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.”

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

you,” Timothy observed with a grin. “You’re a

chuckled, enjoying the interaction with Duke. “I’ve always loved dogs,” I admitted. “They’re such loyal and

his furry companion. “Duke’s been a good pal,

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

I guess I didn’t bring him up. He’s special to me, so I

and I clamped my mouth.

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

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

bit moody lately,” I admitted, deciding to steer the conversation away from Linda.

Only when he turned his attention

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of guilt in his

sorry,” he said, although his

happened,” I continued, egging him on. “One moment we’re enjoying coffee, then the next he tells me it’s not

two

I pouted

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

what?” I exclaimed, trying to sound angry, but unable to hide my

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

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

shifted to something more fearful.

up.”

do

“Why would you it?”

lost it. I know it was wrong, and I

to be angry, crossing my arms and giving him a disapproving look. “You can’t go around punching people, Timothy! No matter what the reason is, that’s not how you handle

the opposite. So he really had wanted to protect me, although I wish he hadn’t

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

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to apologize, but please, be careful with your temper. You don’t want to end up causing more trouble for

right, Evie. I need to work on controlling my emotions better,” he