My hands are shaking.
They’re already asking if I’ve ruined him. If my choice will cost my brother the career he’s worked for his whole life. The career that’s supposed to be the part of the Shaw legacy that survived.
“There’s more,” Tara says quietly.
I don’t want there to be more.
But I take the phone anyway.
Scroll.
COLLEGE HOCKEY’S BIGGEST SCANDAL: FEMALE PLAYER DISGUISED AS MAN
WHO IS LEE SHAW? THE MYSTERY DEEPENS
BLACKWOOD GIANTS DUPED BY WOMAN
The words blur together.
“I didn’t-” I start, then stop.
Because what would I even say?
I did disguise myself.
I did lie.
The justification I’ve been holding onto for weeks -I just wanted to play- suddenly feels fragile under the weight of it all.
“It’s important to see the headlines so you know what’s being said. But I’d advise against reading the comments,” Tara says.
Which, of course, means I do.
It’s worse on social media.
The comments are much crueler - completely unfiltered.
She cheated.
Disqualify them.
This is a joke.
Unfair to real players.
My throat tightens.
I scroll.
I shouldn’t, but I do.
How did the team not notice?
This is embarrassing for the Giants.
Strip the title.
Ban her from all hockey forever - women’s teams included!
