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Praise for Between Friends by #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“In this heartwarming, often heartbreaking story, Macomber explores the depths of girlhood friendships that stand the test of time…Macomber captures the magic of the special bond forged among women.”

—Times Record News, Wichita Falls, TX

“Macomber’s latest traces the lives and friendship of Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski through their letters, diaries and other correspondence…. Both women experience loss, from men to dreams, but through it all they remain the truest of friends for 50 amazing years. Bestselling Macomber…sure has a way of pleasing readers.”

—Booklist

“A compelling story… Between Friends is an example of how [Macomber] demonstrates the ability to see beyond the souls of women and perfectly express their emotions, values and concerns.”

—The Sunday Oklahoman

“In a story told entirely through letters, newspaper articles, receipts and other forms of the written medium, these women’s lives are laid open, and the history of our country is seen at the same time. Follow these women through love, loss, triumph and tragedy. I guarantee that you will absolutely love the trip.”

—RT Book Reviews

“This book reveals the power of perhaps the truest earthly love, that of friendship, to endure and sustain. This is the kind of book you buy for a friend to tell them how much they mean to you.”

—Romance At Its Best

“BETWEEN FRIENDS is an insightful look at five decades of America through the eyes of two friends living totally different lifestyles as the country goes about its changing business. These two wonderful female characters empower readers to see Debbie Macomber at her best as the dynamic author provides a powerful look at the American half century….”

—ReadertoReader.com

February 2011

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to see Between Friends in trade format. In my almost thirty-year history as a writer, this is one book that stands out for me, one story that holds a special place in my heart. If I had to explain why I feel it’s special, I would say that’s because it’s my life story, my dearest friends’ life stories, the story of many women in my generation. Jillian and Lesley are perhaps two of the strongest, truest characters I have ever written. They are what friends are meant to be. They learn from each other, encourage and support each other. They epitomize what it means to have grown up in the ’50s and ’60s.

That said, take a good look at the photos. In the first one, my best friend from high school, Jane Berghoff McMahon—or as my granddaughters would say, my BFF (best friend forever)—is pictured with me. This was taken the summer between our junior and senior year in high school. Jane was seventeen and I was sixteen. The second one is the two of us a couple of years ago. Jane and Debbie—then and now.

Although this book is almost ten years old, I believe the story is as poignant now as when I wrote it. You’ll see that I’ve added an epilogue bringing you up-to-date on what’s happened in Jillian and Lesley’s lives in the past decade.

Please enjoy Between Friends and let me know what you think. My hope is that it bears some similarity to your life or that of your friends—or perhaps your mother’s. As always, I enjoy hearing from readers. You can contact me either through my website at www.DebbieMacomber.com or by writing me directly at P.O. Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

Warmest Regards,

Between Friends
Debbie Macomber

For all the wonderful women

who have graced my life with their wisdom.

My mother—Connie Adler

My aunts—Betty Stierwalt, Gerty Urlacher, Paula Malafouris, Betty Zimmerman and Lois Munson

My mother-in-law—Marie Macomber

Contents

1948

1955

1959

1962

1963

1965

1966

1967

1968

1970

1973

1974

1976

1978

1980

1982

1986

1989

1991

1993

1997

2000

2001

2002

Epilogue

1948

Judge and Mrs. Leonard Lawton

2330 Country Club Lane

Pine Ridge, Washington

Joyfully announce the long-awaited

Birth of their daughter

Jillian Lynn Lawton

On

January 15, 1948

6 lbs, 3 oz.

19 inches

Pine Ridge Herald

BORN SEPTEMBER 1, 1948

Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Charles,

112 Folsom Avenue, boy

Adamski, Mr. & Mrs. Michael,

220 Railroad Avenue, girl

Burns, Mr. & Mrs. Harold,

456 North 3rd Street, boy

Franklin, Mr. & Mrs. Oscar,

33 Main Street, boy

Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Gary,

743 Weeping Willow Lane, girl

Lamb, Mr. & Mrs. Dolphus,

809 South 8th Avenue, boy

September 10, 1948

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington

Dearest Momma,

I thought you should know Mike and I had a baby girl on September first. I realize Daddy said I wasn’t to contact either of you ever again, but I felt you’d want to know you had a granddaughter.

