Shattered Ice

Tied up

*Caleb*

I step out of the shower and give myself a quick once-over in the mirror. My hair is a disaster, sticking out in odd angles, and my tattoos probably says ‘bad boy hockey player’ more than ‘southern upperclass’.

Looking at my tie lying on the bed , it reminds me a bit of a snake ready to strike. I’ve never been one for formal events… give me a hockey rink any day over this. But here I am, about to step into the Harrington family circus, and I can’t help but feel a knot of nerves tightening in my stomach, I mean I want to help Virginia, not embarres her.

“Okay, Caleb, you got this,” I mutter to myself while putting on the button up. Then I grab the tie and trying to wrap it around my neck. I fumble, the fabric twisting in my fingers like a pretzel. After a few more failed attempts, I sigh in frustration. “Why is this thing so bloody complicated?”

Glancing at the door connecting our rooms, Virginia had unlocked it when we arrived, and I did not hear her lock it behind me. Maybe she could help? I hesitate for a moment; the last thing I want is to barge in on her. But then again, I could use the assistance. I take a deep breath, knock and then push the door open.

“Virginia! I…” I start, but stop dead in my tracks.

She’s standing there, just in her underwear, fresh from the shower, her hair damp and cascading down her shoulders. She looks… well, amazing. My voice catches in my throat as I try not to let my eyes wander. The tension in the air shifts, and I can feel my cheeks heat up. “Uh, I mean… sorry! I didn’t mean to…”

“Oh, come on in, it’s just me!” she says with a laugh, waving her hand as if it’s no big deal. “Not like you haven’t seen a woman in her underwear before.”

“Right! Of course,” I stammer, stepping into the room, my tie still dangling awkwardly. “I just… need some help with this.” I hold up the tie, feeling like a kid who can’t tie his shoelaces.

Virginia raises an eyebrow, an amused smile creeping onto her face. “You’re really struggling with that, huh?”

“Yeah, well, it’s not exactly my area of expertise,” I admit, scratching the back of my neck. “I’m more of a ‘throw on a jersey’ kind of guy.”

“Clearly.” She comes closer, and I can’t help but notice how the light catches her skin, giving her an almost ethereal glow. “What else are you planning to wear?”

“Well,” I mumble. “I kinda hoped you would help me choose the rest of the outfit?”

“Sure, let’s see what else you’ve got.” She says, wrapping a silk dressing gown around her body, before walking into my room.

I rummage through my suitcase, pulling out a few options: holding up a navy blazer, and some tailored pants. “So, what do you think? Can I pass as a respectable human being, or should I just stick to my hockey gear?”

Virginia takes the clothes from my hands and holds them up, tilting her head as if considering an art piece. “Hmm… well, you definitely need the blazer. The shirt you are wearing is a solid choice, but let’s ditch the pants. They scream ‘I’m just here for the free food.’”

I laugh, feeling my nerves start to ease. “Okay, so what do I wear instead? Speedos?”

“Not quite what I had in mind,” she giggles, biting her lip. “But since you’re so confident, maybe just go with a pair of dark chinos. They’ll look sharp without trying too hard. Save the big guns for the wedding.”

I dig around until I find the chinos. “You really think I can pull this off?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Absolutely! Just stand there and let me work my magic.” She seems to enjoy this, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she gestures for me to turn around.

As I do, I can’t help but feel slightly awkward, but also excited. “You should be a stylist, you know. Not that I’m trying to butter you up or anything,” I add, throwing a glance over my shoulder.

“Oh, please,” she laughs. “I doubt I’d have the patience for that. But I do have a knack for making people look good. Just look at me!” She strikes a playful pose, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“Okay, okay, but I don’t have your… assets,” I reply, feeling a little more at ease. “I mean, my ‘assets’ are more suited for a hockey rink than a fancy wedding.”

“True, but you’re not half bad yourself,” she says, and I can hear the teasing in her voice. “Just don’t get too comfortable in those chinos. You might accidentally outshine the groom.”

“Not likely,” I shoot back, trying to keep it light. “I’m just here to help you catch the bouquet.”

Virginia rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile on her lips. “Right. Because that’s the ultimate goal for a professional athlete. Imagine the headlines: ‘Canadian Hockey Player Catches Bouquet, Starts New Trend.’”

“Hey, I’d rock that!” I laugh as I slip on the chinos and shirt. “Now, how do I look?”

She turns me around again, her expression shifting from playful to serious for just a moment. “You look great, Caleb. Seriously. Just the right mix of casual and classy.”

“Thanks! Now, if only I could figure out this tie…” I grumble again, my fingers fumbling with the fabric.

“Let me,” she says, stepping closer, her hands brushing against mine as she takes the tie from me. The world seems to fade as she focuses on tying it, her brow furrowed in concentration. I can’t help but watch her, every detail feels magnified… the way her hair falls forward, how her lips move slightly as she murmurs to herself.

“See? You’re a natural,” I say, breaking the silence, trying to lighten the mood. “You could give lessons.”

“Maybe I should start a side hustle… professional tie tier,” she jokes, and I can’t help but smile at her wit.

Finally, she finishes and steps back, giving me a once-over. “Perfect! Now you’re ready to face the Harrington family circus.”

I take a deep breath, feeling the anxiety creeping back in. “Yeah, about that, I fear I will end up the clown… how do you think they’ll react to me?”

“Just be yourself,” she says, her tone unexpectedly serious. “They’ll either love you or… well, let’s just say they’ll most likely be polite. But I think you’ll do just fine.”

“Thanks, Virginia. Really,” I say, meaning it. “You’ve been a huge help.”

Her expression softens, and for a moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the world. “Anytime, Caleb. You’ve got this. But you are the one helping me… so thanks.”

I give her a lopsided smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “And if I don’t manage?”

“Then you’ll always have me to bail you out,” she replies, her playful tone returning.

“Deal.” I wink at her, and the air between us crackles with a mix of tension and something deeper. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know one thing… I’m rather glad I barged in on her.