Rose 🌹

Today, 1:21 PM

Rose

Nicole

My dear friend

Nicole

I am only your dear friend when you need a favor

Rose

No!!!

You are my dear friend always <3

<3 <3 <3

Nicole

Touching

Rose

This is not really a favor

Not strictly

Actually, I may have a client for you

Nicole

Interesting

I’m listening

Rose

A celebrity friend of mine with the worst Instagram I’ve ever seen

It’s like all sponsored posts

No personality at all

Nicole

We are circling back to favor territory…

Rose

I know it sounds like that!! But I promise two things.

1) He will pay you very well with my recommendation to have you be his new social media manager.

2) He is genuinely very sweet and funny.

Okay and one last thing, he is also very awkward but I feel like that will get better as you get to know him.

Nicole

Well, I am about to finish up managing socials for that HBO show

They’re not funding social management after next month until there’s a season renewal

So I was going to look for a new client

But…

Rose

But nothing? <3 <3

Nicole

There’s gotta be a catch

Beyond him being awkward

Why haven’t you told me his name?

Rose

He’s an athlete <3

Nicole

Oh my god

Rose I’ve never done anything sports related lol

Rose

I know but I fully believe you can learn

Nicole

I don’t want to like fuck up

Esp if this is your friend

Rose

You won’t

I promise you, this Instagram sucks

We are at rock bottom, you will absolutely make it better

Nicole

Okay

What’s his name

Rose

<3

Don’t be mad

Nicole

Name please

Rose

Shane Hollander

Nicole

SHANE HOLLANDER?!?!?!

The Facetime rang for two seconds before Rose picked up. She had a bright, if somewhat apologetic smile on her face. Nicole could see her own alarmed tiny expression in the top right corner of the screen.

“Shane fucking Hollander? Your ex-boyfriend?” Nicole exclaimed into the phone.

“We are friends! You know that,” Rose said, clearly wandering around some hotel room on her end. “It’s totally fine. I’ve been bugging him to do something about his socials, and he never does. So I thought I’d turn to the expert.”

“Rose Landry,” Nicole said slowly, “I only know who Shane Hollander is because you dated him while I was doing socials for X-Squad. He’s, like, the best hockey player ever. I know nothing about hockey!”

“You know who Shane is! I told you a lot about him while we went out. And I know I’ve mentioned him since.”

Nicole dragged a hand across her face. “You’ve told me some things about him as a person, yes. And I had googled him because you were dating him, and I wanted to make cute references on the X-Squad Twitter account about hockey.”

“And you did, didn’t you?” Rose offered, encouragingly. Nicole ignored her.

“Wasn’t he the MVP? Multiple times?” Nicole said. “Look, I just… I want to do a good job for anyone I take on, and I’m not sure I can for Shane Hollander.”

“I’m sharing my screen,” Rose said. Nicole watched as Rose pulled up Instagram and searched for Shane’s profile. To Rose’s credit, she was right. It was all shots from various ad campaigns. Rolex, Reebok, that awful Orange Cream drink, Calvin Klein… Every once in a while, there was a hockey photo, but the shots were pretty uninspired. Rose clicked on the Calvin Klein one, giving an up close view of Shane in a pair of underwear. He was handsome, yes, but this image—and every other—were so devoid of any personality.

“This is grim,” Nicole acknowledged. “Really grim.”

“Nicki, I can see you brainstorming already, you’ve got that look in your eyes.” Rose grinned, leaning towards her camera so only her eyes and forehead were showing.

Nicole said nothing for a moment, ignoring the five or six ideas for posts that had already popped into her head. She glanced between shirtless Shane Hollander in boxer briefs and Rose’s forehead.

With a sigh, she nodded. “Alright, you can put his team in touch.”

Nicole hadn’t heard Rose cheer so loudly since the day they finished X-Squad 3 press.

Shane Hollander

Today, 4:03 PM

Nicole

Hey Shane! I just wanted to let you know I put a meeting on your calendar for next week to go through my ideas for the next few months of social content.

I know we spoke over the phone briefly, and I’ve been in touch with your team, but I’m looking forward to getting to talk properly.

Shane

Thank you.

Will these meetings be something we do regularly?

Nicole

Yes. I would like to touch base at least once a month.

Although if you ever have ideas between meetings, you’re welcome to send them my way, or give me a call!

Shane

Okay.

I don’t have any ideas.

I don’t know much about Instagram or Twitter.

Nicole

That’s what I’m here for!

Shane

Should I do any research?

Nicole

Only if you want to. I’m going to bring some examples to our meeting.

Such as other hockey players who have a more active and personal presence on Instagram.

And some other athletes as well in different sports.

Shane

What hockey ones?

Nicole

Scott Hunter’s page I think is a good example of something a little more personal feeling.

Obviously he has been in the news lately because of his personal life, but even before he came out, he had a very active presence!

Morris Kane in Philadelphia also has a really nice social media presence.

Shane

Okay. I can look at them.

Nicole

If you want an example of something radically different, Ilya Rozanov has a great voice on Instagram.

Not your style or energy obviously, but just to show you how much you can tailor your platform to your identity.

Shane, who had been responding very quickly, did not reply immediately. Nicole watched as three dots appeared and disappeared a few times. She knew Rozanov was considered one of Shane’s main rivals. Maybe she’d committed a faux pas by bringing him up at all.

