Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“Go. And thank you for helping with my injury… sweetness.” He smirks, and I almost drop my bag in surprise.
“What?”
“Sweetness. I think I’ll call you that. Sarcastically, because you treat everyone else that way. It might remind you not to bite at me.”
“Umm, no,” I reply, moving toward the door.
“Goodnight, sweetness,” he taunts, and I grit my teeth, knowing this should be amusing.
Easton
As we step through the threshold of the mud room, Jackson casts a knowing glance. “He’s going to be miles better than prick Porter,” he remarks, his voice low yet confident. Baker, standing nearby, catches our attention with wide eyes, silently mouthing the word “quiet.”
But his warning comes too late. The piercing shriek of the gate alarm or perhaps the garage alarm has already alerted the dragon of our presence.
“Why on earth are the four of you just now returning home?” Mother’s voice, sharp and commanding, slices through the air as she steps into view. Her arms are crossed tightly over her chest, accentuating the elegance of her blue cocktail dress, which glimmers under the dim light of the hallway.
“We had extra practice to run drills with Kendall; it’s his first full starting game,” I explain, trying to keep my tone neutral. I don’t mention that it was my suggestion that prompted Coach to make this extra practice a priority.
“I added tonight’s dinner to your phone calendars a week ago. I had guests here specifically to meet a few of you,” she continues, her tone laced with irritation. Her hair is styled in a sophisticated updo, and the diamonds she wears sparkle far too brightly for my taste. “I had to keep the nanny here late because Cole couldn’t join us without you being here. He was greatly upset.”
With a loud “thwap,” Becker drops his hockey stick onto the floor, taking his time to bend down and retrieve it. I can tell he’s trying to suppress a laugh, likely because he knows Cole counted every lucky star for the chance to spend the evening with Luci instead of enduring this nightmare.
“Is Cole still awake?” I ask, fatigue creeping into my voice.
“No idea. Luci is still with him. My guests are enjoying dessert and coffee, and considering how you four smell, I cannot possibly invite you to join us,” she sniffs disdainfully. My irritation bubbles over at her words. My wonderful mother, I think bitterly. It used to sadden me to see how she’s changed, but that sadness has long since faded. If anything, Cole’s arrival has solidified the final nail in the coffin of regret over my relationship with the woman who brought me into this world. Somewhere deep within her is the Imogen Walters who grew up as the daughter of a mechanic and a bus driver. The one who used to take us to parks and movies, who would play games with us for hours. But that version of my mother vanished thirteen years ago, leaving only this stranger in her place.
“We’ll be very quiet and head for our rooms to shower. We can grab sandwiches later,” Jackson suggests, trying to diffuse the tension.
Baker chimes in, “I have your dinners warming and will leave them in Easton’s room.”
“I will speak to Nick Humphries the next time I put this much time and effort into an event you are required to attend,” she states, her tone dripping with authority. Who talks like that to their kids?
“Is Dad still here?” Becker asks, breaking the heavy silence.
“Yes, your father is busy working on closing the deal for the team. One of the many reasons your presence was necessary,” she replies, her voice unwavering.
We all fall silent, knowing that engaging further would be pointless.
Mother taps her foot impatiently on the tile, her irritation palpable. “Go. I need a word with Easton.”
Fantastic. My brothers shuffle out slowly, and Jackson glances back at me, offering a sympathetic look.
To annoy her, I let my bag drop to the floor with a little more force than necessary. The slight thud makes her eyes narrow even further, as if they might permanently fixate that way whenever she looks at me.
“Easton, I understand that hockey is very important to this family. Your father’s dream is within reach, and it will only aid you in achieving your own aspirations. Missing tonight’s dinner was extremely unfortunate. I will speak with Nick and inform him that this cannot happen again. You must tell him when you need to be present for these events.”
“So you want me to skip practice for hockey so Dad can impress people about his dream of having a professional hockey team? That seems a bit messed up,” I respond, my tone flat.
“Watch your language with me! You are the captain and star of that team. He will accommodate those requests. There could be opportunities for him if your father secures the team next year, perhaps even a coaching position. The man has ambition.”
Hell no! I am so ready to be done with the Humphries family. The thought that they could simply elevate themselves alongside us is utterly disgusting.
“He’s not a good coach. He has ambition but lacks foresight, and he definitely has no honor,” I retort, my frustration boiling over.
“That isn’t my concern. You are the oldest in this family, and your brothers will look up to you. I had several suitable young ladies here tonight who would have benefited them in this society. I am working tirelessly to ensure you all have a prosperous future.” She fixes me with a steely gaze as I shove my hands deep into my pockets, trying to contain my anger.
“Is that what this is really about, Mother? What if they want a different future? There’s more to life than just the right connections,” I challenge her, breaking my usual protocol.
She scowls, shaking her head in disapproval. “Easton, you are far too naive. You have no idea how this world operates. They search for any weakness and will exploit it to bring about your ruin.”
“Then why stay in it? Why not seek out people you actually want to be part of your life?” I ask softly, my heart racing.
“Because we are part of it, and it’s the best one to be in. The elite. They can help you achieve every dream you desire.”
I stare at her, incredulous. She genuinely believes her own rhetoric. I think back to the dark street we wandered down on Halloween night. “So all that talk from Dad and you about hard work and determination to chase your dreams means nothing? It’s only about who you know and how much money you have?”
She gazes at me, a hint of sadness flickering across her features. Perhaps it’s worth a shot. “Mo…Mom, shouldn’t we all get to be happy too?”
I wait, hoping against hope for a response. She studies me for a moment before a tinkling, hollow laugh escapes her lips. “Oh Imogen, you simply must tell me where you found that painting in your lounge. Is it an original?”
I spot Joanne Floyd, one of the wealthiest single women in Kenton, stepping in with her wine glass in hand. “Oh Easton, isn’t it? My, you’ve grown up. I should have brought Annalise. She was quite thrilled you came to her party on Halloween night. She would love to spend some one-on-one time with you.”
Mother’s expression freezes over, her mask of composure slipping once more. “Easton isn’t available. I believe Jackson and Annalise would be quite the match. We should arrange for them to meet in a week or two. Hockey is keeping them very busy right now. I’ll be right along. Baker should be serving more coffee in the lounge.”