The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Evie

Jasper is being Jasper again. He’s going around the office swearing up and down how he bagged the biggest client for the firm. The worst part is how people are eating up his antics. I, for one, am not finding his little parade cute.

He finally made his rounds, stopping at my desk. He leans against it casually. Victory is plastered on his face.

He sighs lazily. “How does it feel to be two days away from losing your job, Evie?”

“Bite me,” I mutter, typing away at my computer.

“Oh, come on,” he whines teasingly. “Don’t be like that. It’s a dog eat dog world here. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.”

“Oh, I don’t hate you Jasper,” I say sweetly, turning in my chair to smile. “I just think that nepotism is cheating. I mean come on. Really? Who is it this time? Daddy? Or was it your Uncle.”

Jasper looks over at my computer screen, sucking in a sharp breath. “Your email looks dryer than the Sahara. You better get on that, Eve.”

He pushes off my cubicle, swaggering down the row to his own office space. With his back turned to me, I gather the courage to flip him the bird beneath anyone’s line of sight.

A cough came from behind me. I froze.

“Evie,” the gruff voice of my boss spoke grimly.

“Mr. Erickson,” I squeaked. “I’m so sorry—“

“A word in my office please,” he said, striding off into that large perfect corner office.

I quickly stand up and scurry behind him. Just as I pass Jasper’s office, he gave an amused smirk and waved. Waved. The bastard waved!

My finger nails bite into my palms as I find my place before his desk.

“Shut the door,” he says grimly.

I quickly do as he asked. I turn back to him. His demeanor changed. He looked at me almost with pity.

“I know I need to find a client,” I began. “I’ve been working so hard—“

“I know,” he sighed. “It’s not easy starting from zero. And I know making those connections are hard. But I can’t keep making excuses for you, Evie.”

I nodded, my chest tightening. “Trust me. I know.”

“You have to bring me a client,” he says. “Otherwise I’ll have to let you go.”

“I’ll get you that client,” I promise. “And it’s going to be huge.”

He chuckled. “I can’t wait.”

Hours passed. Still no leads. I groaned, dropping my head to the desk tiredly. I felt the vibration of my phone against the surface. I threw my hand over, sliding my phone aggressively across the desk.

Lifting my head again, I looked at the notification.

From Aria.

on for tonight, right?

shot straight up. Shoot. I completely forgot about tonight! I check the time. I didn’t even have time to change. The game starts at seven and I’m too far out from the arena

I’ll just meet you there.

bubbles appear.

didn’t

fly over the keyboard in an attempt

I’m on

into my purse and scramble to the elevator. Only, the doors were already shutting. And Jasper was the only

“Hold—“

Evie,” he calls. And the doors

violent curse I could think of in my head, before darting down the emergency staircase. The backs of my heels were stinging

onto the bustling sidewalk. Hailing a cab, I jump in and buckle my seat belt.

huff.

hit the gas. It took about thirty minutes to pull up at the entrance. I hand over the fare and ran towards the entrance. I knew Aria would wait for me near

was spread across her face, and her arms

was practically wheezing. “I had a lot

want to hear another word about work,” she groans. “I want to

bubbling out of me. “Well, don’t let me stop you, Ari,” I

go in

like a sore thumb in her charcoal gray pencil skirt and cream colored blouse. Everyone wore their Thunderbolt jerseys. Some had painted faces.

had gotten glass seats. I mean we were practically on the ice

these tickets, Ari?”

deadpan look. “You don’t wanna

snorted. “Fine. Don’t tell

things occurred before the start of the game. The national anthem was played. The opposing teams starting lineup

pounding music began to play and the announcer called

gentlemen,” he says. “Here

of support as names were called. I tuned out most of it. I was never much into sports, but I was here because my friend

that pierced the quiet of

team captain—

this place could get any louder than it already was. They

appeared on the ice. His proud smile was prominent on

Oh, no.

had grown even hotter since the last time I had seen him. I wasn’t sure if it was the hint of stubble or

Aria asked,

fine,” I laughed

But the game went on and Aria looked like she was having the time of her

the other hand, felt

completely missed the incoming swarm of

him, Hayes! Fight him!”

brawl that broke out right in front of me. Twelve fully grown men were

no no… he was right

my breath hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. Whistles were blown and

was about to turn around, but he did a double take. His eyes

saw me doesn’t mean he’ll recognize me or even see me after this. It will all be

game continued on. It seemed like he picked up his game after that fight. He ended

a game,” Aria squealed. “I mean, there’s nothing more dramatic than a

to go to the bathroom really quick. I’ll meet you at the planters.”

thing,” she grinned. “Go,

I laughed awkwardly.

sigh. Now to navigate this maze of an arena. The signage was so confusing. I ended up just turning wherever it felt