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.

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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!”

“Hey, nothing wrong with an extra rinse, right?” I nodded and looked over, falling witness

towel rub. I could see the dark trail of hair

looked over and caught me staring. He didn’t seem bothered by it at all, instead giving me a playful

zeroing in on Timothy in particular. As he brought Duke into the

I’m a huge fan of dogs,” he told them, giving the retriever a playful scratch under his ear. This was probably the first time he was willingly

had fun with his

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

all this!”

head firmly. His gaze

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Chapter 85

really pulled most of the weight. I was just the pretty

of this.”

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

off a very relaxed bulldog when I spotted Penny making her

glint of determination in

of the crowd. “Mind if I have a moment?” Timothy turned toward her, his expression more receptive and relaxed this time around. “Sure thing, Penny. What’s on your

I continued to towel off the bulldog, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation.

ask.

you about the

turned contemplative. “Absolutely. It’s been humbling community come together

to see the

many people supporting your efforts and contributing to a cause you’re passionate about?” Timothy’s

it warms my heart. This charity event wasn’t just about me. It was about everyone coming together to make a difference, to

leaving Timothy. “And what about the

his tone. “Well, I might need a few more towels, that’s for sure. But seriously,

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Chapter 85

incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting

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

notice.

over to where Aria

catch Timothy’s interview

nodded, a smile playing on my lips. “Yeah, I did. He really knows how to speak from the heart.” Aria’s

blinked in surprise. “What do you

your doing, Evie. You rallied everyone together, you made the fliers, and you jumped right

cheeks flush. “Thanks, Aria, but this was a team effort.

nudged me playfully. “Oh, definitely. But you’re