The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 89

| knew this was coming; and | took a moment to gather my thoughts. “Timothy is a valued client,” | began, choosing my words carefully. “We formed a strong professional connection, but any suggestion beyond that is purely speculative.”

Carl nodded thoughifully, his expression understanding. “I appreciate your candor, Evie. Relationships in your line of work can indeed be complex.”

| smiled gratefully, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. “Absolutely, Carl. It’s all about ensuring the best outcomes for my clients.”

He nodded, though the twitch in his eyebrow told me that his skepticism hadn't left. | shifted uncomfortably in my seat, wondering how far | could take my statement.

Finally, | met Carl’s probing gaze, my expression carefully neutral. “Timothy and | did form a personal connection,” | admitted, my voice steady. “But it would be dishonest to say that it went beyond anything friendly.”

Carl's eyebrows lifted, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “So, you are confirming that your relationship with Timothy was friendly, but not romantic in the slightest?”

| felt the spotlight on me, the pressure of the public's scrutiny weighing heavily. | recalled Penny’s advice, the importance of being as vague as possible without outright lying.

“Relationships in this industry can be complex, Carl,” | replied, choosing my words carefully. “They can naturally evolve from working closely together, and | think that happened with Timothy and I.” Carl hummed in thought. “Have you formed. strong bonds with other clients of yours?”

| shook my head. “Timothy was my first ever client, so naturally | clung onto him. and his case as my only hope. | believe that | could form similar relationships with other clients as | don’t believe there is anything wrong with ending things on friendly terms.”

“Of course,” said Carl, “I’m sure leaving a good impression on one client could draw in many others who are looking for a personable lawyer.”

“Exactly,” | said with a smile. “See? You get me Carl.”

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“It's my job to get you, Evie, and | must say...| do like you. And | want the best for you.” “Thank you, Carl.”

As Carl and | wrapped up our conversation, he signaled for the cameras to be turned off, allowing for a moment of genuine connection outside the spotlight. A sense of relief washed over me as the weight of performing for the interview lifted.

Once we reached the lobby, she left me there and bid me farewell. | watched her walk back up the stairs and | released a long sigh.

The bright overhead lights were almost blinding in contrast to the dim warmth of the interview room. Suddenly, Timothy's voice echoed in the spacious area, calling. out my name. | turned to see him striding towards me, his smile infectious.

“Hey, how did it go?” Timothy asked. He had loosened his tie and his neatly combed hair had returned to its usual wildness. Had he waited for me that whole. hour?

| smiled and walked toward him. “It went really well. Carl was surprisingly easygoing, and the questions flowed naturally.” Timothy's face relaxed into a grin. “That’s great to hear! Mine went pretty smoothly too,”

He took my hand, his fingers curling around mine. “You know what? We should celebrate at that new bar downtown, let loose for a while.”

His suggestion was music to my ears. “Yeah, that sounds like a fantastic idea. Let’s do it!”

The evening was aglow with the vibrant hues of the city lights as | followed Timothy to his car. There was an air of excitement around us, as though the universe was basking in our energy. Sliding into the passenger seat, | couldn’t help but feel a pang of nerves. The anticipation of the evening ahead with Timothy was enough to send my heart racing.

Timothy started the engine and it gave off a low purr. As we navigated through the city streets, my curiosity got the better of me. “So, your interview with Carl went well?”

Timothy shot me a sidelong glance, a playful glint in his eyes. “Surprisingly, yes,” 2/4

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he replied with a nonchalant shrug. “We talked about my hockey career choices, my plans for the future. And, of course, he was quite intrigued by my community outreach efforts.

| leaned back in the seat, absorbing his words. “Community outreach? That must have been about the dog washing fundraiser,” | mused.

Timothy grinned, his eyes lighting up with a mix of pride and amusement. “He was particularly interested in that. | guess the idea of a professional hockey player getting his hands dirty washing.

dogs is a unique angle,” he said, his voice tinged with humor.

| chuckled, the mental image of Timothy wielding a soapy sponge playing in my mind. “Well, you did raise a significant amount for the animal shelter,” | pointed

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He nodded, a genuine warmth in his expression. “Yeah, it was a team effort, though. Couldn’t have done it without you, Evie,” he said, his gaze meeting mine for a brief moment before returning to the road.

The air between us was charged with a certain intimacy as we pulled up to the trendy bar Timothy had mentioned. The place buzzed with activity, the soft hum of voices and the faint strains of music intertwining into a harmonious melody.

s of music inter

The clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations created a backdrop of mirth, and | couldn’t help but smile as | looked around.

Timothy led the way to a corner booth, a prime spot that offered a view of the entire room. We settled in, the comfort of the padded seats and the soft lighting creating an intimate ambiance. As we clinked our glasses together in a toast, a sense of gratitude washed over me. Gratitude for the journey we had shared, the hurdles we had overcome, and the friendship that had blossomed along the way.

“To new beginnings,” Timothy said, his voice tinged with a mix of playfulness and sincerity. | raised my glass, the crystal catching the light in a sparkling dance. “To seizing every opportunity,” | added with a grin.

Our glasses touched, a musical chime that echoed through the air.

As the night wore on, we found ourselves immersed in a series of stories and

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laughter. The conversation flowed effortlessly, as if we had known each other for a lifetime. In a way, we might as well have.

Timothy's eyes shined as he spoke about his love for hockey, the thrill of being on the ice, and the moments that defined his career. | hung onto his every word, captivated by the passion that radiated from him.

“And you, Evie? What about your dreams?” Timothy asked, his gaze unwavering as he turned the spotlight onto me.

| took a moment to gather my thoughts, savoring the sincere look he gave me. “Being a lawyer is my ultimate dream. I’ve been able to advocate for those who need a voice,” | answered. Timothy’s gaze softened, and there was a genuine respect in his eyes. “You're incredible,” he said softly, then took another swig of his drink.

| felt a flutter in my chest, a warmth that spread through every fiber of my being. The air seemed charged with unspoken emotions, a tension that hovered between us like a delicate veil.

In a fleeting moment, our eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between us. The space between us seemed to diminish, the allure of what.could be hanging in the air. My heart raced, its rhythm a pounding reminder of the closeness that beckoned. “You really think so?” | asked, my eyelids growing heavy.

His gaze fell to my lips and cleared his throat. “I know so.

In an instant, my heart overruled my thoughts, and | leaned in closer. Our faces were mere inches apart, and | could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. The moment hung in the air, electrifying and intense, and it seemed like we would finally close the distance...

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