Holiday Hockey Tale: Breaking The Ice

Ch 5

As the movie played in the background, Grace and Logan's conversation picked up momentum, their texts bouncing back and forth. Daisy occasionally glanced over, trying to catch a peek at the messages, but Grace kept her phone angled away, smirking at her friend's nosiness.

Logan: What movie are you watching? Something good or something Daisy picked?

Grace chuckled at the text, her thumbs flying over the keyboard.

Grace: Rom-com. So, something Daisy picked.

Logan: Figures. Don't tell her, but I actually like those. Got a favorite?

Grace smiled, momentarily distracted from the movie.

Grace: Really? A hockey guy into rom-coms? That's unexpected. Favorite would have to be 10 Things I Hate About You. You?

Logan: That's a solid choice. Mine's Crazy, Stupid, Love. Don't laugh.

Grace couldn't help but grin at the admission.

Grace: I'm not laughing, I promise. That's actually a great one. Ryan Gosling carrying the whole rom-com genre on his back.

Logan: Right? I knew you had good taste. So, what's Daisy doing while you're glued to your phone?

Grace glanced at Daisy, who was entirely engrossed in the movie again, tossing popcorn into her mouth like it was a competitive sport.

Grace: She's too busy inhaling popcorn to notice. I think I'm safe for now.

Logan: Good. Wouldn't want her to kill me for distracting you. Although, if you ever need a break from her movie nights, I can recommend a few hockey games to mix things up.

Grace laughed quietly, earning a curious look from Daisy.

"Something funny?" Daisy asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Just the movie," Grace said quickly, holding back a smile as she typed.

Grace: Hockey games, huh? Are you inviting me, or just suggesting it as an alternative?

Logan: Depends. Would you want to come?

Grace hesitated for a moment, her heart skipping slightly at the implication.

Grace: Maybe. I've never been to one before, so I don't know if I'd be into it.

Logan: You'd like it. Fast-paced, exciting, and a chance to see me in action. No pressure, though.

Grace smiled at his confidence but appreciated that he wasn't pushing.

Grace: We'll see. I'll think about it.

"Okay, spill," Daisy said suddenly, hitting pause on the movie. "You've been grinning at your phone for the last fifteen minutes. What's Logan saying?"

Grace sighed, knowing she couldn't keep it a secret forever. "He was just suggesting I check out one of his hockey games sometime."

Daisy's eyes widened in delight. "He invited you to a game? Oh my God, Grace, that's huge! He's trying to spend time with you."

"It's not that big of a deal," Grace said, trying to downplay it.

"Uh, yes, it is," Daisy insisted. "You have to go. I'll come with you if it helps, but seriously, you can't pass up an invitation like that."

Grace rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smile spreading across her face. Maybe Daisy was right—maybe it was worth stepping out of her comfort zone.

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her attention back to the screen.

Logan: Alright, I'll stop distracting you. Enjoy your movie night. Talk soon?

Grace felt a small warmth bloom in her chest at his thoughtfulness.

Grace: Talk soon. Goodnight, Logan.

As she set her phone down, Daisy nudged her playfully. "You've got it bad already."

Grace laughed, shaking her head. "It's just texting."

"Sure it is," Daisy said with a knowing smile before pressing play on the movie.

Grace leaned back into the couch, her thoughts drifting between the movie and the texts. For the first time in a long time, she felt like something exciting was starting to unfold.

The crisp fall air greeted Grace as she and Daisy stepped out of their dorm building, their breath forming soft clouds in the chilly morning. Grace tugged her jacket tighter around herself, balancing her bag on one shoulder. Daisy, always the energetic one, was mid-rant about an assignment she'd left to the last minute.

"I'm telling you, Grace, this professor has it out for me," Daisy said, gesturing dramatically. "Who assigns a ten-page paper and expects it by Wednesday? Like, hello, I have a life."

Grace smirked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You knew about the paper for weeks, Daisy. Procrastination isn't exactly a life-threatening emergency."

"Wow, harsh," Daisy said with mock offense, nudging Grace with her elbow. "Where's the sympathy? I thought you were my moral support."

Grace laughed as they turned onto the main campus path, their shoes crunching against the leaves scattered across the ground. The early morning buzz of students heading to class filled the air, and Grace felt a sense of comfort in the routine.

Their first class of the day flew by, and as Grace packed up her notebook, she spotted Morris waiting by the door, his phone in hand. Daisy practically bounded over to him, pulling him into a quick hug.

"Hey, babe," Daisy said, looping her arm through his. "Did you survive your morning class?"

