Chapter 22

It was January 8th and the year started off great. The Beatles new album Rubber Soul entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making Brian and the boys very pleased. There was talk of another Beatles movie, but no one was sure what it was going to be about.
“What are you up to?” I asked as I walked into the living room. Paul was seated at his piano marking a number of things on a piece of paper. He smiled, looking over at me.
“Nothing really. Just messing around with some tunes,” he said. I nodded, “Wanna join me?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said sitting next to him on the bench, “What’s the name of this one?” I asked him. He shrugged.
“I don’t really think I have one yet, thinking some thing like ‘Cried For No One’.” He said. I nodded.
“Sounds interesting. Have any lyrics yet?” I asked and he smiled.
“Yes, but you know the rules. I’m not going to sing it for you until it’s done,” he said and I smiled. For some reason he had this thing about not showing me until the product was complete. I leaned my head on his shoulder as he played a couple more notes, stopping suddenly.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. You’ll never guess,” he said. I brought my head up.
“What?” I asked.
“Guess,” he told me.
“How am I supposed to guess? I don’t even know what it’s about.” I told him.
“It’s about one of the guys,” he said shaking his head, “I can’t believe I didn’t tell you this earlier.” I sat and thought about anything that could be happening and came up with diddly squat.
“Paul I have no idea,” I said shrugging my shoulders. He rolled his eyes.
“Fine, George and Pattie are getting married in a couple weeks!” he said. My mouth dropped open.
“Are you serious? When?” I asked him. He thought for a moment, and said,
“January 21st. Brian and I are the best men. Isn’t that crazy?” he asked me. I nodded. Wow, George was getting married.
“That’s so weird…. when did he tell you?”
“Um, before we went to me dad’s,” he replied.
“That long ago and you didn’t tell me?!” I asked. He laughed.
“I’m sorry love, you know me memory. It gets the best of me. Plus, I knew you were nervous about meeting me family, so I was concentrated on you.” He said.
“But that’s big news,” I whined, trying to make him feel guilty, but playing.
“Shnizel,” he whined back with puppy eyes and I had to laugh. For some reason or other he began calling me ‘shnizel’ and I could never figure out why. He said he didn’t know either, it just came to him, but it remained a funny little thing between the two of us.
“Oh stop, I was kidding,” I said to him still giggling. He smiled.
“You are invited to the wedding of course, you know that,” Paul said. I nodded and made a slightly weird face, “Do you not want to go?” Paul asked reading my expression. I shrugged.
“Yes, I do. But, I don’t know, it feels like it might be awkward. I mean, I did date him for almost 6 months, if not longer….” I said. Paul nodded.
“I suppose, but he’d be crushed if you weren’t there, you know,” he told me, hitting different keys of the piano as he talked. I looked at him and smiled. I knew him pretty well by this time, and he always seemed to distract himself somehow when I talked about previous relationships.
“Well I’m going to go of course. I was just saying….” I said and he nodded still looking at the keys of the piano, “It doesn’t matter anyhow, because I love you,” I said and with that he looked up at me smiling.
“I love you too shnizel,” he said kissing me quickly. I laughed as the phone rang and Paul got up to answer it. It was Brian asking Paul something about the upcoming wedding. I still couldn’t believe it. The wedding of course wasn’t going to be a big one, and unfortunately John, Cyn, Ringo, and Maureen were gone on holiday so they wouldn’t be able to make it. Pretty soon the day came and Paul and I were on our way to the Leatherhead and Esher Register Office in Surrey. We walked in and there were George’s family as well as some family members of Pattie’s, mixed with a few friends from each side. I took a seat and watched as Paul, George, and Brian stood next to each other in suits waiting for Pattie to walk down towards them. Pattie looked beautiful and George’s face lit up so much when she walked into the room. I smiled happy for the both of them. I could see how much love there really was between them. The Pastor married them, Paul giving George the ring. They kissed, being announced as man and wife. George and Pattie Harrison….There was a party at George’s place in Esher afterwards.
“Thank you for coming you guys,” Pattie thanked us as we walked into George’s house. I nodded.
“That was such a gorgeous ceremony. You two are so in love,” I said smiling. George smiled.
“Thanks. And yes, really, thanks for coming,” he said, and in the way he said it, I knew he was referring to maybe the hint of awkwardness, in which I really didn’t feel. I was right. I was too in love with Paul to feel awkward about George and my short 6 month relationship, and as terrible as it sounds, for the majority of it, there was things already happening between Paul and I anyway.
“Well, I had to come, I was the best man,” Paul said acting as if he would’ve rather stayed home. Pattie laughed.
