The Arrangement (New Hampshire Bears Novella) (7 page)

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 stunner.

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.”

“I remember. Everyone was sound asleep, but I was wide awake.”

Vance reaches for my hand and I pull away. I’m not ready for him to touch me. He hugged me earlier, but he took me more by surprise.

The announcement comes, and we are prepping to take off. Everyone seems settled in their seats and the hum of the plane begins. I close my eyes and count to ten.

There’s no turning back now.

We land in Boston after what seems to be a thousand hours later. Soon, we’re all piled into a stretch hummer heading off to the hotel. Everyone is excitingly talking except Vance and me. He almost looks like he may faint, and I have nothing to contribute to the conversation.

As we stop in front of the hotel, I suddenly feel like Vance looks. A lot happening in a short amount of time, and it is taking a toll on me. I’m truly in need of a nap.

Mr. Pemberton goes to the desk and checks us all in as I gaze at the stunning hotel. This is certainly an old hotel, but fabulously upkept. The gold and bright paintings fit perfect with the Victorian period furniture placed in the lobby.

When Mr. Pemberton comes back to us, his face show how pissed he is. “My assistant screwed up the reservations.”

“How so?” Mrs. Pemberton asks.

“There are only four rooms. She didn’t book Dacey’s room.”

Of course.
“I’ll just go see if they have any availability.” I sigh.

“They don’t. I asked already. With the draft, everything is booked. There are no rooms.” Mr. Pemberton explains.

An outburst of words begins; the women are trying to figure out who I’ll room with and who will take Vance. The thrashing of words makes it obvious no one wants to trade rooms.

“Stop,” I hear myself say and everyone quiets. “I’ll just stay with Vance in his room.” My father will die when he finds out about this, but it’s better than the bickering.

Everyone focuses on me, and Mrs. Pemberton is the one who responds. “Are you sure dear?”

“Yes.” I nod. “I have a headache and I want to lie down.”

“Of course.” She places her arm around my shoulder and guides me toward the elevators.

After we all make it to our designated floors, I follow Vance to our room.
Our room.
I know it’s a mistake, but I watch Vance open the door and maneuver our bags to get inside the door.

“I can carry my own bags,” I inform him, even though we’re already in the room.

“It’s no problem.” He begins sitting everything down. “I’m going to step in…here…for a second.” He points to the bathroom.

“Sure.” I step out of his way and go over to my suitcase beginning to unpack. I don’t want to have anything wrinkled if we end up on TV when they announce Vance’s name. I want to be presentable.

When I finish, I take a seat in the very uncomfortable chair, rubbing my temples.

“You okay?”

I glance up at Vance. “I’m fine.”

He stares at me before sitting on the edge of the bed. “Do you want to talk now? Or wait until later?”

I shrug. “I guess now is okay.”

He shakes his head. “If you don’t want to, we don’t have to.”

I glance at him and turn my head away, gazing out the window at the Boston skyline. This is a time I can’t be shy, meek Dacey. This is my life. My future. It’s high time I put myself first. Vance obviously did four times. Well, with four women. I truly don’t want to know how many times.

Time and time again my life has been planned by someone else, but not this time. I’m taking over. If Vance wants this, it’ll be on my terms or I’ll go home, find a job, and begin a different path than I originally planned.

“I want to talk now,” I state firmly, adjusting myself in the chair, facing him. “We most definitely should talk now.”

The pained expression on his face deepens. “Whatever you want to say or do, I will understand.”

“I’m hurt, angry, and hurt.”

Vance opens his mouth, but I throw up my hand.

“Don’t say it. I’m well aware I said hurt twice, but it’s what I feel the most. Also, I gave my word to you to remain faithful and pure while you were gone; no matter what you were off doing.” I jump up from the chair and pace.

“Dacey—”

“Stop. Until I’m done, stop talking.” I pace more. “I have gone to school and come home. I never went to parties or gatherings not approved by my parents. I definitely couldn’t go to any with boys there. I had to beg my mum and dad to let me choose my own major, which,” I sigh, “ended up being nothing but a simple general education degree because I didn’t want to tell them my real choice so I wouldn’t have to hear them complain about it.” I realize my voice is rising, and I stop pacing to look at him.

“Dacey I’m so sorry everything is falling apart.” He seems genuinely saddened. “However, I’ve never been so happy and grateful as I was to see you at the airport. I fucked up and not talking to you made me understand how much.”

I sit back in the chair, resting my elbows on my knees, holding my head in my hands. No, it’s not a very lady-like position, but my head really is pounding from the stress of my life. Is there a solution to give us a happy ending? Or is this wasting both of our time?

“Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

I lift my head. “What Vance? We could easily part ways and forget all about this. You can stay here and be with whoever you want. I can go back to Belfast and see if there’s a job out there I’m qualified for. And we’d be…done.” Saying the word broke my heart a bit. Is
done
what I want? I’ve spoken to Vance almost every day for the past eleven years. I already knew how I felt not talking to him the past week. Now, imaging every day feels weird. I told him if I came here I’d give it a go, but now I’m more confused now.

“I don’t want to be done, Dacey,” Vance states. “You might not believe this, but you are the one person I can count on in my life.”

I shake my head. “You’re lying. Sure we’ve
chatted
or whatever you want to call it, but you never told me anything. Maybe you would miss our three minutes conversations, but there’s nothing else.”

“I care for you, Dacey. You must know it.”

“But I don’t know.”

Vance drops his head. “How can I prove it to you?”

Before I can answer him, a knock comes, and he goes to the door. On the other side is Gerald telling him he needs to get ready for his media interviews. When Vance comes back over to me, he says nothing. He just gives me a small smile and heads off to change into his suit, leaving me alone with my thoughts.