We named her Lesley Louise and she weighed 8 pounds. Lesley because it seems like such a pretty name and Louise after you, Momma. Mike wasn’t home to take me to the hospital, so Gertie Burkhart, who lives next door, drove me. My labor took almost twenty hours. I thought I was going to die, but all that pain was worth it the first time I got to hold my daughter. She’s a beautiful baby, Momma. She has your nose and Mike’s fore head, with soft wisps of blond hair. I think her eyes are going to be blue, but the nurse told me we won’t be able to tell until Lesley is six weeks old.

I wonder what the future holds for my baby girl. Will she grow up to be smart and pretty? Will she have a chance to finish high school? Dare I dream that one day she’ll go to college the way I always hoped I would? Mike says asking questions like that is a waste of time. Still, I can’t help wondering if those were the same questions you had when I was born, Momma. Did you love me as much as I love my baby? I’m sure you did and I can’t believe you no longer love me now.

Mike and I are doing all right. We live in Washington State—it seems so far away from Mississippi. We’re renting a two-storey house and Mike’s uncle got him a job at the lumber mill. He’s working lots of hours and I’ve been putting a little bit aside every week for when the mill shuts down, which it seems to do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Mike was so excited the night Lesley was born that he got drunk and was arrested. I had to use the money I’d saved to bail him out of jail.

I miss you, Momma. I’m not any of those ugly names Daddy called me.

If I don’t hear from you, then I’ll accept that you agree with Daddy and want nothing more to do with me. When I look at my baby, I don’t think of the circumstances that led to her birth. What Mike and I did was a sin, but we’re married now.

Lesley is a beautiful child, created in the image of God. That’s what Father Gilbert said a child is, and I believe him. I hope you’ll love her despite everything.

Your daughter,

Dorothy

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

2330 Country Club Lane

Pine Ridge, Washington 98005

October 12, 1948

Dearest Aunt Jill,

I regret taking so long to answer your letter. After waiting fifteen very long years for a child, one would assume I’d be better prepared for the demands of motherhood. I had no idea an infant would take up so much of my time and energy. I’m months behind on my correspondence and can only beg your indulgence.

Jillian is truly our joy. As you know, Leonard and I had given up hope of ever having a child. We’re both convinced her birth is a miracle and we are so very grateful. I know how pleased you are that we named her after you, but you’ve been a mother to Leonard since his own dear mother’s death. Without you, he wouldn’t have any memories of her.

Leonard is thrilled with his daughter. Every night he rushes home from court in order to spend time with her. She’s already standing on her own and it looks as if she’ll be walking soon. I’m afraid Leonard must bore everyone at the courthouse with photographs of Jillian. In his eyes she’s the most brilliant precious child ever to appear in this world. She has deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a cheerful, happy disposition. She loves listening to the radio; her favorite show is Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Leonard claims it’s really my favorite show, and Jillian gives me the perfect excuse to listen. One show she doesn’t like—I think it scares her—is The Lone Ranger. Every time she hears the music she buries her head in my skirt.

Thank you for recommending Eleanor Roosevelt’s book This I Remember. I’ve ordered it from the library, but my reading has been severely curtailed since Jillian’s arrival. I’ve been making an effort to read during her afternoon nap, but the problem is, I usually fall asleep myself. With her teething, I haven’t slept an entire night in weeks. The poor child is having a difficult time of it, but the pediatrician assured us everything is normal.

Leonard and I are delighted that you’ve accepted our invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Jillian will surely be walking by then—and sleeping through the nights!

I’ll write again soon. Give our love to Uncle Frank and everyone.

Yours truly,

Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

1955

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

2330 Country Club Lane

Pine Ridge, Washington

January 4, 1955

Dear Sister John,

Enclosed please find the invitations to Jillian’s seventh birthday party. Would you kindly distribute them to all the children in both first-grade classes? My husband has hired puppeteers to perform at the party and there will be cake and ice cream for everyone. I would consider it a big help if you could let us know how many children we should expect.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

Pine Ridge Mills

Pine Ridge, Washington

Lay Off Notice

Effective January 7, 1955

Attn: Mike Adamski

January 10, 1955

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington

Dear Judge Lawton, Mrs. Lawton and Jillian,

Thank you very much for the invitation to Jillian’s birthday party. Unfortunately we already have plans for next Saturday, and Lesley will be unable to attend.

