Autumn Leaves Read Online Free PDF Page B

she said, quickly pushing the thought aside, “and when I look at this mess, I think I need another drink before I can even think of tackling it. Just one more glass?”
    “Sure. It’s a good thing, too, that you know where I live.”
    * * * *
    Rebecca saw Callie off to her front door safely the other night. When the shutters were still closed at ten thirty the next morning, she felt the need to check on her neighbor. The phone rang just the moment a pale-looking Callie had opened the door to her. She groaned, holding her head.
    “Could somebody turn off the damn thing?” By somebody, she obviously meant Rebecca, because she was the only other person in the room. She thought it was funny how this girl from the big city could be hung over after a couple of glasses of wine. Callie remained an enigma to Rebecca. In many ways.
    “Who’s bothering you?” she asked, fairly amused.
    The call went to the answering machine, a warm low voice speaking. Female.
    “Hey, Cal, I need a word. In fact, I need many words from you, and I hope you didn’t forget about your deadline. How’s the charming small-town life? I still can’t believe you did that, but if it helps you make that story come out”—a dramatic sigh—“then so be it. Call me.”
    “My editor. I told her I’d get back to her once I got the first draft done. She just wants to make fun of me.”
    “Aw, come on. It can’t be that bad. You’ve dealt with these people before, right? Everything’s gonna look better after that magical coffee of yours. I’ll make you some. I owe you for being the first guest in centuries who helped me doing the dishes—even if it was out of ulterior motives.”
    As she turned to fill the coffeemaker, Callie got up to stand beside her.
    “That’s nice. How come you’re not like everyone else around here?”
    “I don’t know. I’m not special in any way.” What’s with the fishing for compliments, Rebecca?
    “I think you are.”
    Rebecca had no time to prepare herself before Callie hugged her tightly. She found, though, that she didn’t mind, as it was what she’d wanted to do all along. It felt right. Friends were there for each other. It wasn’t exactly clear what Callie’s deal was, but Rebecca saw hints of another side to the charming, confident one. Callie leaned her head against Rebecca’s chest as Rebecca hugged her in return. Her still wet hair smelled faintly of apricots. She’d just been out of the shower when Rebecca had knocked on her door.
    “I’m wondering if I made a big mistake by moving here,” Callie said.
    “What? Why?”
    “Don’t you think I haven’t seen the people staring at me in church, and not just there?”
    “You’re the new kid in town. It’ll ease up.”
    Startled, Rebecca realized how much she really wanted Callie to believe this, not change her mind on Autumn Leaves. She didn’t want her to leave. Callie looked up at her. In her gaze was something Rebecca couldn’t quite define, but it made her let go immediately.
    “You’ll be fine,” she said quickly. “Did I tell you David and I are taking the kids to Disneyland for the holidays?”
    “Oh. Cool,” Callie returned with slightly forced enthusiasm. “The girls are gonna love it.”
    “I’m not so sure.” Rebecca wondered why her hands were unsteady as she filled water into the coffeemaker. “Maggie, yes, she’s been wanting this forever. Dina isn’t so fond of doing things with Mom and Dad anymore.”
    “She’s a teenager. It will pass. Besides, once Maggie’s that age, she’ll be a responsible adult, and it will all be easier the second time around.”
    “Thanks, Doctor Phil,” Rebecca said wryly and finally hit the button on the coffeemaker. “It’s really hard to think of them as adults when I’ve barely gotten used to the fact they’re not babies anymore.”
    “Oh, but they’re gonna be all right,” Callie predicted. Somewhat more awake, she opened cupboards and cabinets, starting to set the