Hang On Tight

PART 2.

I've spent the next 10 days dying of embarassment, trying to erase the vivid memory of that mortifying moment.
Derya never emailed me, and I never wondered why.

Demir didn't even bother asking what happened at the job interview. He wasn't too eager to have me enter the workforce to begin with. He always believed in a traditional household comprised of a working husband being the breadwinner, and stay at home wife being a mother, a cook, a cleaning lady and a lover. But only twice a week of course.
We were both raised that way. That was our norm.
Unlike any other member of my family, I went to college. But not without a fight. My father completely opposed the idea, whereas my mother, bless her soul, wanted me to get higher education. She saw something in me that nobody else did.
I always loved music, it was my escape and my joy and I was lucky enough to be very good in everything related to music: from playing the violeen to playing the piano, lost in the magical language of the crumbled chord sheets I got from our old neighbor Ömer.
My mother worked very hard convincing my father that my education will be a good investment. He finally gave in, and I was ready to pursue my dreams of becoming a musician.

After my second year in college, I went with two of my girlfriends to the local coffee shop, Café Eminönü. It was the University's usual hangout place, where students met before and after classes. As we were sitting and chattering, Demir walked in with his friend Murat. They came and sat by our table and we started chatting. Nothing special. I can't say sparks flew or anything, the forecast was completely clear unbothered skies. Nevertheless, Demir seemed like a decent guy, and so I've willingly said 'yes' when he asked me out on a date.

Fast forward one year later I also said 'yes' when he asked me to marry him. I didn't fall head over heels for him, but I knew that he will be a good husband and a good provider. I didn't think in terms of passion or lust, as I didn't even know those existed...

Back to our story, on that Monday morning I received a phone call from an unknown number. I usually don't answer these calls but for some reason, that day I did.
"Melis hanim?" A female asked.
"Speaking. Who's calling?"
"Derya from Can Hukuk Bürosu."
Shit. I'm screwed. He probably wants to sue me for my meltdown. How did I get myself involved in that mess?
"Can Bey would like to have a meeting with you. Tomorrow morning." She continued.
"Hmm... for what reason?" I asked.
"Be there at 10 a.m., goodbye." She said and hung up before I got a chance to refuse.
For the rest of the day, I drove myself into pure madness trying to figure out the reasoning for this meeting. Why would he want to meet with me? To mock me again?
Maybe I should go and put him in his place. Just to make a point. I'm tired of complying with everything in my life, tired of avoiding confrontations just to keep the peace. That's it. I'm going.

I woke up at 6, like a warrior prepping to go for the most important battle of his lifetime.
What should I wear?! I contemplated my options as I went through my small closet. If I want to be taken seriously by these superficial ego maniacs, I must dress to the part. I finally decided on a red mini dress, matched with black stilettos. A little risqué, but I was determined to get my point across.
I let my hair down, wore my makeup after years of not using anything but mascara, and headed out. On my out, I quickly looked at the rectangular mirror and shook my head in disbelief... Is that really me? I actually looked quite nice. I left the house before Demir even woke up. He worked a late night shift, and came home exhausted the previous night.
On the spur of the moment I decided on not taking the bus to CHB. I didn't feel like being crammed into million people.
I went on the main road to hail a cab, and to my surprise 10 different ones stopped in front of me. I quickly went into one and gave the driver the address of Can Bey's office. The driver kept staring at me through the rear view mirror, what a strange morning.
I walked into his office on the 27th floor, my heart beating out of my chest. I was wishing and praying that nobody could see my internal turmoil. I don't know why... I was extremely anxious of seeing Can Bey again. Was it intimidation? Was it excitement? I couldn't really put my finger on it.
The secretary on the main floor directed me to his office, but surprisingly the door to his office was closed, and the blinds were all turned down. This day couldn't get any stranger, I thought.
I took a seat on the grey leather sectional just outside his office. It was 10 a.m. sharp. How rude of him to ask me to meet with him when he's not even in his office. So typical. After about 15 minutes, I heard the glass door to his office open.
To my amazement, Derya stepped out of his office. Fixing her skirt and wiping the corner of her red lips with a quick hand movement, thinking it went unnoticed. It didn't. I didn't even know what to think... everything happened too quickly.
Derya noticed me, and spitefully snickered:
"Can Bey will be ready for you in a minute Melek."
That bitch. I just know that she knows my name.
I didn't listen to her, I was already losing my patience. I got up and approached the entrance to his office.

He was sitting on his fancy swivel leather chair, his back facing the entrance.
I slowly entered the room, my high stiletto heels clicking on his sparkly marble floor, making him slowly turn around.
He looked at me as if he's seen a ghost.
"You...you look different." He mumbled nervously, making me blush.
"May I come in?" I quietly asked.
"You're already in. Please sit down." He instructed.
Straightening his perfectly tailored slacks, he got up and walked towards the door, shutting it behind us.
As he slowly approached me, I started feeling hot and uncomfortable... God please make this meeting end already.
He came so close to my chair, and conveniently climbed on that oak desk right in front of me. Nothing separating us but the intoxicating scent of his cologne.

"I want you to work for me Melis." He said.
Silence.
"You're starting tomorrow." He continued.
Silence.
"I take that as a Yes." He got up and reached out his hand.
I reached out my trembling hand to shake his, as he took my hand and held it between his enormous two palms.

I guess I'm Can Bey's secretary.