Crashing Into You

Chapter 6 — Coffee Is Just an Excuse

The last two days had been exhausting for Hale, both physically and emotionally. Work had been overwhelming enough on its own, but there was something else in her life now—something that had quietly begun changing the rhythm of her heart. Cihangir.

During those two days apart, they had only exchanged messages. Their conversations were brief but warm. Still, Hale was restless. Even seeing him for a few minutes, even sharing a simple good morning, had the power to change the entire course of her day. So every morning she left home at exactly the same time.

She walked more slowly than usual. Lingered near the apartment entrance for a few extra minutes. Found reasons to delay. But it was useless. She never saw him. This morning was no different. She had left home with the same hope. She had even taken extra care getting ready. A little lipstick.

Hair brushed more carefully than necessary. She had walked down the stairs slower than usual. Maybe today. Maybe this morning. That hope had followed her all the way to the building entrance. The moment she stepped outside, she automatically looked right. Then toward the balconies across the street. Her heart beat faster as her eyes searched for him.

Nothing. No sign of him. She stopped after a few steps. Maybe he's running late. Maybe he's on the balcony. Maybe he hasn't left yet. The excuses came one after another. But with every passing second, hope slowly gave way to disappointment. With a quiet sigh, she gave the street one final glance before forcing herself to continue toward work.

Even after turning into the street where she had parked her car, she kept looking around. There was longing in her gaze. Maybe even frustration with herself. Why am I so hung up on a simple hello? But her heart immediately called her a liar. Because somewhere along the way, that simple greeting had become something more.

A tiny habit. A tiny connection. And she missed it. As she approached her car, something caught her attention. Her expression immediately changed. Her steps quickened. There was something sitting on top of her car. Alarm instantly replaced disappointment.

Please don't tell me someone dumped trash on it again. Her pace turned into a near jog. She scanned the street as she moved, almost expecting to catch someone running away. But when she reached the car, the street was empty. The only thing waiting for her was a thermos. She stared at it.

“What is this?” Her brows knitted together. “Is this a joke?” “Did someone mistake my car for theirs?” Muttering to herself, she picked up the thermos. She was about to set it on the sidewalk when she noticed a small note attached beneath the lid. Holding the thermos, she looked around one more time. The street remained silent. No one.

And yet her heartbeat seemed loud enough to fill the entire block. The second she read the note, her eyes widened. Her lips parted. Without thinking, she climbed into her car, locked the doors, and read it again. Then again. And suddenly she was laughing and nearly crying at the same time.

“Oh my God!” A laugh escaped her. Then another. “Oh my God! Thank You for sending me a man like this!” Half laughter. Half happy panic. She read the note aloud once more. Every word felt like another drop of warmth landing directly in her heart.

Good morning,

Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to run into each other for the last two days.

And unfortunately, we won’t be seeing each other for a few more.

When I get back, I’ll have two excuses to ask you out instead of one.

Enjoy the coffee.

— C

Her eyes sparkled. The smile stretching across her face felt impossible to contain. Immediately, she grabbed her phone. His number was already saved. She hesitated for barely a second. Should I call? She lasted exactly one second before pressing dial. The phone rang. And rang. No answer.

Each unanswered ring only increased her curiosity. “So he’s already gone…” A small smile remained on her lips. Then she opened her messages. The words came naturally. Warm enough to reveal how she felt. Careful enough to hide just a little.

Hale:

I called, but you didn’t answer.

I guess you're busy.

Thank you for the coffee.

Maybe when you get back, we won't need excuses to see each other anymore?

After sending the message, she placed the phone in her lap. Then she opened the thermos. The coffee was still warm. She took a sip. The taste was perfect. Strong. Slightly bitter. Deep. Although honestly, it wouldn't have mattered what it tasted like. This wasn't just coffee anymore.

It was one of the most meaningful cups she had ever held in her hands. Because somehow, Cihangir was inside it. His thoughtfulness. His kindness. The way he had quietly left it behind and disappeared without asking for anything in return. She took another sip and looked up at the sky.

“Please keep him safe,” she whispered softly. “Not a scratch. Not a single injury. Let him come back unharmed.” Then she fastened her seatbelt. The warmth of her smile remained with her the entire drive. Even Istanbul traffic couldn't ruin her mood that morning. When she arrived at work, people noticed.

The smile never left her face. What happened to Hale? Every glance toward the thermos made her chest flutter. Every time she checked her phone, she hoped there would finally be a reply. But none came. And as the hours turned into days, a tiny seed of worry began growing inside her.

Still, she refused to let it overshadow her happiness. Because one man had managed to give her the world with nothing more than a note and a thermos. And she wasn't going to forget that.

One week later. The first thing Hale did after opening her eyes was check her phone. Her fingers moved automatically. Unlock. Notifications. Nothing. Still no message. No call. No sign of Cihangir. An entire week had passed since he left the thermos and the note.

