Page 76 of Aydin

“Stephanie, thank you so much for letting me apply for a job.”

Stephanie stood to the side nervously. I held my hand out, and she took it as she caught on to my excuse.

“You’re welcome, and our manager will be in touch if your resume checks out,” Stephanie explained.

“Thank you, and it was nice meeting you both.”

“You as well,” Joyce replied.

I wiped the sweat beads on my brow and jogged out of the office, back toward the car when my cell rang. I looked down and saw Molly’s name scrolled across.

“Hey, what are you doing later today?”

“Um, nothing much,” I nervously replied. Looking out the window, I made eye contact with my driver.

“Why do you sound so nervous?”

“No reason and no plans. What do you have in mind?”

“Maybe grab some drinks with me and Dani.”

“That sounds good.”

“Perfect. Give me another hour, and I’ll text you the place.”

“Okay, I’ll head home and change.”

We talked a few more seconds and then hung up.

An hour and a half later, I arrived at the bar Dani took me to for the blind date. The place was crowded, with mostly couples. I took a seat next to Molly, around the three-seat table.

“You changed?” Dani pushed the dirty martini closer to me.

Lifting the drink to my lips, I nodded.

“I ran some errands today and felt like I needed to refresh before going out.”

“Where’s your bodyguard?”

I pointed to two tables over.

“Aydin’s not taking any chances,” Dani said.

“I know, and I feel guilty that his life has changed because of me.”

“You didn’t ask for this to happen, Amelia.” Molly placed her hand on my shoulder.

Too many people in my life are affected by my choices.

“Tonight, no dark talk. We invited you out to have fun,” Dani encouraged me, and I appreciated my friend for always having my back.

“How is married life, Molly? We never had a chance to catch up on the wedding.”

Molly held her hand out to show her ring. I admired it the first time when she arrived back at the office.

“Wonderful. I hope you and Aydin get to experience a life that is all-consuming love.”

Dani raised her glass in the air.

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