Lesley so enjoyed the afternoon she spent with Jillian following their tap dancing class. We’ll have Jillian over to visit soon.

I’ve had to withdraw Lesley from dance class, but we’re hoping she’ll be able to start back soon. Jillian’s been teaching her the new steps at recess so she won’t be too far behind. These two have certainly formed a fast friendship, haven’t they? I’m grateful Lesley has such a good friend.

I’m sure Jillian will have a wonderful birthday. I’ll get in touch with you about having Jillian visit for an afternoon.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Michael Adamski

KAKE RADIO dedicates “The Ballad of Davey Crockett” to birthday girl Jillian Lawton. Happy seventh birthday, Jillian, from all your friends here at KAKE RADIO.

Now everyone put on your coonskin cap and sing Happy Birthday for seven-year-old Jillian.

Pine Ridge Library

300 Main Street

Pine Ridge, Washington

October 1, 1955

Dear Mrs. Adamski,

At your request the library is holding Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk and Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis until the end of the week.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Joan McMahon

Head Librarian

September 28, 1955

Dear Grandma and Grandpa O’Leary,

Thank you for the Betsy McCall doll. I named her Jilly after my best friend in school. I can read now.

Love,

Lesley

November 14, 1955

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington

Dearest Momma and Daddy,

Lesley loves her birthday gift! She’s wanted a Betsy McCall doll for months. She wrote the thank-you note herself, but then you could probably tell that. She’s a smart little girl and can already sound out words. I take her to the library often and she loves books as much as I do. Even when she was two and three years old, she insisted I read her a story before she’d settle down for her nap. Now she’s almost reading on her own!

Susan is eager to read, too. She starts kindergarten next year and follows her big sister everywhere. Mikey and Joe are growing big and strong like their daddy.

Mike was laid off for three months, but he’s back working at the mill again. We managed all right. I didn’t tell him about the money you sent, Momma, so please don’t mention it. I bought groceries and a few chickens to raise for the eggs. I bake all our bread myself, just the way you always did, Momma, but my baking powder biscuits just aren’t as fluffy as yours. Luckily Mike never tasted your chicken and dumplings because mine just don’t compare. I wish I’d paid more attention when you were cooking.

Momma, I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid you’d be upset with our news. I’m pregnant again and due to deliver anytime now. I thought Mike and I had a complete family. Four children in six years have worn me out, but God had other plans.

If we have a baby girl, we’re going to call her Lily. I don’t have a boy’s name picked out yet. Mike said he didn’t care what I named the baby. Since Mike, Jr. was born, he told me I could call the babies anything I wish. I know Daddy was pleased when I named our Joe after him.

You asked about Mike’s drinking. He does like his beer, but he doesn’t get drunk as often since he returned to work. Don’t worry, Momma, we’re all fine.

Your daughter,

Dorothy

1959

Pine Ridge Herald

May 2, 1959

Lesley Adamski

Wins Fifth Grade

Spelling Bee

Lesley Adamski took top prize at the tenth Annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She successfully spelled the word serum, besting runner-up Jillian Lawton, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Leonard Lawton.

As the first-place winner, Lesley Adamski was awarded a Fifty Dollar U.S. Savings Bond. Jillian Lawton received a Twenty-Five Dollar U.S. Savings Bond.

The money raised by the Annual Spelling Bee has been donated to the March of Dimes for polio research.

Six fifth-grade classes competed in the Annual Spelling Bee from schools all across the county.

Lesley’s Diary

May 3, 1959

I won! Jillian and I practiced and practiced, and I was sure she’d win, but I did. Jillian was happy for me. I would’ve been happy if she won, too. My mom took the $50.00 savings bond and put it in a safe place. Mom and Susan, Mikey, Joe and baby Lily were at the spelling bee to see me win. Dad was with his friends, but that’s all right. Afterward, Mom said she was proud of me and took us all to the Dairy Queen for hot fudge sundaes. She invited the Lawtons, and Judge Lawton insisted on paying for all the ice cream we could eat. I’m so excited I can’t sleep.

