknowwhatdayitwas.However,onValentine’sDayIgotapleasantsurprise:Elvisgavemenotone,butfourdifferentValentine’scards!

Iknewsomeoneelsemusthavepickedoutthecards,butitstilltouchedmethathe’dthoughttodothis.Insidethe

cards,Elvishadunderlinedcertainversesandwrittensomebeautifulpersonalwords.

Afewnightslater,IagainlookedoverthecardsElvishadgivenme.MaybebecauseoftheromanticthingsElvishadsaidanddone,Istartedthinkingaboutmyparents’marriagecrumbling,reflectingonhowtheirlovehadgonewrongandwonderingwhyithadn’t

lasted.HereIwaswithElvis,bothofuslookingforwardtomarriage,whiletheirswaspossiblycomingtoanend.Thethoughtmademesad.

Elviscouldtellsomethingwasbotheringme.“What’swrong?”heasked.

Ihadn’twantedtoburdenhimwithanydiscussionaboutmyparents’maritalproblemsbefore,butIfeltthatpartofbeinginalovingrelationshipmeantbeing

honestwithsomeone.Ihopedhewouldopenuptomeifsomethingwasbotheringhim,soIdecidednottohideitanymore.Ibrokedown,tellingElvisthatmyparentsjustweren’tcompatiblewithoneanother.

Elviswassurprised.AfterI’ddescribedwhatwasgoingonatourhouse,hesaid,“Thoseareunpleasantconditionstobelivingunder,andIdon’twantyoulivingin

that.”Iappreciatedhis

sympatheticearandconcern,butIwasn’taskingElvistodoanythingaboutit.Hehadaskedmewhatwasonmymind,andIhadhonestlyopeneduptohim,Iexplained,adding,“Elvis,thisisasituationthatIbelieveonlymyparentscansolve.”

Ilearneditwasimpossibleforhimtobeapassivelistener,asheseemed

determinedtowanttohelp.“I’dliketospeakwithyourmotheraboutwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.“Iwanttoinviteherandyoursisterstoseemylastfewshows.”

OnFebruary19,Elvisflewthemfirst-classonAmericanAirlinesintoJohnsonCity,Tennessee.Duringhisshowthere,Elvisintroducedmetohisaudience,alongwithmymother,Rosemary,andTerry.

ThenextshowwasinCharlotte.OntheflightbetweenTennesseeandNorthCarolina,Elvistooktimetotalkwithmymomabouthermarriage.Helistenedpatientlytoeverythingshewaswillingtoshare.

IknewElviscouldn’tchangehowmyparentsfeltabouteachother,butIdeeplyappreciatedhowmuchefforthewasputtingintotryingtocomforther.Hetoldmy

motherthathehopedthingswouldworkout,andaskedhertokeeplookingforahouse.

“Itwillbeonelessthingtoworryabout,”Elvispromisedher.

DuringtheCharlotteshow,heintroducedmeagain.Thistime,goingdownthelinewithmyfamily,hesaid,“andallthelittleAldens,”acknowledgingTerryasMissTennessee.

Withamischievouslook,hethenstartedwalkingtowardTerry.

Terrybeganshakingherheadand,underherbreath,Iheardhersay,“No...No.”

Elvisignoredthis.Lookingstraightather,heaskedTerrytojoinhimonstage.Hehadstoppedhiswholeshowtosingleherout.

Terryfinallysteppedupontothestagebesidehim,blushingfuriously.

“Playthatweirdpieceyouplay,”Elvisteased.

“No,”Terrysaid.ButElvismotionedforher

todoit,andfinallyshetookaseatbehindthepiano,whereshequicklyplayedpartof“Toccata.”

AsTerrystoodtoleave,sheturnedtoElvisandjokinglysaid,“I’llgetyouforthis,”forgettinghismicrophonewasinhishand.Welaterhadagoodlaugh

wonderingifanyothershadheardher.

TheperformanceinCharlottewasElvis’slastshowofthetour.WeflewbacktoMemphisafterward,wherehecouldenjoynearlyamonthoff.

OncewewerebackinMemphis,Elviscontinuedtovisitmyparents’home,sometimesbymotorcycleandnotalwaysunderthecoverofdarkness.Ineverknewwhen

Elvismightappear.IfIwasathomesleepingandheardtheroarofamotorcycle,Ialwayswokeupwonderingifitcouldbehim.

Icouldtellhewasgettingrealcomfortablewithmyfamily,whichmademefeelgreat.Occasionally,Elviswouldenterourhouseand,rightoffthebat,wouldask,“Where’sRosemary?”Lookingforher,he’dmarchdownthehallandfliponher

bedroomlight.Onetimemybrother

happenedtobeatthehousewhenElviscametovisit,andElvisbroughtupthepossibilityoftrainingMikeasaguardtoworkforhim.Mybrotherthankedhimandsaidhewouldcertainlyconsiderit.

Onanotheroccasion,Elvisdecidedtoapproachmyfatheraboutmyparents’marriage.Hesatwithmydad

inRosemary’sroomandtalkedwithhimforalittlewhile.Later,Elvistoldmehedidn’tknowiftheirconversationhadhelpedfixanything,butitwasastart.Iwasamazedbyhowcaringandgood-heartedhewaswithbothofmyparents.

Elvisreallyseemedtobetakingthemonashisownfamilynowthatwewereengaged.Ithoughtthatbodedwellforourfutureasa

couple,becausefamilywassoimportanttobothofus.

•••

Ihadneverlostmyloveofmotorcycles.Iwasthrilled,therefore,whenwewereatGracelandonenightandElvisfinallyaskedmetoridewithhim.HecalledforBillySmithand,whenBillyenteredtheroom,Elvislookedathimandsaid,

“SaddleuptheHarleyhogs.”Billyleft,andfiguringthat

ElvismustownafewHarley-Davidsonmotorcycles,Iaskedhimwhyhecalledthemthat.“Becausetheyhogtheroad,”hesaid.

Asusual,helefthispajamason,steppedintohisbluejumpsuit,buckledhisblackstagebeltaroundhiswaist,andtuckedoneofhisgunsinsideit.Goingintohisdressingroom,hereturned

withhisblackleatherjacketandhandedmeanotherone,saying,“Here,Iwantyoutohavethis.”

Itwasabeautifuljacketinsilverleather,withmulticoloredflamesandablackeaglepaintedonitsback.Elvishandedmeahelmetandwewalkeddownstairs.

Stoppingbyhisgrandmother’sbedroom,wesaidaquickhelloand

continuedoutback.IthoughtitwassweetthatElvisusuallycheckedonDodgerwheneverhewasgoingout.

TheminuteIputthehelmeton,Elvislookedatmeandbegantolaugh.“Youlooklikealollipophead,”hesaid.

Iwasamusedaswell,knowingmyheadwasonthesmallsideandthehelmetwashugeonme.

Billyandacoupleofthe

guysgotonmotorcyclesand,straddlinghisown,Elvissaid,“Comeon,ChickenNeck.Geton.”

Idid,andweslowlytookoffdownthedriveway.Myneckcouldn’tsupporttheweightofthehelmetandIkeptbangingmyheadintoElvis’s.Hestartedlaughing,andprettysoonwewerenearlyhystericalbecauseeverytimehesloweddown,myhelmetwouldgoclank

againsthis.Werodeupanddown

ElvisPresleyBoulevard,whereElvisplayfullyyelledtoacoupleofpassingcars,“Getoffmystreet!”Hewasenjoyinghimself,andIwashavingablast.

Atonepoint,Elvishadtousearestroom,sowestoppedatagasstation.Somefanshadfollowedus;steppingoffthemotorcycle,Elvissignedafewautographs.Healways

tooktimewithhisfans.Beforelong,wewereback

onthemotorcycleandwerodearoundsomemore,circlingthroughparkinglots,thenreturnedtoGraceland.Ithadbeenafunnight,andIhopedtherewouldbemanymorelikeit.

•••

Iwasnowactivelyenvisioningafuturewith

Elvis,andIdelightedinimaginingthelifewewouldshare,alifethatIhopedwouldbeenrichedbypetsandchildren.SoonItookonestepclosertothatfuture.I’dalwayslovedGreatDanes,andI’dbeenentertainingtheideaofgettingone.IwassurprisedwhenImentionedthistoElvisonedayandhetoldmehe’downedGreatDanesinthepast.Ithoughtitwasneatthatwebothliked

thesamebreed.Excitedbytheprospectof

sharingandcaringforapettogether,ItoldElvisthat,whenthedogwasapuppy,Icouldkeepitatmyparents’house,andafterheandIweremarried,itwouldhaveroomtorunatGraceland.Thisgotustalkingaboutdogs,andIcouldtellElvishadasoftspotforanimalsbythewayhereminiscedaboutsomeofthepetshe’downedoverthe

years.Myparentshadallowedustohaveavarietyofpetsand,aswetradedstories,hesuggestedthatwegetone.

Ilaterfoundalistinginourlocalpaperforsomepuppies.Oneday,unbeknownsttoElvis,IdrovetoahomeinSayreville,Tennessee,andpurchasedablackmaleGreatDanewithasmallwhitestaronhischest.InhonorofElvis’sopening

themetohisconcerts,IdecidedtonamehimOdyssey.

Icouldn’twaittoshowhimtoElvis!IbroughtthepuppytoGraceland.Gawky,withlargepawsandlonglegs,Odysseywasbigatjustacoupleofmonthsold.Thepuppydidn’thaveanyexperiencewithstairs,so,hopingnoonewouldseeme,Istoodoverhim,tookonepawatatime,andslowly

helpedOdysseywalkupthefrontstairs.

ElvisandBillywerechattinginLisa’sroomwhenIarrived.Ienteredthedoorway,luggingmynewpuppywithme,andsaid,“ThisisOdyssey.”

Surprised,theystartedlaughing.Billybeganjokingaround,callingthedogOddball.

Iwasalittlesensitiveaboutit,whichElvisnoticed.

HegaveBillyanannoyedlookandsaidhethoughtOdysseywascute.BillylefttheroomthenandElvisapologized.Hesaidhe’dlookedinthepaper,too,wherehe’dseenthesameadandwasgoingtocall.

Overthenextfewdays,IdividedmytimebetweentryingtotrainOdysseyathomeandgoingtoseeElvis.Hewasclearlythinkingaboutwhatourfuturewouldlook

liketogether,too,becauseoneday,Elvissaid,“Youhavetolearnthatyouaretheladyofthehouse.”

“Okay,”Iagreed.Itwarmedmetohearthis.AlthoughIdidn’tliveatGracelandyet,itwaswonderfultoknowthatElviswasalreadythinkingofmeinthisway.

Atthesametime,Iwasalittleworried,wonderinghowIcouldeasilyslipintothis

rolewithoutdisturbingoroffendingthosewhowererunningGracelandbehindthescenes.Ididn’twanttosteponanyone’stoes.Ihadn’thadanyopportunitiestohangoutdownstairsandvisitwiththeotherpeoplewhowereregularsinthehouse,soIhadn’tformedacloserelationshipwithanyofthem.

Inaddition,Ialsocamefromamiddle-classupbringing,onewhereyou

cleanedyourownhouseandcookedyourownmeals.Havingmaidsandaidesatyourbeckandcallanytimeofdayornightwasstillanoveltyforme,oneI’dbeentryingtogetusedtowhilebeingwithElvis.Iwasconfident,though,thatthemoretimeIspentatGraceland,themorecomfortableIwouldstarttofeelthatIwouldknowtherightthingstosayanddoas

hiswife.Meanwhile,Elvis

continuedtodemonstratehisgrowingtrustandcommitmenttomebygivingmetheremotecontrolforanelectricgatethatopenedontothebackofhisproperty.Asideroadledtothegatehouseatthisrearentrance,whereaguardwasalwaysonduty.ElvisoftenusedthisroadwhenhewantedtocomeandgofromGracelandprivately.

NowhewantedmetobeabletoarriveorleavewithoutnoticewheneverIwanted.Itwasasmallstep,butabiggesture;onemorewayofhimsaying,“Iwantyoutohavefullaccessintomylife.”

Anotherevening,Elvisglancedabouthisbedroomwithathoughtfullookandsuddenlyannouncedthathewantedtoredecoratehishome.Hegrewexcitedaswestartedtalkingaboutthe

possibilities.“Gracelandshouldcome

aliveagain,”Elvissaidcheerfully.“Afterwe’remarried,Iwanttoredomybedroomfirst.”Hepausedwithasigh.“Thencomesthemonstroustaskofdownstairs,”hesaid,turningtomethenandtakingmyhand.“Iwantittobealotofwhatyoulike,too,”hesaid.

“That’llbefun,”Iagreed,excitedabouttheprospectof

redecoratingGraceland.Althoughtheideaofthisundertakingwasalittleintimidating,IfeltsureElviswouldguidemethroughitsuccessfully.Thiswassomethingwecoulddotogetherthatwouldmakemefeelmoreapartofhishome.Interiordesignalsoappealedtomyartisticside.

“Whatcolorsfordownstairs?”heasked.

Ithoughtaboutthisfora

minute,thenreplied,“Greenwouldbepretty,withsomeplantsandmaybealargeaquarium.”

Elvisnodded.“Okay.”Hesaidanotheroneofthethingshe’dliketodowasredecoratetheladies’bathroominhisoffice.Heaskedmetochoosecolorsforthatalso.

“Turquoiseandwhitewouldbenice,”Isaidatonce.I’dalwayslovedthatcombinationforabathroom.

HethenbroughtupredecoratinghisPalmSpringshomeandputtinginascreeningroom,makingitlikeasmallmovietheaterwithkingandqueenchairsforthetwoofus.

Talkingabouthowhewantedtochangesomethingscausedmetotrulybeginvisualizingthedetailsofwhatourlifetogethercouldbelikeforthefirsttime.Iwasthrilledandsweptupinhis

vision,addingmyownideashereandthere.

Oneafternoon,IwokeatGracelandbeforeElvisdidanddecidedtogodownstairstolookaroundabit.Ifweweregoingtoredecoratethehouse,Iwantedtobeabletoconsiderourchoices,andIdidn’tfeellikeIknewthedownstairsroomsthatwellbecausemostofmytimehadbeenspentupstairs.

Iwalkedintothedining

roomandbeganlookingatsomeobjectsarrangedonashelfinabuilt-incornercabinet.Atonepoint,Iturnedaroundandwasstartledtoseethemaid,Lottie,seatedatthediningroomtable,watchingme.Ihadn’theardhercomein.

“Hi,”Isaid.Lottiesmiledandgreeted

meinreturn,butIfeltsometrepidation,asifI’dsneakedintoaroomIwasn’tsupposed

tobeinatall.Forme,tryingtofeelathomeatGracelandwasliketryingtofeelathomeintheWhiteHouse.Iturnedbackandcontinuedtoexaminetheobjectsontheshelves,alittleself-consciousnow.

“Youcanchangeanythingyouwant,”Lottiesaid,surprisingme.

Elvismusthavesaidsomethingtoheraboutmebeingtheladyofthehouse,I

thoughthappilyasIturnedaroundtosmileatLottieagain.

“It’sallfine,”Ireplied.Ihadn’tcomedownstairstostartchangingthings.Ijustwantedtolookaroundabit.IalsowantedLottietofeelcomfortablewithme.AlthoughIappreciatedhowdeferentialshewasacting,Iknewmyselftoowell.Iwouldneverfeelcomfortableorderingheroranyofthe

otherstaffaround,ladyofthehouseornot.

CHAPTER19

TowardtheendofFebruary,Elvisasked,“HaveyoueverbeentoHawaii?”

IwasawarethatElvishadmadeafewmoviesinHawaiiandhadperformedaconcertthereyearsago,butIdidn’tknowifhe’dbeenback

recently.Elvisstilldidn’tknowhowlittleI’dtraveledbeforemeetinghim,Irealized.

“No,”Ianswered.Asmilecreptacrosshis

face.“I’dreallyliketotakeyouthere,”hesaid.Wow,Ithought.That

wouldbeadreamcometrue!I’dalwayswantedtogotoHawaii.“I’dlovetoseeit,”Isaid.

Andsoitwassettled:

ElvisdecidedhewantedtoleaveonMarch3andgraciouslyinvitedmywholefamily.Onlymysisterswouldbeabletomakethistrip,andmyparentsofferedtotakecareofOdyssey.

Theeveningofourdeparture,IwassittingwithTerryandRosemaryinthelivingroomatGraceland,packedandwaitingforElvistofinishgettingreadyupstairs,whenthedoorbell

rang.Oneofthemaidsopenedit.

Aman,dressedinasuitandcarryingabriefcase,steppedintothefoyer,accompaniedbyawoman.Walkingpastmysistersandme,theywentupstairs,leavinguswonderingwhotheywere.

Notlongafterward,someoneaskedmetocomeupstairs.IenteredElvis’sofficeandsawhimseatedat

hisdesk,talkingwithCharlieandthetwostrangers.Elvisintroducedthemantomeashisattorney,BeecherSmith,andthewomanasBeecher’swife.Elvis’swillwaslyingonthedeskinfrontofthem.

“Ineedwitnesses,andyouandCharliearecloseby,”Elvissaid.

ThiswasthefirstbusinessdocumentI’deverseenplacedbeforehim.ItwasobviousthatElvisdidn’twant

tobebotheredwithit,sincehestartedmakingcommentsaboutHawaiiandseemedanxioustoleave.

Inoticedthat,onthelastpageofhiswill,theyear1976hadbeencrossedthroughand1977waswritteninitsplace.Elvisdidn’treadanythinginmypresence.HejustquicklysignedthewillandthenCharlie,Mrs.Smith,andIsignedaswitnesses.Ineverwonderedaboutthe

willorthetimingofElvissigningthedocumentatthattime.IjustlookedatitasalittlebitofbusinessthatElvishadtodobeforeleaving.

Alittlewhilelater,wewereonthewaytotheairport,allofusexcitedaboutthetrip.Imentionedthatitwasanextra-specialtreatforTerrybecauseitwasherbirthday.Whatagreatbirthdaygift!Elvissmiledbroadlyandwishedhera

happyone.Ihadbecomeawareat

GracelandthatCharlieandBillyandJoSmithwerealsogoingtoHawaii,butitwasn’tuntilwearrivedattheairportandboardedtheLisaMariethatIrealizedhowmanypeoplewereactuallygatheredforthetrip:aides,stepbrothers,wives,girlfriends,bodyguards,Lamar,Larry,andevenDr.Nichopoulosandhisentire

familywereallonboardtheplane.DiscoveringthisremindedmeonceagainthatElvis’sgenerousimpulsesweren’treservedonlyformeandmyfamily,butbestowedonallthosearoundhim.

Elvisgreetedeveryoneandthenaskedmetojoinhimatthebackoftheplane.Isuspectedhefeltmostcomfortablebeinginthebedroomduringtakeoff.AftertheLisaMariewasin

theair,wemovedupfronttovisitwithvariousmembersofthegroup.Elvishadnevermetsomeofthegirlswhowerecomingalong.OneofthemwasLamar’sdate.Shehadafunnysenseofhumor,andshehititoffwithRosemaryandTerry.

Alittlewhileintotheflight,mysisterstoldmetheyhadbeenchattingwithherwhenLamartookholdofherhandandshelookedatthem

withatolerantsmile.ShehadthenrolledhereyesatmysistersbehindLamar’sback,asiftosay,“ThisissomethingIhavetodo.”

Itwasobvious,Ithought,thatthiswomanhadcomealongonthetriponlytomeetElvis.Shelaterconfirmedthisbytellingmysistersthatshedidn’treallywanttobewithLamar.

WelandedinOakland,California,whereEdParker

andhiswife,Leilani,boardedtheplane.Withtheiradditiontoourgroupoftravelers,Ithoughttherehadtobeatleastthirtypeoplenowonboard!Beforelong,wewereintheairagainandsoaringoverthePacificOcean.

Duringthisportionofthetrip,Elvismainlystayedinthebackoftheplanewithmysistersandmewiththedoorclosed.Hewasinasillymood.Atonepoint,he

startedtalkingaboutratsandsaidhethoughthisaideDeanlookedlikeone.

Cuttingupandlaughing,Elvisjokedaboutrats,cheese,andotherpeopleonboardhethoughtlookedlikerats.MysistersandIhadhimpretendhewasinamoviewithcamerasrolling.Asifenvisioningratsallaroundhim,Elvishunchedhisshouldersand,withapanic-strickenlook,suddenly

shouted,“Rats!Millionsofthem!They’reallaroundme,crawlingallovermybody!”

Elvishadusallinstitches.Itwasgreattoseehimhavingsomuchfun.Thethreeofuseggedhimonandhecontinuedtoactoutvarioussillyscenarioswithrats.

Afterawhile,Rosemary,Terry,andIwentupfronttogetasnackandadrink.Followingusout,Elvistookaseatintheroomjustoutside

thebedroom,andDr.Nichopouloswalkedbackandbeganchattingwithhim.

MysistersandIgotourrefreshmentsandheadedbacktowardthebedroom.ElviswasstillinaconversationwithDr.Nichopoulosand,aswepassedthem,RosemarylookedatElvis.

“Wouldyoulikesomecheese?”sheasked.

Helaughed,shushedher,andsaid,“Getoutofhere,

Rosemary.”Elvissoonjoinedusinthe

bedroomandaskedRosemary,“Sowhat’sgoingonupfront?”

“Oh,notmuch,”shesaid,thencasuallytoldhimwhatafewpeopleweredoing,includingCharlie,sayingthathewastalkingtoEdaboutsomeofthebooksElvishadbeenreading.

Whenshementionedthis,Elvisasked,“Charlie’sdoing

what?”ElvisthentoldusthatEd

wasadevoutMormon,andsaidhewasworriedaboutCharliedrinkingandsayingthewrongthingsabouthisbooks.IsensedthatElvisdidn’twanttoupsetEdordisrespecthiminanyway.

ElviscalledforCharlietocometotheback.WhenCharliewalkedin,Elvissaid,“Charlie,man...becarefulhowyoutalkaboutmybooks

withEd.”Charlielookedpuzzled.“I

wasn’tdoinganythingwrong,”hesaid,butElvisdidn’twanttohearit.Lookingalittlehurt,Charlieslunkoutthedoor.

AsweapproachedHawaii,Elvisbeganrhapsodizingabouttheislands.Later,Elviswhisperedtome,“Canyouimagineifwegotmarriedhere?Itwouldbloweverybodyaway.”

Ifrozeforamoment.Isheseriouslyconsideringthis?

Then,asifremindinghimself,Elvissaid,“Godwilltellmewhenthetimeisright,though.”

WhentheLisaMarietoucheddownontheislandofOahu,Elvismadethemomentallthemoremagicalashebegansoftlysinging“BlueHawaii,”tomysistersandme.Icouldn’tbelievewe

wereactuallyhere!AsIfollowedElvis

outsideontoamobilestairway,thefirstthingthathitmewastheoverwhelmingfragranceofflowers.Hawaiiansgreetedusandplacedbeautifulleisaroundournecksafterwedescendedthesteps.

MysistersandIrodewithElvisinalimousinefromtheairportwhiletherestofthegroupfollowedinasmall

bus.Abouttwentyminuteslater,wepulledontothegroundsoftheRainbowToweratHiltonHawaiianVillage.Itlookedlikeatropicalparadisewithitsgardens,ponds,andwaterfalls.

Elvishadreservedasuiteofroomsonthethirty-firstfloorandarrangedforTerryandRosemarytobeinabedroomacrossthelivingroomfromours.Afewofthe

guyscameintohelpussettleinourroom.Theybroughtinthebags,laidoutElvis’sbooks,andleftacontactsheetsowe’dknowwhowasondutyandwhen.

Elviseagerlytookmebythehandandledmeontothesuite’sbalcony,whereItookintheunbelievablygorgeous,postcard-perfectviewofWaikikiBeachbelowand,inthedistance,avolcaniccraterthatElvissaidwasDiamond

Head.Icouldn’twaittoseeitallupclose.

RosemaryandTerryweregoingdownstairstolookaround,butbeforetheydid,ElvisrememberedTerry’sbirthdayandthoughtfullycalledajewelertocometooursuitewithaselectionofpieces.Generousasalways,ElvispickedoutabeautifulringandgaveittoTerry.

Mysisterseventuallyleftandafewotherpeople

stoppedbyoursuitetogreetus.Beforelong,however,Elviswentintothebedroomandsatonthebed,wherehepickedoutsomebooksandappearedtobereadytoreadandrelax.

Couldhereallywanttoreadnow,Iwondered,whentherewassomuchtosee?Thenithitme:We’dbeenupalmosttwenty-fourhours.Iwastooexcitedtofeeltheeffectsofjetlagorour

sleeplessnight.NowIrealizedthatElviswasprobablygettingtired,soIjoinedhimonthebed.Wereadforalittlewhileandthenslept.

Whenwewokeup,IthoughtElvismighthavesomethingplannedforustodoorsomethinghemightwanttoshowme,sincehe’dbeenherebefore.Hesurprisedme,though,bysayingIshouldgowithTerry

andRosemarytothebeachinfrontofthehotel.

IwantedElvistocomewithussobadly,buthowfarcouldhewalkoutsidewithoutbeingrecognizedandmostprobablymobbed?Notfar,Irealized.Still,Ihatedthethoughtofjustleavinghimsittingherealoneinsidewhiletherestofuswentoutandenjoyedourselves.Therehadtobeawaytogethimoutofthehotel.

Mysisterswerebackinthesuitebynow.ThethreeofustriedtalkingElvisintosneakingdownstairsincognito.Rosemarysuggestedawiganddifferentglasses,butheshookhishead.

“Nah,”hesaid.“Idon’twannawearthat.”

Itwasabeautifulhotel,butnowIwonderedwhohadarrangedforustostayinthisparticularplace—ahotel

whereElvisclearlycouldn’tgooutsideandrelaxbecausethereweretoomanypeoplearound.

WhenafewmembersofhisentourageshowedupinthesuitetovisitwithElvis,knowinghewouldn’tbealone,Idecidedtoaccompanymysisterstothebeach.Ittrulywasparadise,completewithpalmtreesandclearturquoiseocean.Rosemarystayedinthe

shade,butTerryandIpickedoutaspotonthesandwherewecouldliedownonourtowelsandsoakupthesun.

Rosemarywasthesmartone,itturnedout.TerryandIwerebothoblivioustothestrengthofthesun’sraysinHawaii.Weweren’tonthebeachlong,butwhenwereturnedtothesuite,Terry—whowasfairerthanI—discoveredthatherbodyandfacewereseriously

sunburned.Herlipshadblownuplikelittlesausages!Thiswasyearsbeforecollagenwouldbecomefashionable,andTerrywasmortified.

Myfacewasalsobadlyburnedandmyeyelidswereswollen.Thetwoofuswereextremelyembarrassed.

TheminuteElvissawus,heaskedLarrytocometothesuitetotrysomehealingtechniquesonTerry.Larry

arrivedandTerrylaydownonherbed.AsRosemaryandIstoodbywatching,LarryandElvisplacedtheirhandsafewinchesaboveTerry’sbackandlegs,tellinghertothinkofhealingcolors.

Elvismentionedsomethingaboutaloeveragelandrequestedanaidetofindussome;hetoldTerrysheshouldspreaditoverhersunburn.NeithermysistersnorIwerefamiliarwiththe

gel,butTerrywasinpainandIhopedthatoneofthethingsElvisandLarrywerekindlytryingtodowouldcomforther.Beforelong,someonebroughtupsomegelandTerryandIliberallyappliedit.Itdidhelpusfeelalittlebetter.

Hawaiianmusiccontinuouslyplayedoutsidebythebeach.Laterthatevening,mysistersandIdaredElvistogoonthe

balconyandsingalong.Hewalkedout;Isteppedupbesidehim,andhebegantosing.Itwasanotherperfectmoment,astheflamesfromtikitorchessoftlylitthebeachbelowusandIgazedoutovertheoceanwhilelisteningtoElvisserenadeus.

Atonepoint,Idecidedtocallourparentstoletthemknowwehadarrivedsafely.IwentwithRosemaryandTerryintotheirroomand

dialedanoperatortoplaceacollectcall.ElviswalkedinandaskedwhatIwasdoing.

“I’mtryingtoreachourparents.”

Hetookthephonefrommyhandandsaidintothereceiver,“ThisisElvisPresleyandI’mtryingtogetconnected.”

Ofcoursetheoperatordidn’tbelievehim.MysistersandIstartedlaughingashebegansinginginaneffortto

convincethewoman.Itworked.Withinseconds,

Iwasspeakingwithmyparentsandlettingthemknowthatwewereallfine.

Elvisrelaxedfortherestofthatevening,visitingwithafewpeopleinoursuite,andthenwewenttobed.Whenwewokethenextday,hedecidedtosendmeshoppingwithRosemaryandTerry.

Stillwonderingwhen,orevenif,Elviswouldevergo

outside,Iputonacrochetedhalter-topandsomejeans.AsIstartedtoleave,Elvisstoppedme.

“Ginger,Idon’twantyoutogooutlikethat,”hesaid.

Confused,Ilookedathimforaminute,wonderingwhatwaswrongwithmyoutfit.

“I’dlikeyoutowearashirtoverit,”headded.

Whywashesayingthat?Washebeingprotective?Didhenotwantothermen

lookingatme?ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d

everseenElvisreactthiswaytosomethingIhadchosentowear.Iwasflatteredbyhisconcern,nomatterwhathadprovokedit.

“Okay,”Isaid.Iputashirtonovermytopandleftwithmysisters,whosaidthey’dgonedownstairsearlierandrunintoLamar’sdate,whowas“asredasalobster.”

Theotherwomanhadtold

themshepurposelygotsunburnedthefirstdaysoLamarwouldn’ttouchher.Shealsohadapackofgumwithher,andsaidshewasconstantlytellingLamarthatshewasgoingoutforgumsoshedidn’thavetobeinthesameroomwithhim.TerryandIgottickledaswerealizedthat,forus,beingsunburnedwaspainful,butforLamar’sdate,itwasapparentlyarelief.

•••

Whileothersdinedout,mysistersandIateinthesuitewithElvis.Afterdinner,somemembersofthegroupcameintovisitandlaterElvismentionedsomethingaboutmaitais.Thissurprisedme.ExceptforCharlieenjoyingacocktail,andabottleofvodkaI’dnoticedoncepartiallystickingoutofabackpackRickycarriedon

tour,IhadyettoseeElvisorothersaroundhimdrink.

WhenmysistersandItoldElviswe’dneverhadmaitais,heaskedoneoftheguystoordersomesentuptothesuite.MysistersandIeachhadone,butElvisdrankthree.Notlongafterwardhebeganmarchinginplace.Weallstartedlaughing,especiallywhenElvisstooduponthecouchandstartedwalkingbackandforthacross

thecushions.Hisfacesoonflushedred,

though,andElvisquicklysatdown,tellingusheshouldn’treallydrinkbecausehehadhighbloodpressureandwastakingpillsforit.Iwasgladhetoldus.I’dhadnoidea.

Lateron,Elviscalledforajewelertocomeupagain.Thistimehepickedoutpukashellnecklacesforeveryone,includinghimself.Kindlythinkingofmymother,Elvis

purchasedoneforher,too.Healsomadethedecision

thatnighttorentabeachhousesohecouldhavesomeprivacy.Iwasglad,feelingthatnowhe’dbeabletogooutsideandhavefunwiththerestofus.

Wellintotheearlymorninghours,mysistersandIwerealonewithElvis.Hewasstillinajovialmoodandbroughtupratsagain.Hewashavingfun,talkingloudlyand

everysooftenshoutingoutsomethingtodowithrats.Ilovedcuttingupwithhim,seeinghimactlikeabigkidandhavingsuchagoodtimewithmysisters.IwashappythatElvisseemedtohavelefthiscaresbehindonthemainland.

Beforegoingtosleepthatmorning,Elvistoldmethat,ifIwantedtolookaroundinthehotelshopsdownstairslater,Ishould,becausewewouldbe

leavingthatafternoontoviewsomehouses.

WhenElvisandIwoke,Iaskedmysistersiftheywantedtoaccompanyme.Terrywasstillinpainfromhersunburnsosheoptedtostayinherroom,butRosemarysaidshewouldgo.

Thetwoofusbrowsedthroughthestoresdownstairsforawhile.Whenwereturned,Terrymetusinthelivingroomandtoldusthat

Elvishadknockedonherdoorandcomeintoherroom.Hehadwantedyogurtandhandedherhislistwiththeentourage’sroomnumbers,askinghertocallsomeonetogethimsome.

Shehadgoneintothelivingroomandstartedcalling.Noonewasansweringinanyroom,andElvisbegangettingirritatedasshewentthroughthecompletelist.

“NoneofthemcheckedtoseeifIneededanything,”Elvishadtoldherangrily.“Thesearen’tfriendshere.”

Wantingtohelphim,Terryhadgoneoutintothehallandspokenwithaguardstationedbytheelevators,requestingyogurtforElvis.Itwassoonbroughtuptotheroom.

Luckily,ElviswasinabettermoodbythetimeIsawhim,butIwassurehewould

havesomehardwordstosaytoaselectfew—ifhehadn’talready.

•••

Tolookatbeachhouses,Elvisgotdressedinalightbluejoggingsuit,anavynylonjacket,apairofsneakers,andaterry-clothhat.Itwasdifferenttoseehimdressedlikethis.Jeanswerepopular,butIhadyetto

seeElviswearany.NowIaskedhimwhy.

“BecauseIhadtowhenIwaslittle,”hereplied.IsuspectedwearingjeansremindedElvisofatimeinhisyouthwhenhisfamilyhadlittlemoneyandthatwasalltheycouldafford.

IgatheredafewofmythingsandleftthehotelwithElvis,mysisters,andafewoftheothers.Itwasahalfhourridetotheothersideofthe

island.Fromthewindowsofthelimousine,Idrankinthelushgreencountryside.Thebeautyoftheislandwasbeyondamazing.

Wearrivedataprivatehomeandwalkedthroughitwithalocalliaison.Inoneroomwasalargewindowwithabizarrefeature:Whenyoupushedabuttonnearby,itlookedlikeitwasrainingoutside.

Elvissatonacouch,

relaxingforamomentandcontemplatingthehouse.JoeEspositohadcomealongwithus.HehadacamerawithhimandbegantakingpicturesofElvis.

Rosemaryhadtakenaseatonthefloornearbyandwaspayingattentiontosomeotherswhowerechatting.Suddenly,InoticedElviscuthiseyesoverather.Rosemarylookedbackathim,smiled,thenturnedher

attentionelsewhere.Abiggrinspreadacross

hisfaceashecontinuedtowatchher.Shortly,hestoodupand,ashewalkedpasther,hesuddenlyturnedandpounced.RosemaryfellbackwardwithElvisontopofher.

Someonesnappedapictureoftheirspontaneoustusslewhilewealllaughed.ThenElvisstoodupandhelpedRosemarytoherfeet.

Elvisdecidedhedidn’tcareforthisfirsthouse,sowewenttoseeanother.

Thesecondhomewasclosetothebeachandhadaccesstoaneighbor’snearbypool.Elvislikeditandimmediatelydecidedthiswaswherewewouldstay.Heputmysistersinabedroomclosetoours,andplacedBillyandJoSmithinaroomattheendofthehall.Dr.Nichopouloswouldbeinaroomonthe

othersideofthehomeand,asusual,Elviswantedanaideortwostayingatthehousealso.Theremainderofthegroupwouldstayatthehotel.

Beforelong,therestofthegrouparrivedatthehouseandElvisdecidedhewantedtogotothebeach.Itwassowarmout,wefoundsomescissorsandcutoffthelongsleevestothejacketofhisjoggingsuit.Iassumedsomeonewouldbegoing

backtothehoteltobringoursuitcases.Meanwhile,agroupofuswalkedwithElvisdowntothewater,whereheandIsatonsomesmallfoamboardsonthesand.

Afewpeopletookadipintheocean,butElvisandIremainedonthebeach,peacefullyenjoyingthesereneviewandwatchingtheothersswim.Itfeltwonderfultorelaxwithhimoutinthesunshine.

Beforelong,Joepulledouthiscameraagainandbegantakingmorepictures.Beachmatsweresoonbroughtdowntousandwerolledthemopentohavemoreroomtositorliedown.IhadaPolaroidcamerawithme;outofrespectforElvis’sprivacy,Ihadyettotakeanyphotosofhim.However,nowthatIsawJoesnapaway,Idecidedtosnapacoupleofshots,too.

Afewothersbegan

shootingphotographsaswell.Elvissatwithvariouspeople,jokingandcuttingupforphotoops.Ashorttimelater,Rosemarytoldmethatwhenshe’dbeensittingbesideElvis,hehadconfessedtowishingonlyPolaroidswerebeingtaken.Theproblemwithfilmbeingdeveloped,heexplained,wasthatthepersondoingitcouldthendecidetosellthephotographs.Thiswasanotherreminderthathis

celebrityhadsometimestakenawaysomeofhisenjoymentfromordinaryactivitiesthattherestofustakeforgranted.

ElvisandIfinallyfellasleepneardawn.WhenIwokethatafternoon,TerrytoldmethatwhensheandRosemaryfirstopenedtheirbedroomdoor,theyhadseenahugehunkofcheesesittingonthefloorintheirdoorway.Ilaughed,pleasedthatallof

ourjokingaboutratsseemedtohaveleftquiteanimpressiononElvis!SomeonehadgoneoutearlierandboughtsometopsforElvistowear,buttheywereshort-sleevedcottonsweatshirts.ItwassowarmoutthatItooksomescissorsandcuttheneckoutofone,makingitlargersohecouldgetitoverhisheadmoreeasily,andhopingthemoreopennecklinewouldletmore

airinforhimandkeephimcooler.

Ididn’tknowifElvishadanyshortsoraswimsuitwithhim,sincehechosetowearapairoflightweightpants,butIdecidedtolookforsomeshirtsthatweremadeofalightermaterialforhim.Hearrangedforsomeonetotakemysistersandmeshoppingandwebrowsedaroundatsomenearbystores.IpurchasedafewshirtsI

hopedhewouldlike.Whenwereturned,Ifound

outthatElvisandsomeoftheguysinthegrouphadplayedtouchfootballwhileweweregone.Ihatedmissingthechancetoseethemplay,butIcouldtellithadgottenroughattimes,becauseElvis’scousin,Billy,hadaswollenknee.

IwasstandinginthekitchenabitlaterwhenJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley,camein.I

hadn’tspokenmuchwithhersinceourshoppingventureinLasVegas,butwewerealwayscordialwheneverwesaweachother.Aswetalked,Shirleysaidshe’dhadlunchwithPriscillaPresleynotlongago,andthatPriscillahadaskedherifElvisandIwereengaged.Thissurprisedme;Ihadn’tknownshewasclosefriendswithPriscilla.

“Whatdidyoutellher?”Iasked.

“Itoldher,‘Well,shehasanengagementring,’”Shirleysaid.

Iknewthenewsofourengagementmusthavecirculatedthroughouttheentiregroupbynow,butIsuddenlyrealizedthatIhadnomemoryofeverbeingcongratulatedbyShirley,Joe,Dr.Nichopoulos,Lamar,orafewotherswhoregularlysurroundedElvis.Thiscertainlywasstrangeand

inexplicable.“Haveyousetawedding

date?”Shirleyasked.“No.”“Youshouldmention

marriagetoElvis,topushhimalittle,”shesaid.“Youshouldbringitupmore.”

