Page 30 of Never Quiet

“Fancy. I’ll make an effort.”

A few minutes later, Amanda entered the gallery and walked rapidly to Dylan, Lizzy, and their little girl Julia. She hugged the adults tightly then crouched to hug the three-year-old.

“I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten!”

“You’re so pretty, Manda.”

“Thank you. So are you. Are you having fun in Colorado?”

“The hotel has a pool.”

“That’s all it needs. I mean, really.”

“I have a coach now. I want to be in the Olympics.”

“Then I have no doubt you will be.” Taking her hand, she stood and smiled at her grandmother. “It’s so lovely…” Her voice trailed away as she noted a strange tension in the air. “Is something wrong?”

“No, darling,” Caroline assured her. “Just a fascinating turn of events that’s going to thrill you. Your father is on his way with Zoe and Heather. Noel will be here later.”

Davis appeared beside her and took Amanda’s hand. “It’s good though, right?” The adults nodded. “Alright.”

Caroline led the way upstairs and prepared drinks for the adults and snacks for the young people.

“What do you think it is?” Amanda whispered to Davis.

“I don’t know. They’re all acting weird.”

They sat at the dining table with Julia and Callileah as the adults clustered around the kitchen bar, talking quietly.

Her younger friend offered, “Hmm. If I had to guess, it’s a family thing.” Turning to look at Callie, Amanda tilted her head. “You’ve said from the beginning that Davis felt like a brother and you two really look a lot alike. Like Nate and Noel.” She shrugged. “That’s just a guess.”

“Wait,” Davis whispered, “you mean like family for real?”

“I’ve seen pictures of you over the years. Amanda takes a lot. You share similar bone structure. The shape of your cheeks, brows, and nose. Even your hairlines and ears are super close. Hard to see that in a picture but, like, dead giveaway in person.”

“Holy crap,” Amanda sighed. Then she narrowed her eyes. “No-No would have done backgrounds…”

Davis nodded. “She has to know. Why wouldn’t she say anything?” Suddenly, he looked uncomfortable. “Never mind. I know why she wouldn’t.”

“Hey.” Amanda put her hand on his where it rested on the table. “Don’t worry about that right now. There won’t be any weirdness or judgment here, Davis.” Leaning close, she asked softly, “What if we’re related for real?”

“There’s no one on the planet I’d rather be related to.”

“I’m your ride or die.”

He managed a smile. “My day one.”

“That’s right.”

Cupping the back of her head, he pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Thanks, Amanda.”

* * *

The moment Nate, Zoe, and Heather came through the front door of her grandmother’s loft, her dad stumbled to a stop.

“Wow.”

“Right?” Dylan responded.

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