Her father shook his head, letting the matter slide. He didn’t appreciate Zofia’s gift as much as Natti did. Despite being more wary about her grandmother’s obsession, she loved the little kitten. She let Bastet sit on her lap and stare out the window with her wide saucer eyes.
Large lots of empty land soon became clusters of small communities with green lawns and gardens. Eventually they had reached the center of town where little novelty shops and businesses lined the main street. There were small crowds along the sidewalks, but to Natti, it still looked barren for a Friday afternoon. A small pyramid standing next to the town hall caught Natti’s eye. The words ‘Welcome to Setemple’ were engraved along the side.
Natti grimaced, a shiver running down her spine. “Ah, I don’t know about horses, Dad, but you didn’t mention anything about this town having a . . . a pyramid.”
“Now that I didn’t know,” her father groaned, turning while the guidance system instructed him to circle around the hall and massive field behind it. “I guess every town has to have their gimmick.”
“But a pyramid?” she emphasized with concerned.
“Well, we are in the desert.” Natti nervously glanced at her father, catching a glimpse of his big chocolate-colored eyes under his wavy mop of brown hair. They reflected a moment of sadness and anger she recognized. “Okay,” he admitted. “Honestly, if I had known . . . especially considering Sarah . . .” He froze once he mentioned Natti’s mother, his face becoming sour. He didn’t like to bring her up in any conversation. “It’s only one structure. And I’ve already made the commitment by selling our townhouse in London and moving across the pond. And might I remind you what Trish had to go through to get our visas. All that bloody paperwork. So we’ll BOTH have to make the best of it. Besides, the town came highly recommended.”
“Recommended by whom?” Natti muttered. “King Tut?” It sure wasn’t Trish. She could tell by the look on her face when she bid them goodbye. Plus, she knew how uncomfortable her father felt around things that linked to Natti’s mother and her Egyptian heritage. Natti settled back into her seat. “How much farther?”
“Not too much.” He looked at the guidance screen. “Maybe a couple more miles.”
Natti sighed, her thoughts returning to her old home. She just wished she could sleep in her own bed. “Do you think any of our stuff has arrived yet?”
“I guess we’ll find out when we get there.”
Driving for another minute along the main road, her father finally turned and navigated through a community of large, single family homes. Natti sat up in surprise. Each was unique in style and sat on a quarter of an acre lot. Many were surrounded by thick, green lawns; a few had landscaped gardens that were still in bloom. Some had massive garages while others had extended driveways.
They drove a little farther until they came to a subdivision of smaller homes. To Natti, they seemed just as grand and unique as the larger ones across the way. Her father turned into a community called Myrrh Valley and made a right onto Palm Court. Natti scanned the circle until she spotted the boxes lined up at the front door of a gray, two storey house. She cocked her head, surprised to see a red and white Mini Cooper in the drive way.
“Are we expecting company?” Natti asked.
Her father gave her another one of his mischievous grins. “Nope.”
“Then whose motorcar is—?”
“A little bribery for dragging you out of London.”
Natti’s jaw dropped when they pulled alongside the small car. She tore off her seat belt and jumped out of the car with Bastet in her arms. She ran her hand over the slick metal while she circled around the car, still in delighted disbelief.
“Bloody hell! She’s perfect!” Natti squealed.
Her father smiled. “I’m glad you like her.”
“Like her? I love her!”
“Brilliant!” Alexander opened the Mini Cooper door and tossed her the keys. “You can drive her to school on Monday. Just remember to stay on the other side of the road.”
Natti rolled her eyes. “Why do Americans have to do everything backwards?”
“Come on, let’s check out the house.”
Natti hesitated, not wanting to leave the car so soon, but Bastet began to struggle in her arms. She rushed forward just when her father opened the lock box and pulled out the key.
For a purchase sight unseen, Natti was impressed with the interior. In the large hall before her, a crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling. The floor was made of light hardwood, which reflected the sunlight onto the cream walls. A set of carpeted stairs split the floor plan, leaving only enough room to slip into the back kitchen and breakfast nook.