Ididn’tlikethisidea.IrememberedElvisoncetellingmethathethoughtwhenitcametomarriage,itwastheman’splacetoask,andElvishadalreadytoldme

afewtimesthatGodwouldcomethroughandtellhimwhenthetimewasright.Iwantedhimtobesure.Aredflagwentup.WasShirleytryingtohelpmeorhurtme?

“Shirley,Idon’twanttodothat,”Isaid,feelingawkward.WedroppedthesubjectandIleftthekitchenafewminuteslater.Unfortunately,nowwhenitcametoShirley,Ifeltmyguardhadtobeup.

•••

Elvishadstartedrisingalittleearlierduringthedayandwasspendingmoretimeinthefreshair.However,hestilloftenwantedmetoreadwithhiminside,andwhenhedidgoout,hedidn’thangaroundbythepoolforverylongandheneverseemedtowanttogoswimming.

Withsomanyotherpeoplearoundandthestrong

possibilityofsometakingphotos,IsensedthatElvisremainedfullyclothedbecausehedidn’tfeelcomfortableabouttakinghisshirtoff.Iguessedmaybehewasself-consciousaboutthescarsonhisbackleftbysomeofhisstagesuits.ButIhadseenhimwithouthisshirtonandhelookedgood.

FromtimetotimeItriedtocoaxhimintothewater,butbecauseIcouldn’tget

himintotheocean,ItriedtoenjoymyselfanywayandusuallyswamwithTerry.

ElvisandIhadyettotryanyofthelocalHawaiiandelicacies.Hewasmainlystickingwithcertainfoodsheliked—familiarcomfortfoodslikepizzaandcheeseburgers—thoughhediddrinkafairamountofpapayajuice,whichwassoreadilyavailable.

ThefirsttimeElvis

venturedoutamongthegeneralpublicinHawaiiwasforashoppingtriptoalocalmall.Amazingly,weactuallymadeitintooneofthestoreswithoutanyonenoticingwhohewas.

Webrowsedtheaislestogetherandcameacrosssomelargecandlesshapedlikepyramids.Intrigued,Elvisdecidedtopurchaseafew.Healsofoundamother-of-pearlcrucifixonastand

thatheliked.Iwaslookingaroundthe

storewithmysisterswhenJoecameoverandtoldusnottoshowElvisanythingexpensivebecausehewouldprobablybuyit.AccordingtoJoe,LindaThompsonhadoncepointedoutacostlybubblegummachinetoElvisevenafterJoehadaskedhernottoshowittohim.

“Sureenough,Elvisboughtit,andhedidn’tneed

thingslikethat,”Joesaid.IwonderedifJoealways

managedElvis’sspendingmoney.Ontheonehand,itwasnicethatJoeseemedtobewatchingoverit,butontheotherhand,shouldJoebesayingwhatElvisshouldorshouldn’thave?Joedidn’tknowuswell,butmysistersandIweren’tthesortofpeoplewhowouldtakeadvantageofElvis’sgenerosityortellhimtobuy

things.ItputalittledamperontheenjoymentI’dbeenfeelingwhilelookingatthingswithElvis,becausethepricesonmostitemsinthestoreweren’tvisibleandIwasnowafraidtocommentorpointoutanythingatall.

Inasecondshop,Elvisadmiredsomeamazingjeweledrobes.Hebeganchoosingsomeformysisters,JoSmith,himself,andme.SuddenlyInoticedpeople

gatheringoutsidethestoreandknewwordmustbespreadingthatElviswashere.Elvisspottedthematthesametimeanddecideditwastimetoleave.Icertainlyunderstoodotherswantingtoseehim,butIdidwishhecouldhavestayedoutforalittlewhilelonger.

IneverknewElvistopersonallycarryawallet;afterhe’dchosentherobes,amemberofhisstaffgotin

linetopayforhisitems.Aswestoodnearthecounter,amanwasbuyingsomething.Elvisaskedwhoitwasforandtheman,understandablystunnedtoseeElvisstandingbesidehim,saiditwasagiftforhiswife.Elvisthenpaidfortheman’sitemaswell.

Onthewayhome,Elviswantedtoshowusatouristattraction,soheaskedourdrivertostopatanareacalledtheHalonaBlowhole.This

wasanaturaloccurrencecreatedbylavatubesfromvolcaniceruptions.Aswewatchedfromalookoutarea,wavescrashedagainsttheformationsbelowus,andeveryonceinawhilesomeoceanwatersprayedhighintotheair.

Beforelong,someoftheothertouristsgatheredatthesightrecognizedElvisandapproachedus.Hekindlyposedforpicturesandsigned

someautographsbeforeleaving.

•••

Hawaiiwasanamazinglybeautifulplace,butinadditiontothestunningscenery,itwasalsoawonderfulopportunityforElvistorelaxandhavefun.TherewasaPing-Pongtableinthehouse,andonceIchallengedElvistoagame.I

thoughtitwouldbefunanditwoulddoElvisgoodtogetsomeexercise.Iwenttowherehe’dtakenhiscustomaryposeonthebedwithsomebooksandaskedhimtoplay.

“No,Idon’twantto,”hesaid.

Tauntinghim,Isaid,“Youcan’t.That’swhy.”

ElvisgrinnedasIkeptathim.Finally,hewalkedwithmeintotheroomwiththe

Ping-Pongtableandwestartedtoplay.

Wehittheballaroundafewtimes,butthenElvisstartedslammingtheballsohardatmethatitbecameimpossibletoreturnhisshots.Someoftheaideswereintheroomwithus;later,oneofthemtoldmehecouldn’tbelieveit,ashe’dneverseenElvisplayPing-Pongbefore.

Iwasn’tsureyoucouldactuallycallthegamewe’d

beenplayingPing-Pong,butitwasfunwhileitlasted.

Anothertime,Elvisbeganshowingmysistersandmesomekaratemovesinhisbedroom.Rosemarydecidedtochallengehimandasked,“Whatifyouwereonthebeachandhadonlyonearm,andsomeonekickedsandinyourface?”

ElvissatonthefloorandRosemaryapproachedhim,pretendingtokicksandat

him.Usingonearm,Elvisgrabbedherlegand,tryingtobegentle,knockedheroffherfeet.TerryandIwerelyingacrossthebed,laughingatthetwoofthem.

Rosemarystoodbackup,lookedatElvis,andasked,“Okay,whatifyouhadnoarmsandonlylegs?”Shecamewalkingtowardhimagain.

Usingonlyhislegs,Elvishadherbackdownonthe

floorintheblinkofaneye.Elvisstartedlaughing.Still,Rosemarykeptputtinghiskarateexpertisetothetestbyproposingvariouschallengingscenarios.

ElvisdemonstratedseveralmovesonRosemarywhileTerryandIcheeredthetwoofthemon.Atonepoint,theywerebothdownonthefloorwhenRosemarymanagedtogetElvisinaheadlock.

“Igothim!”sheshouted.

Meanwhile,Elviswasbeginningtotwistherbodyintoapretzel.

TerryandIhadbeenmainlyrootingforRosemary.Finallytakingabreaktorest,Elvispickedupalargeglassfilledwithicewaterfromhisnighttableandbeganleeringatme.

“Idareyoutothrowit,”Iteased.

Continuingtostareatme,hesaidwithasmirk,“Don’t

dareme,”andbeforeIhadtimetoblink,Iwascoveredinfreezingwater.

Iwentintothebathroom,driedoffwithatowel,andfilledmyhandwithshavingcream.IkeptmyhandbehindmybackasIwalkedout.

Elviswasnowfacingmysisters.Walkingupbehindhim,Isaid,“Elvis?”

Asheturnedaround,Iquicklysmearedsomeshavingcreamonhisfaceand

hauledoutofthere.Iflewintothemainroom,passingthePing-PongtablewithElvisinclosepursuit.AfewoftheguyssittingintheroomlookedupinsurpriseasElvischasedmearoundthetable.

Laughing,Elvisfinallygaveupandwalkedbacktohisroom.Iwaitedabitbeforegoingbackintothebedroom,unsureifElviswouldhaveanyothertricksuphissleeve.Luckyforme,allwassafe

uponmyreturn.Unfortunately,thetripwas

notallfunandlaughter.OntheafternoonofMarch

9,ElvissawatelevisionreportabouttwelveHanafiMuslimstakingoverthreebuildingsinWashington,D.C.,andholdingpeoplehostage.IsawElvis’sdeeploveforourcountryashebecamefuriousandtalkedaboutofferinghisplanetoassistinsomeway.Heeven

mentionedleavingHawaiitogotoWashingtonsohecouldspeakwithPresidentCarter.Ireasonedwithhim,alongwithLarryandCharlie,convincinghimtherewasnothinghecoulddo,andthatwe’dhavetotrustPresidentCartertosortthingsout.Eventuallyhecalmeddown,andfortunatelythehostageswerereleasedafewdayslater.

Elvishadbeendrinking

papayajuiceexcessivelythatday.Hewokeupshortlyaftergoingtobed,requestingmore.Hehadconsumedquiteabitofjuicerightbeforegoingtosleep,andmymindflashedtohisproblemwithfluidretentionandbloating.

Againstmybetterinstincts,Iwentintothekitchentogethimmorepapayajuice,buttherewasn’tanyleft.Icamebackandtoldhimwehadrunout.Elvis

thenwantedmetowakeanaideandsendhimouttogetmore.“Canitwait,Elvis?”Iasked.

Inamorenormalsituation,Iwouldhavebeenhappytoseethathegotsomejuice,butIfeltitwouldbebetterforhishealthifElviscurbedhisintake.Iwashopinghewouldjustdozeoffagain,buthebecameincreasinglyadamantaboutgettingsomemorejuice.

IrememberedthatVernonhadonceaskedElvisifIdidlittlethingsforhim.Iusuallydid,butIdecidedtoresistthisrequestforhisowngood.“Elvis,thismuchjuiceisn’thealthy,”Isaid.

IcouldtellhewasangrybythewayElvislefttheroomwithoutspeakingandwentintohiscousin’sbedroom,shuttingthedoor.

Ihadn’texpectedthisreaction,andwonderedwhat

ElviswouldtellBillyandJo.NowIfeltangerwellingupinsideme,too.HereIwas,tryingtodotherightthingforhim,butElviswasbehavinglikealittleboy.Istoodfirmanddidn’tfollowhim.

Alittlewhilelater,Billycameintomyroom.“Ginger,Elviswantstoseeyou,”hesaid.

IthoughtitwasoddthatBillydidn’tbothertoaskwhatwasgoingon.I

followedhimbackintohisroomandsawElvisseatedonthebed.Hopinghe’dcalmeddown,IwaspreparedtotellhimagainthatIwasjusttryingtohelp.But,beforeIcouldsayanything,Elvislookedatmeandannounced,“We’releavingHawaiibecauseofyou.”

Icouldn’tbelievewhatIwashearing.WereweactuallygoingtoleaveHawaiioverpapayajuice?

IglancedatBilly,butheandhiswifesatquietly,watchingthedramaunfold.IwonderedwhatElvishadsaidtothemandwhateveryonewouldthink.ButIwasdeterminednottobackdown.Meanwhile,Elviswasclearlybentonstayingmadatme.Hestartedsayingsomeunkindthings,insinuatingthatIdidn’tlovehimbecauseofthis.Thisshockedme;Iwasstandinguptohim

becauseIdidlovehim!Hisreactionhurtmedeeply.Ihadbeentryingtodoagoodthing,andthiswasn’ttheElvisIloved.Iwasprettysurenowthatthemedicationhehadtakenmustberesponsiblefortheinexplicablechangeinhispersonality.

MyconfusionandembarrassmentwereovershadowedbymyangerandhurtoverElvisactually

sayingwe’dleaveHawaiibecauseofthis.IwalkedoutoftheroomwhileElviswasstilltalking,shutthedoor,andrandownthehalltoourroom.Iclosedthatdooraswell,hopingElvismightreturntonormalifIgavehimtimetocalmdown.

Isatdownonthebed.Momentslater,IheardBilly’sdoorflyopenandheavyfootstepsmarchingdownthehall.Ourbedroomdoorflew

open,Elvisstormedintotheroomwithawildlookinhiseyes,andslappedmeonthesideofmyribcage.“NooneeverwalksoutonmewhenI’mtalking!”hesaid.

Istartedcrying,moresurprisedbyhisfuriousactionthanhurtbythestingofhisopenhand.Iwasafraidtomoveonthebed.Whowasthisperson?WherewastheElvisIloved?

WhenhesawhowupsetI

was,Elvisquicklyrealizedwhathehaddoneandbentdowntoputhisarmsaroundme,sayinghewassorry.Hetoldmewereallyweren’tleaving,butthathehadjustsaidthat.

Why?Iwondered.HadElvisjustsaidthattoscareme,andwhatwasthepurposeinthat?Icontinuedtocryinhisarms.AlthoughElvishadn’thitmehard,hehaddonetheinconceivable:He

hadhitme.Thiswasmoretraumaticemotionallythanphysically.

IcouldtellbyhisvoicethatElviswasdeeplyremorsefulforhavingstruckme.Still,hedidn’tsaywhatIneededtohear:“Iunderstandyouwereonlytryingtohelpme.”Hehadbeenusedtogettinghisownwayforsolong,thatIthinkElvishonestlyfeltheknewwhatwasbestforhisownhealth.

ThedarkmoodthathadtransformedElvisintosomeoneIdidn’trecognizeremindedmeoftheincidentinPalmSpringsovertheyogurt.There,too,I’donlybeentryingtohelphim.Ifthiswashisreactionoveryogurtandpapayajuice,howcouldIeversayanythingtohimabouthissleepmedication?

IhadneverspokentoElvisabouttheconcernIhad

overthat.WhenIhadfirstbecomeawareofthesleeppacketsbeingleftforElviseachnight,IhadquestionedwhetherElvis’sinsomniawasjustinhismind.Inmyexperience,I’dneverknownanyonewhocouldn’tsleep.Myviewwasconfirmedwhen,onenight,IhadwitnessedElvisgoingtosleepwithouttakinghisnightlypacketatGraceland.IfElviscoulddothatonce,I

believedhecoulddoitagain.Withpractice,IthoughtElviscouldlearntofallasleepunaidedbysleepmedicineovertime,especiallyifhegotoutandexercisedmore.Ibegantoquestionwhetheranybodyhadeverseriouslytriedtoweanhimoffmedication.

IwantedElvistotrygoingwithoutthepills,ortoatleasttrycuttingbackonthedosage.Thisdefinitelywasn’t

thetimetobringupthattendersubject,though.Iknewthiswouldn’tbeeasy,butIlovedhimdeeply,andIwasn’tgoingtoletover-the-topreactionslikethesedetermefromtryingtohelphim.

Ididn’tsayanythingtomysistersaboutthejuiceincident.ItwasoverandElviswasinabettermood.Iwasdisturbed,however,thathiscousinshadseenElvisangry,yethadnevertriedto

interveneoraskedmewhathappened.

ThesepeoplewouldbecomemyfamilywhenElvisandIweremarried.Iwantedtofeelclosetothem,butIwasthenewcomer.Iwonderedwhytheydidn’tgooutoftheirwaytoapproachme.IonlyhadElvis’sbestinterestsatheartandwantedthemtoknowthat.Inthismoment,however,Iwassimplytooembarrassedto

confideinthem,soIletthingsslide.

•••

OnMarch11,EdParkersetupaneveningforusatthePolynesianCulturalCenteratBrighamYoungUniversitysowecouldenjoyanightofHawaiiandances.Elvishadhishairstyledandworeagorgeoustwo-pieceblack-and-whiteoutfitwithNative

Americanbeadworkonthecuffsandatthewaist.Helookedsohandsome,Iwantedtotakeapicture,butIwasoutoffilmandsoweremysisters.

Whenwearrivedatthecenter,wediscoveredthatwordofElvismakinganappearancehadspreadfast.Fansweremillingaboutoutsidetheroofedamphitheater,eagertoseehim.Theshowwasalreadyin

progresswhenwewalkedinside;thankstothedimlighting,weweresafelyusheredtoourseats.

However,assoonasIsatdownbesideElvis,afewaudiencememberslookedourway.Slowly,otherheadsbeganturningtostare.ManypeopleseemedmoreinterestedinseeingElvisthantheywereinwatchingtheshow.

Amanseatedinfrontof

ussuddenlyturnedaround,ploppedhisyoungdaughterinElvis’slap,andrequestedaphoto.Elvispolitelyobliged.

AsElvisheldontothelittlegirl,heleanedmyway,shruggedhisshoulders,andjoked,“He’snotgettingherback.”

IlaughedandwasgladthatothersintheaudiencewhohadalsobecomeawareofElvis’spresencewerecourteousandlethimenjoy

theshow.Itwasquitethespectacle,

too!I’dneverseenanythinglikeit!Therewasawidestage,tropicallandscaping,waterfalls,andaspectacularmountainbackdropwithvolcanoes.Performersfromalloftheislands,infullcostumewithbodyandfacepaint,dancedtothebeatofdrumsandusedfire,spears,andfansintheirroutines.

Closetointermission,we

wereescortedtoaprivateroomsoElviswouldn’tbedisturbed.Aftervisitingwithafewpeople,wereturnedforthesecondhalfoftheshow,butleftshortlybeforethefinaletoavoidthecrowd.Still,aswewerewalkingtowardthecar,wesuddenlybecameenvelopedbyfans.

ThedriveropenedthecardoorandElviswasabletomakehiswayinsidealongwithmysisters,butIgot

caughtinthegroup.Ipanickedasthecarslowlybeganpullingforward.Luckily,thereardoorwasstillopen,andaguardwasabletohelpmepushthroughthecrowd.Iscrambledintothecar.IthadbeenanamazingnightandI’dhadagreattime.IcouldtellElvishad,too,sincehetalkedabouttheshowalmostallthewaybacktothebeachhouse.

Yetthenextday,Elvis

againseemedtoexperienceanotherinexplicablemoodswing.IwasstandinginthekitchentalkingwithRosemarywhenhisstepbrotherDavidStanleywalkedbyandplayfullypunchedmeonthetopofmyarm.

“Keepyourfuckinghandsoffher!”avoiceexclaimed.

Turningaroundinastonishment,IsawElvisstandinginthecenterofthe

hallway.GlaringatDavid,heangrilysaid,“Youdon’tpunchalady.That’sredneckshit!”

Iwasshockedbyhisfury.Wherehadthatcomefrom?

Davidwasstunned,too.“Iwasonlyjoking!”heyelledbackatElvis,thenretreated.

ElvisreturnedtohisroomandIfollowedhim.Hispriorgoodmoodhadcompletelyevaporated.Hestartedtalkingabout“redneckshitting

ladies,”andItriedtoreassurehim.

“Elvis,Davidwasonlybeingplayful,”Isaid.

ButElvis’smoodwouldn’tlift.“IfDavidtouchesyouagain,Iwanttoknow,”hesaid.

Ileftthingsthere,wonderingwhetherElviswasactinglikethisbecausehefeltbadabouttheearlierincident,whenhe’dbeentheonetohitme.

ElvischosetomainlystayinhisroomthatdayandIreadwithhimforalittlewhile.Later,IwentoutsidewithRosemaryandTerry.Atonepoint,webegantalkingtoDavidandRicky.

Shortly,someonecameoutandsaidElviswantedtoseeme.Ireturnedtoourroom,whereElviswasseatedonthebed.“Whatwereyou,Ricky,andDavidtalkingabout?”heasked.

Ourbedroomwindowfacedthelawnwherewe’dallbeengatheredoutside;nowIrealizedElvismusthavebeenwatchingus.“Nothinginparticular,”Isaid.

Didhethinkweweretalkingabouthim?OrcouldsomethingelsebegoingonbetweenElvisandhisstepbrothersthatIdidn’tknowabout?Ididn’tdareaskwhatwasgoingon;Iwasstillfeelingalittletentative

aroundElvisafterthejuiceincidentanddidn’twanttochanceupsettinghiminanyway.Ichosetochangethesubject.

Elvisneverexplainedwhathe’dbeenworriedabout,buthecontinuedtolookatDavidinastrangewaythatday,asifheweretryingtokeepaneyeonhim.

•••

ElvisandIwentdowntothebeachthefollowingafternoon.Thewindkickedup,blowingsandinhiseyes,andtheygotirritated.Discouragedanduncomfortable,Elviswasn’treallyabletoenjoyhimselfnow,sohedecideditwastimeforustoheadhome.

OnMarch13,weboardedtheplanebacktothemainland.Elviscarriedthemother-of-pearlcrucifixhe

hadpurchased,buthedroppeditandthebasebrokeoff.HisfrustratedmoodquicklylightenedwhenweenteredtheplaneandsawaphotoofElviswhenhe’dpouncedontopofRosemarytapedtoElvis’sbedroomdoor.Weallgotachuckleoutofthat.

Duringourreturnflight,Elvismainlystayedinthebackoftheplanewithmysistersandmeagain.Atone

point,hereflectedonthetripandtalkedabouthowhisguestinvitationshadescalatedinnumberbeyondwhathe’dexpected.

“Nexttime,I’monlytakingabouteightpeople,”Elvissaid,addingthatDr.Nichopouloshadtoldhimhewouldn’tcomeunlesshiswifeanddaughterscame,too.“I’llneverhavethatmanyagain,”hevowed.

Elvisalsowasn’tpleased

becauseoneofhisaideshadpoppedupandtoldhimhewasquittingwhenwegotback.Hesaidhehadpaidforhistripandtheaidehaddecidedtotellhimthiswhilehewastryingtorelax.

Still,Iwashappywe’dgonetoHawaii,notonlybecauseadreamofminehadcometrue,butbecausethetriphadbeengoodforElvisoverall.HehadgoneoutsidemoreandrelaxedinawayI

hadn’tseenhimdoupuntilnow.He’dalsogottentoknowmysistersbetterandreallyenjoyedtheircompany.

Elviswasawonderfulandcaringperson98percentofthetime.Hisbadmoodswingswereoutofcharacter,andInowfullyattributedthemtotheprescribedmedicationhe’dbeentaking.Iwantedtotakecareofhim.Iknewtherewouldbechallengesahead.Lovecould

behardandsteep,shakingusatourroots,butIwassurewecouldmakeitthrough.

CHAPTER20

WhenwelandedinMemphis,mysisterswenthomeandIreturnedtoGracelandwithElvis.There,Iwasastonishedtodiscoverthatthebathroominhisofficehadbeenredecoratedinturquoiseandwhite.Eventhesalonchair,

whichElvishadtoldmebelongedtohismother,hadbeenreupholstered.

Icouldn’tbelieveElvishadthisdonewhilewewereaway!Thismeanttheworldtome!Itlookedbeautifulandwewerebothpleasedbytheresults.ItwasnicehavingaroomatGracelanddecoratedaccordingtomytaste.Elviswasn’twastingtimeintakingstepstomakemefeelmoreathomehere,anditwas

working.Dr.Nichopouloshadtried

tohelpElviswithhiseyeproblembeforeleavingHawaii,butElvis’seyeswerestillirritatedfromthesand,soElvisaskedhiseyedoctortocometoGraceland.That’swhenIwassurprisedtolearnhehadglaucoma.AsElvislayinbed,thedoctorexaminedhiseyesandtoldmewhatagoodpatientElvishadbeeninthepast.Once,

whenElviswasontour,thedoctorsaid,thepressurewasbuildingsofastinoneofhiseyesthathewascalledinandhadtostickasyringeinhiscorneatohelprelieveit.

“Elvisdidn’tevenflinch,”thedoctorsaid.

IcouldtellElviswasproudaboutthisashedescribedhowhe’dputhimselfinameditativestateinordernottoblink.

Thedoctorgaveme

instructionsforhelpingElviscareforhiseyes.IstayedatGraceland,gettingupthroughthenighttoadministereyecreamandreplacehisbandages.

ThedoctorreturnedthenextdaytocheckElvis’seyesandseemedpleasedbytheresults.“Theylookmuchbetter,”hetoldme.“Youdidagreatjob.”IfeltamixtureofreliefforElvisandpridethatIwasabletohelp.

JoehadgivenElvissomeofthephotoshe’dtakeninHawaii.Elvis’seyeswerebotheringhimtoomuchforhimtolookatthepicturesthen,butnowwewentthroughthemtogether,relivingthegoodtimewe’dhad.Elvispickedoutonephotographofmelookingovermyshoulderandputitinaframeonthenighttablebyhisbed.Iwastouchedthathewantedthepicturethere.

Whenhetoldmehewasfeelingbetter,ItoldElvisIneededtogohomeforabit,unpack,sayhitomyfamily,andseeOdyssey.BeforeIleft,Ikissedhimandsaid,“Elvis,thistripmeantsomuch.Thankyoufortakingme.”

“You’rewelcome,”hereplied,andassouvenirsofourtimetogether,ElvisgavemesomeofthephotosJoehadtakenandthemotherof

pearlcrosshe’dbroughtback.IranintoCharlieonmy

wayoutthedoor,whosaid,“Youknow,theonlyreasonwewenttoHawaiiwasbecauseofyou.”

“Thanksforlettingmeknow,Charlie,”Isaid.Havinghimpointthisoutwasasweetendingtoourholiday.

•••

I’dfeltcloserthaneverto

Elvissinceourtrip.Theredecoratedbathroomdidfeellikemyroom,agiftfromElvis,welcomingmeintohishome.ElvishadhissanctuaryandnowIhadmine.ThisbathroomwasaplacewhereIcouldkeepmythings,suchastoiletriesandsomeclothes.

Inaddition,nowthatIwastheownerofsomeamazingjewelry,onedayElvissaid,“Youshouldhavesomethingnicetokeepitin.”Hewent

intohisbathroomandreturnedwithalarge,beautifuljewelrybox.Itwasmadeofrichwoodinlaidwithcopperandbrass.Placingtheboxbesidemeonthebed,Elvisopenedacoupleoftheredvelvet-lineddrawers,removedafewpiecesofhisownjewelryfromthem,andgavetheboxtome.

IkeptitinmynewbathroomatGraceland,feelingthiswasaplacewhere

myengagementringandothervaluablepieceswouldalwaysbesafe.

Iusuallydressedinthebathroomandappliedmymakeupthere.Ihadalwayswornmyeyemakeupdark,andtookcaretowearitthatwayafteroncehavingElviscomment,“Youreyeslookdifferenttoday,”whenI’dchangeditalittle.

Manytimes,Isleptinmyeyemakeup.ThefirsttimeI

washedmyfaceandElvissawmewithouttheusualmascaraandshadow,heteasinglycalledmeLittleTwobecause,accordingtohim,withoutmymakeupon,Ilookedlikeatwo-year-old.WheneverElvissawmewithouteyemakeupafterthat,IwasLittleTwo.Otherwise,hisoldendearment,ChickenNeck,soonbecameinterchangedwithanewone,Gingerbread.

Notlongafterward,ElvisaskedmetobringhimapicturetakenofmewhenIwasachild.Ibroughthimawallet-sizeschoolphotofromfirstgrade.ElvisinserteditintothecorneroftheframedpictureofmeinHawaii,thenplaceditbackonhisnighttablewhereitwouldremainfortherestofourtimetogether.

IalsobelievethatElvisfeltclosertometoo.He

begantosharemoreofhimself,bringingmedeeperintohisworld.

Forinstance,onenightElviswasinareflectivemoodandsaidhewantedtoshowmehishighschool.Iwaseagertoseeitandhappythathewantedtosharethispieceofhispastwithme.Weputonourleatherjacketsandhelmets,climbedontooneofhisHarleyhogs,andheadedtowardthebackgate.

Itwasourveryfirsttimeoutalonelikethis,withoutanyfriends,aides,orbodyguards,anditfeltwonderfultohaveElvisalltomyself.

RidingtowarddowntownMemphis,weeventuallyturnedontoastreetandalargeredbrickbuildingcameintoview.Elvisturnedhisheadandshoutedthroughthefaceshieldofhishelmet,“HumesHighSchool.”

Wecruisedslowlybytheschool,thencircledaroundandrodedownafewmorestreets.AtahousingprojectcalledLauderdaleCourts,Elvissloweddownagainandthencametoastop.

“ThisisoneoftheplaceswhereIgrewup,”hesaid,againlookingbackatme.

AsIlookedattheolder,nondescript,three-storybrickbuilding,thinkingsurelytheapartmentscouldn’thave

beenspaciouswhenhewasthere,IfoundithardtoimagineElvislivinghereatall.Itlookedtoosmallforhislarger-than-lifepersona.

Wesatthereforafewminutes,silentlycontemplatingthehousingproject.Neitherofushadreallytalkedaboutourchildhoodsyet.Wehadbeentoobusydealingwiththepresentandtalkingaboutourpossiblefuturetogetherto

delveintothepast.Stayingsofullyawareof

hishumblerootswastherealreason,Ifelt,thatElviswasinspiredtobesogivingtoothers:Heknewwhatitwasliketodowithout.

Asweslowlybeganpullingawayfromthecurb,Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatme.“Man,youwouldn’tbelievehowsmallmyhomeinTupelowas,”hesaidwithalaugh.

Iheldontohimalittletighter,hopinghewouldtakemethereoneday.

Anothernight,Elvisasked,“Wouldyouliketoseethetrophyroom?”

“Yes,”Isaidenthusiastically.Iwasn’tevenawarethathehadoneathishome.

Ifollowedhimdownstairs,wherewepassedthroughthelivingroomandmusicroombeforeenteringalongroom

whereframedgoldrecordslinedthewallsanddisplaycaseswerefilledwithtrophiesandawards.

Elvistookmyhandasweslowlybeganwalkingdownanaisle.Everynowandthen,he’dstoptopointoutvarioushonors.Theroomwaslitteredwithgiftsfromfans,too.AswepassedbyaframedpaintingoftheLisaMarie,agiftfromafan,Elvisstopped,pickeditup,andsaid,“You

canhavethis.”ItwasakindofferasI

knewhewasproudoftheplane.Lookingabouttheroomatonepoint,curiouslydetached,hesaid,“Youknow,sometimesthisseemslikeit’sallsomeoneelse’s.”

AsIstoodbesidehim,surveyingthebroadscopeofallhehaddone,highlightedherebyrecords,trophies,andphotographs,theenormityofhisaccomplishmentshitme

fullforce.Andthesemarkerswerejustthetipoftheiceberg!Nowonderitwasdifficultforhimtofullyfathomthathehadexperiencedallofthis.

Atthebackoftheroom,wepausedinfrontofafull-sizepaintingofayoungerElvis.Hewasportrayedagainstagoldsky,dressedallinwhiteandstandingamongsomeclouds.

AnartistinLasVegashad

paintedit,Elvissaid,marveling,“Hebasicallytookonelookatmeanddrewitindetail.Man,hereallycapturedmylikeness,rightdowntotheveinsinmyhands.”

Itwasabeautifulpainting,andafteradmiringitforafewmoremoments,Elvisnonchalantlysaid,“Iwantyoutohavethis.”

Iwascompletelyflabbergasted.Thispainting?

Doeshewantmetotakeitrightnow?

“Thankyou,”Isaidwithasurprisedlaugh,“but,Elvis,Idon’tthinkitwillfitanywhereinmyhome.”

“Inyourparents’newhome,”Elviscorrectedme,seriously.

“Isitokaytoleaveitherefornow,”Iasked,hopinghewouldn’tbeoffended.

“That’sfine,”hesaid,withasoftsmile.

Backupstairs,Elvis’sgenerousmoodexpandedevenmore.Leadingmeintothedressingareaofhisbathroom,hegavemethemostsingularpieceofjewelryI’deverseen:hisownlargeram’sheadnecklaceingold,inlaidwithdiamondsandemeralds.

“Alwayswearitwithsomethingblack,”heinstructed.

Itwasaroundthistime

thatElvisdecidedIshouldhaveabankaccount.HeputVernoninchargeofopeningoneforme.Elvisput$5,000intotheaccountandIreceivedacreditcard.Ihadmadealittlemoneyfromworkingatthedressshop,butIwasawestruck.Thisamountofmoneymighthaveseemedsmalltosome,buttomeitwas,quiteliterally,afortune.Ihadneverevenownedpersonalchecksoracredit

card!Elvisgavememore

personalitemswheneverthemoodstruckhim.Hisgenerositywasnotjustreservedformethough.IwouldlaterlearnthatElvisgaveawaypersonalitemstomanythatheknewandhadoftengiftedeveryonearoundhim—doctors,nurses,maids,relatives,aides,friends—withthingsrangingfrommoney,jewelry,andfurstocarsand

homes.Attimesheseemedtowanttotakecareofthewholeworld.

•••

SinceElvis’slasttours,Ihadbeguntoseeapatternofhimneedingmorehelptogotosleepasaconcerttourapproached.Hewouldtakehisusualsleeppacket,thenwakeupshortlyafterward,alertandaskingforTish

Henley,thenursewholivedoutbackwithherhusband,tobringhimadditionalmedication,eitherpillsorashotofsomethingtohelphimsleep.

Iwastroubledbythisincreaseddemandformedication.Ifeltgivingmorewasastepinthewrongdirection.However,Tishwasanurseandbecauseofthat,Iputtrustinheractions.Myunderstandingwasthatshe

workedunderthedirectionofDr.Nichopoulos,soIhadtoassumethatshewasdispensingmedicationtoElvisonlyunderthedoctor’ssupervision.IcouldseewhereperformingwouldbeonElvis’smind,perhapsmakinghimincreasinglyanxious,butIwishedthereweresomewayIcouldencouragehimtojusttryanalternativewaytoeaseintosleepwithoutrelyingon

prescriptiondrugs.Onemorning,asElvis

calledforTishtobringhimmedication,Isummonedupmynerveandtoldhim,“Elvis,youdon’treallyneedthat.”

Helookedatmeandshookhishead.“Youdon’tunderstand,”hereplied.“Ineedit.”Iwondered—notforthefirsttime—ifElvishadbuiltupanimmunitytowhatevermedicationhe’d

beentakingonaregularbasis,andthat’swhyheneededanincreaseindosage.Whateverthecase,Icouldonlyhopethemedicalprofessionalsoverseeinghiscareknewwhattheyweredoing.

ThedaybeforeElvis’snexttourstarted,hebroughtmehomesoIcouldquicklypackafewthingstotakealong.Ihadn’tpurchasedmanyclothesoutsideofthe

twotimesElvishadsentmeshoppingduringhisLasVegasengagement.ElvishadnoideathatTerrywasstillloaningmesomeofherclothing.Mymothersaidshewouldhelpmeironacoupleofthings;asshesetupanironingboardinourfoyer,IhandedheroneofTerry’sgarments.

WhileElviswatchedmymotheriron,hesaid,“YougottagetGingerready.She’s

gonnamarryme.”Iblushed.“I’mironingasfastasI

can,”mymotherteased,andpretendedtoironfaster.

Beforelong,withbodyguardsintowasusual,ElvisandIleftforGraceland.Afewminuteslater,wepassedsomeyoungmenandwomenwhohadpulledovertothesideoftheroad;theywereobviouslyhavingcartrouble.

Elvisslowed,puthiswindowdown,andaskediftheyneededanyhelp.

“No,”oneofthewomenreplied,thenscreamedaswepulledawayandsherecognizedElvis.

IlookedbackandgottickledwhenIsawhertellingherfriends.Eachofthemturnedtolookourway.ThiswasonetimeIwassuretheywishedthey’dacceptedhelpfromastranger.

OnMarch23,weflewtoArizonaforthestartofElvis’snexttour.Acoupleofdayslater,ElvishadmybrotherflownintoNorman,Oklahoma,tolearntheropesasextrasecurity.ElvishadbeenaskingMikeaboutleavinghisjobwiththefiredepartmentandcomingtoworkforhim.Thiswasabigdecisionformybrother.ButElvis,asusual,waspersistentandhardtoturndown.Mike

stayedonlyacoupleofdays,andIreallydidn’tgetachancetospendanyalonetimewithhim,butIfoundmyselfhopingthingswouldworkout.Itwouldbecomfortingtohaveamemberofmyownfamilyonstaff.

OneofourstopsonthetourwasLouisiana,butafterafewperformances,Elvistoldmehedidn’tfeelwell.Iplacedmypalmtohisforehead.Thiswasthefirst

timeI’deverseenElvistrulylookill.Hewasperspiringandhisheadfeltwarmtome.

“Idon’twanttopushmyself,”Elvissaid,andaskedmetogetintouchwithDr.Nichopoulos.

Dr.Nichopouloscametotheroom.Hedidn’ttellmewhatwaswrong,andElviswasfinallyabletogotosleep.Whenhewokelater,however,hestillwasn’tfeelingwell.Elvistoldmehe

neededtospeakwithsomepeopleabouthisupcomingshows,soIwenttomyroom.

Finally,aftermuchdiscussionwithvariousmeninElvis’sentourage,itwasdecidedthatthetourwouldbecanceledandElviswouldgointoahospitalbackhome.IwasveryconcernedaboutElvis,butfeltcomfortedbythethoughtthatinahospitalthey’dreallybeabletodiagnosewhatwaswrongand

monitorhishealth.WeflewbacktoMemphis

andwenttoGraceland.ElviswasgoingtocheckintoBaptistMemorialHospital.Iwantedtogowithhim,butElvisnowsaidthathewasfeelingsobad,he’dratherhavesomeonetakemehomewhilehewenttothehospital.

Thisworriedmeevenmore,buthewasinsistent.“I’llcallyoufromthere,”hepromised.

Membersofhisentouragegatheredaroundandtheyjumpedintoaction,takingoffwithElvisandleavingmeattheproverbialcurb.

Athome,Ididn’thearanythingforhours.IdecidedtocallGracelandandspokewithAuntDelta,butshehadnonews.Elvisfinallycalledmethatnighttosaythehospitalwasrunningsometests.

Hecalledmeagainthe

nextdayandsaidhello.Hewasn’tfeelinganyworse,thankfully,butwhenIsaidI’dliketocomeandseehim,Elvistoldmethatrightnowheneededtogooverbusinesswithsomepeople.

IthoughtitwasalittleoddthatElviswasn’taskingmetovisitwithhim.(NotuntilafterElvis’sdeath,wouldIhearthatwhenElvishadtakenillinBatonRouge,hewasinformedthatthreeofhis

formerbodyguardsweregoingtopublishapotentiallydamagingbookfilledwithhurtfulstoriesabouthim.Lookingback,IstronglyfeelthatElvishadbeendiscussingthisbookwithotherswhilehewasinthehospitalanddidn’taskforme,becausehedidn’twantmetoknowaboutitthen.Itwouldn’tbeuntilmuchlater,thatElviswouldmentionthebooktome.)

Elviscalledthefollowing

day,too.Thistimeheletmeknowhehadanintestinalflubutwasfeelingbetter.“Iwantyoutocometothehospitaltomorrowandshowmynurseyourengagementring,”hesaid.

BeforeleavingGracelandtogohome,Ihadtuckedtheringbackintomyjewelryboxforsafekeeping.Thenextevening,mysister-in-lawdrovemeovertogetit.WhenIrangthefrontdoorbell,

Charlieanswered.Isteppedinsidethefoyerand,noticingmovementinthekitchendoorway,IglancedthatwayandwassurprisedtoseeLisapeekingherheadoutatme.

“Hi,”Isaid.Charliesmiledandsaid,

“Priscilla’shere,too.They’reintownvisiting.Wouldyouliketomeether?”

“Sure,”Isaid,caughttotallyoffguard.IfollowedCharlietowardDodger’s

bedroom.SuddenlyIrememberedhow,whenIwasachild,I’dsometimespassGracelandandimagineElvis,Priscilla,andLisainside.HowbizarreitwasthatIwashere—andsowasPriscilla!

IhastilyremindedmyselfthatElvishadtoldmeIwasthe“ladyofthehouse”now,butitwasstillsurrealtowalkintoDodger’sbedroomandfindherinbed,withPriscillasittinginachairbesideher.

