Behind the Pine Curtain

by Gerri Hill

“I don’t really care one way or the other, Mr. Lawrence.”

  “Please, call me John.”

  “Of course.”

  “This may not mean anything to you, but your father was very proud of you.”

  “Proud? I disgraced the family. In fact, he wouldn’t even speak to me the last two weeks I was here. Wouldn’t even look at me.”

  “It was a… a shock to him, Jacqueline.”

  “I’m sure it was, especially since he and Mr. Thornton had my marriage all arranged.”

  John laughed before sipping from his drink. “Talk about ironic. Daniel went off to one of those Ivy League schools, pre-law. Next thing his parents knew, he’d moved to New York City and became an actor.”

  “Really? Danny?”

  “Yes.”

  “How’d he do?”

  “Had a couple of shows on Broadway, they tell me. But,” Lawrence shrugged. “He died of AIDS probably ten, twelve years ago now.”

  “AIDS?”

  “Yes. He was gay.”

  Jacqueline stared at him. “Talk about ironic. If not for his death, this would be funny.”

  “The situation, yes. I think, in your mother’s mind, her world was crashing down around her. She sent you away because you were gay and refused to marry Daniel Thornton. And then, a few years later, it’s made known that their chosen son-in-law is gay, too. Trust me, the news that the high school quarterback turned out to be gay was much bigger news than you.”

  She smiled, thinking back to the innocent dates she’d had with Danny. She should have known. She’d thought it was just her, but apparently Danny had been just as content to keep their relationship platonic as she was.

  John stood and crossed to his desk, picking up a large folder, which he turned nervously in his hands. “I have something for you. And we have some things to discuss.”

  Jacqueline watched him, eyebrows raised as he opened the folder and took out a small white envelope. Her name was printed neatly on the front.

  “Your father wrote this to you, years ago. As I said, he was proud of the success you’d achieved. And all without his help.”

  He handed the envelope to Jacqueline and she took it, staring at her name for a few seconds before laying the envelope in her lap. She couldn’t possibly imagine what her father had to say to her. An apology, perhaps. Well, she would read it later, if at all.

  “This is his will. We’ll have a formal reading later, but I thought you should know ahead of the others. There’ll be problems, no doubt.”

  “Problems?”

  “Yes. He’s compensated your mother nicely, of course. More than half of his assets. But the business—Keys Industries—and a couple of other holdings, the rest of his wealth, he left to you.”

  “What?”

  “Your uncle, who has been managing the lumber mill for years, may contest the will. Of the original mill, your uncle owned less than forty percent. But you must understand, the mill was but a small portion of Keys Industries. And besides your uncle, you can be most certain that your mother will contest the will.”

  “Jesus Christ, John! Why would he even mention me in his will?”

  “On the surface, it would appear that he was trying to make up for what they did to you. In reality, he truly loved you.”

  “Well, I can’t take it. I don’t need his money. I don’t want his money.”

  “I understand. I’m simply his lawyer and the executor of his wishes. If you choose to sell the business or give it to your uncle or mother, that’s your decision. You probably have no idea of his worth, but it is substantial, Jacqueline. His business holdings aren’t limited to the mill. In fact, while it is common knowledge that he bailed the bank out all those years ago, no one really knows that the bank would collapse should he pull his money. Keys Industries controls the bank.” He paused. “Perhaps, after you’ve had a chance to absorb this, you may decide to accept it.”

  Jacqueline stood, pacing nervously across the room. This, she was not expecting. Jesus, talk about ironic. If her mere presence in town didn’t send her mother to her death, this most surely would.

  “He controls the bank?” she asked quietly.

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “It goes back to the days of your grandfather. However, poor business decisions over the years left the bank in desperate need of capital. Your father obliged, using Keys Industries. In turn, he was able to secure loans for future plants at exceptionally low interest rates. Financially, the bank is extremely sound now. Your father hired a financial consultant from Houston years ago to oversee investments and such. He doesn’t officially have anything to do with the bank, like the title of president—that honor goes to Mr. Wells—but he has the last say on everything. Your father trusted him completely.”

  Jacqueline was speechless. “And my mother knows none of this?”

