Holiday Hockey Tale The Icebreaker's Impasse (By Ivory Row) novel Chapter 7

Luci

“Will I get to play with Cole next week, Luci?”

I gaze over at Barrett who stares back at me hopeful.

“Probably not.” I chewed out his father, which, while it was wholly deserved, was not in my best interests to keep my job. “Sorry, Barrett.”

He nods. Barrett is a go with the flow, understanding five-year-old. His father is a single military dad. Banning is currently deployed for four months. While he’s gone, Syd and her parents watch him. Her mom works nights as a nurse and her dad works a midshift until 7 each night. So she and I have him the three nights her mom works.

He was as excited as Cole to have a possible new friend. Their schedules aren’t the most conducive for play dates.

“Luci, I’m finished.” Barrett hands me his plate. I must not have spaced out because he would tell me. His dad has a similar issue to mine. “You can go pick one of your shows while I clean up.” He nods and heads for the couch.

My phone rings from an unknown number. Probably a telemarketer. “Hello. You have reached Luci’s fortune-telling service. How may I read your cards?”

“Luci!”

“Cole?” I ask to make sure.

“It’s me. Daddy said I could tell you goodnight.” He sounds sleepy and happy.

“Goodnight, Coco. Dream about helicopters that have crocodiles flying them.” I started a game with him where we would pick something silly for him to dream about. I will miss him. I’m so attached after only a week.

He giggles softly. “Night Luci.”

I’m about to hang up when I hear the low gravelly command. “Don’t hang up, Luci!”

My entire body practically shivers when he says my name. Down Luci, NO! He’s a cold asshole with damn good looks and the most amazing voice I’ve ever heard. But still an asshole.

“Luci? Are you there?” He bites out impatiently.

Again with the name.

“Yes. Just stop saying my name.” I blurt out.

“Why?” He truly sounds confused. Yeah, not answering that.

“Because you made me mad.” It’s partly true.

“I’m calling to explain.” He sounds as if that word is foreign to him. I’m sure it is. “Are you busy? You have your friend’s nephew.”

“Not particularly.”

“I shouldn’t have gone off on you that way. My mother didn’t tell me that you were even transporting him home from preschool.” He sounds growly again. I latch onto one word.

“Wait did you say your mother?”

“Yes. Imogen Walters Reed.” He sighs loudly. “What time do you get here with him? At three?”

I am still grasping the fact she didn’t give me her real name.

“Luci? Do you know how a f*****g phone conversation works?!” He sounds slightly amused and yet impatient.

Again my name, damn him!

“Yes, um sorry. Yes, at three we usually get there.” I roll my eyes at myself.

“I’ll meet you here tomorrow.”

“Wait, I’m not fired?” I’m really not inspiring any confidence right now.

“No. Cole likes you. Tomorrow Luci. We need to talk.” He orders in that cold tone. For a minute my dumb brain thought he might offer to apologize. Or maybe he will tomorrow. Won’t be a humble apology it sounds like. More like one your teachers forced you to make.

“Tomorrow.” I hang up and move to sit with Barrett. Good thing Cole likes me or I’d be screwed amongst the Reed family. Maybe I could bring Barrett tomorrow and the boys would get their play date.

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