Page 67 of My Turkish Fling
“I know that, too.”
She smiled. “Thank you for not saying I look young.”
“You do, but that’s not the point. You’re talking about where you are in life. And I know it’s complicated. But it doesn’t mean we can’t try.”
“But we haven’t figured out anything!”
“But we will.”
That kiss tasted of tears and something unspeakably sweet. I never wanted it to end. Finally, she pulled back, glancing over my shoulder.
“There’s nobody out there.”
“I know. I just…”
She didn’t feel safe, and I hated that. I wanted to fix that.
“It’s dark outside. I must get back home…” Her eyes flashed with panic. “Molly! Did you let her out this morning? Is she still out there?”
“She’ll be fine. It’s not even raining.”
Janie started the car and drove back to her house. The security light I’d installed at the front door shone in the darkness as we snaked up the driveway.
When I saw the human shape by the door, adrenaline shot through my heart. My muscles tensed and a hundred thoughts rushed through my mind, none of which matched with Janie’s soft words.
“That’s my son.”
Chapter 29
Janie
He looked so tall and broad-shouldered, yet small. Stooped. My lovely 13-year-old baby boy stood under the pale security light, a big bag at his feet, eyes on his phone.
I didn’t bother driving to the parking bay. I simply stopped in front of the door, startling him. Casting a quick look at Emir, I scrambled out of the car. He understood, hanging back as I rushed to my boy and hugged him.
Hug first, questions later. That’d been my philosophy all these years, and Josh knew it. I hit my forehead on his sharp collarbone, but I didn’t care.
He sniffed. “Mom. I tried to call you. You weren’t home and I… panicked.”
“Oh, my God! My phone must be still silent. We were filmingearlier, and…”
My phone was mostly silent. I hated its sound. I hadn’t checked it for hours, too preoccupied with my dinner with Emir. “How did you get here? Is it just you?”
“I took the bus, then Uber.”
“It’s not school holidays yet.” I drew back to study his drawn face. “What happened?”
His chin jutted forward, green eyes almost black in the low light, voice wavering. “Can I live here?”
I felt air leaving my lungs, deflating like a punctured tire.
“Yes, of course. But why? Do you not like the school? Are you having problems?”
“No. I just don’t want to live there anymore.”
“With Dad?”
“With Dad andKelly.” He bit out the name like it tasted vile. “I don’t want to be there anymore.”
