Page 63 of My Turkish Fling
I shuffled my feet, looking for the right parting words, when Tabitha zeroed her interest back on Emir.
“So, Emir, where’s that accent of yours from?”
“Turkey.”
Tabitha turned to me, lowering her voice. “Is he in the country legally? Permanently?”
“Yes and no,” Emir replied on his own behalf. I could tell he was irritated.
“He’s visiting his brother, who’s engaged to my dear friend. I’m hosting their engagement party,” I explained, hoping this was enough information to satisfy Tabitha’s boundless curiosity.
“Oh, that’s nice of you, Janie! And how’s it going with Gus? Has he been helpful?”
“Yes, very helpful. He just did some drone shots for me this afternoon.”
“Good. Good.” Tabitha nodded, looking pleased. “I just knew he’d be a good fit. I’ve been told I have a gift when it comes to matching people. I can always tell who’ll hit it off.”
My face hurt from the effort of maintaining a friendly smile. “Sure. If you’ll excuse us, I promised to shout Emir dinner since he also did some filming for me.”
Tabitha’s eyes brightened. “Oh, so he’s working for you. That’s wonderful. How’s the documentary coming along?”
“Great. I’m putting together a little teaser to pitch it to a few people, to secure some funding.”
Tabitha’s mood improved even more. “So, it may not go aheadthen? Because we missed you at the Art Deco Gala meeting.”
I sighed. “Pete from our film office was interested in it, too. I might send him in to represent me if that’s okay.”
I could tell from her face that it wasn’t okay, but she gave a courteous nod. “It’s just that we need people who’re good on camera for the social media bits. Helen and Barb were hoping you’d be available to present, even if you can’t make it to every meeting.”
“I’ll… check my schedule.”
Tabitha plastered on a wide smile. “You do that.” She turned to Emir. “Very nice of you to help Janie on a Sunday like this. So, you’re a filmmaker?”
“No.”
“But handy with a camera, obviously?”
“Yes.”
“And… are you staying in town with your brother?”
“No.”
Emir’s monosyllabic answers threatened to erode Tabitha’s brilliant smile, but she fought to keep it up. “I trust you’re enjoying Napier?”
“Yes.”
At this stage I knew he was doing it on purpose. I did my best to hide my amusement.
“Well, that’s good at least. How long are you here for?” Tabitha propped a hand on her hip, eyes sharp. No more yes/no questions it seemed.
“Two weeks.”
“And are you traveling around New Zealand? I mean… what’syour itinerary?”
“No.”
I had to clamp my lips together to keep from laughing. I tracked backwards until I entered the grass. “I hope you excuse us. We’re both starving. We didn’t have a proper lunch and our breakfast wasn’t that filling either.”
