Shattered Ice

Pre-rehersal dinner

*Virginia*

I stand in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the hem of my dress, and take a deep breath. I look… well, I look like I'm ready to attend a royal wedding instead of a simple Pre-rehearsal family dinner. The deep emerald color of the dress compliments my skin tone perfectly, and the way it hugs my curves makes me feel a little more confident. At least, I hope I can channel that confidence because tonight is about introducing Caleb to my mother, and that’s a whole different kind of pressure.

Caleb steps back into my room, looking like he just walked off a magazine cover. The chinos fit him perfectly, and that blazer… well, let’s just say he’s managing to pull off ‘sophisticated bad boy’ better than I could have ever imagined. “You really do clean up nice, hockey player,” I tease, giving him a once-over.

“Thanks! You look incredible,” he replies, his eyes lingering on me just a moment too long, and I can feel my cheeks warm. “Like, really incredible.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I quip back, but the sincerity in his eyes makes my stomach flutter.

“Okay, let’s get this show on the road,” he says, offering me his arm. “I’m not sure I’m ready for the Harrington family circus, but here comes the clown.”

“Just remember, you’re not on the ice tonight. It’s all about surviving family dynamics,” I say, opening the door and gesturing for him to go first.

As we step into the hallway, I can hear the soft chatter and laughter echoing from below. The pre-rehearsal dinner, whatever that actually is, is being held in the lavish banquet hall.

We take the elevator down to the banquet hall, and as soon as the doors open, we’re hit with the smell of fancy hors d'oeuvres and the sound of clinking glasses. This place comes complete with crystal chandeliers and more gold accents than I could ever dream of.

“Wow, this place is… fancy,” Caleb remarks, glancing around, his eyes wide.

“Welcome to the Harrington family’s idea of a casual family dinner,” I reply, rolling my eyes good-naturedly. “Just wait until you meet my mom.”

“Your mom?” He raises an eyebrow, and I can see the apprehension flashing in his eyes.

“Yeah, Charlotte ‘Kitty’ Harrington, or the ringmaster of this circus” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Expect snobbery at its finest. Just remember to smile and nod.”

“Got it. Smile and nod until I can escape. Where is the ref when you really need hin to use the penalty box?” he mutters, and I can’t help but laugh.

I spot my father immediately… Senator Harrington, standing tall in a tailored suit, discussing something important with someone who seems like the head waiter. He glances over and gives me a nod, but his expression is all business.

Charlie comes sprinting over when he spots us, “Finally, normal People.”

Caleb waves at Charlie, who grins widely and practically bounces in place. “Hey, Charlie! Good to see you again, buddy!”

“Caleb! You look snatched” Charlie shouts, and I can’t help but beam at my brother’s enthusiasm.

“Thanks, I think, you look pretty… snatched yourself. I’m just trying to keep up with your sister,” he replies, winking at me.

Before I can respond, I hear a sharp voice cutting through the laughter. “Virginia! There you are!”

My heart sinks as I turn to face my mother, who strides over with all the grace of a runway model… except with a scowl that could freeze the sun. She’s wearing a designer dress that looks like it cost more than my car, and her perfectly manicured nails grip her clutch like it’s a life preserver.

“Mother,” I say, forcing a smile. “Caleb, this is my mother Charlotte. Mom, I’d like you to meet Caleb. He’s… ”

“… the hockey player,” she interrupts, looking him up and down as if he’s just stepped in from the gutter. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Caleb.”

“Uh, all good things, I hope?” Caleb replies, his voice an odd mix of charm and nervousness.

“Let’s just say I hope you’re more than just a pretty face on the ice,” she replies, her tone dripping with condescension.

“Mom, can we not?” I say, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “This is a family dinner, not a roast.”

“Of course, dear. I’m just concerned about your choices,” she responds, her eyes landing on my dress as if she’s assessing whether or not it’s up to her standards.

Then something else apparently wrong catches her eye and she waves a waiter over.

“See, this is exactly the kind of thing I meant when I said ‘surviving family dynamics,’” I whisper to Caleb, who is trying to suppress a grin.

“Nice to meet you, Charlotte,” Caleb says, giving her a polite smile, when her attention returns to us.

“Call me Mrs. Harrington please,” she replies, completely missing the fact that Caleb’s eyes are now wide with disbelief. “We do not know each other well enough to be on first names.”

“Sure thing, Mr Harrington,” he says, his voice steady, but I can see the tension in his jaw.

“Let’s get you both some drinks,” I suggest quickly, grabbing Caleb’s arm and pulling him towards the bar. “Sorry about her. She’s… well, she’s a lot.”

“No kidding,” he replies, chuckling lightly as we reach the bar. “What’s her deal? Does she always act like this?”

“Pretty much,” I say, shaking my head. “But don’t worry; it’s not personal. She hates everything I do and everyone I date if she has not picked them, so you’re in good company.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he says, raising an eyebrow.

We order our drinks, and I take a moment to breathe, trying to shake off the awkwardness. “So, what do you think of the place? A bit over-the-top, right?”

“More like a palace,” he remarks, glancing around. “But I guess that’s what you get when you’re marrying into a family like this.”

“Just wait until you meet my sister and her fiancé. They’re… Nah, kidding, they’re much nicer than my mom,” I assure him, just as Caylee and Ryan walk in, hand in hand.

“Speaking of the devils,” I mutter, spotting them. “Here they come.”

Caylee looks radiant in her own stunning dress, and Ryan, her fiancé, seems genuinely excited to be here. They make their way to us, and I can see Caleb relaxing a bit.

“Hey, everyone! So glad you could make it!” Caylee beams. “Mom’s been on edge all day, so we really need all the help we can get.”

Caylee turns to me, her smile brightening even more. “And you must be Virginia’s hockey player! I hope she’s treating you well.”

“Oh, she is,” he replies, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride.

“Just be careful of our mom,” Caylee warns, glancing over her shoulder. “She’s been in a mood since the engagement.”

“Thanks for the heads up, even if it comes a but too late” Caleb responds, and I can’t help but laugh.

Caylee makes a face like she Can imagine exactly how it went.

“Great to meet you, Ryan,” Caleb says, shaking Ryan’s hand firmly. “Congrats on the upcoming wedding.”

“You too, man! I’ve heard a lot about you,” Ryan replies, his eyes shining with friendliness.

As the dinner progresses, the atmosphere is rather awkward at times. My mom makes snide comments about the ‘hockey lifestyle,’ and Caleb takes it all in stride, throwing in jokes about puck bunnies and slap shots. At one point, he even tells a story about a time he accidentally wore mismatched socks to a game, and that one actually have everyone burst into laughter.

“See? I knew you’d fit right in,” I whisper to him as he takes a sip of his drink.

“Yeah, if fitting in means being the butt of every joke,” he grins, clearly enjoying the banter.

I am starting to hope this will actually go rather well.