Jamie was already shaking his head.
“The Winter Classic is in a few days,” she continued. “Thatis the organization’s focus. We’ll release a brief statement explaining that you came to a strangers’ defense, and then redirect their focus to you at practice, looking like yourself on the ice. Show the fans you’re back and better than ever. Show them you aren’t distracted by this situation. Not only does that help the organization, but it helps Tyler. If he’s no longer connected to you, he can return to a life without this kind of public scrutiny and criticism.”
“You want me to–” Jamie began, sweat pricking on his skin. He turned to Tyler. “Unless you want–”
“No.” Tyler sat forward in his seat. “Jamie is my partner,” he said, his intense gaze fixed on Sharon. “I have no interest pretending otherwise.”
Jamie wasn’t sure if he wanted to cry or kiss Tyler. He chestfelt crowded with relief and hope but he was also in fucking disbelief. Jamie was supposed to be the one fighting for Tyler, and instead his boyfriend was fighting for him.
Sharon looked between the two of them. She sighed, her eyes closing. “Nothing about this job can be easy, can it,” she muttered, before focusing back on Jamie and Tyler. “In that case, I’d suggest Tyler not attend the Winter Classic in any formal capacity. He could still go to the game, still join the team families in the suite if he wants, but not participate in the family skate or wear whatever coordinated outfit the WAGs have planned. Keep him out of photos. Keep him away from you.”
Jamie felt Tyler stiffen beside him.
“Tyler,” Jamie said, turning to look at his boyfriend. “I want you guys to be there, but–”
“But what? Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed by–”
“No–god,Tyler, it’s not that.”
“If having us there will be a distraction to you and your team, then we’ll sit this one out, okay? I know how much this game means to you.” Tyler slid his fingers between Jamie’s where his hand gripped his knee. Jamie felt his muscles relax, his body softening as he let Tyler’s hand–smaller, softer–cradle his. “I’m in this for the long haul. There will be more games and more chances for us to celebrate how incredible you are.”
Jamie was already protesting. “Everyone on this team gets to have a moment with their family out there on the ice!” His voice was too loud–he knew that, but it didn’t fucking matter, because the thought of getting out on that ice without Tyler by his side, without seeing Rowan’s toothy grin behind a helmet? The thought of doing it without them made him sick. “Yes, this game means everything to me, but so doyou. I want to see the people I care about wearing my name proudly. I want to share it all with you.” He looked right into Tyler’s eyes then, finding comfort in his unwavering gaze. “But I won’t sacrifice you and Rowan’s well-being just because I selfishly want you out there.”
Tyler looked at him, lips slightly parted, seeming to search hisface for something. The ring in his nose caught the light, drawing Jamie’s attention to his mouth.Fuck, he’d forgotten to kiss him that morning. What kind of idiot would forget to kiss a mouth like that?
He’d never make that mistake again.
Across from them, Sharon stood, reaching for a to-go thermos with the Muskies logo on the side. “I’m going to grab a coffee. You two take a minute.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Tyler asked the moment the door closed behind Sharon.
“What people are saying about you, I just…” Jamie pressed his lips together. He wished his mind was sharper, wished that he was as good with words as Tyler was. “I don’t think they’re going to stop, and what if this shit follows you and Rowan because of me? All I wanted was to see you and I wasn’t thinking about what could go wrong. It was selfish, andfuck, Tyler, I’m so sorry.”
“Let me decide what’s too much,” Tyler said. “Taking care of Rowan, worrying about us? That’smyjob.”
Jamie heard a distinct buzz from Tyler’s pocket, but they both ignored it. He looked at Tyler, hit by a sharp pang of longing that started in his throat and dropped down into his chest. “I want to worry about you, too,” Jamie whispered, his voice breaking at the end.
“Jamie,” Tyler started, but his phone vibrated again. “Dammit, hang on.” He fished it out of his coat and answered. “Hey, Sandra.”
Jamie watched Tyler closely, and saw the exact moment his face tightened with worry. “I’ll be right there,” Tyler said quickly. “Thank you. Tell him I’m coming.” He was halfway to the door when he hung up. He glanced back at Jamie, apologetic. “Rowan’s sick.”
“Oh, shit. Of course, go. Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
Tyler nodded, dazed, and then, without looking back, he was gone.
“Is everything alright?” Sharon walked back into the office with her coffee, shooting Jamie a confused look.
“His son is sick,” Jamie said, feeling the frustration of the day catching up with him.
“I hope he’s alright,” she said, sitting down behind her desk. “What decision did the two of you make about the Winter Classic? Whatever you decide to do, the team will want to be prepared.”
“We didn’t.” He paused. “He wants to be there.”
And Jamie wanted them to be there, too. TylerandRowan.Fuck, he wanted it so badly.
He knew it was the selfish part of himself, the voice he had made a habit of ignoring. It was the part of him that he pushed down when he was with the team, when he was considering the needs of the guys around him first.
The team came first. Always.
