Chapter 261
They’d snacked on some grilled skewers, and soon, the bonfire party kicked off in earnest.
After a spectacular traditional firework-forging act, one of the dancers took the lead, circling the fire in a lively dance. Soon, other performers joined in and started pulling the onlookers in with them, inviting everyone to dance together.
The air was alive with laughter and song, people letting loose and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Thanks to Randell’s careful orchestration, Effie was ushered by one of the performers to stand between him and Lyman. To anyone watching, it looked as if Effie was dancing right alongside Randell.
Lyman, clearly pleased with this arrangement, watched Effie the entire time, a smile never leaving his face.
After dancing for quite a while, everyone was exhausted and drifted back to their seats.
Vinson Elliott couldn’t help grumbling, “Randell, I’ll give you this-the bonfire was fun, but let’s not do this again next time.”
Randell raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”
Vinson fanned his sweat-soaked shirt. “It’s the middle of summer, and you’ve got us dancing around a bonfire. I’m drenched, and my skin feels roasted—I swear, I feel like a rotisserie pig.”
Randell just stared at him, speechless.
Vinson added, “Only a lonely bachelor would complain about feeling roasted. Look at those two-they’re clearly here to rekindle their romance.”
Randell smirked and jerked his chin toward Lyman.
Sure enough, even though Effie and Lyman were sitting a little apart, their eyes kept meeting, their silent exchange practically crackling with unspoken words.
Randell clicked his tongue. “I see nothing. I’m blind to all of it.”
People who flaunt their love always jinx themselves, he thought. Of course, he’d never dare say that within earshot of Lyman.
Meanwhile, over on Effie’s side, the mood was equally sour. Nita nudged her and teased, “Why don’t you just go over there? The way you two are making eyes at each other is giving me goosebumps.”
Shirley chimed in, “Exactly! And the boss keeps glancing over here I feel like I’m under a microscope.”
Right then, their view darkened.
A man stepped forward, blocking their line of sight.
Effie looked up, recognizing the face-it was the guy who’d asked them for directions earlier.
She’d barely noticed his earlier interruption, but here he was again.
“Uh…” The man scratched the back of his head, trying to look bashful. “So, I lost a game and got dared to do something. Could you… add me on Instagram?”
Effie didn’t hesitate. “Sorry, no.”
He lost a game-what did that have to do with her?
The man stared at her, thrown off for a moment before a flash of annoyance crossed his face. “No, you have to. You came on to me first.”
Effie couldn’t help but laugh at that. “When did I come on to you? If your eyesight’s that bad, maybe you should see a doctor.”
Nita piped up, “Seems like the real problem’s in his head.”
She stood, stepping in front of Effie, shielding her.
No one was going to mess with Effie-not on her watch.
“If you want to get to Effie, you’ll have to get through me first,” she said, her eyes cold.
The man’s expression darkened even more, as if a storm cloud had settled over him.
“When I asked for directions, you smiled at me. Isn’t that flirting?”
His absurd confidence had all the girls laughing.
Shirley snorted, “Wow, classic egomaniac. Does that mean when the receptionist
at a hotel smiles at you, you think she’s hitting on you, too?”
He nodded, absolutely serious. “Of course! They all have a thing for me. Look at me-I’m a good-looking guy.”
Just then, Lyman and the others arrived.
Vinson Elliott didn’t bother with words. He grabbed the guy by the collar and
yanked him backwards. “You heard her. Get lost.”
“Who the hell are you? Do you even know who I—”
The man broke off mid-sentence as he turned and caught sight of Lyman. His face went pale in an instant. “Mr. Etheridge?”