oxytocin running in the ether.

Melisa Asli Pamuk as Setenay — Hayeller ve Hayatlar

ONE   WOULD   ALWAYS   WORRY   ABOUT   FAMILY,   that   much   was   true,   and   on   top   of   that,   this   was   Caroline   they   were   talking   about.   A   nurturing   soul   if   Aeri   had   ever   known   one.   Perhaps   that   was   why   she   had   always   cared   about   the   other   woman   the   way   she   did:   because   it   was   mutual.   Aeri   nodded   at   her   friend’s   question.   It   wasn’t   like   she   was   keeping   secrets   or   anything,   it   just   wasn’t   something   she   felt   the   need   to   talk   about.   ❝   Of   course,   sweet   cheeks.   ❞   The   short-haired   brunette   smiled,   gently   pressing   a   kiss   on   top   of   Carrie’s   head.   That   brief   moment   of   warmth   made   Aeri’s   heart   grow   at   least   two   inches   with   the   amount   of   love   she   felt   for   that   woman.   ❝   Besides,   discretion   is   my   middle   name.   ❞   She   playfully   tipped   her   invisible   hat   and   winked   at   Carrie.   She   considered   herself   to   be   good   at   reading   people,   hence   why   she   was   good   at   her   job,   so,   if   there   was   something   going   on   with   Stella,   she’d   try   her   best   to   figure   out   what   it   was.  Then,   the   mood   switched   a   little   at   the   mention   of   the   blind   date   and   Aeri   chuckled   softly,   this   time,   being   the   one   to   gently   squeeze   her   friend’s   arm   when   she   took   it.   ❝   Are   you   excited?   I   would   be…   but   I’m   also   a   silly,   romantic   little   goober,   so,   you   shouldn’t   be   so   surprised   to   see   me   rooting   for   you   to   fall   madly   in   love   again.   ❞   Not   that   it   would   happen   after   one   blind   date,   but   she   was   hopeful   that   love   would   find   its   way   back   into   Caroline’s   heart   and   that   it   would   be   a   good   thing   again.   She   needed   to   believe   in   those   better,   happier   days   for   her   own   sake.   ❝   Do   you   know   anything   about   your   mystery   date?   Or   are   you   ❞   Yes,   that   defeated   the   point   of   a   blind   date,   but   Aeri   wasn't   sure   if   her   best   friend   would   say   okay   to   a   date   with   someone   she   knew   absolutely   nothing   about.   Or…   maybe   she   would?   Maybe   this   meant   for   a   ‘new   year,   new   Carrie’   sort   of   thing?   Now,   that   was   exciting. ❝   We   can   pay,   but   if   we   can   pamper   ourselves   at   the   expense   of   a   game,   why   not   try   it,   right?   ❞   Playfully,   she   nudged   the   other   woman   and   then   continued.   ❝   We   could   use   these   masks   tonight   once   we   get   home,   what   do   you   say?   I   could   make   you   some   Doenjang-jjigae.   Halmoni   says   it’s   good   for   the   soul.   ❞   And   as   far   as   food   was   concerned,   her   grandmother   was   always   right.

Her offer to buy him a drink instead of the other way around surprised him in a pleasant way. Most women he met expected him to pick up the tab. Her insistence was refreshing. He liked that. "Aren't you full of delightful surprises," he stated, eyes twinkling with interest as he studied her lovely face. "I would never say no, especially when it’s coming from a beautiful woman." 

When she asked about his job, he shrugged, before going on to explain. "It has its perks. I get to meet all kinds of fascinating people and sometimes even travel." He smiled, taking the drink she offered him. "But the hours can be brutal. Early mornings are not my favorite. And constantly being in the public eye gets tiring too." 

He took a sip of his drink, gaze never leaving her face. "It’s nice to meet you, Reyhan Solmaz. But enough about me. What do you do? I get the sense it's something creative." She seemed like a free spirit, untamed by the daily grind most people got trapped in. But he could be wrong too.

Aw, he was charming, wasn't he? He wanted to make her feel special... it seemed like a trend among men these days. One that, of course, Reyhan appreciated, but one nonetheless, that she also tended to look at in a certain suspicious ways. "Please. Order your drink then. It's on the beautiful woman." She encouraged him with a smile using his own words against him, and then, rested her chin on her hand to hear him talk about his job. More than talking about herself, Reyhan actually liked hearing others talking about theirs... that was, when they didn't have an intension of talking over others or taking advantage of others.

