The slam of the metal gate hits against the hinge jolting her awake. The two coffees she had on the way into the district did nothing to prepare her for this inevitable chat. Another coffee it is.
Huffing it up the stairs and rushing to her desk, Erin places down her coat and phone. Ready for the lengthy interrogation from the only other woman in the unit, she heads to the break room.
"Morning," Erin spits out as she pulls the pot from the coffee maker. The pouring of the warm black liquid distracts her as the delighted woman in the break room inquires.
"Sounds to me like it was another failed night. No luck this time?" Exasperated, Erin releases a heavy sigh. "You know, if you just let me set you up on a dating app, this would be much easier. You are not looking for a relationship, so what does it hurt having a little fun during Christmas".
Shaking her head, she sips the bitter taste of her third cup, "I'm not only looking for a one-night stand, Jules. I want to be swept off my feet. It's Christmas time. I want to feel something real. It's not hard for me to find someone to date," Erin replies confidently turning around.
Jules lets out a low chuckle and rises from her seat to stand near Erin, leaning against the counter. "I do not doubt that. This is going to be–what–the next event you skip. Come on, Erin. You can go to the annual CPD Holiday Festival without a date. This is an open event. You don't have to impress anyone."
Chugging the rest of the hot coffee in her mug, she sets it down on the counter. "Easy for you to say, you're married. Antonio is, Olinsky is, and hell, even Voight is bringing someone to this," Erin groans.
"Well, stop putting pressure on yourself. Maybe we will end up pulling a case and will not have to go," Jules concludes. Unable to be appeased by Jules' attempt to make light of the situation, Erin heads out of the break room.
"I'm just saying, rough and tough Detective Erin Lindsay doesn't need arm candy to get through a civilian event," Jules follows.
Swiftly placing her coat around the back of her chair, Erin sits and glances towards Jules. "Look. I finally have things going for me. I'm in this unit, my condo, and a decent momentum, so why not add to that," Erin suggests.
Before Jules can answer back, Hank plows into the bullpen from his office with a directive to respond to a homicide. "See … pulling cases," Jules smirks, walking away. With a roll of her eyes, Erin gets up and heads out with the rest of the team to the location.
"How about we try a different strategy tonight?" Jules breaks the silence as the team is writing up their reports.
It turns out the homicide case should have stayed with homicide. Once they arrived at the scene, the Intelligence Unit was able to identify the motive and the perp. A robbery that went bad left a mother and daughter dead. The daughter, desperate to plan a trip to Aruba with her boyfriend, set out on her parents for the money. The aftermath was the father putting two in his daughter and the ricochet into his wife. Cases like those were not a way to use Intelligence resources, although as a newly formed unit, where were they to complain.
"What are you thinking?" Erin asks curiously.
"No Molly's tonight? That is our usual hang out after an early case like this," Dawson interrupts.
"As I live and breathe, Dawson does not want to rush home to the wife and kids," Jules gasps.
Leaning back in his seat, arms behind his head, he smiles and rebuttals with a loud, "Please and miss out on how you are as a wing woman, Willhite. Never!"
Erin growls, "Okay, how is my love life the main topic of discussion now," as she bunches her papers together to turn into Voight.
"Says the one complaining about it every time a Christmas song plays or when you spot a mistletoe. You are not fooling anyone, Lindsay," Jules remarks.
"We are rooting for you, kid. Let us help you out," Dawson encourages.
"I will stew on it for a minute. You both are like the two older siblings I did not ask for and never wanted," Erin shoots back as she peeks into Voight's office, inviting herself in.
Jules and Dawson turn to each other, smiling as they shake their heads.
"Molly's, right?" Dawson questions again.
"Sure …," Jules concedes.
"Al. Voight is asking for you," Erin says as she comes from Voight's office. The silent and highly experienced detective rolls out of his hiding place to enter Voight's office and closes the door behind him.
"Meet up, say around seven? See where the night takes you?" Jules suggests, she is not giving up on this one.
"I wouldn't miss it," Erin says, forcing a smile.
Contemplating what to wear out tonight, Erin stares blankly into her closet. Green and red scream you are trying too hard for Christmas. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt is too plain if she wants to stumble upon an eligible bachelor tonight. Outfit selection should not be this hard.
After settling on a white cable knit sweater and black leather pants, Erin completes her look with black ankle boots. Adding a touch of makeup to her eyes and pulling some strands from her ponytail, she does a last check of her outfit. Grabbing her coat, wallet, and phone, she heads for the door. Closing the door behind her, she takes a few deep breaths as she prepares for what tonight will ensue.
"Voight says you'll be getting a new partner soon. That's exciting," Jules brings up cheerfully.
Erin looks up from spinning the straw in her drink. The commotion of the crowded bar sounding in the background makes the time of year feel just right. "Uh yeah, it is. Maybe this one will be a keeper. Voight doesn't like any of the ones we have had so far. I keep telling him to stop being so critical of selections, but he wants a good partner for me. A partner that is going to have my back. It is understandable. You and Antonio, together, are hard to compete with."
