Chapter 267
“Why sneak a photo? Let’s just take one together,” Effie laughed. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a proper picture of us, have we?”
She pulled out her phone and switched to the front camera. “Come on, smile.”
Maybe the mood had shifted a little too quickly for him, because Lyman didn’t quite catch up. In the frame, his face was serious-a man on the verge of smiling but unable to pull it off.
Effie turned to him and said, “Give me a real smile.”
Lyman tried to adjust, but his smile still looked stiff.
Annoyed at himself, he clenched his fingers. He could negotiate the toughest business deals without batting an eye, but right now he was so nervous he could barely speak.
“Oh, never mind,” Effie said, laughing. “I guess you’re just used to being serious. Just relax-just be yourself.”
Lyman nodded and shifted his posture, and this time, the photo turned out much more natural than that awkward half-smile from before.
“Much better,” Effie said with satisfaction.
A faint smile tugged at Lyman’s lips. “Send it to me.”
He had to admit, he liked it too.
As soon as Effie sent him the photo, Lyman immediately forwarded it to their family group chat.
It didn’t take long before the chat exploded.
Effie had already been added to the group by Lindy Etheridge, so now her phone and Lyman’s buzzed almost in unison.
She glanced at her messages—it was all praise from Friedman Etheridge and Lindy.
Lindy even wrote: [I’m posting this in my sisters’ group—just look at my son and daughter-in-law! They’re such a stunning couple.]
Friedman chimed in: [Absolutely. Our son and daughter-in-law are a match made in heaven.]
Effie blushed at the outpouring of affection.
She never would have guessed that her father-in-law, who always seemed so proper and reserved, could be this warm and effusive.
Lyman leaned toward Effie. “That’s just how they are kind of over the top sometimes. You’ll get used to it.”
“Not at all,” Effie replied, smiling. “I really love this kind of family.”
Lyman felt like his heart was overflowing with honeyed warmth.
Hand in hand, they strolled down to the pier to buy fresh seafood, then brought it to a nearby restaurant to be cooked.
The recipes weren’t complicated, but everything was so fresh that it tasted amazing.
Effie was clearly delighted. “This is probably the best seafood I’ve ever had.”
Lyman gazed at her, eyes full of tenderness. “If you like it, we’ll come back as often as you want.”
He looked at her expectantly as he finished speaking.
Effie nodded. “I’d love that.”
They walked back to the hotel, fingers laced, and only parted ways at their doors.
To their surprise, Nita had been roped into an endless card game again; even their dinner had been delivered straight to their rooms by the hotel staff.
When Effie and Lyman returned, Vinson Elliott hurried over and lowered his voice to Lyman. “You have to admit, we’re pretty solid friends, aren’t we?”
Lyman gave a small nod. “You’re all right.”
Vinson clicked his tongue. “Come on! We’ve been playing cards with those two all night just to keep them distracted, so you could actually have some alone time with Effie. I’m about to drop dead from exhaustion-it’s like those two are energy vampires. And all I get from you is ‘all right’?”
“Elliott’s Cozy Room. I’ll add another ten million to your investment.”
Vinson lit up. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! You’re my brother for life.”
Randell hurried over, not wanting to miss out. “Lyman-“
“Resort project, extra twenty million,” Lyman cut in before Randell could finish, already knowing what he was after.
Vinson’s face turned sour. “Wait, why does he get double what I got?”
“Because my wife loves this place,” Lyman said, deadpan.