Selim sat motionless for a moment. He stared at the stranger, whose gaze was fixed on a single point. He got that impression because the brunette did not even blink an eyelid. It was as if she was in some kind of trance. Finally, he put the guitar aside, standing up. Shaking the sand off his buttocks with his hands, he approached her, alarmed by her strange behaviour.

At the same time, he was surprised that someone had paid attention to the way he was playing. Previously, he had also encountered the reaction of his surroundings to the sounds created by moving his fingers along the strings of a guitar. However, it had never happened to him that someone was as stunned as she was.

- Are you all right? - He snapped his fingers and then the stranger moved her head and blinked her eyelids, taking a step back.

- Y-yes. Yes. All right. - Defne shuddered, looking up at the man she had encountered while walking along the sea. She hadn't imagined that the melody he was playing would awaken memories that made her fly away for a moment. - I... I'm sorry. It's just... I like guys with guitar skills... Oh no... - She covered her mouth with her hand, turning her back to Selim. She took a deep breath, looking ahead. She placed the hand that had covered her mouth a second ago on her hip, and with the other, tried to remove the hair stuck to her face. Panic gripped her, so she started smiling to herself. She just looked like a complete idiot.

Selim, on the other hand, was still standing in the same place. He was watching the actions of the short brunette. Already in the few minutes they had spent together, he had noticed her interesting personality. He knew he wanted to get to know her better. Although he had many different acquaintances, he had never yet met someone who was so direct and at the same time funny about everything.

- I apologise to you again -  Defne spoke, turning to face him. - I misspoke. When I am in shock, I forget some words and then things come out that I have to be ashamed of.

- Don't worry, nothing is wrong - he smiled, showing his white teeth - I think I know what you meant. You wanted to say that you like it when a boy can play the guitar.

- Exactly, something like that. - She returned the smile, grabbing his hands. - You play beautifully, by the way.

- Just no "sir", please. - He folded his hands as if to pray. - I do not like this term very much. Except in business. It ages me by a few years. I think you can safely call me by my first name. I am Selim. - He stretched out his hand in front of him.

- Defne. - She reciprocated the hug.

Selim suggested that they talk for a few minutes due to the fact that it was getting darker. He didn't want to keep her too long so that she could return to her accommodation without any problems.

- The last time I was here was twelve years ago. My parents liked to come here with us for holidays. One day my mother let my sister leave with me so that we could buy souvenirs. Of course, I got lost. I couldn't decide which postcard to choose, so I didn't pay attention to look out for her. I looked for Zeynep near the shop... I walked with the postcard, holding it to my chest, preferring my sister's name, but in vain. And then I heard someone playing the guitar. I walked closer to the gathered crowd of tourists. It was stand-up. I enjoyed the performance so much that I promised myself that when I was older I would also entertain the passers-by. Zaynep found me among the people and did not let go of my hand until we returned to my parents -she said, turning her gaze to the sea. - Since then I have become more and more interested in boys who play the guitar. And you? - Defne looked at her interlocutor. - How did your adventure with music begin?

- It will come as a surprise to you, but my work has nothing to do with music. In high school I thought about going in that direction, but I gave it up.

- Why not? You're doing quite well. You have talent.

- Well, I didn't want something I love to become something I hate in a few years. I preferred my passion to be with me always. I can't imagine life without music. - He sighed, glancing at his guitar, lying in its case. - I know it wouldn't have to be this way. I'm happy with the path I chose as an alternative.

- We already have something in common! Music accompanies me in almost every moment of my life. I listen to music no matter if things are good or bad.

- Music is perfect for everything.

- If you allow me, I will go now. It's getting late, and unfortunately I start work early tomorrow. I wouldn't want to give my new boss a reason to fire me.

- Sure, no problem - Selim helped Defne up, offering his hand. - Do you live far from here? I can walk you.

- Thank you, you've given me a lot of your time today. Maybe another time.

- It was nice to meet you. I hope we will meet again.

- It's very possible, since you like to spend your evenings sitting on the beach - Defne waved him off and went his way.

***

Selim started the new day with some exercises in the garden of his own flat to stay in shape. The portable speakers were blasting songs that he had put on a specially created workout playlist some time ago. Thanks to the music, his morning gymnastics went by really fast.

He stopped the sporty red Mercedes AMG GT Roadster in front of the entrance to the restaurant, where the sea could be seen from the terrace. He was in his usual good mood. On this day, he felt a surge of positive energy. That was because, just before going to bed the previous evening, he had had an idea about how to attract new customers.

Before announcing his intention to make some changes, he asked their best barista to make coffee. And he enthusiastically set about carrying out his request. Once he got his drink in a tiny, colorful cup, he savored it while simultaneously organizing and reviewing the previous season's records, sitting at one of the tables on the patio. He wanted to familiarize himself with the papers to make sure he could put his plan into action. Then he called his cousin to share his idea with him, as he preferred Onur to be on top of everything as a partner. And he gave him the green light.

Then Selim called everyone together and shared his idea with the entire team. He warned that it would take some time to put it into practice, but expressed hope that it could be implemented as soon as possible.

