Chapter 013: Ice & Fire
1290 Words
~SAFFRON~
The auburn-haired girl is Elixir’s twin. They don’t look alike, but I should’ve known. Her staring at the house party suddenly clicks—she knows that I’m Jason’s step sister and saw me with her brother, Elixir Miller. Oh God. No wonder the name Miller made Jason’s face twist like a nightmare when Fred dropped it at dinner.
Elixir is already looking straight at me, his scarred eye catching the flash of a camera, wearing a tux that makes him look like he owns the entire night. His twin follows his gaze, and the second she sees me, her smile falters. Their parents are still waving at the cameras. And damn, Elixir’s mom could be his twin—same sharp jaw, same stormy eyes.
Fred and my mom look so happy when they spot them. But Jason goes rigid beside me, the switch flipping from cold to pure ice. Elixir’s lips curve into a slow smile. He lifts one hand in a casual wave to the cameras flashing as they approach the red carpet, but his eyes never leave mine.
“Cavendish,” Fred says excitedly, hugging Mr. Miller after leaving the red carpet. We follow, except Jason. He disappeared when I wasn’t looking. Where did he slip off to? The thought nags at me as I scan the crowd.
“You look good, Frederick,” Mr.Miller says, hugging Fred tightly. “Meryl,” he says excitedly as soon as his eyes meet my mom, who is now hugging Mrs. Miller. Then everything else fades when Elixir approaches me, leaving his sister behind who keeps staring at me.
“Saffron, hi.” Elixir says, dimples on full display. Seriously, he is one hell of a fine young man.
“Hi,” I smile back.
His eyes slide from mine all the way down to my heels and back up. “Lord have mercy,” he mutters. I laugh under my breath. He clears his throat, cheeks faintly pink. “You look… breathtaking.” The words almost come out as a whisper.
“Thank you,” I say. “You look good too.”
He doesn’t respond at first, then blinks. “Thank you.” He moves closer to me, suddenly looking tense. “I’m so happy we get to see each other again. I—”
“Time for the red carpet.”
His sister cuts him off, grabbing his arm and dragging him away. The interruption leaves his words hanging in the air, curiosity sparking hot in my chest.
“I will see you inside, Saffron,” Elixir calls loudly, eyes still locked on mine.
I nod, giving him one last smile.
“You must be…” Mr. Miller says. I already know who it is before I turn. He’s looking at me with open curiosity and admiration.
“Saffron,” Fred supplies quickly.
“She’s a beauty,” Mr. Miller says, glancing between my mom and Fred. They both beam like they’re proud of me. I almost roll my eyes.
“I thought I saw Jason,” Mrs. Miller says, scanning the crowd.
“He must be around somewhere,” Fred answers.
“Well, we better hit the carpet,” Mr. Miller says, taking his wife’s hand.
“We’ll talk more inside,” Fred says as they shake hands. Mr. Miller leans in and whispers something in Fred’s ear before they head off to join their children on the red carpet.
Fred and my mom do a quick interview. I keep stealing glances at Elixir, his posture oozing an aura of effortless command.
Inside, the ballroom is straight-up gorgeous, crystal chandeliers throwing sparkles across shiny floors, fresh flowers everywhere, a jazz quartet humming softly. Glass cases showcase jerseys, trophies, championship teams.
A young woman in a sharp black suit greets us with a clipboard. “Good evening, Mr. Winchester. Wonderful to see you and your beautiful family. Your table is all set in the front. The other co-hosts are in the VIP lounge if you’d like to say hello before cocktails.”
She gestures smoothly to the right, and we follow her. Fred greets guests along the way. She gestures again toward our table, and we sit, but Fred is already walking away in the next second after whispering something in my mom's ear. I don't bother asking—the nerves this new life brings are enough to keep me on my toes.
Minutes later, the Millers are now inside. Elixir seated with his family, a table that's close to ours. He steals glances at me, looking away only when his sister says something to him.
Cocktail hour kicks off strong, then dinner starts.
Fred and Mr. Miller are off yapping with the other men while I scan for Jason. He's gotta be here somewhere. I finally spot him chatting with another guy his age in a corner. He parts ways and heads toward our table. I look away fast.
My mom gives him a quick smile. Elixir’s sister smiles for the first time too—small, private, aimed straight at Jason, her eyes lighting up like she’s been waiting for him.
Jason sits opposite me, back turned to the Millers. He looks at his food like it personally offended him, jaw tight.
“You alright, Jason?” My mom asks.
He glances at me first, making my breath hitch before answering her. “Yeah.”
Right in the middle of dinner Fred rejoins us and Mr. Miller returns to his table. The emcee takes the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s fundraiser for Sterling Heights Athletics! Let's kick things off with our keynote speaker, Fred Winchester”
Fred nails his speech, all smooth and confident, thanking the sponsors, including a shout out to “our generous partners, the Millers…" The room claps it up. Elixir smiles at me coyly when our eyes meet. I bite back a smile. His dad stands up quickly, giving a little wave. Everyone is clapping except Jason. He does nothing other than glance at me every second with warmth in his eyes, and I notice every bit of it because I keep sneaking looks at him.
"And now, let's hear from our star hockey captain, Jason Winchester, on building championship." Fred announces with a flourish, and everyone cheers Jason on.
Jason squeezes his eyes shut for half a second, then stands. He glances at me one more time before he gets up and buttons his jacket, his face totally blank like a poker pro. He heads to the podium, and the clap dies down, the whole place getting quiet. Fred is now sitting with us, close to my mom, watching Jason with that you-better-not-screw-this-up look.
Jason looks at his father, then clears his throat. "Thanks, Dad, for that intro." he starts “Athletics at Sterling Heights isn't just about the games, it's about grit, teamwork, and pushing limits every day on the ice or the field." He pauses, scanning the room. "We've built something strong here, with players who give it all, balancing classes, training, and that drive to win. But let's be real, without solid sponsorships, we fall behind. Gear, facilities, travel—it all adds up." His gaze darts over to the Millers' table. "Even when those sponsors come with… complications."
My lips part at the subtle shade. Jason chuckles, low and dangerous. The room laughs along, clueless, but the Millers’ table goes dead quiet except for the angry buzz rolling off Elixir. Fred’s jaw tightens.
Jason keeps rolling. "That said, we've got real talent. From our top scorers to the underdogs who surprise everyone." He glances at Elixir, then continues. "So tonight, let's invest in that future. Donate generously. Build champions who'll make us all proud."
- Writer
