My Turkish Heart

Chapter 5

The next day was her last day at the lodge and she was up early rechecking her pitch. Rachel had called to say that she found a babysitter and would be joining her at the finale tonight. She felt relieved to know Rachel would be alongside her. As she packed up her things and started getting her hair and make up done for the finale. There was a knock at the door, she opened it excitedly thinking it was Rachel. To her disappointment, there was no one at all. She looked down to find a red rose and a note underneath it. Picking it up and smelling its fresh scent, she read the note: "Think of me at least...."

"What is this guy's problem? I think he might be the one that can't stay away" Izzy murmured to herself.

She laughed at the nerve he had and went back inside to get done.

It was almost time to head out, but Rachel had still not arrived. Calling her up, she got her voicemail and was a bit worried. Pacing the room in her evening gown, she kept trying to reach Rachel until she could not wait any longer. She headed over to the finale and it really was a grand affair. Red carpet, draping from the ceiling, waiters in tuxedos, women with red lips and pearly white smiles, men dressed all dapper. Izzy felt a little out of her depth, but took a deep breath as she entered the venue. Entering the main area, she looked around the room in search of Rachel. She felt a pair of eyes fixed on her from afar and she turned to find out whose they belong to.Mr Arrogant himself was staring at her intensely whilst surrounded by a group of people. Izzy's mouth went dry from nervousness as he couldn't stop staring at her. She broke the gaze off as it made her feel some kind of way and walked the other direction.

What's with this guy? Why is he awkwardly looking at me like that?.. She wondered

She searched for a place of safety to stand and finally saw Rachel coming through the front door.

"I'm so sorry Izzy! Had some car problems and then forgot to charge my phone and the problems just kept coming. Wow! You look incredible!"

Rachel's pale cheeks were as red as her ginger hair from all the rushing.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that, but glad you're okay and in one piece. Thank you for the outfit, I know you picked this out for me"

Rachel gushed as she stylishly jugged down a cold cocktail.

"Of Course I did! I know you are not a fan of these stuffy up-dos."

Izzy smiled as she still felt his eyes on her from afar.

"So, what's the juice Izzy? Who's who here? "

" I just got here before you so haven't checked out the competition just yet"

"Mmm.. I see some good eye candy here too"

Rachel always joked about men especially after her nasty divorce. She was a lover of love and always was sizing up men when they hung out socially.

"Yeah, yeah Rach! You would definitely notice that first. We're here on business, remember?"

Izzy teased as she noticed Rachel sipping another cocktail and undressing men with her eyes.

"You are always such a spoilsport Izzy! If I was you, I'd have parked my shoes under a few beds before I return home"

"That just sounds so wrong!!" Izzy burst out laughing.

The launch was underway and after,  all companies could pitch privately to the executives of the department. Izzy and Rachel had just finished and were cooling down at the bar.

"Izzy, that pitch was really good. Well Done!"

"Thanks"

They raised their glasses to toast.