The Arrangement (New Hampshire Bears Novella)

by Mary Smith

  All the women are in red dresses and the men are in black suits and red ties. There are bright red roses all over the room and pink and red wines to drink.

  Since they picked for their hen and stag to be together, Ned and Aimee went small and only invited close family and friends.

  Including Vance.

  And he just walked into the room.

  “Do you know what you’re going to do?” Aimee squeezes my hand as I take a large gulp of red wine.

  “I don’t know. Tell me what to do.”

  Aimee gives me a look as if I already know the answer she’s about to give.

  “Fine, I’ll figure it out on my own.” I pick up another glass of wine for myself and one for Vance. I stroll over to him and hand him the glass.

  “Wow you look…fucking fantastic.” He stares at me.

  My dress is red, per the request of the party. The strapless top leaves my shoulders completely bare and stops mid-thigh. The shortness of the skirt and the lack of material on the top leaves me very exposed.

  “You look great as well.” His black suit is tailored to perfection, and he paired it with a red dress shirt and matching tie.

  “I’m glad you still let me come along.”

  I nod.

  “I’ll just stand over there out of your way since I know you’ll be busy being a wonderful host.” He gives me a sad smile and heads to the corner of the room.

  There are no words I can say to him right now, and I do have more guests to greet. I want this to be a perfect night for Aimee. She and Ned seem to be floating around on a cloud.

  I notice the appetizers are running out and wines are low, so I search for the manager when I overhear my name in a conversation near the hallway.

  “I heard Vance got two girls preggers.”

  “No, it’s Dacey who he knocked up. The parents are rushing to get them married.”

  “You’re both wrong. Their arrangement broke up. Dacey is tainted. Someone needs to inform her she’s going to be a spinster.”

  They laugh.

  “Please, if she ended up a spinster it’d be a step up for her. Did you see her dress? Trying hard to fit in much?”

  The tears burn my eyes, and I know if I give into them then those bastards win. I will not allow it. I turn from the hallway and see the manager I’d originally been looking for. After I inform him of the issues with the food and drinks, I step back into the VIP room and see Dad in the corner with Vance.

  My first concern is Vance’s knees and pray Dad isn’t on the verge of taking him out. My second concern, when Vance seems to be intact, is the expression they’re both wearing. Dad looks concerned, patting Vance’s shoulder. Vance looks like a lost puppy, begging for a home or food.

  I can’t just up and forgive him for his actions; he had intercourse and even dated while in Canada. While I sat at home every night and read books, went to school. And kept my nose clean. Had I seen attractive men in my life? Yes. Would I ever do anything? No, of course not.

  Suddenly, bubbling in the pit of my stomach is rage, hurt, and I begin to seethe as I storm over to Vance and Dad.

  “Darling, we were just speaking of you.”

  “Wonderful,” I smart off. “I need to talk to you. Alone.” I glare at Vance, who nods and stands.

  I lead the way out of the VIP lounge, through the Green Room’s thumping bass music and out into the streets of Belfast. I walk away from the waiting crowd outside the bar until I turn and slap Vance across the face.

  My hand stings from the action. “I’m not going to apologize for it,” I firmly state.

  “You have every right.” He rubs his now red cheek.

  “I’m fucking mad at you. For the past eleven years, I’ve done nothing I wanted to do while you bed hopped and traveled and did what you love. All I did was sit home and wait by my mobile to speak to you. And each time, I hoped that call would be the one you said you cared for me.”

  He starts to say something but I toss my hand up.

  “If you say a single word right now, I’ll not be responsible for my actions.”

  He closes his mouth.

  “I prayed and hoped we would find our right path and we’d be in a real relationship. When you came home this time, I thought we’d reached the path. Instead, your mood differences are because of shagging whores and not me. When you kissed me, I really believed it. I believed you truly had feelings for me.

  “And now people are gossiping about me. In there. When it isn’t anyone’s business, now I’m a laughingstock, and I didn’t do anything wrong.” I choke on a sob and tears spring from my eyes.

