Chapter 8
Erin sat at her vanity while Trudy Platt leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Trudy wasn't the warmest or most comforting presence, but she had been one of Erin's most loyal supporters since they started working together. If anyone knew how to keep her grounded in moments like this, it was Trudy.
"Stop fidgeting," Trudy ordered as she watched Erin adjust the strap of her bronze dress for the third time.
"I'm not fidgeting," Erin replied, tugging the strap into place.
"You're overthinking," Trudy corrected, stepping into the room. "Listen, tonight's a big deal. You're not just there to look pretty, though that dress is doing a hell of a job on its own. You're there to be seen. This is a career-defining moment, Erin. Don't blow it."
"Thanks for the pep talk," Erin muttered, rolling her eyes.
Trudy smirked. "You love my pep talks." She pulled out her phone and glanced at the time. "Okay, let's go over this one more time. When you arrive, they'll do a quick red carpet interview. Maybe five minutes, tops. Walter was clear about keeping your answers polished but personal. Nothing too canned, but don't go off-script either. After that, you'll mingle, charm the pants off the room, and then—"
"I present the award," Erin finished, her tone heavy with nerves.
Trudy nodded, her expression softening just slightly. "You're not just presenting any award. This is one of the big ones. Walter pulled strings to make sure you were chosen for it. Do you know what this kind of exposure can do for your career? Especially if Avery Jeggins is the one interviewing you?"
"Avery Jeggins? You told me she was just gonna be there!Not interviewing me!" Erin's eyes widened as she started panicking.
Trudy's lips curled into a smug grin. "Walter thinks she could be a great fit for your interview,since she's also presenting something I reallt don't know about." Trudy said rolling her eyes,then placing a hand on Erin's shoulder. "If she likes you—and trust me, she will—this could open doors. We're talking American Books Award nomination-level doors."
Erin's stomach flipped. She felt like she was teetering on the edge of something enormous, something she wasn't entirely sure she was ready for.
As if sensing her nerves, Trudy's voice got softer and less commanding. "Hey. Remember what Walter said: 'You've earned your seat at this table, so stop acting like you snuck in the back door.' Got it?"
Erin nodded, breathing slowly as she adjusted the nonexistent wrinkles of her satin robe."Got it."
Marcy, Erin's stylist for these big events, chose that moment to step back into the room, her smile bigger than ever. "Hair's done, makeup's flawless. Time to get this dress on before Trudy scares me into early retirement."
Erin stood, stepping into the bronze gown that clung to her figure like it had been made just for her. The slit added a touch of boldness to an otherwise elegant look, and when she finally stepped into her heels, Trudy let out a low whistle.
"Damn," Trudy muttered, her eyes gleaming with approval. "They're not going to know what hit them."
Erin turned to the mirror, smoothing her hands over the dress. For a moment, she didn't recognize the woman staring back. She looked poised, confident, every inch the successful author she was supposed to be.
"Ready?" Trudy asked, grabbing her coat.
"As I'll ever be," Erin replied,even if the weight on her stomach didn't make her feel that ready at all.
Jay Halstead wasn't exactly a stranger to events like this, but tonight felt different.
The All-Star Party wasn't just another gala or team celebration; it was the night—packed with cameras, fans, and more reporters than he cared to think about.And he has an award to bring back home.
He'd been nominated for multiple categories, and while he wasn't the type to get caught up in accolades, the weight of the evening pressed down on him.
Still, it was a chance to relax—at least that's what he kept telling himself as he stood in front of his bedroom mirror, tying the knot on his black tie. His penthouse buzzed with activity; teammates were coming and going, music was blasting from the living room, and Will was somewhere raiding his fridge.
"Are you sure this isn't too much?" Jay muttered, adjusting the tie for the fourth time.
Will appeared in the doorway, holding a half-eaten slice of pizza, dressed in a sharp gray suit. He arched an eyebrow. "Too much? You're a quarterback at the All-Star Party, Jay. You could wear a garbage bag, and people would still call it a bold statement."
