Defne, stepping out into the garden, effectively drew her attention to herself. Both Ceren and Halit turned their heads toward the source of the sound. Ceren jumped up from her seat as the girl stood at the table, hastily explaining how she had found the phone. Her friend immediately snatched it from her hand, wanting to answer it. Unfortunately, she didn't have time, as the melody on the device went silent.

- Who was that? - Halit asked, as Ceren walked away from the table with her phone. She decided to call back immediately.

- The name Nesrin was displayed," explained Defne, putting a strand of hair behind her ear.

- And all is clear," Halit replied, leaning back on the back of his chair. He laughed. - It's her friend. They haven't seen each other for more than a week and must have missed each other. It looks like they will talk for a long time.

It was just as Halit said. Ceren talked at great length with the previously mentioned Nesrin. It was evident that she was pleased with the call, because the girl was even beaming during the conversation, constantly laughing out loud, telling her friend about the vacation. It was difficult not to hear parts of the conversation, as Ceren was acting quite loud.

In view of this, Defne helped Halit clean off the table after breakfast. The girl left some food for herself and Selim, which Halit carried to him to the living room. Turan ate breakfast while being on the move. It wasn't healthy, but she didn't want to sit in the garden and inadvertently overhear the conversation. She also didn't know how she should behave after kissing Korkmaz, so taking advantage of the moment that she might be busy with something, she tried to focus on the task at hand and not think about what had happened between them.

That's when she realized she didn't have her own phone with her. She left the boys in the living room, heading to their room. There she found it. She discovered many missed calls from Janset and Özge.

- Allah, Allah," she said to herself, hastily dialing her cousin's contact. She anxiously put the device to her ear. In her nerves, she waited for the girl to answer.

- Defne, are you okay! - asked a clearly worried Özge. You could sense nervousness in the tone of her voice. - You haven't answered for an hour!

- I'm fine," explained Defne, sitting down on the bed. - I was at breakfast and just forgot to take the phone out of the room.

- Peki (It's okay.)," replied her cousin, sighing with relief. - I thought something had happened. I also called Janset, but she told me she hasn't talked to you yet today. Neyse. ( Never mind.) I'm calling about another matter.

- What is it about? - Defne started nervously, clutching a scrap of her dress with her free hand.

- Your parents have checked into our hotel," she announced, and Defne held her breath. She expected to hear something worse.

- What are you saying? - she replied surprised. - Mom didn't mention anything about the fact that she and Dad were going to go on vacation together. And especially that they would go to Bodrum exactly.

- As far as I know, this arrival was a surprise from Uncle Emin on the occasion of the upcoming anniversary of their first date," her cousin explained. - It was a spontaneous action. I won't hide the fact that I had a small part in it. I wanted to find them a room on such a date that you would be there, but someone cancelled the reservation... And you know that now we will have a lot of work in the hotel.

- Yes, I remember. - Defne lay down on the bed, closing her eyes. That way she could focus and remember the schedule for upcoming events. - A film crew is coming soon, and right after that we have a wedding to organize.

- Well, that's right, so I thought to myself that this date is the most suitable. Later you couldn't even have tea with your aunt and uncle.

- You did the right thing. - Defne smiled, looking at the ceiling. - I hope you won't rat me out in front of them, right?

- I told them you were on a business trip. Besides, everyone on the staff knows this version. I will take care of your parents. Tomorrow you are already back, you will take care of them yourself. Has anything changed?

- Actually... - Defne hung up for a moment, and then decided to tell Özge about Selim's accident.

An hour later, Defne and Selim jointly decided to return from Marmaris early. Korkmaz knew that this day would be one of those wasted days, for the reason that he would not go anywhere with his leg. In addition, the girl had told him about the arrival of her parents, so he thought it was a good thing. Consequently, they decided that an early return to Bodrum was as good a decision as possible.

Halit felt disappointed when he learned of his guests' plans. He had hoped to play with Selim on the console in the evening, compensating him for the lost day. Ceren, on the other hand, was relieved to hear about the departure. She was tired of spending time with Defne and Selim. In addition, she had already convinced herself the previous day that her assumptions about the pretended relationship of the two invited guests were false, so there was no point in keeping them any longer.

Defne headed to her room to pack her suitcases. Selim stayed in the living room so as not to strain his injured foot. They arranged for the girl to gather his belongings. In doing so, they used a video connection, so the man could monitor whether Turan had forgotten anything.

Halit helped the girl carry the luggage and put it in the Range Rover. This time it was Defne who sat behind the wheel, while Selim had to settle for the passenger seat.