  There’s no time in my life I’ve cried this much, but the last twenty-four hours it’s been a waterfall. Vance pulls a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and places it in my hand. I dab my eyes and cheeks.

  “I’m sorry I hit you.” My bad-ass-no-apology attitude leaves. Now I’m back to my shy, meek usual self.

  “I deserve much more.” He pauses. “Who was talking about you?”

  I wave my hand toward the club. “Just people.”

  “Is this the first time you yelled at anyone?” I clearly pick up his teasing tone.

  “Besides Aimee, yes.”

  “Don’t be mad at yourself. You can’t keep it all in.”

  We fall into silence. The only noise is from the waiting line at the Green Room.

  “Dacey, tell me what you want done and I’ll do it to fix this,” he softly begs.

  “I don’t know. I absolutely don’t know.” I brush past him and go back to the club.

  My life is more confusing than ever.

  The hen and stag party began to wind down a few hours later and no one else said anything else about me, from what I can tell. Thankfully, Aimee doesn’t get smashed, and I can take her home without any additional assistance.

  Mum stays with us and at dawn, or seems it to me, she’s waking us up to start our beauty process.

  Time begins to fly, and I’m rushing around to make sure all is right and going smoothly. I don’t want Aimee to stress and Mum is running with me to double check.

  Dad comes by limo to get us all to the church. Pride is written all over his face when he hugs us all. Being mad at him over what he told me yesterday is silly. He’s more than proved himself as a father and a husband.

  Will Vance?

  Can I trust him like Mum does Dad?

  The church is perfectly decorated, just as Aimee planned it. The guests are filing in, and I catch a glance at Vance and his family. Last night, he didn’t go back to the Green Room with me. I figured he went home, and I wasn’t sure I’d see him today.

  But he’s here.

  Mum finds me staring at him from the hallway and hugs me. “You’re a bright girl. You already know what you want to do.”

  “Dad says I love him already.”

  “You do. I saw it years ago.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. It was a Christmas party when you were sixteen. You spent the entire night staring at him. When he glanced at you; you’d blush and look away.”

  “That’s not love,” I say.

  “No, but a crush or a flirtatious look can be a foundation.”

  I sigh. “He’s going to America soon. What does that mean for me?”

  “It means you’re going to go and find yourself and maybe a career.”

  I turn to look at Mum. “And if he cheats again?”

  Mum’s face saddens. “Trust is the majority of a committed marriage. Arranged or not. If he vowed to love you and be there for you two weeks ago, what would you have done? Would you have believed him?”

  “Yes,” I whisper, my cheeks growing red.

  “Okay.” She pats my shoulder and goes back to the room where Aimee is waiting.

  I continue to watch the crowd, well, Vance, for a few more moments before heading back to my family. Aimee looks stunning in her mermaid style dress. Her blonde hair is high on top of her head. Her makeup flawless, my sister is always a stu
nner.

  Dad announces it’s time, and he’s right…it’s time.

  Chapter Ten

  Vance

  My eyes remain on Dacey throughout the ceremony and reception. Last night, after she slapped and yelled at me, I knew it was best to leave.

  I continue to watch Dacey’s every move as she walks the room, greeting the guests. She still hadn’t made it to our table, and I’m not sure she will. Seeing me might not be at the top of her list, considering she’s not even glanced in my direction. My family isn’t talking to me either. Not a big shock there. Although, I truly don’t like it when my brothers are mad at me. They are the ones I do care about.

  Mr. Grion taps me on the shoulder. “Excuse me all, I’m going to take Vance with me for a wee bit.”

  Of course, I’m shaking with nervousness as I stand and follow him out into the hallway and down to a small side room. When he talked to me last night, it had been about marriage. Trust and communication are key, he said; I know he’s right.

  “Sit down.” He points to one of the folding chairs.

  I say a quick prayer he doesn’t break me in half.

  “My wife briefly spoke to Dacey this morning, and we feel this will work itself out.”

