Page 96 of Whirlwind

“All righty. Was that the tasty part?”

“No.”

“Gimme the tasty part!”

“The guy who’s sweeping her away on this hot little vacation?”

“Who is it?”

“Ladd.”

“What?” I shrieked.

“Ladd. She was all excited, packing like a crazy person. She shooed me out of her place because he was on his way to pick her up for the airport. I left, but waited around the corner, and lo and behold that bloated Range Rover pulled up and he hopped out and went in and got her and her shit and they took off.”

I laughed, grabbing onto the counter to steady myself.

“Obviously you’re not upset?”

“No! Wes, you just made my day.”

“Yeah, I knew I would.”

We said goodbye, and pressing my phone to my chest, I took in a deep breath. Ladd scooping up Sissy for a fuck-cation in Mexico on his “cool-down break” from me was impressive. Boy, he was one cocky arrogant motherfucker.

That was the one thing holding me back from saying yes to Beck, that was the ticking time bomb, in the back of my mind—Ladd finding out I’d run off with Beck again, and him making good on his threats to destroy Whisperwind and possibly polluting the project before the auction somehow.

I was done. Done. Done.

Have fun, Ladd. And screw you. (Ah, Sissy will take care of that just fine.)

I’d ridden this train for too long. I needed to jump off the cattle car out into the hard sun and roll down the hill over the dry, prickly prairie brush, get myself up and run in the wind.

I texted Beck.

I’m coming with you to Greece!

My pulse bumped into a quicker rhythm as I went back out to the garden and rejoined the party, grabbing another drink from Tania’s tray and drinking.Damn, I love guaro.

“So Violet, tell us where you’re going,” said Grace. “Somewhere new and exciting?”

“Yes very new and exciting. I’m going to Greece.”

“Greece? Wow! That is exciting!” Tania exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”

A grin grew on Lenore’s deep red lips.She knows. She knows.She slid an arm around me and turned us to face everyone.Thank fuck for those guaro sours.“Lady loves, let’s drink to Violet’s new adventure!”

Lenore, Grace, Tania, Jill, Alicia, Gigi, and Mom hooted and cheered. A rush of emotion filled my chest, heated my skin. All these strong women I admired, respected, and loved were cheering me on. Thrilled for me. Glasses were filled, raised high.

Lenore hugged me. “Tell Beck to bring me back a bottle of ouzo, okay?” She laughed softy. “And have the best time.”

I hugged her tighter. “I will.” My gaze landed on my grandmother, and she blew me a kiss.

“Have a blast, Violet.” Jill’s tinkly voice filled the garden.

My phone dinged.

I grinned at Beck’s text, my chest swelling.

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