Page 98 of Whirlwind

My mother grinned. “Use it well.”

My heart thudded in my chest. I was a member of a secret society that I’d always been a member of. The Dillons of Meager Society.

“I want you to be able to pay your own way so this is truly your adventure and not some fling thing on someone else’s dime. That’s important. You may not realize it now, but it’ll make a big difference to you. This is yours—you feeling in control of what you’re doing, whatever you choose to do. Whatever happens with Beck.”

“So damn true,” Mom said. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty leftover after your trip, so you take that money and invest it in yourself. In your photography.”

“We want you to know how good it feels to be in the driver’s seat of your own adventure and happiness. Leo and Isi were brave, wild and colorful souls, and so are you, Violet Isidora. You’ve always reminded me so much of Isi. You have that same smirky facial expression that she had—a smirk that would suddenly burst into the most beautiful joyous smile, and that full laugh with an edge of sarcasm. Those things aren’t learned. They’re in our DNA, our blood.

“Isi always followed her dream, and she lived her great once in a lifetime love with her dream man. She lived her rock and roll adventure. I want that for you too, whatever your adventure is. This is a beginning for you.”

“Maybe it is,” I said.

This was a Dillon trust fund, a Dillon grant.May I be worthy of it.

“If this Dillon money, which was got by crazy wild outlaw ways, can help you, by God, I’m giving it to you.” Gigi’s chin lifted. “That’s what Leo and Isi and Wreck would have wanted.”

Mom pulled me into a hug. “Violet, I’m your mother, and I know what kind of person you are. I know your heart. I admire and respect my daughter for the woman she is and for the woman she is evolving into. And don’t you forget that.”

* * *

My flightto JFK had been late. I thought I was going to explode as we finally landed in New York.

The airport was so crowded, lines snaking at every security checkpoint, people filling the food court, swarming in and out of the stores. I ran, my huge crossbody tote bag banging against my hip with every charge of my legs.

I’d insisted on buying my own ticket, and Beck had relented. It was hugely expensive since it was the last minute. New York to Athens. Athens to Mykonos. I wasn’t going to give one dang (Greek) fig. Nope, not me. Not today. It was a rush to do it, in fact.

I followed the signs to the airline, every step a step toward my something new, something wonderful, something mine. I swiveled my suitcase around the barrier and took my place in the line, letting out a heavy breath. One step closer. Closer. We said we’d meet at the gate.

“Next!”

Smiling, I slid my passport to the airline attendant. I answered her questions about packing my suitcase, my carry on.

“You have an upgrade to First Class.”

“Excuse me? I don’t understand. I don’t have the miles for that.”

“It was upgraded for you. You’re traveling with a friend, correct?”

“Yes. Yes, I am.” A grin took over my lips.

“All set. Enjoy your flight.” She handed me back my passport and the boarding pass with the gate number circled.

“Thank you.”

I moved to the side of the desk and shoved everything in my bag for safekeeping. I headed for the gate and there I collapsed in a seat. Finally here. Finally. I sank my head in my hands and took in a deep breath to cool my proverbial jets.

“Violet.”

My heart stilled.

That voice. That voice uttering my name. I blinked. Two black boots before me. My head shot up, and my heart shot out of my chest. Those incredible turquoise blue eyes gleamed at me and my heart swelled. Beck smiled huge, and a wave of euphoria smashed through me.

“She’s here,” he said, his voice so low, it whispered over my skin.

“She’s here.” I stood up.

He took me in his arms, we hugged. He planted a kiss on my cheek. His scent, a subtle spice with a vanilla twist, overwhelmed my senses, calming me, exciting me.

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