"Yeah, well, I don't want bold. I want…" Jay trailed off, pulling at the lapels of his classic black tuxedo jacket. "I don't know, normal?"
Will snorted. "Normal doesn't get nominated for Best Play of the Year or Most Valuable Player. Just saying."
Jay shot him a look, but there was no heat behind it. His brother wasn't wrong, but still, he never liked this seeious events, black tie and small useless talks.
Jay stepped back from the mirror, surveying the full picture. The sleek, tailored tuxedo fit him perfectly, the crisp white shirt underneath adding a touch of contrast.
He rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the tension. "Okay, this'll do," he said to himself.
"It'll do?" Will parroted, incredulous. "Dude, you look like a GQ cover model.Calm down."
"Well,I was on GQ cover last year-" He said smirking at his older brother.
"Not the point here,ego man."
Before Jay could respond, the doorbell buzzed.
"That'll be Adam," Will said, heading off to let him in.
Moments later, Adam strode into the bedroom, clapping Jay on the shoulder. "Look at you, Halstead. Trying to outshine us all, huh?"
"Hardly," Jay muttered, reaching for his watch.
Adam smirked, adjusting his cufflinks. "Well, don't get too comfortable. The limo's packed. Kev's already hyped, Severide's trying to one-up us with his cologne, and I had to physically drag Rixton away from his mirror."
"Sounds about right," Jay said, shaking his head.
As the group piled into the limo, the energy shifted. Jay let out a breath, finally allowing himself to relax as the banter flowed freely.
"So, Jay," Kevin started, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, "what's the game plan tonight? Win an award, maybe charm a reporter or two?"
Jay rolled his eyes, adjusting his tie. "The game plan is to survive."
"Come on," Adam chimed in, elbowing him. "You've got to give us something. Who's your plus-one?"
"No plus-one," Jay replied easily, though his thoughts briefly flickered to Erin. He shook it off, focusing on the present.
He remembered all the girls that asked him to come to this kind of events and in some less important ones,likw just some parties with fee investors,he even agreed.Tonight only the thiught of bringing a girl made his body ache in the worst way possibile,and he didn't know why.
Will, sitting across from him, studied Jay carefully but said nothing.
The limo roared with laughter and teasing as it rolled toward the venue. Jay leaned back, letting himself soak in the camaraderie of his teammates. For all the pressure and nerves, this was the part he loved—the connection, the team, the feeling of belonging.He loved playing for the Bears,his favorite team since growing up, but what he truly loves the most is the tge family he made thanks to the job. Someone like Adam,Kevin and even Severide or Rixton despite their egos, reallt made all more worth it.
Still, as they neared the venue and the flashing lights of the paparazzi came into view, he couldn't help but feel that pull of something—or someone—missing.
The limo rolled to a stop outside the grand venue, the flashing lights of paparazzi cameras cutting through the night. The sounds of the bustling crowd outside hit Jay's ears as he stepped out, adjusting his tuxedo jacket and squinting against the bright lights.
"Here we go," Will muttered, stepping out behind him with Adam and Kevin close behind. The team was ready for their usual photos, but there was something electric in the air tonight. Jay could feel it as he positioned himself for the typical candidate photo lineup.
Reporters shouted his name, the cameras clicking away in rapid succession. Jay stood tall, his posture impeccable, smiling but keeping it tight—just enough to show he was enjoying the moment without getting too comfortable. He was a professional, after all. He could handle this.
But the tension was there—something gnawing at him. He kept glancing around, almost instinctively, as if searching for something… someone. He wasn't sure why. Maybe it was just the weight of the night. Or maybe the thought of seeing her again, even in such a massive crowd, was doing more to him than he wanted to admit. He just hoped the night would pass smoothly.
Meanwhile, Erin was making her way toward the venue, her heart racing. She'd been to a lot of events before, but tonight felt different, more solemn somehow.
As she walked toward the entrance, Trudy was by her side, offering quiet words of encouragement.
"You're going to knock this out of the park," Trudy reassured her, glancing over at her. Erin's dress shimmered in the lights, the bronze fabric hugging her frame and drawing attention to her figure, but she didn't feel like the center of attention.
