Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
He ducks his head, looking sheepish as he retreats back to his friends, who are already ribbing him about his failed attempt. Luci and her friend stand there, watching the boys with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
“She’s nice to them, but she’s no fool. You must really get under her skin, East, and not in a good way. More like a hypodermic needle kind of way,” Kingston observes, delight evident in his voice.
Rolling my eyes, I decide it’s time to intervene. I stride toward Cole, who glances up at me. As I lift my mask, he comes running toward me, shouting, “Daddy!”
I lower my mask just in time to catch him. Luci and her friend turn to watch us, and I can see the tension in Luci’s posture-she’s likely worried I’m a stranger.
“Luci!” Kingston calls out, and I notice her relax as she recognizes him. He lifts his mask slightly, reassuring her. It’s clear she cares deeply for Cole.
“Daddy, you came! I’m having the best time! We’ve already collected so much candy, and we’re not even done with the street!” Cole exclaims, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
I chuckle softly, genuinely glad that Luci was able to bring him along. I had wanted to strangle my mother when Baker told me what happened yesterday. All those little tricks I had pulled tonight were justified in my mind.
Cole leans in, his expression suddenly serious as he holds a hand up like he’s sharing a secret. “She said I have to pay her, Daddy.”
“Pay her with what?” I whisper back, intrigued.
“Three pieces of chocolate from my bag. I’m going to give her five,” he replies, his generosity shining through.
“Very generous of you, Lord Vader,” I respond with mock seriousness.
“Batman and Sith Lord Vader, we should visit more houses to see if they’ll join your plans for world domination. And remember, your bedtime is fast approaching,” Luci calls out, her voice teasing yet warm. I stifle a laugh at her playful banter.
“Come on, Daddy!” Cole tugs at my hand, eager to lead me toward the girls.
I lift my helmet just like Kingston and Jackson as we approach them.
“You’re Sydney Olmos,” Becker states, extending his hand. She shakes it, eyeing him with curiosity.
“I am. Nice to meet you, Becker,” she replies, moving down the line, her gaze landing on me with a fiery intensity. Not exactly my biggest fan, it seems.
It’s clear that Becker and Kingston are the only ones who received the “nice to meet you” treatment from her.
“Come on, Starlight and Maeve!” Barrett shouts, breaking the momentary tension.
Sydney retorts playfully, “Hold up there, Bruce Wayne. And it’s Queen Maeve, buddy.”
“Yes, Aunt Queen Maeve,” Barrett replies in his best Batman voice, prompting laughter from all of us. This is infinitely more enjoyable than the stuffy socialite costume party my mother had insisted we attend.
Cole runs up to join Barrett, excitement radiating from him.
“Far enough, or I’ll blast you with light,” Luci warns, and they slow down to walk normally beside her.
Barrett frowns at her. “But Batman fears light,” he protests.
She makes a face at him, clearly enjoying their banter. “I know. That’s why I chose this costume tonight-to keep you two dark beings in check.”
“Okay, I have to know. Are you fans of the show?” Jackson surprises us all by asking the girls, his usual shyness with women seemingly forgotten.
“Yes,” Luci replies matter-of-factly.
“We dress up every year,” Sydney explains. “And yes, we choose a theme. We’re still kids tonight.”
As she speaks, I notice Homelander and Billy Butcher walking past us.
“More of your team. They could join you,” Becker jokes, a grin on his face.
Sydney nudges Luci playfully. “Nah, Luci is probably looking for Soldier Boy. Or at least Jensen Ackles in any form.”
Luci fires back without missing a beat, “Nope. I’m searching for Golden Boy for you.”
“Mmmm yes. Even if he did self-immolate,” Sydney adds with a laugh. “But Soldier Boy would work just fine.”
A girl dressed as Medusa passes by, overhearing their conversation. “Who would want Jensen Ackles?”
“Who wouldn’t? Only someone without eyes and ears,” Luci mutters under her breath before skipping ahead to catch up with the boys, who are now approaching a couple dressed as minions. I hear them say “trick or treat” before selecting their treats.
On the way back, Luci grabs their hands and twirls them around, laughter spilling from her as she shares funny anecdotes. They chatter away, each speaking at a rapid-fire pace about completely different things.
“Luci, if we go down there, they said they have glow sticks shaped like glasses and hats, plus balloon animals,” Barrett exclaims.
Cole interjects simultaneously, “That guy said my costume was awesome! I heard the house across the street from the glow stick house has chips and lemonade.”
I struggle to keep up with their excitement, but Luci simply nods, her smile warm and encouraging. “We’ll go to the glow stick house and the chip house, I promise. Which balloon animal would you choose?” she asks, effortlessly engaging them.