Deceptive Desires (9 page)

With more hope than reason, Bari had already begun the preparations for her move to Nevada over a month ago, so there was little left for her to do. Movers would be arriving in the next two days, and Bari was only packing the delicate items. Before flying back from Reno, she’d paid a deposit on the apartment being held for her, so everything was set.

Groaning, Bari decided to break the news to her mother and step-father right away, to get it over with. She knew Efrem would disapprove and try to talk her out of the job, but Bari was resolute. Taking only the time to change into more comfortable clothes, Bari drove across the city, arriving at Efrem’s huge house after a forty-minute drive through traffic.

It was a monument to capitalism. The sprawling ranch-style house had little in common with the type of architecture. This was not a home where families gathered around the table after a hard day of manual labor. No, this was the kind of place where expensive parties were thrown with very little reason. Where false politeness and tepid friendships were worn like masks. The cold interior of the home—bright white and silver chrome—did nothing to make a person feel welcome. It was a cold place, nearly as cold as Bari’s mother.

The maid let her in, and Bari found Efrem and Ada sitting out by the pool, both clad casually, sipping drinks and disdaining the water. Bari sat on a chaise lounge and endured hearty greetings from her step-father, and a cool hello from her mother. “I got the job,” she announced.

“
That’s wonderful.” Ada couldn’t conceal her relish. “I expect you’ll be leaving right away?” Her dislike of Bari was barely masked, and her control had slipped over the years as Bari grew more attractive.

Efrem clicked his tongue. “Why would you want to go to Nevada? It’s a dismal place; hot and full of a bad element. Nothing but gamblers and thieves in a place like that,” he predicted gloomily.

Bari rolled her eyes at Efrem, choosing to address her mother first. “Yes, I’ll be leaving within three days.”

“
Oh.” Ada sipped her drink, clearly without interest. “It’s too bad I’m so busy, Bari. I’d love to do something with you before you leave, but I’m pressed for time.”

“
I understand.” Bari knew her mother wouldn’t want to spend the time with her if her calendar was completely free.

“
Please reconsider taking my offer.” Efrem had offered to front Bari the cash to open her own business if she stayed in Houston. She shuddered to think of the strings that might be attached to such an offer.

“
No, but thank you.” Rising to her feet, Bari said, “I have to be going.”

“
Try to come back for Christmas,” Ada said without emotion. It was only early June, and Bari got the message loud and clear. Don’t come back until you absolutely must.