Her mind was focused on the upcoming interview—one she'd been anticipating for weeks. Avery Jeggins, one of her favorite authors ever, was the one set to interview her.
As they reached the red carpet, Erin was hit with the overwhelming presence of cameras, microphones, and flashing lights. The media swarmed, and as expected, they all clamored to ask her questions. But it was Avery Jeggins' voice that cut through the noise, his calm, authoritative tone reaching Erin as he approached.
"Miss Lindsay," he called out, smiling warmly. "What a pleasure to meet you."
Erin offered a smile back, a bit of nervousness bubbling inside her. "It's an honor, Mr. Jeggins. I've read every one of your books."
He chuckled softly, "Call me Avery,"his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'll try to live up to the hype, then," he joked before guiding her into position for the interview.
The short interview began smoothly, Avery's voice steady and reassuring. "Your latest book, The Light Within, has been a huge success. What inspired you to write such an intense and personal story?"
Erin gave a slight smile, feeling the familiar rhythm of discussing her work. "It was a process. A lot of it came from my own experiences, but I also wanted to explore themes of redemption, finding one's path even in the darkest times."
"Brilliant," Avery said, nodding appreciatively. "It's clear your writing connects with people. Many critics have mentioned the emotional depth of the characters." He paused, giving her a genuine look of admiration. "And I have to agree, I couldn't put it down."
Erin's heart swelled with pride. Hearing praise from someone she'd admired for years was a humbling experience. "Thank you," she replied, trying to keep the smile from becoming too wide.
Avery's tone shifted slightly, now more conversational. "I've heard rumors about a potential movie adaptation. Can you tell us a little about that?"
Erin nodded, grateful for the opportunity to talk about her passion project. "Well,it's still early..but it could happen,nothing sure by now but hopes are high.."
As the interview wrapped up, Avery gave her one last compliment. "You're incredibly talented, Erin. Your book isn't just a bestseller—it's a testament to your dedication to the craft."
Erin felt her cheeks flush at the praise, but she kept her composure. "Thank you, Avery. That means the world to me."
The cameras clicked one last time as she stepped away, Trudy already by her side, beaming with pride. "That went great, Erin. They love you."
"One is done,now let the stress move onto the presentation."
Here's an expanded and more emotionally impactful version, digging deeper into Jay's reaction and internal conflict:
The All-Star party was in full swing. The air inside the grand venue buzzed with energy: the click of champagne glasses, bursts of laughter, and the steady hum of background music. People milled about, faces glowing under the soft golden light pf the luxuries chandeliers as people mingled, talked, and celebrated their successes.
Jay tried to focus on the moment, standing with his teammates as they chatted with sponsors and fans alike. Will was somewhere nearby, playing the social butterfly and thriving in his role as a team doctor. Adam and Kevin were at the bar, soaking up the attention with their usual charm, while Severide had disappeared into the crowd.
Jay was used to this—smiling for photos, shaking hands, answering the occasional question about his performance or the Bears' prospects for next season. But his mind wasn't in it tonight.
The knot of nerves that had been sitting in his stomach since the morning hadn't loosened, even as he tried to shrug it off with jokes and whiskey.
Maybe it was the pressure of the nominations.
Maybe it was the endless noise and the fact that tonight was one big, choreographed spectacle. Or maybe…
Jay shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the conversation in front of him.
"You've got this in the bag, man," Kevin was saying, grinning at Jay over the rim of his drink. "Best QB of the year? Please. Who else even comes close?"
Jay smirked, appreciating the sentiment but deflecting it as always. "Plenty of guys do. You been watching Mahomes?"
Kevin rolled his eyes. "Mahomes isn't at this party. You are. Own it, Halstead."
Jay chuckled but didn't reply, his attention drifting again as another wave of applause rippled through the crowd.
That's when he saw her.
At first, it didn't seem real.
His eyes had been scanning the room out of habit, but they stopped when they landed on her.
Erin Lindsay.
It wasn't immediate—she wasn't walking through the main ballroom or standing under the spotlights like everyone else.