  “No. She thinks he had a small interest in the bank. I assume she believes it was all left to her, along with the mill and the business, of course.”

  “Jesus Christ,” she murmured.

  John smiled. “No, he left Brother Garner out of the will.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Jacqueline had one free day before the funeral, so she took Mary’s advice and drove into town, foregoing her original thoughts of playing a round of golf. You don’t play golf the day before your father’s funeral, even if the weather was perfect for it.

  She found herself driving back toward the old downtown area, the buildings looking much drabber now in the light of day. And small. Pine Springs had not changed, not really. Dobson’s bakery was still on the same corner. The meat market next to it. She felt a grin come on when she saw the sign for the café. Garland’s Café-Just Good Food. God, did that bring back memories. Kay’s family had owned it for as long as she could remember, and Jacqueline spent many a Saturday morning there, helping Kay and her sister Rose in the back with dishes much to her mother’s dismay. A café was no place for the mayor’s daughter. On impulse, she decided a cup of coffee was in order. Perhaps Mrs. Garland would be there. It would be nice to say hello, at least.

  The bell jingled as she opened the door, and she looked up, certain it was the very same bell she remembered from all those years ago. A few curious glances were tossed her way by the lingering breakfast crowd, but the conversations never missed a beat. She walked confidently to the counter, sat on one of the old barstools and waited. A bell dinged and “order up” was yelled from the kitchen. A young woman grabbed the two plates and hurried off to a table to deliver breakfast.

  “Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit! Look what the cat drug in!”

  Jacqueline turned, finding Rose Garland staring at her—an older, plumper version of the kid that used to tag along with her and Kay. She smiled slightly and raised an eyebrow, not exactly certain how her presence would be accepted.

  “I’m surprised you recognize me.”

  “Darlin’, there ain’t another person in this world got baby blues like you.” She laughed and walked closer. “Should I back away in case lightning bolts come crashing through the roof?”

  “Might not be a bad idea.”

  “Never thought we’d see you again, Jackie. How the hell are you?”

  “I’m… I’m good.”

  “Sorry about your father, but we didn’t think you’d actually come for the funeral. Kay and I were just talking about you last night. We wondered if anyone would even contact you.”

  “Oh yeah? How is Kay?”

  “Kay? Oh, Kay’s doing fine. She owns the Hallmark shop out in the new strip center.” Rose filled a cup with coffee and set it in front of Jacqueline. “So, you came back. Where’d they find you?”

  “Monterey.”

  “Where’s that? California?”

  Jacqueline nodded. “South of San Francisco.”

  “Well, it must suit you. You look great.”

  “Thank you. You haven’t changed much, Rose.”

  “Oh please. Who are you
kidding? Having four kids before you’re thirty does this to your body,” she said, pointing at herself. “That, and eating Mama’s cooking.”

  “You look fine. You were always such a skinny little kid.”

  “Oh I was, but I ate that person several years ago,” she said with a laugh. “Let me get Mama. She’ll want to say hello.”

  Before Jacqueline could protest, Mrs. Garland hurried out of the kitchen, a delighted smile on her face.

  “Jackie Keys, as I live and breathe! Give me a hug.”

  Jacqueline stood obediently and was enveloped by the larger woman.

  “My goodness, you’ve grown up.” Mrs. Garland held her at arms length, studying her. “A beautiful young lady you’ve become, Jackie. Your father would have been so proud.”

  Jacqueline’s smile faltered. “I doubt that. I haven’t changed that much, Mrs. Garland.”

  “Oh, pooh. That was all your mother’s doing. As if we would have thought less of you or your family. It’s not like we’re living in the fifties, Jacqueline.”

  At that, Jacqueline laughed. Yes, Pine Springs was definitely caught somewhere between 1950 and 1970, she was certain. But she was pleased at her reception here in Garland’s Café. She should have known better than to think that these kind people who had loved her as one of their own would have turned her away.

  “How long will you stay?”

  “I’m not sure. I haven’t actually gone to see my mother yet. I’m sure that will be entertaining.”

