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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Chapter 39

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.”

that luxury apartment downtown again and see

She clapped her hands and pumped her fists in the air. “This could be

start was all

TIMOTHY POV

the grunting of gym–goers engrossed in their workouts. Among them, Timothy stood at the bench. press, his muscles flexing with

workout, his former teammates and friend, Ethan, looked over at him. Timothy got through ten more reps before Ethan set down

been looking at him

and attempted to smile at

was strained.

Chapter 39

today. Is everything alright?”

O

he wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked at Ethan, hesitating

I’m good. Just with everything going on…it’s

and took a swig of his water before setting the bottle down beside his foot. “I’ll bet. If I were you, I’d be sitting at

like garbage anyway. I may have won the case,

raised an eyebrow.

It would’ve been hopeless though, as inquisitive

incredible woman, and I screwed up hard. Now I don’t know how to fix

to be that stunning lady we all

Evie had become a popular subject amongst his teammates, who speculated that more was going on between her and

Timothy said, with a sudden attempt at squashing the rumor. Even if he

the arm. “Look, bud. You can’t fix what you don’t try to mend. You

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

He eventually broke the

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Chapter 39

taste in his

he said, choosing his

her end. Her friend and

as he sat and considered him for a moment. Suddenly, he snapped his

announced brightly. “A wingman is meant to brag all about

failed at fighting back a smile.

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

and nervousness

a tough situation or two. Figure I