Clifford saw the different side Ingrid just now, far from the detached, resolute and strong appearance she always projects in the public. In her home, she seems like a normal woman who could be happy even in simple things. But he never thought that she could also have some knowledge about wines, yet his admiration was ruined when Lance entered the picture.He mull over that ever since this man appeared, he seems to be the hindering against his interest in Ingrid. He always came from nowhere and ruins their time together. Especially now, he could not barge in their conversation as they were so ecstatic about dialogue.
The two seems to ignore Clifford to the side and focused only about the wine. Both of them shared about their knowledge regarding it, the history and its price.
"Have you tasted this Lance?" Ingrid asked with full antic.i.p.ation.
"Yeah, and it"s one of my favorite..I believe it was only bought through a charity auction, is it right, Mr. Briggs?" Lance said as-matter-of-fact.
"Yes."
"Is it you or uncle Clint who bought it?" Ingrid glanced at Clifford.
"I did." Clifford answered as if he was only buying a cheap wine from a store.
"Why am I not surprise." Ingrid casually remarked, still her eyes lingered to the unopened bottle.
"Oh, before I forgot, I"ll prepare the wine gla.s.ses first and I know exactly what type of wine gla.s.ses that goes with that." Her voice squeaks with delight as she loves collecting different wine gla.s.ses, too. She then called her househelp.
"Jeri, kindly escort, Mr. Briggs to the garden, please."
Jeri hurriedly came and then escorted Cliff to the garden but he seems reluctant for the reason that Lance is left with Ingrid helping her with the cabernet wine gla.s.ses. They both looked so thrilled while preparing it and both were smiling. His appearance darkened on what he saw.
The househelp just stood there waiting for him to move. Because the househelp has other things to do, she spoke,
"Ahh, sir... this way, please." he shifted gaze on the househelp and his scowled at her and the poor maid staggered after seeing Clifford"s face. She hurried her steps to avoid him.
"He"s so scary! He is much different from what Nanny Tess did describe..." the househelp reflects. "...huhuhu I didn"t do anything to him, while is he scowling at me." She whimpered inwardly.
When they reached the garden, Clifford saw a neatly cut and shaped shrubs lined up to the elevated eight-seater table that is specifically made for comfort.
There is also a customized hammock swing stand nearby especially made for those who loves sky gazing at night.
The place was so serene and the light is inviting and emphasizing cosiness and hominess to every visitor. It seems like that it is inviting to sit and relax and eat and enjoy each other"s company.
He sighed deeply filling his lungs with fresh air and as well the fragrance from the flowers. His irritation was calmed by merely sight of his family and Ingrid parents as well. His stride became slow and he relished his eyes with the view of the plants around him. Nearing the table, he heard the healthy laughter coming from them.
"What took you so long, Cliff? Where"s Ingrid?" her mother asked the moment his son came into view.
"She"s preparing the wine gla.s.ses." He said while he took his sit.
"But why you didn"t help her?" He just shrugs remembering the scene earlier.
"Oh, it"s okay, we are the host for tonight, so it"s just proper that she"ll do the preparation and I think Lance is there to help her." Rose b.u.t.t in.
"Oh, Lance is here?" Helen voice seems displeased; hearing her, John automatically squeezed his wife"s hands.
"Yes, he"s here, Ingrid invited him for dinner since he accompanied us for the whole day in Veanco Square. I was even amazed how prepared my daughter is, she even have spare clothes for her visitors in case of some urgent situations. Luckily, Lance found clothes that fit him perfectly." John said with full of pride for her daughter.
"Oh, is it? I never thought that she could still find time to think for that. Her future husband will be lucky." Clint commented.
"My son is lucky indeed!" Helen said quietly.
"Did you say something, Helen?" Rose asked smiling.