Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“Did you misunderstand what I meant the other night? You looked shocked I said it out loud. I’m your boyfriend, Luci.” His eyes narrow, searching mine for clarity.
I shake my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. “No, I just didn’t know if you wanted me to reveal you’re Cole’s father or your last name. And you said that in front of Cole.”
His eyes soften, a hint of understanding breaking through. “Sweetness, Cole is going to call me daddy all through lunch. Again, I can’t hide my identity when people see me. It’s okay, Luci. She’s basically your parent, so I don’t think it’ll be an issue. Cole is completely immersed in his book.”
Over lunch, Janet engages Cole with a series of questions about his turkey roll before shifting her focus to how the Olmos family is doing.
Her attention turns to Easton. “I believe you are quite the hockey player. You and your brothers. I brought my oldest misfit, Joel, to watch a game last year. He loved it.”
“He’s still with you, I hope?” I add, genuinely concerned.
Janet smiles softly. “Collins is his social worker too. He’ll be with me until he ages out. He needs that stability.”
Easton chimes in, “If he loves hockey, I’d be happy to get you tickets to a few games. Text Luci some dates that work, and I’ll arrange it. Luci can send them to you.”
“I wasn’t angling for that,” she protests, but Easton simply shrugs.
“I know. But I’m offering,” he states matter-of-factly.
“That would make his year. He hopes to play when he goes to college. Thank you, Easton.”
“No problem,” he responds, but I can tell he’s not doing it for the thanks.
“Cole, they have free ice cream at the front for kids. Chocolate, vanilla, or a swirl of both.” Cole’s face lights up with delight.
“Luci, can we go?” he asks eagerly.
“Sure.” I glance at Easton, and he nods, fully aware that Janet intends to speak to me alone before we leave.
Cole skips away happily, hand in hand with Janet.
“You love your son,” Janet states matter-of-factly, her tone as straightforward as ever. She’s like me; there’s nothing flowery about her.
“I do,” I reply, my heart swelling with pride.
“You can tell a lot about a man in how he treats his children. I am a blunt woman, Easton, so I’ll get right to the point. Luci didn’t mention his mother.” She gives me a searching look, her gaze piercing.
“She left him at almost two for her career. Haven’t heard from her since then. Luci knows the story,” I explain, feeling the familiar ache in my chest.
“She’ll return. They always do. And when she does, what will happen to my Luci?” That phrase brings me unexpected comfort this time.
“Nothing. We only recently started dating. She may get tired of me and my very sunshiny personality. She might decide she wants a different person, not a ready-made family.” I express my doubts, my insecurities bubbling to the surface.
She looks down, a hint of a sad smile gracing her lips. “It won’t be nothing. You have no idea how that is going to affect you. You’re what, 22, 23? And Cole is 4.”
“23 in two weeks,” I reply, feeling the weight of her words.
“So you were about 20 or 21 when she ghosted you. Probably with no real closure. Your brain and emotions were in no way, shape, or form ready to deal with that type of blow. Your son will likely resent Luci at some point after she shows up. Children crave their true parents even when they’ve treated them like utter garbage.” She pauses, letting that sink in.
“Cole loves Luci.” My rebuttal is immediate, fueled by a fierce protectiveness.
“Love changes to hate in a child in a matter of seconds or a few words, depending on their age. Especially when that person is keeping their fairytale away from them. I warn you now because my sweet Luci will be the one left in the ashes. You should be prepared. I will warn her too, but she already knows. She took enough child development classes before she changed her major to be very aware of how this is going to play out.”
“She changed her major to accounting from childhood development?” I ask, surprised.
“Yes. Her reasons have always been sketchy in that regard. Maybe she’ll tell you the truth. Remember what I said, though.”
I hear Cole’s laughter as they walk back. Luci looks between us with concern, sensing the tension. Janet smiles at her, breaking the moment. “Is it delicious, Cole?”
“Yes! The best!” He beams, happily devouring his cone while my mind races. Watching Cole with her, I can’t imagine he’d ever resent Luci.
Janet walks out with us, her presence grounding. “Mr. Cole and Easton, I hope to see you again.” She embraces Luci tightly. “Take care of yourself in the coming weeks. Will Sydney be gone?”
“Yes, but I’ll be okay,” Luci assures her, though I can see the uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
Janet nods, a knowing look crossing her face. “We’ll discuss it again later. Bye, sweet Luci.”
“Bye, Janet,” Luci replies, her voice soft.
Once we’re driving away, curiosity gnaws at me. “She calls you misfits?”
Luci nods, a smile creeping onto her face. “The island of misfit toys from the old claymation Rudolph. People thought she was insulting her foster kids, but it was a fond nickname. It reminded us that we fit in together and with her. She always called herself the head misfit.”
I park in front of her apartment, and Cole announces he needs to go potty. “Luci, where are you spending Thanksgiving Day?” I ask quietly, my heart heavy with concern as Cole races toward her bathroom.