The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Evie

The last day. I felt the entirety of my life resting upon this pivotal moment. It was do or die. And it felt like I was dying. I had given my entire soul to finding a worthy client. And no one followed through. I watched the clock wind down. Ten minutes. I had ten minutes to pull off a miracle.

But obviously, I had no such luck. I didn’t have Jasper’s resources and money. All I had was a Jellar report card and a piece of paper that said I could attempt being a lawyer.

“Well, well,” Jasper sighs, popping his head over the cubicle wall. “It’s too bad about the internship, Evie. I almost thought you had it.”

“Shut up,” I growl.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Evie,” he says, poking out his bottom lip. “I tried to spare your feelings–”

“I can’t wait for someone to burst your little bubble,” I snap angrily. “Look at you with daddy’s money and daddy’s contacts. You didn’t prove anything to anyone here. I put in the hard work and I put in the time–”

His face darkened. “And look where that got you,” he says grimly. “Nothing but a participation trophy and a pink slip. You’re not anything special because you worked harder. Honestly, Evie. You’re the most naive girl I have ever met.”

I did all I could to stop the hurt from making its way to my eyes. But I could feel it tightening my throat. I stand up quietly, gathering my things.

I was just so tired of everything. I had plans. I was on track to be an amazing attorney. I studied my life away for this, only to be held back by my own lack of personability.

It was all meaningless. It felt like ever since that night, my life has been spinning out of control and I don’t know how to stop it. This was exactly what I was afraid of. All that hard work was wasted.

Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised. Nothing ever came easy for me. Coming out of high school as valedictorian gave me a false sense of confidence. Everyone had told me I was spectacular as a student. But being a great student didn’t guarantee I’d be a great attorney.

I don’t remember how I got home, only that when I did, Aria was at my door. She leaned casually against the wall, arms folded.

“Hey, stranger,” she says mischeviously.

I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to flip out and lose control of my anger. “Hey, Aria,” I say, forcing a smile to my face. “What’s up?”

me for ditching me last night,” she grins. “There’s a press conference about to start on ESPN soon. I thought

from the burger joint down the block,”

of comfort

nods. “Extra

moaned. “Fine,” I say, unlocking my door. “You’re a

love me,” she

whine. “I want

nudges my shoulder. “Open the door and you’ll get your precious burger.”

the remote and turn on the tv, searching for the channel. I find it

order simply.

she answers, handing me

bite, moaning at the

swallowing her own

over and I would have

out a heavy sigh. “That bad, huh?”

grumble. “I’m tired of worrying about it

she says gratefully.

end and the commentators come back on

we have a great show ahead for our viewers,” one says excitedly. “We have our reporters down at Clayton Center tonight, looking to get some insight into the Thunderbolt’s very own captain of the year, Timothy

that kid stepped onto NHL ice, he has been a powerhouse. I mean, right out the gate, he comes in with fantastic

to the press room to hear what Mister Hayes has to

its center sat my number one pick for

reporter shouts.

smiles, nodding in the reporter’s direction. “How are you,

on how you feel your chances are at winning the

what I think,” he began. “It’s anybody’s to win at this point. It’s early in the season, we still have a lot of games to

to think,” the reporter added. “Tell us what you really