Page 51 of Never Quiet

Some might find their friendship unusual because of the age difference between them but she thought it made sense. Brains like theirs were rare.

Finding someone who knew how to feed it was rarer still.

* * *

When Erick texted her again at Christmas, Amanda excused herself from the festivities.

Merry Christmas, Amanda! The prototype operated perfectly for the first time three days ago. I wish you’d been here to see it. I’m attaching the video (not the same). I’ll show you in person the next time you visit. You’re missed around here. Sterling bugs Dakota every day to call you. I get it.

She watched the video and at the end, Erick turned the camera to himself and said, “You see this shit, Amanda? Wish you were here because you understand deep down what it means.”

Smiling, she replied.

Merry Christmas to you. I’m happy and proud you got it to work. Thank you for the video. Well done, Erick. You pushed through the obstacles to success!

Erick texted her a couple of times a month after that and she always responded. Amanda kept things light, friendly, surface.

She still loved him.

She still wanted him.

She still didn’t need him.

* * *

After the first of the year, she received a lab coat with her name embroidered on it from Hayden. It made her grin like an idiot. Wearing dress clothes for an event at Caroline’s gallery, she shrugged into it and had Zoe take a photo.

Amanda attached it to her text.

In an Austen novel, the female protagonist would consider this wooing. I am all aflutter! I’m sort of kidding (of course). On the way to an exhibit at the gallery but this seriously made my night.

Hayden wrote back and attached an image of him wearing the black and silver badge she’d ordered online that said Certified Badass. It was pinned to his tactical gear.

I love this. I’m wearing it. I’m often accused of having no sense of humor. With this, I’ll show them how wrong they are. By the way, you look lovely and please kiss Caroline for me.

She saved the photo to her phone in the same folder that held others of her and the Delkin brothers over the years.

Throughout the evening, she’d randomly think about Hayden wearing the badge on an actual mission and start laughing. She texted to tell him so.

Hours later, he responded.

You laugh easily and it’s an amazing trait. Mission went well. I’m sending you samples of two different soils and a water source. Take a picture with Caroline. I miss her.

Amanda asked Bill to take two – one silly and one serious – to send to Hayden.

You’re both so damn lovely. I have the second generation with me! Noel and Rick would rather be drinking at the gallery and I agree.

Hayden attached a pic of the three of them. They looked sweaty and tired but victorious. Caroline asked for a copy.

The following day, Amanda received the samples from Hayden and was happy to report the soil and water were clear of dangerous contaminants.

Good news was always welcome and she was glad to be the one to give him some.

* * *

For Heather’s fourth birthday in March, Amanda gave her a horse – specifically, her sweet mare Juniper.

Her parents were stunned but she explained, “I won’t be here all the time and she needs to be ridden. You both have horses you favor. I’ve had Juniper since I was nine and she’s still young. She’ll need love and care for a lot more years. Heather already adores her and Juniper is used to her.”

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