Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Two
Overview
Ilya brings Anya to Montreal, where a private kiss with Shane is accidentally captured in a mirror during Hayden’s FanMail video and spreads online. Shocked but pragmatic, they loop in agent Farah to craft a statement. Crowell orders both benched, but Coach Wiebe privately supports Ilya and shares his own history, promising to steady the team as playoffs near.
Summary
Ilya drives Anya to Montreal and meets Shane, who has prepared supplies. They visit Hayden and Jackie Pike, where Anya charms the family. Fetching Arthur’s toy gives Shane and Ilya a private moment outside, and they share an intense kiss.
The next morning, Hayden arrives shaken: his FanMail video accidentally captured their kiss reflected in a mirror, and it has gone viral. Shane panics about timing and teammates, especially J.J., while Ilya stays calm and compassionate toward Hayden, calling it an accident.
Ilya and Shane watch the clip, oscillating between dread and helpless laughter, then call their agent, Farah. She promises to draft an official statement and warns that league president Crowell will likely interfere. Shane plans to speak to his team before any public release as playoffs loom.
Ilya leaves for Ottawa but finds Coach Wiebe waiting at his house. Wiebe expresses sympathy, confirms Crowell has ordered both players benched, and pointedly offers his full support. He shares his own past with a male teammate and identifies as bisexual, underscoring his understanding.
Buoyed by Wiebe’s backing and reminded of their mutual commitment, Ilya prepares to face the fallout while the coach readies the team and emphasizes that they will need their captain in the playoffs.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovOttawa captain; visits Montreal with Anya, shares a kiss with Shane, manages fallout, calls Farah, receives support from Coach Wiebe.
- Shane HollanderMontreal star; hosts Ilya, is outed by viral video, panics about team reaction and J.J., coordinates with Farah.
- Hayden PikeFriend and teammate; unknowingly films the reflected kiss in a FanMail video, apologizes and delivers the bad news.
- Coach WiebeOttawa coach; informs Ilya of Crowell’s benching order, shares his bisexual past, pledges strong support.
- FarahAgent; advises by phone, drafts an official statement, prepares to challenge league interference.
- AnyaIlya’s rescued dog; travels well, charms the Pikes, comforts Shane, barks at Wiebe before settling.
- Jackie PikeHayden’s partner; hosts the visit, helps with the kids while they play with Anya.
- Arthur PikePike child; asks for his toy Chompy, prompting Shane and Ilya’s trip outside and private kiss.
- CrowellLeague president; orders both players benched, escalating the crisis ahead of playoffs.