Shane

Thank you.

Another lengthy pause. Three dots. Gone. Three dots. Gone. Three dots…

Shane

I will look at Rozanov’s page too.

Nicole

Sounds great.

I’ll have lots of stuff prepared for you, so don’t worry too much.

Nicole got a thumbs up reaction to that. Given Shane’s lack of social media awareness, he probably didn’t know that a thumbs up often was a sign of passive aggressive disdain. It's fine, she thought. Hoped.

Fuck, they hadn't even met yet. Hopefully her new boss didn’t totally hate her already.

Shane Hollander

Today, 10:18 AM

Shane

Do we have to do that post today?

Nicole

No.

You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with.

At the end of the day, it’s your account, Shane.

But I think people will really love it.

Shane

My mom told me it was her favorite of all the posts we scheduled.

Nicole

I’m not surprised by that.

Shane

It’s embarrassing.

Nicole

More embarrassing than posing in underwear?

Shane

You’re not supposed to bully me.

Nicole

I don’t know that much about hockey, but I’m pretty sure you hear worse chirps on the daily.

I’m trying to give your social media a little joie de vivre!

It’s a cute post.

Shane

Fine.

You’re right.

We can post it.

Nicole

😎

Rose 🌹

Today, 3:48 PM

Rose

How can I make the Shane Hollander childhood photo about Rose Landry Landorus Therian (lesbian) (@RoseLandorusTherian)
twitter.com

You are doing a great job

Nicole

You should see some of the comments on Instagram

People are convinced you taught him how to post

Rose

I basically did

I told him to hire you

Nicole

Fair and true

Rose

Please post more Shane baby pictures

They’re adorable

Nicole

Tell him that

Rose

I talked to him yesterday and told him how cute it was and he was soooo embarrassed

Nicole

Now it’s his third most liked post ever lol

Rose

Omg for real??

Nicole

His two “I won the hockey cup” posts are higher

Rose

THE HOCKEY CUP

NICKI

Nicole

Yes

Rose

You know what it’s called!!!!

You are fucking with me!!

Nicole

Yes I am

You love it

You’re grinning right now

Rose

STOP!!!!

I hope people unlike it now

Shane Hollander

Today, 2:13 PM

Nicole

Shane, could you get me a press pass for one of your games?

I would like to come and get some photos.

Shane

Do you not like the photos the Metros share?

Nicole

No. They’re bad.

Shane

Oh.

I’ve never looked at them.

Nicole

They’re just kind of boring.

And they never post more than like two good shots of you.

Shane

I can get you a press pass.

Do you have a camera?

Nicole

I do. Before I did content creation and social media management like I do now, I did a lot of photography for brands.

So I’ve got a nice camera.

It may take me a bit to get my camera settings right for hockey, but I think I can do it.

Today, 10:18 PM

Nicole

Most of my pictures ended up like this

But then…

Bingo!

Shane

You should post the first ones.

Nicole

Rose did say you have a sense of humor.

Shane

It would be funny.

Nicole

Tbh, people might think it’s artsy.

Shane

Do it.

I give my approval.

Nicole

Any interest in shaping your feed is good enough for me.

Yuna Hollander

Today, 9:48 AM

Yuna

Nicole, I just wanted to say the increased engagement on Shane’s social media has been a great asset in negotiations with his sponsors and prospective brands. I appreciate you!

Nicole

Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear it’s made a real difference on the management side of things.

Rose 🌹

Today, 7:52 PM

Rose

Why did you never post cool blurry photos of me for X-Squad

Nicole

Because if I in any way concealed your beautiful and famous face in the promo, the marketing execs would have hunted me for sport

Rose

Booooooo

Yuna Hollander

Today, 9:06 AM

Yuna

Just an FYI, Nicole, I’m sending an email your way outlining plans Shane has for starting a charity. We are in the very preliminary stages right now, but for awareness.

He’s founding it with Ilya Rozanov, and it will raise money for mental health and suicide prevention through a series of hockey camps over the summer.

Nicole

Reading through it now, looks like an amazing idea.

Have you assembled a comms/PR team yet?

Yuna

Not yet. I’d love to chat about bringing you on to help with the Foundation’s marketing, if that’s something you’re interested in.

Nicole

Absolutely interested!

Yuna

Fantastic. Let’s discuss at next week’s meeting.

As noted in the email, and goes without saying, highly confidential right now.

Nicole

Of course.

Yuna

Thanks, Nicole.

Last thing, Shane might reach out with an idea he ran by me, adjacent to this. Keep an eye out for that.

Nicole

Will do!

Shane Hollander

Today, 12:33 PM

Shane

Hi Nicole.

Nicole

Hey there.

Shane

Did you see the email my mom sent?

Nicole

I did!

Seems like a really great idea.

Shane

I’m glad you think so.

I’m co-founding it with Ilya Rozanov.

Shane was typing for a while, then stopped. Nicole waited—as she often did—for him to collect his thoughts in text form. He was not the world’s best texter, especially when it came to discussing other hockey players. Nicole still remembered sending him a funny Rozanov post where he was sprinting away from the Boston mascot for inspiration, then staring at Shane’s three dots appearing off and on for twenty minutes before he wrote: I don’t like mascots.

