Page 145 of Whirlwind

“You and Beck must return, and you will contact me straight away and I shall arrange everything. Maybe the next time you’d enjoy renting your own yacht and touring a number of islands or rent a house on an island, whatever you like. I’m sure your vacation time is precious to you both and I would love to help you and Beck make it perfect.”

She spoke as if Beck and I were a couple. Some kind of forever relationship couple. Something inside me bubbled like freshly poured champagne at the thought that Beck and I gave off that vibe.

But the clock was ticking. And the cork had to be shoved back on the bottle.

“Thank you, Adri.” I gave her a smile. “I’ll never forget this week. Ever.”

Her hand clutched mine, her head dipping. “That sounded terribly wistful in a sad way or am I wrong?”

I wiped my hair behind my ears. “It’s hard to end a vacation. I imagine you and Turo must live a vacation all year round?”

“We do actually, yes. We are blessed that our work is here for the most part, but we do travel quite a bit. We go to Chicago several times a year where Turo has business interests, as well as to London where I consult with my father and brother on our family business.”

“London? I love London, I’ve been once. What is your family business, if I may I ask?”

“Of course. Shipping for many generations now. Our company is based in London.”

“Ah.” I nodded, gulping at my wine. Greek shipping family? Most likely, Adri came from billions.

“Tell me, did you and Beck get a chance to see much of Athens? Probably not, eh?”

“Not too much, but it was so nice to explore the neighborhoods around the Acropolis today. We really enjoyed ourselves.”

“So you must return. As I said, contact me and I’ll arrange everything. Let me give you my personal phone number.” She got out her cell phone and we exchanged numbers. “And take my business card as well which has my work number.” She handed me a thick beige card that only had her name—Adriana Lavrentiou DeMarco—and another phone number engraved in gold. “By the way, you and Beck are amazing together.”

My skin heated, my lips curled into a grin. “You think so?”

“Oh yes. Absolutely.” Adri sipped at her wine.

My gaze darted to Beck, who was laughing at something Alessio said. He fit in perfectly here. He wore a linen shirt unbuttoned, baring his gorgeous, tanned, chest which was now draped with his new gold necklace nestled amidst his beads. Heat tugged inside me, and I squeezed my legs together. I knew it wasn’t only the heat of attraction but a deeper, mellower warmth. Connection.

“How long have you two been together?” Adri asked.

“Oh, actually, we’re…well, we aren’t really together, we’re just….I mean…”

“Ah, ah—Violet—” Her fingers pressed into my arm. “You don’t have to explain. It’s none of my business. None at all.” Her bracelets shook on her wrist as she put her glass down and gestured at me. “Believe me, I understand these things.”

My face flared. “It’s fine, Adri. Really.“

“I only meant to say that there’s an obvious joyfulness between you which is very special. I can see it, feel it.”

I can feel it too, Adri. Oh, I can feel it too.

“Wine, my ladies?” Turo held a fresh carafe of white wine.

“Yes, please, darling.” Adri slid our glasses toward him and he poured.

“Thank you, Turo."

“Of course.” His eyes gleamed in the glow of the votives candles dotting our table.

Crossing her fabulous legs, Adri turned to me once again. “Have you ever been in love before?”

“No, actually.”

“Ah, well, then. This is terribly exciting. This calls for a toast, just us.” She raised her glass to me and I raised mine. “To first love then, headier than any liquor. Wilder than any storm. Drink it all in, Violet. May you drink it all in like wine.” Her eyes narrowed for a moment. “Every drop, be it dry or sweet. Let it fill you.”

My eyes prickled, and we drank. ”That was the most beautiful toast.”

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