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through the family room.
    â€œHey, Riley, you ready?” she asked, as she approached the door to his area and eased it open.
    Riley rose from one of the theater-style seats and straightened his jeans. He had replaced the button-down and blazer with a V-neck T-shirt.
    â€œYeah. I tried to call Bill, but all I got was voicemail,” Riley said. His eyes settled on Leela and confusion colored his face.
    â€œThat’s what you’re wearing?”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Leela looked down at the outfit she had on. It was fine to her. She looked back up at her husband.
    Riley gave her a stern look. “You’re answering my question with a question, and you know how I feel about that. Now please, go put on something else. A pair of jeans and a T-shirt is more appropriate for this situation.”
    Leela looked down at the maxi dress again. She didn’t see a problem with it, but just to avoid an argument, she decided to change. It would be easier than to listen to him go on about what was and wasn’t appropriate attire to sit up at her friend’s house.
    â€œOkay, but I still think you should come with me,” Leela said, as she turned to go back to their bedroom. What difference did it make whether she wore a dress or jeans? Sometimes, Riley could be so irrational, but she brushed it off and kept it moving.
    â€œBetter?” She met him in the family room and twirled to get his approval.
    â€œYeah, and I’ll drive. If he’s not there, I’ll just drop you off,” he offered.
    â€œThanks,” Leela said, and they headed to the garage.

CHAPTER
4
    C ross Creek Ranch, Fort Bend County’s master-planned community, was a status symbol for anyone fortunate enough to call it home. Bill and Samantha Thomas’s pristine, lakefront neighborhood looked like it should grace the pages of Design Digest. Their four-bedroom, two-story, stucco-and-brick house, near the back of Liberty Heights, was adjacent to one of the many neighborhood pocket parks. The area was serene and tranquil.
    As their car slowly rolled along the winding cobblestone circular driveway, Leela couldn’t help but wonder whether this would be one of their last trips to the picturesque gated-community.
    â€œI’m gonna drop you here and pull around to the back,” Riley said.
    â€œYeah. That’s probably a good idea. I told you she didn’t sound too good on the phone, so I don’t want her to see you, especially since you might not stay anyway,” Leela explained.
    Riley pulled up beyond the front door and brought the car to a slow stop so his wife could get out.
    â€œYou want me to call when I’m ready?” she asked.
    â€œYes, but take your time. If he’s not here, I’ll find something to do. Don’t worry about me; stay as long as you want.”
    She reached over and touched his hand. “Thanks for understanding. I hope you don’t feel too bad about missing the party.”Leela leaned over and kissed her husband’s cheek. She hopped out of the car and stood for a second to watch him make his way down to the end of the driveway. Once he had turned toward the back of the property, she began the short trek up to the front door.
    The view of the lake from the front of the house was nice, but the memory of parties on the covered patio, and the view of the glistening water as the sun was going down in the backyard was even better. They’d had some good times with the Thomas family. She wondered what their new status would mean for the friendship they’d formed over the years.
    Leela walked up to the oversized double doors and pressed the doorbell.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    Riley was encouraged when he pulled around to the back and saw Bill’s Hummer parked near the entrance of the guest house. There was a good chance his buddy was in there and could use some company.
    Pulling up behind the massive