Carol B. gives George a gift

 

July 17, 1969

Story from Waiting For The Beatles by Carol Bedford

This story goes along with these photographs of Carol Bedford and George Harrison.  While I advise everyone to take things in Carol's book with a large grain of salt - the facts of this event seem solid, especially since there is a lot of photo evidence. 

Background: George was soon leaving for Sardinia, and Carol was returning home to Texas. She wanted to give him a gift and say goodbye.  Up to this point in the day, Carol had some typical girl drama stuff going on between her and another girl who liked George, and it was like a competition over who could get the most attention from him.   Carol comes across as very jealous (which she does a lot in the book, to be honest) of this other girl.  George had just signed something for this girl and went into EMI. The other girl left afterward, leaving Carol and a few others standing there. 

We all turned around to face the studio doors. For some unknown reason, he had come out again. He was standing on the top steps and looking in our direction as if he was waiting for someone.

"He's waiting for you!"  Margo screamed, throwing the box back in my hands and pushing me in the direction of the steps. As I walked slowly forward, the tourists parted to make room for me. It was unbelievable. It seemed like everyone knew and wanted to let me say goodbye to him. It was like he knew as well. Tourists turned to take pictures of me and then snapped pics of George.  As I got nearer and started to climb the steps, holding my long dress up, George smiled and moved down to meet me. I felt like Cinderella must have when she finally got to go to that ball.

"Hi," George said, beaming.

"Hello, George. I wanted a chance to say goodbye." I whispered.

"Are you leaving?" He asked, his smile disappearing,

"Yes. Day after tomorrow."

"I'm here tomorrow night; you can see me." Then he smiled.

"Oh," I said. "I didn't know. anyway, I wanted to give you this."  I handed him the box.

 George grew suddenly serious. "I wanted to tell you." He hesitated and looked at the ground. He seemed embarrassed about what he wanted to say. He looked up deep into my eyes. "One smile from you is worth more to me than all the gifts you could give me."  I was flabbergasted. How beautiful. What could I say now? I just smiled and said, "Thank you, George. It makes me happy to see you."

"It makes me happy to see you smile," he said. Then he said, changing the subject, "hey, don't worry about leaving. You'll be back."

"I don't think so," I said, trying to stop my lips trembling. 

"Yes, you will." He smiled. "They all come back," he whispered, leaning closer to me as if we were in a conspiracy.

" That may be your ego speaking." I laughed, "But I'll try. I want to come back."

"You'll be back," George said with finality, 

"I better go." I said, "You're probably expected in the studio." I started back down the stairs.

 "Thanks for the present,"  George called after me. 

I made my way down the stairs, the flashing of bulbs all around me. When I got to Margot and Jill, Jill threw her arms around me. Margot was ecstatic. I looked back, and George was still there looking at me. He waved and went back into the studio. All the girls and tourists surrounded me, wanting to know what he said. The tourists were impressed and were saying things like, "She must know him." "He stood a long time talking to her." "I wonder if he came out just to talk to her."

...

The Beatles all came out about seven o'clock. There were still crowds of tourists, so I didn't think I'd get a chance to speak to George. I saw him through the railings, walking to his car with the opened box in his hand. He was also carrying the wrapping paper. His white shirt made it easy to see him despite the darkness. He was about to get in the car when he stopped and looked around, he had saw Lucy, who had walked up to him. "Oh, hi," he said in a distracted manner. He was looking around, then he saw me through the railings. "Hello", he called. His smile was from ear to ear. 

He let go of the car door and walked over to the railings. "I like the present. Thank you." He smiled. I had given him a lovely hand carved pipe. I had got it from one of the drunk paraphernalia shops. 

"I hope you're not insinuating that I have bad habits." He laughed. 

"Oh no," I smiled. "That is, it's up to you whether you use it or have it as decoration."

 "I see." George laughed again. "I'll have to think about that one. Good night, and thanks again." He walked back to the car. Terry Duran, his personal assistant, was standing beside the car now. He waved and called good night.

 "Good night. Terry", I called back, and I added, "Drive carefully."

"George is driving." Terry laughed.

"Oh no", I said.

"I'm a good driver," George said, looking over his shoulder at me, "but I'd better get home before I use your pipe. See you tomorrow night."