A small laugh escapes me. "Honestly? I was terrified. Not because of his reputation or anything the media said about his time in Florida. I was scared because..." I pause, choosing my words carefully. "Because from the moment he walked into that first team meeting, I knew he was going to change everything."
"Jamie," Declan calls out, "why don't you join us?"
My heart skips as Jamie walks onto the set. He looks unfairly good in his carefully casual outfit - dark jeans and a soft sweater that makes his eyes impossibly blue. His media smile is firmly in place, but when our eyes meet, it softens into something real.
"Hi," he says simply, settling into the chair next to mine. His hand finds my knee off-camera, grounding me.
"Jamie Pirelli, thank you for joining us," Declan says. "You've been through your own journey with being out in the NHL. How does it feel being on this side of the conversation?"
Jamie's thumb traces circles on my knee as he answers. "It's incredible. When I first came out, I hoped it might make things easier for other players, but I never expected..." He glances at me, his expression soft. "I never expected to find this."
"So you two are...?"
"Together," I finish firmly. "It's new, but it's..." I look at Jamie, seeing all our shared moments reflected in his eyes - that first night in San Diego, the video calls, the careful distance, the final choice to be brave. "It's everything."
"The chemistry between you two on ice has been remarkable this season," Declan observes. "Has your personal connection enhanced that professional dynamic?"
Jamie grins. "He makes me better. On and off the ice."
"Even when I'm driving you crazy with my color-coded sock drawer?" The chirp slips out without thinking.
"Especially then," Jamie says softly, and God, the way he's looking at me...
"The team's recent success - eight wins in your last ten games - suggests they're fully supportive," Declan says. "Was that immediate?"
The timing seems significant," Declan observes. "Coming up on the Christmas break, when the team seems to be finding its rhythm..."
"Look," I say, "we had a rough start to the season. New players, new systems, and high expectations after our struggles the past two years. But these past few weeks, especially heading into the holiday break - we're starting to show what this team can be."
Jamie nods. "Chemistry takes time to develop, both on and off the ice. But when you've got an organization that supports its players, that creates an environment where everyone can be themselves..."
"That's exactly why we wanted to do this interview now," I add. "Clear the air before these rumors could become a distraction. We've got three big games before the Christmas break, and we want the focus to be on hockey."
"We're just scratching the surface of what this team can do," Jamie says, his confidence making my chest warm. "The Cupwin three years ago wasn't a fluke. This group has that kind of potential. We just need to keep putting in the work."
"Speaking of potential," Declan shifts slightly, "you two have shown remarkable chemistry since Jamie joined the team in September. Eight goals in your last five games heading into the break..."
"That's just hockey," I say automatically, then catch myself. No more deflecting. "Though I suppose our connection off the ice hasn't hurt."
Jamie's smile turns softer. "It's easier to anticipate someone's moves when you get to know who they are."
"The holiday break starts next week," Declan notes. "Any special plans?"
My mind flashes to Jamie's family coming to Seattle, and his mother's Thanksgiving invitation that led to so much more. "Actually-"
"My family's visiting," Jamie jumps in, his eyes twinkling. "Mom's determined to teach Rylan her secret sugar cookie recipe."
"She thinks my kitchen's too organized," I admit, earning a gentle laugh from both Jamie and Declan. "Says baking should be more... spontaneous."
"The Pirelli family approach to everything," Jamie grins. "Speaking of which, we should probably warn Declan about the New Year's party they're planning..."
"One step at a time," I say, but I'm smiling too. Because that's what this is - steps forward, together. No more hiding, no more deflecting.
"Any message for young players who might be watching this?" Declan asks.
Jamie's hand finds mine properly now, not caring that it's in the frame. "Be yourself," he says simply. "The right team, the right people - they'll love you for exactly who you are."
"And it's worth it," I add softly, thinking of everything these past few months have brought. "Being authentic, being brave... it's terrifying, but it's worth it."