Mrs. Leonard Lawton

2330 Country Club Lane

Pine Ridge, Washington 98005

June 23, 1959

Dearest Aunt Jillian and Uncle Frank,

Leonard and I are overwhelmed by your generosity to Jillian. We received the paperwork regarding the $25,000 trust fund you’ve set up for her college education, and it took our breath away. We don’t know what to say other than to thank you both from the bottom of our hearts.

I’m so sorry to hear you won’t be able to join us in Hawaii this August. Uncle Frank, take good care of yourself!

We love you both, and although Jillian is too young to fully comprehend the significance of this trust fund, Leonard and I certainly do.

All our love,

Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

Jillian Lawton/English J. M. J.

September 7, 1959

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION

School let out on Memorial Day and Lesley Adamski and I spent three whole days together while her mother was in the hospital having her baby brother, Bruce. We got to go to the Country Club with my dad and he let us carry his golf clubs for him. After that we went swimming and got a sunburn. The best day of the summer was when Lesley and I were at the pool at the Country Club.

Then in August my parents and I flew to Hawaii. This is the third time I’ve been to Hawaii. I didn’t get airsick on the plane. The stewardess let me hand out gum to the passengers before we took off and said I did a good job.

We were in Hawaii on August 21st when it became the fiftieth state. My father wanted to buy property, but he says no one can afford $1.25 a foot for beachfront.

I like Hawaii, but I like Pine Ridge better. Pine Ridge is home and that’s where my best friend lives. I feel sorry for all the Cuban refugees who are coming to America, having to leave their homes behind. I hope they’ll be able to return to their homeland soon. There really isn’t anyplace better than home. That’s what I learned this summer.

St. Mary Parochial School

1521 North Third Street

Pine Ridge, Washington

November 2, 1959

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Michael Adamski,

I regret to inform you that your tuition payment for Lesley, Susan and Mike is now three months past due. We trust that you will take care of this matter at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Sister Philippa

Bookkeeper

Jillian’s Diary

October 23, 1959

Lesley spent the night and we watched Rowdy Yates in Rawhide—he’s so handsome!!!!! Then we watched The Twilight Zone and hid our eyes at the scary parts. Lesley’s family hasn’t bought a television yet and she said she doesn’t mind, but I think she does. After Mom and Dad made us turn off the light, we lay on my bed and talked and listened to the radio. I called in and requested Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” and later Lesley got through and asked for Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.” I wanted to ask for “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb,” but the disc jockey said I could only request one song at a time. I think Edd Byrnes is cute. Lesley does, too.

Lesley Adamski is my best friend for life.

1962

Jillian’s Diary

January 1, 1962

This is my first entry in the new diary Mom and Dad got me for Christmas. My name’s engraved on the front. They got Lesley one, too, with her name engraved on it. We both plan to write in them every night all year.

My day started off bad. Mom and I had a fight about the bomb shelter. It’s all finished now and takes up half the basement. Dad had it built in case of an atomic bomb. It’s ugly, with bare concrete walls and shelves filled with canned food and emergency supplies. I told Mom that if Russia dropped a bomb on us I’d rather die with the rest of my friends. Mom said Dad built it because of me and I should be grateful. She also said she won’t have me talk about dying when there’s a perfectly safe place for us in our own home.

I went to my room and closed the door. Well, actually I slammed it. I used to be able to talk to my mom about anything. I still can with my dad. He’s older than a lot of my friends’ dads, but he understands what it’s like to be almost fourteen. Sometimes on Saturday mornings he takes me to breakfast and I sit with all his attorney friends. Dad includes me in the conversation and that makes me feel important. We talk about me going to law school one day, and I think I will. I like listening to my dad and I’m proud that he’s a judge. People respect him and like him. I bet there isn’t anything he doesn’t know about the law.

