Page 69 of Never Quiet

Chapter Fifteen

Erick and Davis worked to ease Amanda’s embarrassment and general tension. By the time they finished eating, it was almost like the most uncomfortable conversation of her life hadn’t even happened.

Her relief was intense.

“We have several guest rooms upstairs. We built one out with bunk beds on one side and a twin on the other. You guys okay bunking with Sterling?”

“Of course.”

“I wanted to keep him with us because Heather loves that he knows sign language. Morgan and Harrison have the other guest room, my grandparents will stay with Rick and Noel. Jan offered for Gunner, Dakota, Chaz, and Shawn to stay at the house she rents from Bill so Lizzy and Dylan can stay here. Callileah always stays with me in my room. Heather will sleep in her old nursery downstairs.”

“You guys are accustomed to a lot of people?” Erick asked.

She shrugged. “My grandparents, uncles, and Callie are around a lot. When Dad bought this place after a lot of pressure from Uncle Sheamus, he thought it would be too big. As much as Noel and Grandma visited over the years, our friends, and now the security staff, the space is used.”

“I can’t wait to see your Keys-inspired bedroom,” Davis said. “Something tells me the photos don’t do it justice.”

“Yes, it’s…” She paused, composed herself, and started again. “It’s beautiful and it meant a lot to me.”

Reaching out to hold her hand, Davis murmured, “I know. Tell me about your Uncle Sheamus. Did you know you were getting an inheritance?”

She nodded. “Since I came back from the Keys the first time. Everyone sat me down and explained. I didn’t know the amount until the estate lawyer arrived on my eighteenth birthday. They just said I didn’t have to worry about college, that I could choose the best schools…”

Staring at her lap, she struggled for calm. Erick crouched beside her and took her hand.

“Amanda, I know that all your life, you had a plan. You had specific interests and goals that you worked toward. You worked harder than anyone I’ve ever met. Your brain is amazing and it’s never let you down. Not once.”

Her tears fell fast and hot.

“None of this is what you planned. I know that…”

“E-everyone is going to think I’m a brainless blonde. I’m just going to be one more female evaluated for the length of my legs, the shape of my face, and if I sell swimsuits or cars or perfume because enough people find me physically worthy.”

He held her hand in both of his. “Why do you care what people think? When did you start caring? When you planned to spend your days in a shapeless lab coat and protective goggles, you didn’t care if people thought you were a nerd, you didn’t care if they found you attractive.”

Sniffing, she looked at him.

“It’s the same thing in reverse, Amanda. The same thing. The person you are isn’t defined by the work you do or the way you look. It’s never been defined by any one thing because there are so many pieces to you. Each one is complex and unique. What the world population assumes about you based on what makeup you endorse or what designer you wear doesn’t matter. Only what you think about yourself matters.”

Tilting her head, she stared into his eyes.

“College or not, swimsuit model or not, you’re the smartest person I know. You can do this. Supermodel by day, whatever the fuck you want to be by night. There’s no limits. None. To hell with the people who judge you based on your body. You know the fucking truth. I know the truth. Everyone who really knows you…knows the truth, Amanda.”

“Thank you, Erick. I…” Inhaling deeply, she started again. “I hope you’ll still talk science with me.”

He smiled and it was beautiful. “Are you kidding? You’ve always been gorgeous. That never stopped me from going full nerd every chance I got.”

Laughing softly, she replied, “Okay.”

“There are hundreds of people out there and we can’t monopolize you. We’ll have plenty of time later.” Erick stood and pulled her to her feet. “Thank you for showing us your personal domain, Amanda. Every inch of it illustrates another incredible facet of your personality.”

Leaning forward, he dropped a light kiss on her lips. “We need to leave this cozy space that smells of lavender and whatever perfume you’re wearing.” They both turned their heads at the same time. Davis stared at them with his chin in his hand.

“It’s like a movie.” Sighing, he stood and added, “Better not be like The Notebook. I hated that shit and will kick both your asses. I’m serious.”

Laughing, they gathered everything on the trays and returned to the kitchen. She put everything away and washed her hands. As she turned, Sterling knocked her off her feet.

Davis and Erick caught her and set her right.

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