The Arrangement (New Hampshire Bears Novella) (2 page)

Chapter Two

Vance

Skating and playing hockey are the only things I do; they make me feel as if I have purpose in my life. Nothing else is number one. I love the ice, the sounds of my blades cutting into it, and the thrill of my hockey stick clapping the puck into the net. It’s where I am home.

As the training ends for the day, my teammates and I head to shower and change, before going back to my apartment. I’ve been in the CHL for almost two years, and I’m ready for my next challenge: the PHL. The Professional Hockey League is where the elite go. The best of the best and I will do anything to get there. Teams have been contacting my brother, Gerald, and I know this will be my year in the draft, and it’s coming up soon.

The first thing I do when I reach my room is check my phone.

Aimee’s home.
Dacey texts me.

I’m glad
.

Maybe sending my brother to Dacey’s hadn’t been my best idea, but her being alone worried me. She’s never been by herself, and I wanted to be sure she was safe.

How are your classes?

Maybe some small talk will help her be less mad at me. Because I know how she feels, by the way she yelled at me last night. Dacey’s shyness overtakes her at times, but every once in a while, her wild side, as I call it, comes out and bites. She’s only really used her wild side on me a few times in the eleven years we’ve been arranged, but they do come out when I’m acting overbearing. Yes, I know when I do it, but I can’t help it.

They’re fine.

She’s still mad.

Please don’t be upset. I just want you safe.

I get it.

I wish I knew a way to say ‘I’m sorry’ without saying the actual words. I’m not sorry, but I want some way to smooth things over.

Gerald is the oldest and married the longest, almost ten years, but he’s a bit of a Neanderthal, and I’m positive he’s never apologized for anything. He’s a lot like Dad. Apollo, my middle brother, is the kindest of us all, has been married for three years to Leeza, and he’ll know what to do. He’s a mix of Dad and Mum.

“Vance, to what do I owe the pleasure today?” Apollo greets me on the phone.

“Just finished up for the day and need some advice.”

“Okay, but first, let me ask you: when are you coming home?”

“Oh, I’m still in this training program. I don’t want to leave until it’s finished. Besides, I’m making some great connections.”

“PHL connections, right?” His tone was asking more than saying.

“Yes.” I know where he’s going.

“Robyn told Leeza how upset Dacey was last night, and I want to be sure you’re not having
too
much fun in Canada.”

When I first came over here my family was not pleased at all, but there was no one who could come with me. Even though my parents truly don’t care, my mum did call a lot the first few weeks, and my brothers did as well. They all wanted to make sure I was okay. There were a few moments I’m not proud of, but I’m young and don’t think straight all the time.

“Apollo, come on. You know I’m not doing anything anymore; I swear.”

“Just making sure.” He sounds relieved. “Now what do you want to talk about?”

I tell Apollo everything about Dacey and I and what happened last night. “I don’t want her mad at me. So, what do I do?”

“Wow, you really haven’t spent any time with Dacey have you?”

“No.” It’s sad to say, but it is the truth.

I’ve spent almost every waking moment since the first time I picked up a hockey stick working out on and off the ice. Should I have spent more time with Dacey? Sure, but hockey is my life, part of my soul and the one thing I’m good at. Gerald and Apollo are both extremely book smart, but I hated school and barely made it through.

Dacey and I did do things together, but it mainly involved family events and family dinners. We’ve been out a couple times on our own, but there’s been no hand holding. There was one horrible kiss gone wrong, and we have hugged a couple times.

“Send her flowers or maybe send her to a spa day? Girls like both.”

“Okay, I’ll send her flowers.”

“When will you be home?” he asks firmly.

“Next Tuesday. I promised Dacey I’d be her date at her sister’s wedding that Saturday. But I need to be back in the States for the draft.”

“Okay, Mum and Dad will be happy to know you’re coming home.”

“No, they won’t.” There’s no reason in lying. “I’ll see you soon, and thanks for the advice too.”

When I end the call with Apollo, I go straight to Google and find a flower shop in Belfast. I’m not sure what to send. They website mostly shows roses on the front page and I go with a dozen red ones because I remember a movie where a guy sent those. The tough part is the card.

What am I going to say?