"Miracle at Molly's shots on the house for everyone!" Hermann announces to all the patrons of the bar this evening.
"What! He cannot be serious. Who is going to be a victim of that concoction tonight?" Erin winces.
"I dunno Lindsay, maybe if you take one, make a wish on it, your Christmas romance will come true," Dawson teases as he takes a seat with said shots.
"Hahaha, Antonio. Don't quit your day job. So, was it Hermann or Gaby that made these shots," Erin quips.
"Gaby, of course," Dawson says as he passes the two shots to Erin and Jules.
Lifting their shots glasses in cheers, the three detectives make a toast in a declaration to their unit and the holiday season.
As a couple of hours pass, Erin has yet to have any luck meeting anyone. "I'm starting to think if I keep coming to Molly's, I am not going to find anyone. Everyone here is just another cop, doctor, or lawyer," Erin complains.
"Well, with your usual type, Lindsay, I think a cop, doctor, or lawyer would be a good change of pace for you," Jules asserts a little too tactfully. Frustration growing, Erin rubs her hands down her face.
"I think you are doing this from the wrong perspective, Lindsay. I watched a few movies with Laura, and most of those romances have a few things in common." Counting his fingers, Dawson explains, "There is the setting, the meet, the setback, and then the love confession. You want that simultaneously. I'm not sure how that is going to happen. Especially not if you want to feel the magic of Christmas."
Biting her lip, Erin ponders before she speaks, "I guess that means I need to get creative."
Slamming her hands down on the table, Erin gets up and uncharacteristically proclaims, "I am going to do all-out Chicago Christmas. The caroling, the tree picking, the gift-giving, all of it. In doing that, I'm sure to find someone, right?"
"Woah."
"Mmm …"
"Can't hurt," Jules surmises.
"A bit extreme to the steps I mentioned, Lindsay. But it's worth a shot. So, how are you going to do this?" Dawson drags out.
Erin's body tenses up. Gesturing with her face in a look of distaste, she answers, "I'll have to put myself out there. Try something new. Be open to the possibilities and whatever those will be. Even if it makes me feel uncomfortable."
"Off to a great start already, so," amused Jules continues, "keep all of this-" waving her hand in Erin's face "- and I'm sure something will happen."
Erin looks to the bar and smacks her lips. Looking down, she peers her eyes through her eyelashes, "I want romance. I have a good feeling about it this time."
She takes her unfinished glass and tosses it back. "I'm going to let loose and enjoy myself. Fuck it. More miracle shots!" Erin shouts to the crowd, and loud cheers erupt.
After some failed attempts at dancing with strangers and outrageous pick-up lines, Erin still had no success meeting anyone tonight. Defeated, Erin decides to call it a night. With Jules and Antonio leaving her to her own devices, hours ago, Erin made her way out of the bar. Excusing her way through the crowd, more inebriated than she was, Erin turns the handle on the door to exit.
The bite of the Chicago wind hits her face, causing her to shiver. The white puff of air coming out of her mouth warns her of how cold it is, and she tightens her coat around herself. It takes her four blocks to make it to her car, and on the way, Erin passes by a window display.
Stopping to look at it, the sparkling lights engage her senses. The colors and bright words of 'Winter Wonderland' leave her smiling. Walking through the city, checking out all the window displays had been how she memorialized the Christmas season growing up, not having ways to celebrate it with her own family. Giving it one last look, she turns and carries on with the stride to her car.
"I'd like you for Christmas. Please make my wish come true," Erin whispers and hums the melody of the song into the night sky before getting into the car, starting the engine, and driving away.
"A Merry Christmas is coming earlier than expected for one of you. The brass wants to show off the Intelligence Unit by having someone contributing to the Holiday Festival events," Voight introduces as the team huddles around the board for their case assignment.
"Someone, to do what exactly?" Erin is the first to ask. Her brows furrowed in confusion.
"They need a face for this thing. Someone to be a part of the festivities, get the spectators more involved this year," Voight elaborates, getting agitated by the second.
"This is in your lane Lindsay. How about you take it?"
"Huh? Wha-no," she exclaims, giving Dawson the evil eye, her shock clear.
"You said it last night that you wanted-"
"Ah, ah, ah. No! Hank. They can't ask us to help with this. We have cases," Erin goes pale at the thought of doing anything other than police work.
"Erin, you're the best option, and with no partner yet, I can't have you riding solo. I got Al working on scouting another recruit for the unit," Hank restates.
"Unbelievable," Erin mutters, rubbing her temples as she feels the stress already.
"Where am I reporting to?" Erin rasps.
"Headquarters first. Probably best if you get acquainted with the Captain in charge of it, and they will take you from there," Voight ends.
