Page 113 of Never Quiet

The theater was her favorite. It was owned by brothers she’d met socially several times with their outgoing, talented wives.

In a simplistic floor-length black gown, high heels, and her hair swept into a loose chignon she managed herself, Amanda smiled at her beautiful uncle in a tuxedo tailored to his body.

Making their way to the floor where Morgan secured box seats, she told him, “You get prettier every year.”

“Thank you, darling. I’ve been lucky. I got that tiny bit of work done on my eyes…”

“Which we told you then was unnecessary. You’re aging better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Well, other than Caroline.”

“She is incredible. How lucky you’ll be.” His eyes widened. “Oh, this is wonderful! Come darling!”

He guided her across the corridor on an upper floor and smiled at a pair of women chatting outside an open box. Amanda could tell there were at least half a dozen security people watching them closely.

“Brie! I didn’t know you’d be here tonight!” A woman turned and Amanda stumbled slightly, her eyes going wide.

“Morgan, oh my goodness. Look at you. Always so perfect.” He kissed her cheek and she snorted before pulling him into a hug. “Where’s Harrison?”

“Home tonight. Callie has been under the weather and one of us likes to be with her. Allow me a moment. Amanda darling, Gabriella Hernandez is Harper’s fiancée.” In a low voice, he teased, “I’m unsure when they’re going to make it official. You know I adore weddings. Brie, this is Amanda Lang. I consider her my niece but the world calls her my protégé.” He tugged Amanda gently from the position she’d taken slightly behind him.

Plastering a smile on her face, she managed, “Hello.”

Brie breathed, “You are…so lovely.”

“Thank you.”

The woman’s fingers tapped lightly on her thigh. “Far more beautiful than your photos. I am smitten.” The silence drew out as she stared at Amanda. “Oh! Apologies! This is my friend, Tawny Ratliff.”

Amanda met the green eyes of the redhead beside Gabriella and the woman smiled slowly. “Hayden’s lady love. I was hoping for the chance to meet you soon.”

“Hello.” Amanda felt nervous, off-balance.

Brie said breathlessly, “You make such an attractive couple and no one deserves happiness more than Hayden. Harper and Elijah speak so highly of you and your family. I can’t wait to meet all of them.” After a long pause, she added, “Hmm. I should sketch the two of you together.”

“Oh, I-I…” There was so much information flowing into her brain. Morgan looked at her in surprise. Clearing her throat, she added quietly to Brie, “My grandmother always told Harper he’d find someone wonderful. The way he is now, I can tell she was right.”

“Thank you, Amanda.” Her fingers tapped her thigh again. Laughing shyly, she added, “Sorry. My urge to sketch you is driving me nuts. I have my supplies in my bag and may indulge myself when no one is looking.”

“Did you like your easel? My grandmother uses the same one.” Amanda was reaching, desperate for something to talk about. “She swore it changed the entire scope of her work.”

“I adore it. I have one here in New York and another in my studio on the estate. I paint massive canvases that are taken out through the new windows. You should join us this summer. There’s a fabulous stable. Do you like to ride?”

“Yes. Very much.” Suddenly, Amanda teared up. “I-I’m sorry.”

Morgan gathered her to his side. “Juniper is taking excellent care of Heather, darling. Zoe leads them all over the place.” Amanda nodded and he explained, “She hasn’t seen her family in almost a year. They’re very close.”

Brie took her hand with a kind expression. “I’m sorry, Amanda. I don’t know what I’d do without my family. And being so young…that must make it worse.” Smiling brightly, she said, “We’ll make you part of our little family! Hudson mentioned you’d moved into the building?”

“I-I…yes. Hudson? I don’t…” She rubbed her temple.

Morgan stared at her strangely. “Amanda, are you alright?”

“Perhaps I need to sit a moment.” She smiled at Brie. “I’m usually more eloquent. I hope you’ll allow me to try again.”

“You’re perfectly fine.” The dark-haired woman smiled warmly. “Trust me, if everyone judged me on first impressions, I’d have no friends.”

“That can’t possibly be true. You’re lovely.” Amanda meant it. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.”

Morgan guided her around the corridor to their box. Inside, he turned to her and took her shoulders. “Amanda…”

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