The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 47: 1973

Enjoy the new chapter!

Everyone wanted a fresh start for 1973, including me. Lately, James and I were bickering about how much time I spent time consolting Elvis and visiting Memphis so often. I suggested a family vacation to Hawaii to help us bond and relax with family, but, what he didn't know was that Elvis was in Hawaii to rehearse for his next tv special; Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii.

When our family went to Hawaii, Elvis already sent flowers, welcoming us to Hawaii. James was upset because he thought it was a family vacation only, not a family vacation with Elvis. I had some explaining to do.

James: "Are we seriously spending a family vacation with Elvis and his entourage? Family vacation, not Elvis and the family and memphis mafia vacation. I almost didn't allow Jack and my brother to tag along in this vacation!"

Me: "Elvis suggested a family vacation for us in Hawaii. Yes, he's here rehearsing for his via sattelite concert, but we won't see him often."

James: "Isn't that nice of him!"

Me: "Why don't you rest in the room while I take the children to the beach?"

James quickly went into the hotel suite and shut the door harshly. This family vacation was off to a bad start and I needed to get my mind off this situation. Madison and I decided to take the kids to the beach for a while to have fun, then have a spa day together. I felt like I needed a spa week, and so did Madison.

Spa day was relaxing for Madison and I. We got facials, our nails painted, and massages! We had our girl talk that consisted of our marriages and problems we have faced recently. Madison didn't want to have another child, but Jack wanted to try for a son. I was only dealing with James' problem of my friendship with Elvis.

Madison: "I don't want to have another child. I'm content with my two beautiful twin girls and I think our family is perfect. However, if I ended up expecting again, I would be happy as well. The thing is, delivering twins was a scary and painful moment. Since then, giving birth became a fear to me."

Me: "Giving birth to twins was painful. James and I have agreed that our twins are our last children we are having. Besides, five children keep us on our toes all the time! I understand why Jack would want to try and have a son of his own. One, to keep the Davis name going throughout generations and two, to have someone play football!"

Madison: "If it will happen, it will happen naturally. What has been happening between you and James? Jack assumes it has to do something with Elvis."

Me: "Why does he assume it's about Elvis? Why does everyone assume that?"

Madison: "You have a perfect marriage. The perfect spouse, children, career, and home. What's the only thing that's odd? You spend a lot of time with Elvis. I know that you've known him for 18 years, but it seems like he's your husband instead of James. You have wearing the ring he gave you in 1958, and haven't taken it off since. He must be jealous maybe, since he's playing football most of the time."

Me: "I never really thought of it that way. Spending time with Elvis and his family is so normal for me..."

After that, I realized two things.

One: In everyone's perspective, I spent too much time with Elvis.

Two: If Madison decided to quit her job, she could always become a couples therapist.

January 12th, I decided to visit Elvis at his short stage rehearsal. By now, James and I were on good terms and talked about how he was feeling about the whole situation. I decided to bring my daughters along since they enjoyed seeing Elvis on stage. He sang a couple songs to the girls, and they really enjoyed it.