“Hello,”IgreetedDodger.ThenCharlieintroduced

metoPriscilla,apetitewomanwithchin-lengthhair.

Isatonachairnearthefootofthebed,andPriscillaandIbegantotalk.Shewasfriendlyandatease.

Irelaxedalittle,figuringPriscillamusthaveseenElviswithotherwomenbeforemesincetheirdivorce.Maybethissituationfeltmorenaturaltoherthanitdidtome.At

anyrate,sheseemedlikeaniceperson,andIwasgladaboutthatbecausebecomingElvis’swifewouldessentiallymeanPriscillawouldbeinmylife,too.

Atonepoint,wegotintoaconversationaboutdogs.ItoldheraboutOdyssey,mynewGreatDane,andPriscillasaidshehadownedacoupleofGreatDanesinthepast.Theyweregreatdogs,Priscillasaid,verygentle.

“Butdon’tgettooattachedtothem,”shewarned.“Theydon’tliveverylong.”

Lisahadjoinedusintheroom.Shehadbeensittingonthefloor,butnowshestoodup,walkedovertome,andbeganplayingwithmyhair.Itwasanawkwardmoment,tosaytheleast.

Finally,Priscillasaid,“Lisa,Gingermaynotwantyoutodothat.”

IlookedatLisaand

smiled.“It’sallright,”Isaid.ButLisaobediently

walkedawayandsatdownontheflooragain.

IsuddenlyrememberedthatElviswaswaitingforme;mythoughtsreturnedtogettingmyring.ButhowcouldImakeagracefulexit?Ithardlyseemedlikegoodmannerstojumpupandsay,“Excuseme,butIhavetogogetmyengagementring.”

Atlast,Idecidedtokeepit

simple.“Ijuststoppedbytogetsomething,”ItoldPriscilla.“Itwasnicetomeetyou.”

ThenIsaidgood-byetoLisaandDodger,rushedupstairs,retrievedmyring,andquicklyleftthehouse.

Atthehospital,IwasrelievedtofindElvislookingbetterandingoodspirits.Hecalledhisnurseintotheroomandproudlyshowedhermyring.

Afterthenurseleft,hesaid,“Priscilla’sintown.”

“Iknow.Ijustmether,”Isaid,andexplainedaboutstoppingbyGracelandtogetmyring.

Elvislaughed.“IwishIcouldhaveseenthat,”hesaid.Then,afterI’dtoldhimthatPriscillaandIhadtalkedalittle,heseemedtoapprove.“It’simportantthatPriscillaandyouarefriendlyforLisa’ssake,”hesaid.

Hewouldbeleavingthehospitalsoon,Elvisadded,andPriscillaandLisawerecomingtoseehim.Notreadyforwhatcouldbeanotherawkwardencounter,Istayedjustashortwhilelongerandthenleft.

AfterElvisleftthehospital,hehadalittleovertwoweeksbeforehisnexttourbegan.LisaremainedatGracelandforafewdaysand,weatherpermitting,shewas

oftenoutside,drivingaroundinapalebluegolfcartwithhernamewrittenonitsside,abirthdaygiftfromElvis.LisawouldcomeintoElvis’sbedroomsometimes,alwayscurioustoseewhatheandIweredoing.YoucouldseeElvis’sjoywhenshewasaround.

Duringthisvisitwithhisdaughter,ElvistookLisaandmeoutforarideononeofhisthree-wheelersforthefirst

time.Itwasacyclewithonewheelinthefront,twointheback,andapassengerseat.WithLisasandwichedbetweenus,werodetotheairportandlookedatplanes.

LisalovedbeingatGraceland,andIwasgladsheandIhadgottentobearoundeachotheralittle.WhenitwastimeforhertoreturntoLosAngeles,Lisadidn’twanttoleave;shehidandthebodyguardshadtolookfor

her,eventuallyfindinghernearthemeditationgarden.

Elvisjustwantedtospendtherestofthetimebeforethetourrelaxing.Lateonenight,hedecidedhewantedtotakeasmallgroupofustoseethenewPeterSellersfilm,ThePinkPantherStrikesAgain.Herentedatheaterfortheviewinganditwasawildfeelingtowalkin,knowingwehadtheentiretheaterto

ourselves.ElvisandItookseatsinthecenteroftheauditorium,withtherestofthepeopleinourgroupeithersittinginthesameroworbehindus.

Wheneveryonewassettledin,Elvislookedoverhisshouldertowardtheprojectionist,andshouted,“Roll’em!”

BeforeIknewit,wewereallinhysterics.Thatfilmturnedouttobeoneofmy

all-timefavoritecomedies.Butthejovialmoodwould

beinterruptedafewdayslaterwhenElvisandIweresittinginhisbedroomtalkingwhenthecommodeinhisbathroombegantomakeanoise.Itwasveryearlyinthemorning.Aswetalked,thenoisecontinued.Elvisglancedtowardthebathroomeveryfewminutes,clearlybecomingincreasinglyannoyed.

Beforelong,hequietlygotupandlefttheroom.Hereturnedmomentslaterwithamachineguninhishand.IthoughtImustbeimaginingthingsasElviswalkedrightpastmewiththegunandwentintothebathroom.

“Elvis,whatareyoudoing?”Iscreamed.

Heansweredwithadeafeningbarrageofgunfire,blastinghistoilettosmithereens.

Thiswasupsettingandcompletelyunacceptable.Iwasmoreshockedthananythingelsebythisaction.Ifeltacoolstillnesscomeoverme.

ThenIgotangry,reallyangry.Howcouldhethinkthatthiswasokay?

SometimesitseemedlikeElviswasplayingagameof“seewhatIcando”inordertowatchpeople’sreactions.HiscousinBillywouldlater

sayinabookthathethoughtthiswasfunny.Itwasn’t.IdecidedtoleavebeforeElviscouldexitthebathroom.

AsIhastilydescendedthefrontstairsintothefoyer,Iglancedupandsawwaterrunningfromtheceilingontothechandelier.Iwalkedoutthefrontdoorandgotintomycar.MyhandswereshakingonthewheelasIdrovehome.Icouldonlyhopethat,byleavingGraceland,Imightbe

sendingamessagetoElvisthatthissortofbehaviorwasn’tright.

Ihadhopedtoentermyparents’housequietly,withoutdisturbinganyone,butasIpulledintothedriveway,ourdogsstartedbarkingandwokemymother.Ineverwantedtoburdenher,assheandmydadhadenoughgoingonwithworkandtheirmaritalproblems,butIcouldn’thidemy

feelings.Iwastoorattled.Mymothertriedto

comfortmeasItoldherwhathappened.IalsoexplainedtheincidentsinPalmSpringsandHawaiithathadtroubledme.Ihadkepttheseeventsfromherbefore,butnoweverythingcamespillingout.Shecouldn’tbelieveitandwasclearlydisheartened.

“Idon’twantyoubeinginanysituationwhereyoucouldgethurtbysomeoneelse,”

shesaid,addingnomatterwhothepersonwas,Icamefirst.

Iknewshewantedtoprotectme,butIexplainedhowstronglyIfeltthatElviswouldneverreallyhurtme.Atthesametime,IhadcomehomebecauseIneededtoclearmyheadandtouchbasewithallthegoodnessinElvisandeverythingthathaddrawnmetohim.

MymothercouldseethatI

wastryingtoworkthingsout.“Whateveryoudecidetodo,I’llsupportyou,”shesaidatlast.

Webothleftitatthatandwenttoourrooms.Ilayinbedforalittlewhile,worryingthatElvismightcomeover.Iwasn’treadytotalk.Hewouldn’tlikemewalkingoutonhim—IcouldpredictthatbasedonhisreactioninHawaiiwhenIleftwhilehewastalkingtome—

butIcouldn’tjustsitbyandlethimdosomethingthatIsawasterriblywrong.

Ieventuallyfellasleep.WhenIwokeupthatafternoon,IwentovertheeventagainwithRosemary.Ihadn’theardfromElvis.Ididn’tthinkmymessageabouthisbehaviorwouldsinkinifIcalledhimfirst—IdefinitelyfeltElvisowedmeanapology—soRosemaryandIwenttoseesome

friends.Bythetimewereturned

homelaterthatnight,mymothersaidElvishadcalled.WhenshetoldhimRosemaryandIwereout,hehadaskedtospeakwithTerry.ShehadtoldhimTerrywasonacollegecampusinanothercity,fulfillingadutyasMissTennessee,andtheyhungup.IwaitedforElvistocallagain,worriedabouthowourconversationmightgo,butI

heardnothingmorefromhimthatnight.

Thefollowingday,Terryreturnedhome.Theminuteshesawme,sheasked,“What’sgoingonwithyouandElvis?”

Startled,Iaskedhowsheknewsomethingwasup.

“IwassittinginanauditoriumlastnightwhenastatetroopercameinandtoldmeIhadaphonecall,”shesaid.“Ithoughtsomething

terriblemusthavehappenedtosomeone,soIfollowedthestatetrooperoutside.”

Thetrooperledmysisteracrossafieldandintoanadministrativebuildingwithacoupleofsecurityguards.“Oneofthemhandedmeaphone,andElviswasontheline.Hesoundedangry,sayingthathe’dlikemetocometoGracelandsohecouldtalkaboutyou.”

Icouldn’tbelievewhatI

washearing!ItsoundedlikeElviswasmakingthissituationouttobemyfault.Hehadnorighttobeangryatme.Iwasn’ttheonewho’ddonesomethingwrong!

“Hewantedtosendhisplaneforme,”Terrycontinued,“butItoldhimIcouldn’tleavebecauseoftheevent,plusIhaddrivenTony’smotheruptherewithme.ElvistoldmetoletTony’smotherdrivethecar

home,butItoldhimshehadbadeyesightanditwasaneight-hourdrive.”

Apparently,Elvishadn’ttakennoforananswereasily.Terrysaiditwasawkward,asshehadtokeepsaying,“Elvis,Ican’t,”infrontofthesecurityguards,whohadremainedintheroom.

“WhenIgotoffthephone,”Terryadded,“theguardsaskedmeifthatwasreallyElvis.”Terrysaidshe

wascompletelyrattledbythecallandcouldn’twaittogethome.

DidElvisreallynotunderstandwhyI’dleft?Didhisstancethat“noonewalksoutonElvis”obscurehisabilitytoseetheissueathandclearly?

Icertainlydidn’twanttobreakupwithhim,butIsincerelywantedElvistounderstandwhyIhadreactedthewayIdid.Hearingthat

ElvishadcalledTerryandsoundedangryupsetme.Idecidednottocallhimjustyet.

Thefollowingday,oneofElvis’saidescalledtoaskmetocometoGraceland.Ithoughtthingsover.Iwantedourrelationshiptowork.IstillfeltElvisowedmeanapology.ThenIrememberedthathehadtriedtoreachmethatfirstnight.Maybehewastryingtoapologizeafterall,I

thought,soIwenttoGraceland.

WhenIarrived,ElviswasseatedinhisbedwithTheProphetlyingopeninhislap.Inoticedthatanewtoilethadbeeninstalledinthebathroom.Itlookedasthoughnothingoutoftheordinaryhadgoneonhere.

Isatdownquietlybesidehimandwaited,knowingTheProphetwasoneofthebooks

hereliedonforwordsofcomfortandwisdom,especiallyaboutlove.

Elvisturnedtomeandbeganquotingapassagefromthebook,saying,“Youknow,Ginger,‘Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.Andwhenhiswingsenfoldyouyieldtohim,Thoughtheswordhiddenamonghispinionsmaywoundyou.’”

Withlovehadcomehurt,

definitely,butElvishadbeengoingthroughhisbookstofindananswer.Iunderstoodthathehadchosenthispassagetoconveyhisemotionstome.ElvisandIwerelearningaboutlovetogether.Whetherthroughthelyricsofasongorwordsfromabook,IknewthiswasElvis’swayoftryingtohavemeunderstandhimsometimes.

Nobodyatthehouse—not

themaids,AuntDelta,Charlie,ortheaides—everaskedmewhyElvisshothistoilet,leadingmetobelievethatElvismusthavesaidsomethingtothem.Eitherthat,ortheyhadsimplywitnessedincidentssimilartothisonebeforeandwereusedtoitbynow.

CHAPTER21

Elvis’stourwasscheduledtobeginonApril21.Wewouldbeontheroadforalmosttwoweeks.ThiswaslongerthanwhatI’dexperiencedbefore,but,asalways,IwasexcitedaboutvisitingcitiesI’dneverseen.Ourstopswouldinclude

Greensboro,NorthCarolina;DetroitandAnnArbor,Michigan;Toledo,Ohio;andMilwaukee,Wisconsin.

Everysooftenonthistour,Elviswouldcomplainaboutfeelingbloated,butotherwiseheseemedtobeingoodspirits.Hiseyescontinuedtobotherhimaftersomeshows;asusual,Iplacedawarmwashclothoverthemtohelpsoothetheirritation.

Concernedabouthisaudiences,manytimeswhilewewerebackstage,Elviswouldasksomeonetodescribewhatthecrowdwaslikebeforehewenton.Afteroneperformance,hesaidtome,“Man,thereweresomepeopleinthefirstthreerowswholookedliketheyweresleeping.Whatarethey,dead?”

Iknewhewasverysensitiveaboutmakinghis

fanshappy,andItriedtoreassurehim.“Elvis,itwasonlyacoupleofpeople,”Isaid.“I’msuretheylovedtheshow.”

Elvisvariedthesongsineachshow,andyouneverknewwhattoexpect;hewouldfeedoffoftheaudience’sreactionandbanterwithpeople.Hehadmoreenergyforsomeshowsthanothers,butElvisalwaysputhisheartandsoulinto

deliveringthebestpossibleentertainment.

AttheendofaperformanceinMilwaukee,however,therewasasmallmishap.Elvisexitedthestageand,blindedbymultiplecameraflashes,hefellonthestairsandsprainedhisankle.Hewaspiquedwhenhegotintothecarandremainedangryoncebackinhisroom.Dr.NichopouloswrappedElvis’sankle(which

unfortunatelywouldcausehimproblemsatfutureshows),andlaterwhenwewerealone,hesaid,“Peoplejustaren’tdoingtheirjobs.”Frustrated,hetoldmethatabodyguardnamedDick“wasn’twherehewassupposedtobe,”andthenhedeclared,“I’mgettingridofDick,Joe,andawholelotmore!”

IknewElviswasinabadmoodbecauseofhisankle

hurtinghim,butIknewtherewasanotherrecentincidentthatcausedhimtoexpressdispleasurewithafewinhisstaff:AgirlhadbrokenthroughthecrowdandreachedElvis,purposelyscratchinghishandandmakinghimbleed.Elvishadgottenangryandlatercomplainedtomeaboutsomeinhisentouragethentoo.

Finallysettlingdownforthenightandrestingas

comfortablyashecouldwithhisinjuredankle,ElvisdecidedtoinvitemymotherandsisterstocometoDuluth,Minnesota.IknewthereasonElviswantedmymothertojoinus:Afewweeksbeforethistour,inasombermoodoneday,IhadconfidedtoElvisthatmyfatherhadmovedoutofourhouse.Icouldtellbythelookonhisfacethenthatthisnewshadbotheredhim.Elvishadbeen

continuallyaskingmewhethermyparentswereshoppingforanewhome.Theyhadn’tbeenlooking,buteachtimehe’dbroughtthesubjectup,I’djusttoldhim,“No,theyhaven’tfoundanythingtheylike.”Ididn’twanttohurthisfeelings.Ahousewasobviouslyahugegift,toobigapresentandmyparentshadexpressedtomethattheyfeltawkwardaboutElvis’sofferonmorethan

oneoccasion.Althoughhewasaware

thatmyfatherhadmovedout,Elvisstillhadhismindsetonbuyinganewhomeformyfamilyandatthebeginningofthistour,hehadbroughtthesubjectupagain,tellingme,“Iwanttotalktoyourmotheraboutit.I’mgonnainviteherandyoursisterstoseesomeshows.”Icouldn’tbelievethatinthemiddleofatour,Elviswasthinkingaboutmy

family.MymotherandRosemary

agreedtocome,butTerrywasunabletomakeit.HeaskedthemtostopbyGracelandtopickupabraceforhisankle,whichanursewouldleaveforthem.ElvischarteredaLearjetoutofNashvilletoflymymother,Rosemary,andagirlfriendofRicky’soutofMemphis.

Myfamilyarrivedsafely,andbeforetheDuluthshow,

ElvisinvitedmymotherandRosemaryintohisroom,wheretheygavehimtheanklebracehehadrequested.Elvisaskedhowtheirflightwas.

“Good,”mymotheranswered.“Atonepoint,thepilottolduswewereflyingatforty-seventhousandfeet.”

Elviswasn’thappyhearingthis.Hetoldmymothertheynevershouldhaveflownthathigh,because

theplanecouldhavepoppedrivets.“Iwon’tusethatcompanyagain,”hesaid.

Mymotherandsistertouredwithusforafewdays.Elvisinvitedthemtorideinthelimowithus,whichdisplacedafewofthestaffwhousuallytraveledwithhim.Ihopedthisdidn’tbotheranyone.Sometimes,membersofhisentouragehadtotakeashuttlebusfromtheairplanetothehotel,and

once,whenmyfamilywasdirectedontothebus,Elvisquicklyditchedthelimoandwerodethebus,withElvissquattingdownintheaislesohecouldtalkwithmymother.

Whenwe’dreturnedtoourhotelafterElvis’sshowinChicago,hewasreadytotalkwithmymotheraboutlookingathomesandthesituationwithmyfather.IlefttheroomtogetherandRosemary,passingColonel

Parkerasheenteredthesuite.Thecolonelusuallyflew

outaheadofus,landinginthenextcitytomakesureeverythingwasinorderbeforeElvisperformed.Istillhadn’tbeenaroundhimenoughtogetafeelforwhohereallywas.Atonepoint,however,Ihadarrivedinacityandenteredourhotelsuite,whereIwassurprisedtoseethecolonelstandingbyamobilecart,wearinga

chef’shatandstirringapotofsoup.

ThereweretimeswhenElvisexpresseddispleasurewithhismanager,feelingthecolonelchosehotelstoofarawayfromtheperformancevenues,andallbecausetheyhadbetterfood.Once,whilewewereridingtoashow,Elvisasked,“Can’tthecolonelfindanythingcloser?”

Onanotheroccasion,IhadlefttheroomsoElviscould

talkprivatelywithColonelParker.WhenIreturned,Elviswasshakinghisheadinamazement.“IwassittingheretellinghimIhadasorethroat,andallhewastalkingaboutwasthenexttour,”hesaid.

IbroughtRosemaryandmymotherintothesuiteandafewminuteslater,Elvisandthecolonelexitedhisbedroom.ElvisintroducedmyfamilytoColonelParker,

andwhenthecolonelturnedhisbacktowalkaway,Elvisgaveacontemptuouswaveofhishand,motioninghimoutofthesuite.

ThethreeofusfollowedElvisbackintohisbedroomandheclosedthedoor.“Howareyoudoing?”mymotheraskedhim.

Sincehiseyeshadbeenbotheringhimalittle,Elvismentionedthat,theninvitedhertositbesidehimonthe

bed.Divingrightin,heaskedwhatshethoughtwouldbethebestsolutiontohermaritalproblems.

Iknewthiswouldbeuncomfortableforhertodiscuss,butitwouldprobablybegoodforhertotalkwithsomeone.

TellingElvisnowthatshewascompletelydrainedemotionally,mymothersaiditlookedlikeadivorcewastheonlysolution.

“Isitthebestsolution,orthelastalternative?”Elvisaskedher.

“I’mafraidit’sthebestsolution,”shesaid.

Charlieknockedonthedoor,camein,andmentionedthatMiloHighwaswaitingattheairporttotakeRosemaryandmymotherhomesohecouldreturnagaintopickupthecolonelandtakehimwhereheneededtobe.

Clearlyunhappyaboutthis

interruption,however,ElvisshotCharliealookandheleft.Elvisthencontinuedtheirconversation.

“Ifthere’snochanceofyouworkingthingsout,”Elvistoldmymother,“I’dlikeyoutoseemylawyer,BeecherSmith,whenyougethome,andI’dliketopayforthedivorce.”

IrememberedBeecherfromthesigningofElvis’swill.Wewereallstunnedthat

Elviswantedtogetinvolvedlikethis,butmymotherthankedhimgraciously.

Beforelong,therewasanotherknockonthedoor.CharliesteppedinsideandremindedElvisthatMilowaswaiting.ItwasobviousthatElviswasgettingevenmoreannoyed.Asiftryingtoavoidanyfurtherinterruption,hesaid,“Let’sfinishtheconversationinGinger’sroom.”

Welefthisroomandenteredmine,whereElvissatonthebedwithmymother.Heaskedifshewouldstillliketolookforanewhouse.Shethankedhim,butsaidshewashappywhereshewas.

Elvisponderedthisforaminute,thentoldher,“Mrs.Alden,Iknowyouwon’tbefinanciallyabletopaythehousenoteandotherexpensesonyourown.Ifyou’rehappyinthathouse,I

wanttopayforit.Youdon’tneedamortgageandyourhomewillstayinyourname.”

Inoticedmymother’seyesgettingmisty.Elvisthensurprisedusevenmorebyadding,“I’dalsolikeyoutohaveaswimmingpoolandsomelandscapingdone.Youdon’thaveanytrees.Youneedtrees.”

Elviswasonarollandweweresweptupbyhis

enthusiasm.Again,mymotherthankedhim.

Elvisaskedwhatshethoughtmydadwouldwantfromthedivorce,andmymothersaidourfatherwouldprobablywanthisfairshareoftheequityinthehouse.

Nowtherewasaknockonmydoor.WhenIopenedit,Charliewasstandingthere.

Beforehecouldspeak,Elvisshouted,“Charlie,it’smydamnplane,andI’llsend

itwhenI’mdamngoodandready!”

Charliemadeanabout-faceandleft.

Puttinghisarmaroundmymother’sshoulder,Elvissaidthen,“Don’tworry.I’llseethatmyfathertakescareofeverything.”

Elvis’sjeweler,Lowell,wasalongonthetrip.ElviscalledhimintooursuiteatthatpointandgavemymomandRosemaryeacha

beautifuldiamondring.ThetwoofthemwereflownhomeonhisJetStarshortlyafterward.ThedeepcompassionandpersonalconcernElviswasshowingformymother’swelfaredeeplytouchedmetothecore.

•••

ElvisfinishedhislastconcertthatAprilinSaginaw,

Michigan.WeflewbacktoMemphisthen,wherehewouldhavealittleovertwoweeksoffuntilhisnexttourbeganonMay20.

Theconversationwithmymotherwasstillonhismind.Oneday,Elvistoldmehehadspokenwithhisfathertosetthingsinmotionregardingmymother’sdivorceandpayingoffourhome.ElvisaskedmetohavemymothercallBeecherSmith.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,andpromisedIwould.Iappreciatedhisoffertopayoffmymother’smortgage,knowinghowmuchitwouldmeantohertohavethatfinancialburdenlifted,especiallynowthatshewasfacingtheharshrealityofmakingendsmeetonherown.

ArrivingatGracelandafewdayslater,IfoundElvisfinishingaconversationon

hisbedsidephone.Whenhehungup,Elvistoldmehe’dbeentalkingtoVernon,whohadfiledforadivorcefromhiswife,Dee.Elvistoldmetheyhadbeentryingtoworkoutasettlement.

Iwassurprisedtohearthis;sinceVernonwasengagedtoSandy,Ihadnaturallyassumedhewasalreadydivorced.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’deverheardElvistalkabouthis

stepmother.“Mydaddyusedtocome

homefromworkandbetired,andDeewouldhavesomeentertainerorotherpeopleinthehouse,”Elvissaid,lookingirritated.

IknewthatElviswasworriedabouthisdad’shealthaswellasthedivorce.Iplacedmyhandonhisback,tryingtocalmhimalittle.“Ihopeeverythingworksoutokay.”

“Shebetterleavemydaddyalone,”Elvissaid.

Thespecterofdivorcewasswirlingaroundus:Myparents,Vernon,andevenoneofElvis’sstepbrotherswereallhavingmaritalproblems.Thiswasaffectingbothofus.Still,whenitcametoourownrelationship,ourloveforeachothercontinuedtoburnbrightandourenthusiasmhadn’tdimmed.Elvisstillbelievedstronglyin

marriageandclearlywantedtogetmarriedagain.Ifeltthesameway:Iwantedtobeawifeandmother,andIbelievedifyouweremeanttobetogetherandstaytogether,youwould.

Ashortwhilelater,Elvisgotupfrombedandbeganrummagingthroughaclosetinhisbedroom.Hecameacrossvarioushatsandshowedthemtome,thenpulledoutaposter-sizephoto

ofhimselftakenwhenhewaslittle.Inthephoto,hewasstandingbetweenhisparents,wearingoverallsandahat.

Asheheldthepictureuptoshowme,Elvisstuckouthislowerlipinalittle-boypout.“Iwastwoandhadapeanutinmymouth,”hesaid.

“Nowthat’sa‘LittleTwo,’”Iteased,alludingtooneofthenicknameshe’dgivenme.

Elvisproppedthepicture

onachair,facingthebed,andasked,“Doesthisbotheryou?”

“No,”Isaid.Iwonderediftheconversationabouthisdadhadpromptedhimtoseekoutthisparticularphoto.Itwouldremainonthechairuntilthenextday.

•••

Nowthattheweatherwaswarmer,Elviswould

sometimestellmeweweregoingoutonhismotorcycle,butthenwe’dendupreadingorwatchingtelevisionforawhile.Ididn’tmindwaiting;however,itgotmyhopesup.I’dremindhimlaterandhewouldthensayhewastiredorjustdidn’tfeellikeit,andI’dendupdisappointed.

Asthispatternrepeateditselfafewtimes,IbegantothinkthatElvisjustmightnoteverleavehishouse.He

rarelylefttheupstairsfloor.Irememberonenight,Elvisaskedme,“Who’sdownstairs?”

“IsawRickydownstairswithagirl,”Ireplied.

“Idon’twanttogodown,then,”hesaid.Upstairs,Elviswasusuallywearingsomethingcasualorhispajamas.Hedidn’tfeelcomfortablegoingdownstairsinfrontofstrangersunlesshishairwasstyledandhewas

dressedacertainway,andhewastoopolitetoaskanyonetoleave,soElvishadeffectivelysetupaworldwherehewasn’tgoingdownstairsinhisownhome.

HehadeverythingheneededupstairsatGraceland:hisoffice,organ,televisions,beds,Lisa’sroom,andbathrooms.Food,oranythingelsehemightwant,wouldappearatthetouchofabutton.What’smore,being

ontheroadforsomanyyearshadledElvistobecomeaccustomedtoeatinginbedoratacoffeetable.

DidIwishElviswentdownstairsmore,satintheJungleRoom,ateatthediningtable,orwentoutsidemore?Sometimes,sure,butIthoughtthatwouldcomeintime.Iwasyoungandflexible,andwhereverElviswas,that’swhereIwantedtobe.

Othertimes,Elviswouldsurprisemebydecidinghewantedtogooutandwewouldspontaneouslygosomewhere.

Onenight,ElvissaidhewantedtoshowmethehouseinTupelowherehewasborn.Igotsuperexcitedaboutseeingthehouse.ThiswouldbeanotherlittlepieceofthepuzzleofElvis’slife,andIwashappyhewantedtoshareitwithme.

Aswepassedtimereadingandwatchingtelevision,IbeganworryingthatElviswouldchangehismindagain.Fortunately,hedidn’t.ElviseventuallyaskedBillySmithtogetthemotorcyclesreadyandinvitedhimtocomealongwithhiswife.

ThefourofusleftGracelandandheadedtowardTupelowithbodyguardsfollowing.Wehadbeenridingonthehighwayfor

quiteawhilewhenElvistookanexitbeforeHernando,Mississippi,andproceededthroughasmalltown.

IlookedbackandnoticedBillyandJowerenolongerbehindus.ItoldElvis,andwecircledbackaroundtolookforthem.Theywerestandingbytheirmotorcycleatthesideofthehighway.Whenwepulleduptothem,wesawtheirmotorcyclehadanoilleak.Jowassplattered

withmotoroil.Elvissuddenlydecidednot

tocontinue.“We’llgoanothertime,”hesaidasweheadedbacktoGraceland.IsowishedElvishadwantedtogoonthatnight,andsadly,weneverwouldgetthechancetomakeittoTupelobeforeElvispassedaway.

•••

MoreandmoreIlearnedthat

Elvislikedpampering,aswealldo.HeoccasionallyaskedmetoshavehiminbedorrequestedthatIhelphimwithhissocks.Hissocksweren’talwayseasytogeton.OnenightwhenIwastryingtohelphimdress,Igotdownonthefloor,rolledasockinmyhand,andbeganpullingitontohisfoot.IhadsuchatoughtimethatIstartedtolaughandElvisdid,too.

“Here,letmedoit,”he

said,finallymanagingtopulliton.

IsawpamperingastryingtodolittlethingsforElvisthatwouldnotonlyfeelnicebutcouldbegoodforhimatthesametime.Ibroughthimdriedfruit,thinkingthatwouldbeahealthysnack.Sometimes,Elvispickedatit,whichwasastepintherightdirection.

Onoccasion,Ihadmentionedwantingtoplay

racquetballorgohorsebackridingwithhim,buthe’dmadethesameexcuseshesometimesgaveifIaskedaboutridinghismotorcycle:Hejust“didn’twanttodoitrightnow”orfelttootired.

Undeterred,Ikepttrying.IknewGracelandhadaswimmingpoolononesideofthehouse,butinallourmonthstogether,Ihadyettoseeitupclose.ThinkingthismightbeawaytogetElvis

out,onenightImentionedthatI’dlovetoseehispool.

“I’llshowittoyou,”hesaid.Yes!Westeppedoutside

thebackdoorofGraceland.Luckily,itwasanicespringevening.Elvistookmyhandandledmedownawalkway.Wesooncametoakidney-shapedswimmingpool,butElviscontinuedrightpastitandtookmetoanareahecalledhis“meditation

garden.”“Ihadthisbuiltafew

yearsback,”hesaid.“Thisissobeautiful,

Elvis,”Iobserved,lookingaround.

Itwasalovely,peacefulplace,surroundedbyacurvedbrickwallwithstainedglasspanelsinsetintoitsarchedopenings.Inthegarden’scenter,watersplashedinacircularfountainpoolenclosedbyanornate

wrought-ironfence.Elviswalkedmeoverto

somechairsbythepool,wherethetwoofussatdownamidthetranquilsurroundings.

Afterafewminutes,Elvisbrokethesilence.“I’dreallyliketoperforminEurope.CanyouimagineifIwenttoEngland?I’dhavetosingfromacage.I’dneedmoresecuritythanthepresident!”

Ithadneverdawnedonme

beforethatElvishadn’teverperformedinanothercountry.Ithoughtofhimassowelltraveled,andhewassobelovedworldwidethatitseemedimpossiblehe’dneversunginEurope.Ihadbeengazingatthepool;nowIlookedupandcaughtElvislookingoveratme.

“Youknow,”hesaidsoftly,“mydaddytoldmethat,sincewemet,itwasthefirsttimehesawthelittleboy

heputoverallsonbackinEastTupelo.”

Isawthewarmthinhiseyesandfeltovercome,knowingthiswasElvis’swayofsayinghisfatherapprovedofus.

“Mymotheralwaystoldmetomarryabrown-eyedgirl,”hewenton.“Shesaidthey’dbemorefaithful.”

ThiswasthefirsttimeElvisreallytalkedaboutGladysPresleywithme.I

wasgladtohearhimbringherup;IwaseagertolearnmoreaboutElvis’spast,particularlyhischildhood.

“IreallywishIcouldhavemether,”Isaid,hopingtoencouragehimtotalkmoreabouthismother.

“Shewouldhavelikedyou,”Elvissaid,thenfellsilentagainforamomentbeforeadding,“Ireallywanttohavemorechildren.I’dlikeustohavealittleboy.”

“Aboywouldbegreat,”Iagreed.Mybrotherwasquiteabitolderthanme,soIwasusedtogirls,havingsistersandnieces;I’dalwayswonderedwhatitwouldbeliketohavealittleboyaround.IwasmainlyhappytoknowthatElviswantedchildrenwithmeasmuchasIwantedtohaveachildwithhim.

Elvisbroughtupanamehelikedthen,mentioning

Jesseforaboy.Irememberedthiswasthenamethathadbeengiventohistwinbrother.

“HowaboutGraceLynnforagirl’sname?”Iventured.

Helikedthatname,too.“Whenthetimeisright,Godwillletmeknow,”hesaidwithasoftsmile,asifwantingtoreassuremeonceagain.

Wereturnedtothehousea

littlewhilelater,whereElvissaid,“I’dliketochangesomethings.Hasyourbrothersaidanythingtoyouaboutworkingforme?”

ItoldElvisthatleavingthefiredepartmentwasadifficultdecisionformybrothertomakerightnow.IexplainedthatMikehadtwodaughterstotakecareofandapension.Iknewhecouldn’tjustjumpship,becausethedecisionwouldaffecthiswhole

family.“Tellhimtheofferstands

andhe’llbetakencareof,”Elvissaid.

•••

OurtranquildaysandnightswereoccasionallyinterruptedbyElvis’smoodswings.Onenight,ElvisandIwerewatchingtelevisioninLisa’sbedroomwhenaprogramcameonthatElvisdidn’tcare

for.Hestartedmakingcommentsaboutit,thensuddenlylefttheroom.Hereturnedwithagunandshotthetelevision.Whydidn’thejustchange

thechannel?Ithoughtinexasperation.

Quicklylookingoveratme,asiftosayoops,Elvisstartedlaughingandcursingabouttheprogram.Atleastherecognizedthatthiswas

somethingIwasn’tcomfortablewith.Still,IwonderedwhatIshoulddonow.

WalkingoutonElvislasttimehadn’tproducedthedesiredresult,soIdecidedtostay.Ifthiswasatest,Iwashanginginthere.

Onanotheroccasiondowntheroad,heshotthephoneinLisa’sroomwhenitbuzzedanddisturbedhim.Again,Ididn’tleave.ButIdidbegin

tothinktheremustbeashedsomewhereoutback,stockpiledwithtelevisionsetsandtelephones.

Ididn’tlikethisbehavior,butIlovedElvis.ThebigquestionwashowIcouldfindawaytomakehimseethatheshouldn’tdothissortofthing.

Luckily,thephone-shootingincidentwouldbethelastonethathappenedwhileweweretogether.As

timewenton,IbegantothinkthatmaybeI’dgottenthroughtohimafterall.

•••

Fromthestartofourrelationship,Ihadwillinglygivenupmyjob,myhobbies,andspendingtimewithfamilyandfriendstoaccommodateElvis’sscheduleanddesires.Ihadlovedbeingcaughtupin

Elvis’smagical,whirlwindworld,andIwaspassionateaboutbuildingournewlifetogetheratGraceland.Now,asourrelationshipcontinuedtogrowandstrengthen,IbeganfeelingmorecomfortableandabletoexpressmyselfandIwantedtoincorporatemyownpassionsintoourlifetogether.ElvishadshownhowhefeltaboutmeinhiswayandnowIhopedtouse

mytalenttohelphimseeevenmorehowhewasinmyheartandmind.

ElvisandIhadreadsomuchaboutnumerologythatIwasnowintriguedbythepossibilityofnumberscorrelatingtocertaineventsinourlives.Ialsolikedtheideathatcertaincolorsorgemstonescouldbeluckyforus.

IwantedtodesignanecklaceElviscouldwear

onstage,onethatwouldincorporateournumbers,fourandeight.Elvislovedtheidea,soIbeganafewsketches,keepingthematGracelandtoworkonperiodically.Itfeltgreattobedoingsomethingartistic;Ihadn’thadtimetodomuchdrawing,andIstilllovedit.

Havingalwaysbeeninterestedinkarate,IaskedElvistoteachmesomebeginningstepsandstances.

Hewashappytoobligemeonenight.Ipesteredhimalittleashewasteachingme.Iwantedtolearnfancier,moreadvancedmoves,butElviskepttellingmetostartatthebeginning.

Wefinallystoppedtorestatonepoint.HesatonthebedandIputmyfeetupagainstthebottomsofhis.

ThenextthingIknew,Iwasonthefloor.Ithinkhisstrengthactuallyshocked

him,becauseElvisburstoutlaughing.“Areyouallright?”heasked.

Ihadtolaugh,too,asIstoodupandrubbedmyhip.“Yes.”

Withaknowinglook,Elvissaid,“Ginger,alwaysstartatthebeginning.Bepatientandlearn.”

Impressedbythissimpledisplayofskill,Idecidedtotakehisadvice.Ialsofeltitwastimetogettoknowhis

familysomemore,astheywouldbemyfamilytoooneday,soIbeganextendingmyselftothem,startingwithDodger.

Elvislovedhisgrandmother.IalwaysfollowedhimintosayaquickhellotoDodgerwheneverthetwoofuswereenteringorleavingGracelandtogether.Onetimeafterwe’dstoppedintoseeherforafewminutes,hesaid,“Weshould

visitwithhermore.”Oneafternoon,Elviswas

asleepandIdecidedtovisitDodgeronmyown.Iwenttoherroomandknockedonherdoor.WhenDodgerinvitedmein,Ifoundherseatedinbed.

“Ijustwantedtosayhello,”Isaid.

Rightaway,Dodger’sconversationturnedtohergrandson.“I’msoproudofElvis,”shesaid.“Youknow,

Gladyswasastrongmother.SheworriedaboutElvis.Whenhewassmall,shesawhimandanotherlittleboyfighting,andGladysranoutwithabroomtochasetheotherboyaway.GladysevenhadRedWestupagainstthewallwithakitchenknifeonce,forsayingsomethingaboutElvis.”

Iwasn’tfamiliarwiththisnameatthetime,soIpolitelynoddedandencouragedherto

goon.DodgertoldmethatGladyssometimescookedfishinthehouse;Elvishatedthesmellofitandthat’swhyhehatedfishnow.Ihadlearnedthisearlierontour,too,whenanaideaskedwhatIwantedfordinnerandItoldhimfriedshrimp.Asthebodyguard,Sam,broughtElvisandmeourfoodthatevening,hehadsaidtome,“GoodluckeatingthatinfrontofElvis.”

Elvisdidn’tsayawordwhenIfirstbegantoeat,butthenheaskedmetopropthecontainer’stopupsohecouldn’tseemyfood.WhenItoldSamthislater,hesaid,“Ican’tbelieveyouatethatinfrontofhim.”

ItwasnicetalkingwithDodger.Shewassweet,opinionated,andfunny.Bestofall,sheseemedaseagerformetomarryElvisasIwas.Dodgertoldmethatsheloved

meandhopedElvisandIwouldhavealittleboy.“Iwastiredofseeingthatblondstuffcomedownthestairs,”shesaid.

Iwasn’tsurewhoshewastalkingabout,butDodgerwasthefirstpersontoreallymakemefeellikepartofthefamily.

ImusteredupthecouragethatsamedaytogooutbackandvisitVernon,too.WhenIwalkedintohisoffice,hewas

athisdeskandPatsyGambillwasathers.

“Hello,”Isaid,andweexchangedafewpleasantries.Iwasthereforjustafewminutes,becauseVernonlookedbusyandIdidn’twanttointerrupthim.Itwasn’talongvisit,butatleastitwasastart.

