The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 55: Who's Ginger?

Being a mother of six was a blessing, but somewhat a struggle. I don't know how The Lennon Sisters's parents or The Osmonds raised more than six kids! The age range of my kids were 1-15 years old. All of my kids except Lucienne were occupied with school and extracurricular activities.

It was 1977, and I was going to be 35 this year; the age between 30 and 40! Elvis called me and wanted to arrange a party for us.

"Ginger and I are flying to Palm Springs for my birthday. I really want y'all to meet her. Her sister Rosemarry is coming along as well."

"I've been wanting to meet Ginger and her family for a while. Let me talk to James and see if we are able to drive to Palm Springs. I also want to visit my brother and his newborn baby boy, so most likely we will meet you there."

"Which brother had a baby? Michael or Jack?"

"Michael! He and his wife welcomed a baby boy named Mason a week ago."

"Invite him and his family to our gathering, will you?"

"OK Elvis, will do. Talk to you later."

James and I decided we were going to Palm Springs. My brother was excited for the family and Elvis to come to Palm Springs. It had been four years since my brother last saw Elvis, and he was eager to find out what he was up to lately.

My family and I headed up to Palm Springs in the early morning of January 8. We drove in two separate cars. My husband was in the car with our two eldest sons, while I drove with the other four children. Will drove an hour to Palm Springs, which was exciting!

We finally arrived in Palm Springs and we were warmly greeted by Elvis, my brother and his family, Elvis' friends, and the two Alden sisters. I was introduced to Ginger, who was 21 years younger than Elvis. She was a southern gal who somewhat resembled Priscilla.

My brother pulled me aside and voiced his concerns for Elvis due to his appearance and his mood. We both looked at Elvis, who was carrying baby Mason and surrounded by everyone who loved him. He looked right at us and smiled, and a faint smile went on my face. We all were concerned for Elvis' health, but we couldn't do much.

In Palm Springs, I spent most of my time with Ginger and her sister. She talked about her southern family background and told us how much she was in love with Elvis. She asked about my family, career, and personal stories about Elvis. It was exhausting! It was the first time where I was flabbergasted and didn't want to talk to this Ginger.

There was something about her that I didn't approve of. Was it their age? Maybe. Barely 21-year old, Ms. Alden talked about the nightlife, parties, and living her life to the fullest. It didn't seem like a lifestyle Elvis would approve of for his girlfriend or potential future wife.

I was surprised to learned that Elvis and Ginger have been already talking about marriage. They had only been dating for two months! I was very interested to see where this relationship would end up.

When it was time to leave, Ginger hugged me goodbye hoped that we would spend more time together. I just smiled.

We reunited again for Lisa Marie's 9th birthday. I wondered how Lisa felt celebrating her birthday with her friends, mom, dad, and his new girlfriend?

Lisa: "Daddy!"

Elvis: "There's the birthday girl! Hello my Princess, happy birthday."

Lisa: "Thanks daddy. Who's that? Where's Linda?"

Elvis: "Uh-this is my new girlfriend, Ginger. Ginger, this is my daughter, Lisa Marie."

Ginger smiled and got to her knees to talk to Lisa. She shook her hand, while Lisa was shyly looking away. She then ran to Priscilla, who looked at Elvis and Ginger. She had this sort of stunned face when she looked at her ex-husband.

Priscilla didn't talk to Ginger most of the time during the party. She tended to Lisa's needs, and made sure everyone was satisfied with the food and atmosphere. Elvis seemed tense, so I went to talk to him.

Lillian: "Everything fine, Elvis?"

Elvis: "Yeah, I guess. My baby is growing too fast. I remember when she was a wee-little baby. It's also great to see she and Ginger gettin' along. That means she'll like her stepmom."

Lillian: "Yeah, that's gre- what?! Stepmom? No... You didn't."

Elvis: "I asked Ginger to marry me."

At that very moment, Priscilla and Lisa walked in along with Ginger. I was stunned, shocked, and confused. I panicked and dropped some cupcakes. Priscilla noticed something odd just happened, but she certainly didn't want to know.

Elvis was engaged to a woman he only knew for 2 months. Was I concerned? Definitely. But I knew I couldn't have a say in anything he did. Elvis always got what he wanted. Always.