Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“Goodnight.”
Luci
The moment I step through my front door, my phone buzzes with a message from Syd. It’s almost comical how predictable she is-five minutes after I arrive home, and there she is, waiting for news. Her apartment is just a block away, and I can almost picture her peering out the window, eyes trained on Easton’s truck as it rolls past her place to drop me off.
“How’s your night going?” she texts, the words popping up on my screen like a signal flare.
“Not my best night ever,” I reply, knowing full well she’ll be knocking on my door any second now.
As I peel off my winter gear, I can’t help but notice how Easton took the time to tidy up the place while I was getting ready. It’s a small gesture, but it warms me in a way I didn’t expect.
A loud, insistent knocking interrupts my thoughts, and I can’t help but chuckle as I swing open the door. Syd bursts in like a whirlwind, her eyes wide with concern. “You had a bad time?” she asks, her tone both accusatory and playful.
“Would you be surprised if I did?” I shoot back, trying to suppress a laugh. “You’ve been plotting against me all week, and you didn’t think to mention it?”
“Yes! What did he do? Do we need to go kill him? Banning is free tonight,” she replies, her seriousness making me laugh even harder.
“Relax, I’m kidding! It started out as an awful night, but it wasn’t Easton’s fault at all. He took me to the park festival, and I actually had a good time.”
“What was awful?” She tilts her head, her concern palpable.
I let out a long sigh, realizing we need to sit down for this part. “Okay, so here’s the deal. About half an hour before I left Cole, I got a text from Stormi. She wanted me to meet her at the rink. Apparently, she had car trouble and a box of hockey photos and records to haul back home for her next article. She said Humphries was gone, and she was about to interview Kendall, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I should have seen the red flags when she mentioned practice was ending and that I’d have time to pick her up. But I agreed.”
I can see the wheels turning in Syd’s head as I continue. “When I got there, I walked inside only to find Maxton Porter waiting for me. He had the audacity to call me a glorified puck bunny. He blocked my way to the exit, so I had to make a run for it. My sweater got snagged on something sharp as I tried to squeeze past him, and he started yanking on the yarn, laughing like a lunatic and boasting about finally beating Easton at something. I managed to find an open door and locked myself inside. The next thing I knew, Easton was growling at him, and I heard the unmistakable sound of a punch landing.”
Syd’s eyes widen in shock, and she shakes her head rapidly. “Please tell me Easton beat the crap out of him.”
I nod, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. “I heard security show up, but Easton had me lock myself back in the room until they left.”
She beams at me. “I am officially an Easton Reed fan. But Luci, you might need to file a report. That guy is unhinged.”
“Yeah, but he’s rich, and his father is a major donor for the school. I don’t stand a chance against that kind of influence,” I respond, my voice tinged with resignation.
“Stormi helped him?” Her voice rises with indignation. “Because that’s a fight I can take on my own.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t think so. Stormi did what I asked and didn’t call you.”
Her expression shifts to one of conflict, mirroring my own feelings. “We need to talk to her. Tomorrow night she wants a girls’ night?”
“Yes. I want to believe her, Syd, but I’m terrified of getting burned again.”
Her blue eyes soften with understanding. “I know. Let’s talk to her tomorrow night. Maybe the campus police know something about Maxton. Ask Easton if he can find out; you said he seemed friendly with them from what you overheard.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll ask him in the morning. He mentioned wanting to talk about something important.”
Syd’s expression turns sly. “I wonder what that could be.”
“He says he has baggage, Syd. I think it’s about that,” I warn her.
“Maybe it’s about Cole’s mom. Easton’s mother is more like a millstone than baggage,” she adds with a dry laugh.
At the mention of Imogen, a frown crosses my face. There’s no way that woman would be pleased to know I went on a date with Easton. “What is that look, Luci Forrester?” she asks, suspicion lacing her tone.
“There’s no way she’ll be happy that he took me out,” I confess softly, my mind racing with possibilities.
Syd’s voice is gentle as she reassures me. “Luci, that’s not up to her. What matters is Easton’s opinion. And he’s definitely all in for you. I got the impression he’s never had to work for a girl’s attention before.”
“He told me he wasn’t good at any of that and had never done it before,” I say, frowning at the thought.
Syd takes my hand, grounding me. “Hey, let him talk to you. This conversation turned out pretty good, right?”
“I know. I just have this nagging feeling that the bottom will drop out anyway.”
Easton
“Are you ready to play today?” I ask Cole, who is practically bouncing in his seat with excitement.
“Yes! And Luci is coming to watch me!” His grin is infectious, and I can’t help but smile back. As we approach her place, Cole rings the doorbell, his anticipation palpable. I feel the same way, but I remind myself to play it cool and not come off as overly eager.
When Luci opens the door, Cole launches himself into her arms. She laughs, enveloping him in a warm hug. “I’m excited to see you too!” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“Can we come in and see your house?” he asks, his curiosity evident.