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!”

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

a good towel rub. I could see the dark trail of hair that traveled down

by it at all, instead giving me

on, the local news started zeroing in on Timothy in particular. As he brought Duke into the bath, they began

but 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

my pal, Duke. I figured if he had fun with his Sunday baths, others would enjoy it

reporter giggled, narrowly dodging the splash of water near her shoes as Duke leaped out of the tub. “Certainly seems

all this!”

no!” Timothy shook his head firmly. His gaze shifted to

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Chapter 85

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

of this.”

words. I hadn’t expected 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

of determination in her

fading buzz of the crowd. “Mind if I have a moment?” Timothy turned toward her, his

the bulldog, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Penny was a

ask.

in hand. “I wanted to talk to you

smile turned contemplative. “Absolutely. It’s been humbling

to see the

it makes you feel? To see so many people supporting your efforts

to describe, Penny, 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

“And what about the experience of washing the

tone. “Well, I might need a few more towels,

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Chapter 85

it’s as simple as getting your hands

couldn’t help but feel a surge of

notice.

headed over to where Aria and Lucas

Evie! Did you catch Timothy’s interview

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

in surprise. “What do

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

flush. “Thanks, Aria, but this was a team effort. We all played a

definitely. But you’re the glue holding