Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Twelve
Overview
Shane and Ilya spend a rare full day together after their secret reunion, sharing intimacy and discussing the upcoming ESPN documentary. When Jackie sprains her ankle, they babysit Hayden’s kids, culminating in a playful pretend wedding that stirs real feelings about a future together. Back home, tenderness turns to tension when Ilya hints at coming out, Shane resists, and a worried Shane suggests therapy; Ilya shuts down, leaving the issue unresolved.
Summary
Morning after their secret night together, Shane and Ilya linger in bed, tease about the ESPN documentary, and reveal deeper feelings when Ilya admits he wanted to say Shane is “everything.” They spend a playful morning showering, cooking, and flirting.
Hayden calls: Jackie has injured her ankle and needs the hospital. Shane and Ilya rush over, with Ilya carrying Jackie to the car and calming the kids. While babysitting, Ilya paints the twins’ nails, encourages Arthur to try polish, and lets Shane add glitter to his own. The kids assume Shane and Ilya are a couple and orchestrate a make-believe wedding with toy rings and a quick kiss, which unexpectedly moves both men.
That evening, Ilya carries Shane over the threshold in playful “honeymoon” mode. They reflect on the joyful day, imagine a future with one dog (for now) and fewer than four kids, and share comfort as Ilya ices his bruised knee. The toy rings remain as a symbol of their pretend vows.
Conversation shifts when Ilya notes the kids didn’t care they were together and wonders if others might not either. Shane insists most people would care, and Ilya bristles, accusing Shane of caring too much about others’ opinions. The moment cools.
While watching a movie featuring Rose, Shane carefully asks if Ilya is truly okay and suggests professional help if needed. Ilya grows defensive, denies problems, but his trembling hand betrays him. They agree to eat and drop the subject, leaving the question of openness and Ilya’s emotional state unresolved.
Who Appears
- Shane HollanderNarrator; revels in intimacy, babysits, participates in a pretend wedding; worries about coming out and urges Ilya to consider therapy.
- Ilya RozanovLoving but conflicted; admits Shane is ‘everything,’ excels with kids, enjoys the pretend wedding, hints at coming out, grows defensive about mental health.
- Hayden PikeShane’s best friend; calls for emergency babysitting when his wife is injured; appreciative and frazzled.
- Jackie PikeHayden’s wife; sprains her ankle, is carried by Ilya to the car, later returns on crutches.
- Ruby PikeTwin daughter; requests sparkly nails and co-officiates the pretend wedding.
- Jade PikeTwin daughter; co-officiates the pretend wedding and prompts vows and rings.
- Arthur PikeQuiet son; watches intently, wears a firefighter costume, gets blue nail polish.
- Amber PikeYoungest; cries at first, then proudly serves pretend meals before napping.