So Nicole nearly dropped her phone as it buzzed with an incoming call from Shane Hollander. He’d never called if they didn’t have something scheduled.

“Shane,” Nicole said as she picked up. “Hello.”

“Hi, uh, I was typing out stuff, and I just thought maybe it would be easier to explain over the phone.”

Nicole nodded, though Shane couldn’t see that. “Your mom told me you had some kind of idea for the foundation.”

“Yeah. It’s that… You know how Rozanov and I are considered rivals?” Shane asked, then paused expectantly.

“Uh huh,” Nicole replied, trying not to sound nervous. She always felt like she was committing some kind of faux pas whenever Rozanov came up…

“But we are starting this charity.” Another pause.

“Right.” She had no idea what Shane was getting at.

“So I thought people might be confused. Or you might be confused.”

“Confused?” Nicole repeated. “About you guys starting the charity together?”

“Yeah. Since we’re rivals.”

“Well, celebrities do this kind of thing fairly often. Teaming up for a good cause. And I mean, you guys have known each other for years and years at this point, right?”

Shane was quiet for a moment. “It’s been a long time,” he finally said. “The rivalry has never been… Rozanov is great to play against. I never hated him. We’ve gotten along pretty well off the ice, especially the last few years. We’re friends. But I don’t think most fans see it like that.”

“Sports fanatics aren’t always the most rational,” Nicole acknowledged. “And I’ll admit I don’t know hockey fans like you do. So what are you thinking?”

“I wondered if you might be able to… hint that Rozanov and I are friends. On my Instagram and other social media. So, once we announce it, the fans won’t be as shocked,” Shane said.

Nicole blinked. “You want me to soft launch that you and Ilya Rozanov are friends?”

“Soft launch?”

What was this life Nicole had found herself in? About to explain a soft launch to two-time MHL MVP Shane Hollander?

“It’s a term—an old marketing term, actually. Originally, it meant doing a limited or test release of something before it’s available widely. On social media, it’s… Okay. Imagine I started dating someone, but rather than make a post where we’re kissing or something, I just posted a picture where we’re holding hands but you can’t see our faces. That’s a soft launch. You know, I’m teasing our relationship without revealing the person. As opposed to a hard launch, where you just post your new partner openly.”

Shane did not respond after a long moment. Nicole cleared her throat.

“Not that this is the same thing as that,” Nicole said. “We’re talking about soft launching you as friends rather than arch hockey nemeses. But I think the idea is the same. Tease at it, hint that you guys get along well.”

Shane hummed. It wasn't cruel, but it wasn't satisfied either. He was clearly thinking this over very seriously. It felt like when they had first started working together. Shane was always a little stiff, but she thought he’d gotten more comfortable with her in the months since she started. Maybe not… Or just maybe not about this idea. At the back of her mind, Nicole was considering why this seemingly random thing in particular was so important to him—had him so tense—but she couldn’t fully focus on that.

“Here, let me give you a more concrete example,” Nicole said, breaking the silence before it swallowed her whole. “There’s that charity gala next month. Is Rozanov going to be there?”

“He isn’t,” Shane said, before quickly correcting himself. “I mean, I don’t think so. But he probably could get an invite if he asked.”

“Make sure he asks.”

“I could get him an invite, too.”

“Great. I was gonna be there to get photos anyway. We could do something like this for your post about it. First photo, something standard, maybe the group shot they’ll get of all the players in front of a step-and-repeat. Second photo, you with a smaller group of players at a table or something. Third photo, you and Rozanov chatting, smiling.”

“Okay,” Shane said.

“That would just be the start. Whenever you play the Raiders, I’ll be sure to get a picture of you two on the ice for a post-game post.”

“A blurry one?” Shane asked, a little levity finally returning to his voice.

“Ha ha, you’re very funny,” Nicole said sarcastically. “I’ll make sure they’re crystal clear so everyone can tell you and Rozanov are getting along famously.” She opened her work calendar and began to glance through it. “I need to look at what other events we’ve got on the docket where I could conceivably post the two of you.”

“Probably other charity banquets we could find ourselves at,” Shane said. “Honestly, it makes sense we’d both go to a few of those if we’re planning to start our own.”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to your mom about that… I’m sure we can get some pictures of you both at a few. Do you know if Rozanov has a social media person? I suspect he does it himself, but if we could coordinate so you both are posting pictures with the other person, it would be much more effective.”

“He does his own Instagram,” Shane said firmly. Then, he immediately hedged. “Uh, or at least, I think so. I can ask.”

“Alright,” Nicole said slowly, trying not to read into Shane’s tendency to definitively answer before backtracking. “If he is running it on his own, I’d like to get in touch with him. Maybe I can give him some pictures to post, too. Do you think he’d be okay with that?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Shane said.

“Then reach out to him. Or his team, whoever.”

“I will.”

+1 (617) 724-1593

Today, 10:49 PM

Ilya

Hello

Nicole

Who is this?

Ilya

Ilya Rozanov

Hollander gave me your number

Nicole

Oh! Hey there.

Nice to meet you.