"Look at it this way, Lindsay, at least now you are getting what you wished for," Jules hints, moving towards Erin as she prepares to leave. "Like you said last night, put yourself out there. Have a positive spin on this. Maybe it will be easy to find a date now, since you're working it."
Considering her words, not wanting to fall into a pit of discouragement, Erin licks her lips, "You're right. I'm going to make the most of this. I won't have to be at the district, no early call-ins. It'll be great," Erin points out.
"That a girl," Jules echoes.
Being born and raised in Chicago, Erin is used to the mayhem of the holiday season, but it seems like this year is larger than the usual scale. Or so she thought, once she sees how busy it is at Millennium Park after leaving headquarters.
"And this is where we will have you moving about charming visitors into participating," Captain Bruno of District 31 emphasizes, bringing Erin back to focus her attention.
"Yup, got it. How long will I need to be milling through these?" Erin rasps.
"I wouldn't say that often. A lot of this does not require a hundred percent of your time. We want to assure good times are happening for these folks. It is Christmas. Feel free to enjoy what you see while you are here," Captain Bruno replies in a chipper tone.
Maybe being chipper will be how she can get through this, Erin mentally cautions in advance.
"Does this sound like something you can do?" Captain Bruno repeats.
"Yes, I can. You won't have to worry about a thing here, Captain," Erin smiles, blinking a little too rapidly. Controlling her demeanor to not give herself away, she straightens up. "Am I starting now? Or do I need more orienting?"
"I'll leave you to it. I'll be seeing you." Captain Bruno nods, departing.
"Yeah," Erin breathes out, "Okay, you got this," heading over to her first booth.
"Shit!"
It is impossible to get to Chicago Med with this kind of traffic. Passing that left turn is why he is running late to his follow-up check with Will. This medical clearance is what he needs to return to work. Well, presumably his new job if he gets a clean bill of health. Will better have good news.
With the tires skidding to a stop, securing a parking spot, Jay releases his seat belt and rushes out of his car to the Emergency Room entrance. Scratching his eyebrow, he looks around for Will. Not seeing Will out on the hospital floor as he stated he would be, Jay goes to the reception desk to ask the nurse. "Err, um. I need to see Will. Dr. Halstead."
"And are you a patient?" the nurse demands.
"I'm his brother. I'm here for an appointment. Just here to link up with him. I got here late," Jay insists.
"If you are family Dr. Halstead should not be advising you," the nurse says.
"I'm a police officer. Only here to finalize my all-clear to go back on the job," Jay boasts, hoping to charm them.
"There will need to be another doctor to do that for you, have a seat," the nurse maintains.
"My pleasure," Jay sneers and walks away to take a seat. A few minutes pass as Jay is waiting. His nerves get the better of him and his leg starts to bounce. Come on, Will.
Jay risks a look toward the same nurse that is holding him up. Noticing that the nurse is attending to another patient, Jay moves from his seat to sneak down the lobby hall. Quick and easy this will be. Avoid being seen, simple. Going to the Doctor's Lounge first, he hopes to find Will there. Peering into the room, he finds it empty. "Brother," Jay breathes out, frustrated. Backtracking, he makes his way to the lobby.
"Jay!"
Hearing a shout behind him, Jay quickly turns around. "Will! Finally. Man, sorry I'm late," Jay apologizes.
"All good, man. Let's get you looked at. Through here," Will motions him to a screening room.
"I know you are trying to get cleared, but from the scans and healing of your wound, you still need more time to recover," Will tells him regrettably. "Unfortunately, I know this isn't what you want to hear. Give yourself another week or two, and you will see better improvement. Do more of that physical therapy too. A shoulder injury isn't like breaking a forearm in fifth grade."
Not satisfied by his advisement, Jay blows up, "Seriously, Will. Can't you get Choi to sign off? You know I want in with this unit. I'm not missing my chance here."
With his back towards Will, Jay sighs and places his hands on his hips. "I've been waiting for a team like this, Will. An elite unit, a new unit. I can make a name there, become a better cop."
Putting a hand on his shoulder, causing Jay to wince because it is his injured one, Will sympathizes with him. "You are a good cop, Jay. This isn't a delay. Didn't you say Dawson guaranteed you that spot in Intelligence?"
Twisting his lips up, Jay clarifies, "Yeah, sort of. I still need the green light on this medical clearance. Plus, that Sergeant, Voight, hasn't signed off on accepting me as a transfer. I don't know for sure, man."
Attempting to restore some of Jay's confidence, Will decides to suggest an idea. "When have you ever been available for Christmas? You got two weeks of free time, Jay. More than what I'll ever see for the holiday season. Take advantage of this. Do something."
"What are you suggesting?" Jay quirks his eyebrow.
"You know Christmas stuff. Hit up some bars, meet some women. Do it up, brother. A lot of prime real estate here. Especially during Christmas. So many chicks are flooding the city," Will smirks.
"All of a sudden, I'm a player like you. Real gentleman," Jay jokes.
