Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
Joanne departs, casting a lingering glance in my direction that makes me feel as though I need to scrub myself clean with steel wool. “Easton, happiness is what you make it. Sometimes you have to shift your mindset to achieve your goals. Remember, you have a significant one you wish to accomplish.” She regards me with a steely gaze, and I can’t help but scowl back.
“Like I could ever forget that you have that looming over my head,” I reply coldly, grabbing my bag and angrily maneuvering around her. Perhaps I’ll make an effort again in ten years.
I toss my belongings onto my bed with a heavy sigh, my shoulder throbbing painfully. I’m exhausted, dirty, and starving. Cole woke up at four this morning, gripped by a nightmare, and it took me nearly an hour to calm him down. By that time, I was wide awake, so I used the opportunity to get an extra workout before preparing him for school.
Before I shower, I decide to check on Cole and Luci. His room connects to mine, and I open his door quietly, thanks to all the practice I’ve had over the years. He’s fast asleep, sprawled across his bed. In the corner of the room, the glow of a phone illuminates the otherwise dark space. Luci sits at his play table, scribbling something furiously, her phone casting a dim light over her work. I tiptoe closer before I can’t help myself and read over her shoulder.
To Do:
– Chunk 1: beginning of health essay.
– Chunk 2: diagrams for health essay.
– Chunk 3: history timeline.
I lean down, and she jumps, her eyes wide with surprise. I quickly hold my hands up in a gesture of peace as she closes her eyes, yanking the headphones from her ears. I notice the cord tangled in her hair-too late now.
“Sorry,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice low. “Didn’t realize you were listening.”
She nods, and I grab her bag and paper. “Follow me.”
I lead her into my room, and she looks around, startled by the unfamiliar surroundings. “I don’t want to wake Cole. Why were you in there hiding in the dark? And your to-do list says ‘chunk.’ What is that?”
Her voice is hoarse, and she clears her throat. “Chunks are how I break down my projects, so I can finish them. Pieces of work that you combine at the end. I had to stay out of sight… I mean, I thought I should stay in Cole’s room in case he woke up, and since the guests are here, and I… um, is this your room? Is that how you got in without me seeing you because I was facing the door? Or was I just so spaced out?”
“Connecting door. Did my mother tell you to stay out of sight?”
“Yes, but I mean, she has fancy guests.” She trails off as my eyes blaze with frustration.
“You aren’t a dog to be hidden away, Luci.” I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. “I need a favor.”
She looks stunned, her big brown eyes widening. “A favor?”
“Yes, sweetness. My shoulder is killing me. I think it needs to be thoroughly cleaned; it’s probably getting infected. Can you wait here and listen for Cole while I shower and then clean my shoulder again?”
“Umm, why not your brothers?”
“Because I don’t want them to know I got hurt this badly. They’ll take it easy on me in practice, and that won’t go over well with Coach, who doesn’t need to find out what I did.”
She nods, understanding my request.
“Thanks. You can work at my desk in normal lighting to avoid straining your eyes.” I gesture toward the black chair that sits in the corner.
I hurry to throw on sweatpants after my shower, grabbing the peroxide and bandages. Luci looks up when I step out, and I go to sit on the bed.
She steps closer, grabbing the pads and bottle. I hear her gasp as I turn to face her. “It’s swollen and red. It’s probably infected,” she exclaims, her concern evident. I hear the cap snap before the cold liquid hits my shoulder, stinging in a strangely satisfying way. She’s applying the cream when my door swings open, and Jackson steps in, doing his best to hide his shock.
“Uhh, East, how did you get that?”
Becker and Kingston follow closely behind him, their eyes honing in on my shoulder with frowns etched on their faces. “What the hell, East?”
“Does no one knock anymore?” I grumble, annoyance creeping into my voice.
“I hit him. With a sharp object,” Luci says, her voice gentle as she continues to apply the bandage. Becker bursts into laughter, and I raise an eyebrow at her, contemplating how to retaliate for her unexpected comment.
I quickly toss on a shirt as Baker wheels in a cart laden with our food. “I’ll leave this here. Luci, you can escape through the front door since they’ve retired to the back lounge. Follow me.”
She gathers her things, and Kingston hands her the list. “Thank you, Luci,” I call after her, and she simply nods before slipping out.
**Imogen**
I stand beside the kitchen island, tapping my nails against the counter as I slowly count to ten. I don’t need to chase after Easton; he’s more than capable of creating a scene all on his own. I need to maintain a serene facade for my guests as well. With a practiced smile plastered on my face, I walk back to the lounge at a measured pace.
Jason glances up and smiles. “Boys home?” he asks, his tone casual.
I nod, returning the smile. “Yes, but practice was quite grueling. They need to shower and eat. They’re helping to train a new starter with extra practices. Very dedicated, those four to their sport.” I direct this comment toward Morgan, the one Jason needs to convince.
“An admirable trait,” Morgan replies, his thoughtful smile betraying a hint of approval.
As I listen to the chatter surrounding me, I can’t help but ponder Easton’s words. My son has no idea of the sacrifices required to maintain this lifestyle. I’ve ensured that my boys will never struggle or suffer as I did, nor as Jason did for marrying me. He may think I’m cold, but he is already beginning to change, adapting to become more like me. He’s learning to make the difficult decisions necessary to obtain what he desires most.
One day, he’ll understand. He’ll realize that I was right.
Easton