Page 44 of Never Quiet

Chapter Ten

Amanda avoided Erick and his girlfriend over the next two days as much as she could without seeming like she was avoiding them. Taylor didn’t look at her, much less speak to her, and for that, Amanda was glad.

She returned the favor but far more politely.

Every morning, she ran with Davis. When they got back, they played with the kids, helped cook massive meals, and spent time in long conversations with each other and everyone else.

Harrison and Morgan arrived with Callie on the third day and her friend fell instantly in love with the Hardings.

She didn’t like Erick’s girlfriend in the slightest. It might have been because Callileah and Amanda overheard Taylor on a phone call refer to Callie as some Mexican girl who walked weird.

Amanda instantly stood to address it and Callie grabbed her arm. “No, Amanda. Does it really surprise you that some beach bunny from the Keys sees me that way? Come on. All her brains are in her boobs. She’s her own worst enemy and you kicking her stupid ass won’t change her. I’m used to entitled white girls like her being casually racist.”

Amanda turned to sit down and met Erick’s eyes behind them. Pointing over her shoulder at Taylor, she said softly, “I cannot imagine the fascinating conversations you must have. Callie, we’re going back to Chaz’s.”

“Mandy…”

“Do not.” As she passed him, she added even more quietly, “Subtle racist tendencies and zero empathy about why my oldest friend might walk weird. How disappointing to learn even your dick overpowers your wonderful brain, Erick.”

Taylor was around less the next day or two but it didn’t make Amanda any less angry.

She avoided the home where Erick lived, made excuses about going out on the boat, and kept the kids, Callie, and Davis around her as much as she could as a buffer. Not just against Erick but against any questions she didn’t want to answer from members of her family or his.

Around the older couples, she was polite, talkative, and participated in activities.

Harrison and Morgan finally intervened when the littlest girls were in nap mode so they didn’t feel left out.

Morgan announced, “You all enjoy your diving and boating and sweating. We need some pamper time with our girls to gossip, shop, and eat too much. Hmm. Davis, you may join us if you like. Proper age, gorgeous form, and riding solo. That will help us outnumber these two beautiful girls and make them the envy of all who glimpse us.”

Hand on his hip, he looked Amanda up and down, frowning at her shorts and t-shirt. “We’re taking you somewhere lots of people will see you with Helios!” He shouted his moniker and she laughed. “Dress accordingly, my darling. We’ll wait.”

She met his eyes as she turned and he winked.

The girls dressed in the clothes Morgan bought them regularly. Her friend chose a mini-dress with delicate layers and spaghetti straps. Her sandals were flat but gorgeous. She pulled her hair up into a sleek ponytail. Amanda chose a flirty mini-skirt, dressy tank top that bared her midsection when she moved certain ways, and high-heeled sandals.

She brushed out her hair and left it down, applied nothing but lip gloss, and grabbed her wallet.

Callie stood by the door. “You are a supermodel.” She winked. “Dad wants you to showcase what Erick couldn’t be bothered to wait for and I think he’s right. Being a little spiteful and petty is necessary in this situation. You feel terrible and I think you need to feel less terrible.”

They returned to the living room of Chaz’s house a few minutes later. The oldest Harding male extended his hand and Amanda took it. He danced with her and she hadn’t forgotten. He twirled her out and kissed her fingers. He took Callie’s hand and kissed it with a smile.

“You both look gorgeous. Have fun.” Looking at Morgan, he added, “An outstanding idea.”

“I agree. Don’t wait up. If it’s late, Amanda can sleep at our hotel just up the road. We have a suite so Davis can take the extra room if he likes.”

Suddenly, Sterling was in front of Amanda. She crouched to him. He whispered, “You’re so pretty. Um,” he rubbed the back of his neck, “don’t let any boys sweep you off your feet.”

Holding up her hand, she said, “Pinky promise.” He took it with a look of relief.

“I don’t count though, right?” Davis asked from the hall dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt. “I’m her cousin so no sweeping.”

“Yeah. You keep other guys away, too.”

“Will do.” He ruffled Sterling’s hair. “Don’t torture your parents. Work them back in gently to the crazy.”

Davis held out his hand and Amanda took it, standing.

Across the room, Taylor was on her phone, making little effort to whisper. “Yeah, she’s like whored up and shit…”

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