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

a large cake teetering in the other. I gasped as he set both down on the

could continue the celebration,” he said, popping the

to move to 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

tickling my tongue. The sensation would never

across the cityscape. “It feels like

eyes shining. “I’m glad you two already feel at home. Heck, I almost want to ditch my

twinkled the sky darkened to a deep blue. The stars

grateful to have both of you in my life,” I said softly.

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

know we’re going to

Chapter 40

flowed, and the cake disappeared, but this beautiful evening

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

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

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

sleek control panel on the wall, adjusting the volume and selecting a playlist full

dress swirling gracefully, while Lucas playfully shook his hips, showcasing some of his well–practiced dance moves. I joined in, allowing the music to take over my body and wash away my

dance–off, each of us trying to outdo the

them. Bruce was that dark shadow that haunted me, but Timothy was like

my head!” I clenched my hair and shook my

Timothy’s strong hands working their magic on my feet, the gentle pressure releasing the knots in my muscles. Alongside the soothing memory came that familiar swirl of conflicting

and well–intentioned. I couldn’t lie to myself about that.

Chapter 40

over to the control panel.