Lesley phoned in the afternoon and I told her about Mr. Hanson kissing me at midnight. (I know him from breakfast on Saturdays with my dad.) It wasn’t a real kiss, but it was close. He kissed my cheek and told me I was going to grow up to be a beauty. I hope he’s right. I don’t feel beautiful with a mouthful of metal braces.

The New Year’s party was really cool except Mom kept insisting everyone go downstairs to take a peek at the bomb shelter. She thinks Dad was prudent by having it built. She insists he was the one who wanted it, but I know Mom put the idea in his head. She mentioned it first and then found the plans and talked to the contractor. The concrete was poured while we were in Hawaii this summer.

I had a good time at the party, and I’m glad Mom and Dad finally realized that I’m old enough to participate. I’m not a child, although Mom treats me like one. Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin and she’s younger than I am!

Lesley told me about her New Year’s Eve. We talked for half an hour, but she’s on a party line and we kept getting interrupted. She spent New Year’s Eve babysitting for the Randalls. She said it was the easiest $3.00 she ever earned.

Lesley hasn’t been kissed for real, either. I don’t understand why because she’s super pretty and smart, too. She’s pretty enough to be a high school cheerleader if she wanted. I told her she should try out next year but she can’t because her mother needs her to help at home. She has five brothers and sisters now. I wish Lesley was my sister. Her mother hasn’t been feeling very well since Bruce was born and her father doesn’t always have a job. But Lesley never complains. In all the years we’ve been best friends, I’ve only stayed the night at her house once and then we camped outside. I don’t mind, though. I think Mom and Dad prefer that she comes here, and they don’t need to tell me why, either. (Mr. Adamski drinks too much. Sometimes when I call Lesley, I can hear him yelling in the background.)

Larry Martin phoned after dinner and asked if I’d be at the boys’ basketball game next Saturday. I told him I would.

Mom and Dad have already told me they want me to attend Holy Name Academy next year. I don’t think I’m going to like attending an all-girls school, but it’ll be all right as long as Lesley is there, too.

No one else phoned and I lay on my bed and listened to music for the rest of the afternoon. I like Roy Orbison and the Supremes the best. Mostly I thought about next year and high school and wondered if I’d ever be kissed for real and by whom. Lesley says I probably will be soon. Maybe Larry will kiss me. I wonder if it’s possible for Lesley and me to be kissed on the very same night. That way we won’t have to worry about who was first.

I don’t care what Mom says, I’m not going into that bomb shelter without Lesley. We’ve been friends our entire lives and I refuse to let her die because her family can’t afford to build a bomb shelter.

Pine Ridge Herald

May 29, 1962

Top Ten Students From

St. Mary Junior High Named

The Sisters of Providence have named the top ten students from the eighth-grade graduating class. They are listed in order of ranking: Jillian Lawton, Lesley Adamski, Jerry Englehardt, Marilyn Andrews, Bonnie Gamache, Bernard Simmons, Yvette Dwight, David Thoma, Steve Bounds and Diane Kerry. Each student received a twenty-five dollar scholarship toward tuition at either Holy Name Academy or Marquette High School.

July 10, 1962

220 Railroad Avenue

Pine Ridge, Washington

Dear Judge and Mrs. Lawton,

Thank you so much for inviting me to the Seattle World’s Fair with you and Jillian. I had a wonderful time, even if we didn’t get to see Elvis. I especially loved taking the elevator to the top of the Space Needle and riding on the monorail. I’m sorry I can’t go to Hawaii with Jillian, but my mom and dad need me at home. It was very nice of you to include me. Perhaps someday I’ll see the islands.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Lesley Adamski

August 8, 1962

Dear Jillian,

Summer is so boring without you. I wish I could be with you in Hawaii, but I need the babysitting money for my school uniform. Did you hear that Marilyn Monroe died? Mom didn’t like her because she was too sexy.

Susan and I went to the movies last Saturday and saw John Wayne in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. It was good, but I would’ve had more fun with you than my little sister. Dad said spending 25¢ to see a movie is a waste. I didn’t tell him popcorn went up to 10¢ a bag.

Call me over at Mrs. Johnson’s house the minute you get home. I have a lot to tell you.

