The Arrangement (New Hampshire Bears Novella)

by Mary Smith

  Copyright 2015 © Gone Writing Publishing

  This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state, and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to give or sell this book to anyone else.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  All Rights Reserved

  Dedication

  To everyone

  Chapter One

  Dacey

  Freedom.

  I smile at the word as I walk across the courtyard to my next class. Today is beautiful, even better since my sister isn’t in town.

  Freedom.

  I stroll into the classroom as if on a cloud of happiness. Now, I love my sister Aimee, but lately, she’s been harder on me than normal. I think it’s the wedding. She’s been stressed to the max, and it’s two weeks from the big day.

  Mine is much further away.

  I push away any minute thought of my future nuptials. I can’t even bring myself to think about it fully. Every time I do, tears form in my eyes, and sadness overtakes me. But, today is going to be the greatest day in a long time and nothing will bring me down.

  Homework begins to pile up all over my desk. Doing any of it sounds horribly boring, and taking a run in the park sounds much more pleasing. I giggle as I hop up from the desk chair to the closet and quickly get into my running gear.

  The running park isn’t massive like some, but perfect for me. I like to run. Actually, I think I love it more because no one bothers me. I put in my ear buds, crank up my playlist of One Direction and took off. I know 1D isn’t something I should openly admit to liking, but I do love those guys.

  I run my first lap easily, letting my pace match the bass of the music. My mind gets lost in the song about love, imperfections, and growing up. I think of Vance.

  Vance Pemberton and I have known each other since infancy. Our parents are dear friends, and we were betrothed and our marriage arranged when we were ten.

  Yes, ten is young. Typically, parents wait until the teenage years to make the announcement, but, as the story goes, our mothers couldn’t wait to tell the world. I love my mum and Vance’s mum is equally amazing, but they’re both controlling. It’s not a surprise and both openly admit it, but it’s because they have our best interest at heart. In other words, super-controlling.

  I run three more laps and then walk back to the apartment. I share a two bedroom with my sister, Aimee. At least, until she gets married. Our father has paid the apartment up until the end of summer, but after that it’s anyone’s guess on where I’ll go. I assumed I’d be marrying Vance before the summer ends. Vance just finished a season in the Canadian Hockey League. Hockey is his whole life. Not many Irish men make it to the Professional Hockey League, but Vance’s talents exceed most.

  As of now, he’s going to remain in Canada a couple more weeks because of a new trainer he found, then he’ll come home shortly before going to America and entering the PHL’s draft. As for me, I’m about to finish at the university.

  After I make it back home I take a quick shower and do my best to think about the schoolwork in front of me on the desk, and especially my future with Vance.

  One day at a time.

  I pick up the top book, take a deep breath, and begin my work.

  “Dad, I’m fine. If I need anything I’ll ring you.”

  Dad growls softly on the phone. “Just don’t leave the house. It’s dark out.”

  “Yes. I promise.” I smile into the phone and hang up. Where Mum in controlling, Dad is protective. Very protective.

  Dinner is nothing more than some snacks I find in the pantry and a bottle of water. I give up on the homework and curl up on the couch reading a book. I am not too far into my book when my phone alerts me of Facetime.

  “Hi, Vance.” I notice his dark blue eyes appear tired.

  “Hey.” He sounds it too. “How’s your day?”

  “It’s well. School and running are the highlights. Yours?”

  “Hockey and training.” He answers the same, as I do, all the time.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay.”

  There are no more words to be said. “Well, I’m reading.” I hold up the book for him to see, hoping he takes the hint that our conversation is through.

  “Wait…are you…” He pauses and the picture blurbs as if he’s moving. “Are you in your apartment?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Where’s Aimee?” He grits.

  “In London with Mum. I told you it’s her final fitting. They should be home tomorrow afternoon.”

  “You’re alone?”

  I refrain from rolling my eyes. “I’m fine, Vance.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but the doors and windows are locked. No one is coming in here.”

  He’s quiet for a moment, before saying, “I have to go. Bye,” and disconnects from Facetime.

  This time I do roll my eyes, tossing my phone to the side, and going back to my book. Vance treat me like a child a lot of times. Mum says he’s being protective like Dad. But I need to remind him I’m twenty-one and not five. I’m the youngest, and I know my parents have kept me sheltered a lot, but I can take care of myself.

  I’m deep into my book when a loud knocking sounds at my door. I look out the peephole to see Gerald, Vance’s oldest brother, and his wife, Robyn.

  “Hi.” I open the door baffled as to why they’re here.

  “You’re coming home with us,” Gerald says quick and rough.

  “Um…I’m okay here.” I know I’m whispering. It happens when I get nervous.

