Page 19 of Never Quiet

“I hated missing your party but I couldn’t travel yet.”

“Was this the last surgery?”

“One more, maybe two. By then, they’ll know if there’s anything else they can do.” She ate a spoonful of her ice cream. “I wish it wasn’t so cold. I could show you what Noel taught me on the roof course. Enough about me for now! Tell me about your trip right now.”

“I texted you the entire time I was there!”

“Not the same! I need to see your face.”

Laughing, Mandy pulled up pictures on her phone. “Everyone is so far apart. I wish they could meet you.”

“One day. How old is Erick now?”

“Eighteen. Uh, Davis is seventeen.”

“Yeah, but your BFF’s age doesn’t matter as much.” Arching her brow, she whispered, “All the moments. In detail. Please and thank you.”

Only with Callileah could she be a silly girl in love with a boy.

* * *

Every holiday, Mandy received gifts from the Hardings and she sent gifts to them as well. As she opened presents Christmas morning, her eyes widened at a gift from Erick specifically. She recognized his handwriting on the tag. Tearing away the paper, she opened the card taped to the box.

I knew you needed one of these as much as I did. It’s one of those gifts no one else would appreciate as much as you. I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Mandy. E

Opening the box, she removed an incredible kit one would find in a top laboratory. Blinking back tears, she removed the pieces and laid them out on the coffee table.

Taking a photo, she sent it to Erick with a message.

This is something no one would have thought to get me. I love it. Thank you, Erick. Truly. Merry Christmas.

A few minutes later, she received a photo from Gunner with the entire family behind him. There was wrapping paper everywhere and Sterling had what looked like every bow stuck to his body. It was clear the former Marine hadn’t warned anyone about the photo because only he was looking at the phone’s camera and making a funny face.

On the far side of their living room, a pretty teenage girl sat on Erick’s lap in a big chair. They were distracted with each other when the photo was taken because something told Mandy Erick wouldn’t typically send a photo of himself with one of his girlfriends.

As much as she hoped to hide how she felt about him, Erick wasn’t stupid. Like her, he was smart and intuitive beyond his age. Even if he wasn’t certain, even if he didn’t understand how deeply she felt for him, Erick probably suspected some sort of girlish crush and he wouldn’t want to hurt or embarrass her.

Excusing herself, she went into the guest bath and sat on the edge of the tub. She had a small cry and replied to Gunner.

Everyone looks amazing. Did Sterling do that to himself? Heather is currently sitting with one of the satin gift ribbons and stroking it like a cat. They’re night and day.

Cooling down her face, she went back into the living room of her grandmother’s loft and took a photo of everyone.

She got everyone’s attention first.

Then she went around the room and took individual photos with people she loved. Creating a group chat with Dakota, Chaz, and their significant others, she attached the photos.

Miss you guys! It’s freezing here!

Putting away her phone, she sat cross-legged on the floor and carefully put her lab kit back in the box. She tucked the card inside and carried it to the room she shared with Callie.

Hours later, Erick replied to her message. She didn’t get offended that it took so long. He was busy with his guest.

You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it, Mandy. Hey, Kota showed me the pics of you and your family. You look great. Happy. You can add me to stuff like that if you want.

Throwing herself fully into the celebrations with her family, Mandy hid the way her heart ached. Getting upset over such a thing didn’t make sense.

Erick was eighteen, good-looking, and possessed a great personality. It wasn’t like she could expect him to wait for her. It wouldn’t be fair to him to put his life on hold.

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