I have been sleeping all night long since we arrived on the island Mykonos in Greece. It’s morning now but I am still sleepy because of the jetlag. It’s 10:00 a.m. already. I woke up earlier to pray Fajr (morning prayer) but went back to sleep.I am meeting Ismail in the resort restaurant to go over some files that he needs my help with. I step into the restaurant and see him at the far end, close to the beach. I walk over to join him.While sitting down, I remove my sunglasses and my Panama hat, but my hair is still covered with a hijab cap. This causes Ismail to greet me with his beautiful, but annoying laughter.“Have you looked in the mirror this morning?” Ismail asks laughing.“I know I look horrible but surely not that bad.” I know my eyes are bloodshot and red from lack of sleep. There are bags under my eyes, making me look grim, but I doubt I look bad enough to make him laugh.“Please put on your su

We are currently in Italy. Ismail and I are having dinner outside at this beautiful restaurant. The sky is so beautiful, with all the stars shining so bright. I am wearing a satin burgundy mermaid gown. This is our last week in Italy. We spent the first two weeks working and the last week is spent like a vacation.“So, I have been meaning to ask you,” I say while eating my steak.“What?” Ismail asks.“How long have you known Udar was in love with Fatima, and you didn’t tell me?” I ask trying to sound indignant.“Why?” Ismail says chuckling, “Am I supposed to tell you that?”“Yes, you are supposed to tell me,” I reply, “Because… we’re friends,” I say realizing it is true. Having gotten to know Ismail better over the past weeks and especially during this trip, we have gotten close, and I enjoy his company more than I ever thought I would. When I think of how

While driving back to the hotel Ismail gets a call from Udar telling us that Fatima has fainted, and they are in the hospital. I ask the driver to quickly drive to the hospital, wondering what could have caused Fatima to faint. I pray the whole way to the hospital, hoping that nothing serious has happened to my best friend. We arrive at the hospital and quickly walk inside and ask for directions to the room number Udar gave us. We take the elevator to the second floor. That is where Fatima’s room is. We arrive at the room and Ismail is about to knock on the door, but I stop him. I can hear their conversation and I think we should not disturb them. “Udar, you called me your love,” Fatima sounds very tired and rundown. “Yes, my love. You are my love. Fatima, you are the love of my life. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. I love you so much that seeing you faint in my arms was a wakeup call for me to tell you how much you mean to me. I don’t know w

Ismail and I have arrived at the hotel where we are meeting the owner to discuss our app, but he or she hasn’t arrived yet. I am about to suggest to Ismail that maybe we should leave, when a guy who looks like he just rushed out of bed walks up to our table.“I am so sorry for being late Mr Uthman, I had an unexpected issue I had to deal with,” he says with a thick French accent while adjusting his tie. He is tall, over 6 feet, has black hair, a lean build and doesn’t look older than 26 or 27.“It’s fine, Mr. Baron,” Ismail answers.“And who might this lovely lady be?” Mr Baron asks, checking me out from head to toe with lust in his eyes.“I am Miss Isa,” I say primly, trying not to sound hostile because I don’t like the way he is looking at me.“If I had known such a pretty lady was waiting for me, I would have come sooner,” Mr Baron says smirking.“I

Emma hired three makeup artists, so no one has to wait for the other. Two hours later, we are completely transformed. I am wearing a silver-grey evening dress in tulle, with 3D salmon-colored leaves embroidered and an overskirt. I am also wearing a silver hajib, the jewelry Ismail gave me, and elegant high heeled strap lace sandals. Fatima is wearing a salmon-colored dress in lace with crystal embroideries and a pleated skirt. She is also wearing rose gold ankle strap heels, diamond love knot earrings and a salmon-colored hajib. Emma is wearing an off-the-shoulder nude dress in embroidered tulle, embellished with blue and nude patchwork lace embroideries and sequins. She is wearing champagne glitter ankle strap heels and white gold round diamond stud earrings.“Hmmm, Umit, I like your jewelry. They are lovely.” Emma says smiling sheepishly.“Thank you, Ismail gave them to me,” I smile.“I know,” Emma smirks, “And I just