Flipped

Back and Forth

*** More of a teaser than a 'chapter' - sorry!***

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"... we were both at the anniversary party and missed each other there too huh?"

<Is he fishing?>

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Sanem hadn't responded yet as Can went on, deciding to just take the plunge - "It was a crazy night- so many people... I actually got lost and ended up-"  He was cut off by his sister's voice just behind him.  "Can?" He stopped short and turned to look over his shoulder.  Leyla continued, "I'm heading out for an early lunch, do you want to come alo-   Oh.  Sorry, I didn't realize I was interrupting-   Merhaba, Sanem Hanim!"

Sanem dipped her head, smiling, then raised a hand to wave as she spoke, "Hi Leyla.  We were just talking about you."  Leyla gave a sideways glance to her brother, "All wonderful things I'm sure, right küçük erkek kardeş (little brother)?"  Can gave a brotherly eye roll, "If you're sure, daha eski kız kardeş (older sister)."  Leyla didn't hesitate in smacking her ornery kid brother upside the head at that.  "If you want me to buy your lunch, you'll take that back."  Can had flinched at the contact and Sanem covered her mouth to shield her scoff.  

Can turned to Sanem as he rubbed the back of his head, "See how mean she is to me?!"  Sanem gave a shake of her head, looking between the two siblings, "Just like me and my kid brother."  Leyla and Can gave matching eye rolls this time, Can yielding first, looking at his sister, "Ok ok- truce."  Then, turning back to Sanem, "Would you like to join us for lunch... you wouldn't have to mediate I promise-  we'll behave."  He punctuated the invitation with a genuine smile that lit up his whole face, eyes twinkling.  Sanem felt it in her knees.

She reluctantly declined, "Ah, thanks for the invite, but I think I'll hang out and wait for Yigit- don't want to miss him again."  Can's face fell.  "Oh- tamam."  Maybe she and Yigit are involved.  Damn.  Sanem felt sick at being the cause for that beautiful smile to give way to the crestfallen look his features now wore.  "I've just needed to talk to him for a couple of days now and keep missing the opportunity-  I really need to get it done with."  Can wondered what her words meant exactly, but didn't push.  

Leyla broke in again, "Tamam- Come on Can, let's get going so I can be back for my meeting."  Can put on his polite, close-lipped smile and started to turn away with Leyla, "Evet," then turned back to Sanem, "Görüşürüz, Sanem."  She smiled and waved them off, "Görüşürüz."  Leyla gave a quick wave back to her, then turned back to Can as they walked away, "Why were you talking about me? What did you say?!"  Can scoffed and put his arm around her shoulders as they went out the front entrance.  "Nothing, alba- just that you and Sanem met briefly when you had walked me down for my interview with Yigit...  Why did you call her 'Hanim'?"

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Sanem had watched them go and wondered how far Can would have gone with his description of his evening at the anniversary party if he hadn't been interrupted.  Then had that fleeting thought that she was being ridiculous and the coincidence of it was just unheard of.  Doubt crept in.  Maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see.  But- I've never wanted anything like that before in my life... Why do I seem to want it now?  With him?  She went back toward the front where the little cafe was and ordered a small snack with a tea.  She took a seat and picked at her food.  Regardless of what she may think she wants with Can, she was not going to put off breaking things off with Yigit.

Just then, something else hit her... Oh... but how will this affect Can?  He just started working for Yigit and if I break up with him to pursue something with Can- Ah Sanem Ah! When did your life get so damned complicated?!  What should I do?  I've never not known what to do before!  She debated with herself... stay to wait for Yigit or leave, putting it off, yet again... maybe just at least until she knew for sure about Can.  She stood up.  Then sat right back down.  Then stood again.  She turned toward the exit, then turned back again.  Ah!  Woman-up Sanem!  Make a decision!  This was such foreign territory for her.  She looked toward Yigit's office doors, then over to the exit and back again.  Now she felt mentally annoyed.  

She turned to leave and at the exit, slammed into someone coming in.  When she looked up and her eyes met his, she knew what she had to do.