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.

for tonight, right?

forgot about tonight! I check the time. I didn’t even have time to change. The game starts at seven and

Totally. I’ll just meet you

text bubbles appear.

didn’t

fly over the keyboard in

on my

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

“Hold—“

ya, Evie,” he calls.

down the emergency staircase. The backs of my heels were stinging

run out onto the bustling sidewalk. Hailing a cab, I jump in and buckle

I huff.

about thirty minutes to pull up at the entrance. I hand over the fare and ran towards the entrance. I knew

amused look was spread across her face, and her arms folded casually. “Didn’t forget,

wheezing. “I had a lot going on at work,” I explain tiredly.

want to whisk my problems away by watching hot men

couldn’t help it. The laughter just starts bubbling out of me. “Well, don’t let

in together.

sore thumb in her charcoal gray pencil skirt and cream colored blouse. Everyone wore

glass seats. I mean we were practically on the ice at

much were these tickets,

over with a deadpan look. “You don’t

snorted. “Fine. Don’t tell me.”

the game. The national anthem was played. The opposing teams starting lineup

lights go out. Loud pounding music began to play and the announcer called everyone

says. “Here are your Thunderbolts!”

it. I was never much into sports, but I was here

was one name that pierced the quiet of

your team captain— Timothy

place could get any louder than it already was. They were all chanting

at Aria again. She was screaming and pounding on the glass like a maniac as he appeared on the ice. His proud smile was

Oh, no.

it was the hint of stubble or the look of him in his uniform, but it shook

asked, nudging me.

jumped. “Yes. I’m fine,” I

went on and Aria looked like she was having the time

hand, felt completely exposed.

that ice, that I completely missed the incoming swarm of

Hayes!

arms, watching the brawl that broke out right in front

he

held my breath hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. Whistles were blown and refs intervened, ripping the

away. He was about to turn around, but he did a double take. His eyes set on mine.

because he saw me doesn’t mean he’ll recognize

He ended up scoring three goals for the Thunderbolts, ending the game with

squealed. “I mean, there’s nothing

I have to go to the bathroom really

grinned. “Go, Bolts!”

I

of an arena. The signage was so confusing. I ended up just turning wherever