Ilya

Yes

Hollander attempted to explain soft launch

Was very funny

Was embarrassed

Nicole

Oh god

I feel bad

Ilya

Do not

Hysterical to see him explain how I am secret Instagram girlfriend

Except not so secret

Nicole

😭😭😭

Poor Shane

But yes

It won’t be very secret

We’ll just start including you in a few of Shane’s posts where it makes sense

So I wanted to ask if you’d participate and post photos of him too

Ilya

Yes

Soft launch for both of us

Hollander says you take good photos

Nicole

I try

Post Montreal games and after any league events where you’re both there, I can share pictures

If Shane flies me to Boston, I’ll get some when he plays there too

Ilya

Great

You should come to Boston

More fun than Montreal

Better hockey players

Nicole

Hmm, you might want to check the season record!

But I’ll ask Shane

Ilya

I will encourage him

Or I could cover flight

If you are helping me with social media, I will pay you

As consultant

Nicole

Thank you!

I can send over my agreement with Shane if you need an idea for how we structured it

Obviously since you’re running your own socials, scaled way way down

Ilya

Sure

I will meet you at charity thing? Next week?

Nicole

Yes! You got a ticket?

Ilya

Yes, see you there

Nicole

Looking forward to it

Shane Hollander

Today, 9:47 AM

Nicole

Shane.

Shane

Hi Nicole.

Nicole

The photos from last night turned out so good.

You actually look so relaxed!

Shane

Do I usually look tense?

Nicole

Well!

You don’t have a great fake photo smile.

Shane

My mom says that.

Nicole

I don’t know if it’s that you had something to drink or what.

Maybe Rozanov is your lucky charm!

The pictures with him in particular look amazing.

Perfect for the soft launch.

I picked out one for you and one for Rozanov to post. In your inbox, planning to post around noon.

There was a longer pause than Nicole expected before Shane replied.

Shane

Looks great. Thank you.

Nicole

You’re welcome!

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 10:06 AM

Ilya

Nicole

These pictures are great

Hollander looks very normal

Nicole

I tried to tell Shane that as politely as possible

The hockey pictures I’ve gotten of him look great

Any other kind of event, it looks like his smile was painted on

Ilya

Hollander is very pretty

But most of time, you cannot tell he is pretty

Because he smiles like

😬

Nicole

Am I a terrible person for talking about how awkward my boss’s smiles are behind his back

Ilya

No

One you are photographer

Is job to try to get good smiles

Two it is funny

Most famous hockey player and he cannot fake a smile

He knows

Yuna tells him so

Apparently you also tell him

Nicole

I still feel bad

But grateful to you because whatever you were saying to him got him to actually look at ease

Ilya

Funny you say that because I feel like I usually piss him off

He calls me an asshole everyday

Nicole

Does he really???

Ilya

Yes

He is very mean

Still I think I know how I made him smile

But I probably cannot teach you my ways

Russian secret method

Nicole

Damn

Ilya

Sorry

But I have good trade

I convinced Hollander for you to come to Boston to get pictures

Nicole

You are a legend!!!

Thank you

Ilya

No problem

Be sure to get my good side

😉

Rose 🌹

Today, 11:02 AM

Nicole

Are you still filming in Boston a week from now?

Rose

Yup, will be through the end of the month

Nicole

We should get dinner

I’m gonna be there for the Montreal Boston game

Rose

!!!

Omg I’m so excited to see you

What’s happening at the game

Are you just getting photos

Nicole

Basically

(The official metros pictures suck)

Rose

WAIT

Is this is for the soft launch too

Nicole

Did Shane tell you about that lol

Rose

Oh yes

Having Shane start to explain what a soft launch was to me as if I didn’t know

Priceless

Nicole

He put me in touch with Ilya Rozanov because he’ll be posting too

And he also explained soft launching to him

Rose

Oh my fucking god

This is beautiful

I should also grab dinner with Shane

Maybe we could all get food together!

Oh

Wait

I’m just remembering

He’ll have plans with his team after

Nicole

If they win, then maybe, though Shane I don’t think usually parties

If they lose, usually I think they just like rest in their hotel

So maybe he could join us?

That said, he and I are friendly now but we don’t really chat beyond planning his social media

So I wouldn’t want him to feel awkward if I’m there when he just wants to catch up with you

Rose

Good point

But honestly he’ll probably be busy, or tired

Maybe if I have a free weekend, I’ll come up to Montreal to see him.

Nicole

You? Have a free weekend???

Rose

A girl can dream!

Nicole

Well, if you do visit Montreal to see Shane, that’s fine, but I would like at least to say hi

Rose

I would not be in your city and not see you!!!

Nicole

Just making sure

Rose

Ex-boyfriends < girl friends

<3

Yuna Hollander

Today, 9:48 AM

Yuna

Nicole, I just sent a contract over email, but you’re officially on board to be managing social media for the Irina Foundation!

Nicole

Amazing! Can’t wait to get started.

Yuna

I’ll be putting some meetings on your calendar. We’re still a ways from announcing, but we’re planning a photoshoot with Shane and Ilya in the next couple weeks. I’m in talks for the Foundation to be featured in some magazines, and we want visuals for that and for our website.

Nicole

Great idea.

Would I be able to come and get some more casual pictures of the two of them after the shoot is officially over?

I’ve been thinking about what Shane’s announcement post should be. Some photos of them just having fun on the ice would be really good for that.

Yuna

Absolutely. I’ll make sure to build in some time for you to get photos with them once the main crew is done.

Nicole

Thank you!

