Page 43 of My Lucky Star
A piece ofpidelodged in my throat and I coughed. The couple looked up, worried. The man crossed the floor to give me a couple of whacks on the back. “It’s Aria, isn’t it?” he demanded as my coughing settled and I could breathe again.
I sighed. There was no point lying. He’d obviously made up his mind and would tell his version of the story until his dying breath.
“Yes, it’s Aria,” I said. “But she’s shy. She doesn’t want people to know it’s her, so we let everyone think she’s Burcu. Can I trust you to keep our secret? In return, I’ll bring her here for dinner and post a photo from your restaurant.”
His eyes sharpened with interest, and he nodded. “I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Kerim.” He offered his hand, and I shook it.
We chatted for a while, cataloguing differences between New Zealand and Turkey. He liked the empty beaches, clean air and water, and the locals who smiled like it was going out of fashion.
When he finally left, promising to treat us to a spectacular dinner, I texted Aria.
Me:I did something really stupid. Don’t tell Emir. I repeat. Do. Not. Tell. Emir. You have to help me.
Aria:Another dick pic? Dude, you’re on your own.
Me:No. But I have to take you out to dinner tonight. I walked into this Turkish restaurant and turns out they know you. Not just me and Burcu. You.
Aria:Kerim’s? It’s myfavourite!
Me:You like Turkish food?
Aria:And you can’t go without it for a week? You had to wander into the only place in town where they might know your face and blow our cover?
Me:No, I walked into the one restaurant where you apparently eat several times a week and they know your face, and your mother’s face.
Too harsh? I stared at my phone screen, my stomach tightening as three dots danced under my reply.
Aria:It’s a small town! And yes, I like Turkish food. Is that a crime?
Me:No. It’s fate. You’re going to get oodles of it tonight.
Aria:What is this dinner about?
Me:To thank Kerim and his lovely wife for keeping our secret. By eating here and posting about it.
Aria:As you and Burcu?
Me:Yes. Except Kerim knows it’s you, so you don’t have to pretend all night. Only for that one photo.
Aria:So, we’re not playing a couple?
Me:Are you worried someone else will recognize you?
Aria:It’s Napier. Everyone knows everyone. It doesn’t matter whether there’s PDA or not,rumourswill spread either way.
Me:What’s PDA again? Paparazzi, Drugs, Alcohol?
Aria:Sounds like a frightening combo, but I meant Public Display of Affection.
Me:That’s much better! I vote for PDA. Definitely.
I stared at the phone for a while, waiting for a response, my heart pounding in my chest. Had I said too much again? Was she really going to friend zone me for good?
Finally, her reply popped up.
Aria:What time?