During that week, she had sent several messages. Called more than once. None had been answered. Every morning began with hope. Every night ended with silence. And the worst part? She had no idea where he was. What he was doing. Or who she could even ask. His life remained a mystery.

A name. A face. A few meaningful conversations. And a thermos. That was all she had. But the world continued turning regardless of the pause inside her heart. Trucks crossed customs checkpoints. Shipments moved. Phones rang. Paperwork piled up.

And despite the quiet storm inside her, Hale did everything she could to remain professional. That was when the phone on her desk rang. The company’s main line. Expecting a customer or another internal transfer, she answered casually. Then the voice on the other end immediately captured her full attention.

“Mr. Adnan would like to have lunch with you today, if you're available.” A spark ignited instantly inside her. The opportunity she had been chasing for weeks had finally arrived. Opening her planner, she checked her schedule within seconds. “Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “I'm available. Your assistant can coordinate the details with mine.”

The moment the call ended, a smile appeared. A small, excited clap escaped her. Then she immediately forced herself to calm down. Not yet. She didn't want to tell anyone. There was no reason to celebrate something uncertain. She even walked toward her manager's office before stopping herself.

Creating expectations before results only leads to disappointment. Instead, she simply informed her assistant that she would be out for a meeting that afternoon. Then added one small request. “Please don't mention this to anyone. Consider it confidential.” Excitement mixed with nervousness inside her. She intentionally kept her makeup light. Professional. Elegant. A tailored suit. Presentation folder. Pens. Planner.

Everything she needed. Then she left the office. By the time she arrived at the restaurant, her heartbeat had noticeably quickened. The place sat beside the Bosphorus. Quiet. Elegant.

Exclusive without trying too hard. The hostess greeted her politely and led her inside. Hale's eyes scanned the tables one by one. Excitement and nerves tangled together inside her. Finally, she was directed toward a table.

The man sitting there immediately drew her attention. He appeared to be somewhere in his sixties. White strands threaded through his hair. But the true weight of his years lived inside his eyes. Dark brown. Sharp. Experienced.

His expression gave little away. Yet his posture alone suggested a man accustomed to being in control. The moment he noticed her approaching, he stood. “Ms. Hale. Welcome.” His voice was deep. Measured. Professional. Hale smiled politely. “Mr. Adnan.”

He gestured toward the chair opposite him. After setting down her bag and folder, she sat. “Thank you for making time for me.” A faint smile touched his lips. “I like determined people. People who refuse to quit.” Hale answered with a graceful smile of her own.

“Thank you. I don't hear compliments like that very often.” Before the conversation could continue, a waiter arrived with menus. Both selected their meals. Once the menus disappeared, Hale quietly studied the man across from her. Age had left its marks on his face. But there was still life in his eyes. Perhaps he was harsh. Perhaps guarded. But behind those walls, she sensed remarkable intelligence.

When he finally set his menu down, his attention returned to her. “You surprise me.” “Oh?” Hale asked. “How so?” “You make decisions quickly.” There was admiration hidden beneath the test in his voice. Hale smiled slightly. “I simply know what I don't want.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What you don't want?” “Yes.” She held his gaze steadily. “What we don't want in life is sometimes just as important as what we do want. Because while chasing our desires, we can easily end up somewhere we never should have gone.” Adnan tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Interesting. I've lived the same way.” He spread his hands slightly. “Look where it got me.” A small smile touched Hale's lips. “Then perhaps similar philosophies work on similar roads.” For the first time, genuine amusement appeared in his expression. The conversation flowed naturally from there.

Hale deliberately avoided business topics at first. People weren't numbers. Business wasn't only paperwork. Decisions were emotional. Impressions mattered. By the end of the meal, she finally slid her presentation folder across the table.

Adnan reviewed every page carefully while Hale sipped her coffee and looked out over the Bosphorus. The water shimmered beneath the afternoon light. Inside, anticipation built quietly. Eventually, he closed the folder. “To be honest,” he said, “I only agreed to this meeting because you refused to give up.” He paused.

“Yet you've surprised me.” Hale smiled. “I hear that more often than you'd think.” He studied her for a moment. “I wasn't expecting someone this confident. Or this capable.” She took another sip of coffee. “If you choose to work with us, you'll be very satisfied with the partnership.”

Her voice remained calm. Professional. Confident. “We have a strong team, an extensive fleet, and we're still growing. It would be beneficial for both of us.” Adnan smiled. “I'll think about it.” Then he stood. “We'll be in touch soon.” Hale immediately rose as well.

They shook hands. Then she watched him walk away. His cane tapped softly against the floor. There was a slight limp in his step. He wasn't particularly old. Yet life seemed to have placed its weight on his shoulders earlier than most. After he disappeared through the restaurant doors, Hale sat back down.

Her eyes were shining. A peaceful satisfaction settled inside her. The meeting had gone well. Very well. She ordered another coffee and turned back toward the Bosphorus. For a moment, she let herself enjoy the view.

Maybe she still hadn't heard from Cihangir. Maybe that silence still hurt. But today she had won her own battle. Quietly. And completely.