  “Dacey.” Robyn steps in toward me. “Just pack a bag for the evening.” Her tone is softer than Mr. Gerald The Brute Pemberton.

  “Fine.” I turn on the heel of my foot and try not to stomp down the hall and show my true frustration. I toss everything into a small bag and send a fast message to Vance.

  I would’ve been fine tonight. You didn’t need to send your family.

  I grab my books, laptop, and stuff it all into my school bag and head back to the living room where Gerald and Robyn wait.

  “I’m ready,” I announce trying to be upbeat when I’m not.

  When we reach the car, I send Dad a message, letting him know where I am and then put my phone in my pocket. As we drive along, my phone buzzes a lot, but I ignore every one of the notifications. Vance will just have to wait until I’m ready to talk to him.

  When we make it to their house, Gerald and Robyn show me to the guest room as if I’ve not been there before, but I’m polite and thank them as I head into the room, shutting the door behind me.

  I take my phone from my pocket and toss it on the bed still without looking at it. I thought about
calling Aimee, but she’s busy with Mum, and I don’t want to burden her with my issues. I don’t have friends in the true sense of the word because no one really understands our family traditions and what I’m really going through.

  I decide to go back to the book I’d been reading. Sure, I should do more homework, but I’m not in the mood at all now. The distraction of the fictional men will help me forget my anger at Vance.

  It lasts about ten minutes.

  Soon, there’s a knock on the door and Robyn sticks her head in with a sad smile. “Pick up his call, Dacey.”

  I want to slam my book shut and scream in annoyance, but instead I offer a small smile, nod, and watch Robyn close the door, just as my phone buzzes again.

  “I’m fine,” I answer. “You didn’t have to send your family.”

  “You were home alone. Did your father know?”

  “Vance,” I sigh. “Of course. My mother and Aimee are in London. I think he’d notice his wife being gone.”

  “Dacey,” he pauses. “Please don’t be this way. I’m not there to watch out for you.”

  “I’m twenty-one. Again, let me repeat this: I’m twenty-one. I was home alone for one night. That’s it. Aimee would be home by the time I got out of class.” I let the anger control my words, something I don’t normally do.

  “Dacey.” His tone is low when he softly says my name. “I’m very aware of your age. I’m just worried. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

  I feel my body relax at his words. “Why didn’t you just tell me that instead of sending your brother?”

  “You should know how I feel.”

  I hate when he uses that line. We never talk about our feelings or anything like that and the couple of times we have, this is his go-to line.

  “Get some rest and call me tomorrow,” he kindly orders.

  “I will.” I end the call with nothing else said between us.

  Chapter Two

  Vance

  Skating and playing hockey are the only things I do; they make me feel as if I have purpose in my life. Nothing else is number one. I love the ice, the sounds of my blades cutting into it, and the thrill of my hockey stick clapping the puck into the net. It’s where I am home.

  As the training ends for the day, my teammates and I head to shower and change, before going back to my apartment. I’ve been in the CHL for almost two years, and I’m ready for my next challenge: the PHL. The Professional Hockey League is where the elite go. The best of the best and I will do anything to get there. Teams have been contacting my brother, Gerald, and I know this will be my year in the draft, and it’s coming up soon.

  The first thing I do when I reach my room is check my phone.

  Aimee’s home. Dacey texts me.

  I’m glad.

  Maybe sending my brother to Dacey’s hadn’t been my best idea, but her being alone worried me. She’s never been by herself, and I wanted to be sure she was safe.

  How are your classes?

  Maybe some small talk will help her be less mad at me. Because I know how she feels, by the way she yelled at me last night. Dacey’s shyness overtakes her at times, but every once in a while, her wild side, as I call it, comes out and bites. She’s only really used her wild side on me a few times in the eleven years we’ve been arranged, but they do come out when I’m acting overbearing. Yes, I know when I do it, but I can’t help it.

  They’re fine.

  She’s still mad.

  Please don’t be upset. I just want you safe.

  I get it.

  I wish I knew a way to say ‘I’m sorry’ without saying the actual words. I’m not sorry, but I want some way to smooth things over.

  Gerald is the oldest and married the longest, almost ten years, but he’s a bit of a Neanderthal, and I’m positive he’s never apologized for anything. He’s a lot like Dad. Apollo, my middle brother, is the kindest of us all, has been married for three years to Leeza, and he’ll know what to do. He’s a mix of Dad and Mum.

  “Vance, to what do I owe the pleasure today?” Apollo greets me on the phone.

  “Just finished up for the day and need some advice.”

  “Okay, but first, let me ask you: when are you coming home?”

  “Oh, I’m still in this training program. I don’t want to leave until it’s finished. Besides, I’m making some great connections.”

  “PHL connections, right?” His tone was asking more than saying.

  “Yes.” I know where he’s going.

