Chapter 318
She’d never tried rabbit before, but since Annabel was in high spirits, she didn’t want to spoil the mood.
Truth be told, Annabel wasn’t dying to eat rabbit either. The real reason she suggested this place was because she knew someone at the table couldn’t handle spicy food and she wanted to have some fun at their expense.
She’d been here once before with another actor. The flavors were spot on; for a spice lover like her, it was basically heaven.
“Come on, let’s go. I’ll show the way,” Annabel said.
She walked on ahead, only to spot Fenton trailing after them.
Crossing her arms, Annabel looked at Fenton with clear annoyance. “Why are you following us?” she snapped. Seriously, did he have no shame?
Fenton shot back, “I’m coming to eat too. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. Why would it be?” A mischievous glint flashed in Annabel’s eyes.
Let’s see how you survive this.
Soon enough, they arrived at the little restaurant Annabel had mentioned.
Besides the spicy rabbit, the place boasted a spread of other signature dishes. The place was nothing to look at, but the food was good, so the crowd was always steady.
Even before they reached the door, the fiery aroma hit them-so intense it made their throats burn.
For spice lovers, this was paradise. For those who couldn’t stand heat, it was pure hell.
Fenton had barely set foot inside before his brows knit together in distress.
Annabel noticed and couldn’t help but smirk.
Since the restaurant was a bit of a walk from the office, when Lyman reached out to take Effie’s hand, she didn’t resist. Hand in hand, they strolled along at a leisurely pace, looking for all the world like an ordinary young couple out for dinner.
“Can you handle spicy food?” Lyman asked quietly.
“I’m okay with it,” Effie replied.
“If you don’t want to stay, we can leave,” he said gently.
He’d noticed the hesitation in her voice when she’d agreed to Annabel’s invitation. Now, he finally had a chance to ask in private.
Effie shook her head. “No need. It’s rare for us all to go out together-I don’t want to spoil Annabel’s fun.”
“You don’t have to force yourself. Annabel’s not here for the food, anyway,” Lyman said.
Effie nodded. She’d realized it too-Annabel seemed more interested in teasing Fenton than anything else.
Chances were, Fenton had picked up on it as well.
There was a strange energy between those two. Effie couldn’t help thinking they were like a pair of sparring partners-never missing an opportunity to jab at each other.
She’d have to ask Lyman about it later.
The four of them sat down, each lost in their own thoughts. Annabel ordered the
spiciest broth on the menu-extra chili, extra pepper.
“Maybe we should get a plain broth too?” Effie suggested.
“No need. If you can’t even handle a little heat, are you really a man?” Annabel taunted.
Fenton snorted. “Who says I can’t eat spicy food?”
“Great. Whoever chickens out has to admit defeat,” Annabel said, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
Fenton nearly choked on his own saliva. “Fine,” he managed.
Soon, the dishes Annabel ordered arrived. The moment the broth started bubbling, Fenton was hit by a wave of spicy steam that made his eyes water and his nose run. He had to turn away and dab at his eyes in silence.
Annabel watched him, grinning. Let’s see who gives up first.
She dug in, tearing into the spicy rabbit with gusto.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Effie eating delicately-her manners
impeccable, but her movements unselfconscious.
Annabel called out, “Effie, you’re not just putting on an act, are you?”
Effie looked up in surprise. “No, this is just how I usually eat.”
Lyman chimed in, “Her grandfather’s a college professor, and her grandmother
was raised in a family of scholars.”
Annabel let out a soft “Oh,” suddenly understanding Effie’s poise.
punja
Still, what was with that smug look on Lyman’s face? As if Effie’s manners were some kind of personal achievement. What did it
have to do with him, anyway?