Shattered Ice *completed*

At the spa

*Virginia*

The scent of fresh croissants and rich coffee wafts through the air as I sit at the long, elegantly set table in the hotel’s grand dining room. The crystal chandeliers above twinkle like stars, casting a warm glow over the white tablecloths, but all I can focus on is the sound of Caleb's laughter from across the table. He’s just finished a story about his last hockey game, and even my father, who usually saves his smiles for his golf clubs, is chuckling.

Caleb stands and come over, brushes a stray hair behind my ear, and plants a quick kiss on my cheek. "See you later, Ginnie." The warmth spreads across my face, and I have to remind myself not to melt into a puddle in front of my family. He straightens up, and I watch as he saunters off with the other men, the way he carries himself oozing confidence. My heart does a little flip-flop, and I can’t help but smile.

“Honestly, you would think it was you getting married with that behavior,” my mother huffs, breaking my daydream. I turn to face her, feigning nonchalance.

“Oh, come on, Mom. He’s just being sweet,” I reply, trying to keep my tone light. Inside, I’m cringing. I know she’s going to have a field day with this later. But I decide it’s not worth it to engage. Instead, I take a sip of my orange juice, hoping it’ll drown out her judgment.

As breakfast wraps up, I glance at my sister, Caylee, who is positively glowing in her wedding planner mode, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. She’s about to marry the love of her life. I wonder what that feels like, to have someone who makes you feel like the only person in the room.

After breakfast, we shuffle into the spa area, a serene oasis of calming scents and soft music. My mom, Caylee, and the three bridesmaids, all dressed in matching pastel robes, chatter excitedly about the wedding and everything that’s coming up. I try to focus on the soothing ambiance, but my mind keeps drifting back to Caleb, I Seriously owe him big thanks for this.

“Virginia,” one of the bridesmaids, Jessica, nudges me, “what’s the deal with your boyfriend? He’s, like, super hot! How did you land him?”

I can feel myself blushing as I shrug, trying to dodge the question. “Oh, you know, just luck, I guess. We work together.”

“Luck? Girl, that’s an understatement. He’s Canadian and a pro hockey player! It’s like you’re living in a rom-com!” Jessica squeals, and I can’t help but smile at the thought.

“Yeah, but he’s not just a pretty face,” I say, trying to play it cool. “He’s really sweet, too.”

“Sweet? Please! Looks like he’d sweep you off your feet, probably totally literally” another bridesmaid, Mia, interjects. “And that accent? I could listen to him talk all day.”

I laugh, trying to ignore the fact that I’m not entirely sure how to explain our situation. Honestly I try to lie as little as possible, but I can’t reveal that we are not really dating. “Well, he does have a Canadian accent, I guess. But he’s just… Caleb.”

“Just Caleb?” Jessica raises an eyebrow. “Girl, you need to appreciate what you have! He’s a catch!”

I nod, even though my chest tightens a little at the thought of how I’m trying to maintain this facade. “Yeah, he’s definitely a catch.”

Meanwhile, my mom, who’s been quietly observing the conversation from the corner, finally interjects. “I think he lacks a certain… class,” she says, her voice dripping with disdain.

“Mom,” I groan, shooting her a look. “Can we not?”

“Honestly, Virginia,” she continues, unfazed. “You could do better. He’s just an athlete. What kind of future does that hold?”

“Mom, he’s not just an athlete. He’s a person,” I say, a little more defensive than intended. “And he’s been nothing but respectful.”

Caylee chimes in, “I like him. He seems good for you, Virginia.”

Her words warm my heart despite the tension in the air. “Thanks, Caylee. I think he’s great, too.”

“Great?” Mia asks with a teasing tone. “You kinda sound like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but laugh. “Okay, fine. He’s pretty amazing, and I’m just trying to figure things out.”

“Figure things out?” Jessica asks, a smirk on her face. “Please, just admit you’re totally into him! Girl you need to tie that man down so no one else snatches him.”

Before I can respond, the spa staff calls us for our treatments. I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful for the distraction. As I settle into my chair for the facial, I can’t help but think of Caleb, his, at times, goofy charm, and how he makes everything feel a little lighter.

As the soothing music envelops me, I close my eyes and let myself be carried away… if only for a moment… by thoughts of him. Maybe my mom and the bridesmaids are right; maybe I am just a bit into him. But deep down, I know that whatever this is, it’s more complicated than just a simple romance. It’s a dance on a tightrope, and I’m not sure how long I can keep pretending. But for now, I’ll enjoy the ride, even if it means dodging questions and navigating my family’s expectations.

As I sink deeper into relaxation, I can’t help but smile at the thought of Caleb out there trying to play golf. I can’t wait to hear how it went..