Well, I’m not sorry so I can cross it from the list. I’ll refrain from using the
love
word. Dacey and I aren’t there yes, even if we’ve been together forever. Yes, I like her. I mean, I have too right? I gave up thinking of what to say and simply put:
V
.

Easy and to the point.

The next day at training, my legs burn from all the drills I’m doing. I know it’ll be worth it in the end. I like the CHL, but this isn’t where I want to be. The PHL is my final goal. Well, not my
final
, but I want to reach it so badly.

After the running drills, I hit the weight room until my arms hurt almost as bad as my legs. After a quick shower, I head back to the apartment. I don’t have a lot of items here. Mainly clothes while everything else came with the room. Except the bed. I can’t sleep on someone else’s bed. I do it for hotels, but not at home. I know packing should be number one on my list to do since I’m going home soon; instead, I stretch out on the bed and close my eyes.

I’m not sure how long I slept, but I awoke to pounding on my door. I rub the sleep from my eyes as I open the door to see Gerald and Apollo standing on the other side.

Shock fades as happiness takes over. My brothers are my mates and even though our family is fucked up, they support me. I hug them both around the neck.

“What the hell? How did you get here?”

Gerald chuckles. “In this day and age we fly.”

“Very funny.” I shake my head with a smile as I release them. “Really, what are you doing here?”

“Brotherly tine,” Apollo informs me. “We need to talk.”

I groan and walk over to my bed. “What about?”

“How about we all grab some dinner and talk then?” Gerald suggests, and I know better than to say no.

“Let’s go.” I stand up, and the three of us head out.

My brothers and I have never been picky eaters and I figure pizza is a great option all around. Plus, if they need to talk, I need to eat and drink. We find a booth on the back wall as far from other patrons as we can. This talk will be serious; I can feel it in my bones.

The waitress comes over and we order two pitchers of beer and two large pizzas. My brothers and I do love to eat. Once she leaves, I look at them and do my best to prepare for this
talk
.

“All right, hit me with it.”

Gerald is the first to talk. “You’re twenty-one and have a promising career in front of you, but you need to think about Dacey too.”

“I’m not giving up hockey,” I growl at him.

“Hey,” Apollo chides softly. “No one is getting upset. We’re here to give you pointers about your love life and your future marriage. You and Dacey have hardly spent time together. Mum and Dad are worried, and they don’t want this to go bust.”

Before I can answer, the waitress sets the beer down in the middle of the table.

“Look,” Gerald pours himself a glass. “We know how difficult it was for us, and we courted our wives. We just want to help you.”

I deflate into my side of the booth. “Okay. You’re right.”

“Mum wants you to court Dacey as much as possible when you get home and until the draft,” Apollo tells me. “But I want to ask you something.”

I nod.

“Do you even like Dacey?”

“She’s nice,” I answer.

“Do you see a future with her?” Apollo continues his questioning.

“I guess.” I shrug.

“Come on, mate.” Gerald rolls his eyes. “You’ve got to know if you do or don’t.”

“I can’t give a direct answer. We may have been together since we were ten, but it doesn’t mean I know the answer.”

Gerald seems confused by my answer and glances at Apollo.

“Okay, let’s not argue about it. How about we start at the beginning?” Apollo has always been the levelheaded one of us. “You two have been on dates, right?”

“Like four, maybe.”

“Four,” Gerald scoffs. “Why not more?”

“Oh, sorry, I’ve been busy with hockey,” I smart off, causing Gerald to give me a dirty look. “I’m not making excuses. I’m simply telling you the truth.”

“Are there any other girls?” Apollo asks in a low tone.

“No,” I answer, ashamed.

“Good.” Gerald growls at me again. “We need to figure this out.”

“Or what?”

“Or Dacey’s mum is going to call it off,” Apollo states, and my world stops.

Chapter Three

Dacey

I stare at the card again. I’m not sure why, maybe because I expected more when I saw the flowers, but I’m wrong.

“Mum’s outside,” Aimee calls from down the hall.

“Coming.” I sit the card back on the dresser and follow my sister out the door.

I stumble on my heels when I see Mum
and
Mrs. Pemberton, Vance’s mum.

“Girls.” Mum opens her arms and hugs us both. “Laura has been kind enough to join us tonight.”

“Dacey.” Mrs. Pemberton is next to hug me. “How are you, love?”

“I’m outstanding.” I fake smile at her, hoping she buys it.