“Oh, sod off Paul,” George said laughing. Paul smiled as we found a seat on George’s couch. The party didn’t last as long as usual, because although it had already pretty much happened, it was George and Pattie’s honeymoon night. And the next day they would be flying to Barbados. They said thanks again as we left wishing them fun on their trip.
“That was a really nice wedding,” I said to Paul as he drove home. He nodded taking my hand.
“Yeah it was,” he said. It was silent for a while as I thought about Paul and I, “Would you want something like that?” he asked me suddenly. I turned from the window to look at him.
“What do you mean?” I asked. He looked at me then back at the road.
“Would you like a wedding like that, or something smaller? Or bigger?” he asked looking back at me for a minute. I thought for a moment.
“When I was young, I always dreamed of a big fancy wedding. You know the kinds you see in movies,” I said laughing remembering my childhood fantasies. Paul smiled, “But that was nice too.” I finished.
“But is that what you want?” He asked. I thought it odd, Paul asking me what I wanted for a wedding all of a sudden, but I guess we were just at one and we were dating.
“If I could have a choice,” I started, “I would probably choose a bigger one,” Paul nodded, “Why?” I asked him. He looked at me, smiled, and then shrugged.
“I’m just curious. I’ve never really asked you that before, but I guess I should know for when the day comes aye?” he said laughing, and I smiled. I loved when he talked about “us” in the future tense.
“I suppose,” I said agreeing with him, “but as long as I end up with you, it doesn’t matter to me.” As much as he knew I hated it, he quickly leaned over and kissed me while driving.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” I asked.
“It’s for our first year official anniversary,” he said.
“And you’re going to give it to me now?” I asked him surprised. He wasn’t one to spoil those types of things. He smiled.
“Well, it’s not really giving it to you now, you won’t get it until our anniversary, well, a couple days after, but, do you want to know?” he asked me. I was curious, but I didn’t know if I wanted it spoiled.
“Will it really spoil it?” I asked him. He shook his head.
“No, otherwise I wouldn’t be telling you. It’s only part of it.” He said.
“Alright, what is it?”
“Well, we all got holiday time. You know John, Cyn, Ringo, and Maureen went to Trinidad and George and Pattie are going to Barbados,” he said to me and I grew excited. Was he taking me somewhere cool like that?!
“Yes….” I said and he smiled seeing my anticipation.
“Actually, maybe I will save it till closer,” he said looking at the road ahead.
“Paul! No, I want to know now,” I said not believing he was changing his mind. He laughed and parked the car after we got through the gate. He turned the ignition off and kissed me.
“Oh love, I’m joking. I would never do that to you,”
“Yes you would,” I said and he laughed.
“Nah,”
“So where are we going?” I asked as he came around and opened my door helping me out. He was such a gentleman.
“Switzerland,” he said and my eyes grew big.
“Switzerland? Are you serious?!” I asked totally excited and ready to go now. He smiled and nodded.
“Yeah, we’ll go skiing and-” He stopped the moment I jumped up and hugged him. He laughed as he picked me off my feet, balancing the majority of me on his stomach, “I take it you’re fine with that?” he asked smiling. I kissed him for a few minutes.
“Man, I love you,” I told him smiling. He laughed and put me back on the ground, but kept his arms around my waist.
“I love you too,” he said.
“Wow, I can’t believe you’re taking me to Switzerland! I thought Mexico was exciting, I mean it was, but this too?” I asked him. He nodded.
“Yeah, I think it’ll be fun,” he said and I hugged him again.
“When are we leaving then?” I asked him.
“March 4th. That’s the earliest I could get, it’s only a couple days after our anniversary though,” he said.
“For how long?” I said.
“Till the twentieth,”
“Of March? That’s 16 days!” I said. He nodded.
“Yes, 16 days of just you and me celebrating our first official year together. No recording, no interviews, no band mates, manager….nothing. Just you and me, baby,” he said laughing and I giggled.
“I can’t wait,” I said and we walked into the house. It was starting to get a little late so Paul and I just got ready for bed. The month seemed to go SO slow because I was chomping at the bit to go on our trip, but just like any other time, it was finally here and Paul and I were driving to the airport.
“Have you ever been on ski’s?,” Paul asked me as we were driving. I shook my head.
“Not down hill,” I said and Paul smiled.
“Good, that means I get to teach you. I did pretty well during Help! you know,” he told me and I laughed.
“Hm, I seem to remember you falling down quite a few times,”
“No actually, if you really look, it’s just the same fall over and over again,” he said.
“Oh, so you only fell once huh?” I asked and he laughed.
“No, more than that. But really, one of the guys actually said that I have the making of a, and I quote, “Professional Skier”.” He said acting posh. I just looked at him.
“Are you serious?” I asked and he nodded.
“Of course, I don’t lie, silly,” he said smiling. I laughed and we got out of the car once at the airport. We had about five police men on us as we walked to building and then onto the plane, and for the first time, reporters hounded us; video cameras, regular cameras, and all.

