Pink splashed across Nesrin’s cheeks the instant she glanced down to connect the dots between Sofia’s comment and the raven gown draping her frame. The same dress Tali and Margot had to practically force her into before the events kicked off. With a sheepish chuckle and downcast eyes she deflected, “Oh, no! This isn’t— it’s not even mine.” At least in the sense that she had no intention of keeping it beyond that night.
The tags were safely tucked between the luxurious fabric and her back, ready and waiting for the moment she could return the far-too-expensive number to the boutique she’d found it in downtown. “Between you and me it feels a little bit… much.” All night she kept worrying she’d spill out of the damn thing in front of half of the city. “If not for a few friends, and Selvi’s insistence, I probably would’ve shown up in my best blouse and nicest jeans.”
Splurging in general, let alone on herself, wasn’t something Nes was used to.
“It is nice getting out, though. Sometimes I forget what it’s like to be anything but a mom.” And sure, maybe she’d stuck to the sidelines most of the evening, but she was still having a great time. “I’ve only had one dance so far—” heat licked over her face again at the mere thought of being out on the ballroom floor with Matt— “and nobody else has even come close to asking. Pretty safe to say I have all the time in the world for you, Sof.”
Almost as an aside, she added cheekily, “Just so long as you promise I’ll still have a job when you realize how rusty I am. I don’t think I need to tell you how long it’s actually been since I’ve done anything like this.”
“It doesn’t matter who’s it is,” Sofia chuckled and shook her head, the humility had been found to be endearing, “you look phenomenal. I’d say it’s made for you.” It wasn’t something the therapist was saying just to be complimentary or to blow smoke. Any fool could see what a beautiful woman Nesrin was, and that was difficult when understanding just how deflective and unknowing her secretary was in regards to that fact. Sofia had to do her best not to think too hard about it or pry where she shouldn’t. As much as she easily welcomed Nesrin as a new friend upon hire, she also had to keep in mind that she was an employee. There were boundaries.
“I’m sure it was nice for Selvi to see you all glamorous. She’s got homecoming, winter dance, and prom all coming up this year, right? Has to be good inspo for her.” The Swede could relate to Nesrin in that her son, Danny, had also been encouraging for his mom to go out and get dressed up. With the divorce and his father moving out to go live with his mistress, it had been hard on him. He’d also been super mature beyond his years and worried about Sofia’s state as she’d waded through her heartbreak. “My son was pushing me out the door and also happy to see me not wearing mom clothes or work clothes.” Again, Sofia chuckled.
Oh boy could the therapist relate to her friend’s words. Her life was being a mother and working. There were no complaints about that. Of course she wished she got more sleep or there was more time in the day but Danny was a great kid. She’d gotten lucky with him. “I feel that sometimes too. It’s important to remember though that you’re someone too. You have thoughts and feelings and wants and desires, don’t lose yourself or make your whole identity being a mother.” Mostly, that advice was due to the fact that she thought Nesrin should start preparing for Selvi leaving the nest very soon.
“Is that so?” With a lopsided grin, Sofia stepped closer to her friend and held her hand out. “Won’t you dance with me?” At Nesrin’s warnings, the brunette was still smiling, but also shaking her head. “Just let go, sweetie, and have fun.”