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?”

her as checked her smart watch 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

the lesson, the water resistance providing a challenging workout, Aria and I couldn’t help but exchange strained glances. It was as if the peaceful surroundings had done

was the first to break the uneasy silence. “What are you staring

the surface. “Aria, you stared at

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

maybe if you didn’t treat me like I’m incapable of handling my own

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

willing to back down. We continued to exchange heated words, our voices rising

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

voice stern. “I’ll have to ask you two to leave if you can’t

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

our day. After all, we were at a spa resort, and there were plenty of

were led to a serene,

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our respective

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

eyes met mine, her expression sincere. “Girl, please. We’re allowed

sighed, shutting my eyes. “Even if

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

shared for so long, a bond that had been strained by recent events. But in that moment, it felt like a lifeline, something to hold onto as we navigated the challenges of our

smile, our unspoken grievances finally beginning

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

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

was the release of tension in my body, but I felt tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m telling

her face lying flat against the table, I thought she’d fallen asleep. However, she adjusted herself

am,” I said, and strangely, I began to smile.