It only took two evenings for Defne's high school classmates to work out the details of their reunion years later. The choice was not obvious, but the vast majority chose Bodrum as the venue. The three feisty ones declared that they would take care of the rest: find a venue and accommodation for the whole group.

Defne was not happy with the development. She secretly hoped that the meeting would not take place at all. After all, there had been a few times in high school when the whole class had planned an outing or an excursion together, but then nothing came of it. Unfortunately, this did not happen this time. Defne's classmates willingly discussed the meeting in the group chat. She herself did not contribute much there. She was busy with work. Occasionally she would give a "paw up" to messages she agreed with.

Turan knew there was no question of backing out of the meeting because one of her friends had posted a link to an Instagram video of Defne singing a song with Selim in the chat. The description underneath it, revealed it was a work party. With no choice, the girl confirmed that she was spending the entire summer in Bodrum. Her friends assumed in advance that her presence at the meeting was confirmed.

Defne became seriously concerned about the whole situation the moment the companion thread came up on the group. Most of her friends declared that they would come with someone. She deduced from the messages sent that some had already started their own families, others had formed an ongoing relationship with someone. The vast minority were people without a couple.

Defne felt sad from reading these messages. She still had no one. For the moment, she took a break from getting into new relationships. She had had enough after her previous love conquests. Besides, when deciding to come to Bodrum, she had promised herself that she would not look around for holiday love. She dreamed of something serious, for longer than the summer lasted. However, it was not the lack of love that caused the sadness.

- What happened? - Özge asked, after Defne put the smartphone down on the bedside table, sighing loudly.

- Why is everything against me? - howled Defne, putting the duvet over her face, wanting to hide from the world. - What have I done again?

Özge, who had been standing in front of the mirror applying nourishing oil to her hair, stopped what she was doing and walked over to her cousin's bed. She sat down on the edge of it, sliding the duvet off her face. Defne murmured discontentedly.

- 'Tell me, what has happened? - She held out her hand towards Defne so that she could rise. - What has made you so sad? Otherwise I won't be able to help you.

- Do you know that I have a class meeting next week? - Özge nodded her head. - I don't feel like it at all. In fact I never have, but so be it. I've gotten used to the idea that everyone will be coming down to Bodrum. Now there's a discussion going on in the group about who's coming with whom. Most are in favour of bringing their other half.

- So that is the problem. Are you worried about not having someone to go with?

- It would be fine if I went with someone, but that's totally not the issue. I don't mind being single,' Defne explained, and Özge breathed a sigh of relief. She understood that her cousin was not planning to get into a relationship anytime soon. This meant that her relationship with Selim would remain purely friendly. Nevertheless, the girl decided to talk to Defne about Selim and what she knows about the subject. - Simply put, Ceren will come with this boyfriend, or rather now fiancé, with whom she was in high school. Her friend is no longer single either. And me? - Defne lowered her head, silent for a few seconds. - I was single for half of high school, and when I met Erol there were problems with him all the time. I don't want Ceren to tease me again because of that.

- Dear... - Özge hugged her cousin. She knew the story very well. She had helped Defne more than once to get out of the trouble caused by Ceren. - Don't worry about it. We will solve this somehow.

- The solution is simple. I have to be at work next Thursday - she said, glad that she could finally throw away the bad emotions that had been with her all day. - And until the last minute, I will keep reassuring others that I will come. Admittedly, I have already talked to Mr. Onur about being free and he agreed, but this is not the first time I will look like an idiot in front of him. I'll work it out somehow.

- Don't talk about it with Onur again tomorrow," Özge asked, getting up. She had to finish looking after her hair. - Hold out for one day. I'm sure we'll still work something out. And you'll go to the meeting - she turned to face her cousin while spreading a new amount of oil in her hands. - After all, they won't be the only ones there, right?

- I'd so much like to see the boys from the team - Defne replied, remembering the matches they took part in, and she and the rest of the class cheered them on during the break between lessons. - I'm curious to see how they are doing in sports despite the years. With the girls, of course, I also have something to talk about.

- Therefore, for the time being, do not cancel anything. Trust me. You're going to rub Ceren and her friend's noses in it - she laughed, which infected Defne.

- I trust you. I know you won't let me give up the meeting so easily. I just really don't see any other way out - she shrugged her shoulders.

- Nothing has been decided yet.

