Page 64 of Never Quiet

Vicki turned with a gasp. “You’re gonna fit right in with big city life, honey. Just look at you! Jim and me are sure gonna miss seeing you at the diner.”

Beside her, the man who swept Vicki off her feet once she recovered from losing her first husband smiled. “You grew up so pretty but you’re still the sweetest girl with the most cheerful disposition. You keep being that girl, you hear?”

“I will.” She hugged them and moved a few feet away to Zoe’s assistant librarian. “Thank you for coming, Beth.”

“Are you kidding? You’re literally the only kid I’ve ever liked!” Moving closer, she whispered, “I’ll do what I can to help your mom.”

“Thank you, Beth. Truly.”

She took time to talk to the mayor, several of her teachers, two boys from band, and three little girls she used to babysit so their mother could have an adult lunch and manicure once a week.

It was familiar, nice, comforting. All the people and little things she’d miss.

The sage green silk sheath Morgan bought her fit like a second skin. The designer nude heels added four inches of height. Her hair hung loose and wavy down her back.

When she passed Morgan beside Harrison, he stepped close and told her, “I knew you’d own that outfit. How are you feeling? Underneath that perfect smile you’re wearing?”

“Tired. Ready to get past this but not at the same time.”

“I can imagine. I’m sorry but I know we’re going to get you through this, Amanda.” She nodded and he hugged her. Several phone cameras flashed at the same time. “Lord,” he whispered at her ear. “Our first photo op, darling. These will be all over Facebook. Prepare yourself. Big and bright.” He turned them and announced, “My protégé is about to take the world by storm!”

So many flashes.

Noel appeared next to them with a wink and several people in the room noted their similarities. “Rock what you got. Here.” She handed Amanda a glass of wine. “I’ll be the first to corrupt you as an adult.” Clinking their glasses, she added, “Deep breaths, big smiles, and mingle.” She met Amanda’s eyes. “I wasn’t talking to you. I was reminding myself what people do.”

Laughing, Amanda made her way outside where there were more tables with food and drinks.

In the backyard, kids swam in the pool with multiple adults watching them. Off to one side was a big bounce house where children screamed happily. On the back section of the covered patio was a deejay and people were dancing.

Wine glass in hand, Amanda stood on the back porch and watched people enjoying themselves. It made her smile.

“Your parents know how to throw a party.” Davis leaned against the railing. “This is unreal. It’s like the circus.”

“Grandma had a lot to do with it. She lives to plan parties and Mom lives to make lists. It’s a match made in heaven.”

“There has to be three hundred people or more here…”

“Dad reminded me earlier that I’ve lived here all my life. I have deeper roots than I’d remembered.” She took a sip of her wine. “It will be hard to leave. The place, the people.”

“Don’t think about all that. Right now, this is a party launching you into the fabulous life of a supermodel.” He took the glass and set it on the table behind them. “Allow me a dance to celebrate, my beautiful cousin.”

“I’d love that.”

Laughing, he held her hand as they took the path to the dance floor. “Those heels are insane. So much respect for women and what you go through.” He turned and took her in his arms. In the shoes, he was two inches taller.

Coconut started playing and she giggled. “Really?”

“It’s our song, Miss Mandy!”

The first time she visited the Keys, Davis and Erick insisted on showing her how to surf. She sucked at it and when she dragged her waterlogged body out of the ocean for the hundredth time and refused to try again, they sang to her until she was laughing and ready to go back in.

Davis learned to dance from Dakota and Chaz just like she had. He moved beautifully. He spun her and she found herself in Erick’s arms. They were eye to eye. The males sang, talked to her, and passed her between them.

Erick said, “Leaving your home and family is hard.”

“All of this is like surfing, Amanda,” Davis added.

“You keep getting up on the board, no matter what.”

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