Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“I shouldn’t have gone off on you like that. My mother didn’t tell me you were transporting him home from preschool.” His voice grows gruff again. I latch onto one word in particular.
“Wait, did you say your mother?”
“Yes. Imogen Walters Reed,” he sighs, the weight of his words heavy in the air. “What time do you get here with him? At three?”
I’m still grappling with the fact that she didn’t give me her real name.
“Luci? Do you know how a f*****g phone conversation works?!” His voice carries a hint of amusement mixed with irritation.
Again, my name. Damn him!
“Yes, um, sorry. Yes, we usually get there at three.” I roll my eyes at my own awkwardness.
“I’ll meet you here tomorrow.”
“Wait, I’m not fired?” My confidence is wavering, and I can feel the anxiety creeping in.
“No. Cole likes you. Tomorrow, Luci. We need to talk.” His tone is cold and authoritative. For a fleeting moment, my foolish brain entertains the idea that he might offer a genuine apology. But it sounds more like a demand than a request.
“Tomorrow,” I echo before hanging up and moving to sit with Barrett. Thank goodness Cole likes me, or I would be in serious trouble with the Reed family. Maybe I could bring Barrett along tomorrow, and the boys could finally have that playdate.
Before I can dwell on it further, my phone buzzes with a text.
“Bring Barrett along if you can.”
I quickly respond with a thumbs-up emoji, knowing Syd will let me pick him up.
“Barrett, do you want to play with Cole tomorrow?” I ask, trying to gauge his excitement.
His face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Yes! Can I pack my superhero costume?”
“Of course! Just make sure you put it in your backpack tonight,” I reply, smiling at his enthusiasm.
When Syd picks him up, Barrett, of course, can’t help but spill the details of our day. I can see Syd’s eyes widen in surprise. “I’ll text you when you get home. And don’t forget, girls’ night is on Friday when you get off! I’ll bring dinner, and we’ll watch a movie,” she adds, her excitement contagious.
The next day, I pick up two very eager boys. I wish I could say I share their excitement, but instead, I feel like I’m heading to the principal’s office for a scolding.
“Not too fast, you two,” I gently admonish as they race through the door toward the kitchen. They slow down, and I can hear Cole chattering away, his voice bubbling with joy.
As I turn the corner, I find Easton sitting at the kitchen island, Cole perched comfortably in his lap. He’s wearing a snug blue athletic shirt and black sweatpants, a sight that makes him look almost too good to be true. He’s smiling at Cole, and I realize with a start that I’ve never seen him smile before. He usually has that smirk, but this is different. No wonder girls flock to him like moths to a flame.
“You are Mr. Barrett?” he asks, his warm smile directed at my little charge.
“Yes! Are you Cole’s daddy?” Barrett replies, his voice filled with innocent curiosity as Easton gently sets Cole on a stool beside him. Baker stands nearby, grinning at the boys while holding up two plates of snacks.
“I am. You can call me Easton,” he responds, extending his hand for Barrett to shake. Barrett, with the poise of a young gentleman, takes his hand firmly. Banning has taught him well; he knows how to shake hands and look someone in the eye.
“Easton, are you going to yell at my Luci again? Because my daddy says she is to be treated nicely,” Barrett says, his tone serious and unwavering.
“Barrett! You don’t…” I start to interject, but Easton raises a hand to silence me without breaking his gaze from Barrett.
“No, I will not. I was very scared because I didn’t know where Cole was, and I yelled at her. I am going to tell her I’m sorry today,” he assures the little boy.
Barrett nods earnestly, satisfied with Easton’s response, and moves to sit next to Cole. Baker beams at him, then turns to ask, “Mr. Barrett, what does your father do?”
“He’s an army ranger. He’s deployed right now, so I stay with my Grampy and Nanna,” Barrett replies, diving into his snack with gusto.
“He is raising an honorable young man. I hope to meet him,” Baker says proudly, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Easton looks at me, his expression suddenly serious. “Baker is a Marine Corps Veteran. Let’s go outside to talk. He’ll keep an eye on them until we’re done.”
“Listen to Baker, please, Barrett,” I say, giving him a gentle nudge before following Easton outside.
He pulls out a chair for me at a nearby table, and I sit down, feeling the weight of the moment.
“I am sorry I took my aggression out on you, especially in front of the boys yesterday. My mother hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about you and your arrangement. I knew she hired a new nanny, but only after Cole told me,” he explains, his voice tinged with irritation toward his mother. “I am not a deadbeat father. I’m very involved in Cole’s life, but hockey season makes it a little more challenging. I didn’t even know you were picking him up from preschool. She used to do that and failed to mention it.”
I lay out the details clearly, and he listens without interrupting. “So she’s playing games with you too… that ends now. I want you to text me with anything you need answers to. You’re also welcome to take him to the park or out to pick up Barrett. He can come play any day you need him to. Baker will be your biggest help when you need it. Just don’t cross her, but let me know if she gives you any issues. I know this is not ideal for you being caught in the middle. You seem smart, so I trust you can handle that fine line.”
I nod, understanding the delicate balance I must maintain.
“I’m sending you all the phone numbers for my brothers. If you need me and I don’t answer, call any of them. They have your contact information too. They’re just as involved in Cole’s life as I am.”
“Umm, I wanted to ask a related question about that. Cole’s mother…” I hesitate, noticing the way his eyes flash with intensity at the mention of her name. I quickly add, “I’m not being nosy, I swear. I just… if she’s going to show up after the way your mother presented things and…”