The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story novel Chapter 5
Evie
The last day. I felt the entirety of my life resting upon this pivotal moment. It was do or die. And it felt like I was dying. I had given my entire soul to finding a worthy client. And no one followed through. I watched the clock wind down. Ten minutes. I had ten minutes to pull off a miracle.
But obviously, I had no such luck. I didn’t have Jasper’s resources and money. All I had was a Jellar report card and a piece of paper that said I could attempt being a lawyer.
“Well, well,” Jasper sighs, popping his head over the cubicle wall. “It’s too bad about the internship, Evie. I almost thought you had it.”
“Shut up,” I growl.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Evie,” he says, poking out his bottom lip. “I tried to spare your feelings–”
“I can’t wait for someone to burst your little bubble,” I snap angrily. “Look at you with daddy’s money and daddy’s contacts. You didn’t prove anything to anyone here. I put in the hard work and I put in the time–”
His face darkened. “And look where that got you,” he says grimly. “Nothing but a participation trophy and a pink slip. You’re not anything special because you worked harder. Honestly, Evie. You’re the most naive girl I have ever met.”
I did all I could to stop the hurt from making its way to my eyes. But I could feel it tightening my throat. I stand up quietly, gathering my things.
I was just so tired of everything. I had plans. I was on track to be an amazing attorney. I studied my life away for this, only to be held back by my own lack of personability.
It was all meaningless. It felt like ever since that night, my life has been spinning out of control and I don’t know how to stop it. This was exactly what I was afraid of. All that hard work was wasted.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised. Nothing ever came easy for me. Coming out of high school as valedictorian gave me a false sense of confidence. Everyone had told me I was spectacular as a student. But being a great student didn’t guarantee I’d be a great attorney.
I don’t remember how I got home, only that when I did, Aria was at my door. She leaned casually against the wall, arms folded.
“Hey, stranger,” she says mischeviously.
I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to flip out and lose control of my anger. “Hey, Aria,” I say, forcing a smile to my face. “What’s up?”
“You owe me for ditching me last night,” she grins. “There’s a press conference about to start on ESPN soon. I thought you could make it up to me.”
She holds out a plastic bag for me. “It’s from the burger joint down the block,” she offers.
I couldn’t say no to a bit of comfort food right about now. “French fries?”
She nods. “Extra ranch.”
I moaned. “Fine,” I say, unlocking my door. “You’re a mad woman.”
“Oh, you know you love me,” she snorts.
“Ugh. You know I do,” I whine. “I want that damn burger.”
Aria nudges my shoulder. “Open the door and you’ll get your precious burger.”
I throw open the door and quickly plop down on the couch. I reach for the remote and turn on the tv, searching for the channel. I find it smack dab in the middle of a commercial break.
“Burger,” I order simply.
“Coming right up,” she answers, handing me the paper wrapped deliciousness.
Ripping open the wrapper, I take a bite, moaning at the comfort of the food.
“So,” she says, swallowing her own bite. “How was work?”
I glared over at her. Work was no longer my issue. It was over and I would have to move on. “Pass,” I groan, taking another bite.
“He’s just so hot,” she screams.
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