- Are you sure you can drive this car? - Once again Selim wanted to make sure it was a good idea. The car was sizable for a girl. - You can still change your mind.

- Are you afraid? - laughed Defne, looking at the man. The brunette was getting ready to drive, moving the seat forward and adjusting the mirrors. - I promise you that we'll get there safely. Admittedly, it may take me a little longer due to the fact that I haven't felt the car yet.

- Bottom line. Just the length of the trip is the least of my problems. - Selim smiled. - I like to spend time with you.

- The gate is open, you can go," Halit informed.

- Once again, we're sorry it came out this way and thank you for the invitation," Defne said, starting the engine. She waved to Ceren, who was standing next to her fiancé.

- It was a very nice weekend," Selim added, moving over to the girl so he could be seen from the open window.

Defne slowly moved ahead. They had more than two hours of travel ahead of them.

*

The return trip passed them in a similar manner. While driving, they listened to their favorite music and sang familiar songs. There were traffic jams on the road due to increased traffic, which affected the comfort of the trip.

They stopped for a rest at a roadside restaurant, where they ate a warm meal. They sat at a free table under an outdoor umbrella.

While they waited for the pizza, they both tried not to bring up the subject of the kiss, although they both thought about it. However, neither of them wanted an awkward silence to fall between them, so they restrained themselves from bringing up the subject in conversation.

- Biz bayagi iyi çift olmuşuz (We made a pretty good couple.)," Selim stated while eating pizza, and Defne smiled.

- It wasn't easy, but we managed," she said, reaching for her notebook. She flipped through the pages until she found the right one. She crossed the goal of "thumbing my nose at Ceren" off her list. - It's safe to say that this item was accomplished. What's more, it's another thing you've helped me with.

- And I am invariably very pleased," the man replied, taking a handkerchief to wipe a bit of sauce from the corner of the girl's mouth. He bent down, reaching out his hand to reach.

- Thank you," said an embarrassed Defne. As they did so, their gazes met again. - For everything. I don't know what I would have done without your help. You sacrificed your free time for me and left your job.

- It's really nothing," he sighed, feeling fully full. - I needed such a trip. I was constantly just working and working. Thanks to you, at least I could relax for two days and do nothing.

- You don't know how to live without work. Even on the first day you sat in front of the laptop.

- It was something important," Selim noted. - I couldn't wait until our return.

- Sure, I understand," commented Defne, looking around.

A few minutes later they returned to the car. Selim was already moving around on his own without any help. He was limping, of course, but it was clear that he was definitely better off than in the morning.

Turan drove Selim back to his house. This was not without an argument on the subject, as the man insisted that the girl go to the Janset habitat. The boy did not want the girl to get tired of luggage.

And she wasn't going to listen to him, given his injured foot. She assured him that she would manage. She managed to put her foot down.

Waiting for them in the garden was Onur, whom Korkmaz had informed of his return on the road. The boy wanted to know how their trip together had gone. He was also worried about his cousin.

- Since Onur is here, I can go back to my place in peace," Defne announced when the luggage was removed from the trunk. She made sure she was holding the right suitcase, finding the elephant key ring.

- I've called you a cab," announced the senior leader. - It should be here soon.

- I feel bad that you have to return by cab. I should have driven you," sighed Selim, leaning against the hood of the car.

- Come on, nothing happened. We talked about it after all," she laughed, and then her cab pulled up.

An uninjured Korkmaz helped her stow her suitcase in the car. Both men waved her goodbye.

*

Onur did not return to work again. He stayed together with his cousin, keeping him company. The men spent a July Sunday evening in the garden, enjoying cognac. It had been a long time since they had done something together, as they were usually occupied with work or personal matters.

The elder Korkmaz finally had a chance to tell how he spent the previous weekend with Asli. It turned out that the party at the man's future in-laws' house was successful. In addition, he was able to spend some time alone with his girlfriend, whom he had missed. They spent this summer away from each other due to Onur's work. Asli promised to come to Bodrum for a few days when she starts her vacation in mid-August so they could be together again. She was very understanding of her boyfriend, and didn't resent him for devoting himself to his work.

Then the conversation turned to the younger Korkmaz. Brunet told his cousin about his departure. The man wanted to know every detail as he got caught up in the story. He didn't expect it to continue for more than one evening. Yet the longer it went on, the more he noticed how his cousin and Defne's relationship deepened.

- Halit is a pretty even-keeled guy," Selim concluded, holding a glass of cognac in his hand. - We got along without a problem. Unlike the girls. With the naked eye it was obvious that they were not fond of each other.

- This is logical, since for a long time their contacts have not been the best. I'm surprised why they offered you to go together," replied Onur, improving his position on the deck chair. - If Ceren wanted to pick you up she wouldn't do it in front of her fiancé.

