Chapter 309
Carole turned to Isabel. “Mr. Etheridge and the others have all left. I guess they had other things to take care of.”
Isabel frowned, rubbing her eyes. “That’s odd. How did I actually fall asleep?”
She glanced down at herself, suddenly noticing the jacket draped over her. “Wait -who covered me up?”
A hopeful smile broke across her face. “Was it Lyman? Did he tuck me in?”
Carole hesitated, not wanting to ruin Isabel’s mood, but she had to speak up. “Actually, that was me. You just looked so cold, I thought I’d cover you up.”
Isabel’s face twisted into a scowl. “So I was freezing and Lyman didn’t even notice?”
Carole gave an awkward laugh. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone was paying attention over here.”
Isabel felt a wave of irritation. She was a beautiful woman, stretched out on the sofa like some living fairytale, and they hadn’t even spared her a glance? Infuriating.
She huffed, talking herself down. “Whatever. They’re probably just busy. That’s all. It’s not that I’m not attractive enough for them to notice.”
Carole, glancing nervously at her watch, urged, “Isabel, we should really head downstairs. Everyone’s ready-we’re all waiting on you.”
Isabel paused, then shrugged. “It’s fine. This is Lyman’s company. I show up a bit late, and what’s he going to do, fire me?”
As if to say, she refused to believe Lyman would ever hold something like this against her.
Carole hesitated, clearly wanting to say more. “But, you know, it was the boss who called specifically to check where you are. If you don’t hurry, I’m afraid—”
Carole’s phone buzzed loudly, cutting her off. She quickly answered, shooting Isabel a look to keep quiet.
Annabel’s voice came through the line. “Is she up yet? Everyone’s waiting for her, tell her not to keep us too long.”
Annabel felt a bit awkward. She’d already treated the crew to milkshakes, and the event coordinator was going around asking everyone what flavor they wanted.
“Mr. Fenton, what can I get for you?” she asked.
Fenton barely glanced at her. “Nothing for me. I don’t drink that stuff. Too unhealthy.”
Annabel snorted, unimpressed.
“With all that healthy living, I s don’t see you looking any
the rest of us.” Content bo net
Her tone was sharp and unmistakable.
than
Fenton shot back, “And what makes you think I’m not healthy?”
He was perfectly fine, thank you very much.
Annabel replied, “You know yourself better than anyone—can’t even last ten minutes.”
A sudden snicker broke out. Effie tried desperately to hold it in,
pressing her hand to her mouth, but a burst of laughter slipped through anyway.
SU?
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Did people really say things like this in public?
Lyman caught her eye and nodded her over. “Ms. Bagnold, could I have a word?”
Effie quickly composed herself and hurried to his side. “Yes, Mr. Etheridge? What can I do for you?”
“I don’t want a milkshake. Could you get me a coffee? Black, no milk, no ice,” Lyman said.
Effie nodded. “Sure, but I can’t guarantee it’ll be up to your standards.”
Lyman waved it off. “That’s fine. I’m not picky.”
“I’ll be right back,” Effie promised.
Soon enough, Effie returned, coffee in hand, just as Isabel finally made her way downstairs. She turned to Lyman with a playful pout. “Lyman, why didn’t you wake me up before you left?”