Rules of Engagement- A CanEm AU

Chapter 6. Just Be You

Previously

His eyes roamed over her again, taking in her ruby red lips, the red dress, the ruby ring, and her slightly flushed cheeks. "It looks good on you. Red is your color"

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The party was in the ballroom of the Conrad Istanbul Hotel, overlooking the Bosphorus. Sanem had never been, but she'd heard about it - who hadn't? The clientele was known to be the upper echelon of society. When they reached the entrance of the ballroom, Sanem felt a pit in her stomach. Just peering in from the outside of the room she was certain she would stand out like a sore thumb. She grabbed at Can's coat sleeve anxiously, her heart beating so loud she thought the whole room would hear it.

Can looked down at the white knuckles grabbing his arm. He gently remove the deathly grasp, linked his fingers through hers, brought their joined hands up to his mouth, and kissed her hand quickly. Bending low so that only she would hear, he said, "Just be you, they'll love you"

Sanem looked up, startled. The unexpected compliment was one of the nicest things anyone had every said to her. People in her life were usually telling her to change, be normal, fit in.  She opened her mouth to thank him, but he was already talking to an acquaintance. They walked through the ballroom towards their table, Can smiling and shaking hands with people he knew.

Sanem felt the grip on her hand tighten as a handsome man, more or less Can's age, walked towards them.
He stopped in front of them and held out his hand. "Can!"

"Ali", Can responded in a clipped tone, shaking the outstretched hand.

Ali's gaze roamed over Sanem in appreciation. "And who might this beautiful lady be?"

"She's my fiancee, now buzz off", Can replied and stalked off, taking Sanem with him.

Sanem had to ask. "Ok, what was that??"

"I've known his since college. He's a dirtbag". He waited a beat before adding, "And I didn't like the way he looked at you"

Sanem looked at him slack jawed. "I can take care of myself Can", she said indignantly.

"Didn't doubt it for a minute, canim", Can replied smoothly before turning towards an older woman who had joined them.

"Remide Teyze", he said warmly, leaning in for a hug, "its wonderful to see you!"

"Can, my boy, its been so long! Let me look at you", she said, holding him back by the shoulders to assess him, like he was 10 years old.

Can smiled fondly and accepted her scrutiny.

"Alright, you look well". She turned to Sanem, "and who is this lovely young lady?"

"Teyze, this is Sanem Aydin." He turned to Sanem. "Sanem this is my Remide Teyze. She was a close friend of my grandmother's and after her death, she was like a second grandmother to me. That is, when she wasn't busy expanding her business empire", he joked.

Remide turned her attention to Sanem. "Come girl, give this old lady a hug."

Sanem felt immediately comfortable with this wise looking old woman, and reached in for a warm hug. As she withdrew, Remide stopped her and sniffed. "What is the perfume, child? It's heavenly!" Her eyes wandered down and took in the ring.

She turned to Can, her eyes full of questions. "And why is your grandmother's ring on her finger?"

Can threw his head back and laughed out loud. "Remide Teyze, you don't miss a thing!! Meet Sanem Aydin, my fiancee, the love of my life, and the smartest woman I know." Remide raised her eyebrow at him. "After you of course", he added smiling. He wound his arm around Sanem's waist and pulled her to him. "And that fragrance - it's Sanem's signature scent. She makes her own perfumes", he stated proudly. "In fact she is looking to start her own perfume company"