I keep scrolling.
The comments section is different today.
“Finally - someone telling the truth.”
“She won a championship. That’s not cheating. That’s excellence.”
“Every girl who’s ever been told she can’t play hockey because there’s no team for her - this is for you.”
“I’m a former college hockey player. I watched her play. She was the best player on that ice. Gender had nothing to do with it.”
There are still cruel comments. There will always be cruelcomments. But they’re buried now - drowned out by something louder. The conversation is finally shifting.
I didn’t do this alone. Zane, asking the right questions. Markus, supporting me and telling me about Justine Blainey. Willow and Katie, holding me together when I wanted to break. Tara, keeping my secret when she could have turned me in.
I set the phone down.
I should feel relieved. Or triumphant. Or something.
Instead, I just feel… still.
My phone buzzes again.
Unknown number.
I almost ignore it. But something makes me pick up.
“Hello?”
“Leonora Shaw.”
The voice is female. Professional yet warm.
“This is Sofia Ramirez. I’m a scout and I have connections with the PWHL. I happened to be at the championship final. I’ve been watching you for a while. I’ve seen your tape. The games from this season. I’ve also read the article this morning. And I think the PWHL would be very interested in having a conversation with you. If you’re open to it.”
The words don’t make sense. Not at first. They float in the air between us, too big to hold.
“You want to talk to me.”
“I can get you a tryout next month. With the PWHL expansion team. I can’t promise anything. You’ll have to earn it. The same way you earned your spot on the Giants.”
“The conference banned me.”
“That’s college. This is pro. Different rules.”
“I caused a scandal.”
Sofia laughs. “Kid, women’s hockeyneedsa scandal. Weneed people talking. We need eyes on the sport. Do you think anyone cared about the PWHL before this? Now every sports fan in the country knows your name. You played the best hockey of your life when no one was watching. I’d like to see what you do when everyone is. We’ll help with the transition. Media training and a publicist. You won’t have to face this alone.”
“I’ll be there,” I say.
“Good. I’ll send you the details. And Leonora?”
“Yes?”
“Welcome to the next chapter.”
ZANE