"Better than having a safe choice. Allie. I'm sure she's home for the holidays. Ready and waiting. How many repeat performances are you going to do?" Will volleys back.
"Whatever, man. Allie is far from my mind. Christmas is always rough. Mom made it special, could feel the magic with her around."
The conversation taking a turn from the banter, Jay clears his throat, "This Christmas will be different through. We reconnected. I didn't think I would be able to count on you this much, honestly." Chuckling a bit, Jay continues, "Maybe I'll take up your offer and do a few things while I'm free. Find some magic of my own."
"Can't lose with that kind of attitude," Will smiles. "Want me to see you out? I should probably head back to my rounds."
"Nah, man. I got it. See you at Molly's?" Jay reminds.
"If we don't get any serious treatments to respond to, I'll be there." Hugging Jay goodbye, the brothers depart.
"Hey, Tony. Thanks for meeting me," Jay pulls Dawson into a side hug. Both take a seat in the booth at the diner Jay selected.
"No problem, brother. How's it going. That shoulder too? You know that seat is getting colder by the minute," Dawson replies.
Jay rolls his eyes, "Ah, I know. My brother says I'll be a couple of weeks before 'I'm cleared for duty'." His face shifts to visible concern, "I need to know that my spot isn't in jeopardy. Voight hasn't given me a bit of information about it."
"He knows you are one of the best I know. I vouched for you. Jay, you don't have to worry here. Voight is just particular about who comes into this unit. Keep communication open, and you'll be starting with us soon. Hopefully, before Christmas too, because over time can get wild," Antonio states.
Feeling a bit more at ease, Jay calms down. "Good, I didn't get shot for nothing," Jay chuckles.
"I hear ya. Getting shot is not a party," Antonio understands his pain, "My wife would not be keen on me taking another bullet. I'll tell her we are gaining a new dummy for target practice," Antonio joshes.
Laughing, Jay banters back, "Good thing you won't be my partner. I won't have to call that bluff." Grabbing his drink for a sip, he adds, "So, who is my partner anyway? Voight never mentioned them. And I couldn't pull any details. The unit's profiles aren't online."
"It's a specialized unit. With many undercover operations, we can't have our pictures readily accessible to the public. Voight is careful not to get our names out. The department knows everyone. That's enough," Antonio maintains, "As for your partner. You'll be in good hands, solid cop."
"I'm waiting then," Jay guesses, shrugging.
"Dawson!" Someone from afar bellows, making their way over to their table.
"We got a call into the radio. A gang shooting on South. We got to go." The blonde looking towards Jay, "Hey, I'm Jules, Willhite. Dawson's partner," shaking hands. Jules nods to Antonio, "Come on."
"Catch ya later," Antonio pats Jay on the shoulder.
"Later," Jay says goodbye, massaging his shoulder. Jay considers now that his brother may be right about taking it easy. With more time to wait on Will, Jay decides to head out as well.
Finding himself coming upon Millennium Park, he notices parts of it are fenced off and canopy tents assembled. Curiosity getting the better of him, he encroaches to the closest tent. "CPD Holiday Festival," Jay whispers to himself, picking up a flyer.
The annual CPD Holiday Festival, not as popular as every other festival in Chicago, but has been commended as being an olive branch for the police to the community. The Christmas season tends to bring out the goodwill of people, paying it forward, the season of giving. Alongside how Chicago usually does Christmas, the city does feel magical at times.
The dates of the festival line up with the time off that Will insists he takes. Maybe he should participate in this. The festival is offering a ton of Christmas activities, some of which are appealing to him. Notably, the set of events centered around adult groups. It could prove to be interesting. He can network with other cops around the department and potentially mingle with other, not so job-focused, women specifically.
Before he gets too caught up in the idea of the festival, Jay folds the flyer and puts it in his pocket, "Yeah, this could be great."
Checking out the nearly finished venue one last time, Jay begins his way back to his apartment.
Drumming his thumbs on the countertop bar table, Jay patiently waits for Will to arrive at Molly's.
For someone trying to get into the holiday mood, the atmosphere at Molly's was not helping him. From their awful Christmas lights to their lousy music choices, he surely would not visit Molly's again until Christmas was over. Already seeing too many people absorbed in the holiday shot of the night.
Jay scans the bar to see what appears to be college girls, leaning over the bar to get Hermann's attention. Possibly for more shots, he deduces. Instead of drinks, he sees one of the girls passing him a flyer. The same flyer he grabbed earlier. That piques him and he pulls out his flyer. Scanning it to see what correlation it could have to those girls; he sees the option of bar hopping.
"Hmph." Bar hopping. An activity many college-age kids would be interested in. Examining it again, he does not see Molly's listed on it. Looking back over to them, he sees Hermann shaking the hand of one of the girls. Seemingly elated, Jay guesses Molly's is going to be on this bar hopping list. He is not coming back here once the Holiday Festival starts.