No, Erin was across the room, tucked near one of the side doors, partially hidden from view.
She stood just behind a small curtain, talking quietly with a man Jay didn't recognize, her hands gesturing animatedly as they spoke.
Her gown—the same shimmering bronze that had caught his attention earlier—clung to her figure like it had been designed just for her, the soft lighting making her look otherworldly.
Jay couldn't move.
His chest tightened, his heart thundering in his ears as his thoughts collided in a tangled mess.
It wasn't just how beautiful she looked, though that alone was enough to turn heads. It was the way she seemed so utterly herself—calm, focused, completely at ease despite the chaos around her. It reminded him of the Erin he'd met at the coffee shop—sharp, self-assured, and a little intimidating in the best way.
But there was more to it, something deeper that Jay didn't want to name.
He didn't know how long he stood there, staring like an idiot, but eventually, Erin turned slightly, her profile catching the light.
Her eyes flickered across the room, scanning the crowd—and then, they landed on him.
Jay froze.
Her brows lifted slightly, the barest hint of surprise crossing her face before she quickly masked it. Then came the smile.
It wasn't just a polite smile meant for the cameras or the people around her. No, this one was small, subtle, and private—like she hadn't meant to smile at all but couldn't help herself.
Jay's chest tightened further, a sharp ache settling somewhere deep inside. He wanted to move, to go to her, but his feet felt rooted to the ground.
Ten days. It had been ten days since they'd talked over coffee. Ten days of trying—and failing—not to think about her. And now she was here, looking at him like maybe she'd been thinking about him too.
That thought sent a jolt of something electric through him, and he hated it.
This isn't a good idea.
His inner voice cut through the haze like a blade, sharp and insistent. Whatever was happening between them—whatever he thought might be happening—it couldn't go anywhere. It wouldn't.
She deserved better than him. Better than the mess of complications that came with someone like him. Jay didn't do relationships. Not real ones, anyway. And Erin Lindsay? She was the kind of woman who deserved real.
All he'd do was hurt her. He could feel it in his bones.
And yet, despite every rational part of him screaming to look away, he couldn't.
Before he could react, Erin gave a polite nod to the man beside her, said something he couldn't hear, and stepped forward into the room.
Jay's feet finally moved, instinct kicking in as he adjusted his tie and took a step closer, his pulse hammering in his ears.
But just as she started toward him, Trudy Platt appeared out of nowhere, intercepting Erin with her usual no-nonsense demeanor.
"Lindsay," Trudy said, her voice cutting through the noise. "They're ready for you backstage. Let's move."
Erin hesitated for half a second, her gaze flicking back to Jay. Their eyes met again, and for a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.
Then she smiled—wider this time, a little apologetic—and turned to follow Trudy toward the back.
Jay stood there, feeling like the rug had just been pulled out from under him.
The smile she'd given him was burned into his memory now, and no amount of whiskey or denial would make it go away.
"Yo, Halstead!" Adam's voice cut through his haze, and Jay turned to see his teammate grinning at him. "You good, man? You look like you just saw a ghost."
Jay huffed out a breath, shaking his head. "Yeah. I'm fine."
But he wasn't. Not even close.
As Adam turned back to the bar, Jay let out a long breath, dragging a hand down his face.
He needed to stop.
To let it go. Whatever spark had ignited between them, it wasn't worth the risk.It wasn't worth the pain he would cause to her more sooner than later.
And yet, as the night went on, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was already too late.
The ceremony had reached its pinnacle, the energy in the room building to a crescendo as the time came to present the award for Best Play of the Year.
It wasn't just any award—it was one of the most coveted of the night, recognizing the single moment that had defined the season, the kind of play that people would talk about for years to come.
Backstage, Erin adjusted the cards in her hand for what felt like the hundredth time. Trudy stood beside her, arms crossed, her steady presence doing little to calm the nerves bubbling in Erin's chest.
"You're going to kill it out there," Trudy said, her voice brisk. "Just remember what I told you. Smile, speak clearly, and for God's sake, don't trip."
