Shattered Ice

A well paid babysitter

*Virginia*

The sun is just starting to rise over Charleston, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets as I step out of my car. I arrived Yesterday, and spend the day settling into the cute little beach house I have rented. It is fully furnitured, so I only had to unpack clothes and personal items.

The salty air fills my lungs, a stark contrast to the sweet scent of magnolias back home in Savannah. I adjust my blazer, feeling the crisp fabric against my skin, and take a deep breath. Today marks the beginning of my career, and I refuse to let the nerves twist my stomach into knots, so I keep running my mantra in my head; You got this, Ginnie!

The Charleston Pelicans’ headquarters is a sight to behold… clearly recently renovated in modern glass and steel, a beacon of ambition that mirrors my own. I never really told anyone, but I have dreamed of this moment since I decided to study law, and now, here I am, freshly minted from Harvard, ready to dive into the world of sports law. It feels surreal, yet exhilarating.

As I step through the glass doors, I’m greeted by the buzz of activity. The lobby is a whirlwind of movement; players come and go, their laughter echoing against the walls. I can feel the energy vibrate through me, but I push aside the excitement bubbling in my chest. I have a job to do.

“Virginia Claire Harrington, reporting for duty,” I announce to the receptionist, who looks up from her screen, an eyebrow raised. “But just say Ginnie. Everyone calls me Ginnie.”

“Welcome, Ginnie. Mr Rutherford is expecting you,” she replies, pointing toward an elevator at the back of the lobby. “Third floor, office 302.”

The elevator ride feels like an eternity, my mind racing with expectations and possibilities. I can’t help but think of my father, and how he would love to see me in a very different position. But I’m determined to carve out my own path, away from his shadow.

When the elevator dings, I step out into a sleek corridor adorned with framed jerseys and action shots of past Pelican legends. I could easily be tempted to spend way to long looking at everything, but right now I do not have the time.

My heart beats a little faster as I approach the office door marked “James Rutherford, Owner.” The name is familiar to me from the headlines that have filled my social feeds; a mid-forties philanthropic billionaire, a man with a vision for the team… and a penchant for controversy. I have to admit that I am kinda exited to meet him in person.

I knock lightly, and the door swings open to reveal a warm, inviting office. As I enter Rutherford stands up behind an impressive mahogany desk, his face breaking into a broad smile. “You must be Virginia Harrington…”

“I am, but please say Ginnie, Sir.” I tell him.

“If you promise not to ‘Sir’ me,” he grins, and I nod. “Ginnie, then, Welcome aboard. I’m glad you could make it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rutherford,” I say, stepping inside. “I’m excited to be here.”

“Please, just James… Mr Rutherford is my father,” he replies, gesturing for me to take a seat. “I’ve got a busy day ahead, but I wanted to get you started on some contracts for our new players.” He shuffles through a stack of documents and hands them to me.

I scan the pages, my eyes narrowing as I read the names. “Igor Shesterkin? Great buy. He’s a game-changer in the net… and not to be rude, but we need that.”

James nods appreciatively. “Exactly, Happy to see you know the game. And not only in the goal, I have tried to strengthen all positions. We’ve go…. ah, here’s the big one.” He leans back in his chair, a glint in his eye. “Caleb Mackinnon, he just signed yesterday.”

My heart sinks as I read the name. “Wait. Are you serious? You signed Caleb Mackinnon?” I can’t help the incredulous tone that slips into my voice.

“He is gonna be essential to rebuilding this team,” He chuckles, clearly amused. “There’s a reason they call him the Iron Wall. Best defenseman in the league.”

“Yeah, if he’s not in the penalty box,” I retort, leaning back in my chair, arms crossed. “He’s a liability, James. He’s skilled, no doubt, but his off-ice antics are a nightmare waiting to happen.”

James leans forward, his expression turning serious. “That’s where you come in, Ginnie. I need you to ensure Mackinnon stays out of legal trouble. He’s a valuable player and cost me a small fortune, but he’s also hot headed and troublesome. If he screws up, it’ll be on us.”

I groan internally, the weight of the responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. I did not take this job to be a glorified nanny for a short tempered party playboy. “You understand that I’m a lawyer, right? Not a babysitter.”

“I know, I know… and your main job is still all the legal stuff, but to be honest that is hardly a full time job,” he replies, a hint of laughter in his voice. “But think of it this way: You’ll have a front-row seat to the action, and you can shape Mackinnon’s career in a way that benefits both him and the team. It’s a challenge, and I know you’re up for it.”

I can’t help but admire his confidence in me. “Alright, let’s do this,” I say, trying to muster enthusiasm despite my reservations. “But I want it in writing that I’m not responsible for any of his... extracurricular activities.”

James laughs, the sound echoing in the spacious office. “Fair enough, Ginnie. Just remember, you’re part of a team now. We all have our roles to play. I need this place running smoothly off the ice too.”

As I look out the window, watching the bustling city below, I realize that this is more than just a job; it’s a chance to forge my own identity in a life that often feels swamped by the legacy of my family and name. I may come from old money, but I’m determined to make my mark in a new arena where most won’t know who my father is.

This hotheaded defenceman may be a challenge, but I’m ready to tackle this head-on along with the rest of the job.