Page 59 of Aydin

She leaned against the counter, planting her hand on her hip.

“You like him.”

I lowered my head to avoid her.

“We kissed,” I mumbled.

“He’s your boss.”

“I know.”

“We didn’t raise you to be someone’s little plaything.”

I took the bowls to the table and spread them out for the salad.

“Aydin’s different. Early on, he fired me.”

“Fired you?”

“A long story, but we’re in a good place now.”

Mom placed the wine glasses on the table.

“I have to tell you something, and I don’t want you to freak out.”

“Tell me and let me decide how I want to react.”

“I live with him.”

“Live with who?”

“Aydin.”

“Why?”

“I found something out, and people tried to kill me.”

“Kill you!” she shrieked, and I put my hand up to hush her before my dad got involved.

“Kill who?” Dad ran into the kitchen, looked from me to Mom. I rubbed my forehead from the migraine that formed.

“Nothing, Dad.”

“Who’s trying to kill our child?” Mom marched toward Aydin.

The simple dinner I expected to have completely changed the mood of the night.

“Mrs. Edwards.” Aydin tried to calm the situation.

“No, we need to call the police.”

“The police are on the case. My brother works for the police,” Aydin stated.

“You’re staying with us.” Mom pointed at me.

“Ma, I’m safe. I promise.”

“Is someone going to tell me what’s going on?” Dad demanded.

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