Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“So now she’s initiating texts with you? Are you part of their friend circle?” He grumbled, a hint of jealousy in his tone.
“Are you jealous that Luci and Sydney are texting me?” I observed him closely, searching for a reaction.
“What’s there to be jealous of?” Jackson replied dryly.
“Not much, I suppose. We’re quite similar, but you’ve definitely got the better attitude and personality,” I admitted, speaking the truth.
We reached our secluded table and settled in. The waiter arrived promptly, filling our water glasses and taking our orders. Dad expressed his gratitude quietly while I studied him. He had never been one to flaunt his wealth; instead, he commanded attention with his confident presence wherever we went. It was a trait we all inherited, or at least learned from him. Our grandfather had been a billionaire who severed ties with Dad when he chose to marry our mother for love-a union that offered nothing in the eyes of our grandfather. Defying expectations, Dad married her and built his own company from the ground up. Eventually, after becoming terminally ill, our grandfather relented and named Dad his heir. The story made it all the more difficult to reconcile the changes we had witnessed in our mother.
When our food arrived, Dad paused for a moment, savoring the atmosphere before speaking. “I wanted to share some news with you boys first tonight. The NHL has approved our requests, and we’ll be starting the team next fall. The Kenton Puck Kings have been officially green-lighted, and we break ground on the arena next week. That’s why I’ve been away from home so much recently.” His face lit up with pride.
We congratulated him sincerely, our excitement mirroring his. “That’s fantastic news, Dad!”
“My lifelong business dream is finally coming to fruition. Your mother never believed I could pull it off,” he said, beaming with satisfaction. But just as quickly, his smile faded, and he swallowed hard, twirling his whiskey glass. “This brings me to another important topic for you four. I’ve noticed things seem even more tense than usual with your mother. Did something happen?” His gaze, so similar to mine, bore into me, and I could sense my brothers waiting for my response. He had always defended her.
“Dad, she’s changed so much. She’s obsessed with finding us what she considers appropriate for society ladies. You two got married out of love. It doesn’t make any sense,” I said, choosing my words carefully but feeling the need to express my concerns.
He stared into his drink for a moment, contemplating my words. “I’d like to think it’s because she’s concerned about you meeting someone who might only be interested in your last name and the benefits that come with it. She recently had a health scare, which has made her more… on edge. She’s worried about your futures. She’s done a lot for you and Cole, Easton.” His words felt hollow, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were more for his own comfort than reality.
“Dad, she thinks Cole should spend time with Vivienne Winters. You know that woman is nothing but trash dressed in designer clothes and makeup,” Jackson interjected.
“Your mother and she are friends. It’s an unlikely friendship, but they bonded when you were children. Perhaps Vivienne has changed and wants to be a real grandparent,” he replied, his eyes filled with sadness.
I scoffed. “Dad, even you don’t believe what you just said. Vivienne sees Cole as a pawn. Mother knows that and is willing to hand him over like a sacrificial offering to be exploited.”
“I understand, and that’s something that has been weighing on me. I’ll talk to her this week.” His tone suggested he was trying to convince himself it was the right course of action.
Kingston spoke up, his voice steady. “Dad, are you two even happy anymore? You’re gone all the time, and she’s buried in social obligations.”
“I admit we’ve grown a bit distant over the last few months, but we’re still very happy together.” His words felt like a fragile shield against the truth. I could hear the denial in his voice, and it was enough for us to let the topic drop.
“Easton, did you beat the s**t out of Maxton Porter last night?” Dad asked calmly.
“I didn’t quite reach that level yet. He’s been stalking Cole and tried to physically harm Luci again. Did his father call you?”
“Yes. He’s off the hockey team but not expelled. Watch your back,” Dad warned. “Luci could file a report, but Dale would only make it disappear.”
I nodded, and we decided to pick up ice cream on our way home.
As I entered the kitchen, I found Luci at the island, her focus on Cole’s monitor as she jotted down notes in her planner. She hurriedly packed everything away as I approached, glancing up at me.
“Baker went to a movie. Cole crashed easily,” she informed me.
Her planner gave me an idea. “You’re not skipping out on any family events to watch Cole this week, are you?”
“No. I have something on Wednesday for lunch, but I’ll be done in time for your practice,” she assured me, though she seemed more subdued and unfocused than usual.
“Goodnight, Luci. Thank you for watching him on your day off,” Dad said politely as he tossed his keys into the bowl on the counter.
“You’re welcome. Goodnight.” I watched her leave, an urge to chase after her bubbling beneath the surface.
“Let’s go play pool in the game room,” Dad suggested after we finished our ice cream. He was clearly trying to avoid discussing Mother.
“Should we change out of our dress clothes?” I asked, eager to grab my phone. My brothers nodded in agreement, and we split off. I called Luci the moment I stepped into my room.
“Hello?” she answered, her voice soft.
“Luci, are you alright? You seemed very quiet when you left.”
“Tired. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster the last two days,” she admitted, her exhaustion palpable.
“Did I overwhelm you this morning?”
“No. I’ll be okay, just tired.”
“Get some sleep, then, sweetness. We need to talk Monday after I get home. Enjoy your girls’ night tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Easton.”
“Wait, Luci.”
“Yes?”
“What did you tell Cole to dream about?”