I Never Thought I Needed You

Chapter 4

After a morning filled with meetings and typing away, I finally take a deep breath and head into my favorite sandwich shop just a few blocks away from the office for a well-deserved lunch break. Can has only been with the company for a few weeks and he has been a truly impressive pain in my ass. Initially, he appeared patient and kind but after the first two weeks he became demanding and very particular about my series. He wanted to change certain scenes and at times he made me question the trajectory of my series. The crazy thing is that I am a masochist, because I was starting to develop a mini crush on him. I hated myself over that! I'm questioning my sanity at this moment.

As I took a bite of my chicken sandwich, a tall, striking woman with jet black short hair greeted me with a friendly "Hi Sanem," extending her hand towards me.

I glance around cautiously, feeling a sense of suspicion creeping in. "Um... hello," I say tentatively. "May I?" she asks, gesturing towards the chair opposite me. Still on guard, I reply, "Sure."

"I'm Aylin, the owner of Star Production. We're a small indie production company and I'm familiar with your work. I'm in search of a director and I'd like to discuss an opportunity at my company for you."

Surprised, I stammer, "What? How? I've heard of Star."

Aylin responds confidently, "I've conducted my research. I've seen and read your series and even your Fanfiction." My cheeks flush with embarrassment.

She continues, "I'm going keep this brief. While my company is not as award winning and recognized as Divit Production, I can offer you something that Divit Productions can't, creative freedom. I can give you a higher title and a better salary. So take some time to consider it." She writes on the back of her business card before sliding it across the table to me and walking away. 

Still in shock, I quickly call Leila, whispering excitedly, "You won't believe what just happened!" The sandwich I had intended to devour is long forgotten. 

"Umm... you tripped going up the stairs?" Leila responds sarcastically, to which I roll my eyes. 

"That only happened one time. Anyways, Aylin from Star Productions tracked me down here and offered me a job." 

"No way!" Leila's loud exclamation is followed by a moment of silence. "Wait, how much are we talking about?" she asks eagerly. 

"She wrote it on the back of her business card and its a starting salary of 120,000 liras with a 20,000 sign-on bonus. I've never had this much money before!" I glance around anxiously and my mood shifts, "Leila this could ruin my relationship with the Divits. Working with Aylin might hurt my friendship with Aziz...he could hate me." This offer is everything I want. It presents an opportunity to fast-track my career path to director, granting me creative autonomy within a small company that values innovation and is not bounded by the constraints often found in larger corporations. I shouldn't do this...

I push these thoughts aside and head back to the office. 

"Sanem! I see you made it back in time from lunch," Can remarks as I walk through the front door. 

"Have you been monitoring my lunch?" I reply with some sass. 

"I was looking for you; I need to discuss the series," he says dryly, gesturing for me to follow him to his office. Taking a seat behind his desk, he motions for me to sit across from him. "The scene where he discovers she is a con artist doesn't convey enough distress. I've left several comments on the file as it seems incomplete. He comes off as cold when a few scenes before, he professed his love for her." Can explains. 

Clearing my throat, I respond, "I believe his cold demeanor is justified. Once he found out about her deceit, the character decided it was best to suppresses his emotions, he feels hurt and betrayed. I think I really conveyed his inner turmoil." Sitting up straight, I tried to exude confidence in my response.