the same newfound urges that had all but convinced him to sign the contract
and fly to England.
Each phrase that she uttered throughout their two-hour luncheon brought
him closer to the undeniable realization that he just had to be close to her.
Simone had unlocked the vault containing his latent male sensuality, and the
young man now wanted to capitalize on the unimagined riches therein. He had
to constantly refocus his thoughts out of the carnal and into the current as he
fantasized about their future together in England.
Reggie Russell had had his fill by the time the main course was all but
consumed, both of the food and of the idle football gossip that had replaced
the essence of the entire meeting. He wanted to force the issue by confronting
the good-looking youngster that had not yet committed to playing in England.
A simple answer would do. Are you coming or aren’t you? Yes or no? Make up
your bloody mind! It was time to play the trump card.
“Mallory, why don’t you tell Renaldo about the phone call that we received
from England this morning. Perhaps that news might help convince the lad.”
“My word, I’d almost forgotten with all his talk of football and the like.”
Mallory focused her attention on the enamored gentleman to her left.
“Renaldo, Señor Gordero has informed us that your mother is most
concerned about you continuing your education, specifically in the medical
field. Well, we have many highly placed contacts in London, and with a little
legwork, we received a call this morning from the Registrar of the University
of London Medical School. He is an ex-marine corpsman that served in Europe
with my father in World War Two. Apparently, if your grades are as good as
Señor Gordero has led us to believe, he will be able to secure an undergraduate
exchange student placement for you in the school’s pre-med first-year program.
We will need transcripts of your school records to send to England, of course, but
if everything checks out, your mother should be pleased with this opportunity
to combine football with your continuing education. How does that sound to
you?”
The charmer still held the cobra in her hypnotic trance. Renaldo had only
heard about every third word that Mallory related, so consumed was he by her
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presence. The embarrassing silence that followed her question finally prompted
a response.
“That would be wonderful, I suppose. I must admit that my mind has not
been focused on my education of late, but if enrollment in a medical course can
be used to convince my mother, so much the better.”
So what is your bleeding answer, you little pantywaist? Reggie Russell pondered
while doing a slow burn. Enough of this rubbish! We have kissed your mother’s
derrière, so let’s have an answer. Come on, you little pansy, out with it. Make up your
own mind for the first time in your life! The words were on the tip of Lord Russell’s
tongue, but he managed to temper his question in deference to Mallory.
“So, young man, what shall it be? Adventure and an education abroad,
or continuing to live under your mother’s shadow here in Buenos Aires? We
really must have your answer today, for Mallory and I fly back to London in
the morning. Our season commences in less than a month, and if you decide
to join us, we would require you to arrive in England in the very near future.
Say a fortnight, at the absolute outside. I would like to retire to Señor Gordero’s
office now to work out the details. Things like flights, type of lodging that
you require initially, a down payment of salary, everything that will make the
transition to your new life in England as comfortable as possible. But we must
have your answer. Now!”
“Perhaps Renaldo would like to take some time alone with me to discuss
his future in private, Lord Russell.” Astor Gordero did not appreciate the
bluntness of the Englishman. It was a trait that he found tactless.
“No, that will not be necessary, Señor Gordero. I only have one question
to ask of Lord Russell. Who actually runs the Canary Wharf Football Team,
Sir? Who will Ramon and I be dealing with on a daily basis once we arrive in
England?”
“Well, Randal Horton is our team manager, or coach, as you sometimes
call them in South America. A splendid chap, old Randal. Used to play for
the Canaries a few years back. Very bright and in full compliance with the
change in tactics that we plan to institute if you and Ramon join us. There is
also Mallory here. As team executive vice-president, she has taken an active,
hands-on role in the club’s operations. Far too active to suit many of the old
chauvinist farts at the FA, I might add! And I will be around a fair bit as well.
On the whole though, it’s Randal Horton for ‘on-field’ matters and Mallory for
‘off-field’ matters. Does that answer your question?”
It certainly did! All Renaldo wanted to hear was that this vision of beauty
seated beside him would be actively involved in his new career. That was
enough for him to place his future into her hands.
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“Yes, Sir, it does. I am prepared to sign your contract and to travel to
England as soon as possible to play football for the Canary Wharf Football
Club!”
“Good show, young man!” a triumphant Lord Russell bubbled with glee.
