The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story novel Chapter 130

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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. 

As the night drew to a close, I felt a sense of 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 of pride and 

resilience. 

Bob approached me with a tired but contented smile, his eyes filled with gratitude. “You did great tonight, Evie. We couldn’t have handled the rush without you.” 

I returned his smile, a sense of accomplishment swelling within me. “Thank you, Bob. It’s been a while, but I’m glad to be back.” 

camaraderie. 

He clapped me on the shoulder, his gesture filled with “You’ll always have a place here, Evie. Remember that.” 

While his words were genuine, I couldn’t help but feel slightly curious about their meaning. Maybe it was the cast making him be so accommodating, but there was no way that he wasn’t aware of my scandal. At some point, I realized that my fellow employees certainly were. 

They would swoop by occasionally, picking up extra menus and utensils. When they’d stay to chat, their words seemed to always carry a double meaning to them. Selma, who seemed the most invested in my return, consistently came around. 

She was a woman of 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 nose into other people’s lives. She leaned against the podium, her eyes fixed on me with an intensity that was hard to ignore. 

“Evie,” she began, her voice low and conspiratorial, “I can’t help but wonder why you decided to come back here after everything. I mean, you had a pretty successful career as a lawyer, didn’t you?” 

I sighed inwardly, not wanting to indulge. “Well, you know. Life happens,” I replied. 

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Chapter 130 

Selma raised an eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied with my vague answer. “You know, Evie,” she continued, “you were pretty famous for a while. People still remember you from that high–profile case you handled with Timothy Hayes.” 

I cringed. “I’m not above working here,” I told her. “Besides, I enjoy the atmosphere. Firms can get pretty stuffy.” 

Selma’s eyes softened, and she reached out to touch my arm gently. “I get it.” she said, though her tone was flat. 

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

As the evening wore on, the restaurant’s usual ebb and flow continued. I guided diners to their tables, exchanged pleasantries, and made sure everyone felt welcomed. My role at the podium had become a source of comfort, a way to connect with people without the spectacle. 

As I glanced at the clock, I realized it was time for my next break. I could feel the fatigue creeping in, a reminder of the physical toll this job took on me. The injury. from that unfortunate fall still haunted me, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. 

Just as I was about to head to the break room, the tinkling of the entrance bell caught my attention. I glanced up, expecting to see another hungry diner entering the establishment. However, my gaze locked onto a figure that stood out from the 

rest. 

A young woman, dressed in an elegant ensemble of a scarlet dress and high heels, entered the restaurant. Her presence was striking, her poise and confidence drawing the attention of both diners and staff alike. I watched her approach the host stand, her gaze focused on mine. 

Her auburn hair cascaded 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 figure, and her every step exuded confidence and grace. This was no ordinary patron. 

My heart quickened as she approached the podium where I stood, welcoming guests with my usual practiced charm. Her presence seemed almost surreal in this hectic environment. 

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