Page 15 of Aydin

“Relax, he’s your boss,” I repeated over and over.

As food was placed in front of us, I laughed at something Nasir said and avoided eye contact with Aydin, while he stared a hole in my face. As the new hire, Molly decided to treat me to lunch, and Nasir found out and invited himself, on top of paying, so everyone came along. We came to a local burger joint around the corner from the office. My plan was to originally eat at my desk and do more work.

“So, Amelia, where are you from?” Nasir challenged me. I washed the french fry down with myginger ale. Born and raised here in Tennessee, my parents spoiled me as the only child, and I never had to want for anything. Conrad and Cassandra Edwards had been married for over thirty years, and they had me in their late thirties. What I admired about my parents was how much their own individuality drew them together and not what the other person could do for them.

“Here in Tennessee.”

“Any siblings?” Nasir wondered, and I shook my head.

“Only child.”

“Lucky you. I grew up in a household of six,” Molly complained, and I smiled.

“Well, I have my best friend, Dani, and she’s like an annoying older sister.” I chuckled, picking up my burger to take a bite.

“Did Aydin tell you about the event we’re doing security for this weekend?”

“No.”

“It’s for Senator Edgar’s daughter, and you’re invited. We all get dressed up.”

“What type of an event?” I drew a snarl from Aydin, and I wanted to poke his eye out for acting like a child. I knew what he was discussing, since Molly filled me in earlier.

“It’s a fundraiser; she’s thinking of running for office,” Nasir answered, and I wiped the remnants of the ketchup from my face.

“I’m new; I doubt I should be there.”

“We’re all going to be there, you’ll be fine. Well, we’re doing security, so you can just mingle,” Nasir said.

“Not sure if I have anything to wear.”

“Every woman has a little cocktail dress,” Molly brought up, and I scratched behind my ear and avoided eye contact with Aydin.

“What time is the fundraiser?”

“Eight, and you can drive with Aydin,” Molly blurted out, and I choked on the drink as Aydin glared at her.

“No.”

“Aydin, it’s not like you’re going to be taking a date,” Molly stated, and Nasir chuckled, Aydin ran a hand down his face.

“I said no,” Aydin responded, finishing off his sandwich, stood, and slid his hand in his pocket to remove his wallet to pay.

“What’s his problem?” Molly quizzed. Nasir shrugged his shoulders.

“Beats me, but we can have a car pick you up, Amelia.”

“You don’t have to do that, Nasir. I can drive myself.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I don’t plan on being there all night.”

“If you change your mind, text me.” Nasir followed in Aydin’s steps and took money out to pay the bill.

“Ignore Aydin; the fundraiser is more than likely going to be boring.”

“Molly, maybe I should find something else. Mr. Reeve seems to really hate me.”

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