Did you know that the guy you saw on the movie screen, wasn’t that much different than the real Elvis.
Here’s the perfect example of that.
In 1968 we were returning from the Circle G Ranch to Graceland, we had been riding horses all day. As we were driving along, Elvis said. Let’s stop and get a hamburger. So, we pulled into a place called Lotta Burger. One of the guys asked, what do you want, E? Elvis said, I don’t know, let’s go in, to eat. That kinda surprised everyone, because Elvis usually didn’t go out to eat.
So, we parked the car, and the guys that were following us, parked then asked. What are doing? Elvis told them, we’re going inside to eat. So, they got out of their car, also. It just so happens, I knew the owner of this place. His daughter and I were friends, in school.
Anyway, we walk inside, and Mr. Cooper happened to be working there, that night. As we walked in, I introduced Elvis to Mr. Cooper, and everyone else, that was with us. Mr. Cooper said, it’s nice to meet you Mr. Presley. Elvis said, nice to meet you sir. But, please call me Elvis. Mr. Cooper said, okay Elvis. Then he noticed we had a small crowd with us, so he walked from behind the counter to pull a couple of tables together. Elvis stopped Mr. Cooper, then said. We can do that sir. Elvis pointed to an area, and we walked over and pulled the tables together. Mr. Cooper said, I’ll me right over Elvis, to take your order. Elvis said, take your time sir. We’re in no hurry.
We all took our seats, then Mr. Cooper came over and took everyone’s order. Then he walked back to the counter, and gave our order to the cooks. As we sat there, we talked about the fun we had that day.. And, joked around with each other.
As we were talking, a guy walks into the restaurant. We all see him, but we don’t really pay that much attention to him. He walks over to the counter, to place his order. We continue talking. Suddenly, the man starts to get loud. We stop talking and start watching the man. The man yelled a couple of cuss words. Red and Sonny stood up, but Elvis told them to sit down. Elvis stood up, and walked over to the man.
When Elvis got to him, he asked. Is there anything wrong sir? The guy kinda stumbled a little, it was plain to see, he had been drinking. He squinted his eyes at Elvis but couldn’t make out who he was. The guy said, yeah. There’s a problem alright. This (blank) said, it will take a few minutes before my order is ready. Elvis looked over at Mr. Cooper, then said. Take his order first Mr. Cooper. We can wait. Mr. Cooper said, okay Elvis
.
The guy looked at Elvis, then got a little closer to him, he squinted again. Then he said. Well, if it ain’t Elvis himself. Elvis smiled at the guy and said. Yes sir, it’s me.. Elvis reached out to shake the man’s hand. The guy looked at Elvis’ hand and stepped back. He said, I never liked you. Never liked your music or your stupid movies. Red and Sonny again stood up, but Elvis raised his hand, for them to sit down. Elvis said, that’s okay sir. Not everyone does. Elvis looked over at Mr. Cooper, then said. Sir, I’ll buy this man’s order, also. The man said. I don’t want anything from you. In fact, I think I’ll kick your (blank). The guy threw a punch at Elvis. Elvis side stepped him, then grabbed him by the collar and his belt, and walked him outside and to his car.
Everyone at the table was wide eyed at what had just happened. We sat there in disbelief.. WOW! Elvis really took care of business. When Elvis came back in, we all stood up and gave him a round of applause. He stopped, for a moment, then took a bow. We all laughed when he did that.
He came over to the table and had a seat. We took turns telling Elvis how cool that was. Elvis just smiled. Mr. Cooper came over and said. Thank you, Elvis! That was very nice of you.
Elvis said, no problem sir. Then Mr. Cooper said, to show my appreciation, your order is on the house. Elvis said, thank you sir, but I’m paying for the meal. All I did was take out the trash. lol
My hero, showed me, he really was a hero, that night.