"Barely," Morris said with a grin. "I swear my professor gets some kind of joy out of making Mondays worse." He glanced over at Grace. "Hey, Grace. Ready for lunch?"

"Definitely," Grace said, smiling. "My stomach's been growling since halfway through class."

The three of them set off toward the dining hall, their conversation bouncing between light teasing and recaps of the weekend. As they approached the entrance, Grace noticed a familiar figure leaning casually against one of the outside tables.

Logan.

He was chatting with Garrett and Dean, the three of them laughing at something Garrett said. Logan's head turned as they approached, his easy grin widening when he saw Grace.

"Hey, Grace," Logan called out, straightening. His gaze shifted to Daisy and Morris with a polite nod. "Daisy, Morris."

"Logan," Morris said, his tone friendly but measured.

"Heading in for lunch?" Logan asked, sliding his hands into his pockets.

"Yeah," Daisy said, her curiosity clearly piqued.

Logan glanced back toward the table where Garrett, Wellsy, Allie, Dean, Tuck, and Sabrina were already seated, their voices carrying faintly in the crisp air. "Why don't you guys join us? Plenty of room."

Grace hesitated, her eyes flicking to Daisy and Morris for their reaction. Daisy, ever the extrovert, was already nodding enthusiastically.

"That sounds great!" Daisy said, nudging Grace. "Right, Grace?"

Grace managed a small smile, her heart picking up its pace. "Uh, sure. Why not?"

Logan's grin softened, his eyes meeting Grace's briefly before he turned to lead the way.

The dining hall was buzzing with activity as they approached the large round table where Logan's friends were seated. Garrett noticed them first, flashing a welcoming smile.

"Look who decided to join us," Garrett said, gesturing to the empty seats.

"Wellsy nudged Allie, whispering something that made her smirk. "The more, the merrier," Allie said, sliding over to make room.

Sabrina, sitting next to Tuck, offered Grace and Daisy a friendly smile. "Hey, Grace. Hey, Daisy. Nice to see you guys again."

"Nice seeing you too," Grace said, settling into a seat between Daisy and Morris, with Logan taking the spot across from her.

The conversation flowed easily, the group's banter light and infectious. Garrett and Dean kept the table laughing with exaggerated stories about their weekend antics, while Allie and Sabrina chimed in with sarcastic commentary that left everyone in stitches.

Logan, however, seemed more subdued, his attention frequently drifting to Grace. Every so often, their eyes would meet, and he'd flash her a quick, lopsided grin before returning to the conversation.

"So, Grace," Garrett said, leaning forward with a curious glint in his eye. "What did you think of your first frat house party?"

Grace blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Oh, it was... definitely an experience."

"An experience," Dean echoed, smirking. "That's one way to put it."

"She crushed Logan at flip cup," Daisy chimed in, her voice brimming with pride. "Totally embarrassed him."

The table erupted in laughter, Logan shaking his head with a mock groan. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Absolutely not," Daisy said, grinning.

"Well," Tuck said, raising his glass, "to Grace, the flip cup queen."

The group laughed and toasted, the easy camaraderie making Grace feel unexpectedly comfortable.

As the meal went on, Logan leaned forward slightly, catching Grace's attention. "So, you ever decide if you're coming to a game?"

Grace hesitated, her cheeks warming under his gaze. "I'm still thinking about it. I've never been to one before, so I'm not sure what to expect."

"You'd love it," Logan said, his voice warm and encouraging. "Fast-paced, exciting, and—"

"And a chance to see Logan fall on his ass," Garrett interjected, grinning wickedly.

"Thanks, Graham," Logan said dryly, though his grin remained intact. "Ignore him. The game's a good time, I promise."

Grace smiled, her earlier nerves easing. "I'll think about it."

As they finished their meals and the group began to disperse, Logan lingered near Grace, waiting until the others were out of earshot.

"Hey," he said, his tone softer now. "Thanks for sitting with us. It was good seeing you."

"You too," Grace said, surprised by the sincerity in his voice.

Logan hesitated for a moment, then added, "If you ever decide to check out a game, let me know. I'll save you a seat."

Grace nodded, her heart skipping a beat. "I will."

As he walked away, Daisy appeared at her side, her expression smug. "He's so into you."

"Daisy," Grace groaned, but her smile betrayed her.

"I'm just saying," Daisy said, linking her arm through Grace's as they headed back toward their next class. "This is getting good."

Grace couldn't help but agree.

