Count on Me

Chapter Fourteen: Meeting Mesut's Family

Katrina's eyes landed on the woman that stood from the table that was filled with people, it made her hide behind Mesut sure that this was not what he had in mind when he told her about the dinner. 

"Mama," Mesut greeted moving to hug her, he peeked at his siblings surprised to see them here as well; he should have known the quiet dinner that he had requested would be ignored. 

The only good thing was that there was no sign of his father right now, Mesut was still upset that Mustafa had spoken to the press about his relationship with Katrina. 

Mesut hadn't spoken to his father since that had happened, it was the nail in the coffin for him after Mustafa had forced him to make a decision about his future; he was the reason that Mesut had made the move to London in the first place. 

Gulizar Özil smiled at her son, she was so happy that she was finally going to meet the woman that was his soul-mate; she had wanted to fly out to London when the news had reached her but her husband had ruined it. 

Things hadn't been easy with her Mesut not speaking with Mustafa, Gulizar had tried to keep neutral even if she agreed what her husband had done was wrong. 

"This is Katrina," Mesut introduced stepping aside so that Gulizar could finally meet Katrina, he offered his girlfriend a reassuring smile; she had nothing to worry about. 

It had taken Katrina a while to find something that she had thought was good enough to wear to meet his mother; she did look beautiful in her lace trim shift dress and he doubted his mother would care what she was wearing. 

"It's nice to meet you Mrs Özil," Katrina said trying to sound more confident than she felt, it wasn't that long ago that they'd been at the Bambi awards and now here they were meeting his family for the first time.

"You can call me mama... you are practically family now," Gulizar insisted moving to hug Katrina, she liked her and she had a good feeling that having someone like Katrina would ground Mesut a lot more. 

Mandy just hadn't been right for him and Gulizar was forever glad that Mesut hadn't given up on his counter; he had waited for Katrina and she was grateful for that. 

"These are Mesut's siblings... Mutlu, Nese and Dugyu," Gulizar said leading Katrina over to the table, she pointed out each of her children knowing that they would make the brunette feel welcome. 

The only person missing was Mesut's father and Gulizar wasn't going to risk this meeting with Katrina for her husband; she was very disappointed in him after what he had done. 

Taking their seats at the table, Katrina was relieved with how nice his family were being and it made her feel bad that her own weren't taking their relationship so well. 

"Sorry I am late," a voice announced and Mesut went still in his seat, he turned to glare at the man that was approaching their table not wanting him here. 

Mesut had made it clear to his mother that he was welcome, Mesut couldn't believe that Mustafa had shown up here like nothing was wrong or he wasn't trying to sue his own son. 

The table was completely silent, no one knew what to say only that Mustafa had been asked not to come; no one wanted to ruin dinner tonight. 

"You must be Katrina... I have heard so much about you," Mustafa said grinning, his eyes locked on the brunette that was the source of much talk in his home; he wasn't going to miss this evening for anything in the world. 

Mesut gritted his teeth, he couldn't believe that Mustafa had shown up like this and he had half a mind to get up and walk out of this meal.

***

"Do you share a bed?" Gulizar asked making Mesut choke on his food, he stared across the table at his mother who was smiling intently at Katrina; there was no doubt that she adored the brunette he was with. 

Patting Mesut on the back, Katrina stared at his mother wondering why she would ask such a question; she wracked her mind for an answer that would sound right. 

"Mama," Nese scolded slightly amused by the colour her big brother had turned at the question, she doubted their parents would really care what the situation was when they were at home in Mesut' house. 

It was no secret that they had waited a long time for Mesut to find Katrina, she was everything they had hoped for him instead of the singer that seemed to lurk around all the time. 

"What I want to know when I will be having grandchildren?" Gulizar replied with a smile, she doubted that Mesut would wait long to take the next step with Katrina; she guessed that there would be a wedding some time next summer for the couple. 

Mesut took a sip of water, he couldn't believe his mother had asked them that especially when everyone was around; he gently took Katrina's hand knowing that there was no rush for them to do any of that. 

"I am sure Katrina will give Mesut wonderful sons," Mustafa mused making Mesut glower at him, he sipped on his drink and smiled at his son knowing that this was getting under his skin. 

The awkwardness that would descend when Mustafa spoke amused him and there was no way that he was going to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. 

"Come now Mesut... we are at a family dinner," Mustafa said setting his drink down, he looked across the table as if he hadn't done anything wrong; yes, he had been out of line telling the press about Katrina but Mesut had started it all by sacking him as his manager.

"One you were told you weren't invited to," Mesut replied sharply, he was only staying for his mother's sake since she had enough on her plate without him storming out and vowing never to speak with the man again. 

Katrina squeezed Mesut's arm, she sensed that there was a lot more going on than she knew and she dreaded to think what was going to happen if this carried on. 

"If I hadn't pushed you to move to London... you would have never met her," Mustafa taunted knowing that would get under Mesut's skin, he smirked pleased when the jab seemed to upset Mesut further. 

Ignoring the look that Gulizar offered him, Mustafa couldn't resist twisting the knife further; he was determined to get what he deserved. 

"It's not like you can marry her anyway... Greek Orthodox isn't she?" Mustafa said knowing that there was no way that Mesut would be able to marry in the ceremony that his mother hoped for; the couple's religions would rip them apart before they had a chance. 

Mesut pushed back his chair and got to his feet, he wasn't going to let Mustafa put doubts in his head; he wondered how his siblings could put up with him being around. 

"I am sorry mama... but I can't deal with him," Mesut apologised with a shake of his head, he walked away before he could lash out and hurt the man that seemed insistent on ruining things. 

Mustafa had walked out on Gulizar months ago and Mesut was the only one that knew the truth behind his actions; he wasn't going to forgive and forget anytime soon. 

"It was nice to meet you all," Katrina said getting to her feet, she couldn't let Mesut leave alone and she knew that he was upset; she didn't wait for a reply before she walked away. 

Gulizar watched Katrina go and knew that her son was in good hands, she just hoped they would be okay.