If You Tell Me To Stay

Chapter 33

Author's note: So if you recall, I split the last chapter into two. Well... I sort of did that again here. So chapter 33 here is like... Chapter 32 part 2 part 1.... Yep, I just confused myself. I think I've had too much eggnog (and not the the virgin kind). Work has got me too busy to make sense anymore. So chug some eggnog with me (because, honestly that is the only way to drink this stuff) and just go with me on this.

The Yellow Dress Saga continues!!!

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After leaving the janitor's closet, Sanem went back to the table. Can put his things away in a locker and then hung out in the corner near where Sanem was sitting. He wanted to be close in case something happened, but far enough away in case another reporter showed. He used the excuse of greeting people as they came in. He shook everyone's hand and welcomed them. He looked out onto the court and saw that the journalist was distracted by the two Silveri players, Hakan and Ferit, who he met briefly in the locker room. They were both eating up the attention. To his relief, Emre and more importantly Leyla finally showed.

"Sorry we're a little late. We dropped Altan at my parent's on the way. Sports aren't really their thing." Leyla said and gave Sanem a hug.

Emre left to join the others and Can pulled Leyla aside to ask for his favor, out of earshot of Sanem. "Leyla, would you mind sticking by Sanem tonight?"

Leyla smiled in response, "This wouldn't have anything to do with that sexy little dress she's wearing does it?"

Can sighed and looked at Sanem chatting with a family and jotting something down in her notebook on the table. "Yes. Please don't let any guys near my girl, alright?"

"Don't worry, Can. If anyone bothers her, I'll go all lawyer on their ass." Leyla laughed and then patted his arm in reassurance when Can didn't laugh back, "I'll stick to Sanem like glue. Now go have a good game. Hope you win."

"Shouldn't you be telling Emre that?"

"Nope. I've got a soft spot for underdogs. I want Fener to win this so you can give Sanem her library. And also because I bet on Fener winning."

"A bet? With who?"

"Emre of course. Whoever's team loses has to change every dirty diaper for the next month. So don't let me down." Leyla laughed again and left Can to help Sanem sell tickets.

The gym filled quickly with eager citizens from both Silveri and Fener. Sanem spoke with lots of people from both sides, Leyla staying by her side. When it was finally time for jump ball, Sanem, Leyla, and Deren found Melihat and Ayhan who had saved them seats.

The first half of the game flew by and to Sanem's relief, proved that everyone's money was well spent. The teams were evenly matched and when the buzzer signaled for half time, the score was tied. Sanem wanted to talk with Can, but knew after their closet conversation he wasn't going to get anywhere near her with a reporter sniffing around. Sanem continued to interview people and jot down notes for her article. She had never written before about a sporting match and had to learn a lot of the lingo from Leyla.