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arms, it would be the Garlands,” Mary said. “I’m glad you’re going to see them. Such kind people.”
    “Yes, they are. They were my second family.”
    “Have you . . . have you thought about seeing your mother?” Mary asked hesitantly.
    “Yes, actually. I thought I’d go today, but the time kinda got away from me. Maybe I should wait until after the funeral tomorrow.”
    “I’m sure word has already spread around town that you’re here. In fact, I’m surprised I’ve not had a phone call yet.”

    “From her?”
    “Yes. Despite everything, your mother is still a very powerful woman in this town. With your father gone, everyone assumes that your mother is in control of the mill now. Your father was a very fair man but your mother . . . well, she’s perceived as a . . .”
    “Bitch?”
    “I wasn’t going to use such a strong word, but—”
    “I lived with her for nearly eighteen years, Mary. I know all about her.”
    “Well, I just think people are going to want to stay on her good side, is all. So, letting her know that you are back in town, to warn her, perhaps, I’d not be surprised if she’s had several visitors already.”
    “So you’re suggesting I go see her today?”
    “We were always friends with your parents on a social level. That’s all.
    If I had any advice to give you, it would be to not see her at all. She’s a very vindictive woman. I can only imagine the words you’ll exchange with each other.”
    Jacqueline laughed. “I’m thirty-three years old. I can handle myself.
    She’s my mother in name only. I don’t feel anything for her except maybe some long-harbored hatred. There’s nothing she could say to me that could possibly hurt me any more than she did fifteen years ago.”
    “Don’t underestimate her.”
    “Mary, I’m not scared of her. She has nothing I want.”
    “Okay. But if you intend to enjoy yourself this evening at the Garlands, I would recommend you not visit your mother today.”

    Jacqueline smiled at the other woman. “I agree. So, after the funeral tomorrow, I’ll stop by. How’s that?”
    “I think that’s a good idea. Can you imagine how she must be feeling?
    Missing out on this opportunity to be the center of attention? I’m sure it’s killing her, being stuck in the hospital. No one can see her pain.”
    “Physical pain? Or emotional?”
    “Physical. But she would put on a good show at the funeral, I’m sure.”
    “What are you saying?”
    “Oh, I shouldn’t gossip, Jacqueline. It’s not common knowledge, but your parents’ marriage ended long ago. When they moved out here, they both had separate wings in the house. They haven’t had a real marriage in years.”
    “Not common knowledge? Come on, in this town?”
    “Well, rumors, sure. It’s not like the housekeepers don’t all gossip. But still, it’s just gossip.”
    Jacqueline shook her head. So much energy wasted on such bullshit.
    She was glad she’d left when she did.
    “Enough of that. Go get ready. I’m sure you’re looking forward to tonight. You and Kay were always such good friends. I bet you have a lot of catching up to do.”
    “Yeah. Yeah, we do.” Jacqueline paused, then asked the question that had been on her mind all day. “What about her husband? When we talked, I didn’t think to ask.”
    “Oh, Kay’s been divorced years now. She married that Billy Ray Renfro about a year or so after high school, I think. But, well, it wasn’t good.”

    “What do you mean?”
    Mary lowered her head. “I hate to gossip about these things, Jacqueline.
    But, well, everyone could see what was happening.”
    “He beat her?” Jacqueline guessed.
    Mary nodded. “It was bad. At the end, he put her in the hospital.”
    “Dear God,” Jacqueline whispered.
    “Did some jail time, then left town. Got into some trouble in Houston, last we heard.”
    Jacqueline felt her heart clutch painfully. The bastard. Kay was the kindest, gentlest person she knew. Who in the world