Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“He’s a crazy asshole. Just keep the offer in your back pocket. I might be a cold sonofabitch, but I’ll come help. Even if you think we haven’t in the past.”
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t upset Cole.”
“Good. But also make sure he doesn’t upset you. You’re on edge enough.”
Luci
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow across the neighborhood, I found myself stepping into the Reed house on the eve of Halloween. My mind was a flurry of thoughts, contemplating all the fun activities we could engage in today. I hadn’t picked up Cole from preschool; Imogen had sent me a text saying she would take care of it. Apparently, something had gone awry at school involving a larger child and a block, and I couldn’t help but worry about Coco’s well-being. The last thing I needed was for him to be hurt.
That thought nagged at me, reminding me of my own responsibilities. I still had to finish my paper for basic health class, not to mention tackle my to-do list for various projects. I needed to prioritize everything and then “chunk” each task. Such a peculiar word, “chunk,” always made me think of that silly movie where the therapist would help me break things down, and all I could hear was “Sloth love Chunk.” Had we really watched that film?
Suddenly, the sound of Cole’s sobbing pierced through my reverie, pulling me back to the present moment. My heart raced as I shifted into high alert, sprinting toward the kitchen where the cries grew louder.
As I rounded the corner, I halted in my tracks. There he was, curled up in a tight fetal position on the floor, crying as if his heart were breaking. His little face was buried deep in his hands, and my heart ached for him.
“Cole, that’s enough now. Get up,” Imogen ordered, her voice laced with impatience as she loomed over him.
“I don’t want to! I want to go trick or treating! My Dark Vader costume…” he wailed, and I felt a pang of sorrow shoot through me.
“Cole, I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen. Your father and uncles have practice until late, and then they’re off to a party downtown with some pretty ladies. I have a party too, with my friends. You’ll come with me and be with Eloise and her nanny. It’ll be fun,” she said, her tone barely masking her lack of conviction.
Imogen had already given me a day off for tomorrow, and I had assumed it was because they intended to take Cole out for trick-or-treating.
“Mrs. Reed, sorry to interrupt,” I said, stepping forward. Her head snapped in my direction, surprise flickering across her features. “I could take Cole trick or treating. I’m taking Barrett with his Aunt Sydney, and Cole could join us. I could pick him up from school and bring him here to get dressed, or I can take his costume today, and he can come with me to Sydney’s to get ready.”
Imogen’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing me. Cole, now quieting down, raised his head with a glimmer of cautious hope.
“Where would you take him? I don’t want him going to just any neighborhood,” she replied, a hint of disdain coloring her words. I felt a surge of irritation. Like you actually care, lady, I thought but kept my mouth shut.
“We always go to Hedgewood Estates. My former boss lives there, and she sets up an entire yard full of fun activities. All the adults go all out in costumes. It’s very safe,” I explained. It was a place where the houses ranged from three-quarters of a million to a full million, where the residents were kind-hearted and loved to throw this event for the kids every year. Real parents and grandparents, genuinely invested in the joy of all children.
The surprise that flickered across her face was almost comical. “That… that would be acceptable. Get up, Cole, and thank Luci for her kindness. If there’s going to be an issue, Luci, please inform me as soon as possible.”
“I don’t think it will be, Mrs. Reed.” I replied, my voice steady. She nodded curtly before leaving the room.
As soon as she was gone, Cole rushed over and wrapped his tiny arms around my legs. “Thank you, Luci,” he whispered, his voice still shaky with hiccups as he tried to regain his composure.
I gently pried his arms away and knelt down to his level. “Now, there’s a little price for me taking you,” I said, a playful grin creeping onto my face.
He frowned, deep in thought, and I had to suppress my laughter. “I get three pieces of chocolate from your bag,” he declared with a serious nod.
His laughter rang out, a pure sound that resonated deep within my soul. “You can have four, Luci!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms around me once more.
“Well then, I made a really good choice inviting you. Now, let’s grab a snack, and afterward, we’re going to build a fort with those tube things you have,” I said, feeling a swell of happiness.
Just then, Baker entered, setting two plates down in front of us. I noticed homemade chocolate chip cookies alongside grapes and cheese crackers. He winked at me. “For a job well done, Luci.”
I looked into his kind eyes and asked, “Baker, how long have you worked here?”
“Since Mr. Easton and Jackson were born. When I retired from the military, I was looking for a job of a certain kind, and I came here to fulfill a favor. You see, Luci, I didn’t always have all my eggs in one basket either. That’s how I met Jason Reed-when my eggs got fried,” he said softly before walking away. Empathy swelled within me; it wasn’t easy to share such personal history with someone you barely knew. Perhaps it was because I had confided in him as well.
Turning my attention back to Cole, I saw him happily munching on his cookie, which was exactly what I planned to do too. Who made the rule that dessert had to come last? They should be evaluated for signs of intelligent life.
“Would you like to get ready here or at my house tomorrow?” I asked him, and he immediately responded.
“Your house!”
Baker returned to wash his hands just as he heard Cole’s answer. I nodded, and Baker turned to me. “I will ensure his costume goes home with you, along with a change of clothes.”
“His pajamas, Baker. That way, I can change him before we drive back here in case he falls asleep. There’s going to be a lot of walking for those little legs,” I replied, feeling a sense of responsibility.
“Now, can I ask who Eloise is?” Baker inquired, leaning forward slightly.
“She is the four-year-old daughter of an old classmate of Easton and Jackson’s. He plays basketball, and his parents are hosting a masquerade charity event tomorrow night at their home, so Eloise will be spending the night with her nanny,” he explained.
“I see,” I nodded, realizing it sounded rather stuffy-definitely not something a four-year-old with dreams of being a dark Jedi Lord would find appealing, even for an hour.
Baker assured me to go home once Cole was asleep, having already packed his bag for me.
“Thank you, Baker,” I said gratefully.
He handed me a large cooler bag. “There are healthy snacks in here with plenty of protein and fat to stave off the sugar crash for him and Mr. Barrett. I also added a lasagna. It’s already cooked; just needs to be warmed up.”
“You are a treasure, Baker. I’ll bring the bag back in two days,” I promised sincerely, and he smiled.