The Arrangement (New Hampshire Bears Novella) by Mary Smith

mother.
    As I finish my last interview, Gerald leads me back to the hotel. We find Mum and all the girls in the restaurant located in the hotel.
    “Where’s Dad and Apollo?” Gerald asks as I blatantly stare at Dacey.
    She’s gorgeous sitting there in her pink blouse with her strawberry blonde hair flowing around her. I desperately want to talk more with her, but won’t be doing it in front of my family. This is something we need to do alone. Our future no longer involves them. No matter what they think.
    “I’m going to change,” I announce still staring at Dacey hoping she follows so we can talk.
    As I walk into the room, I jerk off my tie and hang up the jacket before sitting on the edge of the bed, taking off my button down. The reality of my life suddenly hits me. I’m about to be drafted. At least, I’m hoping and praying I will be.
    All my hard work has been for this moment. The question is where will I go? Several teams have contacted Gerald about me, but we’ve not figured out which team wants me the most. I know the stories of promising draftees who never find a home in the PHL.
    “Are you okay?”
    I whip my head up and see Dacey in front of me. Her cheeks are pink, and I notice she’s trying not to stare at my chest.
    “I’m good.” I stand. “I want to continue our talk.”
    “Not shirtless,” she whispers.
    “It’s not the first time you saw me without shirt.” I remind her with a smirk.
    “I was thirteen when I first saw you shirtless.” Her face turns a deeper shade of red.
    “We went on holiday with both of our families in France.” I smile at the memory. It was also the first time I saw her in a bathing suit. My memory recalls her father wasn’t happy, but it was something I’ll always remember.
    “You’re bigger now.” She’s still whispering. “Guess all the training helps.”
    “It does.” My smirk deepens. This is the Dacey I know: Cute, meek, shy, and always blushing. I’m happy to see she’s still in there. “I’ll go change since I’m making you uncomfortable. I don’t want to that.”
    She nods, stepping to the side to let me pass.
    When I come out a few moments later, I’m in a comfortable pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. I intentionally left my belt open and top button of the jeans undone. Just to work a small rise out of Dacey.
    Mean of me?
    Yes, but she seems to be more herself when I make her a little uncomfortable. She sits in the chair, and I take my place on the bed. We need to talk about the sleeping arrangements too. I’m sure I’ll be on the floor or in the chair.
    “How were the interviews?”
    “They all seemed to go well.” I nod. “Where did Mum drag you off to?”
    “A mall, of sorts. I didn’t have a choice.” She shrugs.
    “I’m sure you did not.” Mum doesn’t take no for an answer from anyone. “I hope you had fun at least.”
    “I’m thinking it more like an interrogation.” She stifles a laugh.
    “Sorry,” the sad tone is overwhelming from me. “I know it couldn’t have been fun.”
    She shrugs again. “Do you know where you’re going yet?”
    “I don’t know for sure. Gerald thinks it’ll be between Las Vegas, Nebraska, or New Hampshire.”
    “Where do you want to go?”
    “Vegas would be cool, but New Hampshire is the ideal fit.” We were quiet for a moment and I finally ask, “No matter where I go, you’ll come with me right?”
    Dacey looks out our window and says nothing.
    “I want you to. We could get married when we get back to Belfast. Be in America by training camp.”
    She still doesn’t look at me, making me worry.
    “Van—”
    A pounding on the door interrupts her. I growl, standing up to answer the door. I find Dad on the other side of it with a beer in his hand.
    “Listen,” he pushes his way through. I notice he’s dressed casually in jeans and a polo. “I need you both right now.”
    “Why?” I shut the door.
    “This fuck who I’m dining with is a fucking hockey nut.” He