The Long Game (Game Changers, #6)

by Rachel Reid

“I am bisexual,” Ilya said, nodding. “Shane is super gay.”

🤣

It would be, altogether, their eleventh NHL season of hiding. Seven seasons of secret hookups, and three seasons of being in a mostly secret committed relationship. It had been a lot of hiding.

“What is the point of life if you are not eating chicken parmesan and ice cream?”

“Do what makes you happy. Live how you want, love who you want. People will judge you, hate you, criticize you, but plenty more will support you and love you. And, in the end, no one matters except the people you care about. Your parents support you, your best friends support you. Who are you really worried about?”

The next morning, when the sun had just begun to rise, Ilya watched Shane drive away. He stood on his front step for several minutes after, staring in the direction the car had gone, and shivering in his gym shorts and T-shirt. Then, he went inside, closed the door, and burst into tears. When he’d finished crying, some uncertain amount of time later, he felt more exhausted than he had after any hockey game. He was crumpled on the floor, slumped against his front door, and standing up seemed like an insurmountable feat. He decided that, yes. He should probably get some professional help.

Omg Ilya😭😭😭😭😭😭

Shane realized that most of Ilya’s posts were, in weird cryptic ways, about Shane. His entire account was like a secret diary of their relationship, full of inside jokes and little references that only Shane would understand. And Shane hadn’t even bothered to look at it before. Not really. He looked now. He scrolled until his eyes were so blurry he had to give up and sob into his hands instead. How could Shane have doubted for a second how fiercely Ilya loved him?

I am thinking only about you right now. A million memories. Thank you for those. Whatever happens, I am with you. Safe in your heart. I believe it.

I had totally forgot this part when they got to this timeframe I was crying.

“Congrats on winning the skating thing, Shane.” “Thanks.” “It was a tie, basically,” Ilya said. “That’s not what the clock said,” Shane argued. “If we did it again right now, I would probably win.” “Well, you should have won the first time, dickhead.” Wyatt furrowed his brow at them. “You know, you two don’t have to sit together.”

Ilya’s lips curved up. “This team is very gay.” Wiebe laughed. “Technically, I’m bisexual. To be clear, I love my wife. I’m not hiding anything.” Ilya’s smile grew. “Bisexual! Great. Yes, me too.”

“You’re soft with everyone you love.” Ilya’s lips curved up. “Don’t tell anyone.”

“Oh,” Shane said, halfway through the song. “I’ve heard this before.” Ilya laughed. “I love you so much it sucks.” Shane beamed at him. “That’s too bad, because this is as good as it’s going to get.” “No,” Ilya said fondly. “I don’t think it is.”