A short time later they turned off the lamps at the bedside tables and went to sleep. Defne paced from side to side for a long time. Finally she took the phone in her hand again. She had messages from the chat room, but decided not to look there anymore. That was enough for today. Instead, she got into a conversation with her best friend from high school. They got along with each other because they were the same. They had similar characters. While exchanging messages with him, it was not easy not to bring up the topic that was recently discussed in the group. Both he and she started to turn everything into a joke. They concluded that they could eventually be their partners for the evening. The boy intended to come alone to this meeting. His heart was also empty at this point.

Defne's mood improved and she was soon overwhelmed by fatigue.

***

In the hotel conference room there was a meeting about the development of the green area in front of the hotel. Defne, together with Selim, had to present the project to Onur and the company that would carry it out.

Although it was the first time Defne had used her interest in plants in her work, she felt like a real professional. Everyone was impressed by how much she knew about the subject. She was pleased that she had managed to surprise Onur. The girl wanted to gain recognition in his eyes. Although it had been a few days since she had worked at the hotel, she still felt as if she had been hired here by accident, because she had not found herself in the previous place. Now she felt appreciated. She was able to do something and it was noticed.

- How did I do? - She asked Selim when they were alone in the conference room. Onur went with the workers outside to show the exact area covered by the assignment.

- You were great - said Selim smiling widely. For her these were very encouraging words. - I don't understand what you were stressing about before the meeting. I watched you during your part of the presentation and you looked like a fish in water when talking about plants, really.

- I'm glad to hear you say that - Defne also smiled widely. She couldn't do otherwise. Selim knew how to infect others with a smile.

- What do you say we celebrate our success today? - Selim suggested, reaching for a glass of sparkling water.

- That's a good idea! - She answered cheerfully, taking the documents for which she was responsible.

- Then let's meet for lunch in the hotel restaurant," said Selim, putting the empty glass down on the table, "We'll have something to eat together.

Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Onur, who once again congratulated Defne and Selim on a good project.

- I must admit that I did not expect such a professional arrangement of the greenery in front of the hotel entrance - he said, shaking Defne's hand. The girl stood up from her seat and faced the boss.

- I am glad that you are satisfied - she replied, shaking Onur's hand.

- Then I will go. I have a job at the restaurant - said Selim also getting up.

- Selim, wait! - called Defne after the man. He stopped in the corridor.- We did not finish our conversation.

- Did we? I thought it was all settled.

- I think I have a better idea,' she announced, closing the conference room door. Let's meet on the beach tonight. Just like at the beginning. I haven't been to the beach in a long time. It's always work and work. If not a hotel, then a restaurant.

- You're right. A change of environment will do us good. - Selim agreed to Turan's proposal. On his way out of the hotel, he put sunglasses on his nose. There was a radiant smile on his face.

Defne moved with Onur to his office.

The girl presented the boss with the hotel's affairs that required his involvement. The man signed all the documents.

When Defne was about to leave, he stopped her, announcing that he had a new task for her to perform. It had to do with a large booking that had unexpectedly come in.

***

Özge also received information about the new booking. She started to think about the changes in the restaurant space that would have to take place in order for the event described in the notification to take place. Reading the words of the message, she wrinkled her nose. The first time she didn't understand. Only the second time did she connect the facts. Checking the details of the person making the booking for the event, she was sure she was right.

- Nasılsın?(How are you?)-Defne appeared at the table where Özge was working. She was pale and clutching a colourful folder tightly. - Are you all right?

- Defne? What are you doing here? - Özge was surprised by Defne's presence. Usually the girl would let her know that she would drop by.

- 'Judging by the look on your face, you probably already know, but I'll make it clear,' said Defne, taking an A4 sheet of paper out of her briefcase. She took two steps back. - Although I don't know if it will pass my lips - The girl pushed back the falling strands of hair, while taking a deep breath. - We got a new reservation at the hotel. Twenty-five rooms.

- Get to the point, Defne. You're building unnecessary tension.

- Ceren Kaya made that reservation! - she choked out in a slightly raised tone, revealing what was hidden on the piece of paper. There was a name that had just been written on it. - I am finished.

- Relax, sit down please - Defne complied with her friend's request. Although there were no customers around them, a few people sitting further away paid attention to them. She took the seat opposite her and the blonde closed her laptop so it wouldn't interfere with the conversation.

