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!”

dog. “Hey, nothing wrong with an extra rinse, right?” I nodded

Terrier a good towel rub. I could see the dark trail of hair

up when Timothy looked over and caught me staring. He didn’t seem bothered by it at

zeroing in on Timothy in particular. As he brought Duke into the bath, they began asking him questions about his intent behind the

retriever a playful scratch under his ear. This was probably the first time he

figured if he had fun with his Sunday baths, others would enjoy

narrowly dodging the splash of water near her shoes as Duke leaped out

all this!”

shook his head firmly. His gaze

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Chapter 85

“My friends really pulled most of the weight. I was just the pretty face

of this.”

expected him to credit us for the event, although we hadn’t expected him to. Hopefully, this wouldn’t take

drawing to a close. I was drying off a very relaxed bulldog when I spotted Penny making her

glint of determination in her

Penny’s voice carried over the fading buzz of the crowd. “Mind if I have a moment?” Timothy turned toward her, his expression

the bulldog, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on

ask.

in hand. “I wanted to talk to you

been humbling community come together

to see the

you feel? To see so many people supporting your efforts and contributing to a

but I guess the best way to put it is that it warms my heart. This charity event wasn’t just about me. It was about everyone coming together to make a difference, to show kindness

leaving Timothy. “And what about the experience of washing the dogs, getting right

a lightness in his tone. “Well, I might need a few more towels, that’s for

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Chapter 85

rewarding. Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting

pat on the back. Glancing over at Timothy and Penny, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for Timothy’s sincerity and

notice.

decided to give them some space and headed over to where Aria and Lucas were gathering up the last of

Did you catch Timothy’s interview with

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

surprise.

were still mingling and sharing stories. “This whole event was your doing, Evie. You rallied everyone together, you made the fliers, and you jumped

but this was a team effort. We all

playfully. “Oh, definitely. But you’re