Chapter NINETEEN
Ariel sat stiffly at the long dining table, forcing a tight smile as she passed the salad bowl to Jessica. The clinking of silverware echoed in the cavernous room, underscoring the awkward silence hanging over the dinner party. Across the table, Hugo picked at his food, avoiding eye contact with Vivienne, who sat sullenly beside him, arms crossed. If it was possible, the mood between the families had grown even more dour.
Under the table, Miles squeezed Ariel’s knee reassuringly.
Bradford”s booming laugh cut through the tension, though it rang hollow. ”Come on folks, lighten up! We”re supposed to be celebrating here.” He nudged Randall, who smirked, coming back to the table with whiskeys in hand for them both.
Where did he get whiskey? Did he get into the bar on the restaurant side?
Ariel noticed Katie gazing longingly out the window into the moonlit night, no doubt wishing she could escape to the snowed-over gardens. Ethan shoveled food quickly, eyes downcast.
”Maybe charades later will liven things up a bit, eh?” Bradford declared with false enthusiasm. Carl rolled his eyes while Connie shifted uncomfortably.
Ariel sighed inwardly, sensing the precarious dynamic. She wanted to nurture connections between them, yet recognized the simmering undercurrents of unease. Ariel picked at her food, the roasted chicken and green beans sitting heavily in her stomach. She felt the walls of the lodge closing in after being cooped up for days by the relentless snowstorm.
Looking around at the weary faces of her family and guests, she knew they all felt the same - tempers growing short, patience wearing thin. The forced joviality only highlighted the underlying tensions.
She caught Bradford”s eye, noting his expectant look. She knew he was waiting for her endorsement of his charades suggestion.
”I don”t know if games are the best idea right now,” she said gently. ”Everyone seems pretty on edge. Maybe we just need some time to ourselves, to relax and reset.”
Bradford”s face fell slightly before he recovered his superficial cheer. ”Nonsense! A little friendly competition is just what we need to blow off some steam.” He looked around encouragingly but was met with noncommittal murmurs.
Ariel gave him a sympathetic smile. She understood his aim to unite them, however misguided. There would be time enough for that later. For now, quiet and space felt more appropriate.
Bradford cleared his throat, standing up from the dinner table. ”Okay folks, I know we”re all feeling a little cooped up after the last few days, so I figured a rousing game of charades would help lift our spirits!”
He was met with blank stares and muted responses.
”Come on, it”ll be fun!” Bradford continued brightly, trying to rally them. ”We can divide into teams and get competitive!”
”I don”t know, Bradford...” Jessica began gently. ”I”m not sure everyone”s feeling up for games tonight.”
Carl grunted his dissent.
”With all due respect, I”d rather just relax with a book,” Vivienne said crisply.
Bradford”s face fell momentarily before he recovered his good cheer. ”No problem, it was just a suggestion,” he said smoothly. ”Another time, then.”
He sat back down, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Ariel gave him a supportive smile. She knew his heart had been in the right place, even if it was a tough crowd.
“Come on, folks. It sounds fun!” Ariel said enthusiastically.
“For who?” Vivienne groused.
A log collapsed in the fireplace, making Ariel jump. She caught Randall watching her from across the table with those sharp eyes that missed nothing. Ariel quickly composed herself and met his gaze steadily. Randall gave a barely perceptible nod before returning to his meal.
The clock on the mantel chimed nine times. Katie stifled a yawn next to Ariel.
”Well, if everyone feels like turning in early,” Ariel said, starting to stand up. Someone had to take charge. ”Long day tomorrow, Valentine’s Day—more bonding time!” She tried to sound enthusiastic.
As Ariel rose from her chair, Bradford suddenly stood up, his movement abrupt and unsteady. He was obviously a little tipsy, his eyes slightly unfocused. The room fell silent as they all turned to look at him.
”Enough of this!” Bradford”s voice was loud and laced with frustration. ”We”re going to bond and like it, because I am sick of these attitudes!”
There was a startled gasp around the table. Ariel exchanged a quick, concerned glance with Miles.
”We”re playing charades, and that”s final!” Bradford declared, his voice brooking no argument. ”I don”t care if you”re tired, or grumpy, or whatever. We are a family – or at least we”re supposed to be – and we are going to act like it!”
His words hung heavily in the air, his tone more of a demand than a suggestion. Ariel could see the discomfort on the faces of the other guests, the forced cheer now giving way to something more strained.
”We have fifteen minutes to finish eating and then I want everyone in the living room,” Bradford continued, his voice taking on a commanding tone. He pointed a finger at the doorway. ”Fifteen minutes. That”s all you get.”
Without waiting for a response, Bradford turned and stomped off toward the living room, his footsteps heavy and echoing in the quiet dining area.
There was a moment of stunned silence after he left. Ariel slowly sat back down, her mind racing. She knew Bradford”s heart was in the right place, but his approach was only exacerbating the tension. She glanced around at the other guests, who seemed equally taken aback by Bradford”s outburst.
Ariel knew she needed to tread carefully. Bradford”s ultimatum had put everyone on edge, and it was up to her to try and smooth things over. With a deep breath, she excused herself to follow Bradford into the living room, hoping to somehow salvage the evening.