"OH I WON'T, Mr. Tucci," Leyla politely declined the man's extended hand, "But Ms. Aydın it's the best of the best; 1993 Chateau Margaux." Smiling gently she shook her head lightly causing her pearl drop earrings to sway, "I am sure of it, but unfortunately I don't drink." Embarrassed, the man retracted his arm and placed the glass on the table between them.

"So now that we're over and done with pleasantries, let's discuss the spread for this month?" To this Leyla nodded her head and pulled the platinum band of her ring back and forth along her finger, an action she often practiced whenever she was trying to focus.

"I was thinking ethereal, we can have this barn at around noon but with the model in a dress preferably pastel - probably Armani Prive '13 and a dramatic lip," the man pondered. After sipping on her beverage of choice, she cleared her throat slightly and tilted her head at an infinitesimal angle, "Now, I loved the part where you said ethereal but I think if we opted for a timing around maybe late evening or night, that would be great as we had a warm theme last month."

Mr. Tucci nodded in affirmation and jotted it down in his notebook, "What about the location?" Leyla gazed beyond the eatery's floor-to-ceiling windows while tapping her taupe nails against her small, fossil black journal. "A highway."

Confused, the man stared attentively at the brunette, "So what I'm trying to say is a dainty, ethereal look, a cool theme and a highway or field."

Leyla could practically hear all those gears turning in his mind so she decided to speak again, "Someone trying to escape life, maybe they're emotionally compromised, maybe they're at some opulent party and want to leave and go somewhere to feel grounded or at peace."

Instantly, the man's eyes lit up, "That is actually very clever, Miss. Aydın." Leyla shook her head and a kind smile adorned her oval-shaped face.

"Leyla's fine and no it's alright really, it's always a great pleasure to work with new people, I learn a lot"

Mr. Tucci cleared his throat faintly, "I did hear a lot from the other photo editors about how because of your previous profession you would not know much about the industry but I beg to differ because you know a lot, and that too of the good stuff! Also you're a friend now so call me Fred."

Placing a professional smile on her rose nude lips, she began eloquently. "I do hear those things, quite often actually, but would prefer to keep quiet and remain patient because after all, the gossip is what fuels me to move forward even though it does get a little too much at times. However I pull through with some sense of gratitude, always."

Nodding, the man raised another question that the brunette again answered patiently. "Yes, I was a lawyer, and the funny story is that I was just filling in for someone but after a month Vionne thought otherwise, so here we are."

The man nodded and shook Leyla's hand, "It was great talking to you Leyla, I am now going to take my leave and discuss this with the photographer."

"Splendid! I knew you were the right person for this," the brunette grinned with arms folded over each other on the table.

After ten minutes or so she gathered herself and began the short drive to Ayşe's apartment, stopping to grab some cupcakes on the way too. She was really tempted to reach out for one but as soon as the complex came into view, she let out a sigh of relief.

After greeting the stout man right beside the complex's garage, she shifted the gears and gently pushed down on the pedal while alternating her foot on the brake.

Quickly the brunette made a sharp left and situated the vehicle in the parking spot, she sent a shy grin to the person who was backing into the spot that she took.

The brunette placed a foot on the polished cement flooring and pulled out the lemonade pink box of sweets. "Sorry! I'm in a bit of a rush," Leyla apologized for her hasty behavior while peeking out of the open door.

A hearty laugh intrigued her, as she found herself in front of a man who was smiling pleasantly. "Will Jones," the mysterious man extended his arm. Grasping it firmly she grinned slightly, "Leyla Aydın, nice to meet you."

Nodding, Will backed up and stuffed his hands into his pockets, "Do you live here?"

The brunette shook her head, "I'm visiting someone." A horn broke their conversation apart.

"See you around?" Will tested the waters to receive a smile in return.

━━━━ ☆ ━━━━

Leyla stood on the marble tiles, knocking for the fifth time. Slightly annoyed, she knocked a little louder and pushed the handle of the door down continuously until unexpectedly the door opened wide and there stood Ayşe's boyfriend.

"Oh, hey Blake!" Leyla exclaimed over-enthusiastically to cover up the awkward hold she had on the door handle. With a baffled expression, he waves and moves aside to give her way. 

"In the kitchen," he chuckled to the flustered brunette, who nodded and hurried towards the area where her cousin was placing plates in a cupboard.

"I know you're really angry but hear me out," Leyla muttered while placing the sweets on a cake-plate she sneaked out of the pile.

"Huh? What thing? Oh yeah, the date you ditched when I specifically said that you had to go for me and that I would let you off the hook for life? We just wanted to help Blake's cousin, who may I add, is actually a wonderful person," the petite girl spoke brusquely with a hand on her hip.

After throwing the bag into the trash can she peeked at Ayse with a glint of guilt sparkling in her eyes, "I'm sure he is but what's the context?"

"The context of the situation does not matter alright, at least not anymore. I had hope for this one and was even willing stop with these stupid blind dates for you but the one time I want you to actually go through with it, you don't." Ayşe grumbled on but held back before softening her eyes, "Let's just have some tea, you're probably tired."

Leyla hugged her cousin with an apologetic smile, "We weren't meant to be maybe?"

The two sat atop the dark, wooden bar-stools in front of the polished, granite counter-top and wasted hours discussing trivial things until it was time for Leyla to step out. 

"See you later, Ley." Ayşe spoke from her spot beside Blake, her hands around his torso.

She waved at the happy couple and began the drive home, trees stood tall blooming and traffic was lighter allowing Leyla to relax and slip into a peaceful state of mind, where nothing yet everything mattered.

ok so i feel like this was alright, not too shabby right? we have a little insight into leyla's life here but next chapter's going to be really fun 😉 

hope you all like it, do drop down your thoughts. it's always a joy seeing what you people have to say  <3