Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 4)

11. Little mind games

"So," Yigit says as he and Sanem sit at the counter in what's to be the lunch room, "when can I read a bit of your novel? Just a couple of paragraphs of course. I'm very curious about what you're planning to do."

"It's too early." Sanem takes a bite of fish. "So far, apart from some random ideas for the first chapter, there isn't much to read."

"Ah," Yigit nods, chewing on piece of salmon.

"As soon as I'm done with the agency I can concentrate on this place and work on it. You'll be the first to read it I promise."

"Aren't I the lucky one?" he jokes and she smiles around her food. "Writing can be difficult, I know. You have to be consistent with your ideas and where they're going...To feel something and try to transfer that feeling to other people is hard."

"And letting others read about what you wrote...to be that open about your mindset at the time? It is very intimate...You need a lot of courage."

"You know there are some who take what they've written with them to the grave?"

Sanem shakes her head after stuffing a big piece in her mouth. "No, why won't bwe whike what," she says and he stops chewing a moment to watch her talking with her mouth full. "I whant evwhywhone to whead whit." She finishes and swallows. "But I'm still shy about it at the same time."

He nods and chuckles at what just happened while drinking his soda. "Well, okay then, until your chains are removed, let's talk more about the production. Like the number of pages for the book, the cover design...that sort of thing."

"Hm hm," Sanem swallows her water and nods. "I think we need to start somewhere small too. I've always liked the idea of a book with a beautiful back cover. A nice photo of the author, a bit about the author and then a small description..." Her face lights up. "Hey, I'm considered an editor now. I can do my own introduction and description."

He nods with a smile then points at his sushi plate. "You sure you don't want some of this?"

"No," Sanem takes a large bite of her sandwich. "I'm a pwhicky pweshon when whit cwhomes to fwood."

"And you probably love tea more than coffee?" he guesses.

Sanem swallows, looking at him picking a piece of sushi out. "Yes, I love tea more," she admits quietly.

"Good. Then when we're done, I will make you some tea."

Sanem wipes her hands and then gives him a small smile. "Thank you, but my break's almost over so I should probably go back." She didn't want to stay longer than she had to. It was nice talking to Yigit but she didn't want give him the wrong impression.

"No, it's fine, I'll clean up." He stops her from cleaning around the takeaway box and close it so she can throw it away. "I'll let you go, but you'll have a tiny task as assistant editor."

"Okay?"

"I received the first three chapters of a book. I'll send them to you in the mail. If you have notes or ideas on it, tell me."

"Alright, I'll check my computer when I get upstairs."

"Awesome."

She looks around her, grabbing her phone. "See you later," she says, already heading for the exit where she left her jacket and handbag.

"Bye."

**

"I am so jealous of these dolmas of yours. I tasted it and I was blown away." Mevkhibe gives a small nod and smile as thanks. "I've decided to hire a cook. If I send this person to you, will you teach your method?"