Page 50 of Never Quiet

Chapter Eleven

November 2015 – June 2016 (Age 17-18)

Amanda regularly texted Gunner, Dakota, Chaz, and Shawn after she left the Keys. Even Sterling would get on video and ramble off three weeks’ worth of happenings in under a minute.

The first time Erick texted her was during Thanksgiving on the ranch. For a long time, she stared at his name but didn’t click on the message.

Happy Thanksgiving, Amanda. I hope everything is going great for you. We didn’t talk science one time during your visit and it’s been bothering me a lot. There’s a few things that have been bothering me. I’m sorry for not defending you. I’m sorry about that whole exchange in the gym. You are my friend and I miss you. I’ll do better.

After a quiet cry in the bathroom, she washed her face, stepped out on the back porch, and sent a reply.

Happy Thanksgiving, Erick. Apology accepted and I’m sorry if my presence caused issues between you. I’ll guard against that in the future. Maybe we’ll talk science the next time I see you. I hope your research is going well. Don’t get frustrated and trust the process.

Two hours later, she received another message.

Taylor broke up with me a few weeks after you left. I honestly think she liked you better. She’s dating one of the other dancers in her program. A leggy blonde…what are the odds?

Amanda laughed for a solid minute, finally explained why to her family, which led to more laughter from everyone around the table.

Noel lifted her glass and said, “There is the occasional side effect.” She took a sip. “Regina texted me randomly for a month after our little moment.”

Rick’s eyes were huge. “What?”

Noel shrugged. “Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you.”

“Woman…”

She returned her attention to Amanda. “You handled it perfectly. I know the trip wasn’t easy for you.”

Looking around the table at her family, Amanda sighed. “Ah. I see. Everyone has been low-key worried. I’m fine. There were two exchanges after that…”

“What sort of exchanges, Amanda?” her grandmother asked.

Sitting back, she told them about what happened the night the adults went out together and her talk with Taylor. “I won’t lie. It was awkward but it was good that it happened.” Lifting one shoulder, she said, “I don’t want to be a Karli, Candy, or Summer. I won’t let anyone put me in that position.” She met Noel’s eyes. “No matter how much I want them.”

“Damn right.”

Working in her lab the next day, her mom brought her a package from Hayden. Amanda made grabby hands. “It’s always something for my research!” Zoe laughed and watched as she opened the box.

“Oh, Hayden…” She removed a new test tube kit, stand, and high-powered microscope. “You wonderful man.”

Zoe blinked. “Your reaction to this stuff never ceases to amaze me.”

“He sends top of the line equipment, Mom. I mean, good stuff that’s hard to get if you aren’t affiliated with a lab or school.” Zoe stared at the contents of the box and back at Amanda. “Okay, it’s like first edition copies of Austen or Poe.”

“Ah. Okay, now I get it.” Laughing, her mom gave her a big hug. “As long as you’re happy.”

Sighing, she said, “Yeah, I’m really happy.”

Her mom left and Amanda set up the new pieces. Taking a photo of her lab area that featured a lot more bells and whistles these days, she sent it to Hayden.

I see your name on a box, I get positively giddy. I know it’s going to be something awesome. Thank you for adding to my setup!

A few minutes later, he responded.

Some women get weak over diamonds. With Amanda Lang, it will always be lab equipment. You are unique and never, ever boring. That’s a serious lab you have there, ma’am.

Hayden wasn’t easily impressed nor did he give praise lightly. Knowing that about him made the compliment more powerful. They texted back and forth several times and she asked for updates on several missions that had involved chemical weapons.

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