Constantly being in the public eye. She wouldn't know much about it, or at all, so she couldn't relate, but people could be cruel whenever they wanted to. "Do you think people judge you? Since you're a public figure and all? How do you deal with that, though? I'm sure it's hard, isn't it?" It was none of her business, but Reyhan was genuinely curious about it. Most famous people she was in touch with — aside from Michelle, maybe, — were book authors and those were different levels of scrutiny that they would go through. "Sorry..." She chuckled, shaking her head. "Those are kind of too much of personal question for a first conversation, aren't they? You don't have to answer them if you don't like."

When he turned the question on her, then brunette couldn't hold back the chuckle that bubbled in the back of her throat. Something creative, damn right she did. "Actually... I work in a publishing company, so you could say it's something creative." She nodded, watching him for a moment. The way his body language spoke, with his eyes never leaving her, his body inching closer, the compliments... well, it reminded of how things had started with a certain blonde, and Reyhan almost chuckled at the thought. Men really were similar in so many ways, weren't they? "I'm an assistant-editor at JJP, in Atlanta. Is that creative enough for you? And how's the drink?" / @zchidavci

She took a sip from her drink, one that had been sitting in front of her for quite a long time now due to how much of a light drinker she was. "I appreciate the offer, Roman... but I'm... not really used to sharing." Especially not to strangers, she thought of saying, but didn't want to make thing any harder on the man than they already had been that evening. But Reyhan didn't have many friends, thus, she would often open up to the small number that she did have. Whether that was a pro or a con, she didn't really know. In a way, Reyhan almost sounded a little apologetic as she said that. "How about I buy you a drink and we try to find you a decent date, hm? So that your night doesn't end on a bad note." / @romanwagncr

When Rey offered to buy him a drink, he figured why the hell not. It wouldn’t hurt anyone now. Over a drink, they chatted and he found himself enjoying the conversation. Despite the earlier mishap with Kaira, the night was looking up. After a while, he checked his watch, realizing it was getting late. "I should probably head out," he said, finishing his drink. "I've got a little one waiting at home." He stood up, offering Reyhan a friendly smile. "It was great talking to you, Reyhan. Let's do this again sometime." With that, he went his separate way—feeling a bit lighter than before. The night hadn't ended on a bad note after all.

The way Reyhan returned the hug and gave her a soft kiss on the side of her head had Kaira honestly letting out a sigh of relief because it meant that her friend wasn’t upset with her and hopefully this wouldn’t even be a big deal at all between them. But she certainly had to work on reeling in her emotions and not allowing them to get the best of her the way they had earlier in this conversation.

“I’m going to try,” she said with a smile aimed at her friend. She wouldn’t tell her that she planned on going straight home, not really feeling up to socializing anymore. But it seemed like Reyhan had already figured that out with her next words which had her nodding before she repeated the same sentiment. “I will text you as soon as I’m home, but you do the same too okay—let me know how your date ends up going. And if I’m still up when you’re back we can talk then if you’re up for it.” Kaira told the other with a happy smile because at least—one of the relationships in her life was still standing as solid as she could hope for. Reyhan was quite easily her rock in so many ways and she loved her best friend so much, always only wanting the best for her. | @reyhansolmaz

If she was planning on finding romance, then, might as well make some effort, right?

"You look drop-dead gorgeous, you know that?" Reyhan smiled at the woman in front of her once again, then bringing her face towards herself to plant a kiss on Kaira's forehead. "You shouldn't let all of this go to waste." She said, while motioning her hands towards Kaira's outfit, hair and make-up. "But... I get it, sweet cheeks. I'll text you once I'm home." Reyhan gave her best friend one more hug and then, let her go, watching a woman on a mission as Kaira went straight to Roman.

“Thank you. I feel like it’s such a pretty common name.” Although common, she actually liked her name. It wasn’t anything special but it was her own. Surprising she didn’t know any other Amelia’s that lived in their town which made it even better. Something like a name should be strong and powerful and to Amelia she felt like her name felt as such. The meaning behind the name was so fascinating to her. She had always wanted to know why people choose their children’s name or what they think about the names given to them. “So basically basil favored by Gos?” She said with a small laugh. “I think that’s such a wonderful meaning behind your name. Kudos to your parents for such a unique and beautiful name.”

“Not usually but you have this aura about yourself so I figured why not,” she responded. “My story? Well, I was born and raised here until I was eighteen. Moved to Massachusetts for school, got my law degree, and now back home trying to keep my brother out of trouble. My story is less entertaining.” When the drink came and put in front of them, Amelia grabbed hers and turned toward the other woman. “To a good night, new friends, and new drinks.”