Shaking his head, he checks the time on his watch. It is about midnight, and Will still has not arrived. Will could have sent him a text saying he was going to be late. The bartender replaces his glass, "Thanks," Jay smiles.
"Yo, Jay," Jay turns, seeing his brother winded.
"Gee, what an entrance. Glad you could make it," Jay snickers.
"I made it here, didn't I?" Will protests. "What'd you order for me," Will snatches Jay's drink and swallows it in one gulp.
"You're welcome," Jay laughs.
"So, any luck?" Will asks. Raising his eyebrow, Jay looks at Will for him to continue. "You know, picking up a woman tonight," Will spells out.
"It's about to be past my bedtime, maybe next time," Jay counters.
"I thought you napped earlier," Will passes back.
"Not the point," Jay says annoyed.
"Well...," Will starts, getting comfortable in his seat, "Dad was asking what our plans for Christmas were going to be."
"Well...," Jay mimics, "I'm not seeing Dad. I usually go to the cabin. You know this. It's been four years since mom died. Christmas is not the same."
"You have me now, Jay. Mouse too. Even Dad. If you let him," Will attempts. "As I mentioned before, we got to find you some romance for Christmas. A ho-ho-hookup," Will smirks, changing the subject.
"If that is what you call it, no wonder you're single," Jay laughs.
Satisfied with righting Jay back to the present, Will follows, "All the nurses mentioned the Holiday Festival CPD is doing. It's supposed to be better this year. You attending?"
"I'm thinking about it. I got the flyer. There are a few things that do look interesting," Jay answers. Sighing, he hesitantly suggests, "Uh, maybe Dad would go to one of the events? Show 'em my job is worth something."
"He's proud of you, Jay. Yeah, his problem is showing it, but he does," Will tries to reassure him.
"Easy for you to say," Jay huffs bitterly.
"Okay, Jay, let's not get into this right now. It's Christmas," Will says, hoping to appeal to him.
"No, yeah. You're right," Jay ends, tossing a few bills on the countertop and getting up to leave. "I'll drop you off," Jay concludes.
By the time Jay is near his car, he fully tuned Will out. He was talking extensively about his day and some chick named Natalie. The familiarity of having his brother with him is comforting. They both have come a long way.
Admiring the décor on the street, Jay relaxes. That is when he sees her. A woman ahead of them, looking into a window display and viewing the arrangement inside. She is captivating. He studies her some more. She is perhaps the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Petite, dark hair, her side profile, her defined cheekbones, the way her eyes glitter from the reflection of the window, Jay is completely taken by her. She steps back from the window display smiling, her dimple creasing in. Jay loses all the breath he has left. He blinks to make sure she is not a figment of his imagination, and he chances a glance at her again. The tendrils unraveled from her ponytail blow slightly against the wind giving her such a radiant look. His mouth gets dry. Jay is speechless. How has he never seen this woman before?
"Jay! Hello, earth to Jay," Will pesters.
"What? Wait? What's going on?" Jay splutters out.
"Unlock the door, asshole."
Jay, able to focus, first resumes his look back towards the window display. He is disappointed when he no longer sees the woman standing there.
"Jay! Open the damn door," Will complains. Embarrassed, Jay unlocks the door, and the brothers sit down.
"What was it you were gawking at?" Will quizzes.
"A woman. Um, I'm not sure. She's gone now," Jay responds, looking up again towards the window display. "I just know I won't be able to forget her," he confesses.
The hustle and bustle of the Chicago streets make Erin feel at home.
She knows these streets, grew up on them. She feels powerful being a true Chicagoan. Accepting the city's flaws and all. That is how she wants to be treated. This Christmas, her magical Christmas romance is going to be exactly like that. She will meet a man, and he will fall in love with everything that she is, and she will have the best night ever. Now, she is beginning to sound like a Cinderella during Christmas. The thought alone stumps Erin. She withdraws it from her mind and refocuses on the task at hand. To do that, she will have to meet someone first.
Keeping with the theme, Erin still hasn't met the man. She has been trying to follow Antonio's lame synopsis of a Christmas romance and none of it is working. Erin has gone to great lengths in putting herself out there for some holiday Casanova. Equaling her out to be some holiday femme fatale. Maybe she was looking for a one-night stand. Sighing, she continues making her way over to her booth. Just keep positive thoughts on Christmas and the magic will happen, she tells herself.
"Thanks for meeting me here, Caitlin," Erin says, hugging her friend and making her way around the booth.
"Anytime Erin, truly. I don't get out enough myself to do things like this. I'm usually with my parents by this time," Caitlin greets.
"I need you. Especially with you being down in turning me into a cliché this Christmas," Erin thanks her.
"That, I have no problem in doing," Caitlin guffaws, "Last night, was awesome," Caitlin laughs even harder.
"I don't know who I like talking to more, you or Jules," Erin admits sarcastically.
