Count on Me

Chapter Thirteen: The Bambi Awards

Taking Mesut's hand, Katrina climbed out of the car and offered him a small smile still a little nervous about what they were doing but she was doing this for him; she knew how much this meant to Mesut. 

It was strange to be at something like this when Katrina didn't think she was really anyone important, she kept her eyes on Mesut knowing that if she didn't then she'd freak out. 

"You look beautiful," Mesut said not caring who could hear him, he thought Katrina looked stunning in the royal blue sweetheart empire waistline lace mermaid long evening dress. 

And Mesut was glad that he had insisted that they go shopping, he would find another reason for her to wear it; he knew that this wouldn't be the last time they were out like this. 

Lacing their fingers, Mesut smiled leading his girlfriend down the red carpet wanting this to be as easy as possible for her; the last thing he wanted was for Katrina to freak out. 

This was a major part of his life and Mesut was never going to be able to just ignore it; he was a footballer and he would be playing for as long as he could. 

Katrina kept up with Mesut, she was very aware of the people snapping pictures of them and she couldn't help but wonder how anyone could ever get used to it. 

It wasn't long before the couple had to stop for the cameras, Mesut wrapped an arm around Katrina's waist and held her close; he dropped his lips to whispered sweetly in her ear to distract her. 

Katrina was grateful for that, she smiled listening to what Mesut whispered to her and it took her mind off what was happening around them.

***

"I still think you're beautiful," Mesut murmured softly, his lips brushing against Katrina's cheek a little pleased to see how relaxed she was now; he knew she wasn't used to any of this but she was coping well. 

Kissing Katrina's cheek softly, Mesut smiled to himself not caring who watched them; they were happy and he knew that this was going well for their first public appearance. 

"Mes," Katrina mumbled kissing his lips, she had no idea what had brought on the strange behaviour but she found it kind of sweet that his full attention was on her. 

Her eyes focused slightly on the stage and Katrina smiled knowing that the evening was going well; she closed her eyes for a moment enjoying the feeling of Mesut's lips against her neck. 

"You're meant to be paying attention," Katrina scolded him playfully, she stopped him knowing that the last thing he needed was people commenting on how he'd acted like a horny teenager unable to keep his hands off her. 

Mesut rolled her eyes, he watched Katrina with a smile knowing that she was right; he cleared his throat and looked towards the stage and the ceremony that was going on right now. 

"It's not my fault I have a very beautiful girlfriend," Mesut teased softly, he took Katrina's hand and smiled knowing that he was glad that she was here with him; he couldn't imagine coming to this alone again. 

Kissing Katrina's hand, he held onto it determined not to let go; Mesut was enjoying himself and they still had to meet with his mother for dinner yet. 

Gulizar wasn't going to let this chance pass her by and she was thrilled with the idea of finally meeting Katrina; she had been worried that because of Mustafa's actions that she wouldn't get to meet Mesut's soul-mate. 

Mesut had always been closer to her than his father and the fall-out between the father and son had caused a little bit of trouble between Gulizar and Mesut; they hadn't really seen each other in a while.

***

"I was surprised to see you here," Mandy said pleased that she had finally caught Katrina alone, she had hated watching Mesut with the other woman and now she had a chance to finally talk with Katrina. 

It had been painful seeing how happy Mesut seemed with Katrina and Mandy doubted that it would last; they had little in common and she knew his family wouldn't be pleased with his choice. 

They had never welcomed Mandy with open arms and Mandy doubted that they would welcome Katrina; she was nothing more than a mouse that needed Mesut's constant support. 

Katrina sighed turning to face Mandy, she hoped Mesut would be back from the toilets soon; she had little interest in talking with his former fling. 

"I guess Mesut told you about us," Mandy mused sitting down next to Katrina, she didn't have long and she wanted to plant some doubts in the other woman's mind; anything that would have Katrina wanting to never see Mesut again. 

It didn't make sense to her how both she and Mesut had been cursed with soul-mates that weren't worth their time; they were meant for one another and Mandy was sure about that.

 "He told me you both dated," Katrina replied simply, there were no secrets between her and Mesut about the past and she trusted him; she already knew that whatever Mandy said was too cause trouble. 

Mesut had wanted to be open with her and while he hadn't liked talking about who he had dated in the past; he wanted her to know in case anymore surprise exes showed up.

In return Katrina had been honest with him about her own dating past, she had really only been with one guy before him and it was something her parents had sort of pushed for since he had been Greek. 

"We were going to marry before my counter started to run down," Mandy mused watching Katrina, she doubted that Mesut would have told her that even if it wasn't completely true; they had talked about marriage yes but Mesut had never proposed to her. 

Anything to get inside Katrina's mind and make her doubt Mesut, Mandy wanted the footballer back and she knew that it would only work out better for her the sooner that Katrina was gone. 

"Well you're not now," Katrina replied not interested, she was glad that Mesut had talked about this with her and she couldn't believe that Mandy was this desperate. 

It was clear what she was doing and Katrina wasn't buying it, she knew the other woman was a singer and Mesut had mentioned that her new album was due for release sometime. 

What better way to boost her sales than getting back to Mesut after he ended things with his soul-mate like she had done with hers; it made Katrina even more determined not to let Mandy get inside of her head in anyway. 

Spotting Mesut, Katrina got to her feet and without saying a word to Mandy walked over to Mesut; she had no interest in finishing their conversation and she was sure the press would have a field day of them speaking to each other. 

"Everything okay?" Mesut asked wrapping his arms around Katrina, he looked over at Mandy wondering what she had said to his girlfriend. 

He didn't want her close to Katrina and he knew that she would cause nothing but trouble for them since Mandy was convinced that she was a better fit for him than Katrina was. 

"Perfect," Katrina replied wrapping her arms around Mesut's neck and kissing him, she wasn't going to ruin things for them when they were doing so well.