- Always in these situations, I try to say something good, but...

- But! - Defne got into her words. - Now you're dragging!

- You're interfering! - Özge bit back.

- I'm upset! I don't know what I'm doing! - Defne tried to justify herself. - All right, tell me now. Why don't you comfort me this time?

- The restaurant also received a large reservation - announced Özge in an uncertain voice. - Ceren Kaya reserved a place for sixty people. Your class meeting will be held here.

- Damn! - Defne slumped in her chair. She felt she couldn't manage without the help of support. - I was expecting it, although I thought you wouldn't confirm it after all. What now?

- Don't panic. Let's think calmly about what we can do - Özge tried to focus. - We can't cancel the reservation, so the technical side is untouchable. I'm sorry, because I'm the manager and I have to look after the interests of this place.

- Of course, I understand. You can't do that - Defne nodded her head. - My plan to work on this day, though, is falling through. I need this time off even more than before.

- In that case, you must turn up at the party - Özge stated. - Everyone knows that you work here. If you take the day off and don't show up, it will come out that you chickened out in front of Cansu.

- Not necessarily. I'll go to Istanbul," said Defne, straightening up. The position she was in was no longer comfortable. - I will visit my parents. Mum will be happy for sure. My friends will think I'm chickening out, but I don't care. I'll wait out this meeting in a safe place.

- Actually, there's something you can do to make sure no one thinks that, especially Ceren.

- Do you have any ideas? - Ozge's words surprised her. The girl was sure that she had no other option except to spontaneously return to Istanbul. - Have you thought of something?

- Yes, there is a way to find a companion for you for the class meeting. You need to find a boyfriend to accompany you for this one evening. For this purpose, we will set you up a profile on one of these websites.

- Ne?! Sen delirdin mi?! (What?! Are you crazy?)

- Unfortunately I haven't come up with anything better so that you can come out of this with a face. You, of course, have a choice. You will do what you want, but remember that time is running out. You won't find someone reliable, because that's what you care about, in one day.

Özge was right, time was running out and Defne was standing still. If she wanted to take her cousin's advice, she had to act soon.

Unfortunately, Defne couldn't think about it for long. Or at least at the moment, because work was calling her.

She had an appointment with Onur that they would go look around for the plants she had chosen to plant in front of the hotel.

The girl was glad that her boss wanted to accompany her, as it was originally Selim who was supposed to go with her. However, the younger cousin was held up by work commitments that he could not reschedule.

Defne spent a pleasant afternoon with Onur. The man listened with interest again to the conversation between the plant breeder and Defne. Rather it was the girl who led the conversation. He was her shadow. He didn't want to interfere, because he didn't have that much of an idea to be able to interfere. He trusted the girl completely in this matter.

- Are you interested in anything else besides plants? - Onur asked when they were on their way back.

- I love music. I used to play the ukulele, but then I signed up for dancing lessons and it turned out that dancing came first - answered Defne looking at Onur. - And you are interested in something?

- Apart from work, I try to go to the gym. I watch football matches - he replied, staying focused on the road. - And in the summer I like to sail on a board.

- I have always wanted to try it! - she announced enthusiastically, smiling, although Onur paid no attention as he was looking at the road. - That is my goal for the future. But before that, I have to learn how to swim, because so far I'm afraid of water.

- Are you serious? - he turned his gaze to his travelling companion for a moment. - You don't look like such a person. I am sure that one day you will have the courage to learn to swim and when you are confident, you will stand on a board.

The journey passed very quickly. Before they knew it, Onur stopped in front of Janset's house.

***

Selim was waiting for Defne in front of the beach entrance. He was wearing a loose T-shirt with wide straps and knee-length shorts. On his nose were of course sunglasses. In his hands he was holding two ice-creams, which slowly started to melt.

A few moments later, he noticed his friend walking towards him. He was surprised to see that instead of another colourful dress, the girl was wearing short shorts and a crop-top. He was used to the curly haired girl wearing dresses.

Greeting her, Selim handed her a frozen dessert.

- 'You're lucky, because a little more and your ice would have ended up in the dustbin,' he said as they moved towards the beach entrance. The girl started licking the wafer from which the cream topping was dripping.