“Wonderful. Now, let’s go enjoy our evening.” She loops her arm with mine, and we stroll off to Mum’s car.

On the way, Aimee goes into great detail about her wedding. I’m glad the attention is on her, because there’s a bad feeling bubbling up in the pit of my stomach.

Mrs. Pemberton and Mum sit across from Aimee and me. I can see everyone eyeing me, making my cheeks heat up. When the waiter came up, I’m the first to order a glass of wine.

The talk of weddings lasts until the entrees come. As I cut into my chicken, the feeling I had is now a full-fledged fire, as Mrs. Pemberton asks:

“So, Dacey do you have thoughts of yours and Vance’s wedding?”

“A few,” I lie. “But Mum’s done such an amazing job with Aimee’s, I’m sure she can come up with better details than I can.” I already know Mum will control everything anyway. It’s pointless for me to even suggest or think of anything.

“How are things going with you and Vance?” Mrs. Pemberton eyes me over her wine glass and Mum’s staring at me just as hard.

“Great!” I exclaim, just a little over zealous. Everyone seems shocked by my answer. “I mean, it’s obviously hard with him in Canada, but we’re making it work.” With minimal texting and talking and an argument in the mix.

“Have you spoken to him in the last four days?” Mum asks.

“Um…” I pause looking at Vance’s mother. “I’ve sent a text or two, but he’s been busy with his trainer.”

“And his brothers,” Mrs. Pemberton adds.

“His…what?”

“Gerald and Apollo have been there for the past four days. Vance will stay until Tuesday, but the boys will be back on Sunday,” she informs me tightly.

“Oh…well…that’s great.” I plaster my fake smile back on. “Brother time is exactly what Vance needs right now,” I say cheerfully taking another drink.

“Dacey.” Mum takes a deep sigh. “Cut it out.”

My fake smile drops.

“Laura and I are well aware of the true nature of your arrangement.”

I hang my head.

“Now, Vance’s brothers have been giving him a lot of pointers on the ins and outs of being in a relationship. I feel as if you need the same structure. Aimee, Robyn, and Leeza will be spending time with you to…help.” Mum explains, and I can see the discontent in her eyes.

“Dacey, there will be only a week or so before the PHL Draft for your mother and me to make our final decision,” Mrs. Pemberton voice cracks.

“What? What decision?”

“If we’ll keep the arrangement together,” Mum answers.

Aimee and I both gasp, and she grabs my hand. Never in my life had I thought this would have been an option. No, my mother is too proud of a woman to discontinue our arrangement. There’s no way.

“Does Dacey have other prospects?” Aimee asks for me.

Mum shakes her head.

“Vance?” My voice is barely a whisper.

“No,” his mother answers.

I close my eyes and squeeze my sister’s hand tighter. “Okay, what do I need to do?”

“Fall in love,” Mum simply states.

After the final plans are set in place, I’ll essentially be going through a
How to Be a Wife
training program. It’ll start tomorrow after my final exam at university. I’m thankful school is over, but I still didn’t know what I’m going to do with Vance. We can end this or we can spend the rest of our lives together.

Fall in love with Vance in the time he’s home before the Draft? No one, for I don’t know how many centuries, has NOT fulfilled their arrangements. Well, a few leave before they’re arranged, but this is huge.

I’ve known since I was ten years old who I’d marry. Period. Nothing else. No one else.

What will happen if this dissolves?

Where will I be then?

I never really thought about a Plan B. Sure, Vance and I aren’t in love, be we still planned on marrying. At least, I did. Maybe I’m wrong, again. Maybe Vance never wanted this at all.

I don’t know anything anymore.

I change into my pajamas, twist my strawberry blonde hair into a messy bun, and study myself in the mirror. My blue eyes are a darker shade, like my dad’s, and I get my hair from Mum. I don’t think I’m ugly. Although, I’m no Rozanna Purcell, that’s for sure. She’s a supermodel and I’m…well…me.

It’s possible I’m not Vance’s type. When we were ten, I was awkward and terribly shy. Yes, I’m still that to a point, but I speak up when I need to. Or when I’ve had enough.

I stop the self-critique and crawl into bed. It’s only nine at night, but I had an exam tomorrow and I should rest after the evening discussions anyway.

