Chapter 116
Luther paused, a bit confused. Why was Mr. Etheridge asking him that?
Was it possible Mr. Etheridge was having a change of heart, suddenly feeling guilty about all the late nights and lost weekends he’d demanded? Maybe he wanted to make it up to him-was this his way of offering some time off?
Luther quickly nodded. “Yes, I have a girlfriend. We’ve been together almost two years. Things are good.”
Lyman gave a thoughtful nod. “So, tell me if you mess up and need to apologize, how should you do it?”
Now, this was a topic Luther knew well.
“You have to be sincere. Honestly, most women, when they’re upset, just want more attention. So, it helps to give a little gift, or maybe plan a special date.”
He glanced at Lyman, then spoke a bit more carefully.
He couldn’t help but wonder-was Mr. Etheridge having relationship trouble? Was it because of that whole online scandal? As his right-hand man, Luther felt it was practically his duty to help solve all of Mr. Etheridge’s problems.
Lyman’s expression was distant, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
After a moment, Lyman spoke up. “Book me a private table somewhere. I want to take my wife out after work.”
It occurred to Lyman that since getting married, he hadn’t really done anything romantic. In this department, he was a total rookie. He definitely needed to step
up his game.
“Of course, Mr. Etheridge. I’ll take care of it,” Luther replied respectfully.
“Oh, and pick up a few books for me. Something about relationships or keeping a marriage strong,” Lyman added.
He realized he really needed to brush up on this whole romance thing.
Luther hesitated for a second, but quickly agreed. “Absolutely.”
With that, Luther hurried off to make arrangements.
Later, as the workday ended, Lyman called Effie. He asked her to meet him across the street from her office after she finished for the day.
Effie didn’t find this unusual-Lyman would sometimes pick her up, as long as he wasn’t tied up with work events.
After stepping out of the office and making sure no one she knew was around, Effie quickly slid into the passenger seat.
Lyman grinned. “Am I some kind of secret you have to hide?”
She shot him an amused look. “No, you’re just a little too noticeable. If people saw us, the gossip would never end.”
Better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
They drove off, and soon Effie realized they weren’t headed home.
“We’re not going home?” she asked, a little puzzled.
Lyman cleared his throat, looking slightly sheepish. “Tonight, we’re going on a date.”
A date?
Effie felt her cheeks flush. She didn’t press him for details, just nodded quietly.
Soon, they pulled up in front of a five-star hotel.
Effie got out, graceful and composed as always.
Lyman joined her and took her hand as they walked inside.
Effie’s heart was fluttering with nerves and excitement. She got along well with Lyman on most days, but this was their first real, official date.
She couldn’t help sneaking a glance at him. In the glow of the hotel lights, his profile looked especially handsome, and her heart skipped a beat.
They rode the elevator to the top-floor restaurant.
The atmosphere was refined and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city lights below.
Effie gazed at the view, her voice soft with wonder. “It’s beautiful.”
Lyman smiled, pulling out her chair for her. “I’m glad you like it.”
He made a mental note to give Luther a bonus-he’d really outdone himself this time.