CHAPTER22

BynowitwasthemiddleofMayandgettingclosetothenexttour.Asbefore,Elvisseemedanxiousabouthisupcomingperformances.Hestartedagainaskingformoremedicationtohelphimgetbacktosleepwheneverhe

wokeup.Forthefirsttime,Ilearned

fromhisnurse,Tish,thatshesometimesgavehimplacebos.ThismeantElvishadunknowinglybeengoingtosleepattimeswithoutasmuchhelp,whichIfoundcomfortingtohear.Onceagain,IwonderedifElvis’sdependencyonmedicationtofallasleepwasmoreinhishead.

Ontheotherhand,Ialso

sawthatElviswassometimeswakefulaftertakingapacket.Itwasdifficultformetoknowwhetherhisinsomniawassochronicthatthemedicationdidn’tworkwhentheygavehimaregulardosage,orwhetherhe’djustbeengivenaplacebothen.ThiswassomethingIdefinitelywasn’tqualifiedtojudge.

Ihadanotherconcernaswell.Iwonderedifthis

medicationcouldbeharmfultoElvisinthelongrun.Afewtimes,itseemedcleartomethatithadaffectedhismoodandbehaviorinnegativeways.

SometimesanursenamedMarianCockealsovisitedandwoulddispensemedicationstoElvis.Itwasn’tcleartomewhysinceTishwaslivingonthegrounds.IwouldlearnafterElvispassedaway,thatshe

wasaprivate-dutynurseandfriendlywithDr.Nichopoulos,whocontinuedtostopbyGracelandtocheckonElvisaswellandsometimesadministeredmedicationstoElvishimself.Onoccasion,therewouldbegive-and-takebetweenthetwomen,theresultofElvisexpressingwhathewantedforsleepandwhatDr.Nichopoulosthoughtheshouldhave.Therewere

timeswhenthedoctortoldElvishedidn’tneedanymore,whichIagreedwith.

Icontinuedtowonderhow,withnursesandDr.Nichopoulostendingtohimbothathomeandontour,Elvishadgottentoapointinhislifewherehewassodependentonthissleepmedication.BecauseIhadonceseenElvisforgettotakeapacketandfallasleep,Ithoughtitwouldhavebeen

greatforhisdoctortodoanexperimentandjustnotgiveElvisanymedicationforanightortwo.Iwouldhavehelpedhimwiththat.

Butthisneverhappenedinmypresence.Dr.Nichopoulosseemedtobetryingtomanagethesituation,ratherthancreateafinalconfrontationorintervention.

Once,shortlyafterDr.Nichopouloshadleft

Graceland,Elvismentionedtomethatthedoctorowedhimalotofmoney.Hedidn’tgointoanydetailatthetime,asifitwasjustanotherthinghewantedmetoknow.However,athoughtcrossedmymindthen:WasthiswhyDr.NichopouloshadnotdrawnalineinthesandwhenitcametocurtailingElvis’ssleepmedication?WasheafraidoflosinghisjobwithElvis?

•••

ThenexttourstartedonMay20inKnoxville,Tennessee,andwouldendonJune2inMobile,Alabama.Atonepointduringthetour,ElvisandIweresittinginacaronourwaytoanairporttotraveltothenextcity.AsongIlikedcameontheradio,andIsoftlybegantosingalong.

Oneofthelyricswas,“Makelovetometonight.”

AsIsangthis,Elvistappedmeonthelegandmotionedtowardourdriver.Apparentlyhewasafraidthedrivermightoverhearme.

Embarrassed,Istoppedsinging.DidElvisthinksingingthatsongmademelooklessthanproper?Iwasawareoftheironyhere.Forsomeonewhoseimagewasbasedonsexappeal,Elviswassurprisinglyconservativeandprotectiveofhowothers

sawme.Perhapsthiswasalsotheimageofmehepreferredtoholdontoforhimself:asyoung,innocent,andinexperiencedinmanyways,whichIcertainlywas.Hewasold-fashionedthatway,despitetherock-’n’-rollandHollywoodlifehehadpersonallyexperienced.

Elvishadcomeofageinthe1950sanditwasnowthespringof1977.Iwasjustoutofmyteens.Despitebeing

somewhatofatomboy,Iwasnotafeminist.Iidentifiedmoreasasouthernbellewholikedcardoorsbeingopenedformeandotherchivalrous,gentlemanlygestures.Abouttheonlyfeministadvancethatdirectlytouchedmylifewasbeingabletowearpantsinhighschool.Isimplyhadn’tpaidmuchattentiontopoliticsatthattime,andalthoughElviswatchedthenews,hedidn’ttypicallytalk

aboutpoliticseither.DespitebeingolderthanI

was,Elviswasstillstrikinglyhandsomeinhisveryearlyforties.Buthewashuman,likeweallare,andIsuspectedhewassensitiveattimes.IreallythoughtitwasunfairhowtabloidssometimesprintedunflatteringphotosofElvistakenfromcertainangleswhilehewasonstage.Mysuspicionsthathemightfeel

sensitiveabouthislookswereconfirmedwhenBillySmithoncetoldmenottoevershowElvisanyunflatteringphotosofhimself.Iwouldneverdothat,butIwonderedifhewerespeakingfromexperience.

OneparticularnightcausedmetowonderwhatitmustbelikeforElvistobeconstantlyfacedwithhisyoungerselfinmoviesandmagazines.Hehadarrivedat

myhouse,wherehewantedtogostraighttoRosemary’sroomdespitethelatehour.

“Let’sgetRosemaryup!”hesaidwithhisusualboyishenthusiasm,walkingdownthehallandflippingonthelightinherroom.ShewokeandblinkedhardasElvistookaseatonherbed.

Elvisstartedtalkingtoherandthenlaydownonhisstomach,askingmetomassagehisback.WhileIdid

this,henoticedsomealbumssittingonthefloorbesideRosemary’sbedandstartedflippingthroughthem.

Whenhecameacrossoneofhisownalbums,Elvis:TheSunSessions,hestoppedandpulleditfromthestack.ThecoverwasillustratedwithapictureofayoungElvisstandingonhistoes,inmid-movement,microphoneinonehandandaguitarhanging

fromastraparoundhisneck.Iwonderedwhatwas

goingthroughhismindasElviscarefullystudiedthealbumforafewmoments.Shortly,Igotmyanswer:“Ilikethat,”hesaid,thenplaceditbackamongtheothers.

Elvisdidn’tlookdrasticallydifferenttomeatforty-twothanhehadbackwhenhewasmyage.Hewassimplyolder.ButitwasstillhardtobelieveIwaswiththe

samepersonasthatsingerrockingoutonthecoverofthealbum.Itwasalmostasiftherewerethreedifferentmen:thatyoungElvisonthealbumcover,themoviestarElviswho’ddoneallofthosefilms,andnowtheserious,spirituallycuriousadultElviswhowashereonmysister’sbed,sharinghislifewithme.

Elviswasfullyawarethathewasn’ttwentyyearsoldanymore.Acoupleoftimes

hemadecommentstomeinreferencetothat.Afteroneshow,forinstance,hefelttheaudiencehadn’tbeenveryresponsive.

“Everyonewantstoseethe‘old’Elvis,”hesaid.

Ontheotherhand,healsowentontotellmeheactuallythoughthisvoicewasstrongernowthanithadeverbeen.Iagreed.I’dheardmanyofhisearlierrecordings,andIcertainly

thoughtElvis’svoicehadgrownricher.Hisvoicewasatitspeak.

•••

IrarelyknewifElviswasgoingtointroducemeduringhisshows.HeknewIwasshyabouthavingthespotlightonme,buthegotakickoutofdoingitanyway.

Iusuallysatonstagebehindhissoundmen;

however,onetime,Ihadtositfartheraway.Elvisintroducedmeandwantedmetocomeuponstage.Itwasalongwalk,butnosoonerhadIreachedthetopofthestepsontothestage,whenElvisimmediatelyaskedmetogositdownagain.Thecrowdgotalaughoutofthat.

Inourhotelroomafterward,Isaid,“I’llgetyouforthat,”andstartedtoticklehim.ThiswasthefirsttimeI

hadeverdonethis,andIwasdelightedtodiscoverthatElviswasticklish.Ilovedtohearhimlaugh.

•••

Aboutaweekintothetour,wewereinElvis’sroomafterhisshowinBinghamton,NewYork,whenIstartedthinkingabouthow,inthemidstofmynewlifewithElvis,thecombinedforceof

hispersonalityandmyownfeelingsforhimhadsweptmealongonthisemotionalriptide.Elvishadbecomemytotalfocus.Ihadbecomesoconsumedbybeingwithhim,andbytakingcareofhim,thatmyownneedsandidentityhadbeenpartlysteamrolledbytryingtokeepupwithhisfast-pacedlifeandbethebestpartnerIcouldbeforhim.Ilovedhimandwantedtobewithhim,butI

alsowasstartingtofeelalittlelost.

IunderstoodthepressureElviswasunder,andIwaspreparedtoputanythoughtsofmyowncareerasidetosupporthim.However,Elvishadhisinterestsandpassions,andIbeganponderinghowIcouldintegratesomeofmine,likeart,intoourlifetogether.Iespeciallymissedpainting.

Thebreakupofmyparents’marriagewasalso

weighingonmymind.Iknewmymotherandfatherwouldprobablybebetterofflivingseparately,yetIfeltadeepunderlyingsadness,surethiswouldbedefinite.Ijustwishedthingscouldbedifferentforthem.

ThatparticularnightinBinghamton,Iexperiencedacomplexconvergenceofemotionsbroughtonbymyownfeelingsofloss,coupledwithmyongoinganxiety

aboutElvis’sdependencyonsleepmedicationandtheeffectsthedrugsseemedtosometimeshaveonhispersonality.Ireallywantedtohelphim.EverythingsuddenlyhitmelikeafreighttrainandIbegantocry.Ijustneededto,ifonlytorelievetheemotionalpressure.

Whenhesawmytears,ElvisthoughtImustbeupsetwithhim.“You’renothappywithme,”heventured.

Ishookmyhead.HowcouldIbegintoexplain?Thenwordscamerushingout.“Elvis,Iloveyou,”Isaid.“It’snotthat.It’smyparents,myart,it’sallthesethings.”

Finally,perhapsbecauseIwasinsucharaw,vulnerablestate,Iadded,“Ialsoworryaboutyouandyourmedicationssometimes.”

Elviswasquiet.Iknewhedidn’tlikebeingconfronted

aboutanyofhishabits.Thistimewasnodifferent.Still,hisresponseshockedmetothecore.“Ithinkyoushouldgohomeforafewdays,”hesaid.

Thisreallyhurt.Italsoseemedunfair.Ihadjustbeentryingtoreachouttohim,toreallycommunicatehonestlywithhimaboutmyfeelings.Ididn’twanttoleaveatfirst,butthenIreconsidered.MaybeElviswasright,andit

wouldbegoodformetogohomeandsortthroughmythoughtsandgetsomerest.

Elvispickedupatourschedulefromhisnighttable,wrotesomethingonit,andhandedittome.WhenIlooked,hehadwritten“Comebackhere”anddrawnanarrowbeside“Baltimore,Maryland.”

IleftBinghamtonandflewhometoMemphis,stilluncertainaboutmydecision

toleaveandfeelingemotionallyshaken.NowIwasembarrassedaswell.WhatwouldthosearoundElvisthinkaboutmeleavingsoabruptly?

ItriedputtingonabravefacewhenIshowedupathome.“I’mjusttakingalittlebreak,”Itoldmyfamily.“Ineededtorest,andElviswantsmetoreturntothetourinafewdays.”

Ididn’ttrytoexplainmore

thanthat.Myemotionalturmoilwastoodifficult,toocomplex,andtooprivate,toexplain.

Fortunately,myfamilywasassupportiveasalways.Theydidn’tpress,andIdidn’tgointodetail.

OnceIwashomeandthingswerequieter,itwaseasiertosortthroughmyemotions.Elvismaynothavebeenfocusedonmypersonalinterests,Irealized,butwhen

Ihadtoldhimaboutmygrandfather’shealthandtheproblemsmyparentswerehaving,hehadbeensensitiveaboutwhatwasgoingoninmylife.Infact,Elvishadjumpedintoactionanddoneeverythinghecouldtomakethingsbetter.Ibeganthinkingabouthismanyresponsibilities,especiallywhenhewentontour.NowIfeltguiltyandupsetaboutnotholdingthingstogetherbetter.

IcouldonlyhopethatElvisknew,atleastonsomedeeplevel,thatI’dbroughtupthemedicationbecauseIcaredsomuchabouthimandhiswell-being.

IthoughtElviswouldcallme,butthenextdaywentbywithoutawordfromhim.Thefollowingdaytherewasstillnocall.NowIhadtowonderwhetherwewerebreakingup.Istayedathomeandrested.Ifeltabsolutely

miserable.Finally,hecalledmeon

thethirdday.“Imissyou,”Elvissaid,addingthathewantedmebackonthetour.IwashappytohearhisvoiceandtoldhimImissedhim,too.Elvisimmediatelybeganarrangingmyreturn.

Thenextmorning,acarpulledupinfrontofmyhouse.IassumeditwasoneofElvis’saidessenttobringmetotheairport.But,asI

walkedoutthefrontdoor,IsawthatElviswassittinginthebackseat.

Iwasstunned!Icouldn’tbelievehe’dlefthistourtopickmeup.

Itwasn’texactlyanintimatemoment,though.Abodyguard,BillySmith,andLarryGellerwerealsointhecar.IfeltembarrassedasIjoinedthem.ThelastthingI’dwantedwastoputanyoneout,ortocreatean

inconvenienceforElvis.Elvissmiledatme,buthe

wasquiet.Icouldn’tsayanything,either,witheveryoneelseinthecar,soIleanedmyheadagainsthisshoulder,wantinghimtoknowwiththissmallgesturehowhappyIwastobewithhimagain.Inresponse,Elvistookmyhandandhelditasweheadedtotheairport.

OnceaboardtheLisa

Marie,ElvisandIwentintohisbedroomandtalkedalittle.“Iknowyou’reupsetaboutyourparents,”Elvissaid,“andIwantyoutolistentome,Gingerbread.I’mgonnahelpwiththat.”

Irememberedhowhe’dtoldmethenightIleftthathethoughtIwasunhappywithhim.Icarefullythoughtthroughhowtoexpressmytrueconcerns.

Finally,Isaid,“Elvis,you

mentionedthatyouthoughtIwasunhappywithyou.Iloveyou,butit’showthemedicationmakesyouactsometimesthatIdon’tlike.”

Puttinghishanduptohishead,Elvisbeganthumpinghistemplewithhisforefinger.“Ginger,youdon’tunderstandme,”hesaid.

“Elvis,I’mtryingto,”Ireplied.

IcouldtellElviswasfinishedtalkingaboutthis,

becausehechangedthesubject.“Ifyoulikeart,”hesaid,“we’lldosomethingaboutit.We’llfindyouaplacewhereyoucandoyourart.”

IsuspectedElvismeantaroomatGraceland.Thismovedmedeeply,becauseitmeanthehadbeenlisteningtomeafterall.IthoughtmaybealittleofwhatIwassayingwassinkingin.Thatwastheimportantthing.We

weremakingprogress.Anyconversationabout

medicationwouldhavetobeapproachedcarefullyandintime.IknewIcouldn’tchangethingsinoneday,butIwasdeterminedtokeeptrying.

•••

Elvisperformedinafewmoreshowsafterthat.Once,whenhewasseatedatthe

pianoandsinging“UnchainedMelody,”afewaudiencemembersthrewsomecoinsonstage.ThisinfuriatedElvis.Hethoughtpeopleweretryingtohurthim.

Itriedmybesttocalmhimdownafterward.“Elvis,peoplepaytoseeyou,”Isaid,“andwhenyousitdown,theycan’tseeyouaswell.Youraudiencesloveyou.Youcouldprobablywalkonstage

andjuststandthereforanhour,notsinging,andpeoplewouldn’tcomplain.Theywanttoseeyouthatbad.”

Vernon,however,wasmoreblunt.HeoncetoldElvis,“Son,theydon’tpaytoseeyousitdown.”

WereturnedtoMemphis,wherewewouldstayforacoupleofweeksuntilElvis’snexttour.ElvisaskedLarryandhisbackupsinger,KathyWestmoreland,toremainin

town.Unbeknownsttothem,hehaddecidedtogiveeachofthemabrand-newLincolnContinental.

IwasatGracelandonJune4whenElvisinvitedthemtocomeoverthatevening.WithBillySmithandRickyinonthissurprise,ElvispresentedKathyandLarrywiththeirnewcars.

Elviswasinagreatmood.Hehadindulgedinthekindofgrandgesturethatheso

loveddoingandlookedcontent.Beforelong,Charliecameoutside,too,toseewhatwasgoingon.

AsKathyandIlookedoverhercar,Elvisaskedmetotakeatestridewithher.Ididn’tknowKathybutsheseemedlikeanicewoman.Wecircledaroundtheneighborhoodandmadesmalltalk.

BackatGraceland,everyonewasgonebythe

timewereturnedexceptforBilly.Hewasstandingontheporchwithasolemnlook,holdingthejugofwaterthatElvishadwithhimwhenIleft.Igotoutofthecar,sensingsomethingwaswrong.

Billyhandedmethewater,askedmetotakeituptoElvis,andwalkedaway.WhywasBillyactingsomysterious?Suddenlyfeelinganxious,Inearlyranupstairs.

Elviswasn’tinhisoffice,soIwalkedintothebedroomandthenlookedtowardthebathroom.IsawElvisinsidelookingpensive,sittingintheblackchairwithonelegcrossedovertheother,shakinghisfoot.AsIsteppedintothebathroomdoorway,IsawCharlie.Hewasperchedonthetoiletseatwithhisbacktome.Neitherofthemwasspeaking.

IwalkedaroundCharlieto

seehisfaceandgaspedinhorror.Hisnosewasallbloodiedandswollen!“Whathappened?”Iasked.

Withanervouslaugh,Elvissaid,“Well,Charliewasdrinkin’andmouthin’offaboutmegivin’carstoKathyandLarry,andsayin’somethin’abouthimgettin’aRolls-Royceandprices,andwasembarrassin’me.Itoldhimtoshutup.Hewasspoilin’themoment.”

Shrugginghisshoulders,Elvisadded,“Heaskedmetohithim,soIhithim.”

IlookedatCharlie,tryingtoprocessthis.Itwasobvioushehadbeendrinking.Nowhelaughedstiffly,asifeverythingwasokayandhecouldpasstheincidentoffasinconsequential.

Thetwoofthemjokedaroundforafewmoments,butthemoodintheroomhungheavilyoverthetwoof

them.Charlieleftsoonafterthat.

IcouldtellElvisfeltterribleaboutwhathadhappened.Shakinghishead,hesaid,“Charlieshouldn’thavedonethat.”Hekeptrepeatingthisoverandover,actingverydisappointedwithCharlie.Theywerebothinthewrong,Ithought.

Charliehadtohaveknownthatbig,gift-givingmomentswereimportanttoElvis.Of

course,Elvisshouldneverhavepunchedhim.Howcouldhehavehithisgoodfriend?

Forsomethinglikethistohappen,IbeganwonderingifthingshadbeenbuildingupbetweenElvisandCharlie.IcontinuedtolistentoElvisandtriedtocalmhimdown.

“Charliewillcomebackaround,”Isaid,butCharliedidn’treappearandElviswasn’tabouttogodownstairs

andseekhimout.Wefinallywenttosleepin

themorningandwokeintheafternoon.Charliedidn’tcomearoundtoseeElvisthenextday,either.Elviswasreallydown,andhestartedtalkingtomeabouttakingatriptoLasVegas.

WehadjustcomebackfromatourandIfeltElviswassimplytryingtorunawayfromwhathadhappened.ItoldBillythisin

privatewhenIsawhimnext.HesaidIshouldn’tgotoLasVegaswithElvis,becauseElvis“wouldprobablygetsomethinghedidn’tneed.”

Whatdidhemeanbythat?Iwasconfused.

Ididn’tpressBillywithquestionsatthetime,butinretrospect,IwishIhad.

Ididn’twantElvistogotoLasVegas,soIboldlytoldhimheshouldn’trunawayfromtheproblem.“Charlie

willgetoverit,Elvis,”Isaid.“WeshouldstayinMemphis.”Helookedglum,grewquiet,anddidn’tsayanymoreaboutgoingtoVegas.Icontinuedtryingtocheerhimupand,luckily,beforelong,Elvisactedlikehewasinabettermood.

Inthemorning,Ireturnedhome.Later,however,whenIcalledGraceland,IwastoldthatElviswasn’tthere.Iwaspuzzled.Didheactuallygoto

LasVegasafterall?Unabletoreachhim,I

becameconcerned.Inthemiddleofthenight,Elviscalledmeathome.IsuspectedhewasphoningmefromLasVegas.Fromhisheavysoundingvoice,itsoundedlikehe’dtakensomesleepmedication.“Imissyou,”hesaid.

“Imissyou,too,”Itoldhim.“Whereareyou?”Therewassilenceonthephone.He

didn’tsay.Iknewthat,inhiscondition,wecouldn’treallyhaveanysortofconversation.Wespokebriefly,saidwelovedeachother,thensaidgoodnight.Myheartsankaswehungup.IprayedElviswasallrightandwouldcomehomesoon.

Thefollowingafternoon,someonecalledfromGracelandtosayElviswantedtoseeme.Ithoughtitwasoddtheydidn’tputhim

onthephone.ThisconcernedmeandIwasonedge.Whathadhappened?

Irushedover,andwhenIenteredElvis’sroom,IwasgreetedbythesightofElvislyinginbedonhisside,facingmewithhiseyesclosedandhookeduptoanIV.Scared,myheartsankagain.IhadneverseenElvislikethisbefore.

Charlie,Billy,andafewotherswerestandingaround.

Dr.Nichopouloswassittinginachair.

“Whathappened?”Iasked.

CharlietoldmethatElvishadgonetoLasVegasandtakentoomuchmedication.

Ihadoneburningquestion.Why?

Itcrushedmetoseehimlikethis.Everyonestoodabouttheroom,quiet.Gradually,Dr.Nichopoulosandtheguysbeganslowly

exitingtheroom.IlaydownbesideElvis.HowcouldhehavelettheincidentwithCharliedothistohim?Iwantedsobadlytounderstandwhathadbeengoingthroughhismind.

Istaredupattheceiling,brokenhearted,andmyeyeswelledup.Suddenly,IfeltElvismoveonthebedbesideme.Ilookedoverashebeganrollingoverontohisback.

Turninghisheadmyway,

Elvisslowlyopenedhiseyes.Hedidn’tsayaword,butwithanunsteadyhand,hetookhisfingerandwipedatearfrommyeye.

Itookhishand.Itriedtosmileathim,but

itwasdifficult.AllIcouldthinkabout,overandoveragain,washowElviswasalwayssurroundedbypeople,sohowcouldsomeonehaveletthishappen?

Thequestionsswirledin

mymindasconfusionandangerblurredmyvision.BillyseemedtohaveknownthatElvismightdosomethinglikethis.WhowenttoLasVegaswithElvis?Elviswouldneverhavegoneonhisown.DidothershavepriorexperiencewiththissortofbehaviorfromElvis?Ifso,whydidn’ttheystophimiftheythoughtitwouldbeabadthing?WhathadDr.NichopoulosbeenthinkingwhenhesawElvis

likethis?Ittookmealongtimeto

fallasleep.Whenthetwoofuswokeupthenextday,IwasrelievedtoseeElvisactingmorelikehisoldself.Whateverhadbeentroublinghim,heseemeddeterminedtoputitbehindhim,behavingasifallwaswell.CharliewasbackaroundandsoIchosetoletthingsreturntonormal,buttherewasalotleftunsaidbetweenus.

Inretrospect,Ican’thelpbutfeelthatElvis’splungeintothatkindofextremedepressionforthosefewdayswasexacerbatedbyElvis’sknowledgeofthescathinglynegativebookcomingout,writtenbyhisformerbodyguardsDaveHeblerandRedandSonnyWest.

•••

Elvissoonreturnedtohis

usualupbeatmoodafterthisincident.Oneday,IwasgettingreadytogohometocheckonOdysseywhenhesaid,“YoucandrivemyStutzifyouwant.”

Thiswouldbecool,Ithought,butwhenIputmyhandsonthesteeringwheel,Ihadsuddenmisgivings.IfevertherewasatimewhenIwouldn’twanttoputdentsinacar,itwasthisone!

IdrovetheStutzhomeas

cautiouslyaspossible.IplayedwithOdysseyforawhileandthendecidedtotakeTerrywithmeintheStutzovertoseeourfriendCindy.

Aswepulledintoherdriveway,Cindysteppedoutside.WhenTerryandIgotouttomeether,amanfromthepresssuddenlyapproachedus,wantingtotakemypicturebesidethecar.

Ihadn’tnoticedanyonefollowingus,butthenitdawnedonmethatofcoursesomeonewouldnoticetheStutz.Itcertainlywasn’tthekindofautomobileonesaweveryday.MostpeoplewouldsuspectitbelongedtoElvis.

Ididn’twanttopubliclyflauntElvis’scaranddeclinedtoposeforthephotographer.HedecidedtoputCindyinthepicture.The

photoappearedinourlocalpaperthenextdayalongwithasmallwrite-upreferringtomeasElvis’s“friend,”takingthecarforaspin.

Notlongafterthat,ElvistoldmeCBSplannedtodoaspecialonhim.Theywouldbefilmingsomeofhisperformancesduringhisnexttour.ElviswantedmetohavesomenewoutfitstowearandsentmetoLosAngelestogoshoppingwithRosemary.I

wasexcitedtofinallyseeLosAngeles.ElvisputJoeinchargeofsettingthingsup.WestayedattheWestwoodMarquisHotelwithourownlimousineanddriveratourbeckandcall.

RosemaryandIstoppedbyJoe’sapartmentwhilewevisitedL.A.,whereheshowedussomephotoalbumswithpicturesofElvistakenthroughtheyears.IrealizedthatJoehadknown

Elvisforalongtime.HealsohadsomeolderphotosofElvisandPriscillaonhiswalls.IknewJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley,wasfriendswithPriscillaandnowIfiguredJoemustbe,too.

Elvishadforgottentogivememoneybeforeweleft,soJoecalledhim.ElviswiredthemoneytoalocalWesternUnionoffice.WhenJoesawthatElvishadwired$2,000,helaughed.

“ThatwouldonlypayforoneofLinda’soutfits,”hesaid.Lindamusthavehad

expensivetastes,Ithought.Twothousanddollarswasmorethanenoughmoneytobuyclothesforme.

WewereinL.A.forjusttwodays,butRosemaryandImadethemostofit,notonlyshoppingbutvisitingUniversalStudiosand

sightseeingaroundthecity.OuradventuregotevenmoreinterestingwhenwedepartedonanAmericanAirlinesflightanddiscoveredthatthesingersKennyRogersandBrendaLeewerebothonboardaswellastheactorDavidHuddleston.

IrememberedDavidfromthefilmBlazingSaddles.HehadfunwalkingaroundandtellingjokestoRosemaryandme.Rosemaryeggedhimon

andaskedhimtorepeatsomeofhisfunniestlinesfromthefilm.

KennyRogerswasafriendly,down-to-earthmandressedinjeansandasportcoat.Hesatinfrontofus,andItoldhimthatElvisandIhadrecentlyenjoyedwatchinghimontelevision,singing“SweetMusicMan,”asongElvisloved.Kennygenerouslygavemeacassettetaperecordingofhisyet-to-

be-releasedalbum,whichcontainedthesong.

BrendaLeewasfriendlyaswell.WhilesheandIweretalking,BrendanoticedastainonmytopandsaidshehadanewproductfromJapandesignedtocleanfabrics.Shewentbacktoherseat,thenreturnedtoeaseherselfbetweenRosemaryandme,whereshebeganapplyingtheproducttomytopandtryingtoruboutthespot.

AsIwatchedBrendaearnestlydoherbesttohelpcleanmyoutfit,Iwonderedifshe,Kenny,orDavidwouldhaveevenspokentomeayearago.Iknewthatwasunlikely.BeingwithElvishadmadethispossible.Onceagain,hehadintroducedmetoanewandexcitingfacetofhiscelebrityworld—evenwhenhewasn’twithme.

BythetimeIreturnedtoGraceland,Lisawasintown.

Itwasgoodtoseeher,andsheseemedhappytohavemycompanyaswell,evencallingme“Gingerbread”afterhearingElvisusemynickname.ElvishadyettotellLisaaboutourengagement.Hehadearliertalkedwithmeaboutthisandsaidthathewantedtowaituntiltherighttime,atimewhenhefeltcomfortabletellingher.Thiswouldrepresentasignificantchange

inhisdaughter’slife,andhewantedtheannouncementhandledproperly.Hehadaskedmenottosharethenewswithheryet,either.ThiswassomethingIhadunderstoodcompletely.

LisawasusuallyoutandaboutonthegroundsofGraceland,playingwithfriendsorfamilymembers,orridingaroundonhergolfcart.Oneday,sheinvitedmetoridewithher.Igotonandshe

tookofffast,bouncingaroundthegroundsandchasingthehorses,stirringupdustinourwake.Itwasgreatfun,andIlookedforwardtospendingmoretimewithherinthefuture.

•••

Oneafternoon,IwassittingatthefootofElvis’sbedandtalkingwithhimwhilehestoodathisbathroomsink,

dressedinpajamasandarobe,andsmokingacigar.Thewindowwasraisedalittleinhisbathroom;suddenly,Isawhimturn,movequicklytowardthewindow,andlookout.

Hethenracedoutofthebathroompastme,grabbingamachinegunasIshouted,“Elvis,whatisit?”

IquicklyfollowedhimdownstairsasElvisranoutthefrontdoor.Hestoppedon

theporchandlookedaround.“IheardscreamingandsawsomeonewithagunchasingLisaandtheothergirls,”hesaidbreathlessly.

Ifrozebesidehim,frightened,scanningthegrounds.

ThenInoticedhiscousin’skidsandtheirfriendsplayingofftoonesideofthehouse.Oneoftheteenagershadaplasticgunandwaschasingtheothers.

ItoldElvisthisand,asreliefsweptoverhim,hestartedtolaugh.Idid,too.Iknewthefearofintruderswasalwayswithhim,andIwasgladthistimenothingwasamiss.

Elvisstoodontheporchwithmeforafewminutes,hisrobegentlyblowinginthewind,acigarbetweenhislipsandamachineguninhishand,aswecaughtourbreath.ThenInoticedoneof

thepinktourjeeps,filledwithfans,slowlymakingitswayupthedriveway.

“Elvis,thejeepiscoming,”Isaid.

Heturnedaroundandquicklyheadedbackinside.Followinghim,Iclosedthedoor,knowingasthejeeppassedby,theynowhadapostcard-tranquilvisionofthemansion.

CHAPTER23

Elvis’snexttourwouldstartonJune17.MysisterTerrywasrelinquishingtheMissTennesseecrownatthattime,andthedirectorofthestatepageanthadaskedhertoinviteElvis.Whenshementionedthistohim,he

thankedherbutdeclined,sayinghedidn’twanttodetractfromthepageant.Hehadbeenunawarethathisowntourwasstartingonthatdateanyway,sinceothershandledhisscheduleandtravelarrangements.

IknewIwouldn’thaveanotherchancetoseeTerryinhercrown,soIaskedElvisifitwouldbeallrightifImissedthefirstdayofhistourtoattendmysister’s

ceremony.HeunderstoodthatIwantedtosupportherandarrangedformetojoinhimafterthepageant.

WhileElvisflewtoSpringfield,Missouri,forthestartofhisten-daytour,ItraveledtoJackson,Tennessee,withmyfamily.WewatchedTerrygiveuphercrown,anditwasabittersweetmoment.

Afterward,IflewintoKansasCity,Missouri,ona

Learjet,whichElvishadcharteredforme,tojointhetour.

TheCBSspecialwouldbeElvis’sfirstsincehisAlohafromHawaiisatelliteshow,andfilmingbeganonJune19inOmaha,Nebraska.

•••

AlSchultz,thehusbandofcomedianVickiLawrence,hadbeenhiredtodoElvis’s

makeupfortheCBSspecial.IwatchedAlapplyitinthedressingareaofElvis’sbathroombeforedepartingtheLisaMarie.Ofcourse,IhadneverseenElvisinbasemakeupneededfortelevision,andwhenhesteppedout,Ithoughtitlookedalittlecakedon,pastyandthick.Elvislookedmuchbetterwithoutit.Ireallydidn’tknowmuchabouttelevisionandstagemakeup.Maybe

thismuchmakeupwasnecessaryforthecamera.

Elviswasinagoodmood,butIcouldtellhewasquitenervous.Bythetimetheshowstarted,however,hismovementswereslowandheseemedhazyattimes.IguessedthatthedoctormusthaveprescribedElvissomethingtohelpcalmhimdown,whichwouldexplainwhyElviswasactingsosluggish.Irootedforhim,as

always,butitwasn’toneofhisbestperformances.

ThefollowingshowinLincoln,Nebraska,wasbetter.Elviswasincompletecontrol.FilmingpickedupagainthenextnightinsidetheRushmorePlazaCivicCenterinRapidCity,SouthDakota.

VernonandSandywerealongonthistour.InSouthDakota,wewereusheredintoabackstagedressingroom.Thethreeofussatona

couch,watchingwhileElviswasfilmedacceptingaplaquefromthemayor.Theplaquewasbeinggiventohiminhonorofthisbeingthefirstconcerteverheldinthecity’snewauditorium.

Elvisnormallydidn’tliketowaitbackstagelong.Icouldtellhewashotinhisjumpsuitbythewayhe’dstartedtoperspire.AyoungNativeAmericangirlthenpresentedElviswitha

medallionoflifefromtheSiouxNationwhilewewereallwaitingfortheshowtobegin.

Inthedistance,IcouldhearthecrowdchantingastheyeagerlyawaitedElvis,buthisfocuswasontheyounggirl.Hisfacelitup.Hehadsuchasoftspotforchildren.Elviskeptcomplimentingthegirl,tryingtoputheratease,andgaveherakiss.

WhenJoetoldElvisitwastimetogetreadyfortheshow,IcouldtellElvisfeltlikeJoewasrushinghim,whichhedidn’tlike.“WhenI’vegotsomethingtodo,”hesaid,“I’llbetherewhenIgetthere.”

Elviscouldhavesimplywalkedawayaftergettinghisaward,buthestoodthere,continuingtofocusontheNativeAmericangirl.Hewantedtoseethatshewas

givensomethinginreturn,andfinallyaskedanaidetomakesureshereceivedoneofhisscarves.

Elvis’sshowwentwellthatnight.Atonepoint,hewalkedtothesideofthestageandintroducedhisfather.HementionedhowhehadmissedVernonnotbeingabletobeontourbecausehe’dbeensickforawhile.

Elvisthenbeganwalkingtowardme.Inoticedagleam

inhiseyeandgotnervous.Raisinghisarm,hepointedhisfingeratme.

“I’dlikeyou...I’dlikeyoutosayhellotomygirlfriend,Ginger,”heannounced.“Ginger,standup,honey.”

Shyly,Istoodup,blushingfuriouslyamidtheclappingandwhistling.Elvisquicklysaid,“Sitdown,Ginger.That’senoughforher.”

Awonderfulfeelingswept

overme.Hehadintroducedmetotheworld!

Elvisthenbrokeintothesong,“Hurt,”andIsilentlybeganpullingforhim,astherewerecertainnoteshelikedtoreachinvarioussongs.HehithisnotesthatnightandIthoughthedidamagnificentjob.

AfterElvis’sdeath,therewouldbesomefanswhowouldquestionwhyhedidn’ttakethisopportunityto

introducemeashisfiancéeduringthistime,despitemyengagementring,butIunderstood.Firstandforemost,Lisadidn’tknowaboutourengagementyet,andhewantedhertobeprepared.ElvishadmadesomepeopleclosetohimawareofitbackinJanuary,butthatwastheprivateElvis.

Inaddition,Elviswasaprofessionalentertainer.Heknewourannouncement

wouldhavehugepublicityconsequences,andbeingveryprotectiveofmeandourrelationship,Iknewhewasn’treadytohavethepressfocusonmeevenmore.Ididn’tthinktwiceaboutanyofthisthatnight.Iwassimplythrilledthathe’dintroducedmeoncamera.

Occasionally,thecrowdwasparticularlyrowdy,andIalwaysworriedthatafanmightgethurt.I’msuresome

did,especiallythosewhopushedtothefrontoftheauditoriumstograboneofElvis’sscarves,butIwasneverreallyafraidformyownsafety.Iwas,however,worriedthatanespeciallyenthusiasticfanmightaccidentallyhurtElvis,sinceI’dseenhimgetscratchedbefore.Onetime,neartheendofaperformance,someonethrewsomethingontothestageandtheobject

struckElvisinthehead.Stunned,Elvis

immediatelywentintoadefensivekaratestance.“Whatisit?Whatisit?”heshoutedtowardthoseofuswhowereseatedonstageandtohissecurity.

Everythinghappenedsoquickly,Iwasn’tsureiftheaudienceevenrealizedhewasupset.

Ithenheardsomevoicesyelling,“Frisbee!”

Aftertheshow,Iracedtothelimousineandclimbedintoit.AfewminuteslaterIsawElvis,envelopedbyhisentourage,movingquicklytowardthecar.HehadjustreachedthelimowhenIheardaloudthudthatmademejump.

Elvishadhitthecarwindowwithhisfist.ThelimodoorsflewopenandeveryonequicklypiledinsideasElvisfumed,“Thatdamn

Frisbeewassoclosetomyeye,andwhenithit,ithithard,man.Ialmostwalkedoffstage.”

Elvisandtheguysbegandiscussingwhathadhappened,andIlearnedthatthesecurityguardshadfoundateenageboywhothrewtheFrisbee.Theboyhadattachedanoteinsideit.

Felton,oneofthesoundmen,hadtoldElvisthattheboyapologized,butit

wouldtakeElvisawhiletocalmdowninsidethecar.Althoughitwasaninnocentactontheboy’spart,IknewhowconcernedElviswasaboutsafety,andunderstoodhowsomethinglikethisreallyscaredhim.OnceagainIwasremindedofhowvulnerableElviswasdespiteallofhissecurity,andofhowawarehewasofthat,too.

AfterashowinDesMoines,Iowa,weflewinto

Madison,Wisconsin,andlandedintheearlymorninghours.Elvis,Vernon,Sandy,andItookalimousinewithafewstaffmembersfromtheairporttoahotel.

Aswestoppedataredlight,weallsuddenlynoticedwhatlookedlikeafightbreakingoutatanearbySkylaneStandardgasstation.Twoyoungmenwerepickingonanotherman.Elvisloweredthewindowand

watchedforamoment.Beforeanyofuscould

stophim,Elvisopenedthedoorandjumpedoutofthecar.Thebodyguardsfollowedinclosepursuit.Elvishadyettochange;stillwearinghisstagesuit,hewalkedsmackintothemiddleofthefight,assumedakaratestance,andsaidsomethingtotheyoungmen.

IwatchedanxiouslyalongwithVernonandSandy.Not

surprisingly,themenlookedcompletelybaffledtoseenoneotherthanElvisPresleystandinginfrontofthem!Inaminute,everyonewassmilingandshakinghands.

WhenElvisrejoinedusinthecar,hewasstillkeyedupandtalkedaboutthefighthe’dprevented.Soon,though,hewentontotalkaboutotherthings,asifhehadjustdonehisgooddeedfortheday.Elvisknewhecouldaffect

people,andIthinkhetrulyfelthisbestwhenhewashelpingothers.