Nicole watched the official promotion photographers haul the last of their things away from where she sat on the players’ bench, glancing over her own equipment to make sure she was prepared. Ilya skated over to where she was, flashing her a blinding grin; Shane followed a moment later, looking much less enthusiastic. Both were dressed in ordinary street clothes, an unusual sight on the ice.

“Yuna says you have more for us to do,” Ilya said. “Is very difficult work, starting charity.”

Nicole reached down to where her camera sat beside her on the bench and pulled the strap over her head as she stood, carefully opening the boards door and stepping out onto the ice. During game days, Nicole shot via a small window in the acrylic shielding, sticking her lens through. For today, though, with just the two skating around, it would be easier to be out there with them.

“I hope this won’t be very intense at all. Just candids. My idea is just to have you two skate around, shooting the shit, and I’ll get pictures of you having a good time,” she explained. “Have fun.”

Ilya smiled at Shane, who just sighed and leaned his head back.

“I’m not going to look good,” Shane said. “I’m photo-ed out.”

“You always look good, Hollander,” Ilya replied before Nicole could say anything.

“I agree with Ilya,” Nicole said. “You look nice. But also, you’re not posing. Skate around a bit, don’t think about me.”

Shane let out another sigh, but Ilya grabbed his arm and began to drag him further onto the ice. Seemingly in protest, Shane just kind of stood there while Ilya started skating in wide circles around him, taunting him about some kind of footwork drill.

Nicole took a ton of pictures, watching through the camera display as Shane’s expression softened from tired and annoyed to smiley and… fond. Once Shane finally started skating too, it immediately devolved into the two of them chasing each other around one end of the rink. She couldn’t hear every word they were saying, but she swore she heard Ilya call Shane by his first name rather than Hollander. Alongside the steady clicks of the camera shutter, she felt her mind connecting what she was seeing with observations she’d made across the months she’d worked for Shane and later Ilya.

Ilya called Shane good looking just now, and he had called him pretty while texting Nicole before. More than that, any time they were together, Ilya seemed to light up. He was constantly teasing Shane, but there didn’t seem to be any kind of harsh edge to it. It felt a lot more like flirting than off-ice hockey chirping, at least in what Nicole had witnessed. Ilya certainly had the reputation for that, but it felt a bit different with Shane—and not just because they were supposedly rivals.

Shane seemed more uptight about Ilya, but Nicole was beginning to see that it was probably overcompensating to hide how much he really liked the guy. Her job was largely posting photos that made Shane look appealing, and she must have taken thousands of pictures of him at this point. There were only two kinds where he truly looked at ease or genuinely happy: 1) on the ice in the midst of a great game, and 2) standing next to Ilya Rozanov. Sometimes both at once. Especially both at once.

There could be another explanation, maybe. For Ilya’s bright demeanor around Shane. For Shane’s authentic joy around Ilya. Some other reason for the closeness other than the two of them being in love.

But Nicole was pretty sure of what she saw.

Whatever game of chase they were playing ended as they skidded to a stop in front of where Nicole stood. She watched the images flash across the viewscreen—and there it was.

A shot where Ilya was laughing loud and bright, hands on his hips and head tilted slightly back. Shane, leaning half forward with his hands on his knees from where he had been panting, had a genuine smile on his face as he looked over towards him.

She took a few more rapidly, watching as Ilya’s laughter subsided and he looked at Shane with a warm expression. Shane’s eyes met his, then, and the tenderness on his face… Nicole glanced down and lowered her camera—feeling like she was intruding on something she wasn’t meant to see.

“Well,” Nicole said, clearing her throat slightly. “I think I've taken enough. You two are free to go.”

She tried to shut out what she just saw on her camera. It was not her place to know that. Not until it was entrusted to her.

They were great pictures, beautiful really, but they wouldn’t work for Instagram. Revealed too much in the honesty of their gazes. Nicole was confident she’d figure something else out. In fact, she’d bet a new camera lens that Ilya had workable selfies with Shane on his phone. She headed for the boards, Ilya and Shane following.

“See, Hollander? Nicole is professional. She will not make you look bad,” Ilya said.

Shane’s gentle expression flipped to an irritated one. “Every person who took my picture earlier was a professional, too.”

Nicole held open the door, managing a little smile on her own face at their banter. Shane walked through in a huff. Ilya followed with a smirk.

“They are not as good as Nicole is,” Ilya said. “Right, Nicole?”

“They’re fine. Shane, you always look good—you’re just a bit stiffer in formal shoots. I think the best pictures of you are naturalistic ones.”

“Naturalistic,” Ilya repeated, exaggerating the vowels. “Good word.” He sat down and began to remove his skates.

Shane joined him, loosening the laces and muttering, “I feel like I’m being bullied.”

“I have never bullied you. Never in my life,” Ilya said.

“I have tried not to bully you because I work for you,” Nicole added. “But I think Ilya enables me.”

“I’m sure he does,” Shane agreed dryly. “So, we're done for the day?”

“Yup,” Nicole said. “Yuna told me she was going to see the photo crew out. Said she’d call you later, too.”

Shane let out another sigh, but this one was full with relief. Ilya glanced between him and Nicole, then clapped his hands.

“I have an idea,” Ilya said. “Let’s get dinner.”

Shane turned to stare at him. “What?”