For the last five days, Erin has been floundering around bar after bar, restaurant after restaurant, and even mall after mall, trying to meet someone and no luck. Caitlin and Jules had suggested ways for her to 'magically' meet a man, to no avail. At the last bar, she misjudged her brute strength, when she clumsily knocked into a guy, attempting to pour her drink on him, and he goes plummeting into a bar stool table. At the restaurant, she purposefully sat at a table with a guy eating alone, hoping to romance him, when he told her he was only sitting alone because he just came from a funeral. Then the best of all, her at the mall, wailing with other carolers hoping to entice a guy that came up to hear them sing, only for her to get a tomato thrown at her. A literal tomato. At that point, Erin was ready to give it up.
"You have to agree, these stories are way better than what your possible Christmas romance is going to be," Caitlin claims.
"That's where you come in," Erin pipes in.
"I need you to substitute for me with some of these booths. I've been setting up and working this thing for a week now. The festival has been open for a few days; I know the routine. Captain Bruno never comes around. You're just going to wear that volunteer vest, smile at the people coming by, invite them to do the activity at your booth, and then switch booths when the next volunteer relives you. It's easy," Erin explains.
"Oh, mother of God, this sounds so pedestrian," Caitlin grumbles, pouting her lips at Erin.
"The festival is for pedestrians. It is supposed to be gimmicky. Just do it for me," Erin stresses.
"Okay, okay. No need to worry. I thrive in situations under pressure and dissatisfaction. It's my wheelhouse. You go find a holiday hunk. Lord knows I need that for you more than you do. I am already manifesting it into existence," Caitlin insists.
"I owe you," Erin rasps, hugging her again and running off.
"You don't want to owe me," Caitlin sings.
"Have you no shame. Hitting on my husband while he is here with his family," an olive-toned woman, in her late 30s, screams. Erin gives back an incredulous look.
The husband joins in, "Honey, it was an obvious mistake. We can finish up with Santa and move on."
Unable to deescalate the situation without making herself out to be a delusional fool, Erin happily suggests they cut in line to be next for Santa. It seems to do the trick.
Knowing now that she should have approached this task delicately, Erin mentally crosses this option off her list. How was she to know this dude was married? There are single dads out there. She does not discriminate, especially during Christmas.
She was somehow able to bargain herself into an elf position at the mall. It is all a big mess. A wife screaming in her face was not even the worst thing so far that has happened since she arrived here. Santa offered to wrap her up and make her his gift. Then, another man said that she was one elf he wanted on his shelf. She is a tigress. But were those men creeps? Yes. Even if they are after the same thing she is. Everything is imploding, figuratively speaking. Reprieving herself of duty, Erin calls this one too.
The uninspired list she and her friends put together, after her proclamation at Molly's to get her Christmas romance, is becoming pitiful.
"My friends are idiots."
Her phone buzzes - a text from Caitlin. Changing back into her clothes, Erin responds to Caitlin's text. She is going to relieve her.
Dredging up last week, Jay reminds himself of the woman he saw.
Helpless he was. Unsuccessful encounters with similar-looking women had him beaten. Oblivious to her physique, Jay is relying on her face to find her. Not able to be up close and personal with her, he does not know much about her. That alone isn't going to stop him. He needs to see her, meet her. He is not sure what he feels in relation to the magic of it all.
Christmas magic. Smiling hard, thinking about her, the corners of his eyes crinkle. He knows. He is going to start to believe. First, he needs to see where he can bump into her again. Window displays are an interest of hers, he associated that fact already. Puzzled, he is not sure how to reassume his search.
Lifting himself off his couch, Jay makes his way over to the kitchen. Admiring the picture of him, his brother, and his mom on the fridge, he notices the flyer. The CPD Holiday Festival. Of course! It is open to the public and is full of various activities this year. Maybe she has been going to this, he speculates.
It could be next to impossible to find her there, what will his chances be. His skipping out on the Holiday Festival answers that question.
Readjusting his plans, Jay decides to get an outfit together and heads to Millennium Park.
"Thanks for coming to this with me, brother," Jay repeats.
Eliciting help from his old friend, Mouse, Jay hopes he will be able to find her. However, if he does find her, he will have to ditch Mouse.
"No worries. You haven't been interested in someone like this for a while, so when you land it, I'll make my exit." Mouse reads his mind.
"I appreciate the bode of confidence," Jay chuckles.
"As rough as the years have been for us, erm, me. This time of year always reminds me of hope and the power of love on Christmas," Mouse acknowledges.
"Agreed," Jay compassionately rubs Mouse's back.
"The festival layout is small. The newly added things make it harder to determine how to time this out," Jay scanning the flyer. He rambles on, "I think we should do the booths first then find someone to explain the shuttled events. They also have some walking tours, bar hopping, other co-sponsorships, and a benefit dinner. But then Chicago has so many other things happening throughout the city. Do you think she'll go to it?"
"Which one? You listed a circus. She can't possibly do all of that," Mouse comments, feeling skittish.