Mallory Russell spontaneously leaned over and hugged her new center halfback,
giving him a peck on the cheek. Her act made the recipient blush slightly, but
Renaldo had no time to feel self-conscious. He was jostled vigorously by an
exuberant Ramon Vida once Stoltz had finished translating his new Canary
teammate’s response. Astor Gordero offered his hardy congratulations, as did
a more subdued Wolfgang Stoltz. The German then produced two sets of
documents for signature from his portfolio.
‘The Great Facilitator’ presided over the official signing of the contracts
as notary and witness, then called for a bottle of Dom Pérignon and the dessert
menu to top off the closing of the deal.
When all the food and beverage had been consumed and it was time to
part company, Renaldo still had not devoured his fill of the enchanting blonde
creature. He wanted to sit right where he was and have her continue relating
the funny little stories of her native land. She had become much more outgoing
and at ease after his acceptance of their offer to join them in England. Was
she flirting with him? Did he sense an interest that had nothing to do with
football?
There was no way of knowing for sure, for Mallory reverted to her ‘all
business’ demeanor as she and the new Canary Wharf center halfback shook
hands discreetly when everyone at the table rose to part company.
“Gentlemen, we will see you in London!” Sir Reggie proclaimed proudly.
“My daughter and I will work out all the finer details with Señor Gordero, who
will then inform you of your departure date. Mallory will be at Heathrow to
meet your plane on arrival and speed your entry through customs. Good luck
until then and re
st assured that neither of you will ever regret the decision that
you have made here this afternoon!”
“Oh, man, did you get a load of that blonde piece of fluff in there? I took
one look at her and decided that England was for me! And that one works all
day in a man’s business world. I wonder what the real English women look like,
you know the ones that stay at home and pamper themselves so that they look
really sexy in the clubs at night. I know I’m going to like London! I can feel it
in my bone!”
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Ramon Vida grasped the visible bulge in his trousers as he and Renaldo
made their way back to the Hotel Presidente in the rear of Astor Gordero’s
limousine. Renaldo tried not to show the offense he took at his friend’s slight
of the lady.
“She was a very beautiful woman, and I think that there is probably more
upstairs than ‘fluff,’ Ramon.” Renaldo pointed to his head. “After all, for a lady
to be a football executive in any country is something I have never heard of
before. She would have to have a very sharp mind and thick skin to handle all
the prejudice she must encounter.”
“Not to mention great tits and long legs!” Ramon was doubled over in
laughter at his irreverence. The champagne had topped him up, and he was
ready to ‘party on’ back at the hotel.
The traffic was still barely moving twenty-four hours after the opening
kickoff of the championship game. Nobody wanted to stop partying, and new
revellers were arriving in the capital by the minute from the hinterlands around
Buenos Aires to act as reinforcements for those too inebriated or hungover to
carry on.
At last, the Mercedes pulled up to the rear entrance of the Hotel Presidente.
The two National Team players thanked the chauffeur, then Ramon made his
way for the staff entrance door.
“Hey, man, come on. You shouldn’t stand out here too long. If someone
recognizes you, you’ll be mobbed.”
“That’s OK, Ramon. You go ahead. I’ll talk to you later. There is something
that I have to do now, so don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright. Go on. I’m sure
that Estes must be exhausted by now. Go and rescue him. I will call your room
when I get back.”
“As you wish, my friend, but be careful out here. The streets are crazy. I
don’t want to lose my new English teammate, old chap!”
Renaldo waved reassuringly as Ramon disappeared through the doorway.
He then walked briskly to the corner and hailed the first cab that he spotted.
“Avenida Arenales, near Calle Austria in Palermo, please, driver.”
The trip to Casa San Marco took over forty minutes, but at least they
were traveling away from the influx of celebrants that continued to flock to the
downtown core. The cabbie paid little attention to his passenger, preferring
instead to concentrate on the erratic traffic habits of his fellow drivers.
In due course, Renaldo was standing outside the wrought iron gates of
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the mansion in which he had grown up. Once past them, a ring of the doorbell
brought the familiar shuffling sound from within, then Oli’s squinting face at
the security grate.
“Señor Renaldo! Mother of Jesus, is that really you? Olarti, come quickly.
Señor Renaldo is home!”
The door swung back on its giant hinges as the little native lady flew
into the outstretched arms of the returning hero. Olarti was with them only a
few moments later, the three doing an impromptu dance of joy in the entrance
foyer.
“It is so good to have you home again, Señor Renaldo. How is the foot?
Oli and I watched every game that you played in! It didn’t seem to bother you,
at least not from what we could tell on the television.” The man servant was
beaming from ear to ear, as if he was the boy’s personal therapist.
