Chapter 21
Rya~
Even though I was embarrassed, I was trying really hard not to be.When that waitress changed my order, I’d been flabbergasted, but I hadn’t wanted to come off like a ‘Karen’, though it’d been warranted.Instead, I’d fallen back into my old habit of pretending that people’s rudeness didn’t bother me, and while the Wilders were being awesome, I really just wanted to go home to reset.However, instead of going home, I was walking the grounds of the country club with Patricia Wilder while Koen and his father had stayed back at the restaurant to talk business.
“I think you’ll really love the lake,” Mrs.Wilder said conversationally as we walked down a pebbled path in the back of the club.“It’s a mixture of fake and real roses, and that’s why Ashford said it was an optical illusion.”
“Well, you definitely have me curious,” I said, trying to sound agreeable.
“It’s just around this corner,” she stated, and when we finally approached the clearing, it was just as perfectly manicured as the rest of the grounds, only there was a small lake smack dab in the center.
Now, while the entire thing had to have been man-made, it looked stunningly natural.The water was a deep blue and there were floating roses that looked brighter than they should.It really was a pretty sight, and I could only imagine how much it cost to keep this thing looking so lovely.
“Since most of the members are men and come out here to golf, drink, or talk business, it’s usually quiet back here, so it’s a good place to regroup if you need to,” Mrs.Wilder said, and that’s when it dawned on me why she’d been so eager to show me the lake.
Mrs.Patricia Wilder and I were going to have a heart-to-heart.
As she took a seat on one of the white benches that were lined near the lake, she said, “These benches are also quite comfortable.They’re nothing like those wooden or metal torture devices that you find at city parks or wherever.”
Taking the hint, I sat down next to her, ready to get this over with.“It really is beautiful out here.”
“You know, I understand that you and Koen have only been dating a short while, but I’m kind of curious as to what all he’s told you about his family,” she said, getting straight to the point.
“Not much,” I admitted.“I mean, he’s spoken about his childhood, college, and cutting his teeth on the mailroom floor of Wilder Technologies, but...but that’s about it.”
She gave me an understanding nod.“That would make sense.After all, that’s part of a new relationship, isn’t it?Needing to learn everything about one another because you just can’t seem to get enough of the person.”
“Yeah, something like that.”
“Well, do you mind if I tell you a little something about myself?”she asked, surprising me.“You’re very important to my son, and so I’d love for us to become friends, Rya.”
She sounded so sincere that I couldn’t help but say, “Of course...I’d like that, too.”
“Good, good...”she murmured softly.“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Mrs.Wilder-”
“Patricia,” she quickly corrected.
“Patricia, while I would like for us to become friends, what’s the real reason you brought me out here?”I finally asked.
“To tell you a little about myself,” she answered.“That part was true, Rya.”
