Shattered Ice

Meeting dad

*Virginia*

As we pull up to the resort, the sight takes my breath away. The grand façade glimmers in the sun, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. I can't help but feel a rush of excitement and dread… the perfect combination for an extendex wedding weekend. I turn to Caleb, who is gaping at the entrance like he’s just stepped into a movie scene.

“Welcome to the Harrington family circus,” I say, trying to lighten the mood as I park the car.

“This is a wedding venue?” He glances at me incredulously. “I was expecting a tent in someone’s backyard.”

I chuckle as I step out of the car. “Well, you know my family likes to go all out. Now let’s just get through check-in without any hiccups.”

Caleb grabs our bags, and we make our way to the lobby, where a bell-hop almost fall over himself to be allowed to take them, apologising he was not at the car. The air is thick with floral scents and chatter, and I can see a few guests milling about, adjusting their ties and smoothing their dresses. I approach the front desk, where a cheerful attendant greets us.

“Hi there! Checking in?”

“Yes, Harrington,” I say, smiling. “Virginia Harrington.”

She smiles even wider and nod. “For the wedding, of course. Welcome ma’am, sir… just a moment.”

She types a few things into the computer, and I can feel Caleb’s eyes darting around, absorbing the opulence. He leans in close, whispering, “This is more fancy than anything I have ever been at… and I am a professional athlete."

“Just be cool, alright?” I whisper back, trying to suppress a laugh.

“Cool? I’m a hockey player, not a cucumber.” He grins.

I roll my eyes. He has a knack for cracking me up even in serious situations. “You literally play on ice, you should know cool.”

“Ah, here we go!” the attendant says, handing me two key cards. “You’re in suites 214 and 216, just down the hall. Enjoy your stay!”

“Thanks!” I take the cards, and Caleb leans against the check-in desk with a mischievous grin.

“Wait a minute,” he says, waggling his eyebrows. “We are not sharing a room? I mean, where’s the fun in that? I was lead to believe that was one of the perks of weddings, needy bridesmaid… you are a bridesmaid right?”

I roll my eyes, suppressing a smile. “Oh please, like you could handle all this.” I gesture to myself.

He laughs, leaning closer. “Oh you have no idea what I can handle…”

Someone is clearing their throat behind us. “In my family we sleep in separate rooms untill we are married.”

I turn, and my heart sinks as I spot my dad and Charlie standing behind us. Dad has that authoritative look on his face, the one that commands respect, while Charlie is practically bouncing on his heels, a starry-eyed grin plastered on his face.

“Dad! Charlie!” I wave, trying to mask my anxiety.

“Virginia,” Dad says, nodding slightly. “You made it. And you… are you that Canadian hockey player?”

I glance at Caleb, who’s trying to muster up his most sophisticated expression. He fails miserably. Instead, he looks like a deer caught in headlights, hands shoved awkwardly in his pockets.

“Uh, yes, sir! That’s me,” he finally manages, flashing a grin that’s more goofy than dignified.

I give him a nudge. “This is my boyfriend, Caleb. He plays for the Charleston Pelicans.”

Charlie’s eyes widen, and he steps closer, practically bouncing in place. “You’re Caleb Mackinnon? You scored that crazy goal against the Bruins last season?”

“Uh, yeah, that was me,” Caleb says, clearly surprised by his enthusiasm. “Not my proudest moment, but I’ll take the compliment. I mean, I was just trying to keep the puck away from the other guy...”

“Can I get a selfie with you?” Charlie interrupts, eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Sure!” Caleb beams, and I can see the tension in his shoulders ease as he poses with Charlie, who’s practically vibrating with joy.

Dad watches, arms crossed, his expression inscrutable. I can’t quite read him, but I know he’s evaluating Caleb. “So, you’re from Canada?” he finally asks, his tone neutral.

“Yup! Born and raised in Toronto,” Caleb replies, trying again to sound sophisticated but failing to suppress his enthusiasm. “But I’ve been down here for a while now. Love it here! Except the weather. I mean, how do you guys stand this heat?”

Dad raises an eyebrow, and I can feel the urge to cringewelling up inside me. “You’ll get used to it,” he says, not entirely convinced.

“Yeah, I’ll just bring my snow pants next time,” Caleb quips, and Charlie bursts into laughter.

“Nice one!” Charlie says, looking delighted. “I can’t believe I’m hanging out with you right now! My friends are going to freak!”

“Caleb is a great guy,” I chime in, feeling the need to elevate his reputation. “He’s helped me with a lot of… um, personal matters.”

Dad’s gaze sharpens. “Personal matters?”

“Yeah! You know, emotional support. He’s a great listener.” I shoot Caleb a look, trying to steer the conversation away from anything that could lead to awkward questions.

Caleb, sensing my cue, leans in with a grin. “And I can make a mean poutine. You guys ever had that? It’s, like, fries, cheese curds, and gravy… so good!”

“Dad says we need to eat healthy,” Charlie pipes up, and I can see Caleb’s face momentarily falter before he regains composure.

“Right! Well, I can whip up something else. Do you guys like… uh… vegetables?”

“I do!” Charlie says, and I can’t help but smile.

“Fantastic! I’ll cook for you, then, not here but you know… sometime” Caleb says, clearly trying to win over Dad.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Dad says, his tone still firm. “We’ll see how this goes first.”

“Of course, sir. I appreciate the invitation,” Caleb replies, his tone suddenly formal. I can see him struggling to find the right balance between being himself and impressing my dad. He looks like he’s in a game with an unseen referee, trying to avoid penalties.

“Well, we should let you two settle in,” Dad says, his expression softening slightly as he looks at me. “We have a pre rehearsal dinner to prepare for.”

“Right! I’ll see you guys later!” I say, waving as they walk away.

Once they’re out of earshot, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “That was… something.”

Caleb grins, visibly relieved. “Yeah, I think I survived my first encounter with the family. Not bad for a Canadian hockey player, right?”

“Not bad at all,” I say, almost rolling my eyes. “Just keep the puns coming, and you might just win them over.”

“Puns and poutine, it’s a winning combo!” He winks.

I sigh. “Caleb, I was being sarcastic, my parents wouldn’t recognise humour if it bit them in the ass.”