  “I’d love to tag along and watch,” Mrs. Garland said with a twinkle in her eye. “Or be a fly on the wall. Forgive my bluntness, but I never understood that woman, sending her only child away like she did. Why, I’ve hardly spoken to her in the last fifteen years.”

  “Mama, it’s not like you frequent the country club, you know,” Rose reminded her. “Or that she would ever set foot in here.”

  “Well, still. It wasn’t the Christian thing to do, but she never missed a Sunday service. Let’s hope she was silently begging for forgiveness.”

  Jacqueline smiled, knowing the thought would have never crossed her mother’s mind. Madeline Keys had done nothing wrong, as far as she was concerned.

  “Enough of that. I’m so glad you’re back. You’ve got to look up Kay. She’ll be thrilled to learn you’re 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 fade. Now here she was, fifteen years later, a grown woman about to see the first girl who had stirred feelings in her, feelings she had no idea what to do with at the time. The picture she had of Kay in her mind was as she’d been at seventeen. She wondered how much she’d changed. Had she grown like Rose? Jacqueline hadn’t even bothered to ask who she’d married or if she had kids. Probably. She’d come from a large family. No doubt she tried to duplicate that, much as Rose had done.

  “Come on, come on,” she whispered, lightly tapping the steering wheel. “Can’t hide in here all day.”

  She finally opened the car door and stepped into the sunshine, her eyes looking through the glass into the store, trying to find Kay. A few customers were milling about, but none looked familiar to her. She brushed at the hair over her ears, then nervously pulled at the collar of her shirt before walking purposefully to the door, hesitating only a fraction of a second before entering. An electronic tone announced her arrival, and she moved inside, pretending to look at a display near the door. She finally raised her eyes and surveyed the store, looking for Kay.

  “Good Lord,” she murmured quietly. Kay was at the register in the back of the store, talking to a customer, laughing at something she said. Her light brown hair was much shorter than she wore it in high school. It was styled nicely, barely touching the collar of her blouse now. Jacqueline remembered it as being long and straight. The easy smile that Jacqueline remembered was still there, but laugh lines now showed around the smooth skin of her eyes. She was as lovely as ever. And the sight of her caused Jacqueline’s heart to beat just a little faster.


  She waited until the customer left, then moved closer, standing with her hands shoved nervously in the pockets of her jeans. She watched as Kay straightened the pens in the jar next to the cash register, waiting for her to look up. Kay finally did, her light blue eyes moving slowly over Jacqueline, stopping when they reached her face. A slight frown as her eyebrows drew together, then a widening of her eyes as recognition set in. Jacqueline smiled.

  “Oh my God. Is it you?”

  Jacqueline shrugged. “You… who?”

  “Jackie,” she whispered.

  Then Kay was walking slowly around the counter, moving toward her. Her steps increased, and before Jacqueline knew what was happening, the other woman flung her arms around her, squeezing her tight.

  “My God. It’s really you.”

  Jacqueline hugged her back, surprised at the familiarity of that simple embrace.

  “In the flesh.”

  Kay finally stepped away, grasping her hands. Their eyes locked together as identical smiles touched their faces.

  “I am so mad at you,” Kay finally said.

  “Oh yeah? What’d I do this time?”

  A hard fist slugged her arm and Jacqueline stepped back, rubbing the spot where Kay had hit her.

  “What’s that for?”

  “You know perfectly well what that’s for. Not one word! Not a letter. Nothing. I didn’t know if you were dead or alive!”

  Jacqueline lowered her eyes. This, she was expecting. She’d expected it from Rose and Mrs. Garland, as well.

  “I didn’t have a chance to say good-bye, Kay. Later, well, it was too late. Besides, I wasn’t certain you’d even want to hear from me.”

  “You were always so stubborn. I should have known.”

  “Stubborn? I was kicked out of town,” Jacqueline reminded her.

  “Bullshit. It wasn’t like they had a gun to your head. You could have stayed with us. You know Mama would have welcomed you.”

  “I knew no such thing. I was scared. I didn’t think you’d even talk to me, much less want to see me.”

  “Why? You were my best friend.”

  Jacqueline shrugged.

  “Jesus. Stubborn. I swear.”