“Been lots of work, doing all this. Let’s go out and get dinner. You people live here. There must be places to eat.”

Nicole blinked, surprised by the suggestion. But it sounded fun, honestly. “Uh, well, there’s a good Mexican place near here. I sometimes go after games.”

“Ilya,” Shane said, his voice a lot harsher than Nicole was used to hearing, “we can’t just go out to dinner.”

“I think we can,” Ilya said, waving a hand. “We are soft launched. We are going with our mutual friend to dinner.”

Nicole’s gaze darted between the two hockey players, lingering on Shane who looked like he had a stick up his ass.

“Uh, Shane, we don’t have to,” she said, feeling uneasy now. If she knew what she wasn't supposed to know, if Shane and Ilya were really… close. Well, she’d understand why Shane was so nervous about this. She could give him an out. “Not if you don’t want to. I know you have your diet, and stuff.”

“It’s not about my diet,” Shane said. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” He looked pointedly at Ilya.

“Is your Mexican place small?” Ilya asked.

“Pretty small. It’s a local place,” Nicole said, watching Shane carefully. Maybe she should shut this all down. Pretend she had plans she forgot or something.

“Ilya,” Shane said again in the same tense voice. His voice cut off, eyes widening slightly. “I mean, Rozanov—we shouldn’t.”

“Okay, so if people see us, what is the headline?” Ilya said. “They write ‘Hollander and Rozanov Seen With Mysterious Woman Eating Tacos.’ I think we could survive.”

Shane and Ilya glared at each other, and Nicole wondered if they had some kind of mental link where they were continuing their argument through eye contact alone. After a deathly silent few seconds, Shane turned away.

“Fine,” Shane said quietly. “Let's go have dinner.”

Rose 🌹

Today, 8:26 AM

Rose

MYSTERY GIRL Spotted With Hockey HottiesSpotted in Montreal last night, a youn…
celebclip.com

Hello mystery girl

You never got papped with me!

One of the many ways I am a better celebrity friend than Shane Hollander

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 9:41 AM

Ilya

I have changed your name in my phone

Nicole is gone

You are MYSTERY GIRL

Shane Hollander

Today, 10:33 AM

Shane

Sorry about the article.

I fucking knew that was gonna happen.

Nicole

It’s completely fine lol

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 4:01 PM

Nicole

Ilya, congrats on Ottawa!!

If you ever want me to come get pictures of you like I do for Shane, I definitely can

It’s only two hours and change from Montreal

Ilya

Nicole

You are maybe one of four people on earth not asking me why I have done this

Nicole

I mean, I don’t know much about hockey

But I think Boston would have offered to keep you if you wanted to stay?

So I’m happy for you!

Unless you aren’t

Then forget this conversation happened

Ilya

No I am happy

It is nice someone else is too

Thank you MYSTERY GIRL

Nicole

I had nearly forgotten my new legal name

Shane Hollander

Today, 11:19 AM

Nicole

Hey Shane.

I’ve been thinking about what your announcement on your personal Instagram should look like for the Irina Foundation.

I thought maybe you should try to write something about Ilya.

Obviously we’ve made it clear you guys are friendly now, so I think talking about your friendship with him and why the foundation is important to you would be really powerful.

Shane

Shouldn’t you or my mom write it?

I’m not really good at that kind of thing.

Nicole

We will definitely help edit it.

But I’d like the base version to be your own words.

Shane

Alright.

If it’s terrible, you have to promise you’ll write a better one.

Nicole

I promise.

And it won’t be terrible!

I know you care a lot about this.

And about Ilya.

I think it’ll make a big impression on people if it’s really your voice.

Shane

I’ll let you know when I have a draft.

Nicole

Thank you!

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 12:32 PM

Nicole

Hey Ilya

I’ve been planning how Shane is gonna announce the foundation, but wanted to see what you want to do on your page

I know this is very personal to you, so I want to help you do whatever you think is best

Ilya

I have given it some thought

I think I would like to talk about my mother

And post a picture of her

I do not have many photos

But there is one I think would be good

Need to scan it in, is physical picture

Nicole

If you need help with that, let me know

And I can clean it up after the scan with the colors and any damage

Ilya

Good

I will share what I write with you

Hard in English to say sometimes these things

Nicole

I’ll be happy to read over it

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 7:04 PM

Ilya

Have emailed you the picture

It is faded if you could fix

Nicole

I’ll go download it now

Wow

She is so beautiful, Ilya

Ilya

She is

Nicole

Her smile reminds me of yours

Has Shane seen this?

Ilya

No

Nicole

You should send it to him

I think he would like it

Rose 🌹

Today, 7:51 PM

Rose

Why did Shane just text me thanking me for bullying him to hire you

Nicole

Because I’m very good at my job

And I’m a decent friend

Rose

More than decent

The absolute best

Yuna Hollander

Today, 6:03 AM

Nicole

Everything is scheduled! Will be simultaneous with the press conference.

Yuna

Thank you.

We’re finally here!

Nicole

I know!

Rose 🌹

Today, 12:28 PM

Rose

Nicole

I just saw the foundation posts

Did you write those???

Nicole

Not entirely

I had them both spend a long time writing a draft

Important for it be mostly their own voice, especially for Shane

I did do a lot of editing but…

The spirit of it is them

Rose

It was beautiful

You’re incredible

I hope you know that

Nicole

Thank you

I miss you

Rose

I miss you too

Miss your voice

Facetime later?

