Shattered Ice

A visit from the doctor

*Virginia*

There is a low hum that seems to buzz around me as I sit at my desk, papers strewn about like the remnants of a chaotic storm. The Charleston Pelicans’ logo looms on the wall behind me, a constant reminder of the stakes involved in my role as their legal counsel. My thoughts, however, are miles away, tangled in memories of Caleb and the conversation we had earlier. Maybe that isn’t that far away, considering his legal troubles are my job.

I glance at the clock on the wall… time is slipping away faster than I’d like.

“Ginnie!” Ava Riley, the staff doctor’s voice cuts through my racing thoughts, pulling me back to the present. She strides into my office, her dark curls pulled back in a messy bun, radiating that effortless confidence that always manages to brighten my mood. “You look like you’re about to c***k open a law book and drown in legal jargon. What’s going on?”

I lean back in my chair, forcing a smile. “You could say I’m just trying to figure out how to save a player from himself.”

“Ah, you must be talking about Caleb Mackinnon,” she replies, plopping down in the chair across from me. Her eyes glimmer with mischief. “I hear he got himself in a bit of trouble last night.”

“A bit of a trouble?” I scoff, shaking my head. “That’s putting it lightly. He’s practically a walking liability right now. I’m honestly not sure how much longer the team can keep him around without jeopardizing our season… and the season has not even started.”

Ava raises an eyebrow, leaning forward with genuine interest. “So, what’s the plan? Are you going to try to convince management that he’s worth the risk or that they should trade him off?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, running my fingers through my hair. “I mean, he has a talent that’s undeniable. But his off-ice antics? They’re starting to overshadow his skills. I can’t help but feel responsible for him, you know? Like I should be doing more to help him make better choices.”

Ava chuckles softly, shaking her head. “You’re such a softie, Ginnie. But let’s be real… Caleb is trouble. Charming, sexy trouble. The kind that makes you forget all the reasons you shouldn’t want to get involved.”

“I know, I know!” I exclaim, my frustration bubbling over. “But it’s not just about being charming. It’s about his future, his career! He can’t keep acting like this and expect to stay in the league. I’ve seen players get traded or even dropped because of their behavior off the ice. He’s on thin ice as it is.”

“Thin ice with a side of hot mess,” Ava quips, a teasing grin spreading across her face. “But you have to admit, there’s something magnetic about him. Like a car crash you can’t look away from. Also physical he is a prime speciment… I mean from a doctor’s pov.”

“Sure, doctor’s pov,” I can’t help but laugh, even as my heart races at the thought of Caleb. “But you’re not wrong. There’s a part of me that wants to save him, to see him succeed. But then there’s the part that knows he might drag me down with him if I’m not careful.”

“Just remember, you can’t shoulder the weight of his mistakes. You have to protect yourself first,” Ava advises, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. “He’s a grown man, and while I admire your desire to help him, you can’t let his choices dictate your career or your happiness.”

I nod, absorbing her words. “You’re right again. I just wish there was a way to get through to him. He needs to realize that this isn’t just about him anymore.”

Ava leans back, crossing her arms. “Maybe you need to make him see that. Tough love? Lay it all out on the table? You know, the whole ‘I care about you, but you’re making it hard for me to do my job’ speech?”

“Yeah, I guess that’s the route I’ll have to take,” I concede, though doubt creeps in. “I just hope he listens. He’s so used to being caught up in his own world, it’s like he doesn’t even see how close he is to losing everything.”

Ava smirks, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You might be the only person who can get through to him. You have that effect on people. Besides, charming and sexy trouble like Caleb doesn’t come around too often. Maybe a little bit of risk is worth it in the end?”

“Or it could blow up in my face,” I reply, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle over me. “But I guess I can’t just sit here and hope he changes on his own. I have to take action.”

“Exactly!” Ava exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious. “You’re a lawyer, not a babysitter. Hold him accountable, Ginnie. Lay down the law. If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a spark of determination ignite within me. “Okay. I’ll talk to him. I’ll make it clear what’s at stake, and if he doesn’t get it… well, then I’ll just have to convince the management that we need to cut our losses.”

Ava nods approvingly. “There you go! That’s the spirit. Just remember, while you’re busy being the voice of reason, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.”

“Thanks, Ava,” I say, grateful for her support. “I really appreciate it.”

As she stands she grins, “So I actually came to ask if you want to join me for lunch?”

“Sure,” I look at the clock. “I Can take my break now.”