Page 32 of Never Quiet

Chapter Seven

The next morning was the day of the gala and Amanda got up early. Changing into running clothes, she left Caroline’s loft and ran to the hotel where Davis and his family had rooms.

As she was knocking on his door, he answered in running shorts and sneakers. “I knew you’d be here. You’re such a creature of habit. Give me a second to text my parents.”

As they exited the front of the building, they set a steady pace through the still sleeping streets of downtown Boulder. After three miles, they turned back and stopped at a café not far from the gallery. They grabbed coffees and fruit before choosing a table outside.

She grinned at him. “You had crazy shit to tell me. Hit it.”

“I want to join the military but Mom doesn’t want me to go.”

“I know you’ve always wanted to follow your dad but I bet it’s hard on parents. It’s scary for me and I’m not your mom.”

He sighed. “She made me promise to think about it for two years and do this apprentice thing for a friend of hers and Dad’s.” One side of his mouth lifted in a smile. “If I still want to be a Marine, she said she’ll be supportive.”

“Fair, right?” Leaning her forearms on the table, she asked, “Where’s the apprentice thing?”

Then he grinned. “Washington. Just outside of Seattle.”

Glancing around to make sure no one was close, she whispered, “The Delkins?” He nodded. “Davis! That’s great! Hell, you’re already halfway there with the training you’ve done with everyone in the Keys.” She frowned. “Um, does your mom get what they do? That’s not much different than the Marines when you break it down.”

“Dad glossed it over. He talked to me privately and explained that he understood my need to get stronger but he didn’t want to worry Mom.” He winked. “Then he said if I came back with so much as a scratch, he was going to play dumb.”

“Smart man. When do you leave?”

“January.”

Tilting her head, she really looked at him. “There’s something else. You have a…vibe.”

“I have a girlfriend.”

“Shut up!” she hissed. “Finally! I’m giddy!”

“She volunteers at the shelter where my mom works.” He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “I don’t know how it happened because I legit suck at talking to females.”

“You talk to me…”

He arched his brow. “Isn’t it easier to talk to me than Erick?”

“Point taken. Ugh. Okay, what’s her name? What does she like to do? Tell me everything.”

“Her name’s Vienna. She’s really punk and funny, into politics and stuff.” Exhaling roughly, he added, “The first time I tried to talk to her, I sounded like an idiot.”

“I bet. The guys who think about more than just getting laid and stuff always kind of stumble.” She shrugged. “It’s hard to start real conversations but you did it.”

Davis’s past could have ruined his ability to find happiness or have normal relationships. She was proud he didn’t let it.

“Finally had consensual sex,” he added casually as he sipped his coffee. Her mouth dropped open. “I sucked at that, too. However,” he grinned, “she assures me I’m a fast learner.”

“I am blown away!” She sat back. “What will happen when you leave for Washington?”

“We’re going to end things. It’s not a love match but we like spending time together. Doesn’t make sense to have the stress of a long-distance thing.”

“How modern. Wow, Davis. I’m really happy for you. In a couple of months, you’ll be closer to me in Colorado.” She winked. “Weekend trips are in our future.”

“I was thinking the same thing…”

They talked for another hour, bought more coffee, and then walked back to his hotel. When he was showered and dressed in track pants, t-shirt, and sneakers, he grabbed his garment bag and they headed to the gallery.

---