The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 55

As I approached my apartment, I was surprised to see Timothy standing there. His face lit up when he saw me, and I couldn’t help but smile back, despite the Linda issue.

“Hey, Evie! It’s been a while. How are you?” he asked warmly.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. I wasn’t ready to be honest with Timothy, but I didn’t want to seem distant either.

“I’ve been okay,” I finally replied, trying to sound casual. “Just been busy with work and stuff.”

Timothy studied my face for a moment. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, concern in his eyes.

I nodded quickly. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fne,” I assured him. “Just in a bit of a rush right. now, that’s all.”

He didn’t seem fully convinced, but he let the subject drop for the moment.

As much as I tried to resist, curiosity got the better of me. “I didn’t know you had a dog,” I blurted out, feeling a little embarrassed after.

He smiled, seemingly delighted by this insight. “Yeah, I got Duke a few months. ago. He’s been a great companion, especially during my recovery,” he explained, his eyes lighting up with affection as he talked about his furry friend.

“Well, if you have a few minutes, you should come over and see Duke,” he said brightly.

“I’d love to meet him,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I knew spending more time with Timothy might stir up emotions I wasn’t ready to confront, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Duke.

“Cool! Follow me.” Timothy said, gesturing toward his apartment door. “He’s a big sweetheart, I promise.”

I followed him to his apartment, my heart beating a little faster with each step. Once we reached his door, he unlocked it and motioned for me to enter first.

As I stepped inside, a wave of familiarity washed over me. Timothy’s apartment

1/3

53

Chapter 53

was cozy and well–decorated, with a touch of his personality evident in every corner. I noticed a few hockey–related items scattered around, a testament to his passion for the sport.

“Duke! Come here, buddy,” Timothy called out, and a few seconds later, a golden retriever came bounding over to us. He was a handsome dog with a friendly demeanor, and his wagging tail instantly made me smile.

“This is Duke,” Timothy said proudly, patting the dog’s head. “Duke, this is Evie.”

me an inquisitive look, then nudged his head against my hand, seeking some affection. I happily obliged, scratching behind his

to like you,” Timothy observed with a grin.

interaction with Duke. “I’ve always loved dogs,” I admitted. “They’re

his furry companion. “Duke’s been a good pal, haven’t

he’s a sweet boy,” I replied, scratching under Duke’s chin as he barked. proudly. “I’m

him up. He’s special to me, so I don’t really

blurted out. Timothy’s eyebrows rose and I clamped my mouth. shut, hoping I hadn’t overstepped

Linda’s… fine,” he replied, looking a bit awkward. “Duke

assuming she went over to Timothy’s that frequently. Still, I nodded, not wanting to pry

lately,” I admitted, deciding to steer the conversation away from Linda. “I split up

react at first. Only when he

2/5

531

Chapter 55

in the eyes did I catch a flash of guilt in his expression.

I’m so sorry,” he said, although his tone comically lacked any

continued, egging him on. “One moment we’re enjoying coffee, then

two seemed so close. Man…”

I pouted

could tell he was holding something back. “Well, I might’ve punched him at the club,” he confessed,

widened in shock. “You what?” I exclaimed, trying to sound

got a bit carried away,” he admitted. “But don’t worry, I’ll

“Oh, no. You’re not getting off that easily,” I

more fearful. “I

up.”

do

“Why would you it?”

the club, and I just lost it. I know it was wrong,

and giving him a disapproving look. “You can’t go around punching people, Timothy! No matter what

left me feeling the opposite. So he really had wanted to protect me, although I wish he hadn’t punched my friend. Of course, he didn’t know that

of me. I should have handled it differently,” he acknowledged. “Is there anything I can do to

III

Chapter 55

but please, be careful with your

work on controlling my emotions better,” he said, remorse in his