Page 88 of My Turkish Fling
The late evening sun made his palms glow.
I couldn’t stop myself from walking into those arms. What had I been thinking? That I could somehow rip the plaster and expedite healing when he was still here? He was my wound. But with his heartbeat against my cheek, I felt no pain. I could postpone it.
“I’m sorry I had to run away for a bit.”
“It’s okay.”
“I thought I could protect myself, but I think it’s too late. I think I have to just hold onto you all night.”
His arms tightened around me. “That’s also okay.”
Chapter 36
Janie
“The sky is clear!” I yelled, stepping back inside my house.
“Yay!” Aria waved from behind the dining table she was setting up for catering.
It was the day of the party. After a sleepless night, curled up with the man my whole being craved, I was running on caffeine, fake smiles, and affirmations. I couldn’t be miserable. Today was about celebration. It was about keeping myself busy and focused on other people.
It’d be the perfect way to part ways, I told myself. A day full of smiles and laughter and flower arrangements. My house had transformed into a buzzing center of romance and happiness. For other people.
The usual number of people in my house had already more thandoubled. Kerim and his wife had taken over my kitchen, heating and prepping food items they’d brought. Cem and Emir were setting up tables on the deck while their parents sat in the shade, sipping tea. I was glad Josh was away at his friend’s house for another day. He would have struggled with this many strangers.
Aria’s mom Lyn appeared from Alex’s bedroom that had been recently declared the staging area, holding two odd-looking, pink signs with white arrows painted on them. Bright yellow balloons hung off the side. “These should catch the eye, don’t you think? I repurposed these old trays I found in the op shop!”
“Yeah, I think those stand out well.”
I saw Aria’s face momentarily fall before she pasted on a smile. “Thanks, Mom.”
Lyn beamed. “Greg went to find some timber to make the signposts. These will last for years. We can use the same signs for the wedding!”
Aria’s eyes widened and I gave her a subtle head shake.
“I’ll see where Greg’s at,” Lyn said, hurrying out the door.
I grabbed one of the napkins Aria was folding to help her out. “Don’t worry. The signs will be irreversibly damaged during the festivities, possibly by a runaway horse, and won’t be available for your wedding.”
Aria sighed. “I’d be eternally grateful! I don’t know where she finds these things.”
“She’s just trying to be helpful.”
“How’re you feeling?” She asked, leaning in. “Is he really leaving tomorrow?” Her gaze swept to the deck where Emir was scootingunder my outdoor table, holding a wrench. There’d be no wobbly legs in the house after his exit, other than mine.
“He says he has to go. And I have to let him go.”
Aria’s eyes flooded with despair. “Can’t you… follow him?”
“Not with Josh moving back home.”
“Why does he have to go? It’s not like his parents are all alone. Cem and I will be there! And…” Her expression shifted and she glanced around her to see if anyone was listening.
“What?” I whispered, seeing Kerim right behind me.
Aria clamped her lips together. Maybe there were too many people around for whatever she wanted to say.
I’d have a full house tonight. Aria, Cem, Emir and their parents were staying overnight, to make sure nobody had to drive. We’d set up the guest room for Emir’s parents, Josh’s room for Emir and Alex’s room for Aria and Cem. My house was also closer to the airport, which made it handy for Emir’s parents. And Emir, I thought with a pang. Their flight was tomorrow, but I couldn’t allow myself to dwell on that.
