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?”

our bikes along with her as checked her smart watch for the time. After a few taps, she cast us a daring look. “We’re going to start

help but exchange strained glances. It was as if the peaceful surroundings had done little to quell the turmoil

to break the uneasy silence.

the surface.

was relentless, her voice edged with anger. “Maybe because you’ve been lying to me about your problems for weeks,

sharper. “Well, maybe if you didn’t treat me like I’m incapable of handling my own life,

you two, let’s not do this now. We’re in the middle of a

Aria nor I seemed willing to back down. We continued to exchange heated words, our voices rising

finally intervened, his tone firm. “Guys, enough! This is supposed

in, her voice stern. “I’ll have to ask you two to

had the idea of just leaving entirely. We dismounted our aquatic bikes and made our

behind us and focus on somewhat enjoying the rest of our day. After all, we were at a spa resort, and there

a serene,

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of our respective massage therapists, it gave us the time to

Aria was the first to speak, her voice filled with regret. “I didn’t like that you felt you

to look at her, my anger giving way to a sense of relief. “I’m sorry for lying to you, Aria. I do trust you, but I feel like a burden a lot

her expression sincere. “Girl, please.

“Even if I’m

if,” she confirmed quickly. “We’re not just ‘friends.

hung in the air, a reminder of the bond we had shared for so long, a bond that had been strained by recent events.

grievances finally beginning to fade. “I

therapists began their work. The soothing music and the skilled hands of the masseuses worked wonders,

closed, I 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 could never

the release of tension in my body, but I felt tears welling

she’d fallen asleep. However, she adjusted herself so that she was

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