Chapter 386
Given Irwin’s current position, plenty of people were tripping over themselves to curry favor with the Lawrence family these days.
Old Mrs. Lawrence had once thrown herself a birthday party, and the whole thing had dissolved into a parade of gift-givers-every last one of them there for Irwin’s sake. The whole affair reeked of pretense and boredom.
After that, she’d vowed never again to host one of those tedious gatherings. For years now, she’d kept her birthdays simple: just quiet family time, nothing more. This year, though, for the first time in ages, she was inviting someone over. “Thank you,” Effie said quietly.
“Oh, come now, we’re hardly strangers. No need for all that,” Old Mrs. Lawrence waved her off with a smile, then turned to Effie’s grandmother. “Old friend, why don’t you join us?”
Her grandmother shook her head. “I’m too old for all that excitement. I’ll let you young people have your fun.”
Effie was here with a request and had brought Lyman along for that reason; it wouldn’t be right for her grandmother to tag along too.
But Old Mrs. Lawrence was sharp-she saw right through it. She didn’t push, either. In truth, she’d never cared for those formal celebrations and the polite small talk that came with them. This-sharing a meal and a real conversation- was infinitely better.
Her grandmother felt much the same.
Old Mrs. Lawrence had the staff prepare dinner, using the fresh produce Effie had brought from the countryside to make a simple, home-cooked meal.
She enjoyed her dinner immensely, showering Effie with compliments about the delicious vegetables she’d chosen.
After the meal, they lingered, chatting for a bit longer before Effie and her grandmother said their goodbyes and headed home.
On the drive back, Effie turned to her grandmother. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this today.”
Her grandmother kept her eyes on the road but replied gently, “Silly girl, there’s no need for apologies. If I hadn’t helped you kids out, I wouldn’t have the comfortable life I do now, would I?”
She smiled. “Besides, Old Mrs. Lawrence isn’t the type to keep score.”
Effie nodded. After a moment, she hesitated, then added, “Grandma, please don’t mention any of this to Lyman for now. I’m worried it might bruise his ego.”
Her grandmother nodded in understanding. “Alright, I get it. This is between you and your husband-handle it however you think best.”
“Thanks, Grandma. I will,” Effie said softly.
When they got home, Lyman was already there, changed into his
casual clothes and chattinge
phone in the living room. As soon as he saw them come in, he ended the call.
“You’re back?”
Effie darted over, draping herself across his lap. “Mm-hmm, we’re back. We visited Grandma’s old friend, had dinner, caught up a bit. Grandma drove the whole way-smooth as ever.”
Lyman tensed for a moment, then relaxed and gently stroked her hair. His voice softened. “You should take Grandma out whenever you get the chance.”
Effie grinned. “She doesn’t need me anymore-she’s got her own car now. She can go anywhere she likes.”
Lyman frowned slightly. “Didn’t I give you my bank card this morning? Why didn’t you use it?”
Effie’s eyes flickered. She hesitated, then mumbled, “I forgot.”
Lyman sighed. “Next time, just use the mone
I give you, alright? I work
hard so you can spend it. If you
don’t what’s the point? I’d lose all
motivation to earn more.”
“Okay, okay,” Effie laughed. “From now on, I’ll do my best to give you plenty of motivation.”
Something seemed to occur to Lyman, and his eyes brightened.
He leaned in, murmuring in her ear, “There are other ways to spend money, you know.”
Effie looked up at him, puzzled. “Oh? What did you have in mind?”