WHEN MARK ARRIVED on Saturday night, he brought another box of candy and a large paper bag. "The candy is for you. The treats are for Angel." Kelly took the bags. "I thank you, and Angel thanks you." She watched Mark petting Angel and asked innocently, "Are you looking forward to the game?" Mark nodded and said enthusiastically, "Oh, yes." Kelly smiled. "Good. So am I." She knew that Mark had never even seen a soccer game.
* * *
THE PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN stadium was packed to capacity, with sixty-seven thousand eager fans waiting for the championship game between Lyon and Marseille to begin.
As Kelly and Mark were ushered to their seats directly above mid-field, Kelly said, "I'm impressed.
These seats are hard to get." Mark smiled and said, "When you love soccer as much as I do, nothing is impossible." Kelly bit her lip to keep from laughing. She could not wait for the game to begin.
* * *
AT 1400 HOURS, both teams entered the stadium, standing at attention while the band played "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem. As the lineups for Lyon and Marseille faced the stands for introductions, a player for Lyon stepped forward, wearing the Lyon logo in the team colors of blue and white.
Kelly decided to relent and let Mark know what was happening. She leaned toward him. "That's their goalie," Kelly explained. He s"I know," Mark said. "Gregory Coupet. He's the best goalie in the league. He won a championship against Bordeaux last April. He won a UEFA Cup and a Champion League the year before that.
He's thirty-one years old, six feet tall, and weighs a hundred and eighty pounds." Kelly looked at Mark in astonishment.
The announcer continued. "Playing forward, Sidney Gouvou? "Number fourteen," Mark enthused. "He's incredible. Last week, against Auxerre, he scored a goal in the last minute of the game." Kelly listened in amazement as Mark knowledgably discussed all the other players.
The game began and the crowd went wild.
It was a frenzied, exciting game, and goalies for both teams fought hard to keep their opponents from scoring. It was difficult for Kelly to concentrate. She kept looking at Mark, amazed by his expertise.
How could I have been so wrong?
In the middle of a play, Mark exclaimed, "Gouvou's going for a flick kick! He made it!" A few minutes later, Mark said, "Watch! Carriere's going to be fined for handling the ball." And he was right.
When Lyon won, Mark was euphoric. "What a great team!" As they were leaving the stadium, Kelly asked, "Mark-how long have you been interested in soccer?" He looked at Kelly sheepishly and said, "About three days. I've been researching it on my computer. Since you were so interested, I thought I should learn about it." And Kelly was incredibly touched. It was unbelievable that Mark had spent so much time and effort just because she enjoyed the game.
They had made a date for the following day, after Kelly finished a modeling assignment.
"I can pick you up at your dressing room and-" "No!" She did not want him to meet the other models.
Mark was looking at her, puzzled.
"I mean-there's a rule that men aren't allowed in the dressing rooms." "Oh." I don't want you to fall in love with* * * "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, please fasten your seat belts and return your seat backs and trays to their upright and locked positions. We're approaching Kennedy airport and we'll be landing in just a few minutes." Kelly was jolted back to the present. She was in New York to meet Tanner Kingsley, the man whom Mark had worked for.
* * *
SOMEONE HAD INFORMED the media. When the plane landed, they were waiting for Kelly. She was surrounded by reporters with television cameras and microphones.
"Kelly, would you look this way?" "Can you tell us what you think happened to your husband?" "Is there going to be a police investigation?" "Were you and your husband planning a divorce?" "Are you moving back here to the States?" "How did you feel when you heard what happened?" The most insensitive question of all.
Kelly saw a pleasant-faced, alert-looking man standing in the background. He smiled and waved to Kelly and she motioned for him to come over to her.
Ben Roberts was one of the most popular and respected talk-show hosts on network television. He had interviewed Kelly before, and they had become friends. She watched as Ben made his way through the crowd of reporters. They all knew him.
"Hey, Ben! Is Kelly going to be on your show?" "Do you think she'll talk about what happened?" "Can I get a picture of you and Kelly?" By this time, Ben had reached Kelly's side. The tide of reporters was pushing against them. Ben called out, "Let's give her a break, boys and girls. You can talk to her later." Reluctantly, the reporters began to give way.
Ben took Kelly's hand and said, "I can't tell you how sorry I am. I liked Mark so much." "That was mutual, Ben." As Kelly and Ben made their way toward the baggage claim area, he asked, "Off the record, what are you doing in New York?" "I'm here to see Tanner Kingsley." Ben nodded. "He's a powerful man. I'm sure you'll be well taken care of." They had reached the baggage counter. "Kelly, if there is anything I can do for you, you can always reach me at the network." He looked around. "Are you being picked up? If not, I'll-" At that moment, a uniformed chauffeur came up to Kelly. "Mrs. Harris? I'm Colin.
The car is right outside. Mr. Kingsley has checked you into a suite at the Peninsula Hotel. If you'll give me your tickets, I'll attend to your luggage." Kelly turned to Ben. "Will you call me?" "Of course."
* * *
TEN MINUTES LATER Kelly was on her way to the hotel. As they weaved through traffic, Colin said, "Mr. Kingsley's secretary will telephone you and set up an appointment.
The car will be at your disposal whenever you need it." "Thank you." What am I doing here? Kelly wondered.
She was about to get the answer.