- I'm late, which is not my style, but it's only because I just finished work an hour ago - she explained while eating a cold dessert. - I had to change my clothes and, I have to admit, I had a little chat with the woman where I rent a room with Özge.

- I've noticed a change in your style of dress - Selim admitted, once again mirroring the girl. She looked like a tourist on holiday.

- It's not just dresses that decorate my wardrobe!

- All right, don't get carried away - replied Selim jokingly. - Tell me, did you manage to get the flowers you chose?

- Unfortunately, not all of them. We have to look for another place or change the design.

- I'll take care of it tomorrow - suggested Selim. - Why don't we talk about work anymore? We were supposed to rest.

- Okay, but I'll just say that I think I've solved the case - Selim looked at his companion, surprised by her words. - The woman we are staying with sells plants. Of course, her garden is not as large as that of the grower I was with Mr Onur. 'Janset rather makes a living from selling vegetables,' said Defne, catching herself straying from the point. - Anyway, we can buy everything we need from her.

- Great! In that case I'll pick you up tomorrow before work and you'll show me around the garden?

- 'You got a deal,' Defne said with a laugh, seeing Selim's hands dirty from the ice cream. - I have something to get rid of the feeling of sticky hands.

She stopped on the sand and started looking in her backpack for moistened wipes. The notebook she never parted with made her search difficult, so she asked Selim if she could hold it for a moment.

Korkmaz felt strange having the notebook in his hands once again. For a moment he felt like opening it and finding another interesting quote to amuse him. However, he knew that he could not do that.

- Is this the notebook that saved you from the detention centre? - he asked a stupid question, but after all, Defne did not know that Selim knew the answer.

- Yes, this is the notebook to which I owe my freedom. Of course your cousin, he also helped me a lot and I am grateful to him for that. He helped me get out of jail, then he hired me at his place. I really, really appreciate that. I am glad that I met Mr Onur - she said handing Selim a moistened handkerchief. - And you too.

- I'm glad to hear that - Selim admitted, wiping his hands.

- If someone had told me a fortnight ago that I would meet a man who would love music and then I would work with him, I would have laughed at that person - confessed Defne hiding the notebook. She also wiped her hands herself.

They continued walking, talking about music of course. Then the subject came back to the notebook, which Defne did not part with . The girl decided to tell Selim why the notebook was so important to her.

- Here I have a list of things I want to experience - she showed Selim a long list of her dreams. - This list, instead of getting shorter, only grows with each passing day.

- "I will overcome my fear of deep water" - read Selim - Are you really afraid of water?

- Yes, I don't go further than my knees - sighed Defne, feeling embarrassed. - You know, Mr Onur reacted in exactly the same way.

- Are you two talking to each other about something else besides work? - Selim was amazed.

- Today was such an opportunity, so yes. We got to know each other a bit better - answered Defne. - I remind you that it was you who set me up.

- I wanted to go with you, but my friend arranged a meeting in our office and I had an online meeting. I couldn't cancel it.

- I'm not angry. I understand that there is such a thing as official duties. We are here at work. You, on top of that, are working two jobs. Enough, we're not talking about work!

- All right, then show me what else you've got going on.

- Wait, I have to add something while I remember.

Defne reached for a pen and started writing.

- "I will lose my nose Ceren!!!" - read Selim. - 'Who is Ceren?

- You wouldn't want to know. However, with God's help, I may be able to achieve this goal very soon.

- Will you say something more? - Selim looked at Defne with surprise on his face.

- I would like to, but this matter is at a rather complicated stage. I don't yet know how I'm going to solve it, but I'm working on it.

Selim decided to change the subject. He noticed that Defne was reluctant to talk about the matter. In addition, he noticed that Defne's mood had deteriorated. He decided to rectify this, so he offered to take some photos of her on the beach.... The time had to be used. And so far, neither of them had a holiday souvenir from this period.

Defne liked the idea. At first she was abashed about posing, but she quickly got over it. She was able to enjoy herself in the company of Korkmaz.

Later, they swapped roles and it was Defne who started taking pictures of Selim. At the end of the mini session, they took a series of photos together, where they both had wide smiles on their faces.

They reviewed the photos they had taken, exchanging thoughts about them. At one point, Defne decided to ask Selim a question.

- Can I ask you something? - She asked. - It's not related to the photos.

- Sure, ask whatever you want.

- Have you ever heard of hiring someone to accompany you for one evening?

________________