Your Best Friend Forever,

Lesley

September 4th

English Class

Lesley,

Here we are, the first day of HIGH SCHOOL. Don’t you just want to die with happiness? I was disappointed we aren’t in the same homeroom, though. Someone must have told Sister Anna Marie that you and I are best friends. They want to keep us apart, but nothing ever will. At least, we’ve got English and algebra together.

Can you meet me after school? We need to practice the watusi. I can do the bossa nova but this new dance is more complicated. Thank you for saying I can twist better than Chubby Checker. Now all we need is for a couple of boys to invite us to a dance so we can show everyone how good we are.

I heard Sister Bernice grades easy in English.

Jillian

October 22nd

Algebra Class

Jillian,

Do you think we’re going to war? This is so scary. Even my dad was talking about it. I can’t concentrate on algebra, can you? Mom went to Mass this morning to pray for peace. Cuba wouldn’t really bomb us, would they?

Lesley

Algebra Class

Lesley,

I don’t know if there will be a war or not, but if there is you can come in the bomb shelter with me. I’ve already told my parents that I refuse to go inside without you. Do you want to sleep over tonight? We can camp out in the shelter. In case something does happen, we’ll be safe.

Jillian

P.S. If the politicians listened to the music of Joan Baez and the New Christy Minstrels, I bet this wouldn’t be happening.

Holy Name Academy

230 First Street

Pine Ridge, Washington 98005

November 1, 1962

Dear Judge and Mrs. Lawton,

Thank you for your generous financial contribution to Holy Name Academy. It is because of benefactors such as yourselves that the Sisters of Providence are able to offer high-quality education to the young Catholic women of Pine Ridge.

You can trust that the matter of the scholarships for Lesley and Susan Adamski will be handled in the most discreet manner possible. Neither the girls nor their parents need ever know that you have paid their tuition in advance. I have discussed the matter with Mother Superior; she felt it would be best if the girls were awarded scholarships and nothing more was said. I’m confident, however, that if Lesley and Susan Adamski were aware of your generosity, they would express their gratitude personally.

Again, your generous check is appreciated.

In Christ’s Service

Sister Martin de Porres

Lesley’s Diary

December 4, 1962

Scott kissed Jillian and she said it was the most romantic, wonderful event of her entire life. She asked Scott McDougal to the Sadie Hawkins dance and I asked Roy Kloster. Jillian’s dad picked us all up in his new Cadillac. It was my first official date and Roy brought me a corsage. My mother pinned it on my dress—and then embarrassed me by saying in front of Roy how pretty I was.

Jillian and I spent all afternoon with our hair in pink rollers, the hard plastic ones. Her mother said we used enough hair spray for our hairdos to survive hurricane-force winds.

I was barely home from the dance when Jillian phoned to tell me that Scott kissed her. She described everything he did, and it sounded better than anything we’ve read in Modern Screen Magazine or Movie Life. I don’t think I’ll ever be kissed. I’m planning on joining the Peace Corps and dedicating my life to helping children in Africa.

I wanted Roy to kiss me, but all he did was hold my hand. He barely spoke to me all evening. I didn’t talk much either. I knew Roy from Junior High and when I called to ask him to the dance, he sounded like he wanted to go. Mikey has a paper route now and he delivers to Roy’s house on Maple Street. He thinks Roy wants me to be his girlfriend.

Mom said Roy is shy, but I am, too. If we’re both afraid to talk, we could be seventeen before either one of us gets up the courage to do more than gawk at the other. I want romance and music, the same way Jillian had with Scott. Maybe someday I’ll meet a boy who won’t be afraid to kiss me…and I won’t be afraid to let him. Until then I’m keeping the idea of joining the Peace Corps in the back of my mind.

Even if Roy didn’t kiss me, I had a wonderful time at the dance. I’m going to sleep now and dream about being kissed. Susan’s still awake and she keeps pestering me. She thinks I should kiss Dr. Kildare. If I can’t get Roy Kloster interested in me, there isn’t much chance a famous television star like Richard Chamberlain would want to kiss me. Besides, I like Ben Casey better.