  Elation fills me.

  “With that, I need to make you aware of something.”

  “What do you mean?” I watch Peter Grion’s face turn to pure stone, and I almost pass out right there and then.

  “If I even hear a rumor of you glancing at another girl, you’ll have to find a new career, because you’ll never be able to put ice skates on again.” His tone tells me there will be no arguments or discussion. I know he can hurt me and worse.

  “Dad.”

  Mr. Grion doesn’t even flinch when Dacey says his name. He takes one step back. “Yes, darling.” He smiles at her.

  “Don’t hurt him.” She steps up to my side. She’s already saved me once by telling her father a lie about the girls I’d been with.

  “I’m not.” Mr. Grion continues to smile. “We’re simply having a talk.”

  “It’s all good, Dacey,” I add, trying to remain calm, although I may need to change my pants.

  “I’ll leave you two alone.” Mr. Grion glares at me before leaving the room.

  “He didn’t hurt you, did he?” she asks with concern.

  “I’m fine. Really.” I still have my brave face on. “By the way, you look incredible.”

  “Oh, thanks.” She inspects herself. “I went to your table and your mum told me Dad grabbed you up. You all right? He can be gruff at times.”

  It seems to be an understatement, but I move past it. “We were just talking.”

  “Can we talk?” She motions to the chairs by us.

  “Yes, of course.” I wait for her to sit first, and I follow.

  “Dad talked to Aimee and me last night. He told us a…interesting story, and then I yell at you and slap you.” She sighs and her eyes water. “I am sorry about hitting you. I crossed the line there.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong,” I say. I’m surprised she didn’t kick me in my package as angry as she was.

  “However, I’m not sorry about what I said. Probably, shouldn’t have said it so loudly, but...” she trails off.

  “I’m glad you said it and loudly.” I want to reach for her hand, but stop. “Um…what were you saying about your dad’s story?”

  “Oh well…just he and Mum understand our issue and they were giving me advice.”

  “What was the advice?” I’m definitely scared now since I don’t know what she’s going to say.

  Dacey picks at her dress and doesn’t make eye contact. The only noise I can hear is the party through the walls as the silence fills the room we’re in.

  “The way I take it is, we can work this out,” she finally says.

  “I want to work it out.” I reiterate the words I said before.

  “Trust is a huge deal. No relationship or marriage can survive without it. When you get into the PHL, you’ll be gone more than home and there are a lot of temptations out there. You with better looks and bodies than me—”

  “Wait.” I stop her mid-sentence. “You’re gorgeous. You can stop traffic with your outstanding curves. Why would you ever think you weren’t stunning?” I’m appalled at her thinking.

  “Because my arranged is banging everyone else,” she barks at me, but shakes her head. “Sorry, I just…you don’t understand. I’ve been able to do nothing. I can only travel with family. I have no real friends. I went to the University my parents wanted. I never experienced anything. But you have. You’ve trotted the globe chasing your dream. I’ve done nothing.” A single tear slips down her cheek.

  I feel like an ass. A royal ass. I know she’s telling the truth, because she always tells the truth. Plus, every time I called her, she’d always be home.

  “Dacey, I don’t want to ruin your life or be the one who causes you pain.” This time, I do take her hand in mine. “I want to make a deal with you. A real promise.”

  She stares deeply into my eyes.

  “I leave for America Thursday. From this moment, until I leave, let’s do everything you want to do. All of it. Name it and I’ll make it happen.” Pride bursts through me at this brilliant idea, but it’s short lived when I see the pain in her face.

  “Let’s not,” she whispers. “I need to be alone. If you see me at the airport Thursday, then we can discuss our future. If not, then I wish you the best of luck in the PHL. You were born to be on the ice.” She pulls her hands from mine and walks away, leaving my heart crushed.

  Chapter Eleven

  Dacey

  After speaking to Vance, I told Mum and Dad I was leaving. I hated leaving Aimee’s wedding, but I couldn’t be there. Since then, I’ve been holed up at the apartment.