•••

Elvisdecidedhe’dlikemyfamilytoseehislastcoupleofshows,soheflewthemintojoinusinCincinnati,Ohio.TerrywasbusywithourfriendCindyandcouldn’tmaketheflight.WhenmymotherandRosemaryarrived

andElvissawjustthetwoofthem,heaskedwhereTerrywas.

“Shecouldn’tcome,”Itoldhim,andexplainedwhy.

Elviswasn’tpleasedbythis.DuetoTerry’scommitmentsasMissTennessee,hehadn’tbeenabletogettoknowheraswellashehadRosemary.HecalledTerryathomeandsaid,“GetyourgirlfriendandI’llhaveaplanebringyou.”

HecharteredaLearjetoutofNashvilletopickupmysisterandCindyintimeforthemtoseehisshow.Iwastouchedthatseeingmyfamilymeantsomuchtohim.ButIwasn’tsurprised:Family,Iknew,meantalottoElvis.

WewerestayingattheNetherlandHilton.Thatevening,afewhoursbeforeElvis’sshow,hismoodplummetedbecausetheair

conditionerinhisroomwasn’tworking.Hewasn’thappywiththefoodhe’dordered,either.

Alittlewhilelater,Iwentintomyroomtogetready,andmymotherandRosemarycameintovisitwithme.Iwassettingmyhairandtalkingtothemfromthebathroomwhenthebedroomdoorsuddenlyflewopen.

“Where’sGinger?”Elvisdemanded.

Quicklysteppingfromthebathroom,Iasked,“What’sgoingon?”

Elviswasgone.MymotherandRosemarylookedstunned.“Idon’tknow,butElvislookedquiteupset,”mymothersaid.

Iheardthevoicesofpeoplerunningdownthehall.Someoneshouted,“Whichwaydidhego?”

Ipeeredintothehallwayandsawthebodyguards

running.Obviously,Elvishadsomehowescapedthem.Butwhy?Whatwashetryingtodo,andwhyhadhebeenlookingforme?

Isatinmyroomforalittlewhile,worrying.Beforelong,thephonerang.Itwasoneofthebodyguards.“Elviswantstoseeyou,”hesaid.Apparently,ElvishadlefttheHiltonandcheckedintoanearbyhotel.

Iwentdownstairs,whereI

ranintooneofElvis’sfans.Heaskedmetoposeforaphoto.Iwasthenescortedtothenewhotel.

WhenIsawElvis,hesaidhappily,“Wehaveair-conditioningnow.”

Ihatedthinkingthathe’dgottenhimselfsoworkedupbeforeaperformance,andIwasrelievedtoseethatheseemedtohavecalmeddownandwasinabettermood.However,becausethenew

hoteldidn’thaveenoughroomforallofus,ElvisannouncedthathewantedtoreturntoMemphisafterhisCincinnatishow.

Duringtheperformancethatnight,IleftmychairbehindthesoundmentoracequicklytotherestroomwithRosemary.Whenwereturned,wetriedreenteringthroughthedoorwehadexited,butithadlockedbehindus.

IcouldhearElvisstarttointroducehisbandandbegantogetnervous.WhatifElviswantedtointroducemetotheaudience,butthistimeIwasn’tthere?Iwaspanicked,thinkingthismightthrowhim,surethathewouldbeconcernedaboutwhathadhappenedtomeifhesuddenlysawthatIwasmissing.

Luckily,RosemaryandIfoundanunlockeddoorandI

madeitbacktomychairwithoutElvisnoticing.IwasgladIdid,too,becauseElviswentonthatnighttointroducehisfather,me,andmyfamily,aswellasaBritishfanclub.

OnourflightbacktoMemphis,RosemarytoldElvisaboutusgettinglockedout.Hewasrelaxedaftertheshowandjustthoughtitwasfunny.

“Iwouldhavestoppedthe

G-damnshowandlookedforyou,”hedeclared.

AfterabriefstayinMemphis,Elvisdecidedtobringmoreofhisfamilyontourwithus,andPatsyandJoSmithboardedtheplane.Ihadn’tbeenaroundPatsymuchbecauseshewastypicallyworkingoutbackwheneverIwasatGraceland,andIhadrarelyseenherinthehouse.However,latermymothersaidPatsyhadknelt

downinfrontofherontheplane,tellinghershewasgladtomeether,becauseshehadheardsomuchabouther.Thiswasnicetohear.

DuringElvis’sshowinIndianapolis,heintroducedhisfatherandthenme,saying,“I’dlikeyoutosayhellotomygirlfriend,Ginger.Sheissomethingtostareat.That’sit.That’senough,Ginger!”

IntroducingTerryasMiss

Tennessee,hewentontopresenttherestofmyfamilyaswell,saying,“andhermotherandhersisterRosemary.And,Rosemary,yaknow,youjuststayput,”hejoked,referringtousbeinglockedoutduringhispreviousperformance.“They’reaverylovelyfamilyandIlovethem,”Elvisadded.

Heintroducedsomeofhisfamilythatnightaswell,

callingJohis“assassin,”andsaying,“Patsyworksformydadandshe’sasnuttyasafruitcake.”

OncebackontheLisaMarie,mymothersaidPatsyhadchattedwithherontheshuttlebus.And,whenshesteppedfromittoboardtheplane,Patsyhadwalkedbesidemymother,puttinganarmaroundher.

Onceagain,Iwastouched

bythesesmallgesturesofwarmthandacceptance.ItwasnicetothinkthatsomeofElvis’sfamilywasbeginningtorecognizeusaspartofhislifenow.

BackinMemphis,thinkingofmymotheronceagain,Elvisbroughtupthesubjectofherhome.Hewantedtospeakwithmymom,soIcalledheratworkandhandedhimthephone.

“Mrs.Alden,Iwantyouto

callmyfatherandtakeyourhousenotes,paymentbooks,orwhateveryouhaveonthehousetohim.Hewilltakecareofitforyou,”hesaid.

AfterspeakingwithElvis,mymotherlatercalledVernon.HereiteratedwhatElvishadsaid,andaskedhertobringherpaymentbookandanypapersonourhomeovertohishousethefollowingday.

Thenextevening,Vernon

wasvisitingwithElvisinLisa’sroomwhenIarrivedatGraceland.AsIwalkedin,Vernonsaid,“Yourmotherjustbroughtmeherpaymentbooks.Shedoesn’thavetoworryabouthermortgageanymore.”

IthankedbothElvisandMr.Presley.Iknewagreatburdenhadbeenliftedfrommymother’sshoulders,anditfeltwonderful.IcouldneverpayElvisbackfinanciallyfor

thiskindofexpansiveness,butmyfamilyandIwouldbeforevergrateful.

CHAPTER24

Myfavoritetimeofdayhadalwaysbeenearlyevening,justasthesunstartedtoset.Now,withthewarmerweather,ElvisandIsometimessatonthefrontporchatGraceland,whereheusuallybroughtacigaranda

jugofwateroutsidewithhim.TheviewoverGraceland’s

rollingfrontlawnwasbeautiful.ElvisandIbothlovedhowpeacefulitwas.Sometimeswedidn’ttalkatall,justlistenedtothesoundsofnature.

Oneevening,asweweresittingquietlyontheporch,Elvistooknoticeofthecrickets.“Listen,”hesaid.“They’resinginginunison.”

Itoccurredtomethat,

whenElvistalkedaboutmusicastheuniversallanguage,hewasn’tjustreferringtohumans.Heheardmusiceverywhere,inalllevelsoflife.Becausemusichadbeenabigpartofmylife,too,earlyon,watchingElvissingandhearinghimtalkaboutmusicmademewishIhadn’tbeentooself-conscioustocontinuesinging.

Once,ElvisaskedifI

knewthesong,“SinceIMetYouBaby.”Aswesatinbedtogether,webegansingingitandharmonizingtogether.Ididn’tknowallofthewords,butIloveditwhenElvissaidwesoundedgoodtogether.IfsingingwithElviscouldn’thelpmegetovermyfearofdoingthisinfrontofpeople,probablynothingcould!

Anothernight,ElvisaskedBillyandJotocometohisbedroom.He’dbeentalking

withmeaboutanewsongofhis,“WayDown.”HehadrecordeditinOctober1976anditwouldbethelastsonghewouldeverrecord.WhenBillyandJocamein,heputtherecordonthestereo.

Stillseatedinbed,Elvisbegantosingalongwithit.Whenitwastimetosingthewords,“waydown,”Elviswantedeachofustotakeaturn,pointingtoJo,Billy,andmeinturn.Whenitwastime,

hepretendedtohitthelownotesthatJ.D.Sumnerreachedinthesong.

Weallchimedin,andIhadalotoffun.IfeltalittlemorelikepartofElvis’sfamilythatnight,singingandcuttingupwithhiscousins.

WhenIarrivedatGracelandonedayshortlyafterthat,Elvissaid,“Iwastalkin’withmydaddy,andheaskedme,‘Isn’tGingergonnausethatcreditcard?’”

IthoughtVernonwouldbehappythatIdidn’t.IhadstartedtonoticeVernoncomingovermorewhenIwasthere;once,whenVernon’sattentionwasonsomethingelseintheroom,Elvistappedmyarmandmotionedformetowatchhim,ashehaddoneoncewithLisa.

Afterhisfatherleft,Elvisasked,“Didyounoticethatit’salmostasifmydaddy

hatestoleavetheroomwhenwe’retogether?It’sgonnadomydaddy’sheartgoodtoseeusmarried,”hesaid.

IwasexcitedthatElvisfeltthiswayandhopedhewasright.

•••

Elvishadn’treallygoneoutanywheresincewe’dbeenofftour.Hetalkedaboutridinghismotorcycleorthethree-

wheelers,buthehadcanceledwhateverplanshe’dmadeatthelastminute.

Oneafternoon,Iwasathomewhenmymotherdecidedtohaveabackyardbarbeque.Igotexcited,thinkingthiswouldbeagreatthingforElvistodo.Ihopeditwouldencouragehimtogetoutandvaryhisroutineforachange.

WhenIcalledandinvitedhim,however,Elvisdeclined.

Ifeltstymied.Thiswasdiscouraging.

Shortlyafterward,myfathercalledandmyparentsgotintoaheatedargument.Mymotherwasupsetafterward,afraidthatmyfathermightshowupatthehouse.Shewasn’treadytoseehim.Shedecidedshe’dgotoahotelforthenightand,sinceIwasn’thappyaboutElvisnotwantingtocomeover,Iwentwithher.

Somuchforthebarbeque.Thatnight,mymotherand

ItalkedaboutmydadforhoursandIdidn’tgetanysleep.Thephoneinourhotelrangaround5A.M.ItwasElvis’saide,Dean,sayinghe’dgottenthenumberfromRosemary.HeputElvisonthephone.

ItoldElviswhereIwasandwhymymotherneededmethere.Thenourconversationturnedbackto

thebarbeque.ItriedtoexplaintoElvisthatIreallywantedtogethimoutmore.

“Ginger,youhavetounderstand,Ican’tdowhatnormalpeopledo,”hesaid.

Iwasconfusedbythisstatement.Elvishadbeentomyhousebefore.Whywasthissodifferent?Hadhethoughtourbarbequewasgoingtoinvolvemeetingawholebunchofpeople?Thisbarbequehadbeenforjust

myimmediatefamily.MaybeIhadn’tbeenclearaboutthat;Iexplainedittohimagainoverthephone.

“Oh,well,Ilikehamburgers,”Elvissaideasily.“Maybenexttime.”HeaskedmetocometoGracelandthenandbringmymother.

Dawnwasbreakingwhenwearrived.IwassurprisedwhenIwentupstairsandfoundElvissoundasleep.It

wasasifhefeltcomforted,knowingwewereonourway.

Itwasabeautifulmorning,soIdecidedtotakeawalkwithmymotheraroundthegroundsbehindGraceland,andendeduptakinghertotheracquetballcourt.Ihadyettoseeitmyself.Wetookaquickpeekinsidethecourt,thenwentbacktothehouse.

BecauseElviswasstillasleepandmymotherandI

hadn’thadanyrest,ItoldhertogointoLisa’sbedroom.Meanwhile,IlaydownbesideElvis.BeforeIknewit,Iwasoutlikealight.

WhenIwokethatafternoon,Elvisaskedwheremymotherwas.“Lisa’sroom,”Isaidsleepily.

Elvisgotup,wentdownthehall,andbroughtmymotherbackintohisroom.Alwaysrespectfulofher,heapologizedaboutthe

barbeque.Mymothertoldhimsheunderstood,andtheyhadanicevisit.Ifelthappy,satisfiedthatatleasttheywerespendingsometimetogether,evenifitwasn’tthetimeI’dhopedfor.

•••

Inasolemnmoodonenight,Elvisbroughtupthebookthathisthreeformerbodyguardshadwrittenabout

him.Ihadnoideawhotheywere.

“JustbecauseI’mapublicfigure,”hesaidadamantly,explainingwhytheguardshadwrittenthebook.“Everyonehasdonegoodthingsandbad,butmostofit’suntrueanyway.”

Elvislookedatmequiteseriouslythen.“Iwanttomakeitclear.It’snotthecontent,buttheprincipleofthethingthathurtsme.”

“IhelpedmakeDaveHebleraseventh-degreeblackbelt,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Redgotonanelevatoronceandpunchedaguy.Ithinkthatwentonalot.Theguywasgoingtosueme,”headded.“Ihadlotsoflawsuits.Ididalotforthesepeopleandtheirfamilies.Iboughtthemhomes,helpedputtheirkidsthroughschool.Thefactthattheywouldturnanddothistome...”Elvis

paused,noticeablyupset.Thenhismoodlifted.“I

knowthegeneralpublicwillstandbehindme,”hesaid.“I’mgonnaletitpassandnotsayanything.”Hefellsilentforanothermoment,thenbecamemorecontemplative.“You’vegottokillitandgetitbehindyou.Ifsomethingeverbothersyou,Ginger,you’vegottokillitandgetitbehindyou.”

“Don’tworry,”Isaid,

tryingtosoothehim.“Mostpeoplewillseethroughwhat’sinthebook,andyourfanswillstandbehindyou.”

IwouldlearnonlyshortlyafterElvisdied,thatVernonhadfiredthesemenbeforeElvisandIevermet.Atthetime,IhopedonlytoreassureElvis,andIthoughtithelpedbecausethingsreturnedtonormal.Elvisseemedtohavearrivedataplaceinhismindwherehehadfiguredouthow

tohandlethisseriousbetrayalbypeoplewhohadworkedforhim.Fromthatdayon,Iwouldneverhearanotherwordfromhimaboutthebook.

•••

AsoftenasElvisrefusedtogoout,hewouldsuddenlydecidehewasinthemoodtogooutmoreagain.Sometimeswe’dtakearide

onhisthree-wheelersandElviswouldevenletmedriveone,whichIlovedtodo.

Elviswouldusuallyracehisthree-wheelerdowntotheSouthlandMallparkinglot,buzzaroundsomehedges,comebacktoGraceland,drivefastbythepool,andjumpthewalkwaytotheracquetballcourt.

Onenight,afterlettingmerideoneofhisthree-wheelers,Elvisgenerously

offeredtogiveittometokeepatourhome.Ishookmyhead,bemused.Likethehugeself-portraitElvishadoncegivenme,Ihadnospacebigenoughtokeepit.ItoldhimIwouldleaveitatGraceland.

Elvisloveddrivingfastsometimeswhetherhewasonathree-wheeler,amotorcycle,orinacar.Once,IwasheadinghomefromGraceland,ridinginmyCadillaconMt.MoriahRoad

withElvisatthewheel.Asweapproachedastoplight,itturnedyellow.Elvisgunnedtheacceleratortomakeitthroughtheintersection.

Lookingback,Isawthebodyguardsstuckattheredlight.Elvisdroveon,unaware,andforthenextfewminutes,Ithoughtabouthowniceitfelttobealonewithhim.Iunderstoodheneededextraprotectionbecauseofhiscelebrity,butIdidwish

therecouldbemoretimeslikethis,whenitseemedliketherewerejustthetwoofusontheroad.

•••

WheneverLisawasatGraceland,hercompanybroughtoutElvis’splayfulside.ElvisandIweresittingonthefrontporchoneafternoonwhenLisabuzzedbyinhergolfcart,askingthe

twoofustoridewithher.Elvisgotbehindthewheeland,withmeathissideandLisainback,tookoff.

Stillwearinghispajamasandarobe,acigarclenchedbetweenhisteeth,Elvisbarreledclosetothegates,jumpedafewcurbs,thenbuzzedupthedrivewayandtoreoutthebackentrance.Wepassedachurch,thenracedthroughthebackgate,whereElvisstoppedbyhis

officetotalkwithhisdad,thengotbackonandspedawaywithusagain.Icherishedtimeslikethis,becauseElviswassoclearlyrelaxedandenjoyinghimself.

WhileLisawaswithus,IremindedElvisthatmynieceAmberwasclosetoLisa’sage.IwashappywhenElvissuggestedbringingAmbertoGracelandsothetwogirlscouldmeet.Happily,thetwoofthemhititoff,andLisa

startedinvitingAmbertoplayandforsleepovers.Thishelpedmefeellikeourtwofamilieswerestartingtoblendatlast,andledmetoknowLisaalittlebetter.

BesidesplayingwithAmberortearingaroundonhergolfcartorElvis’sthree-wheelers,Lisalovedtosing.Sometimes,I’dfindhersittingonthestairwayatGracelandwithAmber,singingFleetwoodMactunes

like“Dreams.”Shealsolovedtoplaythepiano;someofthefewtimesElvissatdownstairsatGraceland,wastowatchLisaatthekeyboard.

Iplayedpianoalittlebyearmyself.Occasionally,ElviswantedLisaandmetoplaytogetherontheorganinhisofficewhilehelistened.Once,Lisawastalkingonthephonewithhermotherandaskedmetoplaysomethingontheorgan.Sheheldthe

phonemyway,tellingPriscillatolisten.Embarrassedbymyso-soability,butwantingtopleaseLisa,Ichosesomethingshort.

OneafternoonIarrivedatGracelandtofindElvisinhisroom,seatedinbed.Heshookhisheadinwonderatmeandsaid,“Lisacameintomyroomearlier,walkeduptome,andasked,‘Daddy,youloveGingermorethanyouloveLinda,don’tyou?’I

toldher,‘Yes,butnowdon’tforgetthatLindawasnicetoyou,shetookyouplacesanddidalotofthingsforyou.’Shesaid,‘Iknow,I’mjusthappy.’”Elvismadeawalkingmovementwithhisfingers,andadded,“Sheskippedoutoftheroom.”

ItwasniceofElvisnottowantLisatothinklessofLindajustbecausehewaswithme,Ithought,andIcouldseehowrelievedhe

wasthatLisaapprovedofme.Iwasglad,too.I’dbeenhopingthatmanyofthepeoplearoundElvis,especiallyhisfamily,wouldcometoacceptme,butnoonewasmoreimportantinthisregardthanLisa.

IhadyettotellanyoneoutsidemyfamilyandclosefriendsaboutourengagementandElvishadstillyettotellLisa.Iworemyengagementringmostofthetimeat

Graceland,rarelytakingitoffbuttowashmyface.However,becausetheringwassovaluable,sometimesIfeltsafer,whengoinghome,toleaveitinthejewelryboxElvishadgivenme.

Severaldayslater,however,IhappenedtobeinLisa’sroomwhenshecameuptomeandaskedifherdaddyandIweregoingtogetmarried.

Myanswernearlygot

caughtinmythroat,thinkingsomeonemusthavetoldheraboutourengagement.“Ihopeso,”Itoldher,completelycaughtoffguard.IknewhowmuchElviswantedtotellheratthe“righttime,”andIdidn’twanttojumpthegun.

Rightaway,shecalledmeher“secondmommy.”Lisa’sinnocent,pureacceptanceofmemademefeelreallygood.Later,Ilearnedthatthe

reasonLisahadaskedmeaboutourmarriagewasbecauseshe’dbeenplayinginmybathroomwithoneofherfriendswhenIwasawayandshe’dseenmyengagementringinmyjewelrybox.Herfriendhadbeentheonewho’dexplainedtoherwhattheringmeant.

Asafather,IknewElvishadbeenanxiousabouttellingher,butIalsoknewthatLisaknowingaboutour

engagement,andacceptingit,wouldsurelymakethingseasierforElvisasithadnowforme.IwentintothebedroomandtoldhimaboutwhathadjusthappenedwithLisa.Hislook,amixtureofsurpriseandrelief,seemedtosay,“Okay...thecat’soutofthebagnow,I’lltalktoLisa...herewego.”

Shortlyafterthat,Lisajoinedus.CallingmeMommy,shegiggled,and

thensaidthatshewasgoingtocallmeMommyeveninfrontofhermother.

ElvisandIexchangedlooksthatsaidexactlythesamething:“Thatwillgooverwell.”Ididn’tliketothinkabouthowPriscillamightrespondtothis,andI’msureElvisdidn’teither.ButatleastourconcernaboutwhateffectthiswouldhaveonLisahadbeencompletelyunnecessary.Lisaclearly

seemedfineabouttheideaofusgettingmarried.

•••

TherewasafairlynewamusementparkinMemphiscalledLibertyland,andonedayIdecideditwouldbefuntotakeLisaandAmberthere.

“CanLisago?”IaskedElvis.

Hesaiditwasfineanddidn’tmentionanything

abouthavingabodyguardwithus.Iassumedthiswasbecausehefeltmorerelaxedaboutsecurityinourhometown.

Terrywasaway,butIinvitedmymotherandRosemarytocomealong,astheyhadyettomeetLisa.WedrovetoGracelandfromourhousetogether.Lisawasreadyandwaitingforus,sittingonthefrontporchandwearingaswimsuit,flip-

flops,andashirtwrappedaroundherwaist.

AfterparkingatLibertyland,wewerewalkingtowardtheentrancewhenacouplestoppedus.“IsthatLisaPresley?”theyasked.

Iwasstartled.ItstillamazedmethatLisawassoeasilyrecognizedbythepublic.Wehadagreattimeontherides,andonthewayhome,westoppedatalocal7-Elevenstore.

LisaandAmberjumpedoutofthecarbeforeIdid,butthenLisastopped.Shehadtohaveanolderpersonwithher,shesaid,andIwasrelievedtoseethatshe’dalreadydevelopedasenseofcautionthatmostkidsheragelacked.Shewasalwaysgoingtoneedtoprotectherselfinwaysmostofusneverhavetothinkabout.

Afewdayslater,IwasleavingGracelandtogohome

whenLisaaskedifshecouldcomewithmetoseeAmber.Itookherwithmeandthetwoofthemplayedalittle.

WhenshesawOdyssey,myGreatDane,Lisadecidedonthespotthatshewantedapuppy.Ihesitated.Iknewthiswouldbeabigundertaking,especiallybecauseLisawasatGracelandonlypart-time.

“You’llhavetoaskyourfatherfirst,”Isaid.

“It’sokay,”shesaid.“I

don’thavetoaskhim.”Iwasalittletakenaback,

butamusedbyherattempttoswayme.“Well,thestoresareclosedrightnowanyway.”

Shegavemealookofbewilderment,andnowonder:WhenElvisshopped,peopleopenedstoresespeciallyforhim.

“Westillhavetoaskyourfather,”Irepeated.

Shesmiled,butIcouldtell

mywordsdidn’tsittoowellwithher.Shethentookanearbypenandapieceofpaper,writing“comeon,”andafewchoicewordsofprotest.

Ibeganticklingherandshestartedtolaugh.Everythingwasgoodagain.Later,whenItookLisabacktoGraceland,sheseemedtohaveforgottenallaboutwantingapuppyandnevermentionedittoElvis.

ThemoretimeIspentwithLisa,themoreawareIbecamethatLisaknewfullwellwhataspecialplacesheheldintheworldasElvis’sdaughter.Shehadthequalitiesofaleaderandgenerallytookchargewhenevershewasplayingwithotherchildren,includingAmber.

Once,oneofthechildrenLisahadbeenplayingwithcameupandtoldElvisthat

Lisahadcalledhisnurse,Tish,aninappropriatename.ElvisimmediatelyaskedLisatoseehiminhisbedroom.

Ashegentlybeganreprimandingher,Lisastartedtocry,andElvislookedhurt.Ididn’tknowwhowasmoreupsetbythescolding—LisaorElvis.

CHAPTER25

Asthesummerprogressed,ElviscontinuedtospendhistimerelaxingatGracelandandeverysooften,atmyparents’home.Duringoneofhisunannouncedvisitstoourhouse,Elvissteppedintoourfoyerandourpoodle,which

he’dnicknamedMudFacebecauseofthedog’smarkings,beganhumpinghisleg.

WithMudFaceclingingtohim,Elvisstartedlaughingandproceededtowalkintoourden.“Getoffme,MudFace,”hesnapped,stillsmiling,“orI’llknockyourdickstiff.”

Mymotherandafriendofhersweresittingintheden.IwasusedtoElvis’soff-color

languagebynow,whichhetypicallycurtailedabitinfrontofmymom,butnowtheybothstaredathim.

“Elvis,thisistheminister’swife,”mymothersaid.

Withasheepishsmile,heimmediatelyapologized.

Mymotherlaughed.“Iwasjoking,”shesaid.

Reliefsweptoverhisface.Elvisvisitedwithusforawhileandwasniceenoughto

gointothemusicroomtoplaythepianoandsingforus.

Afewnightslater,Elviswantedtotakemeintohistrophyroomagain.Therewassomuchtosee,andIwassuretherewouldbeevenmorenewthingsnow.Hegavemeateddybearfromoneoftheshelvesandaframedblack-and-whitephotoofhimselftakenwhenhewasyounger.Aswewerelookingatacolorphototaken

ofhimonthesetofthemovieCharro!,IcasuallymentionedthatIlikedwesterns,whichI’doftenwatchedwithmydad,andElvisgavemethatphotographaswell.

“Youknow,”Elvissaidaswecontinuedthroughtheroom,“ifanythingeverhappenstome,IwantyouandLisatotakepeopleontoursthroughthetrophyroom.”

Ididn’tthinkmuchaboutthestatementatthetime.Itwasjustanoffhandremark.Elviswasayoungman.InallthetimeIknewhim,henevertalkedaboutdeathorseemedtoactlikehewasworriedthathemightnothavealonglife.Thatnight,Iknewhewasreferringtoatimeinthedistantfuture,andthatthiswasElvis’swayofsayingthathesawushavingalifetogether.Ittouchedmethat

hewantedtoinvolvemeasoneoftheguardiansofhislegacy.

Beforeleavingthetrophyroom,Elvisalsogavemehisninth-degreeblackbeltkaratecertificate.IthadbeenpresentedtohimonhisbirthdayandwassignedbyEdParker.

Anothernightthatsummer,thetwoofusweresittinginElvis’sbedwhenhegotuptousetherestroom,

suddenlyturnedaround,andannounced,“I’dlikeustohaveourpicturetakenprofessionally.”

Ismiled,thinkingthiswouldbegreat.MyfamilyandIhadalwaysrespectedElvis’sprivacyandrefrainedfromphotographinghim,otherthanthefewsnapshotsI’dtakeninHawaii.Ihadveryfewpicturesofthetwoofustogether.

“I’dreallylikethat,too,”I

replied.Elvissmiledbackand

said,“Ineedtolosesomeweight,”thencontinuedintothebathroom.

Iwassurprised.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’deverheardElvismentionanythingdirectlytomeabouthisweight.

Whenyou’rewithsomeonealmosteveryday,youdon’treallynoticethatperson’sweightfluctuations.

Although,onoccasion,IdidnoticethatElvisappearedtolookalittlethinnerafterashowfromlosingfluidbyperspiring.BecauseElvisstruggledwithfluidretentionandoccasionallygotcortisoneshotsforpain,Ihadneverlookedathimasbeingthatoverweight.Therewerejustsomedayswhenheseemedabitbloated.Ifhewantedtolosesomeweight,Iwantedtohelphim.Iknewit

wouldbebetterforhishealthinthelongrunifheprobablydidloseafewpounds.

Laterthatnight,Elvishadsomeicecreamsentuptotheroom.AsIlookedatthesmallmountainsoficecreaminthebowl,Iwondered,Whataboutlosingweight?IknewthemaidswereunawarethathewantedtoshedafewpoundsandIfeltcompelledtosaysomethinghere.

“Elvis,youjustsaidyouwantedtoloseweight,”Ipointedout.“Youdon’tneedtoeatthaticecream.”

Withoutsayingaword,hethrewthebowlagainstthewallandthenglaredatmewithanger.Thishurtme,andalthoughIfeltmyangerrising,too,Ikeptmycool,gotdownonthefloor,andbegancleaningup.Asdifficultasthatmomentwas,IwasstillgladI’dchosento

speakupratherthanremainsilent.Ilookedattheicecreamonthefloorasanothersmallwin,ifonlybecausenowElviscouldn’teatit.

Elvissulkedforabit,andcontinuedtoremainquietasIcalledoneofthemaidstocomeupstairsandhelpfinishcleaningup.Icouldonlyimaginewhatshethought.Iremainedquietaswellforalittlewhileafterthemaidleft,andElvisfinallysaidthathe

wassorry.Iacceptedhisapology.Iknewitwashardforhimtoadmittoanyweakness.Becausehe’dsaidhewassorry,Ididthinkthat,deepdownatleast,herecognizedIhadspokenupbecauseIwastryingtodosomethinggoodforhimoutoflove.

•••

BythemiddleofJuly,the

weatherhadturnedveryhot.Elvisbegantalkingabouthowmymother’shomewasnowtakencareofandhowthenextstepwouldbetoputinapoolandsomelandscaping.HeaskedmetoinvitemymotherandRosemaryoversothathecoulddiscussthis,butdidn’twantmetotellthemhisplanyet.

Elviswasinalighthearted,funmoodthatday,whichled

himtowanttoplayasmalljokeonthetwoofthem.HeaskedAlStradatorunouttoMcDonald’sforsomegiftcertificates.

WhenmymotherandRosemaryarrived,Elvisinvitedthemuptohisofficeandgavethemahug.Theytookaseatononeofthecouchesintheroom.

IfollowedElvisovertohisdesk.HesatdownandwebeganwaitingforAl.

Meanwhile,tryingtocreatesuspense,Elvisoccasionallywhisperedafewthingstome.IcouldbarelysuppressagigglebecauseIcouldtellbytheirfacesthatmymomandsisterwerewonderingwhatintheworldwasgoingon.

IttookAlalongtime.ElviswasgrowingimpatientwhenAlfinallyreturned.“Wherewereyou?”Elvisdemanded.

“Igotaspeedingticket,”

Alconfessed.HehandedElvisthecertificates.

OfcoursemymotherandRosemarycouldn’tseewhattheywere.Elvismadeabigshowofwriting“fiftycents”oneachgiftcertificate,thenaskedRosemaryandmymothertostandup.Hewalkedtowardthem,hidingthecertificatesbehindhisback.

“Holdoutyourhands,”hesaidsolemnly.

Whentheycomplied,Elvisplacedacertificate,facedown,ineachoftheirpalms.Thecertificateslookedlikechecks.

WhenmymotherandRosemaryturnedoverthecertificates,theyburstoutlaughing.

Elvisgotthebiggestkickoutofhisjoke.Afterafewminutes,though,hesaid,“ThosearejusttheFrenchfries.HereareyourBig

Macs.”HethenhandedagenerouschecktomymotherandanotheronetoRosemary.

Overwhelmed,theyhuggedandthankedhim.Myjawdropped.Elvishadn’tletmeinonthispartofthejoke.HemusthavewrittenthechecksoutbeforehandbecauseIneversawhimdoit.

Reassuringmymotherthatshewouldn’thaveanymorefinancialworriesnow,Elvis

toldherthatherhomehadbeentakencareofandallhehadlefttodowasputinthepoolandlandscaping.“Iwanttosetupabankaccountforyou,too,sothatyouwon’thavetoworkfull-time,”hesaid.

Then,lookingatRosemary,Elvisadded,“I’mgoingtohaveJoeputyouonthepayroll,toaccompanyGingerontours,toassisther.”

Thethreeofuswerestunnedintosilence.Whatcouldwesaytothis?

Shortlyafterthat,Elvismentionedthathethoughthisthroatmightbegettingalittlesore.

Mymothersaid,“Letmefeelyourforehead,”andheleanedtowardher.Puttingherpalmuptohisforehead,shesaid,“Youdofeelalittlewarm.”

Fromhissmile,Icouldtell

heappreciatedmymother’ssincereattentionandconcern.Isurehopedhewasn’tgettingsick.

Thephonebuzzed.Elvisansweredit,thensaid,“Let’sgodownstairs.”

Wefollowedhim,wonderingwhathehaduphissleevenow.

Sureenough,Elviswasn’tfinishedastoundinguswithhisgenerosity.Parkednexttotheporchwasabrand-new

greenTR-6convertible.“Thisisforyou,Ginger,”hesaid.“IboughtthelastoneinMemphis.”Ihaveanewcar?Iwas

blownawayandecstatic.Lookinginside,though,Isawthatthecarhadamanualtransmission.ThenIwasconcerned.Myfatherhadoncetriedteachingmehowtodriveamanual,butIwasnoexpert.

Determinedtomastermy

newcardespitethisobstacle,IgaveElvisahugandjumpedintothedriver’sseat,askingRosemarytojoinmeforaspin.Ibeganinchingmywaydownthedriveway,lurching,braking,andpraying.

Lookingbackafewminuteslater,IsawElvisstandingbesidemymotherontheporch,thetwoofthemlaughing.Imadeitoutthebackentranceandthen

lurchedtoastop,momentarilybaffled.Iwasunabletofigureouthowtomakethecargoforwardorinreverse.

Afansuddenlyjumpedoutofnowhereandsnappedourpicture.Iwasfinewithhavingmypicturetaken,butembarrassedabouthavinganyoneseemejerkupanddowntheroadinthisnewcar.Onethingwasforsure:Iwasn’tabouttomakeahasty

getaway.Whenwereturnedtothe

house,itwasstartingtogetdark.LisawasatGracelandandhadbeenridingaroundonhergolfcart.Shezoomedoverandstoppedwhenshesawus,askingmymotherandRosemarytojoinher.TheyclimbedintothecartandIlaughedasshetookoffwithmymotherandsister,whosefacesbetrayedmorethanahintoffear.

Whiletheyweregone,ItoldElvishowmuchIappreciatedthemoneyhe’dgivenmymotherandsisterandthenewcar,too,butremindedhimthathedidn’tneedtokeepbuyingmethingstoshowhecared.Healreadyhadmyheart.Worriedabouthisthroat,Iaskedhimhowitfeltandhesaidhefeltbetter.Iwasglad.

Beforelong,mymotherandRosemaryjoinedus

again.Theywerelaughingandsaidthey’dhadquitetheexperience,chasingthehorsesaroundoutbackonLisa’sgolfcart.ElvisthendecidedhewantedtoshowusatapeaboutPresidentKennedy’sassassination,whichhesaidthecomedianMortSahlhadgivenhim.

“Mortdidn’twantitbecausehetoldmehewasgettingdeaththreats,”Elvissaid.Iwasintriguedand

rememberedElvisoncementioningKennedy’sassassinationtome,aftercomingbackfromour“firstdate”toLasVegas.

Thatnight,ElvisshowedusatapethatcontainedstillshotsofwhatlookedlikeagunmaninabushbythegrassyknollinDallas,Texas.HestartedtellingusaboutsomethingcalledtheGemstoneFile,aconspiracytheorysurrounding

Kennedy’sdeath.IwasfascinatedasElvistalkedaboutthistheory.HewasconvincedthatLeeHarveyOswalddidn’tactaloneonthattragicday.IfoundmyselfwonderingifwhatElvissaidwastrue.

•••

ElviscontinuedtopresentmewithonesurpriseafteranotherthatJuly.Lateone

nighthesuddenlyannouncedthathewantedtogolookatweddingdresses.IgotexcitedasElvisphonedBillySmith,toldhimwhatwewantedtodo,andaskedhimtocomeup.

ElvisandIweresittingonthebedinhisroom.WhenBillywalkedin,Elvispointedhisfingerathimandstartedtalkingtohimaboutourwedding.“Thisisthebigone,Billy.Afterthis,therewon’t

beanother.Thistimeit’sgonnaberight,man.It’sgonnablowsomepeopleaway.”

HeaskedBillytogetJo,too.IneversawElvischangeclothessoquickly.ThenthefourorusclimbedintoElvis’sStutzandcruisedthemostlyemptystreets.IwasnearlytremblingwithexcitementafterhearingElvistalksoopenlyaboutourmarriage.Hadhefinallyhad

asignthatthetimewasrighttosetadate?

Beforelong,wedroveovertoUnionAvenue,whereJothoughttherewasabridalshop.Wepassedaboutiqueand,whenhenoticedsomebridalgownsinthewindow,Elvispulledover.

HeandIgotoutwhileBillyandJooptedtostayinthecar.“Whichonesdoyoulike?”Elvisaskedaswestoodinfrontofthewindow

andadmiredthegowns.Wetalkedaboutthe

dresses,tryingtogetsomeideasforadesign.Afterward,wedrovearoundabitmore,hopingtoseesomemoregownsinstorewindows.Unabletofindanymore,wereturnedtoGracelandbeforelong.WesaidgoodnighttoBillyandJo,thenwentupstairs,whereElvis’sgoodmoodexpandedashecontinuedtotalkaboutour

wedding.“I’dliketohavethe

ceremonyperformedinanondenominationalchurch,”hesaid,“achurchshapedlikeapyramid.Charlietoldmesomethingaboutachurchshapedlikeapyramiddownbytheriver.Whatdoyouthink?”heasked.

RememberingthatElvisthoughtpyramidscontainedaspecialenergy,Ithoughtthechurchsoundedmagical.

“Thatsoundsreallynice,Elvis,”Ireplied.Myheartwaspoundinghard.Thiswasforreal!Elvishadachurchpickedout!He’deventalkedtosomeoneelseaboutit!

ElvismentionedanotherchurchonSummerAvenue,thensaid,“WecouldhaveourreceptioninVail,Colorado,oratGraceland.”

IhadneverbeentoVail.“Thatwouldbeamazing,”Isaid.“I’dlovetogotoVail.”

Heaskedmetostartmakingoutaninvitationlistforthewedding.Ifoundapenandpaperandbeganwritingdownthenamesofsomefriendsandfamilymembers.Stillalittlegiddyfromtheconversation,mymindwasspinning.Itwasn’teasytothinkofeveryoneinthatstateofmind,soIputthepaperinthedrawerofmynighttabletoreturntolater.

Allalong,Elvishadbeen

sayingthatGodwouldcomethroughandtellhimwhenthetimewasrightforustomarry.HisdeepspiritualitymadehimfeelthatGodwasworkingthroughhim,andIappreciatedhisbelief.Thisnighthadbeenarevelation,atimefilledwithpromiseandexcitementasweplannedourfuturetogether.Iwenttobedearlythatmorning,happilythinkingthatatlastElvisfelttherighttimeforustomarry

wasdrawingnear.

•••

I’dbeenspendingsomuchtimeatGracelandortouringwithElvisforthepasteightmonthsthatIhadn’treallyseenmuchofmyfriends.Oneday,though,IdecidedtotakemyfriendDebbieovertoGraceland.Shehadacomicalsideandwasalotoffun.

WhenDebbiesaidshe’d

lovetomeetElvisinperson,Ishookmyhead.“He’sasleep,”Isaid.

Shewantedtoseehimsobadly,though,thatIfinallyrelentedandledherupstairs.Debbiequietlytiptoedintohisroomandwentrightuptothebed.

