said, pointing to an empty bench. “It’s sort of an interesting story.”
After the trio had settled themselves on the bench, Dylan began to tell them the story.
“They all grew up together in Medina,” he began.
“Where’s that?” Jessica asked.
“Just look across the lake. Posh and exclusive. Lots of million-dollar homes. Bill Gates lives there.”
“The Bill Gates? Billionaire?” Jessica said.
“Yep,” Dylan replied.
“So the story begins with Tyler, the tall guy in the black sweater, and Ryan Perkins, who’s wearing the dark green fleece.”
“The one with the nice smile,” Jessica added unnecessarily.
“I guess,” Dylan said. “Anyway, Tyler’s mom and Ryan’s dad founded an internet company together.”
“His mom?” Kelsey asked.
“Yes, his mom. I think you might have heard of the company.” Dylan paused for effect. “Tactec.”
“No way! He’s Lisa Olsen’s son? She’s worth, like a billion dollars,” Jessica said.
“Actually, her share of the company is worth more than eight billion,” Dylan replied.
“Incredible,” Jessica said.
Kelsey looked at the two boys. Tyler had an athletic build. His chestnut-brown hair was cut in a slightly conservative style, which matched his upright posture. His soft chocolate-brown eyes hinted at the intelligence Kelsey suspected he had. Despite seeming a bit intimidating,Tyler Olsen was undeniably attractive.
So was Ryan Perkins. Where Tyler was sexy New York corporate, Ryan was sun-bleached California beach boy.
Ryan was more slightly built than Tyler, and unlike Tyler’s fair skin, his was tan and slightly freckled from the sun. The face of an angel, with a devilish look in his aqua-blue eyes.
“So that’s how Ryan and Tyler know each other. Zachary, the Asian guy in the red fleece, his parents are angel investors. They were early investors in Tactec. Brandon, the one in the khakis, is the son of one of the name partners at Kinnon Martins, one of the biggest law firms in Seattle. Kinnon Martins is Tactec’s main law firm.”
“And Matthew, your jerk of a roommate?” Jessica asked.
“His mom sold Tyler’s mom her house.”
“Unbelievable,” Jessica said. “This is what playdates look like for the rich.”
Dylan shrugged. “I guess so.”
“Thanks for getting the information for us, Dylan,” Kelsey said.
“Yeah, I hope it wasn’t too much of a hassle to find out about the Billionaire Boys Club,” Jessica added.
“Are you kidding? Matthew was happy to try to lord everyone’s wealth over me,” Dylan said.
“Well, that was a big fail,” Kelsey said. Dylan smiled and Jessica looked puzzled.
“Come on. Let’s go eat,” Dylan said, standing. Kelsey followed him, but Jessica grabbed her arm.
“What did you mean, it was a fail?” Jessica asked.
“Dylan’s family owns a chain of restaurants on the West Coast. Trust me, he’s not hurting for money either.”
“Surrounded by money and counting our pennies,” Jessica sighed.
“At least dinner is paid for,” Kelsey grinned.
Later, as Dylan was sitting, chatting with Ashley about Saturday and Jessica had wandered off to find a Diet Coke, Kelsey ate the last bite of her burger.
“Hi?”a voice said, and Kelsey looked up into Ryan Perkins’ stunning blue eyes.
Kelsey swallowed. “Hi,” she said haltingly. Ryan had been the one looking at her this morning in small group.
“I saw you talking to Matthew’s roommate. Are you friends?”
“We went to college together,” Kelsey said.
Ryan held out his hand. “Ryan Perkins.”
Kelsey shook it. “Kelsey North.”
“Are you from Seattle?”
“Port Townsend,” Kelsey replied.
“Really? I always think of that as a vacation spot, not someone’s hometown,” Ryan replied.
“I spent my whole life there,” Kelsey said.
“I’ll have to revise my entire opinion about it,” Ryan
Brian Keene, J.F. Gonzalez