REPORTER: We hear you are going to Switzerland Paul, is that right?
PAUL: Yeah, that’s correct.
REPORTER: Is there a specific reason you are going on holiday now?
PAUL: Well-
REPORTER: Olivia what’s that on your finger there?
ME: Which one?
REPORTER: Your left hand.
ME: It’s a ring.
(Laughter)
PAUL: She’s smart isn’t she? (Chuckles)
(More laughter)
REPORTER: Is that an engagement ring?
ME: As far as I know it’s not. I actually got it out of a Crackerjack Box for free. Pretty nice huh?
(Laughter)
PAUL: (laughs) she’s funny too!
REPORTER: Paul, are you leaving to get married?
PAUL: No.
REPORTER: Are you going to ask Olivia to marry you one day?
PAUL: (laughs) Well, if I were to answer no to your question, Olivia here would be at me throat (laughter) and if I were to say yes, then I would have gone and spoiled everything now wouldn’t I have?
REPORTER: That’s true. Olivia, do you feel like Paul attaches to you more than his ex Jane? Do you feel he compares you to her? They had quite a relationship.
ME: Um….
PAUL: (shakes his head) Now what kind of question is that? Bringing up the past? I’m no longer with Jane; just as Olivia is no longer with Davy. None of those relationships matter anymore.
REPORTER: Olivia have you talked or seen Davy at all lately? How do you feel about his new girl Vanessa? Does it bother you?
ME: As Paul said, it doesn’t really matter. I’m not with him anymore, but I have seen him and he’s very happy. I’m happy for him.
REPORTER: What about you Paul? There must be something still there with Jane? It was a long relationship.
PAUL: No, there isn’t something still there. The fact is, I don’t love Jane and I wish people would stop bringing her up. It’s done. No more, you know? Things with Jane didn’t work out and we weren’t meant for each other. That’s just the way it is. People have to accept that Olivia is the one meant for me, not Jane. I’m in love with her now and will be for the rest of me life. And yes, I’ve talked to her since, we’re good friends, but there’s nothing there.
REPORTER: So you are pretty sure you and Olivia are to last then?
PAUL: Yes I do. I love her more than anything.
I smiled up at him.
REPORTER: One last question for you Olivia.
ME: Alright.
REPORTER: How do you like Paul’s hair? Do you think he needs a hair cut?
(laughter)
ME: Nah, I like him just the way he is.
PAUL: (smiles) Thanks love.
REPORTER: Can I ask you one more thing Paul?
PAUL: Sure, but we’ve got to get going. You’ll make us miss our plane, and then you’ll have to drive us there!
(laughter)

By this time, we had a little bigger audience, and we really didn’t have to be on the plane for another hour, so Paul continued longer to humor the crowd which was fine with me. I loved being in this atmosphere, except of course when they ask questions like the last few….

REPORTER: You’re last film, Help! It’s fairly close to being as big of success as everything else, I should think. Now if it is, a bit later this year, a big success….What will be the next ambition then?
PAUL: I don’t know. Another film probably.
REPORTER: Then what?
PAUL: (jokingly) Oh don’t ask me…I’m only doing it.
(Laughter)
ME: He knows very little about what goes on…..
PAUL: (laughs) She’s right you know….
(Laughter)
REPORTER: Have you got any ambitions in other spheres completely? Do you want to be Prime Minister one day?
PAUL: (shakes head and laughs) No! No, nothing like that. I’d like to….retire.
(Laughter)
REPORTER: And when do you think you’ll achieve that Paul?
PAUL: (jokingly) the ways things are going, about a couple years or so.
(More laughs)
REPORTER: When people usually ask you, ‘What’s the best thing about being one of The Beatles at this stage, you usually reply, ‘The money’ as the first quip. But what, after that, is one of the good things?
PAUL: Well, being able to do things that you enjoy doing, I’d say. You get a bit of power when you, sort of, reach a certain stage. And then you can suggest things that you want to do. I mean, we can turn to Brian Epstein and say, could we do such and such a thing…like a film. And he’ll say, ‘Well, I’ll try and fix it boys’. He’s good like that you know. (Laughs) He’s great.
REPORTER: So the power it gives you, is the power to do what you want?
PAUL: Yes. So, rather than sort of being struggling unknowns and trying to do things what we’d never be able to do, we can now do more things that we’d like to. For instance, go on holiday to Switzerland. I think that’s sort of a good part of it.
REPORTER: When you write music, which a great deal is with John Lennon, you write it very much and marvelously, in the current idiom. Do you feel that later on, when you move into another period; say in five years time, you’ll be writing in the same idiom? Or different? Will you change with the times?
PAUL: Well, I think we’ve changed a bit already. But the point is, the tunes that we write….(stumbles over his words)…on, in, any iddum. Idiom… (He looked down at me then to the little crowd of fans and reporters) Idiot…..
(Laughter)
PAUL: (chuckles) I think it’s just the arrangements. For instance, ‘From Me to You’. It could be done as an old Ragtime tune…especially the middle-eight. And so, we’re not writing the tunes in any particular idiom. So, in five years time, we may arrange the tunes differently…but we’ll probably write the same old rubbish!
(Laughter)
REPORTER: How do you judge a good song then?
PAUL: By us liking it, and Olivia here….(smiles)
ME: (laughs) Thanks.
PAUL: Of course….Mostly, John and I. If we like it, then we think it’s a ‘good’n’. It’s a combination of liking it…and what is commercial…what we think our people will like.
REPORTER: Can it be a good song then if you like it and nobody was to buy it? That hasn’t happened to you.
PAUL: It always is for us: if we like it. And in fact we don’t like bad songs, that’s all there is to it….
REPORTER: Of course, I imagine, everybody says to you that the Pop world is very short-lived…and ‘What will you do when the phase passes?’ Or ‘Do you think the phase will pass?’ Does it worry you?
PAUL: No. I couldn’t care less, really, if we flopped tomorrow. It’d be sad, you know….but it wouldn’t really worry me.

