The Hockey Star’s Remorse

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Chapter 130

The next night, I found myself standing outside the familiar doors of the old restaurant where I had once worked as a waitress. The rain had given way to a clear, starlit sky, a stark contrast to the tumultuous journey that had brought me to this moment. The restaurant stood as a reminder of the past, a place where I had once chased dreams and struggled to make ends meet.

As I stepped through the glass doors and into the dimly lit dining area, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The familiar clatter of cutlery and the low hum of conversations enveloped my senses, bringing back memories of countless busy nights and countless encounters with customers. I was greeted by the warm, welcoming smile of Bob.

“Evie, my dear, good to have you back,” he said in his gravelly voice. “You’ll be working the greeter stand tonight. We’ve had quite a crowd lately, and I reckon your friendly face will do wonders at the front.”

I nodded in gratitude, relieved that he understood my need for a less physically demanding role. The greeter stand, a small podium just inside the entrance, held a stack of menus and a reservation book. It was my post for the evening, and I embraced it with open arms.

The restaurant buzzed with activity, a cacophony of voices and laughter that filled the air. It was busier than I had ever seen before. The world of high–powered lawyers and prestigious law firms felt like a distant memory, replaced by the hustle and bustle of a different reality.

As the night progressed, I settled into my new role, welcoming guests with practiced courtesy and guiding them to their tables. It was a comfort to see familiar faces and catch up with regulars who had become more like friends over the years. My spirits lifted with each friendly exchange, and I began to feel a glimmer of confidence returning.

These people were presumably normal. Not one of them seemed entrenched in the gossip and buzz that surrounded me. Of course, their main concern was food and drinks at the moment.

Amidst the chaos of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but reflect on the choices I had made and the events that had led me to this point. Life had a way of throwing curveballs, of leading us down unexpected paths. I had once been a successful

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Chapter 130

attorney, a rising star in the legal world. Now, I was a waitress, a far cry from the life I had envisioned for myself.

But as I watched the diners enjoy their meals and the restaurant come alive with laughter and conversation, I realized that there was value in every experience, in every role we played in the grand tapestry of life. My journey had taken me to the highest peaks and the darkest valleys, and each step had shaped me into the person I had become.

fulfillment wash over me. I had faced my fears and embraced the challenges of my new reality. The embarrassment and insecurity that had initially plagued me had given way to a sense

resilience.

a tired but contented smile, his eyes filled with gratitude. “You did great tonight,

within me. “Thank you, Bob. It’s been a while, but

camaraderie.

clapped me on the shoulder, his gesture filled with “You’ll always have a place here,

their meaning. Maybe it was the cast making him be so accommodating, but there was no way that he wasn’t aware of my

picking up extra menus and utensils. When they’d stay to chat, their words seemed to

about my age, with curly black hair and a bright, infectious smile. Of course, that may have been a front considering her need to poke her

conspiratorial, “I can’t help but wonder why you decided to come back here after everything. I mean, you had a

inwardly, not wanting to indulge. “Well, you

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Chapter 130

she continued, “you were pretty famous for a while. People still remember

not above working here,” I told her. “Besides, I enjoy the

arm gently. “I get it.” she said, though her tone was

weak smile. Thankfully, she grew bored with the conversation and turned away to greet one of our co–workers passed

diners to their tables, exchanged pleasantries, and made sure everyone felt welcomed. My role at the podium had

glanced at the clock, I realized it was time for my next break. I could feel the fatigue creeping in, a reminder of the

attention. I glanced up, expecting

rest.

heels, entered the restaurant. Her presence was striking, her poise and confidence drawing the attention of both diners and staff alike. I

down her back in loose waves, and her emerald–green eyes sparkled beneath the warm lighting. She wore a tailored black dress that accentuated her slender

where I stood, welcoming guests with my usual practiced

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