- Whether I'm her type or not is irrelevant," sighed Selim, playing with his glass. - Ceren did it to test us. She didn't quite believe in our relationship.

- Are you sure she believed now?

- I don't, but I think so," Selim replied, drinking the cognac he had in his glass to the end. - I know a bit about women. She stopped asking a million questions and instead looked at us closely. You would have to see the look on her face when Defne kissed me.

- Nediosun (What are you saying?!). (What are you saying!) - Onur rose to sit down, looking at his cousin. - Oh bee!

- It was just a kiss on the cheek, but after that....

- Yeter! (Enough!) - Onur almost got into his words. - I don't need to know the details. And I don't want to know them.

- I know I shouldn't have done it, but this game seems to have gotten out of hand," Selim confessed, laughing. - Onur, this trip has brought us very close to each other.

- I guess, by the way, it was to be expected," sighed Onur. - In recent times you have spent almost every free moment together.

- I will not deny that there has never been a woman in my life," said Selim, putting his glass down on the table. - I realize that they look up to me and I take advantage of this by spending nights with them, but... I think it's time for a change. I'm slowly becoming uncomfortable with it.

- What about... Well, you know? - Onur asked, focusing his gaze on his cousin.

- Of course, I will finish this matter," Selim assured him, pulling a cigar from his pants pocket. - I will explain everything. I think there won't be much of a problem with that. We knew what we were deciding on.

- If you need help, let me know. I'll help you," Onur reminded him, smiling.

- I wouldn't want to build something without closing old issues," Selim said, putting his cigar to his lips, "If I'm sure of what I feel, I'll want to break with the past.

- And so I am surprised that it is taking so long," Onur admitted frankly. - However, there comes a point in everyone's life when love appears. True love. She changes everything.

- I'm not sure if this is called love. So far I don't think I have sincerely loved any of them. I haven't promised any woman anything either. I haven't made life-long declarations. - Selim inhaled his smoke again.

- It's normal to feel lost," Onur said, drinking the cognac to the end. - If you fall in love, you will feel it.

- I knew you would understand me," Selim replied, looking up at the sky.

The man did not know if he did the right thing by sharing what he thought. Maybe he was wrong and this is not at all what he thought. However, of one thing he was sure. What he had just experienced was something new to him, and he was very happy about it.

*

Defne woke up being in a good mood, although the night was not one of the best. The girl slept little and woke up. She wrote with Selim late into the night, and then could not fall asleep. Various thoughts swirled around in her head, hindering her peaceful sleep and effectively waking her up.

Nevertheless, she greeted the new day with a smile on her lips. She was glad for the arrival of her parents. She hadn't seen them for a month and missed them very much. She devoted her free time to them, and they spent last evening together.

Today she had to return to her duties, so she quickly gathered herself out of bed.

She went down to breakfast dressed in a white top with thin straps, which she tucked under a denim skirt that reached before her knees. On her feet she wore sandals. She left her hair loose. She put a watch on her left wrist.

Janset, dressed in an airy, knee-length dress, was already bustling around in the kitchen. Her hair was tied up. In addition to the dress, she was wearing a kitchen apron.

- Günaydın (Good morning.) - she greeted the woman, entering the kitchen. She intended to help her with breakfast.

- Günaydın, Defne," she replied while pouring tea into a pot. The girl noticed that her hands were shaking.

- What happened? - She asked, grabbing her arm. Janset looked at her, putting the kettle of water on the stove.

The woman did not answer. Instead, she took out a pregnancy test from her apron pocket, showing the result. Defne seeing a single line, not thinking much embraced her with all her strength. She knew that the blonde wanted very much to be pregnant.

- I didn't set myself up to succeed right away, but nevertheless, I'm sad," she whispered, finding herself in the younger woman's embrace.

- It will work out next time," she assured her, sending her a smile. - You will be a wonderful mother.

The girls prepared breakfast. Before all the dishes were prepared Kemal appeared in the kitchen with a supply of fresh vegetables bought at the market.

The three of them ate their meal at the table in the living room. The man asked her about her short vacation, so she told the couple about her stay in Marmaris. Then she thanked the man for the meal and went to work, greeting Özge in the hallway, who had just come down the stairs.

When she arrived at the hotel she immediately got to work. She quickly went through the documents prepared for her, which were waiting on her desk in Onur's office.

An hour later, a meeting was held in the conference room. Present at it were both bosses, several decision-making employees and Özge.