Elviswasfacingtheoppositeway.Asmyfriendleanedovertopeerathim,Isuddenlyrememberedhisgun,lyingonthefloornextto

thebed.“Becareful,”Iwhispered.

“Ifhewakesup,it’llscarehim,andnotellingwhatwouldhappen.”

Weretreateddownstairs,whereweranintoLisa.Shewantedtotakeusforarideonhergolfcart.ThetwoofusheldonfordearlifeasLisaspedmerrilyaroundthegroundsandthroughthepasturesofGraceland.

Anotherafternoon,oneof

mydearestfriends,Peggy,askedmeifI’dgowithheronenighttolistentosomemusicatanearbyclub.Ihadn’tseenherinquiteawhile,soIwashappytogo.

WhenItoldElvisaboutmyplan,hesaid,“Idon’tmindifyougo,butdon’tstayouttoolate.”

PeggyandIbothhadacocktailattheclub.Afterward,IbroughthertoGracelandtomeetElvis.It

wasn’tlate,butwhenwewalkedupstairs,Elviswassittinginbed,dressedasusualinpajamasandarobe.Isuddenlyworriedabouthowhe’dfeel,havingafriendofmineseehimthiscasuallydressed,butafterIintroducedthem,Elvispolitelysaid,“AnyfriendofGinger’sisafriendofmine.”

PeggysatdowninthechairacrossfromhisbedandIsatbesidehim.“Yousmell

likeabrewery,”Elvissaid,lookingatme.

Myfaceflushedredwithembarrassment.I’donlyhadonedrinkearlierandfeltIhadn’tdoneanythingwrong.

Forasplitsecond,Peggyhadanexpressionthattelegraphed,“Oops,hopehe’snotmadatme.”Butshehastilytriedtosmooththingsover.“Congratulationsonyourengagement,”shesaid.

“Thankyou,”Elvissaid.

PeggyhadtakenkarateclassesatMemphisStateUniversity,soshestartedtalkingwithElvisabouthisowninterestinkarate.Theyhadagoodconversation,andIrelaxed.

Elvisplayedtheorganforheralittlelater.Bythenitwaslate,sotryingtoactmorelike“theladyofthehouse,”IdecidedtoinvitePeggytosleepover.Weputherinoneoftheroomsdownstairs.Ifelt

content,knowingshewasthere.PeggywasthefirstfriendI’deverhadstayovernightatGraceland.

•••

Iwasn’ttotallyonElvis’ssleepscheduleandsometimeswokebeforehedid.Oneday,whileElviswasstillsleeping,IdecidedtoventuretothepoolbehindGracelandandtakeaswimbymyself,just

forsomethingtodo.Ihadn’tbeeninthewaterverylongwhentheguardHaroldwalkedby.

Lookingatme,heasked,“Excuseme,whoareyou?”

“I’mGinger,”Isaid.Haroldlaughedand

apologized.“Youlookmuchshorterinthewater.”

Ilaughed,too,butIwasalittlepuzzled.DidIlooktaller,sittinginthecar?

I’dspentsomuchtime

withElvisthatI’donlyeverseentheguardsVesterandHaroldwhileIwasdrivinginandoutofthegates.I’dhopedtogettoknoweveryonewholivedandworkedatGracelandbetterbynow,butitwasn’talwayseasy,sinceIspentmostofmytimeupstairswithElvis.CertainlywhenIbecameElvis’swifeandlivedatGraceland,though,thatwouldchange.Ilooked

forwardtoknowingthemallbetter.

AtGraceland,IusuallyleftmySevilleparkedoutfront.Oneafternoon,ElvisandIwerereturningfromadriveinhisStutzwhenIsawDeanwashingmycar.IknewElvismusthaveaskedhimtodothis,andIwassurprised,asonceagainitwasonlydusty.Itookgoodcareofmycars.However,IwasstartingtounderstandhowElviskept

hiscarslookingsopristine:Itwaseasywhenotherswerewashingthemforyou.NowElviswasdoingthesameformewithmycar.

Deandidn’tsayanythingasElvisandIwalkedby.IknewElviswaspayinghim,butbythelookonDean’sface,Iknewhewasn’tenjoyingthisparticularchore.Ihopedhewouldn’tresentmeforElvishavinghimdothis.Deanwasanotherperson

Iwouldhavetogettoknowbetterovertime,Idecided.

•••

Oneday,ElvisandIwerereadingthroughsomespiritualbookswhenhebroughtupascripthehopedtodoasafilm.“It’scalledTheMission,”hesaid.

Elvisdidn’ttalkindetailabouttheplot,butmycuriositywasaroused.Ashe

continuedtalkingaboutthescript,IunderstoodthatElvissawitasanextensionofwhathehadbeentryingtodowithhismusic.Themoviewouldhaveaspiritualthemeandwouldparallelthebookshehadbeenstudying.ElvisevenmentionedthatthereweresmallpartsforTerry,Rosemary,andme.HethoughthehadacopyofthescriptintheatticandIfollowedhimtheretotryto

findit.Theatticwasfilledwithracksofclothing,aswellassometrunksandboxes.Elvisbeganlookingthroughabox,buthewasunsureofwherethescriptwas,sowereturnedtohisbedroombeforetoolong.

“Wouldyouliketomakemoremovies?”Iasked.

Elvisfrownedalittle.“I’dreallyliketodoaseriousone,”hesaid,“anotheronewithoutsinging.”Ihadnot

seenallofElvis’sfilms.“Whichonedidn’tyousingin?”Iasked.

“Charro!,”hereplied.Ihopedthatonedayhe

wouldlookforthisscriptagain,andthathisdreamtodothiswouldcometrue.

Anothernight,IwasinmybathroomatGracelandwhenthephoneonthewallabovethetoiletrang.ItwasElvis,askingmetocomeintohisbedroom.

Islidthefoldingdooraside,walkedintothebedroom,andsawCharlie,hishandscoveredinblood,hoveringoverElvisasherelaxedinbed.

“Whathappened?”Igasped.

“Charlie’sbeendrinkingandsmashedhishandsthroughaglasswindow,somewhere,forsomereason,”Elvissaid,shakinghishead.“He’scuthis

knuckles.”IrealizedthatElvis

wantedmetoseethis,butIhadnoideawhy.IhadcometoseeCharlieasajack-of-all-tradeswhowoulddoanythingforElvis,fromcoloringhishairtohelpingoutonstage.Whatwouldpossesshimtopunchoutawindow?Iwondered,andshudderedalittle,rememberingtheincidentwhereCharliehadbeen

drinkingandaskedElvistohithim.

Withoutsayingaword,Charlieturned,wentoutthedoor,andstarteddownstairs.Suddenly,weheardathud.

ElvisquicklygotupandIfollowedhimtothestairlanding.Charliewaslyinginthefoyer,laughing.LookingdownatCharlie,Elvissaid,“Charlie,getup.Youlooklikeaworm.”

Twoaidesheardthe

commotionandquicklycametoassistCharlietohisfeet.“I’msickofthisshit,”Elvistoldme,andspunonhisheeltoreturntothebedroom.

AsIfollowedhim,Ifiguredthenurse,Tish,wouldmostlikelybegettingalate-nightvisitfromCharlie.

Elvistookaseatonhisbedandpickedupabook.“There’sgonnabechangesaroundhere,Gingerbread,”hesaid.

Isensedhewasn’tjusttalkingaboutredecoratingGracelandthistime.

I’dbeenatGracelandafewdaysstraightbythen.Thenextmorning,ItoldElvisthatIneededtogohometogetmoreclothesandcheckonOdyssey.Luckily,mymomandsistershelpedmeoutbytakingcareofmydogwheneverIneededthemto,butIwantedtotakemyshareoftheresponsibilityfor

him.“Idon’twantyoutogo,”

Elvissaid.“I’llbealone.”He’dneversaidthistome

before.KnowingthatsomanyotherslivedandworkedatGraceland,IhadtowonderhowElviscouldfeelalone.“Elvis,youhavemorepeoplearoundyouherethanIhaveathome,”Isaid.

“They’renotmyfriends,”Elvissaid,surprisingmewithhiscandor.“Doyouthinkifit

weren’tfortheirpaychecks,they’dstillbearound?”

Iwonderedwhohemeant.Washedoubtingtheloyaltyofsomeofthepeoplearoundhimastruefriends?Iknewthereweretimeshe’dbeendispleasedaboutvariousthingsandhe’dalsothoughtsomepeopleweren’tdoingtheirjobsontourandevenathome.Elvishadevenmentionedfiringafew.Heoncecomplainedtomethat

someaidesweren’twheretheyweresupposedtobeandthencalledBillySmithup,askinghimtospeakwiththem.Goingdownstairslater,IsawBillyreprimandingafewoftheguysatthediningroomtable.

Iwantedtoallayhismood,soIdecidedtostayonemorenight.Thenextday,Elvisdidn’tprotestasIstartedtoleave.However,whenIwentdownstairsand

outtomycar,Iwasshockedtoseethattheairinallfourofmytireshadbeenletout.

IwentbackupstairsandfoundElvishidingonthefloorbymysideofthebed,laughing.“Iwastryingtogetyoutostay,”hesaid.

Shakingmyhead,Igavehimalightkissonthecheek.Thiswasnowturningintoahumorousbattleofwills.Iwasreadytoplay.Well,

watchthis,Ithought.Igotintomycar,drove

slowlythroughthegates,andmadeittothenearestgasstation.IthoughtofElvishidingandlaughing.Asanattendantputairintomytires,Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.

•••

BynowitwasAugust,andwithmyparents’divorcemovingforward,aspartof

theagreement,Elvis’slawyerhadaskedmyfathertosignaquitclaimdeedturningourhomeovertomymother.Truetohispromise,Elvispaidmyfatherhisequityinthehousesothepropertycouldbelongsolelytomymother.NoneofusknewhowwecouldeverthankElvisenoughforsuchamagnanimousgesture.

OnAugust3,IwasatGracelandwhenmymother

calledtoletusknowthatahugetruckcarryingtwolargepinoaktreeshadpulleduptoourhome.Thetreeswereplantedoneachsideofourfrontwalk.Acoupleofdayslater,landscapersarrivedtoplantthreemoretreesandfivecrepemyrtleshrubs.

Elviswantedtoseeournewlandscaping.OnAugust6,heandIleftGracelandandwenttomyhousewithCharlie.Whenwearrived,

Elvisstoodonourfrontwalkforafewminutes,proudlysurveyingthenewgreenery.

Afterward,wevisitedwithmymotherandsistersatthehouseforawhile.“Now,Mrs.Alden,yourmortgageistakencareofandthetreesarein,”Elvissaidatonepoint.“Allyouneedisthepoolinstalled,andtheyshouldbestartingitsoon.”

Elviswasinagreatmood.Beforelong,hesaidto

Charlie,“Let’sdoalittlesinging,”andwefollowedthemintoourmusicroom.

CharliesatdownatthepianoandElvisbegansinging“HowGreatThouArt”withsuchpower,itfeltliketheroofwouldblowoff.“Listentothis,”hesaidafewtimes,wantingmyfamilytowitnesshowhecouldhitcertaindifficulthighandlownotes.Afterward,hesang“UnchainedMelody,”andit

cutrightthroughme.Thespellwasbroken

whenmybrother’stwo-and-a-half-year-olddaughter,Allison,whohadbeennappinginanotherroom,begantocry.

Elvisheardherandwalkeddownthehalltomymother’sroom.IfollowedhimandsawAllisonlyingonthebed,sobbing.Elviswalkeduptoher,bentover,andkissedheronthe

forehead.Mymothercameinthen.

ShepickedAllisonupandcarriedherintotheden,whereshesatonthesofawithAllisoninherlap.Elvistookaseatbesidethem.HebeganticklingAllison,tryingtomakeherlaugh.Then,makingsomefunnymotionswithhishands,heplayfullysaid,“Whoopwoo,whoopwoo,Daddy!”

Allisonfinallystarted

laughing.Elviscontinuedthisgameforafewminutes,clearlygettingakickoutofmakingmyniecesmile.AwarmfeelingcameovermeasIwatchedthisandimaginedhavingachildwithhim,thinkinghowwonderfulitwouldbe.

Later,wewentintoRosemary’sroom,wherewesatwithRosemaryonherbedandtalkedaboutnumerologyandlife.Elviswassobusy

thinkingandtalkingthathequicklyaskedRosemaryforapenandpaper.

Shehandedhimacoupleofsheetsofyellowstationeryfromapadnearby.Elviswrotesomenumbersandlettersdownonthem,tryingtoexplainthingstousashewentalong.

Asalways,Elviswasenjoyingtheprocessoflookingforwordsinsidewords,andfindingaspecial

significanceincertainthings.Hesharedsomeofhisdiscoveriesaboutnumberswithus,andwhathethoughtitmeantifthenumberswereinacertainorder.Forinstance,usingthemarkofthebeast,threesixes,Elvisaddedthenumberstogether,whichtotalednine,andexplainedthisnumbersymbolizedwaranddestruction.Meanwhile,thenumbersevenwasa“God-

like”number,Elvissaid,becausewithinitwascontainedtheword“Eve.”

Elvisentertainedtheideathatnumbersinfluencedone’slife,andIwasfascinated,asalways,tohearwhatwasgoingoninsidehishead.

Later,Ibroughtinaphotoalbumthatincludedsomepageantpicturesofme.Aswewerelookingthroughthephotographs,Elvistookoneout,flippeditover,and

wrote,“Godgavemetoyou,Godgaveyoutome,”onthebackofthephotograph.Itwouldbeoneofthemanyspecialthingsforeverdearinmyheart.

CHAPTER26

AsmuchasElvislovedbeingathome,afewdayslaterheannounced,“I’vebeenofftoolong.”Iknewitwasinhisbloodtoperformandoneofthethingsthatmadehimthehappiest.

Hisfansobviouslywanted

toseehimasmuchashewantedtoseethem.TherewereusuallyfansattheGracelandgates,andpeopletriedtofollowhimanywherehewentiftheyhappenedtospotElvisoutandabout.IneverheardElviscomplainaboutthisorturndownanautograph.

However,earlyoneevening,thetwoofuswentoutsidetositonthefrontporch.Theguardshadleftthe

frontgatesopen,unawarethatElvisandIhadcomeout,andasmallcrowdwasgatheredatthefootofthedriveway.

Suddenly,afewfansbeganinchingtheirwaycloserupthedrivewaytowardus.IglancedoveratElvis,whowasdressedinhisrobeandpajamas.Helookedattheadvancingfanswithoutaword,thenstoodupandmovedhischairbehindoneofthecolumns.Afew

minuteslater,hetookhisjugofwaterandcigarandabruptlystoodup.

“Let’sgobackinside,”hesaid.

Elvishadbeencaughtinaninternaltug-of-warbetweenhisinstincttoembracehisfansandhisownneedforprivacy.Hadthegatesbeenclosed,I’msureElviswouldhavestayedoutlongeronthatwarmsummereveningbutheacceptedthis

aspartofhislifeandIacceptedthisaspartofmylifewithhim.

Anotherevening,ElvissaidhewantedtotakeLisaandmetoLibertyland.Iwasthrilled,especiallybecauseAmberwasalsoatGracelandthatnightandIknewhowmuchthetwogirlslovedtheamusementpark.TheygrewquiteexcitedwhenItoldthemourplan.

Anhourwentby,then

another.Itwasgettinglate.Itookthegirlsintomybathroomtohelpthemgetready,whereIstyledLisa’shairinabunandthethreeofusgotdressed.Wewereallanxioustoleaveandhavefun.

WhenIwalkedoutofthebathroomtolookforElvis,however,Ifoundhimstillinhispajamasandinbed.“I’vedecidednottogo,”hesaid.

Ifeltreallyfrustrated.

Elvishadcanceledourplanstogooutatthelastminutemanytimes,simplybecausehehadjustchangedhismind.Ihadbeendisappointedbythisunpredictablebehaviorbefore,butthistimeIwasmoreupset.Goingtotheamusementparkwouldbeagoodthingforhimtodo,andIknewhowmuchthegirlswerelookingforwardtoit.

RememberingsomethingElvishadoncesaidtome,I

decidedtochallengehim.“Elvis,Ithoughtyouoncetoldmethatyoucoulddoanything,”Isaid,thensilentlywaitedforhisreaction.

“GetGeorgeKleinonthephone,”hesaid.

Victory!WecontactedGeorge.Myspiritsquicklysank,though,asIheardElvis’sendoftheconversationandrealizedGeorgewastellinghimtheworkersatLibertylandhad

eithergonehomeorwerepreparingtocloseupthepark.

Theytalkedforafewmoreminutes,thenElvishungup.Georgecalledbackalittlelater,however,tosaytheemployeeswouldstaylateandkeeptheparkopen.Victoryagain!

Suddenly,Elviswasinanupbeatmood.Heaskedmetoinvitemysistersandmadeafewcallstoaskotherfriends

andfamilytojoinus.ElviseventoldmeRosemarycouldbringherdatefortheeveningandTerrycouldincludeourfriendCindy.

WhenmysistersandtheirfriendsarrivedatGraceland,Elvisgotdressedinhisloosebluejumpsuitandblackstagebelt.Wewentdownstairs,joinedsomeoftheguys,anddecidedweneededmorecars.Asmallgroupofuscutacrossthebackyardto

Vernon’shousesowecouldusesomeofthecarsparkedthere.

AtLibertyland,ElvisandIspentwelloveranhourontheZippinPippinrollercoaster.Wesatinthefrontcar,whichwasscarybutIlovedit.Elvisrodewithhishandsraisedhighintheair.Afewtimesheevenpretendedhewasgoingtostandupasthecoasterspedarounditsloopsandhills.Periodically,

theridestoppedsoanyonecouldgetofforswitchpartners,butElvisandIstayedon.

WelaterrodethedodgemcarsandElvisplayedacoupleofarcadegames,winningafewstuffedanimalsforLisaaswellasastuffedpinkpantherandabigyellowbirdforme.

Rosemaryandherdateunfortunatelyhadtoleaveearly.ShethankedElvisand

gavehimahug.Dawnwasbreakingbythetimetherestofusdecidedtoheadback.Elvisremainedingreatspirits,alongwitheveryoneelse,aswereturnedtoGraceland.ThetwoofussaidgoodnighttoeveryoneandElvisandIretiredupstairs.Ithadbeenawonderfulnight.

TerryandCindyremainedatthehouse,visitingwithsomeoftheguys,andthetwoofthemeventuallyfellasleep

downstairsintheTVroom.Havingbeenontourwithusbefore,CindyhadgottenfriendlywithDavid,andheinvitedhertojoinusonthenexttour.Iwaspleasedtohearthis.Mytwoworldswerefinallybeginningtomergeasone.

•••

Acoupleofdayslater,mymotherwasshockedto

receivewordthatshewasbehindonherJulyandAugusthousenotepayments.ShecalledBeecherSmith,Elvis’sattorney,forassistance,becauseshehadgivenhimallofthepaperworkdealingwithherhomeasElvishadrequested.

Beecherapologizedandsaidhe’dbeensobusy,hehadforgottentotakecareofeverything.Rightafterthat,hesentalettertomy

mother’smortgagecompany,statingthatitwasanoversightandaskingforthefullpaymentamountowedonthehome,andwhethertherewouldbeaprepaymentpenaltyforpayingoffthemortgageentirelyinonelumpsum.MymotherwasrelievedtohaveBeechersortthingsoutforhersoquickly.

OnAugust12,ElvisdecidedhewantedtoseeamovieandrentedtheUnited

ArtistsSouthbrook4theater.Hetookme,Lisa,andasmallgroupoffriendstoseethelatestJamesBondflick,TheSpyWhoLovedMe.

Afewdayslater,InoticedmoreactivityaroundGracelandasmembersofElvis’sentouragebeganpreparingforhisnexttour,whichwouldtakeustoPortland,Maine.ElvisreallywantedRosemaryandmy

brothertocomealong,soIaskedthemandwasthrilledwhenmybrothersaidhecouldtakesomevacationtimeandbothofthemagreedtojoinus.

•••

Elvishadmentionedneedingtolosesomeweightbeforethistour,andIwaspleasedtoseethat,forthefirsttime,hewasshowingmoreawareness

ofhisdiet.OnAugust15,hebeganhavingonlysmallamountsofyogurtanddrinkingalotofwater.

Lisawasstillwithus,butshewouldbeleavingthenextdaytoreturntoLosAngelesandgetreadyforthenewschoolyear,soElviswantedtospendtimewithher.Itwasacloudyday.Betweenperiodsofdrizzle,thethreeofus,alongwithmynieceAmber,tookashortride

aroundonhergolfcartintheafternoon.

Thatevening,ElvisandIwatchedtelevision.MystomachbegantocrampandIrealizedmytimeofthemonthwasstarting.Myperiodswereoftenbad,especiallyduringthefirstfewdays.HopingElviswouldunderstand,Iventured,“CouldIjoinyourtourinadayortwo?”Embarrassed,Iwentontoexplainwhy,eventhoughI

knewElviswouldwantmewithhim.

Hegavemeadispleasedlook.“I’dlikeyoutogo,”Elvissaid,thenwaitedabeat.“Seehowyoufeel.”

LaterElvismadesomecalls,tryingtoarrangeforaprivatescreeningofthenewmovieMacArthuratalocaltheater.Atonepoint,Elvistoldmehethoughtapieceoftoothhadbrokenoff.Hewantedtohaveitcheckedand

filled.Heshowedmeasmallglassboxwithsometemporarycrownsinitthathecarriedontour,incasehechippedatoothwhiletraveling.

ElvissetupanappointmentwithadentistnamedDr.Hoffman.HeaskedBillySmithtocomeoverand,alongwithCharlie,weleftGracelandintheStutzaround10:30P.M.Wearrivedatthedentist’soffice,where

Elvisgesturedatme,saying,“Isn’tsheugly?”

Smiling,Dr.Hoffmanreplied,“Yes.”

Elvislaterreappearedfromthedentist’sroom,theproblemfixed.Dr.HoffmanthentooksomeX-raysofmyteeth.Meanwhile,Charliesaidhe’dmadeaphonecalltoGracelandtofindoutifanyonehadmanagedtosetupascreeningofMacArthur,butdiscoveredtheprojectionist

wouldn’tbearoundthatlate.WereturnedtoGraceland

around12:30A.M.,andIfollowedElvisupstairstohisbedroom.Elvismentionedthatheneededtospeakwithacoupleoftheguysforafewminutes,soIwentintoLisa’sroom.IwantedtoseeifLisaandAmberhadgonetobed.Theywerenowhereinsight.Eventhekidsoperatedon“Elvistime,”soIfiguredtheyweredownstairsplaying.

Ashorttimelater,Elvisaskedmetocomebacktotheroom.Hewasnowalone.Wewatchedalittletelevision,thenElviscalleddownstairstohavethebedmade.

Mary,oneofthemaids,cameupstairstodothebed,soElvisandImovedintoLisa’sroom.Ilayonthecouchwhileheturnedonthetelevisionandsatdowninthechairacrossfromit,wherehelitupacigar.Whenhe

mentionedwantingtoplayracquetballlater,Igotexcited.Thiswouldbemyfirsttimeseeinghimplay,andIthoughtitmighthelprelaxhimbeforehistour.

We’dbeenwatchingTVforalittlebitwhen,withoutanywarning,Elvissuddenlyturneditoff.Hiseyesquicklycutawayfromthetelevisionscreentomyface.

“I’vebeenthinkingalotaboutgettingmarriedlately,”

hesaid,fiddlingwiththecigarinhismouthandstudyingme,waitingtoseemyreaction.

“Really?”Iwascaughtcompletelyoffguard.

“Really,”Elvissaid,smiling.

Again,hetalkedabouthavingourweddingceremonytakeplaceinanondenominationalchurch,likethepyramid-shapedchurchCharliehadtoldhim

about.“Iwouldlikecertainpeoplethere,”hesaid,“publicofficialsandfriends.Andthereshouldbesomanypoliceofficerstoguardthechurch,sononewsmediacangettous.Idon’twantthistobeathree-ringcircus,”hedeclared.

Elvispausedforaminute.Then,usinghishandstoshowmeameasureoflength,hesaid,“Thelimousinesshouldbesomanyinches

longerthananormal-lengthlimoandinblue.”

AsInodded,myexcitementmounting,hecontinued,meticulouslygoingovereverydetail.“I’vethoughtaboutyourgown.ThedressshouldhaveahighcollarandIwouldlikeittohavesmallrosebudswithgoldthreadsthroughit.I’mgonnahavesomeoneworkonitinLosAngeles.”

“Youdon’thavemy

measurements,”Isaid,thinkingpracticallyforamoment.

Elvisgavemealook,asiftosayheknewexactlywhatthosemeasurementswouldbe.OnceagainIwassweptalongbyhisabilitytomakeanythinghappen.Thevisionofwhatthedresswouldlooklikeandtherealityoftheweddingdrewmoresharplyintofocus.Icouldn’tbelieveElvishadalreadygiventhis

muchthoughttoeverything!Ontheotherhand,wasn’tthisthewayElvishaddoneeverythingwithmefromthestart?

“Youshouldwearclear,glass-lookingslippersandatiarainyourhair,”hesaid.Ilovedtheseideas.Thenhebroughtupbridesmaiddresses.“Ithinkpinkwouldbegood.Whatcolorwouldyoulike?”

“Lavenderwouldbe

pretty,”Isaid.Elvissmiledandshookhis

head.“Thishasgottobetheweddingofthecentury.”Hesatquietlyforamoment,thenadded,“Weshouldpickadate.I’vebeenthinkingaboutmybirthday,yourbirthday,orChristmas.Whatdoyouthink?”

Ididn’thesitate.“Christmaswouldbenice,”Isaid.

Henodded,givingme

anothersoftsmile.“ThatwillbeourgifttoGod.”

IfeltasElvisdid,thatGodwantedustobetogetherandwouldbepleasedtoseeusmarriedonsuchaspecialday.Iwassohappy,Istoodup,walkedovertoElvis,andkissedhimfullonthelips.

Hereturnedmykiss,thensaid,“I’dliketoannounceourengagementtotheaudienceattheendofthetourinMemphis.We’llputit

inthelocalpapertoo,undertheregularengagementsection,nothin’fancy.”

Ismiled.HerewasElvis,goingwithhisownversionofthewowfactoroncemore.Heturnedthetelevisionbackonandwesettleddownagaintowatchit.

Alittlewhilelater,Elvislefttheroom,sayinghehadtotalkbusinesswithsomeoftheguys.Ifiguredthismusthavesomethingtodowithhis

upcomingtour.Afterhe’dfinishedhis

meetings,IaskedElvisifhestillwantedtoplayracquetball,knowingsomeexercisewouldbegoodforhim.Hetoldmehedid.

Itwasafter4A.M.ElviscalleddownstairsandaskedBillyandJoSmithtomeetus.Ihatedtheideaofwakingthem.Bynow,however,I’dlearnedthat,whenElviscalled,mostpeoplejumped.

Elvischangedintoawarm-upsuitandloanedmeonetowearthatwasn’toverlylarge.Iwasstillonahighfromourconversationaboutthewedding,andeagertobegoingoutsidetomovearound.WemetupwithBillyandJoandthefourofuswalkeddowntotheracquetballcourt.

Otherthanpeekinginsidetheracquetballcourtoncewithmymother,thiswasmy

firsttimeseeingit.Elviswantedtoshowmearoundbeforeweplayed.ThecourtwasaslavishasmostofGraceland,withacustombathandspa,dressingroom,bar,pinballmachine,jukebox,andworkoutareawithweightequipment.Therewasevenapiano.

Elvisquicklytookmeuptotheroof,too,andshowedmeanoutdoorjoggingtrack.Itwasstilldarkout.There

wasprecipitationintheair,butthatdidn’tseemtodisturbhim.Hisgazesweptovertheproperty,thenElvispointedtoanearbyareaandsaidifIwantedtopaintagain,he’dbuildanartstudioformethere.

Icouldn’tbelievethisnightcouldgetanybetter,butithad.IhadnoideaElviswouldoffersomethinglikethis!Whatreallytouchedmewasthathehadn’tforgotten

ourlastconversationaboutmewantingtoreconnectwithartandnotlosethethingsthathadbeenimportanttomebeforeImethim.

“Thankyou,”wasallIcouldmuster,inadequateasIfeltitwas.

Backdownstairs,werejoinedBillyandJo.IwentontothecourtwithJobutIhadneverplayedracquetballbefore.Itriedtogiveitagobutunfortunatelydidn’tfeel

likemovingaroundmuchbecausemycrampshadreturned.Weweren’touttherelongandthenElvisandBillywalkedontothecourtwhileJoandIsatbehindanearbyglasspartition.ThetwoofthembegantohittheballaroundandthenElvisstartedcuttingup.Hewaslaughing,beingsilly,andhavingagoodtime.Pretendingtohithimselfonthelegwithhisracquet

sometimes,Elviskeptturningaround,makingfunnyfacestoseeifJoandIwerewatching.

Elvissoongottired,though,andheleftthecourttocomeoverandsitdownbesideme.WethenwatchedBillyandJoplayforabit.Whentheycameoffthecourt,Elviswentovertothepianoandstartedtoplay,singing“UnchainedMelody”andthen“BlueEyesCrying

intheRain.”Whenhefinishedatthepiano,hewalkedovertooneofthestationarybikesandpeddledforabouttenminutes.

About6A.M.,ElvisandIwentbacktothehouse.Billycameupstairs,too,becauseElviswantedhimtohelpdryhishair.ElvisandIpeekedinonLisaandAmber,andIwasgladtoseethegirlswerebothinbedandfastasleep.

ElvisandBillythenwent

intoElvis’sbathroom.Iwentintomine,changedintomysleepwear,thencameoutandlayonthebed.

Ilistenedtothehumofthehairdryerinthebathroomforabit.Shortlyafterthat,BillyleftandElviswalkedout,havingchangedintobluepajamas.Around6:45,Elviscalleddownstairs,askingforwhoeverwasondutytobringupapacketofmedicationtohelphimsleep.

Iwasstillsufferingfromsharpmenstrualcramps.SeeingthatIwasinsuchdiscomfort,ElviscalledTishtobringmesomethingtorelievethepain.HeagainaskedifIwasgoingtocomewithhimatthebeginningofthetour.Ihatedtodisappointhim,butknowinghowIwasgoingtofeelforthefirstfewdays,ItoldhimI’dliketowaitjustoneday,ifnottwo,untilIfeltbetter.

IhopedElviswouldunderstand.Hesatquietlyforafewmoments,thinkingthingsover.“IwantyoutobuysomethingspecialforwhenweannounceourengagementduringtheshowinMemphisthen,”hesaid.

Ismiled.Thiswasgood.Heunderstood.

“Allright,”Isaid,relieved.

TishsentupaTylenolwithcodeineforme.Right

afterthat,RickyappearedwithElvis’smorningsleeppacketandwebothtookourmedications.Elviswantedtoshowmeacoupleofnewbookshe’dbeengivenrecently,sothetwoofussettledinbedandbeganlookingatoneofthem.Thebook’stitlewasAScientificSearchfortheFaceofJesusanddescribedtheShroudofTurin,whichhadsupposedly

beenwrappedaroundJesusafterhewastakendownfromtheCross.ElvisandIwerebothintrigued.

Asweflippedthroughthebook,ElvisshowedmesomephotosofwhattheauthorclaimedwasthefaceofJesusimpressedonashroud.Then,puttingthatbookaside,ElvisshowedmeanotheronebyBettyBethardscalledSexandPsychicEnergy.Thisbook

highlightedwaystotuneintoyourpartner’senergy,yourinnerself,andyourchakras.Elvispointedoutafewillustrations.

Wedidn’tlookatthebookverylongbecausewewerebothgrowingdrowsyfromthemedicationsandsoonfellasleep.Sometimelater,Iwasawakenedbymovementonthebed.Iwasstillgroggyfrommymedication,butIwasawareofElviscalling

downstairsandaskingforanotherpackettohelphimsleep.

Iglancedattheclock.Itwaseighto’clockinthemorningbutIwasn’tsurprisedthatElviswashavingtroubleresting.Bynow,Iwasusedtoseeinghimkeyedupbeforeatour,andhe’dbeenoffalongtimebeforethisone.

Still,whenhehungup,IaskedElviswhattheproblem

was.“Ijustcan’tsleep,”hesaid.

Hesoundedprettyalert,whichsurprisedme.Iwonderediftherehadbeenplacebosinthemedicationpackethe’dtakenearlier.

Rickybroughtupanotherpacketshortlyandthenleft.IhopedElviswouldfinallybeabletorest.Webothsettleddowninbedagain,andIquicklyfellbacktosleep.

Inalittlewhile,feeling

somemovementagain,Iopenedmyeyes.Itwasnowcloseto9A.M.andElviswassittingonthesideofthebedwithhisbacktome.Imovedovertohimandputmyhandonhisback.“What’sthematter?”Iasked.

Elvissaidhestillcouldn’tsleep.Inafewminutes,hestoodupandtoldmehewasgoingtoread.Hepickedupthebookonpsychicenergyandheadedtowardthe

bathroom.Onceagain,IwonderedifthecontentsofhismedicationpacketshadbeenalteredbecauseElvisseemedprettymuchunaffectedbywhateverhe’dtaken.

“Don’tfallasleep,”Isaid,rememberingthebedinhisdressingarea.

Elvisstoppedbeforegoingin,lookedatmewithalittleboypout,thensmiledandgavemealittlewave.“Okay,

Iwon’t,”hereassuredme,andcontinuedintohisbathroom.

BetweentheTylenolwithcodeineandthefactthatI’dhadnorestsincethedaybefore,Ionceagainfellintoadeepsleep.

Justafter2P.M.,Iawokewithcramps.Elviswasn’tinbed.IwascuriouswherehewasbutunabletolookrightawayasmyperiodhadbegunandIwasbeginningtobleed

heavily.Igotupandrushedtomybathroomtotakecareofthis.Whileusingthetoilet,IpickedupthephoneonthewallaboveitandcalledmyfriendCindy,knowingshe’dexpecttoseemeontheplanewheneveryoneleftforthetour.ItoldherIwasthinkingaboutcominginadaylatebecauseofthediscomfortIwasexperiencingwithmyperiod.

Ithenquicklycalledmy

motheratwork.“Whereareyou?”sheasked.

WhenItoldherIwasatGraceland,sheaskedwhyIwasn’thomepacking.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutcominginadaylate,”Isaid.

Sheremindedmethatmybrotherandsisterweregoing.

Ihesitated.I’dcompletelyforgottenaboutthis.IknewElvishadreallywantedmeontourfromthestart.EventhoughIknewIwouldn’tbe

feelinggood,Ichangedmymind.“Okay,IguessI’llgo,”Isaid,thentoldmymotherIneededtohangup,IwantedtofindElvisandtellhim.

“Whereishe?”mymotherasked.

“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“I’mgoingtogocheckonhim.”

Iquicklyfinishedupinthebathroom,thenwalkedintoElvis’sbedroominsearchofhim.Iglancedattheclock

andsawitwascloseto2:20.Thebathroomdoorwascrackedopenalittle.

Iknockedonthedoorandsaid,“Elvis?”

Therewasnoanswer.Slowlyopeningthedoor,IpeeredinandsawElvisonthefloorofftotheleft.IstoodparalyzedasItookinthescene.

Elvislookedasifhisentirebodyhadcompletelyfrozeninaseatedposition

whileusingthecommodeandthenhadfallenforward,inthatfixedposition,directlyinfrontofit.Hislegswerebent,theupperpartofhischestandshoulderstouchedtheground,andhisheadwasslightlyturnedtotheleftwithhischeekrestingonthefloor.Hisarmslayontheground,closetohissides,backtowardhislegs,palmsfacingupward.

Itwasclearthat,fromthe

timewhateverhithimtothemomenthehadlandedonthefloor,Elvishadn’tmoved.Ablowdryerwaslyingonthefloor,almosttouchingthetopofhishead.Billymusthaveleftittherewhenhe’dfinisheddryingElvis’shair.Thepsychicenergybookhadbeenplacedonthearmofthechair.Thechairsatagainstthewall,underhiswindow,facingthecounter.Thebooklayopen,undisturbed.

Irushedover,bentdownbesidehimandsaid,“Elvis?”Ahorriblefearshotthroughme.

Hispajamatophadslidforwardalittlebecauseofhisinclinedposition.Itouchedhislowerback.Hisskinfeltcool.Saying,“Elvis!”again,Igentlyturnedhisfacetowardme.

Ahintofairexpelledfromhisnose.Thetipofhistonguewasclenchedbetweenhis

teethandhisfacewasblotchy,withpurplediscoloration.Igentlyraisedoneeyelid.Hiseyewasstaringstraightaheadandbloodred.

Franticnow,Iquicklyreachedforthephonebythetoiletandcalleddownstairs.ThemaidNancyanswered.

IndenialofwhatIwasseeing,myonlythoughtwas,Don’talarmanybody,

Ginger.He’sgoingtobeokay.ButIheardthetremorinmyvoiceasIaskedNancywhichaidewasonduty.

Shehesitatedamoment,thensaid,“AlStrada.”

“Sendhimuprightaway,”Isaid.

Alrushedtothetopofthestairs.Imethiminthehallwayandcried,“Ithinksomething’sreallywrongwithElvis!”

Weranintothebathroom.WhenAlsawElvis,hementionedsomethingaboutabloodpressurekitandrushedtoElvis’snighttable,withmeonhisheels.Bendingdown,heopenedadoor.Whenweglancedinsidethecupboardandsawitwasempty,weracedbacktoElvis.

Alimmediatelycalleddownstairs,andIrealizedJoewasinthehousewhenAlaskedforhim.Momentslater,

Joeappearedinthedoorwayofthebathroom.Notwantingtobeintheway,IkneltofftoonesideasheandAlturnedElvisoverontohisback.

Elvis’slegsremainedinabentposition,hisfeetnottouchingthefloor.AlandJoeliftedhimalittlemoretowardthecenterofthebathroomandlaidhiminfrontofthecounter.

ImovedincloserasJoelightlybegantoslapElvis’s

face.“Elvis,breathe!”herepeatedurgently,whileAlpressedonElvis’schest.AlandIjoinedin,beggingElvistobreathe.

ThenJoementionedcallingDr.Nichopoulos.Hestoodupandwentovertothephoneonthewall.GlancingbackatElvis,Joefirstcalledforanambulanceinstead.HethentriedDr.Nichopoulosbutdidn’treachhim.

Algotonthephone,spoke

withsomeonewhoIassumedwasfromDr.Nichopoulos’sofficeandhungup,tellingJoethatthepersonintheofficewastryingtolocatethedoctorbycallinghispager.Joetriedcallingthedoctoragain.Dr.Nichopoulosfinallyansweredthepage,thenJoephonedVernonathisoffice.CharlieenteredtheroomandjoinedinourpleasforElvistobreathe.

Vernonarrivedminutes

later,accompaniedbySandyandPatsy.“OhGod,son,don’tdie!”hepleaded.Helookedasifhemightcollapse,andsomeonemovedthebookfromthechairbythewindowandplacedthechairbyElvis’sheadforVernon.

Hesatdownandshouted,“Breathe!”withtherestofusasSandytriedgivingElvismouth-to-mouthresuscitation.

JoeandCharliehadtriedtopryopenElvis’smouth,butitwasclenchedtootightlyshut.Feelingcompletelyhelpless,Icouldonlywatchandpray.IfeltasifIweretrappedinanightmare.

