Chapter 249
“So, are you trying to date our Nita?” Effie blurted out suddenly.
Vinson Elliott nearly choked, spluttering his drink everywhere.
Nita rushed to explain, “Effie, come on-don’t make things up! We’re just boss and employee, that’s all!”
Vinson managed an awkward smile. “Well… if I ever did want to date Nita, I’d be upfront about it and tell you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Effie replied matter-of-factly.
An awkward silence passed between Nita and Vinson, both averting their eyes.
“Effie, let’s go surfing!” Nita announced, grabbing Effie’s wrist and dragging her away before Effie could even react.
As they jogged down the beach, Effie gave Nita a puzzled look. “Since when do you know how to surf?”
Nita let out a nervous laugh. “I don’t, but that’s what lessons are for, right? Who says you have to be an expert to give it a try?”
The truth was, Nita just needed an excuse to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere with her boss. She had no idea that, as she pulled Effie away, Lyman stood behind them, watching their retreating figures with a deep, forlorn sigh.
Vinson elbowed Lyman and said, “Lyman, don’t look so heartbroken. Anyone who didn’t know better would think your wife just ran off with someone else.”
Randell shot Vinson a look. “What do you mean ‘think’? That’s exactly what just happened his wife *did* get stolen.”
Finally, Lyman snapped. “Would you both just leave me alone?”
Vinson and Randell took the hint and fell quiet, stretching out on their beach chairs to soak up the sun and sip on fresh coconut water. Life didn’t get much better than this.
“Randell, I’ve got to admit this resort you built is pretty impressive,” Vinson said. “Super relaxing. Though, maybe it’s just because you’re newly opened, but there aren’t many guests around.”
Randell shrugged. “Location wasn’t ideal-by the time I started looking, all the prime beachfront was taken. This was all that was left. But there’s a perk: we’ve got that natural bay. I’ve already applied for a permit to build a small marina, so soon, guests can take a boat straight to that island over there.”
He paused, warming to his subject. “If you’re a resort guest, the ferry ride’s free. Outsiders have to buy a ticket, though…”
Randell kept talking, but his gaze slid over to Lyman, who was still distracted, eyes fixed on Effie in the distance.
Effie and Nita weren’t surfers-not yet, anyway. Today was their first lesson.
Nita, ever the daredevil, insisted on trying wake surfing right off the bat, dragging Effie along for the ride.
After watching the instructor demonstrate a few times, Nita was practically bouncing with excitement.
“Effie, remember-when it’s my turn, take some good photos, okay? Catch me looking bold and badass!”
Effie grinned. “Sure, sure, I’ll do my best. But, quick reality check-maybe everyone else looks cool out there, but for us beginners, it’s more about survival than style, don’t you think?”
Nita rolled her eyes. Sometimes Effie could be brutally honest.
“Oh, hush,” Nita retorted, then declared, “How hard can it be? I’ll pick it up in no time!”
When it was finally their turn, Nita stepped up first.
The instructor smiled. “Let me give you a quick demonstration-it’ll be a little
slower than usual, so keep an eye on my movements, okay?”
Nita waved him off. “No need, really—I’ve already got the basics down.”
Effie raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”
The instructor chuckled. “You might want to reconsider. Even with all the safety gear, you’re bound to swallow some seawater your first time out.”