By Wednesday, Grace had settled into the rhythm of her week: classes, study sessions, and the occasional distraction provided by Daisy's endless energy. But the unexpected highlight? Her text exchanges with Logan.

It started off casually—quick, lighthearted messages about their classes, the dining hall's questionable food, and random observations about campus life. But as the day went on, their conversations became more frequent.

Logan: Morning practices should be illegal. If I fall asleep in class, you're to blame for not warning me how brutal english lit is.

Grace: Pretty sure that's on you for taking 8 a.m. classes AND being on the hockey team.

Logan: Fair. So, if I survive today, do I get a gold star?

Grace: Survive first. Then we'll talk about rewards.

By late afternoon, Grace found herself glancing at her phone more than usual, wondering if he'd text again. She was mid-note in her sociology lecture when her phone buzzed in her lap.

Logan: Random question—are you and Daisy coming to the party tomorrow night?

She frowned at her screen, leaning over to whisper to Daisy. "Are we going to another party tomorrow?"

Daisy perked up. "Oh, yeah! The hockey house. Morris told me about it. Why?"

"Logan just asked," Grace murmured, trying to sound indifferent.

Daisy wiggled her eyebrows. "And what are you going to say?"

Grace sighed, typing back.

Grace: Daisy just told me about it. I think we're going. Why?

His reply came almost instantly.

Logan: Guess that means I'll see you there.

Grace blinked at the screen, her heart doing that annoying little flutter again.

Grace: Do you go to every party?

Logan: Not every party, but this one seems worth it.

She was about to reply when Daisy snatched her phone, reading over her shoulder.

"Daisy!" Grace hissed, trying to grab it back.

"Oh, he's good," Daisy teased, handing it back with a smirk. "He's totally into you."

Grace rolled her eyes, but her face was hot as she typed her reply.

Grace: Sounds like you're already hyping it up.

Logan: Only if you're there.

Grace stared at the message, her stomach doing flips. Daisy leaned in again, grinning. "Well? What are you waiting for? Say yes."

Grace bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the keys. Finally, she typed back.

Grace: Guess I'll see you there, then.

As the professor wrapped up the lecture, Daisy grabbed her arm. "Tomorrow's going to be fun. I can feel it."

Grace wasn't so sure about "fun," but as she slipped her phone into her pocket, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

Thursday night arrived faster than Grace expected. She stood in front of her closet, staring at the rows of neatly folded sweaters and jeans, completely at a loss. Parties weren't really her thing, and picking an outfit for one was proving to be harder than she thought.

"Daisy!" Grace called, her voice edged with frustration.

Daisy appeared in the doorway moments later, already dressed in a cropped black top and high-waisted jeans, her hair styled in loose waves. "What's up?"

Grace gestured helplessly at her closet. "I have no idea what to wear. I was just going to go with a sweater and jeans, but now I feel like that's...too much sweater?"

Daisy gave her an exasperated look. "Grace, I love you, but you are not wearing a sweater to a party."

Grace frowned. "What's wrong with sweaters?"

"Nothing, if you're going to the library," Daisy teased. She started rifling through Grace's clothes, pulling out a few options before settling on a simple tank top and a soft cardigan. "Here. Wear this with your jeans. It's casual but cute."

Grace eyed the outfit skeptically. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," Daisy said, giving her a once-over. "And leave the cardigan unbuttoned. Trust me, you'll look great."

With a sigh, Grace changed into the outfit and turned to Daisy. "Well?"

Daisy grinned. "Perfect. Logan's not going to know what hit him."

"Daisy," Grace groaned, grabbing her bag.

"Don't 'Daisy' me. Let's go. Morris is waiting downstairs."

The two of them headed out, where Morris was leaning against his car, scrolling on his phone. He looked up and smiled when he saw them.

"Ready?" he asked, opening the backseat door for Grace.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Grace muttered as she slid into the car.

The drive to hockey house was short, the streets buzzing with students heading to various parties. Daisy and Morris chatted in the car, but Grace's mind was elsewhere, running through what-ifs and potential awkward encounters.

When they pulled up to the house, the party was already in full swing. Music thumped from inside, and groups of people lingered on the front lawn, laughing and talking. Morris parked the car and Grace took a deep breath before stepping out.

"You good?" Daisy asked, noticing Grace's hesitation.

"Yeah," Grace said, forcing a smile. "Let's do this."

The three of them headed toward the house, the music growing louder with each step. Grace wasn't sure what to expect, but she couldn't help feeling a little thrill of anticipation as they stepped inside.