Nicole

Please

Ilya Rozanov

Today, 1:06 PM

Ilya

Question

If I had other faded pictures

Or if they have damage

Could you help fix them for me

With your photoshop

Not for posting

Just for me to have better quality

Nicole

I could do that, absolutely

Ilya

I can pay you for extra service

Since it is outside of normal job

Nicole

Don’t pay me

I’m happy to help for something like this

I consider you a friend at this point, Ilya

Nicole stared at the text she just sent—doubt suddenly creeping up on her. Was it too forward to call Ilya a friend? She did work for him, but more than Shane, she felt like they got along… Her concern vanished a moment later as Ilya replied.

Ilya

You are a good friend

Thank you

I will email them later

Shane Hollander

Today, 6:51 PM

Nicole

Shane do NOT share what I am about to send you

Shane

??

Okay???

Nicole

And do NOT tell Ilya

Promise me

Shane

Okay!!!! I promise!

Nicole

Little Ilya and Irina

You’re welcome

Shane

Oh my god

I’ve never seen this before

Thank you

Nicole

Don’t tell him I shared this with you!!

Shane

I won’t!

🏒🏒 + Mystery Girl 💃

Today, 8:13 PM

Ilya

Nicole

Nicole

Oh my god

Ilya when did you rename this chat that

Ilya

What is your address

Shane and I have teamed up for Christmas gift

Nicole

You guys didn’t have to get me anything

Ilya

You got us both the gel cats

Shane

Jellycats

Ilya

Why the fuck do they call it a jellycat

Does not even make sense

Nicole

I don’t know why they’re called that tbh

And I’ve never seen a jelly themed one

I got Rose one that was a rose bouquet

Shane

Is it as cute as the hockey puck ones you got us

Nicole

…

Do not tell her

But I think the hockey pucks are cuter

Ilya

Another day, another victory over Rose Landry

Shane

You’re such an asshole

Nicole

The rose bouquet is also cute to be clear

She really liked it

Ilya

I can’t believe you had to see that inferior creature, little hockey puck

Know you are better

Shane

Oh my fucking god

Nicole what is your address

Nicole

Nicole Semino 4422 Rue Berri Apt 7 Montréal, QC H2J 2R2

Shane

You should get a large package in the mail in the next couple days

It’s from us

Ilya

No

It is a bomb

💣💥💥

Shane

How do I remove him from the chat

Shane Hollander

Today, 6:27 AM

Shane

Do you have plans after the Ottawa game next week?

Nicole

I do not!

Is there an event?

Shane

No

I wondered if you wanted to come over to my place for dinner

Ilya is coming too

Like a mini foundation launch celebration

Nicole

That sounds wonderful

I’d love to come

Shane had been tense and fidgety the entire meal. Ilya, for his part, was quite relaxed—definitely noticing Shane’s restlessness and offering the occasional reassuring hand on his shoulder without comment. Dutifully, Nicole ignored that and enjoyed the salmon dish they were having.

As she reached for her wine glass, Shane suddenly cleared his throat.

“Uh, Nicole. We had something we wanted to tell you.” Shane’s voice was calm, but he was struggling to maintain eye contact. He always did that when he was really nervous.

Nicole paused mid motion, letting her hand fall back to the table and offering him as welcoming a smile as she could. Was it happening? Finally?

“What is it?” Nicole said, trying to sound and look as casual as possible.

“Ilya and I are… We’re together. We’re partners. Well, not like partners for the foundation. Or, not just that. We’re boyfriends.”

Ilya nodded at the explanation, reaching over to place his hand on top of where Shane’s clenched fist rested on the table. Shane immediately relaxed at Ilya's touch. “Yes. We are a couple.”

Nicole smiled, forcing it to not split across her face like a madwoman, like she totally had no idea already. “That’s wonderful! Thank you guys for trusting me with that. I’m really happy for you both.”

Shane’s face flooded with immediate relief, a feeling Nicole somewhat shared. It’s about fucking time! Finally! They had just said it! No more trying to pretend she wasn’t seeing what she absolutely was seeing! They were boyfriends!

But Nicole was not an actor. Something in her expression must give something away, because Ilya smirked, his free hand gesturing towards her.

“When did you figure it out?” Ilya asked.

Nicole tried to fight back a broader, slightly embarrassed, smile at the question. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You are only a little bit better liar than Shane.”

Shane looked at Ilya, mildly offended before turning back to Nicole with curiosity.

“You… figured it out?”

Nicole sighed. She leaned back in her chair, drumming her fingers on the dining table.

“When we took photos on the ice in June… I was pretty certain then. I didn’t end up using them because it looked like you two were in love. But there had been things that made me wonder before that. I tried not to think about it because it felt like something I needed to be told, not… something I deduce,” she said.

“Since June?” Shane asked. “Six months ago? And you didn’t say anything?”

“Of course not. Who would I tell?” Nicole asked. “I didn’t even mention it to Rose. I thought she might be in the loop, but… I didn’t want to share anything I wasn’t supposed to know.”

“Rose knows,” Shane said, his expression softening. “She actually… made me realize I was gay.”

Nicole actually laughed at that. “Of course she did. Well, she still didn’t hear anything from me.”

