The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 57

As I parked my car in front of Linda’s small, unassuming home, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Doubts crept into my mind, and I couldn’t help but question if I had made the right decision to come here tonight. My feelings for Timothy were becoming more complicated with each passing day, and I worried that spending time with Linda, his “lover“, would only exacerbate my internal struggle.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked up to the front door. Before I could even knock, the door swung open, revealing Linda’s warm smile. “Evie!

“Linda!” I forced a smile.

“It’s so lovely to see you. Come on in. I just started dinner!”

Her welcoming words eased some of the tension in my chest, and I stepped inside, feeling grateful for her comforting presence. Hopefully, dinner would provide the solace I needed.

As I followed her into the cozy kitchen, the scent of a home–cooked meal enveloped me, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The table was set with care, and the sight brought a small smile to my lips.

“Thank you for having me, Linda,” I said, trying to push aside my worries and focus on the present moment.

She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine kindness. “You’re always welcome here, Evie. Also, dinner’s almost done.”

As Linda bustled around the kitchen, I couldn’t help but take in my surroundings. Her home was cluttered but inviting, filled with trinkets and photographs. My eyes landed on one particular photo of Timothy, his arms wrapped around Duke as he faced away from the camera.

Their smiles were radiant and seeing Timothy so happy together made my heart. ache with a mix of emotions. There were several others like it with just Timothy in the image. Timothy playing hockey, going grocery shopping, or even brushing his teeth.

He was always facing away in the photos. They could’ve bene candid shots, but not one of them featured Linda. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he didn’t even

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Chapter 47

there half

could dwell further on the photos,

her setting the steaming plates of flakey chicken Wellington on the table. I felt my mouth water as I was drawn

dear. It’s one of Timothy’s favorite

the pleasure out of the meal. I wanted to know more about their relationship, about the depth of their bond, but I was afraid to pry. I didn’t

tried to focus on the meal, on the flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. Linda chatted animatedly about her day, about the people. she had met, and about her latest

help. but wonder if he ever talked about me to Linda, if he confided in her about his life. and his hopes and dreams. I felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of him sharing those intimate moments

the evening wore on, I realized that I couldn’t keep my feelings bottled up any longer. I needed to at least

talk to you about something?” I

course, Evie. You can always talk to

said you and Timothy met online. How long until

fondness. “I was just a dumb fan on one of us forums. Most people don’t know this, but secretly

on

the right words. “I couldn’t help but notice all the

Chapter 57

that you have a very special connection. How did your relationship with him

joy as she began to recount the story of how she and Timothy had met and the memories

without him,” Linda finished, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I don’t think I’d

some clarity, but instead, I was confronted with a vivid display

such a wonderful person, Evie,” Linda continued, a dreamy look in her eyes. “We’ve been through so much together, and he’s always been there

I

my frustration behind a forced smile, but inside, I was seething. It felt like Linda was gloating about her relationship with Timothy, flaunting their connection in front of me. I didn’t want to hear about all the special moments they had

turned to anger. I felt like an outsider in my own friendship with him. It was as if I had been living in a fantasy, believing that our bond was unique and special, only to discover that he had another person in his

to interject, to redirect the conversation, but Linda was too engrossed in her memories to notice my discomfort. It felt like she was rubbing

bear it any longer, I excused myself from the table. “I’m sorry,