The way Amelia mentioned Reyhan having an aura about herself caused the brunette to let out a little chuckle. Leaning on the bar top, the editor rested her chin on her hand as she shook her head. "I have an aura about myself? It's the lack of alcohol, isn't it? It has to be!" She leggy brunette teased, finding this conversation highly amusing to say the least. And then, as her companion went on about her story, Reyhan bobbed her head to let Amelia know she was listening. "Did you go to MIT, Harvard, Northeastern or Boston U?" She inquired, having met quite a couple of people who had gone to four universities and who had settled in New York. They all have different auras about them, so, might as well ask instead of assuming things.

The green drink was placed in front of them and Reyhan partially regretted having said yes to it. First of all, it was green. Like, Flubber green. What if a bouncy Robin Williams goo jumped out of it? Still, she clinked her glass against the other woman's and then took a sip from it, making a face shortly after. "Oof... I thought it would at least taste good if it was sweet, but God, I was wrong." She chuckled. "Better luck next time, I guess?" She then pressed her lips together. "Anyways, Amelia... what brings you back to Covington? It's definitely a whole different world from Boston." / @robertsameliax

When Ahalya mentioned going home and kissing a pillow, Reyhan shook her head and clicked her tongue. She leaned in and planted a kiss on her friend's cheek, double-checking if she hadn't left any sort of trace of her lipstick behind. "There. Now you have kissed someone other than your pillow. Or even better... you were kissed." She teased Lya as s soft chuckle escaped her lips. Valentine's was usually a time people, especially the women Reyhan had in her life, were often found moping around, and the young editor was no immune to it. "But who knows, Lya... maybe something came up and he had to leave? A family emergency or... I don't know?" Because that wasn't the guy's first bid, so it wasn't like he didn't want to win a date with Ahalya.

When the spotlight was placed on her, Reyhan shook her head. "Gosh, don't even remind me of that! I don't think I've felt so embarressed! As you can see, I don't do well with being the center of attention." In fact, she wished she would, but, unless she was working, Reyhan tended to linger in the background. It was better that way. "I know him, yes. He's a good friend." She offered Lya another smile. "I was going to set him up with Kaira, since she too wasn't happy with the result of her action, but I don't think we're allowed to do that. Maybe next year we should be the ones bidding." Hopefully, by next year, Reyhan would spend her Valentine's in the company of someone else and just bid for fun, but considering her lips, she'd better not to get her hopes high. / @ahalyaxreddy

Swooping in, as if she were truly an angel determined to shoo away all negativity, the little kiss she gave Ahalya had her heart swell and the first genuine smile of the evening peeked out from the shadows. She returned the favor, planting a quick peck on the other’s cheek. “There, now I can say I was kissed and that I kissed someone. And definitely someone I would rather kiss than anyone else in this room.” She scanned the attendees, deciding that yes, she would prefer Reyhan’s company to that of anyone else in the moment. Her rationality overpowered Ahalya’s desire to wallow, and she nodded. “No, you’re right. But I would rather assume that he just didn’t have the money than wonder if something bad happened, you know.” Because in the grand scheme of things, the auction was a small blip in her life. Given the frivolity of the event, Ahalya didn’t want to console herself by assuming something more serious than it warranted.

“You and me both,” Ahalya affirmed. She preferred not to be in center stage, at least not during these types of events. Maybe that was precisely the reason that Ahalya preferred to stay in her comfort zone, not venturing too far beyond. At the mention of Kaira, her ears perked up. But she knew that this was neither the time, nor the place, to ask Reyhan about why Kaira was unhappy with her bidder. Maybe Reyhan knew something about Roman, and, being the protective friend that she was, now she suspected that maybe the man had crossed two of her friends. Which was why, rather than broach the subject in the moment, she made a mental note to bring it up the next time they hung out. For tonight, she just decided to put the rest of the night behind her. “Next year, we can donate directly to charity and take each other out.” | @reyhansolmaz

When Ahalya mentioned going home and kissing a pillow, Reyhan shook her head and clicked her tongue. She leaned in and planted a kiss on her friend's cheek, double-checking if she hadn't left any sort of trace of her lipstick behind. "There. Now you have kissed someone other than your pillow. Or even better... you were kissed." She teased Lya as s soft chuckle escaped her lips. Valentine's was usually a time people, especially the women Reyhan had in her life, were often found moping around, and the young editor was no immune to it. "But who knows, Lya... maybe something came up and he had to leave? A family emergency or... I don't know?" Because that wasn't the guy's first bid, so it wasn't like he didn't want to win a date with Ahalya.

