Page 93 of My Turkish Fling
“That would be amazing, because a friend of mine is pregnant and wants to turn her engagement party into a wedding. All we need is a minister. A pastor. I’m sorry, I’m not sure about the terminology.”
“All pastors are ministers. Not all ministers are pastors. What time? I do have a few things lined up…” The excitement vanished from his voice, and I pulled a face, glancing at Emir, whose knowing look carried a hint of smugness.
“We’re flexible! It would be amazing.”
“And do they have a marriage license? That can take about three days to get and without—”
“Yes, they do!”
The line went quiet, and we exchanged another look with Emir.
“I would normally meet with the couple beforehand, get to know them…”
“We can arrange that! This is a very small, casual affair at my house.”
“At your house?”
“Yes, I’m hosting it. So, what do you think?”
After another long pause, Len spoke. “Okay. I can make it there at around four. Would that work?”
“Wonderful! I’ll text you the address.”
We ended the call with some more thankyous, and I turned toEmir. “I can’t believe he said yes!”
His eyes were hard. “He gets to see you and check out your house. And you’ll owe him, which he’ll use to get a second date.”
I hadn’t even thought of that. “Oh, my God. You’re right. And I can’t tell him we’re an item since we’re trying to hide it from the parents. Unless we tell him in confidence?”
“Tell him what?” He gave me a long, sad look and my lungs deflated.
I looked up at the ceiling, thinking. “What if we don’t tell him you’re leaving? He doesn’t need to know.”
“Tell him whatever you feel like, Janie. You know how I feel about this, but don’t let that worry you.”
Tears welled in my chest again, dangerously close to the surface. “I hate this too, but we must keep quiet. For Cem and Aria.”
“For Cem and Aria.” He gave me a solemn nod.
We snuck out of the bedroom, one by one, to join the party preparations.
Great. I’d have my awkward first date and current lover under the same roof. All I need was my ex-husband, and I could start selling tickets to a Greek tragedy.
Chapter 37
Emir
I’d taken the high road, and I had to stay on it. The last thing I wanted to leave Janie with was the memory of me acting up.
Still, the idea of Len the pastor riding to her rescue made my stomach turn. Spotting his car in the driveway, Janie dragged me outside to meet him. “It’s best that he sees you straight away, I think.”
“You mean, it’s best to keep our meeting outside, away from the party guests?”
She cocked her head, looking a little conflicted. “That, too.”
Gru shot through the open door, ready to greet Len with drooling excitement. I couldn’t match that, but I’d do my best.
Len wore one of those black shirts with a white collar and smiled like a poster boy for religion.
