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.

she simply shrugged. Oddly enough, there was a hint of a smile

in one hand and a large cake teetering in the other. I gasped as he set

we could continue the celebration,” he said, popping the top

move to the spacious balcony, taking in

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 liquid warmed

sensation would never get old. “Can you believe we’re finally here?” I

wandering across the cityscape. “It feels like a dream come

two already feel at home. Heck, I almost want to ditch my place for this one.” As we laughed, Lucas offered to cut

buttercream icing in silence, instead listening in to the soft cadence of the city below. The lights twinkled the sky

in my life,” I said softly.

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

“We’ve been through so much together, and I know we’re going to make even more

Chapter 40

cake disappeared, but this beautiful evening had yet to

array of drinks. Aria prepared a platter of finger

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

that came

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

twirled around, her dress swirling gracefully, while Lucas playfully shook his hips, showcasing some of his well–practiced dance moves. I joined

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

of Bruce and Timothy were fleeting, yet persistent all at once. The contrast was so great between them. Bruce

of my head!” I clenched my hair and shook my head, as

in my mind. I could feel Timothy’s strong hands working their magic on my feet,

about that. There had been moments when Timothy’s touch had lingered, sending

Chapter 40

over to the control panel. I rolled the knob, raising the