“It held up just fine, Olarti, thanks to you! Without your help, I probably
never would have made it back to the team at all! I am deeply grateful, my old
friend.”
There was a flurry of questions directed at the new arrival, all of which
Renaldo took the time to patiently answer.
“Should I stock the refrigerator with all your favorites, Señor Renaldo?
Are you home for good now?” Oli wanted to hear an affirmative response, and
the disappointment was evident on her weathered face when she received only
a vague reply.
“I cannot say right at the moment, dear Oli. I have to talk to my mother
first. Is she here right now?”
“Of course, Señor. She would not dare to venture out in this insanity.
The streets are filled with drunken hooligans and madmen. And the noise! I
could not sleep a wink last night for all the honking horns going by the house.
Here in Palermo! It’s unheard of. Your mother had a tough night as well. She
is resting in her room.”
“Thanks, Oli. Coming home is always special because I know that I have
friends like the two of you here to greet me.”
With that, he took leave of the elderly couple and ascended the circular
staircase. He stood outside his mother’s bedroom door, took a deep breath, then
knocked ever so gently in case she was asleep.
“Come!” Her voice was strong and clear. Renaldo pushed down the brass
lever and stepped inside.
“My eyes are playing tricks on me. Is that really you? All dressed up in
your finest suit, looking so handsome. Whoever has been looking after you has
been doing an excellent job! Come here, my son!”
Florencia De Seta arose from her bed and held her arms out to embrace
her youngest. Renaldo was more than relieved at her warm reaction to his
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unscheduled visit. He only hoped that she would remain so affectionate after he
divulged the true purpose of his visit to Casa San Marco.
“I have missed you, mother. You look even lovelier than I could have
imagined. How have you been? Is everything alright with you?”
She was still stunningly beautiful, her figure full and shapely, her
complexion unblemished and ageless. There was not a hint of grey in her long
black locks, which at this moment fell straight to well below her shoulders. Her
maroon robe complimented the color scheme of the room.
“I am fine, just fine. All this football nonsense has made me feel like a
prisoner in my own home, however. But I must admit that I did break down and
watch you play on television yesterday afternoon. That was quite a concession
for an old lady like me. It would seem that you are some sort of national hero
after your recent exploits. At least you weren’t crippled. The kind of shape that
you arrived home in from Montevideo last month, why I thought you would
never walk without crutches again. You should say one hundred Hail Marys to
show your gratitude!”
Renaldo smiled warmly as he led the lady back to her bed. Mother and
son sat there together, hands entwined, while they caught up on each other’s
lives. Florencia seemed much more at ease and contented than her son had seen
her in a long time. When he related this mat
ter-of-factly, she was quick to put
forth the reason.
“My new outlook on life has been brought about by the continued attention
of a certain gentleman, Renaldo. The same gentleman that we dined with on
your birthday, Herr Wolfgang Stoltz.”
The warm smile and the sparkle in his mother’s eyes left no doubt in his
mind as to the truth of the lady’s statement.
“You see, Renaldo, I was paid a visit by Astor Gordero shortly after you
decided to let him handle your football career. A very knowledgeable and
persuasive man, that Señor Gordero. In any event, our discussions got around
to the family business concerns, and certain problems that I was having with
your grandfather’s executors. Our initial meeting led to several others, all of
them attended by Herr Stoltz. To make a long story short, he asked me out
socially, and I accepted.”
Florencia bowed her head, then raised it with a slight look of regret and
uncertainty replacing the previous effervescence.
“You know, my dear Renaldo, I have never looked at another man
romantically since your blessed father passed away. But I found myself all
alone, with you away playing football, and your brother traveling the land with
that communist woman. I wanted a life with some personal fulfillment and
happiness in it for a change, in a way that only a man can give to a lonely
woman. One day perhaps you will understand my longing.”
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Her eyes seemed to be pleading with her youngest son for acceptance and
empathy as he listened intently to her every word.
“I had done all that I could do to raise you boys to the best of my ability,
but regardless of my feelings, you both went off and made your own decisions
about the paths you chose to follow. Letting you go was difficult for me,
Renaldo. I was very bitter for a time, but I know now that you had to act as
your heart dictated. Herr Stoltz made me realize that you and your brother are
not children anymore. That you have to spread your wings and find your true
identities. Neither of you can continue to live under the shadow of my skirts a
minute longer without hating me forever, nor would I wish such a thing to tear
us apart. No, you must lead your own life, dear son. That is why you have come
here today, to tell me that you have decided to go to England and continue on
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