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

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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 ears as he wagged his

seems to like you,” Timothy observed with a grin. “You’re a natural with

loved dogs,” I admitted. “They’re such loyal and

are,” Timothy agreed, looking fondly at his furry companion. “Duke’s been a good

sweet boy,” I replied, scratching under Duke’s chin as he barked. proudly. “I’m surprised you didn’t

to me, so I

eyebrows rose and I clamped my mouth. shut, hoping I hadn’t overstepped

head. “Uh, Linda’s… fine,” he replied, looking a bit awkward. “Duke seems way fonder of

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

steer the conversation away from Linda. “I split

he turned his attention away

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

I’m so sorry,” he said, although his

really know what happened,” I continued, egging him on. “One moment

expression turned serious. “You two seemed

pouted my

and I could tell he was holding something back. “Well, I might’ve punched him

eyes widened in shock. “You what?” I exclaimed, trying to sound angry, but unable to hide my

and fiddled with his shirt sleeve. “I got a bit carried away,” he

You’re not getting off that easily,” I

more fearful. “I know. I

up.”

do

“Why would you it?”

and I just lost it. I know it was wrong, and I feel bad about it, but he shouldn’t do that

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

come out of his mouth 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 my relationship

let my emotions get the best of me. I should have handled it differently,” he acknowledged. “Is there anything I can do to make it

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my tone a little, trying to be understanding. “It’s good that you’re willing to apologize, but please, be careful with your temper. You don’t want to end

on controlling my emotions better,” he said, remorse