The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 39

The clock struck midnight, and the moon cast a gentle glow through the window of Lucas‘ living room. I lay restlessly on the couch, tossing and turning for the right position. My mind was consumed by memories of Timothy of all things.

His words at the restaurant flooded back to me. He called me inspiring and compassionate, two words I’d never heard go alongside my name. I found myself reaching for my phone, tempted to call him, but I hesitated.

Even if I was insane enough, calling Timothy was not a good idea. Parting ways at the restaurant had felt like a breakup for a relationship that never happened. With the solitude of the night, the nostalgia of it crept in, tugging at my heartstrings.

His bright eyes, so filled with regret as he stared down at me when I said I’d keep in touch. He already knew what that meant for us. I touched the pendant he’d gifted me, nestled warmly against my chest, and its inscribed words, flashed in my

memory.

Say the right thing…What was the right thing?

I glanced at my phone, my thumb hovering over the call button. Would it be so wrong to hear his voice one more time? To know that he was okay and to feel that sense of connection again?

With a sigh, I set my phone back on the coffee table. I wrapped my arms around myself and looked over at Aria, bundled up in blankets as she snored peacefully. I slid out from beneath my blanket and crawled over to her on all fours.

I reached over and tapped her on the head a few times. It took a moment for her to realize, then she was twisting around. Fresh slobber was smeared across her cheek and I fought back a laugh.

“The right thing,” I said abruptly.

She blinked slowly. “Huh?”

“It’s the right thing,” I repeated. “I thought some more about the new apartment. I’d be ready to make some serious readjustments if you’re up for it.”

Even in her tired state, a large smile spread across her face and she squeezed her eyes shut. “Really? But you were worried about the budget…”

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I smiled. “I know, but no budget is worth risking our lives when we don’t have to. Besides, a life of luxury doesn’t sound so pretentious from where we’re standing.”

Aria looked away, her eyebrows creasing. She sat up and wiped her face on her sleeve. “But what if we really can’t afford it? I had my head in the clouds when I said all that stuff.”

“We won’t know unless we try. And besides, we’re not alone in this. We have each other, remember?” I took her hand and patted it for assurance.

The apprehension in her face slowly melted away, replaced by a newfound sense of Hope. Finally, she returned the smile.

“You’re right. I think we could make it happen.”

smile widened. “We can start tomorrow. Let’s check out that luxury apartment downtown again and see

it!” She clapped her hands and pumped her fists in the air. “This could be our

fresh start

TIMOTHY POV

the sound of clanging weights and the grunting of gym–goers engrossed in their workouts. Among them, Timothy stood at the bench. press, his muscles flexing with cach lift. He had decided to raise the intensity that day, hoping it would silence

his former teammates and friend, Ethan, looked over at him. Timothy got through ten

have liked. They had all been looking at him strangely ever since the trial. It was as if they expected him to never return to

his earbuds and attempted to

back, although it was strained. “Hey, man, you’re really pushing

Chapter 39

today. Is everything alright?”

O

sweat from

with everything

beside his foot. “I’ll bet. If I were you, I’d be sitting at home trashing myself after everything you went through. You

at his shoes and sighed. “I feel like garbage anyway. I may have won the case, but

raised an eyebrow.

hopeless though, as inquisitive as Ethan could be. He took the towel from the chair beside him and wiped his sweating

up, Ethan,” Timothy admitted, his hoarse. “I met this incredible woman, and I screwed

happen to be that stunning lady we all saw

hearing all week. Evie had become a popular subject amongst his teammates, who speculated that

attempt at squashing the rumor. Even if he wanted it to be

to grin, nudging Timothy in the arm. “Look, bud. You can’t fix what you don’t try

head. “I tried that. I apologized, and I even gave her gifts. She still can hardly look at

in thought. He eventually broke the

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Chapter 39

nose. Even recalling that terrible moment left a bad taste in his mouth. At times, he could hardly

a stupid dare and she wound up hurt because of it,” he said, choosing

end. Her friend and boyfriend had seemed harmlessly friendly toward

Ethan didn’t look at him in any disgusted manner. He only seemed intrigued as he sat and considered him for a moment. Suddenly, he snapped his

is meant to brag all about how good his friend is. You

fighting back a smile. “What is

is science, man! Look, we’ll figure out a plan together, okay? It’ll give you a chance to

of gratitude and nervousness evident in his expression. “You’d really do

me out of a tough situation or two. Figure