"You're right," Jay submits. "Mhmm. As a point target, we can start at-", he skims the flyer again, "-the vinyl booth. Christmas songs on vinyl sound interesting." With that, Jay starts leading them there.
"Ummm … here it is," Jay stops and begins to browse. "This is awesome. Look at all this vinyl. Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald. They have Bublé too," Jay lists off, showing Mouse a vinyl he picks up.
"You seem like an enthusiast," Caitlin, the booth attendant welcomes.
"Sort of … not really, but this does remind me to get a record player," Jay thinks out loud.
Caitlin nods, "And what about you? Is vinyl an interest of yours? You seem like a vinyl guy."
"Ah … no. No, not me either," Mouse falters with the attention on him.
"Well, if I can't interest you in purchasing a vinyl … maybe you can select my next song? It's the interactive piece of this booth. I got to entice you with something. I don't want to get in trouble," Caitlin offers now, moving towards Mouse.
"Why would you get into trouble? Are you working the festival as CPD? You don't look like police. Because I have seen some others through here in their uniforms," Jay chatters.
"What's with all the questions?" Caitlin looks at him puzzled.
"It's making me wonder if I should have been working this thing," Jay apologizes.
"The police need to be visible at the festival. It helps with keeping the peace with the public. We don't want people feeling like they are going to get arrested. If they needed you here, I'm sure they would have told you. Be thankful you weren't asked. Enjoy the festival. Plus, the volunteers wear volunteer vests. See," Caitlin spins around to show him the vest she's wearing.
"You're not a cop then?" Jay asks again.
"Nope. I'm a volunteer," Caitlin struggles to turn her forced smile into a genuine one.
"Most of you are volunteers?" Jay queries.
"Appears that way," Caitlin responds smugly, directing her attention back to Mouse.
"Good to know. Maybe she is volunteering too or a guest. This festival looks popular," Mouse wonders sheepishly.
"All I know is that I think you should introduce me to your friend," Caitlin puts on her charm, motioning for Jay to introduce them.
"This is Mouse."
"Greg Gerwitz," Mouse corrects, getting nervy.
"Hi. I'm Caitlin. There's a pop-up spot right outside of here that has boozy hot chocolate. Want to buy me a drink?" Waiting for Mouse to respond, Caitlin checks at her smartwatch as a notification appears.
"Ye-yeah? Yes." Mouse answers surprised.
Smiling, Caitlin grabs Mouse's arm, and they go off, leaving Jay behind. Confused, Jay shuffles his feet, looking to see what to do next since the booth is left unattended.
"Erin, I left you a vest under the table," Caitlin manages out before she is out of earshot.
"Oh! Thanks, Caitlin. Bye," Erin waves at her in passing, fascinated by her walking off with someone. I'll kill her if she finds a man before I do.
"What's a girl gotta do for some magic in this city," shoving her coat aside, she put on her vest over her brown cowl neck sweater.
"Wow," Jay mutters. It's her.
Watching her as she pulls her hair out from the vest, Jay is entranced. He admires the way her hair falls against her, the wave of her curls cascading her face, and how the chestnut tone of hair flatters her eyes. Jay starts to move closer to her.
Ready to take back her booth duties, Erin looks over in his direction. That is when she sees notices him. It's her turn to lose herself in time. Whoever he is, he is handsome. Tall, she likes height. He appears well-built too in his leather jacket. Then it is his piercing blue eyes, with sea-green depths illuminating from the sun escaping from the overcast. A smile tugs at her lips. Regaining her composure, Erin walks over to him.
"I hope you are enjoying the festival. Did you find a vinyl you like?" Erin drawls.
"I found it," Jay observes her, closing the gap to the booth table.
Gliding her hand against the table, she offers him to look at the featured vinyl. Before Jay can begin to look through them, Erin leans too far over the table, knocking them over.
The vinyl spilling on the ground embarrasses her. Don't ruin this at the jump Erin, she berates herself, frantically picking up the vinyl. Jay kneels to help her.
"Here, I'll help you," Jay gives her a friendly smile.
"Thank you," Erin mouths, brushing her hair behind her ears.
Gathering up her cluster of vinyl, Erin looks up, and Jay is already staring back at her. Her breath hitches. She sees his face up close, and he is beyond handsome. His brown hair and well-sculpted face, he is impeccably good-looking. Erin cannot stop staring. His boyish features with being clean-shaven allow for his freckles to be noticeable. Erin is smitten. Feeling like she has been staring entirely too long, she looks down bashfully and stands up with her retrieved vinyl.
Nervously chuckling this time, Erin reiterates, "Thank you, again. That's not how I usually show vinyl to people." Jay glued to her, does not respond. Instead, he begins putting the vinyl back into the cardboard display box.
"Oh. Let me. I have these organized by genre. How about you pick my next song? Any track is fine," Erin smiles.
Jay chuckles entertained by her antics. Jay selects his choice and walks over to the turntable.
