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.”

against my hand, seeking some affection. I happily obliged, scratching behind his ears

you,” Timothy observed with a grin.

“I’ve always loved

looking fondly at his furry companion. “Duke’s been a good pal, haven’t you,

a sweet boy,” I replied, scratching under Duke’s chin

guess I didn’t bring him up. He’s special to me, so I don’t really let too many people know

and I clamped my mouth.

merely grinned and shook his head. “Uh, Linda’s… fine,” he replied, looking a bit awkward. “Duke seems way fonder

around Duke more often than me, assuming she went over to Timothy’s that frequently. Still, I nodded, not wanting to pry too much

I admitted, deciding to steer the conversation away from Linda.

first. Only when he turned his

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did I catch a flash of guilt in his expression. He frowned and ducked

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

I continued, egging him on. “One

turned serious. “You two seemed so

pouted

holding something back. “Well, I might’ve punched him

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

shirt sleeve. “I got a bit carried away,” he admitted.

not getting off that easily,”

something more fearful. “I know. I

up.”

do

“Why would you it?”

and I just lost it. I know it was

around punching people, Timothy! No

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

me. I should

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Chapter 55

to apologize, but please, be careful with your temper. You don’t

looked contrite. “You’re right, Evie. I need to work on controlling my emotions better,” he