When the spotlight was placed on her, Reyhan shook her head. "Gosh, don't even remind me of that! I don't think I've felt so embarressed! As you can see, I don't do well with being the center of attention." In fact, she wished she would, but, unless she was working, Reyhan tended to linger in the background. It was better that way. "I know him, yes. He's a good friend." She offered Lya another smile. "I was going to set him up with Kaira, since she too wasn't happy with the result of her action, but I don't think we're allowed to do that. Maybe next year we should be the ones bidding." Hopefully, by next year, Reyhan would spend her Valentine's in the company of someone else and just bid for fun, but considering her lips, she'd better not to get her hopes high. / @ahalyaxreddy

"Whoa, I was just asking about scheduling issues. At my age, it takes an act of god to coordinate a night out with friends, but. Busy adulting, internalized misogyny; potayto, potahto?" Renzie was more bemused than anything else; because if this was Reyhan's idea of teasing, it certainly was novel. And she did then call him 'Pretty Brown Eyes' right after. Like romcom banter - which, given the film they were watching, only made it more cute.

"I mean, I get it - I'm here alone too. And I have soooooo many friends," Renzie joke-bragged. "But speaking of noodles - have you ever tried dining alone? Like at a sit-down restaurant, not a fast-food joint, or lunch. Soloing movies is one thing; soloing a dinner out is one of those experiences where you really learn yourself."

It would've been good enough if Reyhan just knew about one of the films he'd worked on. But she'd watched all of them? Okay, so maybe Renzie did take pride in his work, even if they weren't masterpieces.

Plus, it helped exponentially that Reyhan seemed like a sophisticated, intelligent - and quite frankly, gorgeous - woman who liked his stuff (maybe that was the internalized misogyny she'd teased him about, or just plain superficiality).

"All of them?" Renzie's mouth dropped open in surprise. And she considered four of our five star review to be a bad review, meaning...she gave the rest of his stuff five stars?? "The couch cushion one was a favour for a friend of a friend....there was more sentimentality in it than I would've liked. A puff piece, ha ha. Get it - cushions...puff."

She liked the way he told stories. She called his work passionate (minus the couch cushion one). Renzie felt like Baby, lifted into the air by Swayze, soaring above an applauding crowd of acceptance.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but Reyhan, I could kiss you for these reviews. I don't think - I just realized this is the first time I've spoken to a normal person about my documentaries, someone who isn't soaked in Hollywood schmooze and shmutz." Renzie's hands framed the sides of his head, miming his head being blown.

"Wow. This. Wow. Reyhan, my mind is blown. You've blown my mind. Who are you? Where'd you come from? How did we just randomly meet like this? It's amazing. You're amazing. What'd you say you worked in again? Can I hire you to be my hypeman? Sorry - hypeperson."

"Pshyeah.... you look the part." The petite brunette teased him, picking up on the joking tone in his voice when he mentioned having lots of friends. "I have, yes." But, again, people tended to look at a woman having dinner by herself and often thought she had been ditched by a date. She could tell him about the amount of times she'd been approached by waiters to ask if her date wasn't coming when all she wanted was a glass of wine and some food. "People are scared of doing fun things by themselves, I guess. Coming to the movies, having dinner, going to museums..." To name a few. I'm actually tired of doing these things by myself, she thought, but didn't voice out loud.

Another joke, and Reyhan pressed her lips together, almost wincing as he tried to explain it. A failed attempt to steal a laugh from her. "Do people tell you that you're funny...?" Because, in her opinion, that was probably the reason why he seemed to be trying this hard to make her laugh. She didn't need the effort... She'd noticed he could be funny when he wasn't trying this hard.

Although she was used to being around famous authors, Reyhan couldn't say she was used to being around, as he put, people soaked in the Hollywood schmooze and shmutz, but it wasn't hard to assume that the city was as superficial as people claimed it to be. "You should see the reviews I leave in podcast episodes a follow..." She mumbled, mostly to herself, but she was quite sure she could hear her if he were paying attention. "I'm just very opinionated. Always have been. Not everyone likes it." I mean, they didn't pick her to be the captain of the debates team for no reason, right? Or to write graduation speeches, or to be part of the schoool's newspaper. Reyhan had a way with words and she knew that. She just wished her confidence didn't simply vanish when it came to her career as an author.

His questions went on and on, making the brunette chuckle at the absurdity of them. It was adorable, to say the least. See? He could be funny when he wasn't trying. "And, I didn't... but hello, Reyhan Solmaz." Again, she offered her hand. "Originally from Portland, Oregon, but I moved to Covington from New York. Assistant Editor at JJP Publishing. And you could hire me, but I don't think you could afford me." / @renzienaipaul