Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Five
Overview
Crowell orders Shane and Ilya to deny their relationship with a fake “prank” statement, threatening their careers and legacy. Shane rejects the lie, publicly affirms their engagement, and they post their own announcement. With leverage from a secret recording, they prepare to resume play. That night, J.J. confronts Shane, feels betrayed, learns the truth, and offers cautious reconciliation.
Summary
Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov meet Commissioner Roger Crowell, who presents a league-drafted statement framing their viral kiss as a prank on Hayden Pike. Crowell warns that public honesty will end their careers and legacies, insisting they accept the cover story and abandon plans to marry.
Shane rejects the lie, declares they are together and engaged, and threatens legal action. He and Ilya walk out, choosing each other over the league’s ultimatum. In the elevator, Ilya, overwhelmed with gratitude, kisses Shane. Outside, Shane reveals he secretly recorded the meeting on his mother’s advice, giving them leverage.
They celebrate with a fearless public lunch, then at home assemble an Instagram post using Farah’s statement and photos that show their history. They publish it together. Shane’s coach soon calls him back to practice, signaling an imminent return to the ice.
That night, J.J. arrives angry that Shane hid the relationship, accusing him of lying and compromising team loyalty. Shane defends the relationship’s seriousness and longevity. When J.J. learns it spans about eleven years and that they’re engaged, his anger gives way to shock and weary acceptance. They share tense humor, agree to be teammates first tomorrow, and leave the door open to reconciliation.
Who Appears
- Shane HollanderRejects the league’s fake-prank cover, publicly affirms engagement to Ilya, posts their statement, returns to practice, and reconciles cautiously with J.J.
- Ilya RozanovStands with Shane against Crowell, celebrates their choice, helps craft the Instagram post, and supports Shane through team fallout.
- Roger CrowellLeague commissioner; demands a cover-up, threatens their careers and legacies, is secretly recorded during the meeting.
- J.J.Shane’s teammate and friend; confronts him over secrecy, feels betrayed, learns about the engagement, then softens.
- FarahAgent who drafted their public statement used for the Instagram post.
- Hayden PikeFriend babysitting Anya; unwitting subject of the league’s proposed prank cover story.
- Shane’s coachCalls Shane to return to practice, indicating team reinstatement.
- Shane’s motherSuggested recording the Crowell meeting, providing leverage.
- YunaPhotographer of a charity camp photo included in their post.
- AnyaIlya’s dog; with Hayden while the couple meets and celebrates.