If You Tell Me To Stay

Chapter 47

As the day of Can's departure approached, it finally started to hit Sanem that she would be alone for two weeks. She could fill her days with work and friends, but she would be alone at night and that was something she had never really experienced before.

Sanem got ready for their last evening out and walked out to the living room to see how Can was progressing. In true manly fashion, he was not anywhere close to ready and was lying on the couch reading.

"You're not dressed."

Can glanced away from his book for just a second and looked at Sanem's bare feet. "I don't start getting ready until your shoes are on. And even then I usually end up waiting by the door for another 10 minutes."

Sanem smiled even though he was making fun of her. Can's teasing would just be one more thing she would miss while he was gone. She walked up to the couch and crawled on top of him, under his book, and rested her head on his chest.

Can had noticed Sanem become a little more clingy the past few days and understood the reason. He petted her hair as she snuggled into him. "I miss you already too."

Sanem smiled against him, "How did you know?"

Can put down his book so he could use both arms to hug her, "How are you feeling?"

"If I tell you, you have to promise not to change your mind about your trip."

"No can do. And you know that the second you tell me to come home, I'll be on the next flight. Your safety comes first. Always."

"I'm not worried about that part. I've got a crossbow wielding uncle, an attack dog, and a trigger-happy deputy on speed dial as per your request."

"So what's worrying you?"

"It's... it's two weeks. That's the longest I will ever go sleeping alone. I had my parents my whole life and even after I moved here, there was you. A week is the longest I've ever gone with no one else in the house. And I never got used to it."

"I've pretty much always lived alone, so I've learned a few tricks. Here's what you do. Crank the music real loud and dance like no one's watching. Order pizza every night for dinner and eat ice cream for breakfast. Watch every movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel or any other cheesy romance fluff that I typically turn down. Just whatever you do, don't watch a scary movie."

Sanem popped her head up, "Are you telling me that before me, your typical night-in included watching The Notebook while eating an entire pint of ice cream?"

"I'm telling you to take advantage of having the house to yourself."

"You didn't deny it."

"That's between me and Ryan Gosling."

Samem giggled but him making her laugh was just one more thing she would miss. She pushed her nose into his neck, took in a deep breath, and memorized his scent, as memories would be all she would have for two weeks.

.
---------
.

Can and Sanem arrived at the restaurant and were greeted by Leyla, Emre, and Melihat, along with a sign saying "Bon Voyage" above their table.

The family laughed all throughout dinner and were now enjoying the best bottle of wine the restaurant, and probably all of Fener, had to offer. Sanem limited herself to one small glass as she didn't want to fall asleep tonight and lose even one hour with Can.

"Hey. Umut, right?"

They all turned to see who Leyla was talking to and confirmed it was Umut who was walking by their table.