  “Robyn told Leeza how upset Dacey was last night, and I want to be sure you’re not having too much fun in Canada.”

  When I first came over here my family was not pleased at all, but there was no one who could come with me. Even though my parents truly don’t care, my mum did call a lot the first few weeks, and my brothers did as well. They all wanted to make sure I was okay. There were a few moments I’m not proud of, but I’m young and don’t think straight all the time.

  “Apollo, come on. You know I’m not doing anything anymore; I swear.”

  “Just making sure.” He sounds relieved. “Now what do you want to talk about?”

  I tell Apollo everything about Dacey and I and what happened last night. “I don’t want her mad at me. So, what do I do?”

  “Wow, you really haven’t spent any time with Dacey have you?”

  “No.” It’s sad to say, but it is the truth.

  I’ve spent almost every waking moment since the first time I picked up a hockey stick working out on and off the ice. Should I have spent more time with Dacey? Sure, but hockey is my life, part of my soul and the one thing I’m good at. Gerald and Apollo are both extremely book smart, but I hated school and barely made it through.

  Dacey and I did do things together, but it mainly involved family events and family dinners. We’ve been out a couple times on our own, but there’s been no hand holding. There was one horrible kiss gone wrong, and we have hugged a couple times.

  “Send her flowers or maybe send her to a spa day? Girls like both.”

  “Okay, I’ll send her flowers.”

  “When will you be home?” he asks firmly.

  “Next Tuesday. I promised Dacey I’d be her date at her sister’s wedding that Saturday. But I need to be back in the States for the draft.”

  “Okay, Mum and Dad will be happy to know you’re coming home.”

  “No, they won’t.” There’s no reason in lying. “I’ll see you soon, and thanks for the advice too.”

  When I end the call with Apollo, I go straight to Google and find a flower shop in Belfast. I’m not sure what to send. They website mostly shows roses on the front page and I go with a dozen red ones because I remember a movie where a guy sent those. The tough part is the card.

  What am I going to say?

  Well, I’m not sorry so I can cross it from the list. I’ll refrain from using the love word. Dacey and I aren’t there yes, even if we’ve been together forever. Yes, I like her. I mean, I have too right? I gave up thinking of what to say and simply put: V.

  Easy and to the point.

  The next day at training, my legs burn from all the drills I’m doing. I know it’ll be worth it in the end. I like the CHL, but this isn’t where I want to be. The PHL is my final goal. Well, not my final, but I want to reach it so badly.

  After the running drills, I hit the weight room until my arms hurt almost as bad as my legs. After a quick shower, I head back to the apartment. I don’t have a lot of items here. Mainly clothes while everything else came with the room. Except the bed. I can’t sleep on someone else’s bed. I do it for hotels, but not at home. I know packing should be number one on my list to do since I’m going home soon; instead, I stretch out on the bed and close my eyes.

  I’m not sure how long I slept, but I awoke to pounding on my door. I rub the sleep from my eyes as I open the door to see Gerald and Apollo standing on the other side.

  Shock fades as happiness takes over. My brothers are my mates and even thou
gh our family is fucked up, they support me. I hug them both around the neck.

  “What the hell? How did you get here?”

  Gerald chuckles. “In this day and age we fly.”

  “Very funny.” I shake my head with a smile as I release them. “Really, what are you doing here?”

  “Brotherly tine,” Apollo informs me. “We need to talk.”

  I groan and walk over to my bed. “What about?”

  “How about we all grab some dinner and talk then?” Gerald suggests, and I know better than to say no.

  “Let’s go.” I stand up, and the three of us head out.

  My brothers and I have never been picky eaters and I figure pizza is a great option all around. Plus, if they need to talk, I need to eat and drink. We find a booth on the back wall as far from other patrons as we can. This talk will be serious; I can feel it in my bones.

  The waitress comes over and we order two pitchers of beer and two large pizzas. My brothers and I do love to eat. Once she leaves, I look at them and do my best to prepare for this talk.

  “All right, hit me with it.”

  Gerald is the first to talk. “You’re twenty-one and have a promising career in front of you, but you need to think about Dacey too.”

  “I’m not giving up hockey,” I growl at him.

  “Hey,” Apollo chides softly. “No one is getting upset. We’re here to give you pointers about your love life and your future marriage. You and Dacey have hardly spent time together. Mum and Dad are worried, and they don’t want this to go bust.”

  Before I can answer, the waitress sets the beer down in the middle of the table.

  “Look,” Gerald pours himself a glass. “We know how difficult it was for us, and we courted our wives. We just want to help you.”

  I deflate into my side of the booth. “Okay. You’re right.”

  “Mum wants you to court Dacey as much as possible when you get home and until the draft,” Apollo tells me. “But I want to ask you something.”