Chapter 352
Vinson Elliott leaned in close to Randell’s ear and whispered something only the two of them could hear.
Randell froze for a second, then his expression changed dramatically. “You want eighty million for something this simple? Cancel it—I want to take it back!”
Vinson just shrugged. “A deal’s a deal. No refunds, no returns.”
“Crook!” Randell gritted out through clenched teeth.
“Takes one to know one.”
“Fine, then I’ll use it too!” Randell shot back.
“That’ll cost extra.”
…
Effie beat Lyman to the private dining room and was already sitting at the table, lost in thought, when he walked in.
Lyman approached quietly. Hearing someone come in, Effie glanced toward the door-only to find herself caught in the worried gaze of his eyes.
“What do you feel like eating today?”
He could tell she was a little out of sorts and wanted to cheer her up.
Effie sighed. “I don’t really have a craving for anything special. Just order whatever.”
“Alright.”
But even though she said “whatever,” Lyman ended up ordering all of Effie’s favorites: a spread of seafood, and a few fried dishes for good measure.
Sure, fried food wasn’t exactly healthy, but it tasted fantastic-and there was nothing like comfort food to lift the mood.
The food arrived quickly, and by the time they’d finished, Effie felt noticeably better.
She said with a smile, “Turns out, there’s nothing a good meal can’t fix. And if there is well, have another one.”
Lyman saw the gloom had finally lifted from her face. He took her hand gently and asked in a soft voice, “Will you tell me now what’s been bothering you?”
Effie hesitated. “It’s nothing, really. Just feeling down for no reason. Maybe it’s that time of the month coming soon.”
“Family visiting?” Lyman asked, puzzled. “Don’t like them? Want me to deal with them for you?”
Effie blinked, thrown by his literal interpretation. Deal with them? What did he mean by that?
“No, that’s not necessary. Honestly, I’d be worried if they didn’t show up.”
Lyman leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry. If there’s ever a little one on the way, we’ll welcome them.”
Effie felt as if something exploded in her mind. She’d thought Lyman was clueless about these things, but clearly, he understood perfectly well.
She shot him a sidelong glance. “So you do know what’s what, huh?”
Lyman answered modestly, “I didn’t at first, but later I had Luther buy me a bunch
of books. I studied them word by word, and now I get it.”
Effie had to stifle a laugh. “You’re really… studious, aren’t you?”
She wondered if she should praise him, or maybe… just praise him.
“It’s nothing,” Lyman said, feigning humility.
“Did you see my new profile picture? Like it?”
Effie paused, knowing this was coming.
“About that… I didn’t mean to doodle all over your book. I just got carried away,”
she tried to explain, although even she found her excuse lacking.
Lyman squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I’m not here to scold you. Actually-I think it’s cute. Draw more next time. I love seeing it.”
Effie’s cheeks flushed pink. She nodded, stiff and embarrassed.
After their meal, as Effie and Lyman left the restaurant, they bumped into Friedman and Lindy Etheridge emerging from the private room across the hall.
Friedman was holding Lindy’s hand, his grip gentle and unashamed. When he spotted Effie and Lyman, he didn’t let go or seem awkward-just genuinely pleased to run into them. “You two came to eat here too?”
“The food’s really good,” Lyman replied.
Friedman smiled. “Your mom was saying it’s been ages since we ate out, so I thought I’d bring her. If you two like it, next time-let’s all come together…”
Lindy gave a little cough and shot Friedman a look.