Shattered Ice *completed*

Playing golf

*Caleb*

I stand on the first tee, a golf club in my hand that feels heavier than my hockey stick and infinitely more intimidating. The sun is shining, and I can already feel sweat beginning to bead on my forehead. I take a deep breath, trying to channel all that confidence I’ve built up on the ice as I look around at the other guys.

Governor Charles Harrington stands next to me, dressed in a crisp polo that looks like it was tailored for a magazine cover. His golf glove is pristine, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s ever even broken a sweat outside of a press conference. He gives me a nod, and I can tell he’s sizing me up, probably trying to determine if I’m worthy of his daughter.

To my right is Charlie, who’s practically bouncing on his heels in excitement. He’s wearing a cap that’s too big for his head, and I can see he’s itching to hit the course. “You got this, Caleb!” he calls, giving me a thumbs-up. Nice kid. It’s a shame I’m about to embarrass myself in front of him and probably lose a fan.

Then there’s Ryan, the groom-to-be, who seems nice enough but has this vacant look in his eyes as if he’s already daydreaming about the wedding. I guess that’s what happens when you’re about to marry into the Harrington family.

I am honestly happy we are only the four of us, maybe I can keep my humiliation in the family.

“Alright, gentlemen,” the Governor says, clapping his hands together. “Let’s show this young man how it’s done. Caleb, no worries, we won’t laugh at you, Ginnie Said this,Was your first time.”

“Great,” I say, trying to maintain a semblance of enthusiasm. “I love being the underdog… not that I’m a dog or anything.”

They all chuckle, and I can’t help but feel a bit more at ease. Maybe I’ll survive this after all.

I step up to the tee, trying to recall the basics of what I’ve seen on TV. I grip the club awkwardly, my stance resembling more of a figure skater than a golfer. The other guys are watching me closely, and I can feel the pressure mounting. “No pressure, right?” I mumble to myself, and I take a deep breath, swinging back and…

Whiff. The club slices through the air, missing the ball entirely.

“Nice try!” Charlie shouts, laughter bubbling from him as he tries to stifle it.

“Thanks, buddy,” I say, trying to shrug it off, but I can feel my cheeks flushing. “That was just a practice swing. You know, to get a feel for the grass.”

The Governor raises an eyebrow, but there’s a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Let’s not make a habit of that, Caleb. Show us what you’ve got.”

I grit my teeth and try again. This time, I connect… sort of. The ball rolls a few feet, barely making it onto the fairway. I can hear a faint clap from Charlie, and I can’t help but grin. “Hey, it’s progress! I’ll take it.”

As we move on to the next hole, I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable, cracking jokes and goading Ryan about his swing, which is just as bad as mine. Just when I think I’m settling in, I spot a figure approaching the green, striding with an air of arrogance that could probably power a small city.

“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Ryan mutters, and I can’t help but catch the slight discomfort in his voice, as if he is expecting something bad.

The guy struts over, a smug smile plastered across his face. “Hey, everyone. Hope I’m not too late to join the fun.” His voice drips with condescension, and I instantly dislike him.

“Stephan,” Ryan introduces, and I can feel the tension in the air shift. “This is Caleb Mackinnon, Virginia’s date, the… well, you know.”

Stephan’s eyes narrow as he sizes me up, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head. “Oh, the famous Iron wall Mackinnon? Heard about you. How quaint.” He smirks like he’s just stepped off the set of a reality TV show.

“Quaint? Wow, thanks, man. That’s exactly what I was going for,” I shoot back, crossing my arms. “Like a cozy little cottage… but with a hockey stick.”

The Governor clears his throat, shooting me a warning look, but I can’t help it. There’s just something about Stephan that makes me want to poke the bear. His designer polo is too tight, and his hair is slicked back as if he’s auditioning for a role in a soap opera. Also he is Ginnie’s ex.

“Careful there, Caleb,” Stephan retorts, his voice dripping with faux sweetness. “You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of the in-laws.”

“I’m already doing a bang-up job of that, thanks,” I reply, unable to keep the sarcasm from leaking through. I can feel Charlie’s eyes widening, but I just can’t back down. “But hey, I’m used to being the underdog.”

“Underdog? More like a stray,” Stephan shoots back, and I can see the glimmer of amusement in his eyes, like he’s enjoying this little exchange way too much.

“Cute,” I say, gritting my teeth, forcing myself not to show that his word hit, I have been called a stray one to many times. “What’s next? Another dog joke? Because I’m ready for it.”

The tension hangs thick in the air, and I can see Charlie trying to hide a grin. Ryan, caught between us, looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“Let’s just play golf, shall we?” the Governor interrupts, trying to regain control. “Stephan, why don’t you tee off?”

“Sure,” Stephan says, stepping up confidently. He swings and sends the ball soaring down the fairway. “That’s how you do it, boys.”

I can’t resist the urge to smirk as I watch him strut around like he’s just won a championship. “Great shot. I’ll keep that in mind for my next practice swing,” I mutter under my breath, and Charlie snorts in laughter.

Golf is supposed to be a relaxing sport, but with Stephan around, it feels like a full-contact event. I can’t help but wonder how Virginia puts up with her ex-fiancé. Maybe it’s the same way I’m learning to survive the Harrington family… by making jokes and trying not to take it all too seriously. But now I get why she needed someone with her.

As we continue to play, I focus on the game, trying to ignore the tension that’s become a staple of the day. I’m determined to prove that I can hold my own, even if it involves swinging a club instead of a stick. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even get a few laughs along the way.

“Hey, Caleb,” Charlie calls, breaking my concentration. “You think you can hit it as far as Stephan just did?”

I glance over at the smug jerk, who’s now basking in his own glory. “Oh, I’m definitely going to outdrive him. Just watch.”

With newfound determination, I step up to the tee once more, ready to turn this day around… maybe it helps if I imagine hitting Stephan’s balls instead.