If You Tell Me To Stay

Chapter 6

AUTHORS NOTE:

Hey all! Thanks for everyone's comments and support! It is truly appreciated! 

Just wanted to let everyone know updates might be delayed for a while  because....  **pause for dramatic effect** I am traveling in Istanbul! Yes, this crazy fan went to Turkey for vacation! I won't have a lot of down time and my internet here is very slow.  I'll do my best, but I make no promises.

I am so happy people are liking this AU version of Canem! Thanks again! 

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Sanem had taken a relaxing hot shower and had done her hair and makeup. Wrapped in a towel, Sanem was laying out all the clothes she had bought with Aziz on the bed. There wasn't much. There hadn't been whole lot of time. And she really didn't think to buy a dress suited for dinner with... she was having trouble finishing that thought. With a friend? With someone I like? Someone I really like?

She looked at the contents of the now empty garbage bags. And then went to open the suitcase she had brought. This had a few of her own things from home. Nothing of any real value. Her mom had been there when she packed it, or else she would have filled it with more sentimental things. Not just clothes and toiletries.

She ruffled through the suitcase and pulled out a long pinstriped skirt and a black one-sleeved top to match. She had only packed work clothes but these would have to do. She got dressed and checked the time, seeing that it was time to leave. She sent a quick text to Aziz:

<<Heater is working. House is toasty warm. :D I'm headed to a neighbor's house for dinner. >>

It wasn't a lie, but she wondered why she didn't just tell him it was Can's house she was going to.

She slid her phone into her pocket and glanced out the window. It had rained a little after Can left, but it had subsided for the time being. She grabbed her coat and rain jacket just in case off the banister as she ran out the door, excited by the prospect of seeing Can again.

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Can was frantic. It was like he had a few shots of espresso. He was trying to make everything perfect before Sanem arrived. He made dinner and was keeping it warm in the oven.  He prepared more appetizers than he probably needed to for just the four of them. But he wasn't sure what she would like. He set the table and lit candles around the room.

Can was surveying his work when his phone rang.

"Hello Yusuf, how's the search for the hikers going?"

"Nothing yet. The Silviri Police department are taking the lead in the investigation. I was calling to ask if everything with Sanem was alright."

"Yes, yes. She's fine. She had a power outage and so her phone died and the heater needed some work. I helped her this afternoon fix it and some things."

"Thanks Can for helping her."

Can really wanted to thank him for sort of introducing them, but instead went with, "No problem."

"I should be back tomorrow and can help her get the house in order. I didn't realize how bad it had gotten."

"No, no. There's no need. Really. I can help her." He said it all a little too quickly. "I mean, I know how that house brings up bad memories for you. So I can take care of any repairs."

"Thank you. That would take a weight off my mind. But Can, I should mention. Sanem, well... Just be careful with her okay?"

Can wasn't sure what to make of that. Is he thinking about her parents' recent deaths?