Selim sat opposite Defne, giving the appearance of taking an active part in the meeting. And in fact very little information was reaching his ears. He focused all his attention on the girl sitting in front of him. When at one point she raised her head, just as he was looking at her, she simply smiled at him, noting down important information. He did the same, improving his position in the chair.

After the meeting, he managed to stop her in the hallway.

- Will I see you today? - He asked, approaching her.

- I don't know, I've got some work to do... - she explained, clutching under her arm a folder with documents and her notebook, which she never parted with.

- I can help you catch up," he said with a smile on his lips.

- Don't you have too much of your work? - She asked, looking at him.

- If I had too many responsibilities I wouldn't offer to help you. How about it? Will I be of use to you?

- I'll think about it and call you, okay? - She replied with amusement, dodging him.

- Okay," he replied proudly, tucking his hands into his pants pockets.

*

Selim looked again at the restaurant a few hours later. Shortly after the meeting at the hotel, he returned to his home, where he was working remotely, fulfilling his duties as an architect.

The restaurant was full of guests, much to his delight. At one point he spotted a familiar storm of curls at one of the tables and immediately smiled in spirit. He enjoyed running into his friend. Thinking little, he headed her way. The brunette was not alone. There were also two middle-aged people sitting at the table. He guessed that they must be her parents. Especially since she had mentioned their arrival in Bodrum yesterday.

- Hoş geldiniz! - he greeted by stopping at the table.

- Hoş bulduk! - replied the man.

- Are you all right? Can you serve something else?

- Everything is very tasty," replied the woman, smiling at the man. - And you, I think I know.

- Yes, mother," replied Defne, looking at Korkmaz. - Selim accompanied me to a class meeting.

- I thought so, a familiar face," she laughed. Defne, on the other hand, rose from her chair.

- Since we are all here together, I will introduce you," she suggested. - This is Selim Korkmaz, one of the co-owners of the hotel and restaurant. He is also a good friend of mine. And these are my parents. Mom Hande and dad Emin.

- We know the story," Turan replied. - Çok memnun oldum. (Nice to meet you).

The men exchanged pleasantries. Then Selim greeted the girl's mother.

- Thank you for agreeing to keep our daughter company during the class meeting," Hande began the conversation after the brunet agreed to sit down for a moment.

- It was a friendly favor," Selim said, smiling. - You could say that I owed Defne a certain debt of gratitude and decided to finally repay it.

- Really? - Defne's dad listened to the man's words with great interest. - Can you know what my daughter did that you wanted to repay?

- Well... - Selim looked at Defne in a communicative way. He didn't want to say something that might cause a misunderstanding with his parents. - Defne got involved in a project that I was supposed to take care of myself, and she landscaped the space in front of the hotel entrance. In addition, she often helps me in the restaurant when we have karaoke nights.

- Why didn't you say anything? - asked the daughter's father.

- She told me about it! I told you after all," rebuked her husband Hande.

- Apparently it slipped my mind," sighed Emin, rolling his eyes. - Anyway, I'm very proud of you, daughter.

- I know, Dad," replied Defne, grabbing her father's hand.

- Honey, get up," Hande looked at the time on the phone, "We have a massage in twenty minutes!

- Ah, indeed!

The girl's parents said goodbye to their daughter and Selim, hurriedly leaving the restaurant.

Defne decided to clean up the table, carrying the dirty dishes to the kitchen. Korkmaz helped her in everything, taking advantage of the moment to spend time with her.

- How is your foot? - She asked Defne with concern while handing the dirty dishes to the window.

- It's better now," he assured her. - Soon there will be no trace of the incident.

- I'm glad," she said, heading toward the bar.

- Your parents are very friendly," he said as they sat down on chairs at the bar. - You are similar to your mother.

- Thank you," Defne said, craning her head in search of Çinar. She wanted him to make her a take-out coffee. - And do you have parents, siblings? Forgive me for asking this, but somehow you don't mention your family.

- I have parents who are divorced, but I am an only child," he replied, putting his hands on the counter. - Onur is like a brother to me.

- I understand, I'm sorry," sighed Defne.

- Calm down - Selim grabbed her hand. - My parents have not been together for a long time. I got used to this situation. They are both on good terms. We all see each other together.

- What to serve? - Çinar asked with a radiant smile on his lips.

- Make me a takeaway coffee and I'm going back to work," Defne announced, hiding her hand out of sight of the boy.

- And for the boss?

- I don't want anything. - Çinar headed toward the express, leaving them alone. - So, what about our evening? Will we see each other?

- Do you have something behind you that you haven't given me a break since this morning? - Defne asked, staring at the man.
_________________________

If there is still anyone here then, thank you very much for your presence. I appreciate it! ❤

whitefeather99