Itseemedlikealongtime,butI’msureitwasjustminuteslaterwhenIheardacommotiononthestairs.Lookingovermyshoulder,Isawacoupleofparamedicsandquicklymovedoutof

theirway,backingintoElvis’sbedroom.

TheparamedicsbeganCPRonElvisasLisasuddenlyappearedinthebedroomdoorway.“What’swrongwithmydaddy?”sheasked.

Instinctively,Imovedtoprotecther.Ididn’twanthertoseeherfatherlikethis.“Nothing,Lisa,”Isaid,turningheraway.

AsIstartedtoshutthe

bedroomdoor,Lisasaid,“Something’swrongandI’mgoingtofindout.”ShetookoffdownthehalltowardtheentrancetoElvis’sdressingarea.Racingtothebathroomdoor,IspottedAlstandingdownthatwayandshoutedtohim,“Lisa’stryingtogetin!”

Alquicklyshutandlockedthedoor.IknewtheywouldbetakingElvistoahospitalsoon;thinkingI’dberidingintheambulancewithhim,I

rushedtomybathroomandhastilydressedintheclothesI’dwornthepreviousevening.Afterward,IhurriedtowardElvis’sbathroomjustintimetoseetheparamedicsandtheothermenliftElvisontoastretcher.

Imovedoutoftheirwayastheystartedtowardthestairway,withVernonandtheothersfollowingclosebehind.AsIwatchedtheparamedicscarryElvis

downstairsandoutthefrontdoor,therealityofwhatwashappeningsuddenlyhitme.Ibegantocryastheambulancespedaway.Isuddenlyfeltveryaloneandneededtotalkwithsomeone.

Ireturnedtomybathroomanddialedmymother’snumberwithshakingfingers.Theminutemymotherheardthequaverinmyvoice,shesaid,“What’swrong?”

Grippedbyanxiety,Isaid,

“IthinksomethinghashappenedtoElvis.”

“Maybeit’snotthatbad,”shesaid,tryingtocalmmedown.

“Mom,they’vetakenhiminanambulanceanditlooksbad.”Ibrokedown.

“I’llbethereassoonasIcan,”shesaid,stilltryingtoreassureme.

Ihungupthephone,relievedthatmymotherwascoming.Ifoundmyself

wishingmorethananythingthatIreallyhadbeentrappedinabaddream,buttherehadbeenacrackintheuniverseandacoldrealitywascreepingoverme.

CHAPTER27

Itwasshortlyafter4P.M.whenIturnedfromthewindowinthelivingroom.IwouldlaterlearnthatthiswasthetimeElvis’sdeathwasannouncedpublicly.

Amberwasapproachingme.“Where’sLisa?”Iasked,

feelingamixtureofgriefandconcernaboutLisabeingalone.

AmbertoldmeLisawasinanotherroomwithsomefamilymembers.AfewotherrelativesofElvis’sweresittingonthestairway,soItookAmberoverthereandwesatonthefrontsteps,too.

Ihadneverfeltsocompletelylost.IsawGeorgeKleinwalkovertothetablebythestairsandtrymakinga

phonecall.Ashehungupandsteppedintothemiddleofthefoyer,Iwalkeddownthestairsandhuggedhim.

Georgeembracedmeinreturnandwebothbrokedown.“Helovedyousomuch,”hesaid.

IunderstoodGeorgehadlosthisdearfriend,andIcouldonlyhopeheknewjusthowmuchhiscommentmeanttome.

Lisawalkeduptomethen.

Wantingtocomforther,IbroughtherupstairswithAmber,whereIsatbesideLisaonthecouchinherroomandputmyarmsaroundher.Istruggledthroughmyownfogofgriefinsearchoftherightwordstosaytothislittlegirlwho’djustlostherfather.

“Youknowyourdaddylovedyou,Lisa,”Imanaged.“Hewasawonderfulfatherandhe’sgonetoheaven,buthewillalwaysbewatching

overyou.”Shesatquietlybesideme.IwonderedifLisacouldpossiblygraspanyofthis.

Beforelong,ateamofmenarrivedfromthepolicedepartmentandledmeintoElvis’soffice,wheretheyaskedmeafewquestions.Afterthey’dgone,Iturnedeverythingoverinmymind.WhathadhappenedtoElvis?

Itwasimpossibletogetagriponthesituation.Iwas

toofloodedwithemotion.IreturneddownstairsandsatatthediningroomtablewithAmber,knowingthatbynowmyfamilymusthaveheardthenews,alongwiththerestoftheworld.Ihadn’tbeenabletocallthem,andtheyhadn’tmanagedtoreachme,either,becausethephonelineswerejammedandsowasthestreetoutsideGraceland.

Everyoneinthehousewas

grieving.Iwassurroundedbyallthesepeople,andyetIfeltalone.Theonlypeoplewhocouldreallychangethatformeatthetimewereinmyownfamily,andwaitingforthemwasdifficult.EventuallysomeonetoldmemysisterTerryhadmanagedtogetthroughandwasonthephone.

Itookthecallinthehallbythestairs,breakingdownagain.IcouldtellTerryhad

beencrying,too,asshesaid,“I’msorry.”Sheletmeknowthatourmother,Rosemary,andmysister-in-lawwereontheirway.

AfterthecallIretreatedtothediningroomagain.EveryoneatGracelandwascrying,disbelieving,offeringorreceivingcomfortatvarioustimes.Justafterfive,myfamilymadeitthroughthefrontdoor.Wehuggedeachotherandtheybegan

offeringtheircondolencestoVernonandothermembersamongElvis’sfriendsandfamily.

Awhilelater,AuntDeltaapproachedme.ShegentlyaskedifIhadanythingupstairsthatIwantedtoget,astheyneededtocloseitoffandlockit.IaskedherifIcouldborrowasuitcaseandsheloanedmeone.Rosemarysaidshe’dgowithmeandDeltawalkedupstairswith

thetwoofus.UponenteringElvis’s

office,Iglancedtowardhisbedroom.IhadsleptwearingmyengagementringandtheTLCnecklaceElvishadgivenme.NowIconsideredmyphotosonhisnighttable,thenecklaceI’dtrieddesigningforhimbuthadyettofinish,andtheweddinglistinhisroom.SeizedbyanoverwhelmingdesiretostaylinkedtoGraceland,Ileftall

ofthosethingsthere.Inmybathroom,I

gatheredafewitems,placedtheminsidethesuitcase,andpickedupmyjewelrybox.ItookonelastlookatElvis’sbedroombeforefollowingDeltabackdownstairs.

Elvis’sfuneralarrangementswerebeginningtobediscussedamongsomeofthepeoplegatheredthere.Someonetolduswewouldbecalledwhentheywere

completed.Thingsweremovingquickly,andtheydidn’tseemtoneedmeortoconsultwithmeonwhatthoseplanswouldbe.ThepainthatIwasfeelingwaslikenothingI’deverexperiencedbefore.IfeltIneededaprivatehaventotrytoprocesswhatreallywasunfathomable,thatElviswasdead.

Thiswasthebeginningofmygrievingprocess.The

onlysafeplaceIcouldthinktodothiswasathome,whereI’dbesurroundedbymyfamily.

Isaidgood-byetoVernon,Sandy,Dodger,Lisa,andothers.ItwasmoredifficulttoleaveLisabecauseI’dgrownclosertoher,butIfeltshewouldbeallrightasshewassurroundedbyherfamily.

Myemotionalpainwassogreat,ittookeveryounceof

energyIhadtomakeitthroughthefrontdoor.Ihadtofocusonjustputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.ThepolicepartedthecrowdgatheredatthegatesofGracelandtoletusthrough.

Evenbackathomeandalonewithmyfamily,Icouldn’tshakethefeelingthatIwastrappedinanightmare.Myfatherreturnedtothehouseinanefforttolendmehissupport

andtoldmehowsorryhewas.

Later,mymothertoldmethat,rightafterI’dcalledheratwork,shehadtoputherheaddownonherdesk.Anotheremployeeaskedifsheneededtogotothenurses’station.“ItoldhimIdidn’tthinkIcouldmakeitthere,”mymothersaid,andtoldhercolleaguethatElviswasinthehospital,butnottosayanything.Shethenwent

tohersupervisorandsaidshehadtoleave.

Mysister-in-lawhadbeenworriedaboutAmber,naturally,somymotherhadheadedhometopickheruponthewaytoGraceland.Onherwayhome,mymotherhadheardontheradiothatElviswasdead.

ThetrafficwassocongestedontheirwaytoGracelandthat,whentheycametoaredlightatthe

cornerofElvisPresleyBoulevardandWinchesterRoad,mysister-in-law,Carolyn,hadjumpedoutofthecarandstoppedtrafficwithherhandssomymothercouldmaketheturn.TheyhadthendriventhefewblockstoGracelandintheturninglanewiththeemergencyflasherson.

AtthegatestoGraceland,Carolynhadyelledtoanearbypoliceofficer,“Thisis

Ginger’smother!”tomakehimclearapath.Thatwastheonlywaythey’dmadeitthroughGraceland’sgatestopickupAmberandme.

EverytelevisionchannelcarriedthenewsofElvis’sdeath,butIcouldn’twatchthereports.Atonepoint,someonetoldmethatJoeEspositohadbeeninterviewed;they’dheardhimsayhewastheonewhofoundElvis.

What?Icouldn’tbelieveit!LittledidIknowthattheuntruthswerejustbeginning.

Thatevening,someonecalledourhousetosaytherewouldbeaprivateviewingofElvis’sbodyatGracelandateleventhenextmorning,onWednesday,August17.Idreadedthis.Iwasn’tsureifIcouldseeElvisthisway.

Laterthatnight,theShelbyCountymedicalexaminerruledElvis’scause

ofdeathascardiacarrhythmiawithseverecardiovasculardiseasepresent.Howwasthispossible?Hewasonlyforty-two!Afterhearingthenews,Iaskedmymothertolieinbedwithme.Icouldn’tstandthethoughtofbeingalone.

Yet,oddly,thatnightIfeltElvis’spresenceintheroomwithme.Acomforting,peacefulsensationenvelopedme.MaybeIwasn’talone

afterall,Ithought.MaybeElviswasstillwatchingoverme.

Itwasasleeplessnightforallofus.Myparentshadtotakethephoneoffthehookbecausewewerebeingbarragedbyreporterscallingfromallovertheworld.

ThereweremomentsduringthatnightwhenIfoundmyselfwishingIhadn’tbeentheonetofindElvis.But,asdifficultasit

hadbeen,hadInotbeenthereandonlyheardofhisdeath,Ifeltitwouldhavebeenharderformetotakeinthenewsofhimpassingaway.

•••

AmassivecrowdhadgatheredinfrontofGracelandbythetimemyfamilyandIarrivedfortheviewingthenextmorning.Somepeoplelookedlikethey

musthavesleptallnightbythegates.

AsIsteppedthroughthefrontdoor,IfounditwasstillnearlyimpossibletoimaginethatElviswasgone.Alittleovertwenty-fourhoursago,Ihadbeenupstairswithhimrightinthishouse,planningourfuturetogether.Therewasasurrealelementtoalmosteverythingunfoldinginfrontofme.

IsawLisawalkingabout,

minglingwithvariouspeopleasshewenttoandfromthekitchen.Igreetedher,Vernon,andafewothers,thenwentintoDodger’sroomandgaveherahug.Shehadalwaysbeennicetomeandthiswassohard.

PriscillaPresleyhadarrivedwithherownfamily.OfcourseshewouldbeherebecauseshewasLisa’smother.Yet,asIwatchedPriscillagreetafewpeople—

someofwhomIhadnevermetbefore—Ifeltstrangelydisplaced.Elvishadbeentryingtogetitthroughmyheadthat,asthefutureMrs.Presley,Iwastheladyofthehouse,butnowthatroleseemedfartherfromrealitythanever,andIfoundmyselfwithdrawingfromthosegathered.

WhenIsawJoealittlelater,hedidn’tapproachmewithanyexplanationasto

whyhe’dsaidhewastheonewhohadfoundElvis.Thiswasn’tthetimeorplacetoaskhimabouthisversionofevents,butknowingJoehaddonethatfeltlikeasmallbutpainfulbetrayal.

Thefurnitureinthelivingroomhadbeenremovedandreplacedbyfoldingchairs,addingtothesurrealnatureoftheexperience.Somechairswerearrangedagainsttherightwall,facingthe

fireplace,whileotherswereinrowslinedupinthecenterandfacingthemusicroom.MyfamilyandItookseatsinsomecenterchairs;fromthere,Iglancedaroundtheroomatthevariousfloralarrangements.

Flowerswerecontinuallyarrivingandbeingbroughtintotheroom.MyfamilyandIhadsentsomeearlier.Now,Iwonderedwhicharrangementwasmine.My

flowerswereaslostasIwas.Beforelong,Inoticed

Priscillaandherfamilyenterandseatthemselvesagainstthewallfacingus.Alittlewhilelater,acoppercasketwasbroughtintothehouseandplacedattheentrancetothemusicroom.Itwasaroundnoonbynow.Whenthelidwasopened,itwashardformetolook.Charliestoodattheheadofthecasket,greetingviewersas

theypaidtheirrespectstoElvis.Iwaitedawhile,steelingmyresolve,thenfinallywalkedtothefront.

Elviswasdressedinawhitesuitwithapaleblueshirtandwhitetie.Itseemedodd.I’dneverseenhiminasuit.Ascrazyasitmighthavelookedtosome,Ithoughtitwouldhavebeenmoreappropriateifhe’dbeendressedinoneofhisjumpsuits,oreveninhis

pajamasandrobe.Absurdly,Ithoughthewouldhavefeltmorecomfortablethatway.Also,wherewashisgun?Wherewerehisjugofwaterandcigar?

WhileIwasstandingthere,Lisacameuptothecasketandstoodnexttome.IsmiledatherandshegentlytouchedElvis’shair.Ilightlystrokedthesideofhisface.

Fromhispostneartheheadofthecasket,Charlie

said,“Helooksgood,doesn’the?”

ImanagedtolookupatCharlieandnod.

Inamystical,knowingway,Charliespokeagain.“Ginger,hehasn’tgoneanywhere,”hesaidsoftly.“He’sjustonanotherplanerightnow.”

IfeltcomfortedbyCharlie’swords.Whereareyou,Elvis?

Icouldn’thelpbuthearElvis’svoiceinresponse,sayingthesamewordshehadwhisperedinmyearinthebackofthechurchatmygrandfather’sfuneral:“Son,you’reonyourown.”Onlythistimethewordssentachillthroughmeandcutmelikeaknife.

Ireturnedtomyseat,buteverysooften,IgotupagaintolookatElvis.Strangely,whathadbeensodifficultfor

metodointhebeginningnowbroughtmepeace.Elvislookedlikehewasjustsleeping.

WhileIwasseatedinmychairbetweenvisitstothecasket,anunfamiliarwomantappedmeontheshoulder.“Priscillawouldliketoseeyou,”shesaid.

Surprised,Ifollowedheraroundthecorner.WeenteredthefoyerandIsawPriscillastandingnexttothe

frontstairs.“Hello,”shesaid,andintroducedmetothewomanwho’dcomeforme,JoanEsposito,whoIwouldlaterlearnwasJoe’sex-wife.

IwasevenmorestunnedwhenPriscilladrewmeintoahug.“Ginger,IknowhowmuchElvislovedyou,”shesaid.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,embracingherinreturn.Isuddenlyhadthemostincrediblefeelingof

acceptance,asPriscillaacknowledgedwhatElvisandIhadtogether.“Wouldyouliketomeetmyfamily?”

“Notrightnow,”shesaid,“butI’dliketolater.”

Iwalkedbackintothelivingroomandsatdown,relayingtomyfamilywhathadjusthappened.WhenPriscillaenteredtheroomagainlater,Igotupandintroducedmymothertoherandherparents.

Afteratime,everyonewasinformedthattherewouldbeapublicviewingatthreethatafternoon.Ireallythoughtitwasawonderfulideathathisfanswouldbegiventheopportunitytopaytheirrespects,too.Iwassurethatwasacueformostofustoleave,soIdecidedtoreturnhomebeforeitbegan.AsIwasleaving,Iwastoldthefuneralwouldbethenextafternoon,August18,attwo.

•••

Ofcourse,Elvis’sdeathmadeworldwideheadlines.EverythingElvishadeverdonebecamethesubstanceofstoriesrunineverymediaoutletimaginable.

IhadknownElviswasabigstar,ofcourse,butafterwefellinloveandbecameintimatelyinvolved,Ihadmostlystoppedpayingattentiontohiscelebrityand

hadbeguntoseeElvistheman,ratherthanElvisthefamousentertainer.NowIrealizedthatthescopeofhisfamewasbeyondwhatIoranyoneelsecouldimagine.Theshock,loss,andinterestsurroundingthenewsofhisdeathwasn’tsomethingIhadseensincethedeathsoftheKennedysandMartinLutherKingJr.

Evenknowingthis,losingElviswasnothinglikethatfor

me.Iwasexperiencinggriefonthemostfundamentalandintimatelypersonallevel.Ihadlostthemanwhohadturnedmylifeupsidedownandhadbecomemyfriend,teacher,protector,andlover—themanIhadloveddeeplyandplannedtomarry.

IwasnolongerthesameyoungwomanI’dbeenthatfirstnightIaccompaniedmysisterstoGraceland.Mywholebeing—physically,

emotionally,andspiritually—hadbecomeintertwinedwithElvis.Tome,hisdeathwasnonewsstory.Thiswasmylifebeingtornapart.

Yet,myhousecontinuedtobefloodedwithphonecallsfromvoraciousreporterswhoinsistedtheyneededtogetastorynow.NomatterwhatIwasgoingthroughpersonally,theyallsawmeatthecenterofthestory.Itookcoverinmybedroomina

futileattempttohide.Atonepoint,mymother

cameintothebedroom,lookingexasperated.Shesaidthattwomen,fromtwoseparatetabloids,wereonourfrontporchandalmostgettingintoafistfightoverwhodeservedaninterviewwithme.ThehungrylionsElvishadwarnedmeaboutwererightoutsidemydoor,andthistime,Elviscouldn’tflyoverinhiscartoprotect

me.Ifeltsosorryshewashavingtodealwiththis.

Icertainlyhadnoplanstogiveanyinterviewandwashurtthattheywereevenoutthere.ThenmymothertoldmethatoneofthemenhadsaidLindaThompsonwasgivinghimaninterview,andthatLindawassayingshemighthavesavedElvisifthey’dstayedtogether.

ThishurtandIwashorrified.Howcouldanyone

saysuchathing?Andhowcold,self-serving,andegotisticalitwouldbeifshedid!FromwhatI’dseen,noonecouldhaveclaimedtohavesavedElvisthatday.

Thereportertoldmymotherthat,ifIdidn’tgiveaninterview,theyweregoingtoprintLinda’sstory.Iwasfurious.ElvishadstoppedseeingLindaandshecertainlywasn’tthereonthedayhedied.Tome,ithad

seemedthatElvishaddiedinstantly.Noteventheworld’sgreatestheartspecialistcouldmakeastatementlikehers!

Iaskedmymothertoturnthereportersaway.Oneofthementoldmymotherhe’dbebackinalittlewhiletoseeifIwouldchangemymind.Ifeltterrible.Inthemidstofthishorribletragedy,Isuddenlyhadthisgoingon?Ithoughtandthoughtabout

things,slowlybecomingmoreconflictedandanguishedoverwhethertogiveaninterview.MymotherandIwerewayoutofourdepthandIwasextremelyupset.MyfamilyandIhadnoexperiencewiththissortofthing.

FeelinglikeIhadatigerbythetail,mytearsslowlyturnedintoangeragain.ThiswaswhatIwasupagainstnow.Somekindofstorywas

goingtobeputoutthere,andIcouldn’tletLindasaysomethinglikethiswithoutaresponse.Whenthereporterreturned,Iagreedtogivethetabloidaninterviewatanupcomingdate.

Isleptfitfully.Thenextmorning,everythinghitmehard.Extremelydepressed,Igotupandwentintoourkitchen.MymotherwasmakingbreakfastandIsatdownatourbreakfasttable,

putmyheaddownonmyarms,andbegancryinginconsolably.

Later,turningonthetelevision,IlearnedthattwoteenagedgirlshadbeenkilledandanotherinjuredwhenadrunkdriverranhiscarintoacrowdgatheredonElvisPresleyBoulevard.Thistragedyonlyaddedtothehorrorofitall.Itseemedliketheentireworldwasspinningoutofcontrol.

Thatafternoon,IslippedintoablackdressandheadedforGracelandwithmyfamilyandourfriendCindy.Wearrivedalittlebeforethefuneralserviceswerescheduledtobegin.Afewpeoplewerealreadyinsideandweexchangedhugsandhellos.

AllofthefoldingchairsthathadbeeninthelivingroomnowfacedElvis’scasket,whichwasagain

positionedattheentrancetothemusicroom.MyfamilyandIsatinthediningroom,watchingpeoplearrive.

Beforelong,Irecognizedtheactress,Ann-Margret,whohadbeenromanticallylinkedwithElvisyearsearlierinHollywood,whentheyhadappearedinafewfilmstogether.Shewastherewithherhusband,RogerSmith.IalsonoticedtheactorGeorgeHamilton,whohadbeen

friendswithElvis,andColonelParker,whowaswearingabaseballcapandpuffingonacigar.Dr.Ghanem,Elvis’sdoctorinLasVegas,wasthereaswell.

Closeto2P.M.,weenteredthelivingroom.Neveronetocallattentiontomyselfortotrytoputmyselffrontandcenter,IdecidedtositaboutsixrowsbackfromElvis’scasket.AuntDelta,Dodger,Vernon,andSandysatonthe

frontrow.Priscillaandherfamilytookseatsbehindthem.

Afterawhile,Lisaappearedbyourrow,cameovertomeandsatinmylap,seekingherownkindofclosenessandcomfort.Iputmyarmsaroundherandshevisitedwithus,talkingwithAmberandSandy’sdaughter.

TheservicessoonbeganwithaeulogyfromthecomicJackieKahane.Rex

Humbard,atelevisionevangelist,spoke,andthentheReverendBradleyledthesermon.KathyWestmoreland,theStampsQuartet,andafewotherssang.

Itwasabeautifulceremony.Afterward,eachrowofpeoplewasinstructedtofilepastElvis’scasket.AsIwalkedtowardthefront,Istruggledtoholdbacktears.

Ihadmadeitapointto

neversaygood-byetoElviswhenleavingGracelandinthetimewehadtogether.Now,lookingathimforthelasttime,Iforcedmyselftowhispergood-byeundermybreath.

IturnedtoVernon,Sandy,Dodger,andAuntDelta,huggingthem,thenreturnedtomyseat.Whentheservicewasover,Joeapproachedmyfamilyandme,instructingusthatwewouldberidinginthe

fifthlimousinebehindthehearse.IwantedtothinkthatJoewasjusttryingtodohisbesttogeteveryonetothemausoleumandputtingtheminwhichevercarhecould,but,whenElviswashere,hehadalwaysmovedothersaroundtokeepmeathisside.Nowthatseemedforgotten.Itwasasmallslight,butitstung.ItseemedIhadbecomeinsignificant,theexactoppositeofhowElvis

mademefeel.WhenIwalkedoutof

Graceland,Isawmultiplewhitelimousinesliningthedrivewayandwouldlaterlearnthereweresixteenintotal.Ourlimousinedriveropenedthedoorstoourcar.Igotintothefrontwithmymother,whiletherestofmyfamilyandCindyclimbedinback.

Wesat,waitingforallthelimousinestofill.Then

Vernon,Sandy,Lisa,andPriscillawalkedoutandgotintothefirstlimousine.Beforelong,thepallbearers,GeorgeKlein,GeneSmith,JerrySchilling,CharlieHodge,LamarFike,JoeEsposito,BillySmith,andDr.Nichopoulos,exitedthehouse,carryingElvis’scasket.

Asthementookafewstepstowardthehearse,suddenlyahugebranchbroke

fromatreeandlandedintheyardnotfarfromthem.Ishuddered,thinkinghoweeriethatshouldhappenatthismoment.

Theprocessionslowlymadeitswaydownthedrivewaywithapolicemotorcadeflankingthehearse.Asthehearsepassedthroughthegates,nearbypoliceofficerssaluted.

TurningontoElvisPresleyBoulevard,webeganthe

three-milejourneytowardForestHillCemetery.Elviswouldbelaidtorestinsideacryptthere,inthemausoleum.Thescenebeforemeplayedlikesomebizarretelevisionreel,withtensofthousandsoffansliningbothsidesoftheboulevard,manyofthemopenlycrying.

Thisgottome,andIturnedmyfocustothefloorofthelimousine.WhenIglancedupagain,forsome

reason,myattentionsuddenlyfocusedononewomaninthecrowdasshequicklysnappedaphotoandthenputhercameradown.Thenithitmeaswepassedher.ItwasCarolineKennedy.Icouldn’tbelievethat,withthemultitudeofpeopleliningthestreet,Ihadlookeduprightatthatmomentandshewaspartofthecrowd,nodifferentfromanyoftheothers,itseemed.Andyet,atthat

moment,wewereactuallyconnectedthroughexperiencingahistoricdeath:Carolineandherfather,andmeandmyfiancé.Hundredsofflowerarrangements,inallshapesandsizes,coveredthelawnatthemausoleum.Thehearsecametoastop,andmyfamilyandIwaitedinourcarwhilethepallbearersremovedthecasketandcarrieditinside.

WhenIenteredthe

mausoleum,everyseatlookedfilledinthesmallarea.Vernon,Lisa,Priscilla,andafewmembersofElvis’simmediatefamilyhadbeensecuredseats.Ilookedaroundasotherscamein.Likeme,they,too,hadtostandwherevertheycould.

Again,Ifeltinvisible.Anicemankindlystood

andgraciouslyofferedmehisseat.Theceremonywasbrief,withtheReverendBradley

sayingafewwords.AfterwardIfollowedtheothersoutside.Ididn’trealizethatVernonandafewothershadremained.Noonehadtoldmewhattodo.

EveryonewaitedoutsideuntilVernonhadexited.IhadanemptyfeelingaswedroveawayandreturnedtoGraceland,wherefoodandbeverageshadbeensetupinthekitchen.Whocouldeatnow?I

wondered.ThenIsawPriscillawalkthroughthekitchen,aswellasLindaThompson.AfragmentofastoryElvishadoncetoldmesuddenlyflashedinmymind.Thestorywasaboutamanwhopassesawayandthenwatchesfromheavenasthenumerouswomenheleftbehindgatherathisfuneral.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkElvismustbegettingakickoutofseeingthis.

IwalkedintothediningroomandsawVernonseatedatthetable.HemotionedformetocomeoverandIwentandsatbesidehim.

VernonshowedmeaphotosomeonehadrecentlygivenhimthathadsupposedlybeentakenatthetimeofElvis’sdeath.Thepictureshowedwhatlookedlikeafigure,wearingawhiterobe,standingamongtheclouds.Thefaceinthephoto

wasindistinguishableandVernonseemedtobeponderingthesignificanceofthepicture,asifitheldsomehiddenspiritualmeaning.Iknewhowhefelt.I,too,wantedtobelieveinsomethingtomakesenseofthistragedy.

BythetimemyfamilyandIarrivedhomefromGracelandafterthefuneral,areporterfromoneofthelocalpapers,theCommercial

Appeal,wascampedoutonourfrontporch.HewantedtoknowifIwouldgranthimaninterview.

AfterhearingthatJoehadsaidhewastheonewhohadfoundElvisandafterbeingtreatedasifIwerejustanothermournerthroughoutthecourseoftheday,Iwasalarmedthatthetruthwouldbetwisted.AsshatteredasIfelt,Idecidedtospeakwiththereporterforafewminutes

sothathistorywouldnotberewrittenbyotherswhohadtheirownagenda.Afterward,thereporteraskedwhetherIhadapictureofElvisandmetogether.ThinkingofthenicepictureElvishadgivenme,theonetakeninHawaiiwiththetwoofussmiling,Igaveittohim.

Afewdayslater,myinterviewwasprintedintheCommercialAppeal.Joe,Vernon,andafewothershad

alsogiveninterviews.VernonacknowledgedmyengagementtoElvis,andJoesaidthatIhadbeentheonetofindElvisinthebathroom.Theirstatementsmomentarilyrelievedmyunease.Theirhonestywasasmallcomfort,butitwasimportanttome.

OnAugust21,Elvis’swillwasfiledwiththeShelbyCountyProbateCourtinMemphis.HehadnamedLisa,Vernon,andDodgeras

hisbeneficiaries,withVernonnamedexecutoroftheestate,alongwiththeNationalBankofCommerceandJosephHanks,theiraccountant.

PeoplelaterwouldaskmeifI’dexpectedtobeincludedinElvis’swill,butthathadneverenteredmymind.Yes,Ihadwitnessedhimsignit,butitlookedlikeawillfrom1976thatElviswasre-signingin1977withthenewdatejustbeforehehurriedoff

onavacationwithme.Whywouldhehavealteredhiswilltoincludemebeforewewereevenmarried?

ElvisandIwerebothyoungandenjoyingeachother.Wethoughtaboutlife,notdeath.

Thesamedaythewillwasread,VernoncalledmyhomeandsaidhewantedmymotherandmetocometoGracelandsohecouldtalkwithus.Iwasnervous

drivingover.IwasstillalittleintimidatedbyVernon.Ontopofthat,itwouldfeelstrangetowalkbackintoGraceland,knowingElviswasgone.

Oneofthemaidsgreetedusatthefrontdoor.Inside,Vernonwasseatedatthediningroomtable.Heleanedover,tryingtolookatmefromtheheadchair.

“Thesedamnchairs,”hegrumbledasmymotherandI

joinedhim.“LindaThompsonpickedtheseout,andthey’resohighyoucan’tseeoverthebackofthem.”

Oncewewereseated,Vernontookadeepbreathandlookeddirectlyatme.“Ginger,IknowhowmuchElvislovedyou,”hesaid.“Iknowhewantedmorechildrenandyoutobetheirmother.”

MyeyesstungandIwashavingdifficultyswallowing,

muchlessspeaking.Inodded,appreciatinghisacknowledgmentofmybondwithElvis.

Vernonglanceddownforalongpausebeforehecontinued.“I’msorry,butI’mgonnahavetoaskyouforyourcreditcardback,”hesaidthen.

Icertainlydidn’tmindhandingthecardover.Still,IwantedtomakesurethatVernonrememberedI’d

hardlyusedit.IhadalwaysbeenwaryofspendingElvis’smoneyfreely.Thatwasn’thowIwasbroughtup.

“Mr.Presley,”IsaidwhenIfoundmyvoice,“youknowImainlyusedthiscardforidentificationwhenwritingacheck.”

“Iknow,Ginger,”hesaid,“butLindawentoutandchargedalotwhenElvisbrokeoffwithher.”

Enoughsaid.Iquietly

handedovermycreditcard.“IknowtheCadillac

SevilleyouhaveisstillinElvis’sname,”Vernonsaidoncehe’dtuckedawaythecard,“butI’llgoaheadandhavethetitletransferredovertoyou.”

“Thankyou,”Isaid,startled.Havingdriventhecarallthesemonths,Ihadn’tgivenathoughtaboutitstillbeinginElvis’sname.

“Thecontracthasalready

beensignedtohavethepoolputinatyourhome,”Vernoncontinued,“andwe’llgetthatunderwayassoonaspossible.”

Afteranotherpause,heturnedhisfocustomymother.“Mrs.Alden,IknowI’mgoin’againstElvis’splansandwishes,”hesaid.“Wedidn’tgetthemortgagepaid,soI’llhavemyattorneyBeecherSmithsendthepapersandpaymentbookon

yourhousebacktoyou.I’msorry,butatthemomentofElvis’sdeath,mypowerofattorneywasstrippedaway.”

Iwasshocked.Icouldtellbythelookonmymother’sfacethatshewas,too.Shelookedasifabombhadbeendropped.

“Youarebehindontwopaymentsandyou’llhavetomakethoseup,”Vernonaddedflatly.

Mymothersoundednear

tears.“But,Mr.Presley,thereisnowayIcankeepupthehousenotesbymyselfandpaythemortgagecompanytocatchup.”

“Well,whenwegetthepoolin,maybe,Mrs.Alden,youcansellitandgetmoremoneyforit,”Vernonsaid.

VernonhadjustadmittedthatElviswantedthehomepaidfor.AsIlookedatmymothersittingthere,myheartbrokeasecondtime,thistime

forher.Iwasstilltryingtoprocess

whatwashappeningherewhenJoeappearedfromthekitchen,saidaquickhello,thentoldVernontheyneededtohurry,astherewasmorebusinesstobedone.

IthitmethatIhadbeenhereforafewminutes,yetnotoncehadanyofustalkedabouthowmuchweallmissedElvisandhowterribleitfelttobeatGraceland

withouthimbeingthere.IfeltlikeI’dbeenstrapped

ontosomesortofconveyerbeltandJoewasmovingthingsalong.Ifthiswas“takingcareofbusiness,”itwasn’tbeingtakencareofintherightwaythistime.

Inastateoftwistedemotions—loss,confusion,anger—IstoodupinadazeasmymotherandIsaidourgood-byestoVernonandJoe,walkedouttothecar,and

droveawayfromGraceland.Thehopes,dreams,andplansElvishadbeensharingwithmeupuntilfivenightsagohadvanished.ItwasbeingmadecleartomebymanyaroundhimthatIwasonmyown.

MymotherandIweresilentontheridehomefromGraceland.Ilookedoveratherfromtimetotime,myeyesgettingmisty.Elvishadbeentalkingaboutbuyinga

newhomeformyfamilysinceJanuary,andhadpromisedmymotherthathewouldhelpher.Icouldn’tbelievethatsomethinghe’dwantedtodosobadly,somethingthatweallthoughthadbeentakencareof—includingElvis—hadn’tbeendoneatall.

Lookingatthepredicamentmymotherwasinnow,IwantedtoaskGodwhy,ontopofmelosing

Elvis,wasthishappeningtoher?

Sincemyfatherhadbeenpaidhisequityinthehouse,sheheldthemortgageandhewaspayinghisownrentonanapartment.Thismeantthatmakingthehousenotepaymentsaswellaspayingherotherbillswouldbeaterriblefinancialburdenonmymother.Atthesametime,shedidn’twanttosellthehouse.Wehadtolive

somewhere.Thenextday,mymother

calledthecollectionsdepartmenttoexplainhersituation.Shewrotealetterandsentinapayment,concernedaboutforeclosure.Anicemanwhoworkedtheretoldheriftherewasanythinghecoulddo,he’dbegladtotry.Hewaskindenoughtowaivethelatefeecharges.Themortgagecompanywasgoingtoletherpaypartial

paymentsforafewmonths,untilshecaughtup.

•••

Mydepressiondeepenedasthedaysslowlypassed.Icriedoftenandwouldn’tleavethehouse.Mymothersleptwithmesomenightsasourfamilycontinuedtryingtoprocessthetragedy.

Wereceivedoddcallsduringthistime.Onelady

toldmymothershewasGladysPresleyandwouldwatchoverLisaandme.Goingfromoneextremetotheother,Ievengotadeaththreat.Mymotherdidherbesttoprotectme,fieldingcallsorrefusingtoanswerthephonealtogether.

IbegantoheedElvis’slessonsandstartedmeditatingasIsearchedforanswerstothemanyquestionsIhadaboutmylife.WhyhadElvis

andImet?WhatwasthemeaningofwhatI’dexperiencedwithhim?AndwhywouldIexperiencethisamazingrelationship,onlytohaveitdisappearalmostasquicklyasithadmaterialized?

ThebookwrittenbysomeofElvis’sformerbodyguardshadbeenreleasedearlierthatsummer,butImadeaconsciousdecisionnottoreadit.Iwasinseriousmourning,

andthesewerepeopleIdidn’tknow,talkingaboutatimebeforeImetElvis.AllIknewaboutthebookwasthatithadwoundedhim,andthatwasenoughreasonnottotouchit.

EdParkercalledtoseehowIwas,whichIdeeplyappreciated,andsometimelater,GeorgeKleintookmeouttolunch.Duringourmeeting,Georgetoldmethat,aboutthreeweeksbeforeElvispassedaway,hehad

thankedGeorgeforintroducingus.

Thismademefeelgood.“Thankyou,”Isaid.Ineededtohearthat.Itwasaglimmeroflightduringaverydarktime.

OnAugust26,IsawinourlocalpaperthatVernonhadmovedGladysPresley’sbodytothemausoleumtoresidenexttoherson’s.IknewElvishadbeenveryclosetohismotherwhileshewas

alive,soIwasgladthatthetwoofthemwereinthesamerestingplace.IhopeditbroughtVernonsomemeasureofcomfortandclosureafterElvis’sdeath,too.

OnAugust29,therewasanattempttostealElvis’sbodyfromthemausoleum.Iwassaddenedbytheboldmove.Whointheworldwoulddosuchahorrible,insensitivething?Shortly

afterward,VernonpetitionedtheMemphisShelbyCountyBoardofAdjustmenttohavethebodiesofbothElvisandhismotherbroughttoGracelandforburial.

Thatsameweek,mymotherreceivedherpaymentcardsbackfromBeecherSmith,alongwithaletterstatingthat,hadElvislived,thebalanceonourhomewouldhavebeenpaid.

CHAPTER28

ThedaysfollowingElvis’sdeathblendedintooneanother.ThefewtimesIleftthehouse,Iworesunglassesandeventuckedmyhairintoaturbantodisguisemyappearance.Icouldbarelyfunction.

Sittinginourdenonemorning,Iheardacommotionoutside.Largecraneshadpulleduptoourcurb.OhmyGod,thepool!PartofthegiftElvishadintendedtogivemyfamilyhadjustarrived.Theybeganworkand,byLaborDay,thejobwascomplete.

Vernoncalledmyhomeagain,thistimeinvitingmetohishouseonDolanStreet.He’ddroppedsucha

bombshellonuslasttime,Iwasnervousaboutseeinghimalone.Iaskedmymothertoaccompanyme.

Whenwearrived,IcouldseeVernonwasvisiblydisturbed.HetookaseatinachairwhilemymotherandIsatonacouchandbegantalkingaboutthemorningElvisdied.Inapleadingvoice,heasked,“Ginger,doyourememberseeinganyoneupstairswhohadnobusiness

beingupthere?Ginger,pleasetrytoremember.”

Iwasstunned.WashetryingtoimplythatsomeonecouldhavebeeninvolvedinElvis’sdeath?Thiswasthefirsttimethatthoughthadeveroccurredtome.ButIcouldonlyshakemyhead.“Iwasasleep,Mr.Presley,”Ireplied.

“Didyouhearanything?”hepressed.

“No,”Isaid.

Vernonwasquietforamoment,thensaid,“IfIonlyknew.”

Ifheonlyknewwhat?IrealizedthatI’dneverhadachancetospeakwithhimabouthisson’sdeath.Iwasstillstrugglingtounderstandtheeventsmyself,butIcarefullyrecountedmymemoriesofthathorriblemorningasbestIcould.

WhenIwasfinished,Vernonsaidhe’dbeentold

thatDavidStanleyhadrushedafriendoffthepropertythatdayforsomeunknownreason.VernonevenmentionedsomethingaboutasuspiciousshotthatcouldhavebeengiventoElviswithoutthedrugshowingupinElvis’sbloodstream.

Thissoundedcrazytome.Whowoulddosuchathing,andwhy?WasVernon,inhisowncloudofgrief,graspingatstraws?Itwasclearthathe

wasagrievingfathersearchingforanswersandsomeonetoblame.

IsilentlyreflectedonwhatI’dseeninthebathroom.IstillfeltElvis’shearthadjuststopped.