"Put the one you're switching out in that sleeve next to it," Erin motions to him.
Doing as instructed, Jay sets up the next song. Lifting the tonearm, he places the needle on his selection. The record scratches before it softly plays in the background.
Upon hearing the delightful music leading into the intro verse, Erin breaks out laughing, attempting to cover it with her hand. Him snickering too, she makes her way over to him. She knows what song he picked. "Winter Dreams" by Kelly Clarkson. Cute.
"Who'd've thought to pick this kind of song," Erin pleasantly banters.
"I think we can agree that everyone is looking for magic during Christmas," Jay explains, his eyes giving her a smoldering look. She's going to be a goner soon.
"Magic," Erin breathes, bringing her hand to her chest.
"I kind of know a bit about it," Jay winks at her.
"Uh-huh," bobbing her head, narrowing her eyes in amusement.
Jay tilts his head down towards her. Keeping eye contact, he bites his lip anxiously before he speaks. How he can go from cocky to coy is endearing, Erin's interest remains as she waits.
"If you're up for it, would you like to do one of these activities together?" Jay expresses, unsure of her feelings.
Erin opens her mouth, with the tip of her tongue brushing her front teeth, tempted to say something back but she is at a loss for words. Is this man asking her out right now? With everything coming to fruition, she can't waste this luck that is present in front of her. She wants someone to sweep her off her feet, and that Christmas miracle could happen with this beautiful specimen. Astonished, Erin does not realize Jay is still talking to her.
"I know that is coming out of nowhere, and it must be strange of me to ask. I don't even know your name yet, but it's Christmas. Why not spend it getting to know a beautiful woman," Jay finishes.
"I'm sorry, what?"
Jay gets flustered and steps back from her. "I wasn't trying to offend you, or, or, come on too strong, I-"
"Oh, no. I…," Erin blushes. How long has she been gawking at him clueless? "Yes! I mean, yes." Erin smiles bright, dimples exposed.
"Really?"
"But, under one condition."
"And what would that be?" He is interested in what could be underlying her request. His eyes imploring her to go on. He wants to get to know her more. She is already so mysterious, and he wants to unravel the rest.
"Christmas is almost over. As corny as this is going to sound, I was hoping to find a Christmas romance by then. That by the end of it, I will have a night I will never forget," Erin says earnestly.
Taking a deep breath, she continues. "I'll wager you something. We do an activity at this festival. If it goes well, then we spend the rest of the day together. We make a Christmas fairy tale happen in one night."
"Woah. That is a different kind of proposition," Jay chuckles, a huge grin on his face. This woman is peculiar. He likes her. "Usually, others have a week or more together."
"I'm putting my faith in you. Everything about this feels right," Erin beams back at him.
Butterflies flutter in her stomach. She hopes that he is feeling what she is. That everything loved about Christmas can be fulfilled with one person. When she met the right person, she would know, and there is something here with him.
"Good thing the sun goes down early, gives me a long night with you," Jay flirts back, "Well, be prepared then. I'm going to take you on a ride."
"I trust you."
Jay passes her back an infectious smile and she cannot help but smile herself, even wider. Erin glances over to the corner of the booth, seeing a few guests queue. Looking back at him, she sends him a regretful look.
Understanding her dilemma, Jay suggests, "Meet up here tomorrow?"
"I'm surprised you can wait that long," Erin purrs to him. Her raspy voice intoxicates him more. If only she knew how long he has been waiting to find her.
"I can manage."
"Great. I think we should come up with things to do for our day tomorrow," Erin prompts.
"You're confident our activity tomorrow is going to lead to the rest of our night," Jay returns cheekily
"Afraid of me swaying you in a few hours."
"Friendly competition. I'm down."
"Perfect. Meet me back here at 9:30 a.m."
"Deal."
Erin smiles at him again before walking over to greet her next guest.
Stunned by the whole exchange, Jay realizes he did not get her name. He rushes back over to her, "I didn't get your name."
Erin chides herself for missing that obvious step. "It's Erin," she tells him with gentle eyes.
"Jay." Their eyes lock longer this time before Erin turns to her guests.
Jay walks off feeling on top of the world. He finally found her. Erin. They are going on a date. A pretty long date too. But if it leads him to an amazing woman, then he will let Christmas work its magic.
AN: Hi everyone. I thought I'd take my hand at writing a fic. I started this a few days before Christmas hoping to have it done before the New Year but things happen, winter break finished and I went back to work. Writing is hard and time consuming! I applaud all of you that do and I appreciate you deeply. This is going to be a two-shot. I am working on the second half now. I am really nervous to have a fic out in the universe but all of the lovely writers in this fandom have encouraged me and inspired me to try. This is my first fic and first writing piece, so I'm terrified how this will be received lol. Anyhow, comment and review on what you think. Also let me know how you think Erin and Jay find out they are going to be partners (the setback). I have a few ideas in mind and writing the second half without the setback added because idk where to put it. :)