I pick up my kindle, but nothing seems appealing right now, and I turn it off. I sink deeper into my bed just as my phone goes off. Groaning, I reach out for it and sit right up seeing Vance’s name.

“Hello.”

“Hey, Dacey.” He sounds tired.

“Um...how’s training?” I’m not sure why he’s calling, so I’ll stick to my normal questions.

“Fine. School?”

“Good. Last exam is tomorrow.”

“Right.”

Normally, this would be the end of our phone conversation, but Vance continues. “I spoke to Mum.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure what else to say because I’m not sure what she said to him.

“Mum told me everything.”

“I found out your brothers are with you.” I had to say something.

“Yep.” He sighs. “I’m surprised they’re not trying to monitor this call.”

I stifle a laugh. “I know what you mean.”

“Listen, I…I don’t know what to say, but you and I need to talk. Just the two of us.”

“I agree. You’re home Tuesday, right?” I ask even though I know he will be.

“Yes. How about you grab me at the airport?” he suggests.

“Sure. Okay.”

“All right, we’ll talk then.”

“Bye—”

“No, wait.” He cuts me off. “I want to say this because it’s important.”

“Um…okay.” I’m startled by his words.

“I really want to give this one hundred percent. My brothers and I have really done a lot of talking, and I’m serious.”

Tears build up behind my eyes. “Me too, and I start my
Vance
Class tomorrow,” I joke.

He softly chuckles. “Well, I’ll see you Tuesday.”

“Okay. Bye.”

As soon as my exam ends, I met Robyn, Leeza, and Aimee at a coffee shop to begin my
Vance
Class, as I’ve named them. I take my place next to my sister where a cappuccino awaits. I greet them, take a small sip, and stare at each of their faces, waiting for something to happen.

“Okay…well…let’s get this started.” Robyn, the oldest of us all smiles.

“The question is where to start?” Leeza brings up a good point.

“How about conversations?” Aimee suggests and the girls nod. “What you do two talk about?”

“I ask him about hockey or training. He usually says
fine
or
good
. Then he’ll ask me about school. Generally, I say the same thing and that’s it.”

“That’s it?” All three exclaim.

“Yes.” I sit back scared of a possible attack based on their expressions.

“Nothing else?” Aimee asks.

I shake my head.

“Holy Mother, this is going to take a lot more effort.” Robyn rubs her temples.

“What about when you’re together. Is there more talking then?” Leeza tries to be helpful.

“They’re not together a lot,” Aimee answers for me. “Vance is gone. A lot.”

“It’s for hockey, though.” I defend him and his passion.

“We understand, but he needs to think of you too. He can’t be selfish all the time.” Leeza seems angry almost. “Look, I love Vance. He’s my little brother, but this is serious.”

I close my eyes. I’m aware this dire situation needs to be fixed. “We spoke last night; he told me when he got back we’d have a serious discussion. He wants me to pick him up.” I figure this will make them happy.

“Just don’t make out the entire time,” Leeza quips, but Aimee and Robyn gasp.

“Lee,” Robyn grits.

“What?” Leeza asks innocently.

“We’ve never…” I trail off, and I feel my entire face heat up.

“Wait. Hold up. Are you telling me you’ve never made out with Vance?” Leeza face is still in the shocked expression.

I shake my head. “I’ve never kissed him.” This is a lie. Our first kiss was a disaster, and I keep it blocked from my memories.

“They’ve hugged and held hands.” Aimee furthers my humiliation.

“Shut the front door.” Leeza stares at me. I look at anything else but her face.

“Our Dad is quiet strict.” Aimee comes to my rescue.

“But you’ve done stuff with Ned, right?” Leeza is still stuck on the topic.

“Now, sure, but not until the wedding was set.” I can remember the arguments between our parents and Aimee about Ned and her going out. I didn’t even touch the subject with the few dates I had with Vance.

“Let’s move on from this topic and focus on something else.” Robyn nods and thankfully, we do, but it still is embarrassing for me. I’m sitting at the table with three beautiful, more experienced woman, and I’m really in the unknown here. Well, I know about sex and such, but getting there is the issues.

For the next hour, my sisters and future sister-in-law gave me an abundance of information on how to engage Vance in more in-depth conversations. So much is being thrown at me, I can’t quite keep up, but I do my best to pay attention.

Now, if I can just remember it all.