The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 40

Two days had flown by since our last–minute decision to move. We were prepared to toss it all out in exchange for the furnished luxury apartment that awaited us downtown.

Lucas insisted on helping out, which made the move even smoother. We were able to clean and leave the old place in semi–decent condition before driving the moving truck all the way to the new place. Perhaps it was the bright new day, but I felt like a brand–new person as I walked into the luxury apartment building alongside my friends.

It looked even more endearing than the last time we visited. The new place was a haven of elegance and comfort, a stark contrast to the cramped and worn–out apartment we had left behind. I took a deep inhale in and spread my arms out.

Lucas chuckled as he walked by and sat the last box of our personals beside the TV. The TV itself was a huge contrast, a wide flatscreen that made our little box of static back at the old apartment look embarrassing.

“Thank you so much for all your help, Lucas,” I said gratefully.

He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and grinned. “No problem at all. I am always willing to help with an upgrade.”

Aria came in after him, drenched in sweat as she tossed down the last box. She cut her eyes to me and sneered. “Glad you’re enjoying the air conditioning.”

I laughed and grabbed her shoulders before positioning her in front of the vent by the near wall. “You can too. And it’s actually cold!”

Upon feeling the cool rush of air blasting through the vents, Aria began to melt under my grip.

We spent the next hour wandering around, just enjoying the beauty of it all. I’d never felt more excited to sleep in a bad that didn’t look like it had springs sticking out of it. Aria, of course, was fascinated by the bathroom, and Lucas was just used to the luxury of it all.

Suddenly, Lucas jerked to life and hopped off the couch.

“I almost forgot!” he exclaimed, rushing out of the living room. I heard the door

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Chapter 40

slam and I turn to give Aria a questioning look.

him?” I asked her, and she simply shrugged. Oddly enough, there was a hint of

cake teetering in the other. I gasped as he set both down on the coffee table in front of me

the celebration,” he

the spacious balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of the city

a beautiful new home!” Aria exclaimed, raising her glass of sparkling champagne. The clinking of glasses then filled the air and we laughed as the

sipped my champagne and giggled as the bubbles tickling my tongue. The sensation would

Aria replied, her gaze wandering across the cityscape. “It feels like a

eyes shining. “I’m glad you two already feel at home. Heck, I almost want to ditch my place for this one.” As we laughed, Lucas offered to cut the cake and he gave

buttercream icing in silence, instead listening in to the soft cadence of the city below. The lights twinkled the sky darkened to a deep blue. The stars peeked out one by one, adding a touch of magic to the

you in my life,” I said softly. “Moving here. wouldn’t have

and squeezed my hand. “Glad we could make things easier. You

and I know we’re going to make even more incredible memories

Chapter 40

the champagne flowed, and the cake disappeared, but this beautiful evening

chillier, we migrated inside. In the living room, we set up the bar by the kitchen with an array of drinks. Aria prepared a platter of finger foods that we could snack on, especially since no one felt like cooking a full

delightful cocktails with flair. I sat back and watched the two work on their crafts, relishing

fancy speakers that came with the apartment!” Lucas suggested,

the wall, adjusting the volume and selecting a playlist full of pop music. As the first beats of music filled

shook his hips, showcasing some of his well–practiced dance moves. I joined in, allowing the music to take

lost in a dance–off, each of us trying to outdo the other before realizing how silly it had

once. The contrast was so great between them. Bruce was that dark shadow that haunted me, but Timothy was

clenched my hair and shook my head, as if the thoughts could escape through

away, but the memories. played like a movie in my mind. I could feel Timothy’s strong hands working their magic on my feet,

been innocent and well–intentioned. I couldn’t lie to myself about that. There had

Chapter 40

the control panel. I rolled the knob,