Behind the Pine Curtain Read Online Free PDF

here.”
    “Yeah, I hate that I didn’t get to say good-bye to her,” Jacqueline admitted.
    “Well, I won’t say that she’s forgiven you, Jackie. Yo u were best friends. She took the whole thing pretty hard.”
    “Hard? That’s putting it lightly, Mama. How many nights did I have to listen to her tirades?”
    “I’m really sorry, but I didn’t have a whole lot of choice. One morning I think I’m getting ready for school and instead I’m on a bus to Dallas.”
    Mrs. Garland shook her head sadly. “Crying shame, I tell you.”
    “It’s okay. It was probably for the best. Who knows what would have happened if I’d stayed here. I’ve done all right.”
    “Yes, you have. And don’t think it doesn’t eat at your mother knowing you’ve made a success of yourself. I’m surprised she didn’t have a coronary when your book made the bestseller list, not to mention a movie.”
    Jacqueline shrugged. Yes, professionally, she’d done quite well, much to her own surprise. She had Ingrid to thank for that. But personally, no.

    She lived a lonely life. Not much had changed in that regard. Oh, she had friends. Lots of them. Being a successful writer who had two novels turned into movies did that. Acquaintances suddenly became the best of friends. And it also brought never-ending offers for sexual favors. She thought that would be enough. But each time she brought another woman to her bed, the lonelier she became.
    Jacqueline took a sip of her coffee that was now long cold. She grimaced, shoving the cup away, and both Rose and Mrs. Garland laughed.
    “Let me get you a refill,” Rose offered.
    “How about some breakfast? I’ll make you up a batch of those buttermilk pancakes you used to love,” Mrs. Garland added.
    “Thanks, but I had breakfast with Mary earlier.”
    “Mary? Mary Lawrence?”
    “Yes. I’m staying with them.”
    “Well, that was kind of them,” Mrs. Garland said. “I always thought they were good people.”
    “I should get going anyway and let you two get back to work.”
    “Would you join us for dinner, Jackie? Ralph would love to see you.
    We’ll have the girls over, and it’ll be just like old times.”
    Jacqueline considered the offer, remembering the numerous times she’d shared dinner with the Garland family. All eight of them. Yes, it would be nice.
    “Okay. I accept.”

    “Great! I can’t wait to show off my kids,” Rose said. “And the hubby.
    He’s a really nice guy. You might remember him. Greg Kubiac?”
    “Geez, Rose. The little nerdy guy we all called ‘four-eyes’?” Jacqueline teased.
    “Yes. But he now wears contacts, and we’ve fattened him up nicely, haven’t we, Mama?”
    “Yes we have. He works out at the mill, Jackie. Graduated college with some computer degree and works in the office out there.”
    Jacqueline nodded. Yes, the lumber mill probably employed half the town, if not more. The mill. Soon to be her mill. Damn.
    “Well, it will be nice to see him again.”
    “Now, you run along. Go see Kay. Did Rose tell you where she worked?”
    “Strip center. Hallmark.”
    “Great. And come early. I only wish we’d thought to send someone to the county line for refreshments.”
    “Refreshments?”
    “Beer and the like,” Mrs. Garland whispered.
    “County line?”
    “Well, you know you can’t buy alcohol in town. Not with all the Baptists still in control,” she said with a laugh. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten this is a dry county?”
    Jacqueline nodded. “Yes. Forgot prohibition still existed in these parts.”

    Jacqueline was surprised at the nervousness she felt as she pulled the Lexus into a parking space in front of the Hallmark store. She’d thought of Kay a lot over the years, especially at the beginning. In fact, she’d gone so far as to seriously consider contacting her when she’d graduated college, just to share her news. But, she’d convinced herself that Kay would want nothing to do with her, and she let the idea