The new boss's orders did not please Özge, who shortly after the meeting ended, decided to talk to some of the waitresses and exchange her observations.

- He arrived here a few days ago and is already introducing new ideas. I understand, you have to give the customers something new, but this doesn't fit the atmosphere of the restaurant one bit. - She sighed, keeping her arms crossed on her chest. From afar she watched her boss having a telephone conversation with someone. - I don't like this kind of slyness.

- Have you noticed that since he's been here, he smiles almost all the time? - said one of the waitresses, shaking her head. - Mr Selim's behaviour is worrying. This cheerful mood does not disappear from his face. Maybe he has some problems and is reaching for...?

- No, where! I don't think so! - Özge immediately denied - No, definitely not. There's something else behind it.

- As far as I know, he is probably alone. Otherwise he wouldn't have decided to come here for three months. Commitments and so on - the other waitress mused. - I would like to go out with such a man.

- I think there is something to it. I am telling you, he is talking to his beloved! Otherwise he would have hung up the phone long time ago - said the first one.

- Girls, let's focus on our work. I didn't call you here to discuss Mr. Selim's personal life. I wanted us to think together what we can do not to lose our good reputation among our customers.

- After all, he said that Mr Onur had agreed. So the buck stops here. There is nothing we can do about it. We can only abide by his decision.

- I'll try to talk to Mr Onur alone - Özge said, realizing that the new boss was coming towards them. - I will explain to him that from my perspective and experience the idea of organizing a karaoke evening in our restaurant is not the best idea. After all, I have the best idea of who visits us most often.

- Here he comes! - shouted the waitress who was infatuated with Selima. - He will probably ask one of us for another coffee. Can I bring it to him?

- Is something wrong? - asked Selim, grabbing at one of the signets on his finger. - Is there a problem? If so, I will be happy to talk about it and try to help.

- No, everything is fine - said Özge, opening the calendar, where she wrote down the reservations for the tables and the names of the guests. - I was telling the girls how many reservations we have for tonight. I don't know if you have noticed it, but I am a person who wants to make sure that everything will be as it should be.

- I am very pleased with your commitment to your work, Özge - said Selim smiling warmly. - I hope you don't mind my calling you by your first name?

- Of course not. After all, you are the boss here.

- Great! - he rejoiced, reaching for his glasses, which were hanging on a wide blue shirt. Its first three buttons were unbuttoned and you could see the slight stubble on his chest. - 'I'm going to the hotel. I should be back in an hour. Let me know if there are any problems. Light work!

- He is an angel not a human being! - whispered the enchanted waitress, somewhat disappointed by the boss's departure.

***

Defne had been working hard all day. She tried to make contact with all the people who also worked with her in the kitchen. She followed the orders she got from the cook and took on board the comments of more experienced helpers than her. She slowly found her way in her new position. She was pleased with herself that she was able to grasp new things so quickly.

She took on board the comments of the chef, who told her to work faster and faster. And she did her best to finish a task as quickly as possible and start the next one. This was not helped by the thought in the back of her mind. The sight of the many knives of different sizes and blades reminded her of the phobia she was dealing with. She was so excited about her new job that she had completely forgotten about it. She pushed it out of her mind because she was so anxious to get away from Istanbul. She focused on the positive by deciding to take this job. She thought that during those three months she would do something she liked, learn something new, find out new recipes to try and prepare at home with her mother. However, she came back down to earth when she saw the equipment she had to work with. So every time she had to pick up a knife or other sharp thing, she tried to swap positions with someone. And when that wasn't an option, she performed the task, being careful not to cut herself.

Relieved, she went for a break, going out to the back room to get some fresh air and sit on a chair for a while. She took the cap off her head and put it on the table. She called her parents, using the video connection. Hande was happy to see her daughter, but she was amazed by the outfit her younger daughter was wearing.

- What kind of outfit is that? Is this how the person in charge of serving the correct food walks around dressed? - She asked, worried about her daughter.

- There was a misunderstanding and I have to work as a helper for a few days - explained Defne, fixing her hair, seeing her reflection in the camera. - It's really only temporary. Don't worry about me. I'm looking out for myself.

- I hope so, darling. After all, you know that in your case this job is not for you.

- I had no other choice. As I said, it's a temporary solution. - She smiled. - You have to admit that I like this outfit, don't you?

- You look beautiful in red - she said when Defne showed her the whole apron through the camera.

- And how are you? Are you all right?

She didn't have time to take her seat after coming back from the break because the manager of the restaurant called her in. The man was holding a bouquet of pink summer flowers, which he placed in the brunette's hand.

- This is for you - he said as Defne looked at the bouquet she had received. She was looking for a note in it. - I picked it up from the courier, because you were not in the kitchen.

- Thank you - she replied surprised. She had no idea who could have sent it. The leaf she found inside gave her the answer.

"Thank you for your understanding regarding this unfortunate exchange of suitcases, and once again I apologize that such a situation occurred. Have a nice day."