“I told Shane we could tell you many months ago. He was worried,” Ilya said. “I said you were a friend now.”

“And you are, Nicole, I was just…” Shane said, then sighed. “Obviously, it has to be really private.”

“Of course. I honestly felt guilty for a while once I realized,” Nicole admitted. “I can’t believe I called it soft launching, Shane. I’m so sorry. That must have been so stressful.”

“No, no,” Ilya said. “So funny. I did not stop laughing when Shane explained to me.”

Ignoring his boyfriend, Shane just nodded. “Yeah, I, uh…” He let out a little chuckle. “I freaked out a little bit after you called it a soft launch. But it wasn’t your fault. You definitely didn’t know then.”

“Not back then,” Nicole said. “I’m still sorry. I wanted to try to tell you guys I was gay too, but I couldn’t figure out a way to do it subtly.”

“You’re gay?” Shane said.

“Yeah.”

“Are all of Rose Landry’s friends gay?” Ilya said, with an exaggerated sense of exasperation. “And still, she is not gay! Maybe she should be.”

Nicole glanced away for a moment at that. She had, selfishly, had that exact thought more than a few times. Not the time to focus on that, though.

“Just like Rose, your secret is safe with me,” Nicole said, looking back up at the pair. “And if I can support you in any way, not just with work but in general, let me know.”

“You can send me the prettiest pictures you get of Shane,” Ilya said immediately. “And you can caption them ‘your beautiful boyfriend.’”

Nicole laughed as Shane flushed, at last reaching to get some more wine.

Rose 🌹

Today, 10:48 PM

Nicole

Hey, you free right now?

Rose

Yup, back at my hotel!

Finished filming a half hour ago

Nicole

Just had dinner with Shane and Ilya

Gonna call you

The FaceTime rang for approximately one second before it connected. Nicole leaned back against her couch as Rose’s face filled her screen.

“Hey,” Nicole said, unable to resist a smile at Rose’s expectant expression.

“How was dinner?” Rose asked, leaning towards the camera and waggling her eyebrows. “Did anything interesting happen?”

“They told me they’re a couple,” Nicole replied. “And Shane informed me you’ve known for a while.”

There was a shout from the other end, a mix of relief and celebration. Rose had thrown her head back and was shaking a fist in the air.

“Yes! Nicole, I need you to know I told Shane to tell you a full year ago. I get why he was nervous, but oh my God. It was getting ridiculous—I was starting to wonder if you really didn’t know or were just waiting for them to share.” Rose shook her head. “But you knew, didn’t you?”

“I’ve known for a while, and kinda suspected something was up for even longer,” Nicole said, getting up from her couch to walk around. Too much energy. “Ilya was always very complimentary to Shane in our texts. And Shane clearly was so weird every time I brought up Ilya.”

“And you never said anything to me!” Rose said. “Not once!”

“I didn’t want to put you in a position where you felt like you would betray Shane’s trust by confirming something I suspected,” Nicole explained.

“You are stupidly nice to do that,” Rose said. “But I’m grateful. I’m glad they could tell you on their own terms.” She began to shake the camera in excitement. “And now, whenever they get married, I’ll have a date for the wedding!”

“A date?” Nicole repeated, trying to sound totally cool and normal.

“Yes! I can go with someone I actually want to be there with,” Rose said. There was a moment of quiet as Nicole watched Rose’s expression flicker a bit as her own words seemed to wash over her. There was uncharacteristic hesitation on her face. Nicole felt some worry creep in.

“You alright, Rose?” Nicole asked softly.

Rose stared at Nicole a moment longer, a smile returning to her face. She looked less uncertain now, though a little nervous. “Would… Would you actually like to be my date?”

Nicole blinked. “Not just as friends?”

“Not just as friends. My real date. Is that weird?” Rose said.

“Not at all,” Nicole said, feeling her cheeks go pink. “I’d love to be your date.”

“We might want to go out and do something before then,” Rose said, “since we’re planning to go to a wedding that does not even exist yet.” Her grin quirked up at the side. “I could take you out to dinner.”

Nicole felt her entire face begin to blush now. “I would love that.”

Rose was looking at her with such a soft, tender smile that Nicole couldn’t bear it. She glanced away from the screen for a moment, trying to restrain her own stupid grin and flushed cheeks. Then, her face went blank as she was hit with a realization.

“Oh no,” she said, turning back to Rose with a mild horror.

“What’s wrong?” Rose asked, instantly concerned at her slightly-more-than-a-friend's sudden alarm.

“Rose, I can’t be your date when they get married—I’ll probably be the wedding photographer!”

Rose’s expression split into an even bigger smile than it had before. And her howling laughter that followed only mildly alleviated Nicole’s genuine photographic panic.

Nicole watched as the three dots appeared and disappeared for several minutes before the phone buzzed with Shane’s contact popping up.

“Hi Shane.”

“Sorry, I… couldn’t type it out,” he said a little sheepishly.

“That’s okay. What’s up?”

“Well, remember how we did the soft launch?” Shane asked.

“I do,” Nicole said.

“Theoretically, like years in the future probably, you know… If we wanted to announce we were actually a couple publicly, how would you go about it?”

“How would we do a hard launch?” Nicole wondered, and then felt herself smile. “I might have a few ideas.”