“What do you think about going to Graceland?” Right out of the blue she asks this. Did he miss her saying something before bringing that up?
“Again – we’ve been there twice. I like Memphis but again? ”
“Remember when I saw Priscilla getting out of the limo, her red hair all done up – she was so beautiful. It was her. You didn’t think so but it was.”
“Pam, we weren’t even that close. Why would she visit when all the tourists were there?”
Ignoring his doubt she kept on, “There were so many people, all loving Elvis, even young kids. And the house – the white lions out front.” She was speaking in a rush. “You liked the billiard room with the pleated walls – and ceiling. We had a good time. You said so. And the pool……….” Realizing he wasn’t listening her  voice trailed off.

 

“Guess it’s will be real hot today,” Al said. When we had the house, he recalled, I used to fuss about cutting the lawn. And rolling the garbage can down to the curb. Retrieving the paper wherever it got tossed. Even walking poor old Oscar. It’s different now– everything is.

“Give me your cup,” she said, her arm outstretched. “I want to finish up.” I wonder what would happen if I said no. She took it from his outstretched hand. The mug was washed. Next the coffee pot was whisked from view. Pam went back to dabbing the shiny counter top.

“You should get ready – the appointment is for 9:50.”
” I am ready. Showered, shaved and powdered.” he said without smiling. Once an athletic man, he had developed the doughy appearance and slight hunch common to aging large men. His once brown hair now mostly gray.

“Oh, Al, I just meant …….never mind,” she sighed. She headed toward the bedroom, shrugging out of the flowered wrap, still sporting the longish pixie cut she always favored.

“Since my baby left me/I found a ……,” a soft delivery of her favorite Elvis song and then the sound of the shower drowned her out.