Erin laughed softly, shaking her head. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Trudy smirked. "I'm serious, kid. This is a big deal. That Jeggins interview earlier? You nailed it. And this? This could be the cherry on top of the night. So go out there and show them why The Light Within is on every bestseller list in the country."
Erin nodded, her heart pounding as she stepped toward the stage entrance.
The weight of the moment wasn't lost on her. This wasn't just about presenting an award—it was about standing in a room filled with some of the most celebrated athletes and performers of the year and holding her own.
The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome New York Times bestselling author Erin Lindsay to present the award for Best Play of the Year!"
Erin took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, the applause washing over her like a wave. The lights were blinding, but she kept her posture poised, the shimmer of her bronze gown catching the glow and making her look as luminous as the occasion demanded.
She smiled at the audience, her voice steady as she began. "Good evening. It's an honor to be here tonight, surrounded by such incredible talent and passion. The Best Play of the Year award celebrates not just skill but also vision, precision, and the ability to create a moment that transcends the game itself."
The audience hung on her every word, and Erin felt a surge of confidence as she continued. "This year's nominees have all delivered moments that left us speechless, inspired us, and reminded us why we love sports. Let's take a look at the plays that defined the season."
A montage played on the massive screen behind her, showcasing the nominees' highlights. The crowd cheered wildly as each name and play was announced, the excitement in the room palpable.
Then came the clip of Jay.
The footage showed him dodging defenders with impossible agility, running the length of the field before launching a flawless, game-winning pass. The roar of the crowd in the clip mirrored the noise in the room as Jay's name lit up the screen: Jay Halstead – Chicago Bears.
Erin's chest tightened. She didn't have to look to know the camera was on her, capturing her reaction to the nominee she knew far better than the others.
The montage ended, and the room grew quiet again as Erin held up the envelope. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it, the golden lettering inside gleaming under the lights.
"And the award for Best Play of the Year goes to…" She paused, letting the suspense build before smiling. "Jay Halstead, Chicago Bears!"
The room erupted into applause, and Erin felt her breath hitch as she looked out into the sea of faces.
Jay was frozen for a moment, the spotlight catching the mix of surprise and disbelief on his face. Then his teammates erupted around him, clapping him on the back and ushering him toward the stage.
Erin watched as he made his way forward, his stride confident but tinged with something else—humility, maybe, or disbelief. He looked every bit the star quarterback, but as he reached the stage, their eyes met, and she saw something softer, something real.
She handed him the trophy, their fingers brushing for the briefest moment.
"Congratulations," she said, her voice just loud enough for him to hear.
"Thanks," Jay replied, his gaze locking with hers.
For a moment, the world seemed to shrink, the noise of the crowd fading as they stood there. Then Jay turned to face the audience, raising the trophy high as the applause surged again.
At the microphone, he hesitated before speaking, his voice steady but charged with emotion. "Wow. I—uh—this is incredible. First off, thank you to my team, my coaches, and everyone who's been with me through this journey. Football's about more than just the game—it's about the people you share it with. And I'm lucky to share it with the best."
He paused, his fingers tightening around the trophy. "I also want to thank my brother, Will. You've been my rock, even when I didn't deserve it. Always telling me to keep my head straight and reminding me what really matters." Jay's voice softened slightly, a flicker of emotion passing over his face.
"And lastly," he continued, his tone growing more reflective, "this one's for my mom. She was my biggest fan, and everything I do on and off the field is to make her proud. I hope I've done that tonight."
The room fell silent for a beat before breaking into thunderous applause. Erin felt her chest tighten, her throat dry, as she watched him step back from the microphone, his expression a mix of pride and vulnerability.
Jay glanced at her briefly as he exited the stage, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before he disappeared into the cheering crowd.
For Erin, the moment lingered, heavy with unspoken words and emotions she couldn't quite name.
And for Jay, as he returned to his seat, trophy in hand, he couldn't shake the image of her standing under the lights, the woman who had just handed him one of the most important awards of his career.
She was everywhere now—in his head, in his chest—and for the first time in a long time, Jay Halstead didn't know what to do about it.