“Ididn’trealizehowimportantElviswasuntilhedied,”Vernonwassaying,shakinghishead.

ItwasanoddstatementforVernontomake,butmaybe,likeme,hehadn’tbeen

preparedforthemagnitudeoftheworldwideoutpouringofsupport.Inanycase,itwasobviousthatVernonwasastormentedasIwasaboutElvisdyingsosuddenly.Tobothofus,itseemedinconceivablethatElviscouldjustbetakenfromusatsuchayoungagewhenhestillhadsomuchtoliveforandwasactivelyplanninghisfuture.

Vernonthenchangedthesubject.“Idon’tknowwhat

todoaboutCharlie,”hesaid.“IneedCharlielikeIneedabunchofweedsinmyyard.”

Fromthat,IfiguredCharliewasstillresidingatGraceland.VernonalsowentontosaythathehadtriedforalongtimetogetElvistofireSonnyandRedWest,thebodyguardswho’dwrittenthenegativebookonElvis.

Vernonsaidhe’dtoldElvis,“Can’tyouseethey’rehangingonforwhattheycan

get?”Inresponse,Elvishad

replied,“Daddy,Iseebeyondthat.Youseetheirwants,Iseetheirneeds.”

Vernonadded,“Idroppeditthen.”

Vernonobviouslywantedtoopenuptous.MymotherandIlethim,butwecouldonlylisten.Wehadnoanswersforhim.

AsweleftVernon’shouse,theconversationleft

meslightlyunsettled.IfeltitwaspreposteroustothinkthatsomeonehadpurposelydonesomethingtoElvis,butnowIwondered,CouldsomeonehaveaccidentallygivenElvissomethingthatwouldhavecontributedtohisdeath?

Whatevertheanswertothatquestionmightbe,IunderstoodVernon’sdesperationtoexplaintheincomprehensible.Atatime

likethis,allyoucoulddosometimesiskeepaskingwhy.

•••

InearlySeptember,theinterviewIhadgrantedthetabloidcameout.ThecoveroftheissuefeaturedaphotoofElvisinhiscasket.

Iwashorrifiedbythisinvasionofprivacyandmortifiedthatmystorywas

associatedwithsuchapicture.Whocouldhavetakenthatphoto?Asforthearticle,thewordsensationalismcametomind,andthatwasanunderstatement.Mystorywasnotfullytold,andtherewerequotesattributedtomethatIdidnotsay.

Iwasgettingacrashlessoninthewaysofthepress.Itwouldlatercometo

lightthatacousinofElvis’shadbeenpaidtotakethephotoofElvisinhiscasket.ThethreatenedLindaThompsoninterviewwasnotintheissuebutwouldappearshortlyafterwardinanother.

Notlongafterthat,IdecidedIwantedtovisitthemausoleumagain.RosemaryandItookarideovertothecemetery.Itwasadesolateplacenowthatalltheflowersweregonefromthelawn;

onlyasinglelargewreathhadbeenplacedonthelockeddoor.

Evenso,asRosemaryandIstoodtheretogether,itmadeusfeelinexplicablyclosertoElvis.Myownfaithandourdiscussionsofspiritualpossibilitiesnowfloodedmythoughts.Whetheroutofneedorrealtruth,Imomentarilyfeltasifhisspiritwasallaroundus.

Ibeganhavingstrange

dreamsafterElvisdiedandwouldwakemanytimesduringthenight.EachtimeIwoke,IthoughtElviswasstillalive.Thenrealitywouldsinkinanddragmedownagain.

Inonedream,Elviswaswearingaturban.HeandIwereinsideahotel,walkingdownalonghall,whileapartywasgoingon.Peoplewerestandingindoorways,laughingandpartying.Then

someofthembeganturningtolookatusinsurprise,asifasking,“IsElvisalive?”

Inanotherdream,IwaswithamuchyoungerElvisatacarnival.Wewereholdinghandsandrunning,lookinginsomeshopwindows.

IevendreamedthatElviswalkedintohisbedroom,naked,whileIwassittingonthebed.Itwasafterhisautopsyandhewasstitcheddownhisstomach,legs,and

arms.Iwasfrightenedashesatbesideme,butElvissaid,“Everythingisgoingtobeallright.”

Inanevenmoreterrifyingdream,Elviswastrappedinalargecrowd.Istruggledtogetthroughtohim,hopinghewouldrecognizeme,butIcouldn’treachhim.

And,eachtimeIawoke,Imissedhimmore.

•••

ThetragedyofElvis’sdeathbroughtmyfatherbackintothefamilycircle.Hesawwhatweweredealingwith,andinhiswaywantedtohelpwithallthatwasgoingon.

InlateSeptember,myfatherofferedtodriveustoLosAngelestohelpusescapeMemphisandthehauntingeventsthathadtakenplaceatGraceland,whichhungoveruslikeadarkcloud.Terryandmybrotherwereunable

totakeoffwork,butmymom,dad,Rosemary,andIheadedwestintheLincolnContinentalElvishadgiventhem.

Itfeltgoodtobeaway.InLosAngeles,myfamilyandIjustdrovearoundforafewdays,seeingthesights.StarWarshadjustbeenreleased,andaswepassedafewtheaters,Iwasamazedbythenumberofpeoplestandingin

linetoseeamovie.EdParkerhadcontinued

toreachouttousandtookmeunderhiswing.ItoldhimwewerecomingtoL.A.andheinvitedustohishome.Anotherevening,hetookustodinnerandatapingofTheTonightShow.Edevenmanagedtohaveoneoftheshow’saidesgetusbackstagebeforetheshowstarted.

Aswestoodinahallway,

theaidedisappearedintoanearbyroomandthenreturned.Shortly,JohnnyCarsonsuddenlysteppedoutoftheroom,dressedinawhiteT-shirtwithtissuearoundhisneck,obviouslyinthemiddleofhavingmakeupapplied.Asifjustlookingtoseewhowewere,hesmiled,winkedatus,andwalkedbackinside.Theaidelatertoldusthathe’dneverseenJohnnydothatwhileinthe

middleofgettingready.Wewenttowatchthe

show,whichIreallyenjoyed,andforamomentittookmymindoffthings.

OnourreturntriptoMemphis,wedecidedtostopinPalmSpringssomyparentscouldseeElvis’shome,sinceRosemaryandIstillhadsuchindeliblememoriesofbeingtherewithhim.WedroveupChinoCanyonDrivetothehouse,

pulledtothesideoftheroad,andgotoutofthecartolookatitforafewmoments.

Asecuritycarslowlydrovepastus,thenstopped.Aguardgotout.WhenItoldhimwhoIwas,theguardkindlyofferedtoopenthelockedgateinthefrontyard.IfeltlikeElviswassmilingdownonusatthatmoment.Whatweretheoddsthataguardwouldshowupatthisexacttime?

Astheguardopenedthegate,hetoldmeandmyfamilythathewassorryhedidn’thavethekeystothehouse.Thatwouldhavebeenwonderful,butjustbeingabletowalkaroundtheoutsideofthehouse,IfelthappytorevisitaplaceIhadsharedwithElvis.

Theguardwalkedwithustothepoolinthebackyard.ItfelteerilydreamlikeasIlookedoutoverthe

landscape.Takingintheserenesurroundingswasrelaxing,asithadbeenthefirsttimeIsawthisplace,butIfeltsad,too,thinkingaboutthechangesElvishadwantedustomaketothishouse,likethekingandqueenchairsinhisscreeningroom.Nowwe’dneverhavethefunofmakingahometogetherhereoratGraceland.Therewasanawfulfinalitytothatrealization.

Ithankedtheguardaswereturnedtoourcar.IknewIhadtocontinuemylifewithoutElvisandthathewouldwantmetobehappy.Forhissake,aswellasformyown,Iwasgoingtohavetobestrong.Ineededtofindawaytolivewithmyheartacheandleavethepastbehind.

•••

OnOctober2,IwashappytohearthatVernon’spetitionhadbeengranted.ThebodiesofElvisandhismotherweremovedtoGracelandandplacedinthemeditationgarden.“Elvishascomehome,”Ithought—asentimentsharedbymany.

Thefollowingevening,CBStelevisedtheElvisinConcertspecialthey’dbeenfilmingwhileElvisandI

weretouringtogether.Elvislookedheavieroncamera,asI’dsensedhewould,butoverallhehaddoneafinejob.Thespecialshowcasedhisuniquevoiceanditsoundedasstrongandrichasever.AsIwatchedthespecial,theexcitementandconcernI’dalwaysfeltduringElvis’sshows,asIhopedeverythingwouldgowellforhim,camerushingback.ElvisinConcertincluded

filmfootageofElvisintroducinghisfatherandme.Then,inthemiddleofElvissingingthesong“Hurt,”animageofmyfaceappearedon-screenbesideElvis.Forafewmoments,throughthemagicofediting,ElvisandIwereconnectedagain.

Itwasveryemotionalseeingourimageslinkedinthatway,butIwasgratefulknowingthatourrelationshiphadbeenacknowledged,and

evendocumented,insuchapublicway.

Iwaslearningthatthedeathofsomeoneyouloveissofinal,andsoterrible,thatyoutrytograspandholdontotheghostofthepersonyoulost.Youholdontighterandtightertowhateveryouhadtogether,becauseyoudon’twantanyofittodisappear.Yet,theharderyoutrytoholdon,themorerealitytakesitawayfromyou.

Ididn’twanttoletthathappen,andso,astheweekswentby,IbegandevotingmytimetowritingdownmymemoriesofElvis.Itriedtocapturethewayhesounded,rightdowntohisexactwords;thewayhefelt;theeventswe’dexperiencedtogether;andmuchofwhathe’dtriedtoteachorsharewithmyfamilyandme.

Thingsremaineddifficultforalongtime,butI

graduallybegantoheal,thankstothelovingsupportfromfamilyandfriends.IalsoreceivednumerouscondolencelettersfromElvis’sfans.Thelettersbroughtmegreatcomfort,andIansweredeveryoneIcould.Evenwhentheelectricitywentoutinourhomeonce,Igotaflashlightandcontinuedtoanswerthoselettersofsympathy.Knowingthatsomanycared

aboutmegavemethestrengthIneededtogetthroughthefirstterriblemonthswithoutElvis.

•••

Iturnedtwenty-oneonNovember13.Notlongafterthat,VernondecidedtoallowfanstovisitthegravesitesofElvisandhismother.I’dreadearlierthatthedivorcebetweenVernonandDee

Presleyhadbeenfinalized;rememberingElvisoncementioningDee,Ihopedeverythinghadgonesmoothlyforhisfather.

Thedaybeforethemeditationgardenwasopenedtothepublic,Vernonkindlycalledmeathome,askingifIwouldliketovisitElvis’sgravefirst.Itmeantagreatdealtomethathedid.Iinvitedmymothertoaccompanyme.

DrivingthroughthegatesofGracelandfeltsostrange.Itwasalmostasifnothinghadchanged.Foramoment,IcouldimagineIwasjustdrivingtoGracelandtoseeElvis,thewayIhaddonealmostdailyforninemonths.

MymotherandIdrovearoundback,parked,andbeganwalkingtowardthemeditationgarden.IsawalargemarblestatueofJesusstandingofftotheside;later,

IlearnedithadbeenerectedtomarkGladysPresley’sformerburialsite.

Elvisandhismotherhadbeenburiednearthefountain.TheirrestingplaceswerecoveredwithbronzeandgranitegravemarkerswithinscriptionsIwouldlaterlearnVernonhadwritten.OnthemarkerforElvis,werethewords:

HEWASAPRECIOUSGIFT

FROMGODWECHERISHEDANDLOVED

DEARLY.HEHADAGOD-GIVEN

TALENTTHATHESHAREDWITHTHEWORLD.ANDWITHOUTADOUBT,

HEBECAMEMOSTWIDELYACCLAIMED;

CAPTURINGTHEHEARTSOFYOUNGANDOLDALIKE.

HEWASADMIREDNOTONLYASANENTERTAINER,BUTASTHEGREAT

HUMANITARIANTHATHEWAS;

FORHISGENEROSITY,AND

HISKINDFEELINGSFORHISFELLOWMAN.

HEREVOLUTIONIZEDTHEFIELDOFMUSICANDRECEIVEDITSHIGHEST

AWARDS.HEBECAMEALIVING

LEGENDINHISOWNTIME,EARNINGTHERESPECTAND

LOVEOFMILLIONS.GODSAWTHATHENEEDED

SOMERESTANDCALLEDHIMHOMETOBE

WITHHIM.

WEMISSYOU,SONANDDADDY.ITHANKGOD

THATHEGAVEUSYOUAS

OURSON.

MymotherandIstoodatthegraveforawhile.Icouldn’thelpbutfeelanenergy,asifElviswerenearus.

Itwashardtobelievethatjustalittleoverayearago,IhadgonewithmysisterstoGracelandforthefirsttimetomeetElvis.Thatnight,mylifewastransformed,myworldforeverchanged.

Overthepastmonths,IhadbeentryingtoconvincemyselfthatGodmusthaveneededElvisinheavenmorethanhereonearth.Whetherthatwastrueornot,IwasgratefultohavebeenabletoshareapartofmylifeandlovewithElvis,andtobelovedbyhim.Ihadnoideawhatthefuturewouldholdforme.Icouldonlytakethingsonedayatatime.However,nowthatI’dknown

andlovedElvis,mymindwasopentonewexperiences.Iwouldbeforevergratefultohimforthat.

•••

Mymotherhaddealtwithsomehealthissuesbefore.Theynowcaughtupwithheragain,forcinghertoquitherjob.Withsomeseverancepayshewouldbeabletopaythebillsforalittlewhile,butI

knewthatwouldn’tlastlong.RosemaryandTerryhadgottenjobsandweallchippedintohelp.

IwasspeakingwithEdParkeronedaywhenhetoldmethathehadonceworkedonsomeindependentfilmsinNorthCarolina.EdmentionedamoviehewasgoingtobeincalledTheConcertaboutacountrywesternsinger.Theproducer

waslookingforawomantoplayapart,andEdaskedifIwasinterestedinacting.

ThiswassoonformetothinkaboutwhatstepsIshouldtakenextafterElviswasgone,butEdwasprobablythinkingasIwas:WhatshouldIdowithmylifenow?ItoldEdthatI’dbeeninonecommercialwhenIwasyounger,buthadneverreallythoughtaboutacting.Beforehangingup,Itoldhim

Ijustneededtimetothinkaboutit.

•••

MyfamilyandIweresittingathomeoneafternoonclosetoChristmaswhenourdoorbellrang.SandyMillerwasstandingonourdoorstep.

Iinvitedherinside,surprisedbutpleasedtoseethatshehadbroughtagiftformefromherandVernon.I

hadn’texpectedanythingandapologizedforhavingnothingforthem.

“Thankyou,”IsaidasIopenedthepresent.

Insidethewrappingpaperlayahatandapairofgloves.Sandydidn’tstaylong,butIdeeplyappreciatedhergesture.

WhenChristmasDaycame,ItriednottothinkaboutitbeingthedayElvisandIhadplannedtoget

married.Ithurttoomuch.Imadeitthrough

ChristmasandNewYear’swithmyfamily,hopingthattheNewYearwouldstartonamorepeaceful,joyfulnote.Iwasfeelingalittlestrongerandfinallygettingoutofthehouseabitmore.

Theyeardidstartonabetternote.InJanuary1978,Edcalledagain,andsaidthattheproducerofthemoviehewasgoingtobeinwasstill

lookingforagirltobeinhisfilm.Actingwouldbeawholeotherworldforme,butIwasawarethatIdefinitelyneededtostartearningaliving,notonlyformyself,butalsotohelpmymother.Ididn’twanttojustreturntothedressshop;infact,IthoughtitmightbebetterifIstartedacompletelynewlife.Themovieproducerseemedlikeaniceman.Hehadtwosons,onenamedRhettand

theotherElvis.Itookthisasagoodsign:IhadlovedGonewiththeWind,andIcertainlylovedElvis.Thefilm’snamehadbeenchangedtoLivingLegendandRoyOrbisonwouldevenbedoingthesoundtrack.AsIunderstoodthescript,itwouldbeabackstageviewoflifeontheroadwithacountrysingerandsomethingsthatwentonbehindthescenes.Iwaseven

goingtogettosing!Thescriptwasstillbeing

written,soIreadsomethingelseandgotthepartofamodel/girlfriendtothecountrysinger.Theproducersaidhewouldalsodeveloppartsformysisters.Filmingwassupposedtobeginlaterintheyear.Finally,Ifeltlikemynewlifewasbeginning.

Assureasthingsinmylifewerelookingup,however,Imomentarilygot

pulledbackdownagain.AshortwhileafterbeingbackinMemphis,onFebruary18,IwashandedasubpoenatoappearforasessionofagrandjuryinvestigationintoElvis’sdoctor,GeorgeNichopoulos.ThegrandjuryhadbeenconvenedtofindoutwhetherhehadactedresponsiblyincaringforElvisaccordingtothecodesandethicsofhisprofession.Afterall,whydidaforty-

two-year-oldmandie?Thebottomline:Dr.NichopouloswasbeinginvestigatedforoverprescribingmedicationtoElvis.

BeingservedthesubpoenaonlyremindedmethatI’dhadthesameconcernsaboutElvisandhissleeppackets.Doctors,nurses,anddentistshadconsistentlycaredforElvis,andIwasatwenty-year-oldgirlwho’dexperiencedonlynormal

interactionswiththemedicalcommunity,likecheckups.IhadlookeduptothehealthprofessionalscaringforElvisasresponsiblehealersandhadnoreasontothinkotherwise.

WhenIenteredElvis’samazingworld,wherehecouldhavethebestofeverything,Ihadcertainlythoughtthathisdoctorsmustbethebest.Theyhadtoknowwhattheyweredoing;this

wasElvistheywerecaringfor,afterall.Ihadassumedhewasreceivingthebestmedicalcaremoneycouldbuy.

NowthatI’molderandsomewhatwiser,IhavemanylingeringquestionsaboutElvis’smedicaltreatments.However,atthetime,ElvisandthosearoundhimhadneverraisedanyquestionsabouthishealthcareorimpugnedDr.Nichopoulos’s

capabilities.Thegrandjurywas

convenedonthethirdfloorat211PoplarAvenue.MymotheraccompaniedmeandthetwoofussawtheGracelandmaid,NancyRooks,intheladies’bathroom.WehuggedeachotherandshetoldmeAuntDeltawasafraidbecauseshehadgivenElvisathirdpacketofmedicationthemorninghedied.Iwassostunned,I

didn’tevenknowhowtorespond.Thiswasamajorthingifitweretrue!IwastoofocusedonthegrandjuryinvestigationtostartaskingquestionsasIhadneverbeeninanythinglikethisbefore.MymotherandIwentoutthedoor,wondering,HadNancytoldthistoanyoneelse?DidVernonknow?Thiswashissister.IwasawarethatrightafterElvis’sdeath,Vernonhadstatedinourlocalpaper

thathissisterhadjusttakenwaterandapaperuptoElvisthatmorning.Hadshealsobroughtathirdpacketup,whileIwassleeping?Ifso,whatwasinit?CouldthishavecontributedtoElvis’sdeath?

Nobodyaskedmeaboutthisduringthegrandjuryquestioning.IwouldgoontohearrumorsaboutthisthirdpacketovertheyearsbutIdon’tknowwhetheritwas

everdeterminedthatonewasactuallybroughtuptoElvis.

Dr.Nichopouloswaseventuallyacquittedonallcounts,butmanyyearslaterhewouldultimatelylosehislicensetopracticemedicineinthestateofTennessee.

Februarydidn’tturnouttobeaverygoodmonthatall,asmymotherwasnowbackedintoafinancialcorner.Whenshehadagreedtoherdivorce,shedidn’task

foranyalimonyfrommyfatherbecauseElvistoldherthathermortgagewasbeingpaidoff.Withherfundsnowatalowpoint,shesoughtlegalcounselandwastoldthatshewasentitledtothefullpaymentofhermortgage,thegiftElvishadpromisedherandthoughthadbeentakencareofbeforehepassedaway.Asdifficultasitwasforheremotionally,shedecidedtofollowtheadvice

ofanattorneyandfilealawsuitagainsttheestateforthefullpaymentofhermortgageinanattempttokeepherhome.Atonepoint,Elvis’sstepbrotherDavidStanleyofferedtohelp,whichwasveryappreciated,butmymother’sattorneydecidedthathewasn’tneeded.

Somepeopleincorrectlysawthisasmymotherattackingtheestate,andtherebyattackingElvis.They

werewrong.Mymother—myentirefamily—lovedElvisdearlyandwouldneverdoanythingtobesmirchhismemory.

Ofcourse,mymother’slawsuitrapidlybecamefodderforthetabloidsandnewsshows.Aroundthesametime,Ialsobeganseeingbitsandpiecesofinterviewswithsomeofthepeoplewho’dknownElvissayingthatIwasnolonger

welcomeatGraceland.Thiswaspainful,asIknewnoneofthemhadaclueaboutthetruthofwhathadhappenedregardingthelawsuit.

OnMarch24,IwasastonishedtogetacallfromVernonPresley.AsTerryhandedmethephone,Iwasevenmorenervousspeakingtohimbecauseofthelawsuit.

“Hello,”Isaid.Itwasimmediately

apparentthatVernonhadalso

heardsomeofthenegativecommentsinthepress,becausehesaid,“Ginger,you’realwayswelcomeatGraceland.Justletmeknowwhenyou’recomingandI’llmentionittotheguardatthegates.”

Vernon’swordswereextremelycomforting.“Thankyou,Mr.Presley,”Isaid.Outofrespect,IhadnevercalledhimVernon.

Wedidn’tspeaklongand

asIhungup,IbelievedthiscallcameasaresultofVernonknowingwhathissonhadwantedtodoformyfamily,nomatterhowthingsturnedoutlegally.

•••

Lifemovesforwardnomatterwhatkindofemotionalstateyou’rein.Icouldfeelmyselfslowlycontinuingtoheal,andIwasfinallyuptovisiting

Elvis’sgraveagain.IcalledVernontoarrangeit,andonJuly10,ItookRosemarywithmeafterGracelandwasclosedtothepublicfortheafternoon.

Itwasanovercastday.RosemaryandIwalkeddowntothemeditationgardenandIplacedapottedplantbesideElvis’sgrave.Asthesunmomentarilypeekedthroughtheclouds,RosemaryandIglancedateachotherand

smiled,rememberinghowElvishadraisedhishandstopartthecloudsinPalmSpringsduringourvisitthere.

Justthen,IsawVernon’struckpulluptothefrontofGraceland.Afewminuteslaterhejoinedus.ItwasgoodtoseehimandIgaveVernonahug.

HewalkedaroundwithRosemaryandme,pointingoutsomeimprovementsthathadbeenmadetotheareaby

thegraves.Beforelong,RosemaryandIpreparedtosaygood-bye.

Ashestartedtowalkaway,Vernonglancedtowardthepasturesandsaid,“Lisa’saroundheresomewhere.”IthadbeenalmostayearsinceI’dseenher.Itwouldbenicetoseeheragain.

RosemaryandIheadedtowardourcar.InthedistanceIsawLisaonhergolfcart,watchingus.I

wavedtoherandyelled,“Hi,Lisa!”

Smiling,shecalled,“Hi!”backatme.

Rosemaryshouted,“Justwhatareyoudoing?”inateasingvoice.

Lisalaughed,tookoffonhergolfcart,loopedbackaround,andstoppedagain,lookingatus.

Rosemaryyelled,“Comeoverhere.”

“Ican’t!”Lisasaid.

Inunison,RosemaryandIshouted,“Whynot?”

Lisareplied,“Iwastoldnottotalkwithanyone.”

Itwasastrangemoment.IunderstoodthefearforLisa’ssafetywhenshevisitedGraceland,butthiswascrazy.Ontheotherhand,nobodywasaroundtoaskifwecouldapproachher,andIdidn’twanttogobangingonanydoorslookingforVernon.

Intheend,wecalled

good-byetoLisa.Asadfeelingcameover

meagain.IwishedIhadgottentoknowherbetter,Ithoughtwistfully.Drivingoutthebackway,IlookedinmyrearviewmirrorandsawLisaassheracedalonginthedistance.Shestoppedthegolfcartforamomenttowatchusdriveoutthebackgate.

IknewElviswaswatchingoverher.Lisalookedhappy,andIwasglad.Ihopedlife

wouldbegoodtoherandkeepherthatway.

ThiswouldbethelasttimeIwouldevergobacktoGraceland.

CHAPTER29

Mymother’slawsuitwasturnedonalegalityknownaspromissoryestoppel,andshelostbecausetherewasnowrittencontract.Weweredisappointed,butmymother’slawyerssaidtheywouldtakeittothecourtof

appeals.WhenIsignedacontract

todothefilmLivingLegend,Ididsonaivelywithouthavingitreviewedbyanagentorentertainmentattorney.Therewasnoscriptapprovalclause,andnootherprotectionsformethatpeopleusuallythinkofasstandardintheindustry.Ionlyknewthescriptwasstillindevelopment.

Iwasexcitedtofinallybe

doingsomethingonmyown.Whentheproducerhadmentioneddevelopingpartsformysistersaswell,theyhadthoughtitwouldbefun,andIwaslookingforwardtohavingachancetoworkwiththemonaproject.

Atonepoint,thescreenwriterandproducervisitedmysistersandmeinMemphistogetideasforcharacterdevelopment.Withthescriptstillintheworks,I

traveledtoNorthCarolinaandstayingattheproducer’sstudiocomplexduringpreproduction,IwentintowardrobeandsawajumpsuitsimilartoonethatElvishadworn.

Mymouthwentdry.Whatwasthis?Acountrysingerwouldn’twearthisoutfit!Ifeltterribleandthensuddenlyunderstood:ThesingerinthemoviewasgoingtobelooselybasedonElvis.HadI

knownoriginally,Iwouldhavedeclinedthepart.

Iwentbacktomymotelroom,whichwaspartofthestudiocomplex,andcried.Ihadsignedacontract;Ifeltlockedinanddidn’tknowwhattodo.Ipanicked,hopingthat,attheveryleast,theywouldn’thavethemaincharacterpassawayinthemovie.

Whenthescriptwascompleted,themaincharacter

wouldlive,butoddlyenough,EdParkerwasn’tinthefilm,norwouldmysistersbewrittenin.IwonderedifEdhadbecomeawareofthechangesinthestoryandbowedoutgracefully.Ifso,hehadn’tthoughttowarnme.Imetagreatgroupofbrothers,though,whoweremembersofRoyOrbison’sband,andwebecamefriends.

Intheend,thefilmcertainlywasn’tElvis’slife

story,butthereweretoomanysimilaritiesformetoeverfeelcomfortablewithit.IneverdidaskEdaboutitandeventuallylostcontactwithhim.

WasItakenadvantageof?Yes,butIdidfeelthattheproducerwasaniceman.Now,reflectingbackonthings,IthinkhejustgotcaughtupinhisadmirationforElvisandneverrealizedthat,byplacingmeinafilm

withacharacterevenremotelylikeElvis,itcouldhurtme.Weremainedfriendly,andIwouldgoontohonortheobligationinmycontracttodoanotherfilmwithhim.

Unfortunately,notlongafterworkingonthefilm,atabloidwouldcomeoutsayingthatIwasbannedfromGracelandwithanegativeinterviewfromElvis’suncleVester,amanInevergotto

know.Iwascompletelystunned.

IcalledVernonPresleyathome,tellinghimaboutthearticle.“Mr.Presley,amIbannedfromGraceland?”Iasked.Heinstructed,“Ginger,don’tbelieveanythingunlessyouhearitfromme,”andthenreferringtohisownbrother’scomments,hesaid,“Vester,thatredneck,Itoldhimnottodothat.”Onceagain,Ifound

strengthinVernon’swords.VernonPresleywentinto

thehospitallaterintheyear.IsentacardtowishhimwellandreceivedaniceresponsefromSandy.

In1979,Iworkedforacoupleofmonthsonmynextfilm,LadyGrey,whichcalledformetoplaytheroleofayounggirlwhobecomesacountrysinger.Iwasgettingtosingagainandlearningnottobeasfrightenedaboutit.

CountrymusicentertainerDavidAllenCoewasalsocast.Wefilmedsomeconcertscenesforthemovie,andmyfriendsfromRoyOrbison’sbandplayedtherolesofmybackupband.Anup-and-comingbandnamedAlabamaalsoperformedinthemovie.

Alabamawentontobecomeahugesuccessinthecountrymusicfield.Mysingingwasn’tbad—oneofmysongsevenbecamea

Billboardpickoftheweek—butmyactingclearlyhadalongwaytogo.Iwaslearningtheold-fashionedway,bysimplyjumpingintotheentertainmentbusinesswithbothfeetanddoingit.

Inthespringof1979,Vernonwashospitalizedagain.ThistimeIsentflowersandreceivedanothernicereplyfromSandy.

Then,onJune26,1979,Iwasinthemiddleofdriving

toFloridawithmyfriendTeriforavacation,whenweheardontheradiothatVernonPresleyhadpassedaway.Ihadn’tspokentoVernoninawhile.Hewasonlysixty-threeyearsold,buthisweakhearthadfinallyfailedhim.AssaddenedasIwasbythisnews,ItookcomfortinknowingthatatleastnowElvis,hismother,andfathercouldbetogetheragain.

Thefollowingyear,I

decidedtogotoNewYorktopursueamodelingcareerandmakeitonmyown.Ididn’twanttouseElvis’snameorcontacts.NewYorkwasavastlydifferentworldfromLosAngeles,andfromMemphis,too,andhardlyanyonerecognizedmyname.Iwasjustonemoreyoungwomantryingtomakeastart.Nopaparazzifollowedme,andIwasnotinanyofthepapers.

IsignedwiththeFordModelingAgencyand,whenmyagentaskedwhyIwasgettingsuchalatestart,IfinallytoldheraboutElvis.Iwasquitesuccessfulincommercialsandalsodidprintbookingsdaily.IbegantakingvocallessonsinNewYorkandlandedaCanadaDrygingeralespot,inwhichIgottheopportunitytosingagain.

InMayofthatsameyear,

agrandjuryindictedDr.Nichopoulosforoverprescribingdrugstomanypatients.Thatsameyear,theTennesseeBoardofMedicalExaminersfoundhimguilty.Dr.Nichopouloshadhismedicallicensesuspendedforthreemonthsandwasonprobationforthreeyears.

Fifteenyearslater,Dr.Nichopoulos’slicensetopracticemedicineinthestate

ofTennesseewouldbepermanentlyrevokedbythestateBoardofMedicalExaminers.IwouldalwaysquestionwhetherhecouldhavedonemoretohelpElvis.

Mymother’slawyerhadtakenherlawsuittothecourtofappeals.Thecourtdecidedshehadforegoneremediesavailabletoherinherdivorce,inrelianceonapromisemadebyElvis,andmovedthattheestateshould

bestoppedfromdishonoringElvis’spromise.Mymotherwonthatbattle.

Ultimately,however,Elvis’sestatethentookittothesupremetrialcourt.ThejudgmentwasreversedwhenthecourtruledthatElvishadnotmade,initseyes,a“legalgift”ofthemoney(asignedagreementwiththemortgageholder).Averbalpromisewasnotenough.

Iwassaddenedthatthings

hadn’tgonemymother’swaylegally,butinmyownlife,Ihadcomealongwayphysically,emotionally,andspiritually.Iwasstrongandindependent.Ihadbegunanewcareerandwassuccessfulatit.ItookactingclassesattheActor’sStudioinNewYork,studyingwithLeeStrasbergandthenwithhiswife,Anna.MyworkincommercialsledtoagentswhosuggestedthatIalso

auditionforjobsinLosAngeles,sofrom1986to1991IshuttledbetweenNewYorkandL.A.,doingprintcampaigns,commercials,andguestspotsonshowslikeHollywoodBeatandLifeGoesOn.IalsospentsixmonthsonthesoapoperaCapitol.

ImetmyhusbandinNewYorkCity.Wemarriedin1991andhadoursonthree

yearslater.Ihappilyquitmycareertodevotemyselftomotherhood,andalthoughitmaybeaclichétosaythis,mysonisoneofmyproudestachievements.Heisapassionateathleteaswellasaseriousstudent,andbiasedasImightbe,awonderfulyoungman.Throughouthischildhood,Iwenttohissoccer,baseball,andbasketballgamesasanardentsupporter,fan,andproud

mother.Ididn’twantanythingtodiminishtheattentionIcouldgivehimormyexperienceoffullysharinginhischildhood.Ihavenoregretsaboutthischoice,asitbroughtmeimmensejoy.

Whenmysonwentofftocollege,therewasahugespaceinmydailylife,soIdecidednowwasthetimetoembarkonthejourneyoffinallywritingthismemoir.I

knewthatitwouldtakeeveryounceofmyenergy,focus,andability.

Iamnotawriter,butIwantedtodothismyself,haveitbeinmyvoiceandnotthatofastorytoldtoaghostwriter.IhadwrittendownsomanyofmyexperiencesafterElvisdiedtopreservemymemoryofhimformyself.Ihadtominethedeeprecessesofmymemoryandbringmyself

backtothoseninemonths,torelivetheuniqueexperiencesandthepowerfulemotionsofthattime.Itwasnoteasyandtheprocesswassometimesverypainful.ButIgavegreatthoughtandtimetotheeffortofbeingasaccurateaspossibleinsharingwhatIexperienced.

Writingthisbookwasalongandarduoustask.Noonecanexplainlove,butIhadanamazingstorytotell

aboutoneofhistory’smostinfluentialperformersandacomplexandwonderfulman.Justasyoucan’tcapturelightninginabottleandjustasaphotoisonlyatwo-dimensionalrepresentationofamultidimensionalmoment,Iknewitwouldbealmostimpossibletoportraywhatitwasliketobeinlovewith,andlovedby,ElvisPresley,forhimandmyselfandforhistory.WhateverIwrote

wouldsurelyfallshortofthemark.Yet,IfeltIowedittohim,tomyself,andtohisfanstotry.

Inwritingthisbook,Ihavegivenitmyverybesteffort,andinlifethatisallonecando.Inthisbook,Isurelydidthatformeand,withallhumility,forElvis,too,asawayofhonoringhimandtheloveweshared.

Apicturetakenofmearoundagetwo

andahalf.Whowould’veknownElvisPresleywouldonedayentermylifeandgivemethenicknameLittleTwo?

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Myfirst-gradepicturethatElvisrequestedandkeptinaframeonhisbedsidetableatGracelandalongsideanotherphotoofme.MypermedhairdoIcouldhavelivedwithout!

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Elvislisteningintentlytomyfatherspeaking,shortlyaftertheyfirstmetatKennedyVeteransHospitalinMemphis,Tennessee,onMarch24,1958.Littledidthetwoofthemknow

thattheywouldbeineachother’slivesagaineighteenyearslater.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Mymotherproudlyservinghercountry.Thephotowastakenwhenshefirstenteredthearmyin1943.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

MysisterRosemary,Dad,Mom,mysisterTerry,andmeduringtheMissAmericapageantinAtlanticCity,NewJersey,inSeptemberof1976.Wecouldn’thavebeenanymoreproudofTerry!

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Mybrother,Mike,insideElvis’sJetStar,headingtoLasVegasonwhatwasmyfamily’sfirsttriptoseeoneof

Elvis’sshows.PhotocourtesyofJoAlden

Elvis’spersonalidentificationbraceletthatheworeformanyyearsandsurprisinglygiftedmewithonourfirstflighttogethertoLasVegas.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Elvis’swonderfulsenseofhumorshowsinacoupleofpersonalchecksmadeouttome.MyfatherhadgivenElvisadimesohecouldmakeaphonecallwhenheenteredthearmy.Icouldn’thelpbutsmileremembering

mydad’sstorywhenElvisgavemetheChristmascheckfortencents.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Elvisandmeholdinghands,withEdParkerintheforeground,afterarrivinginPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,onDecember31,1976,beforehisNewYear’sEveshow.Usuallyshyaboutbeingphotographed,Iwasalsosadherebecausemygrandfatherhadjustpassedawaythedaybefore.PhotocourtesyofBobKleinMedia.com

ElvisonstageduringhisNewYear’sEveshowinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,onDecember31,1976.Itwasafantasticshow!IwassoproudofhisperformanceandhappythathewaswearingthecrossnecklaceIhadgivenhimforChristmas.TakenbyDonnaGaffin,fromtheRuss

HoweCollection

Elvisandmewalkingtowardmyparents’LincolnContinental,leavingtheRamadaInninHarrison,Arkansas,onJanuary3,1977.WehadearlierreturnedtotheRamadaaftermygrandfather’sfuneral.PhotobyBillDoshierJr.,courtesyof

HarrisonDailyTimes,Harrison,Arkansas

Elvisenteringmyparents’LincolnContinentalaftermygrandfather’sfuneral.Hehadchangedintothejeweledrobethathesooftenlovedtowear.PhotobyBillDoshierJr.,courtesyof

HarrisonDailyTimes,Harrison,Arkansas

Rightafteraskingmetomarryhim,ElvissurprisedmewiththisbeautifulengagementringatGracelandon

January26,1977.PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

OneoffourValentine’sDaycardsElvissurprisedmewithontourinFebruaryof1977.Hisspecialpersonalnotetomeiswritteninside.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

TheCadillacSevilleElvisgiftedmewithafterhisfatherdidn’twantit.Isolovedthiscar!

PhotocourtesyofTerryAlden

ElvissingingtomysisterRosemaryonthebeachinHawaii.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

MysisterTerry,Elvis,andmehavingagreattimewhilerelaxingonthebeachinHawaii.

PhotocourtesyofRosemaryAlden

AnemployeecontactlistfromlateApril1977.Onthistour,Elvishadinvitedmanypeopletoseehisshows,includingmymother,mysisterRosemary,Elvis’scousins,andthewivesandgirlfriendsofsomeofElvis’sfamilyandstaff.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

AhotellistonwhichElviswrote,

“Comebackhere,”shortlybeforeIleftatourforafewdaysinMayof1977.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Elvisleavingourhotel,withmeinfrontfollowedbyJoeEspositoandSamThompson.WewereheadingfortheMaconColiseuminGeorgiaonJune1,1977.

PhotocourtesyofKeithAlverson

MymagnificentdiamondTLCnecklacethatElvishadmadeforme.Itstoodfortenderlovingcare...

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

LisaPresleyandmynieceAmberinthesummerof1977inthemusicroomofmyparents’homeinMemphis.Lisaenjoyedplayingaroundonthepiano.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

MeandmyGreatDane,Odyssey,inJulyof1977atAudubonParkinMemphis.Hewasmy“gentlegiant.”

PhotocourtesyofTerryAlden

Elvis’sninth-degreeblackbeltkaratecertificate,whichhepickedoutandgavetomefornospecialreasonwhilewewerewalkingthroughhistrophyroomoneday.Hetoldmehedidn’twanttotryfortherankoftenthdegreebecause“therewasnowheretogoafter

that.”PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

ElvisandmeleavingtheMarketSquareArenainIndianapolis,Indiana,onJune26,1977.ThiswasthelastconcertElviswouldperformontour.

PhotocourtesyofKeithAlverson

Elvis’sbeautifulwordsthathewrotetomeonthebackofaphotowhilevisitingmyparents’homeonAugust6,1977.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

Elvis,Lisa,andmereturningtoGracelandonAugust12,1977,afteraprivatescreeningofthemovieTheSpyWhoLovedMe.

PhotocourtesyofShantayWood

ApoemIwrotenotlongafterElvispassedaway.

PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden

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