My Turkish Heart

Chapter 7

The cool air in Istanbul hit her as she disembarked off the plane. The airport wasn't as busy and by the time she reached the exit at arrivals there was a driver holding up her name waiting at the end. He was very friendly and professional. She could tell he wasn't keen on speaking English and her Turkish phrases she learnt were very basic, so she thought she would spare his ears for her butchering the language on the first day. Izzy sat like a kid by the window admiring the beauty of Istanbul. The drive to the hotel had some exquisite sights: Sular Vadisi Park, Mall of Istanbul, Bukoleon Sarayi. She could barely blink, too scared she would miss a thing as she sat wide eyed and took it all in.

This is crazy!! I'm in Turkey and it's even more breathtaking than I imagined, she hysterically said in her head.

She felt like she was in a dream, but hoped it never ended. When they arrived at the hotel Izzy was even more in awe. It was so exquisite and resembled somewhat of an olden day castle at the look of some of the architectural features. The dream was really getting better and better. Mr Yildiz, her driver, took her luggage and went to check in on her behalf as she stood gaping at the landscape of the hotel. As they arrived at her room, it was even more luxurious than usual. Breathtaking views played at her window and the terrace had the best view of the Blue Mosque. Izzy couldn't believe that this was for her, she kept looking at everything in disbelief. Mr Yildiz stood at the door and was amused at Izzy's behavior.

"Sorry Yildiz Bey. I'm not used to this kind of hotel for business trips" She shyly admitted.

"No problem Izzy Hanim" he said with a sincere smile.

"I'll be back later to fetch you for dinner"

"Pardon Yildiz Bey? Dinner with whom? I didn't find it on my itinerary"

"The CEO wanted to meet you in person Izzy Hanim"

She gaped at him in more disbelief as she was not prepared for a dinner with the CEO. Before she could ask anything further he left her luggage and closed the door behind him.

Are you kidding me right now?! These Turkish people are making me sweat on the first day here..she thought.

She called home then called Rachel to ask about the dinner with the CEO.

"No, Izzy I wasn't made aware of that either. Must have been arranged last minute or something"

"Ugh! Just my luck! Dinner with the CEO and I look like a train wreck" She sighed.

"Izzy, you're in Turkey for heaven's sake! Loosen up a little, will you? I'm sure it's fairly casual and just a formality. This is big for us so do whatever they want. Even if they want you to have lunch with the president please do it. We need this contract! "

She knew Rachel would emphasize the importance of the job, but she wasn't the one in the firing line right now, Izzy was.

"Yes, Yes. I understand the importance of the job and will do all the circus tricks as requested"

"That's my girl! Now go dress up and play nice tonight, ok?!"

"Fine! Goodbye"

Izzy unpacked to find something suitable to wear then took a long shower before getting ready. She was still stuffed from the plane food, so she decided to just get some of the famous Turkish tea before her dinner. As she did the finishing touches to her hair, there was a knock at the door. Speedily she ran over to open the door, but who she found on the other side was definitely not what she was expecting. She stood gobsmacked not sure how to react.

"Merhaba Izzy Hanim"

His voice was so smooth and he stood with a confident smirk on his face.

"B.. Burak?"