The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 85

That morning, Aria and I bustled around the apartment, making final preparations for the dog wash fundraiser. After a week of planning, the number of likes on Aria’s posts hinted at there being a massive turn out.

“Okay, Aria, do we have enough shampoo and towels?” I called out from the kitchen.

Aria emerged from the bathroom, her hands full of bags of dog shampoo. “Check and check! The shampoo’s all lined up, and the towels are piled high in the car. We’re good to go, Evie.”

I let out a relieved sigh. “Great. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

Aria grinned, her eyes sparkling. “It’s going to be amazing, Evie. Just imagine all those happy doggies getting pampered.”

As we exchanged a high–five, I felt a surge of gratitude for all the effort the others. had put in. Aside from being a media stunt, a dog wash seemed like a genuine way to get the community together. With everything in place, we grabbed our coats and headed out the door, ready to meet up with Timothy and Lucas at the park.

As we reached the park, the scene was nothing short of heartwarming. Pet owners had lined up early with their dogs, and volunteers were buzzing around, setting up washing stations and getting

ready for the day ahead. I couldn’t help but smile as I took in the colorful banners and the joyful atmosphere.

“Evie! Aria!” Timothy’s voice called out, and we turned to see him and Lucas waving us over. “Hey, guys!” Aria shouted back.

We joined the guys, and Lucas gave us a thumbs–up. “After they get those banners up, we’ll be ready to roll!”

Aria’s social media campaign had done wonders. The park was packed with people, pet–owners, curious wanderers, and local news stations alike. A reporter stood just a few feet away, microphone raised to her lips as she read her script live to the

camera.

After everything was set up, we split up into teams, each taking charge of a

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Chapter 85

different dog washing station. Timothy and I took the tub at the very end.

51%

As the first pet owner and their dog approached, I grabbed a hose and winked at Timothy. “Ready to get a little wet and wild?”

Timothy laughed, picking up a bucket of shampoo. “Let’s do this!”

The day quickly turned into a whirlwind of soap suds, wagging tails, and cheerful chatter, As dogs of all sizes and breeds lined up for their spa treatment, we got completely soaked and covered in suds.

At one point, I turned to Timothy, both of us soaked from head to toe. “I thought we were washing the dogs, not each other!”

extra rinse, right?” I nodded and looked over, falling witness to how Timothy’s. white shirt had begun to cling to the skin

rippled and flexed as he gave the Terrier a good towel rub. I could

staring. He didn’t seem bothered by it at all, instead giving me

he brought Duke into the bath,

a playful scratch under his ear. This was

he had fun with his Sunday baths, others would enjoy

as Duke leaped out of the tub. “Certainly seems like

all this!”

no!” Timothy shook his head firmly. His gaze shifted to me, then Aria

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Chapter 85

the weight. I was

of this.”

help but pause at his words. I hadn’t expected him to credit us for the event, although we hadn’t

close. I was drying off a very relaxed bulldog when I spotted

a glint of determination in

turned toward her, his

couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Penny was a seasoned reporter, but

ask.

to you about the fundraiser,

smile turned contemplative. “Absolutely. It’s been

to see the

notepad. “Can you put into words how it makes you feel? To see so many people supporting

guess the best way to put it is that it warms my heart. This

“And what about the experience of

“Well, I might need a few more towels, that’s for sure. But seriously, being hands–on in this way, getting a

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Chapter 85

fun, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting your hands dirty for

at Timothy and Penny, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of

notice.

to where Aria and Lucas were gathering up the last of the supplies. Aria grinned

Did you catch

playing on my lips. “Yeah, I did. He really knows how to speak from the heart.” Aria’s eyes twinkled. “He’s got that down for sure. But you know

blinked in surprise. “What do

were still mingling and sharing stories. “This whole event was your doing, Evie. You

cheeks flush. “Thanks, Aria, but this

me playfully. “Oh, definitely. But you’re the glue holding this team