Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 4)

15. Gourmet Polen

"Did you send the mail?"

"I did. It's through."

Sanem spots Can and Polen coming out of his office and jumps up, grabbing a folder and situating herself at the wall, JJ right next to her.

"Polen dear!" Huma's voice calls and Can and Polen stop. "Do you know what I just thought of?" Huma asks as she hurries over. Can moves to the side and steps back. "Why don't you make samples of the food for your book?"

"I - ?" Polen looks from Can to Huma in confusion. "For you?"

"Me, Can, Emre, everyone here at the agency," Huma waves a vague hand. "They're all such lovely, creative people. They'll try the dishes, give you feedback and so on." Huma looks at Can. "Can, what do you think?"

Sanem's eyes slide over to Can behind the folder.

"I don't know," he puts a hand on the wall not too far away from where Sanem and JJ were eavesdropping and steps from his left to his right foot. "Is it really necessary? These are already known and tried recipes. It just sounds like a waste to me."

"Impossible. People have to eat. And besides, dishes from England and dishes from Turkey are not the same after all. They have the same look maybe but they are very different. Polen is going to appeal to the Turkish nation with her English dishes, using Turkish ingredients."

Sanem rolls her eyes, looking at JJ and squinting.

"It's not a bad idea. I can do that."

"Excellent! You can use our kitchen!"

Can's jaw drops slightly. What?

"How does tonight sound?"

"You want me to cook? In Can's kitchen? Tonight?"

"Sounds like a difficult decision..." Sanem pipes up much louder than intended, then looks at JJ when their heads turn her way. "This number six option," she clears her throat, "it sounds like it might be complicated. Maybe we should take another approach?"

Can lifts a brow, his eyes staying on JJ and Sanem a moment longer after Polen already turned away to speak to Huma.

"Okay, well, we don't have a lot of time..." Polen frowns unsurely.

"Am I an ornament? I will help you get everything done, of course, just ask."

"Thank you, Mrs Huma, but I think I'll manage on my own. But, Can - "

Sanem sneezes loudly, JJ hopping a foot in the air and nearly knocking down the files next to him.

Can's wide gaze returns to her again. Come on Sanem.

"Bless you," JJ clears his throat and pats her back lightly while Sanem sniffs.

"Can?" He looks at Polen and hums in answer. "Are you fine with this?"

"I have a weakness for food," Can shrugs, "so I can't really refuse a free meal," he jokes dryly and Huma laughs too loud.

"Brilliant! Come along dear, we have much to do and little time to do it.
Everyone!" she calls and wiggles her fingers at the employees looking up. "This evening you're all invited to Can's house for dinner! I'm expecting every one of you there!"

The office applauds her invitation excitedly.

"Later Can!" Huma waves and hooks her arm in Polen's after they greet him.

Can blows up his cheeks and then looks at his employees with a shake of his head. "You had to applaud?" he huffs and they look more subdued.

"I'm so not going," Sanem snorts.