For some reason I was surprised to hear Paul say that. I thought he loved being in the Beatles more than anything…..

REPORTER: Could you go back to doing something else?
PAUL: I’d miss doing this, that’s for sure. But I think I’d think of something else to do.
REPORTER: What would you like to do?
PAUL: Write songs for other people.
REPORTER: Completely different?
PAUL: Completely different. Or……retire, you know.
(Laughter)
REPORTER: Well, it will be a great pleasure to watch Paul McCartney in retirement, but it will probably be in the year about 2010 I should think.
(Laughter)
PAUL: (laughs) Yes, a while.
REPORTER: Thank you so much for answering our questions Paul and Olivia.
ME: No problem.
PAUL: You’re welcome.
REPORTER: Have a safe and fun trip.
PAUL AND ME: Thanks.

The police helped us shove through the crowd and we made it on the plane just in time.
“Well, that was fun,” I said. Paul smiled.
“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that,” he admitted sitting down in his seat next to me.
“I liked hearing you actually in an interview, rather than watching it on TV,” Paul laughed.
“Well, that’s good cuz there’s plenty more to come love,” he said holding my hand. I laughed.
“I just hope they’re not all like the beginning of this one….” I said. Paul looked over to me.
“Love, I’m so sorry about that. I can’t believe they asked those questions. Especially with you standing there.”
“Oh, it’s all right.” I said.
“You do know that I love you so much and never think about Jane, don’t you? I promise you,” he said and I turned to face him, kissing him softly.
“Of course I know that. Just like I don’t think about Davy. I’m sure if they were as popular as you guys, they would’ve asked me more about that. I’m actually surprised they knew about Davy and I and Vanessa.” I said. Paul laughed leaning his head back on the seat.
“Oh, love, you’ll be surprised all the things reporters know. That’s what they do best. That’s how all those bloody books you read have so much information.” He said laughing again and I giggled. He hated those books.
“Yeah, I suppose.” Paul lifted his head and looked at me.
“Are you ready for our trip?” he asked and I smiled big.
“Yes, are you?” He nodded.
“Very,” he said kissing me, “Happy anniversary love,” he said and I then in turn kissed him.
“Happy anniversary,” I said and the plane began to move. Just like Mexico it was an incredibly fun and romantic trip. We exchanged gifts, had wonderful dinners, went site seeing, skied (in which Paul was right. He was good. Me on the other hand…..I needed more practice), and just spent time together. It was so great and March 20th came too soon.

After we were back, things started to get hectic because right before we left for our trip John had made a comment saying, “Christianity will go. We’re more poplar than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first, rock and roll or Christianity.” It didn’t make a big fuss in England, but the America’s sure didn’t take to it well. I didn’t really understand it at first and was somewhat bothered, wondering why John said that. But Paul explained to me what John meant, and it didn’t seem so bad. Now they had to worry about telling everyone else that and hoping they would understand. Paul spent a lot of the next months in the studio or at John’s house, me attending every so often. They were working on their new album, to be called Revolver. They continued with interviews and TV appearances with the album due for release August 5th followed by an American Tour August 12-30th. The thing was, at the time, I didn’t know--that it would be the last tour--The Beatles would ever go on…….

Onto Chapter 23!!