Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

6. Mr Aziz is ill

After the show ends, Polen and Can climb the steps down and he unbuttoned his tuxedo jacket. He felt stifled and in need of getting out of the tie. His senses was still full of the woman he kissed and he wanted to take a shower.

He also felt guilty, to be honest, being with Polen after what happened. He's never cheated on anyone. Granted it was a mistake, but he could have stopped it once he realized the lips were not the same.

"Should we go to the hotel? Have a drink?" Polen asks when they reach the lobby.

This sounds like a good idea and Can nods. "We can." Maybe a drink will help him forget. "I'm going to change first though. I've been itching all night."

Polen laughs and nods. "You look very handsome in it, but okay."

He grins. "Hm hm," he takes off the jacket.

"I'll wait downstairs."

"Okay," he winks and watches her go down the escalator before he walks to the dressing room so he could change, giving her a small wave on the way.

*

Sanem almost trips on her way into the lobby, looking around, her head whipping from side to side. She's just finished texting Ayhan about the man she kissed but she couldn't wait for a reply now. She had to find him.

She saw a lot of bearded men but none of them came from the balcony.

"Are you looking for someone?" JJ asks, coming up behind her.

She turns to him, mouth agape and eyes wide. She was sure her cheeks were red too. "No, I'm just...looking," she says quickly, unsure if she could tell him. She has only known him a day after all.

"Oh," he shrugs and starts to get on the escalator.

"JJ wait," Sanem grabs his arm. He turns to her, waiting. "Uh, the only people who came to the event were ones that were invited right?"

"The majority is part Mr Aziz's entourage and then some frequent collaborators, so yes, all of them were invited."

"Oh," Sanem bites her lip. "I'll have to look until I find you then..." She whispers and JJ blinks. She looks at the floor and says, "Why is everyone in black shoes?"

JJ follows her eyes as she scans the crowd's shoes. "What?" he stares at her. "Shoes?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Sanem chuckles lightly. "Uhm, go on home JJ. Sleep well. Good night." She touches his shoulder and then shoves him a bit.

"I'm going," he lifts his hands. "Good night to you Sanem."

She turns on the spot and looks around her once more, hoping to spit a bearded man in nice, black shoes coming down.

Pairs and pairs of feet pass, but none have the shine to them that she saw. She bends a little to see better but it becomes overwhelming after a second. There were too many people to follow every one of them. She scratches at her neck nervously and swallows, her brows dipping.

*

Can felt normal again in his own clothes and he shook his limbs out as he walked off the elevator to go outside.

"Can!"

He stops and turns to see Metin rushing after him to catch up.

"I was looking for you all over, I thought you left," Metin holds up two fingers. "Do you have a couple of minutes?"

He nods. "Of course."

Metin blew up his cheeks and then looks away from Can. He seems hesitant to talk now that he's asked to talk. "I'm not even sure if I'm supposed to say this."