Love Off the Ice

Star Player

The events of the day gradually faded into blurring memory as Lisa settled into her room and felt the warm comfort of her Nana's cottage. She was just about to fall asleep when her phone's continuous ringing interrupted the quiet moment.

"Ugh," she groaned, reaching for the device with a frown. Who could possibly be calling at this hour?

But as her eyes fell on the caller ID, her frown melted into a soft smile. It was Ashley, her best friend from the city.

"Ashley!" Lisa chirped, her voice instantly brightening. "What a surprise!"

Ashley's bubbly laughter filled the speaker. "Well, hello there, princess of Evergreen!" she teased. "Just called to check on you and see how your little holiday getaway is going."

Lisa chuckled. "Typical Ashley," she thought, shaking her head fondly. "Always the life of the party, even from miles away."

"So, spill the tea," Ashley demanded. "How's the small-town life treating you? Any cute lumberjacks trying to sweep you off your feet yet?"

Lisa laughed, but her voice held a hint of weariness. "Not exactly," she admitted.

Ashley picked up on the subtle change in her tone. "Wait a minute," she said, her voice turning serious. "You don't sound like yourself. What's wrong?"

And so, Lisa found herself recounting the day's events to her friend, the frustration and anger bubbling up again as she described the arrogant girl, the entitled behavior, and the unpaid bill.

"Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation. "They were so rude, Ashley! And to top it all off, they just drove off without paying!"

Ashley gasped in disbelief. "No way! Seriously? What did your Nana say?"

Lisa explained how Nana had calmed her down, revealing the identity of the culprits – the mayor's children and the deputy mayor's son.

"The mayor's kids?" Ashley shrieked. "Oh my god, that explains everything! Typical spoiled brats, thinking they can get away with anything just because of their parents!"

Lisa sighed. "Exactly," she said, her voice heavy with disappointment. "It's so frustrating, Ashley. I thought I could escape all the drama and negativity by coming here, but it seems like it follows me wherever I go."

Ashley's voice softened. "Listen, Lisa," she said, her tone reassuring, "don't let those jerks ruin your holiday. You're there to spend time with your Nana, enjoy the Christmas spirit, and forget about all the stress from the city. Focus on the good things, okay?"

Lisa smiled. "You're right, Ash," she said, her voice regaining its cheerfulness. "Thanks for reminding me. I needed that."

They chatted for a while longer, Ashley's infectious laughter and cheerful banter lifting Lisa's spirits. By the time they hung up, Lisa felt a renewed sense of optimism. She wouldn't let a few spoiled brats ruin her Christmas. She had Nana, she had Ashley, and she had the magic of Evergreen to look forward to.

The conversation with Ashley had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Lisa, making sleep an impossible feat. She tossed and turned in her bed, the events of the day replaying in her mind like a broken record. Finally, she gave up on sleep and decided to seek comfort in her grandmother's presence.

Padding softly down the hallway, she found Nana in the kitchen, a steaming kettle whistling on the stovetop. The aroma of chamomile and lavender filled the air, a soothing balm to Lisa's frayed nerves.

"Nana?" she whispered, her voice thick with heavy sleepiness.

Nana turned, a warm smile gracing her face. "Lisa, dear? What are you doing up so late?"

"I couldn't sleep," Lisa admitted, joining her grandmother at the small kitchen table.

Nana chuckled softly. "Ah, the restless mind of youth," she said, pouring two cups of tea. "Come, sit with me. A warm drink will do you good."

“Come here, have this.”

They sat in comfortable silence, sipping their tea, the only sound the gentle clinking of cups and the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. Finally, Nana broke the silence.

"So, Lisa," she began, her voice gentle, "what are your plans for the holidays?"

Lisa shrugged, a wistful look in her eyes. "I don't really have any plans, Nana. Just to spend some quality time with you, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet."

Nana smiled, reaching across the table to take Lisa's hand. "That sounds lovely, dear," she said. "But there's something else you might enjoy. Something quite exciting, in fact."

Lisa's curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it?"

Nana's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Next week, Evergreen is hosting its annual hockey tournament," she explained. "It's a grand event, with teams coming from all over the region, even some from across the border! The whole town comes alive, with festivities and celebrations. You'll love it!"

Lisa had faint memories of the tournament from her childhood, a flurry of excitement and vibrant colors. She could almost hear the roar of the crowd and the sharp crack of the puck against the ice.

"It sounds wonderful, Nana," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

"It is, dear," Nana assured her. "The energy is infectious, the competition fierce, and the camaraderie heartwarming. You'll get to see the best of Evergreen, and maybe even meet some interesting people."

A playful glint entered Nana's eyes. "Who knows," she added with a wink, "you might even catch the eye of our star player, Thomas."

Lisa blushed, remembering the handsome young man from the cafe. "Oh, Nana," she chided, but a flutter of anticipation danced in her heart.

The prospect of the tournament filled Lisa with a renewed sense of excitement. It was a chance to immerse herself in the festive spirit of Evergreen, to witness the passion and energy of the competition, and perhaps, just perhaps, to encounter the intriguing Thomas her grandmother is talking about. As she drifted off to sleep in her grandmother's warm embrace, visions of hockey players and cheering crowds danced in her head, promising a Christmas filled with unexpected adventures.