Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“I always go to the Olmos’s house for that since I started college.” My frown deepens at that revelation.
All day long, my heart and mind have been on a damn rollercoaster. The thought of Luci being all alone her whole life tears me apart. Now she’s spending tomorrow with Sydney’s family, which is a relief, but she’s going to be around her damn brother all day. She tugs on my sleeve, pulling me from my thoughts, and I stare down at her.
“For the game on Friday, can we bring Banning? It would mean a lot to Barrett. And maybe also Syd’s parents. They love hockey. I’ll pay for the tickets.” She pleads with that sweet smile that always gets to me. I dare not reveal that to her yet; she’s already exploiting my biggest weak spots too well.
I groan, raking my hand down my face in frustration. “That guy?” I ask, unable to hide my irritation. She nods, hopeful. “Sweetness, did you date him? Even something as simple as a casual dinner or a dance as friends?” I have to know. Just the thought of him sitting there with her drives me nuts.
She makes a disgusted face. “What?! Ugh, never! Banning is basically my brother. That’s gross, Easton.”
“Really? Not even the sister’s best friend crush on the older brother thing? You promise me?” I press, needing reassurance.
“Yes, really. I could never.” She shudders, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. I liked the guy himself and could commiserate with him for being a single father.
“I’ll get their tickets. You’re not paying for them.” She grins, rushing to hug me, and I wrap my arms around her back. “But could you maybe not let him touch you when I’m watching? Like no hugs when I’m on the ice,” I grumble into her hair, my possessiveness flaring.
“Does it bother you that much? Easton Reed, are you seriously-“
I cut her off, unable to hold back. “Yes, I’m fLucik out of me.”
She bites her lip, a playful glint in her eye. “I was going to say, are you seriously worried? Didn’t think you’d be jealous.”
“I’m a majorly possessive asshole, Luci. Yes, I am jealous of anyone touching you.” Or claiming you, or even the thought that he’d touched you in the past. “Matter of fact, you’re going to need to wear my hoodie to the game.”
“Earth to Easton Reed…” Jackson’s voice, rich and deep, slices through the haze that has settled over me like a thick fog.
“What?” I manage to croak out, my throat feeling scratchy as I clear it, trying to shake off the remnants of my wandering thoughts.
“Either you were lost in a daydream so vivid it could rival reality, or you’re seriously fretting about the game later today. What’s going on, East? You hardly even defended Dad when he laid into Mom about Ambra last night after Thanksgiving dinner. You need to vent?”
I lean back against the plush leather couch, a smirk creeping onto my face as I recall Dad’s fierce defense of my position. The only question I had managed to voice was why she had let Ambra into our home in the first place. Dad had quickly made it clear that she was not welcome again.
“I’ve been mulling over what Janet said yesterday. She seems to think that if Lorelei ever returns, Cole might end up resenting Luci. Or that it could affect me because we never really got closure.” I confess, feeling the weight of those thoughts. I had shared the news about Luci’s parents late last night, and Becker, of course, had already been in the loop, having overheard most of her story while she was with Cole.
Jackson’s brow furrows deeply. “Janet might be onto something. She’s seen plenty of kids when their parents come back, I’m sure. But honestly, I think it really hinges on what you’ve told Cole. Maybe he needs to hear that she completely abandoned him sooner than you had planned. I mean, I hope she never shows her face around here again, but that’s just my selfish opinion.”
“Selfish?” I turn my head, curiosity piqued by his strong stance.
“Absolutely. No offense, East, but I despise her for what she did. She abandoned Cole to chase after her career and strung you along for nearly a year. You turned into a shadow of your former self. Why on earth would I want her back in our lives? Not that I was ever a fan of hers to begin with.” He leans forward, tossing a stress ball between his hands, his expression serious.
“Luci pointed out that she broke me in two ways. First, my heart broke for losing her, and then it shattered again for Cole, knowing he lost out on so much.” My mind drifts to Luci. She had sent me the most hilarious picture last night-Sydney’s mother had made them matching shirts adorned with turkey feathers and their names. They even crafted turkey hats and took a goofy group photo. Thankfully, Luci was nowhere near Banning in those moments. I can’t help but smile at the thought of her, Sydney, and Barrett pulling silly faces together.
“Luci’s right about that. And that expression on your face right now is exactly why I doubt you’ll run back to Lorelei if she ever makes a reappearance.” He points a finger at me, his tone teasing.
“What expression?” I shoot back, narrowing my eyes at his smug grin.
“The one you get when Luci crosses your mind. You know, the only girl you’ve ever given a nickname to.”
“That nickname was hardly given with the best intentions.” I wince slightly at the memory.
“Oh, come on. It was. You were already losing the battle but trying to hold onto the flag for as long as you could. You lost the war when you found yourself working for just one date with her. Easton Reed doesn’t chase after girls, but you dove in headfirst. Should I also remind you how you bolted out of here the moment you found out Ambra upset her? And unlike Lorelei, Luci actually has grit. How many girls could thrive after everything she’s been through? Lorelei would just sulk and cry, expecting you to fix everything.”
“Mostly true.” I concede grudgingly. The truth is, I’m still pursuing Luci. She agreed to date only me, but there’s this nagging feeling that she’s holding back, as if she’s waiting for me to pull the rug out from under her.
He raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. “What did I get wrong?”
“I didn’t lose the war. I merely renegotiated the terms to find a resolution that suits both parties for now.” I counter, my tone firm.
“Yeah, right, whatever Luci decides…” he chuckles. “Admit it, East, you’re hooked.”
I reach over and give him a playful shove. “We’ve got a game to prepare for, you smartass.”
–
Luci
“There’s no one here yet.” Stormi comments as we step into the arena. Sydney and Stormi have accompanied me to bring Cole early. He wanted to catch the two teams warming up before the game begins.
“Well, not exactly no one.” Sydney adds quietly, her eyes drifting toward a group of puck bunnies loitering near the team benches.
“Does her shirt say what I think it does?” Stormi leans in, whispering in my ear.
“Yes. It says ‘Hockey Player Pillows’ right across her chest.” I read aloud, struggling to suppress a laugh.
Sydney snickers, “More like deflated whoopee cushions. The joke’s on the hockey player who falls for that.”