The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 158

The early morning sun bathed the city in a soft, golden glow as we all piled into Lucas’s car, bound for a spa resort located just an hour away. The tension between Aria and me was still present, like an invisible wall that separated us. Lucas, ever the mediator, sat in the driver’s seat, casting worried glances in our direction.

Lucas had arranged this day trip to the spa in the hopes of mending a hard couple of months, but I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in my stomach. Aria had been avoiding me around the apartment for days, and the wounds from our argument still felt fresh.

As we drove down the winding road toward our destination, the awkward silence was broken only by the hum of the car’s engine. Lucas finally spoke up, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and concern.

“Listen, you two,” he began, his eyes darting between us in the rearview mirror, “we’re here to relax and unwind. This trip is supposed to be fun, so can we please

go of any grudges and just enjoy it?”

let

Aria and I exchanged tense glances before nodding in reluctant agreement. The promise to keep things civil hung in the air, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was too little, too late.

When we arrived at the spa resort, the lush surroundings and serene atmosphere momentarily lifted our spirits. We were greeted by a friendly staff member who handed us a schedule of activities for the day.

Our first activity was an aquatic cycling class, and we eagerly made our way to the pool area. Aria and I parted ways with Lucas as we headed to the ladies locker room to change. I kept my back toward her as I switched into my black one–piece and tied up my hair.

Aria didn’t even check to see if I’d finished before walking out of the room, letting the door slam behind her. I followed behind her, trying not to let the obvious. abrasiveness get under my skin. I drew my attention to the landscape before us.

The clear pool water sparkled in the sunlight, inviting us to dive in. I sat on the other side of Lucas, keeping my distance from Aria. Lucas quickly took notice as we adjusted our bikes in the waist–deep water.

The instructor, Jessica, waded over and greeted us all with a bright smile. “Are we

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ready to rock this work–out?”

for the time. After a few taps, she cast us a daring look. “We’re going to start with something simple, like a casual ride

workout, Aria and I couldn’t help but exchange strained glances. It was as if the peaceful surroundings had done little

first to break the

frustration bubbling to the surface. “Aria,

edged with anger. “Maybe because you’ve been lying to me about your problems for weeks, so I’m having

own anger welling up, my voice growing sharper. “Well, maybe if you didn’t

between us, sighed heavily. “Hey, you two, let’s not do this

willing to back down. We

firm. “Guys, enough! This is

instructor herself chimed in, her voice stern. “I’ll have to ask you two to leave if

Aria and I both had the idea of just leaving entirely. We dismounted our aquatic bikes and

us and focus on somewhat enjoying the rest of our day. After all, we were at a spa resort, and there were plenty of activities to indulge in that didn’t

to a serene, dimly lit room where

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the expert hands of our respective massage therapists, it gave us the time

the first to speak, her voice filled with regret. “I didn’t

anger giving way to a sense of relief. “I’m sorry for lying to you, Aria. I do trust

expression sincere. “Girl, please. We’re allowed to burden

eyes. “Even if I’m a dangerous

confirmed quickly. “We’re not

reminder of the bond we had shared for so long, a bond that had been strained by recent events. But in that moment, it felt like

Aria a small smile, our unspoken grievances finally beginning to fade. “I

The soothing music and the skilled hands of the masseuses worked wonders, melting away the knots

couldn’t help but reflect on the recent turmoil in our lives. Aria and I had always been there for each other, through thick and thin. But the past weeks had tested our friendship in ways I

tension in my body, but I felt tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m

table, I thought she’d fallen asleep. However, she adjusted herself so that she was facing me with a look of concern.

I said, and strangely, I began to smile. “It’s the