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!”

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

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

over and caught me staring. He didn’t seem bothered by it at all, instead giving me a playful wink before passing the dog along

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

dogs,” he told them, giving the retriever a playful scratch under his ear. This was probably the first time he was willingly exposing Duke

Duke. I figured if he had fun with his Sunday baths, others

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

all this!”

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.”

cameramen laughed at his quip, but I couldn’t help but pause at his words. I hadn’t expected him to credit us for

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

a glint of determination in

a moment?” Timothy turned toward her, his expression more receptive and relaxed this time around. “Sure thing, Penny.

eavesdrop on their conversation. Penny was a seasoned reporter, but

ask.

you about the fundraiser, Timothy. The turnout

contemplative. “Absolutely. It’s been humbling community

to see the

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

the best way to put it is that it warms my heart. This charity event wasn’t just about me. It was about everyone

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

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

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Chapter 85

as simple as getting your hands

finished drying off the dog and gave him a light 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 authenticity. He

notice.

give them some space and headed over to where Aria and Lucas were gathering up

Evie! Did you catch Timothy’s interview with

a smile 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

in surprise. “What

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

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

But you’re