  Mum and Dad have checked in on me every day and Vance has been sending over chocolates and flowers. His cards read: With all my heart. Not sure how much I believe him, or if he sent them or his brothers.

  Now, Wednesday evening is upon me and I’ve made no decision. The plane to America leaves in less than ten hours, but I still sit on my couch staring off into nothing.

  “Let’s eat.” Mum touches my shoulder.

  I nod and follow her to the table where Dad already sits. I pick at my food, not eating a bite.

  “Want to talk, darling?” Dad asks, stabbing at a piece of broccoli.

  “What would you do?” I put the fork down, leaning back in my chair.

  Mum spoke up first. “I would go.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want any regrets in my life. If you don’t go, you’ll always wonder what if. And if you do go, you can see what happens between you two.”

  Deep down, Mum’s words ring true to me. I don’t want regrets in my life, although, I really haven’t done much.

  “Darling.” Dad’s voice is softer than normal. “Your mum is right. Plus, you don’t want to hurt Vance; we know how deeply you care for him.”

  I nod because I do care for Vance.

  “How about this?” Mum brightens up. “Go to America and the draft with Vance and if nothing has changed with him, come home. If there has been a difference in him, then you and he can start your lives together.”

  Instead of answering her, I pick up my fork and began eating. The plane takes off in less than ten hours; this means I have eight hours to make sure this is right choice for me.

  I want to be comfortable on the plane so jeans and a blouse seem like a good idea. Sleeping is something I didn’t do all night since I’d been packing. What does one wear to a professional hockey draft? Thanks to a few Goggle searches, a simple black skirt and red wrap shirt it is. Vance likes red. So, I go with a purple wrap.

  After I pass security, I stroll toward the gate. The plane is to leave soon, and I don’t even know if the Pembertons are here or on the plane. Certainly, they are here, but I’ve not seen them. As the heels of my boots click-clack on the flooring
, I become nervous. The sign for my gate gets closer, and I debate if I should keep going or turn and run back to the apartment.

  The first person I saw is Mrs. Pemberton. She’s standing next to Vance, whose back is to me. Her face is red, and I notice Apollo is on his other side and is just as mad. Vance’s shoulders are hunched over, his head hanging.

  I stop walking and watch their interactions. I could almost feel the anger and disappointment from where I stand. Mrs. Pemberton tosses her hands in the air, and Apollo keeps shaking his head.

  I love my family and I’m thankful they’re not like the Pembertons. Yes, they are strict, but they let me make this choice, and I don’t want any regrets.

  I take a deep breath, hold my head up high, and walk over to him. Mrs. Pemberton sees me first; her red face pales, and she gasps, covering her mouth. Even Apollo’s mouth drops seeing me coming forward.

  Vance turns around, seemingly baffled by what they are looking at. I stop as he stares at me. I open my mouth to say…something. However, I’m stunned when Vance races to me, wrapping me in his arms, lifting me in the air.

  “Thank you,” he repeats over and over, kissing my cheek.

  “Put me down, Vance,” I say very quietly. When my feet are planted on the ground, he has a panicked face. “I’m going to America, but we need to talk. Alone.”

  “Now?”

  I go to tell him not right now, but Mr. Pemberton says the flight is ready. Vance picks up my bags as the family greets me. I never realized how fake the Pembertons are. Vance is right, they treat him differently. I follow them down the ramp and onto the Pemberton Corporate plane.

  I take a seat as Vance puts up our luggage up, and I fasten my seat belt. Mrs. Pemberton, Robyn, and Leeza began to rapidly talk about Boston, where the draft is being held, and all the sights they want to go to.

  “May I sit next to you?” he whispers, and I nod. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

  I offer him a small smile.

  “Do you have your kindle?”

  “I do and a couple paperbacks.”

  “You never could never sleep on a plane. Remember when we all went to Paris? We were like seventeen and Mum wanted to go shopping.”