Flipped

Facing Challenges

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.

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"I can't believe it."

She rolled her eyes at the seemingly over-dramatic reaction he was having. "What's not to believe?" Leyla sat herself at the small table at the cafe she's chosen for lunch. Can sank to his chair a moment later as his sister's pestering continued. "She's Aziz Bey's daughter- why else would she be in the building so often?" Can gave her a look as the server came to bring menus. Leyla waved him off, "I don't need a menu, just a half portion of the house salad and a water please, thank you." The server turned to Can, offering the menu. He took it and glanced it over, seeing it was mostly vegan or vegetarian. He shot Leyla another annoyed look as he handed the menu back, "Just çay, thanks."

When the server returned with their drinks, Can was grilling Leyla about Sanem... What role she held with the agency, how long had she known her, why didn't she ever mentioned her before, did she ever ask about me, was she involved with anyone? Leyla had answered the first couple of inquiries without much thought, "She hasn't been involved with the agency really... she's a travelling photographer I guess. I think she came back to celebrate her father's 40th anniversary of the business, so I just met her the other day." She ate her salad as he barraged her with the rest of his questions, but when she spoke again, she was still on their first meeting. "Yeah- we met when I took you down for your interview, that's right." Then her brain caught up with what her ears were hearing, "So, how would I know if she's involved with anyone?! Google her if you want- we just met for God's sake." She shifted again, from defense to offense, "As a matter of fact, you just met her too. What business is it of yours if she's involved or if she's asked about you?"

Can relented for a moment, leaning back in his chair after having apparently loomed forward over the table in his interrogation. He looked out, over the cafe, and neighboring areas as he took a sip of his tea. She pressed. "Ohhh- Does baby brother have a crush?" She was fully prepared and invested in berating him to no end. But Can's swift resignation completely deflated her intentions. He brought his gaze back to look his big sis in the eyes, "Yes abla." Then he adjusted, "Well, no- not a crush. It's bigger than that. I'm hopelessly lost for her, Leyla. I've never felt anything like it." She was completely caught off guard, just staring back at him in utter disbelief. He opened his hands, beseeching, "What am I supposed to do? She'd never give me a second thought would she."

Leyla was struggling to get past the shock of his sincerity and then moved on to conflicted sides, between genuinely concerned sister, and terrified business professional. "Can. How can you know this isn't just infatuation? I mean- I said it a moment ago- you two have only just met. And, I know you said it's like nothing you've ever felt before but- it's not like you have a ton of prior experience, right?" Can's hands fell to the table and he slumped a little further in his seat, raising a hand to his forehead. "I don't know how to explain it Leyla. I mean- I've crushed on girls before-" She gave him a look that gave a sarcastic 'Oh really.' He acknowledged it and went on, "I know it was a rare thing okay? My attention was usually pulled in other directions- the store, music, sports, books- I know. But remember Elif Habel? Or Yara... um?" He tightly closed his eyes and was snapping his fingers, trying to remember that girl's last name. Leyla did it for him. "Ekşi." His eyes popped open as he pointed to his sister, "Evet! Ekşi- Yara Ekşi! I definitely crushed on her in the 8th grade- and I really thought I was in love with Elif, in high school, remember?"

Leyla smirked and gave a slow nod, "Evet... for about 2 weeks." Can changed his pointing finger, opening his hand again, palm up. "Yes! No girl has ever held my interest for very long, but Sanem?" Leyla's brows furrowed in confusion. "But you just met Sanem. You're saying she's held your interest for longer than any other girl? How is that possible- listen to yourself Can." He closed his eyes again and brought his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Yes I know we only met a short while ago but-" Leyla cut in, "Today! You just met a mere hour ago, if that!" Can replied without thinking, "I don't think so." Now he had his poor sister really grasping. "What are you talking about?! You're saying you met her before today, when I came to get you for lunch??" Can was wavering, and gave a long sigh. "I don't know how to explain it but- yes. I think we met before. I'm almost sure of it."

Leyla tried to come with him on the idea. "So, you think you met her somewhere else? Where? When?" Can realized he wasn't sure if he wanted to share his moment from the opera house with anyone just yet, so remained silent for a moment. Leyla went on, "Okay look- if you plan to pursue something with her, you just need to be careful." It was Can's turn now to furrow his brows, "What do you mean? Careful of what? Is she known as some orospu (bitch/slut) or something? No way!" Leyla closed her eyes and shook her head at her brother's ignorance of the business world for professionals. "No, you geri zekâlı (moron/idiot)- I just mean it could be complicated... or even disappointing."

He shook his head and shrugged in question. After her famous sisterly eye roll, she explained. "Complicated for several reasons - I mean- you'll be working in the same building... and she and I will have a relationship, in a work capacity, so you'll need to pay attention to boundaries. I can't have my brother's romance with the boss's daughter reflecting on, or affecting me and my performance, anlama (understand)?" Can finally caught on, "Ah- anladım (understood). And... disappointing?" Leyla eased off, shrugged a little and took the last bite of her salad. "Abla?" She finished her bite, took a drink of water and tried to articulate.

"Well, I mean- I don't know her well at all ok? I know she's come back for her father, but Can- she may not stay." He hadn't even thought of that. Granted, he'd had no idea who she was until now, or what she did for work, but yes. She could very well only be here briefly. He gave a slight nod as the realization sunk in and he leaned back in his chair. Leyla actually felt bad for him in that instant. "Maybe she will- who knows."

Can raised a hand to signal her to stop. "No, you're right. It's a valid point I hadn't considered." Leyla was never a particularly nurturing older sister, but she recognized the moment and tried her best. "I'm sorry Can- I didn't mean to be a kill-joy or anything." Can gave her a small smile. "I know abla, it's okay..." he raised an eyebrow at her now, "was that hard for you just now by the way? Being a caring sister?" He gave her a wink as she scoffed at him and threw her napkin at his face. He gave a laugh and threw it back. "Uff! You're so immature!" she scolded as she waved for the check.

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"Ai!" She let out a small screech as she collided with someone at the exit. The gentleman on the receiving end closed his arms around her as he grunted an "uff!" in response. Her self defense instincts were about to kick in, until her eyes met his. The clarity of the turning point of her future so stark to her right now.

"Ah ah! Sorry, I was rushing and didn't see you!" She pulled back to straighten his jacket as he chuckled. "Well, I came looking for you- I guess I found you didn't I?" He was smiling. She was not.