The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 42

Despite the smile on his face, that sentence alone produced a certain edge to his

voice.

“Oh, those rumors!” I placed my hands on my cheeks, hoping my cool hands would thaw them somewhat. Alex was still towering over me, closer than before. “Yeah, don’t pay any attention to those.”

He laughed. “Oh, believe me. I don’t. I’m past my juvenile years.”

The next morning, I woke to the scent of batter and cinnamon drifting through the air. I lifted my head and peeked my eyes open to see the time on my digital -clock. It was only nine, but it felt like I’d slept for ages in such a comfortable bed.

I was almost too reluctant to slide out of it and put on my slippers, but I wasn’t so prepared to sleep the day away when breakfast was waiting in the other room. With a yawn, I shuffled out of the room and into the kitchen where Aria was flipping pancakes on a skillet.

She noticed me after a few seconds and gave me a tired smile. “Morning!”

“A working stove?” I smiled and drifted away. “Hallelujah.”

“You should see the working toaster!” she announced as I walked into the living room and plopped myself onto the couch. I switched on the TV and flipped to the local news channel. There was mention of an athlete that had been taking performance enhancers, and that headline on its own reminded me.

“Timothy’s conference!” I hissed, snatching the remote back up. I flipped through channels, frustrated that I hadn’t even thought to check which channel the conference would be on. Fortunately, Timothy’s face flashed on the screen for the briefest of moments and I was able to backtrack just enough to find him again on

ESPN.

He stood confidently in front of a red and white backdrop with an odd number of microphones pointed at him. He looked handsome as always, his hair combed back neatly and his face shaven smoothly for the occasion. He adjusted his tie and gave the microphones a quick tap to ensure their functionality.

“I believed it would be a great disservice to the public if I didn’t address my

current situation openly,” he began, his expression grave. “From this day forward, I

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will no longer be playing with the Thunderbolts.”

There were gasps and murmurs amongst the crowd. Cameras flashed as the reporters begged him for questions, but Timothy continued over them.

“Now, it won’t be an immediate switch. The change will take place in about three weeks, but I plan on taking a break in the meantime.”

was some unrest amongst the crowd, I felt a wave of relief at his words. Timothy’s departure from the other club had been a necessary but messy decision.

from the previous night’s

right then with a plate of pancakes and set them beside me with the bottle of syrup. She popped the cap and started pouring

to snatch the bottle from

her eyes narrowing with mischief. “I mean, you practically drink

me with my semi–dry pancakes, I shook my head and

girls squealing in the background asking

began to ring, startling me as I scarfed down my pancakes. I set my plate down and grabbed my phone from the coffee table. As soon as I saw the screen, my heart

after his little show, not even a move could deter him

the plate beside her. I took that moment to leave the room

Chapter 42

the phone vibrated violently in my hands, I debated letting it

voicemail.

better

through the line, not even giving me the

Bruce?” I asked, gritting

much. Just wanted to congratulate you on that court win. I bet you’re swimming in cash now,” he

Bruce was so predictable.

again, only a little less genuinely. “Oh, you don’t owe me anything? We both know

giving you a cent, Bruce. Leave me alone,” I stated, my

give me what I want, I’ll make sure everyone knows your

my eyes shut as memories from that terrible night flooded my mind. There was an echo of glass shattering against the floor, and the warmth of fresh blood spraying along my arm. They imagery flashed before

With a sigh, I relented. “Fine, I’ll meet you. But this is the last

up, Bruce sent the address over text. When I opened

to zoom in to see exactly where it was. It didn’t really have a set building there that I

app,

stared ahead at the blue wall. Somewhere along the way, I must have lost my

up the strength to leave the bathroom

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Chapter 42

When I walked back into the living room, Aria was seated on the couch eating pancakes. She gave me

going?” she asked, then motioned to my

my keys from the hook

and pursed her lips.

me. I bid her a quick

anymore.

keys in the ignition. The engine roared to life and I tightened

I pulled out of the parking lot. I always had to deal