The bouquet of flowers found its place on the dresser in the room. Whenever the girl looked at it she couldn't marvel that Onur was such a good person, despite having a lot of money. She had inferred this by seeing his new car and the expensive suit she had seen in one of her mother's magazines. Defne had her opinion about rich men and it was nothing good. She thought her belief was correct, especially since Özge's new boss also met the criteria of a 'heartless rich man'.

She went for a night walk on the beach, wanting to take a breather after a long and stressful day at the restaurant. She silently hoped that she would also run into Selim today. Although she hardly knew him, she felt in his presence as if they had known each other for a long time. The age difference that was between them did not matter to her. It was as if it did not exist. With him she knew that she could be fully herself.

She walked along the seashore, carrying black sandals in her right hand. On her back was a leather backpack of the same colour. She was dressed in a blue dress with thin straps. The warm water hit her feet pleasantly. The sun was slowly setting behind the horizon, so every now and then the girl tried to capture the view by taking pictures with her smartphone.

At one point, an increasingly intense sound reached her ears. The sound of a guitar. A smile involuntarily appeared on her lips. She really loved the sound of this instrument.She recognised the musician from a distance. He was sitting facing her, but his gaze was focused on his fingers striking the strings. He was dressed in a wide-strapped black T-shirt with a strong armpit cut-out and knee-length shorts. Black high-top sneakers with white soles stood on the sand nearby.

She approached quietly so as not to interrupt his wonderful game. She did not have time to stop in front of him because he raised his head, noticing her presence. He smiled, playing the last melodies of the piece.

- Bravo! - She clapped, throwing her sandals on the sand.

- Selam! How are you? - He asked, putting the guitar aside and at the same time making room for her on the blanket beside him.

- Good. You made me feel better with your playing, because I've had a rough day.

- Beginnings are always difficult. It will take a few days before you learn everything. Nevertheless, I am sure you will manage.

- I hope I'll get through this, but why don't we talk about work? - she suggested taking off her backpack. - There are much more pleasant topics to talk about. I prefer not to tell you a second time about rich people who think they are better than others just because they have more money than others.

- Okey, let's not talk about work. Although I wanted to tell you that thanks to you a great idea was born in my head.

- And what am I supposed to do now? I'm curious what the idea is, what it involves...

- Let it be an excuse for our next meeting - he said, smiling. In this way Defne noticed the dimples in Selim's cheeks.

- All right, be it to you - she laughed, raising her index finger upwards. - But know that I won't last long with this curiosity and we will have to see each other again soon. By the way, you have no idea how nice it feels when someone is inspired by you.

- I am glad that my cousin agreed to this and let me take over the organisation.

- If it goes on like this, you will tell me everything.

- In that case maybe I will play something?

- I would love to!

- I will try to create my own melody for a change. - Defne could not hide her joy. She was excited to hear the composition of some new sounds.

Selim hummed under his breath to the rhythm of the melody he was playing. Defne watched this with emotion. She was impressed by what the brunet with black hair was performing. It was the first time she had experienced something like this. She had never before had the opportunity to participate in the process of creating a new sound. A sound for which they had no words.

This is how the next hour passed for them. Finally, Defne, tired of singing the well-known songs that Selim played with his guitar, took out a thermos of hot tea from her backpack. She gave it to her companion. Together they enjoyed it, getting to know each other more and more. The girl found out what had brought him to Bodrum. She had not expected Selim to be here because his cousin had asked him for help. Of course, he didn't tell her the whole truth, since she was clearly irritated by the topic of guys with money, so he didn't mention a word about what this help was about.

- Since you say that you know other languages, play me something in English - asked Defne, discreetly yawning. - I studied this language at school and at university, so I will help you to sing.

- OK, I'll look for something that has notes to play - he replied scrolling the screen on his phone. Defne's device was almost out of power, so Selim offered to let them use his smartphone. - 'How about "High Hopes" by Panic! At the Disco?

- Great! Good choice - Defne got to her feet. - My back is aching again so I'm going to dance again.

- Dance, dance!

Had to have high, high hopes for a livingShooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killingDidn't have a dime but I always had a visionAlways had high, high hopesHad to have high, high hopes for a livingDidn't know how but I always had a feelingI was gonna be that one in a millionAlways had high, high hopes

Defne persevered in the dance for just one stanza. She laid down on a blanket saying she was dizzy, but asked Selim to keep playing because she really liked how he was doing it.

When Selim played the last note, he looked at Defne who was sleeping at her best. He laughed under his breath at the sight. It was already quite late. No wonder the brunette fell asleep within a short while. She must have been exhausted from today. Especially since she confided that a little bit had gone into it.

The brunet decided not to wake her. He decided to have another talk with Ezgi about how things were going in the architectural office. However, after a quarter of an hour of talking to her colleague, Defne was still sleeping like a baby. She was breathing so quietly that if he could he would have watched over her until morning. However, he was aware that surely someone was worried about her. Especially since the lock screen on her phone indicated a missed call, which he didn't hear over the muffled sound of the girl's phone.

______________________

Thank you for reading! Every vote/comment motivates you to write❤

All the love,
whitefeather99