Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

106. Winning over Compass Sport

For the hour just before lunch time, Sanem helps the team set up for the meeting to go through every detail one more time. She and Can explain everything again, and talk through the points. Spirits were high and hopeful. Some had one or two inputs and comments, that was added to the presentation.

Sanem explained the graphics and numbers, having worked on that with the knowledge gained from Compass Sport's previous ad campaigns. Can stood to the side and watched with a smile at the success and acceptance of his team, not just Sanem, feeling like this was going to be a good day for all of them.

"This is great. I believe this campaign will be a huge success. We will win," JJ announces out of the blue and the group cheer, clapping in agreement. "Well done!"

"Mr Can, he is right, well done, it's spectacular! You have a great eye," Guliz gushes.

"Thank you," Can nods at Guliz, "but we have to thank Sanem. She did most of the thinking."

Sanem smiles around the room shyly as they grin and give her thumbs up gestures.

"And speaking of thanking Sanem," Sanem looks at Can, "a gift was promised to the person who came up with the Compass Sport campaign slogan. I'm going to give it now, in front of all of you." Can turns around to the counter behind him.

"You said so yes, in the forest at the camp, I remember," JJ points out.

"But we haven't won the contract yet?" Sanem says in confusion.

"It doesn't matter." Can turns back, a small white box in his hand. "Even if we lose, this has nothing to do with it. Besides, we're obviously going to win so the point is moot anyway." He shrugs. "You deserve your reward." He holds out the box and Sanem's hands feel sweaty all of a sudden.

Guliz cranes her neck in her seat, curiously peeking over.

Sanem looks at the box and smiles before taking it. "Thank you," she says quietly and glances at the team, who urge her to open it fast. She takes a shaky breath, chuckling nervously and then opens it.

Inside is a key, with a blue heart shaped keychain and a pink ribbon. Can grins as she holds it in the air, trying to figure out what it's for.

"A key?" Guliz whispers and looks around. "What's it for?"

Sanem squints at the key and looks at Can in question. He just keeps grinning and nods for her to follow him. "Okay?" She shrugs and looks over her shoulder, the team whispering about what it could be to.

"Get your bag," he says as they pass the her desk and she hurries to grab it from under her desk. 

Can leads her down to the parking garage, and tells her to close her eyes.

"But Mr Can - "

"Do it."

She closes her eyes and he gently leads her by the hand forward.

"Okay. Open them."

Sanem's eyes open so fast her head spins and in front of her is a shiny, brand new, bloodred scooter with balloons tied to it. Her eyes widen and her mouth pops open in surprise. "Mr Can, this is a - Wow! It's amazing!" She squeals excitedly. "I love it!"

"I'm glad," Can smiles down at her, his hand on the seat.

Sanem stares up at him with a goofy grin for a second and then looks at the scooter again. "Let's take her for a spin."

"Why not?" Can shrugs and she reaches for the helmet on the seat next to his hand. They get on, her in front and him behind her.

The scooter purrs to life under her and Sanem whips the visor down over her eyes, kicking the stand and revving the handlebar twice. "Vroom vroom!" she cheers and Can snorts over her shoulder as she starts driving.