Chapter 14

Mouse's restaurant was tucked away in a quiet corner of Chicago, a hidden gem that only the locals and those in the know could ever find. The sign was small, almost invisible, and the décor was understated—no flashy neon lights or trendy Instagrammable corners. This place wasn't about appearances; it was about the food, the atmosphere, and the people who filled it. Jay pulled up in his SUV, the engine purring softly as he parked out front. He stepped out, scanning the small street and spotting Kevin and Adam already leaning against the brick wall by the entrance, looking like they had been there for a while.

"Look who decided to show up," Adam called out, his voice teasing as he gave Jay a playful look, his arms crossed tightly across his chest.

Jay smirked, walking toward them with purpose. "I'm not late," he shot back with a grin, adjusting his jacket. "You two are just early because you're starving."

Kevin laughed, shaking his head. "Can't argue with that," he said, his eyes gleaming. "Mouse better have something good tonight. We've got high expectations."

As if on cue, the door to the restaurant swung open, and Mouse appeared, a wide grin plastered across his face, his apron dusted with flour. "There he is!" he boomed, his voice loud and full of excitement. "About time, Halstead. Get in here before I eat all the appetizers myself."

Jay chuckled and gave Mouse a playful shove as he stepped past him into the warmth of the restaurant. The familiar, comforting scent of freshly baked bread and roasted garlic hit him immediately, instantly making him feel at home. It wasn't a flashy place, but it was cozy and inviting, filled with the kind of atmosphere that made you feel like you were walking into a friend's house for a meal.

Mouse had outdone himself, as usual. The place was spotless, every table cleared except for one in the middle of the room, which was loaded with enough food to feed a small army. There were bowls of vibrant salads, platters of roasted meats, and stacks of golden, crisp bread. Jay couldn't help but notice a large serving of truffle mac and cheese—something Mouse had perfected over the years.

"Will here yet?" Jay asked, looking around as he slid into one of the chairs at the table.

"Parking the car," Adam answered, already heading toward the spread of food with a hunger in his eyes. "Man, Mouse, you really went all out. Is that truffle mac and cheese?" He reached for a spoon, but Mouse was quicker, smacking his hand away.

"Don't touch it yet!" Mouse warned, his tone firm but still playful. "We're waiting for Will. And Halstead, of course."

Jay rolled his eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips. "I'm here, aren't I?"

Before Mouse could fire back, the door opened again, and Will walked in, shaking off the chill of the evening air. He quickly shrugged off his coat and tossed it over one of the chairs.

"Hope I didn't miss anything important," Will said with a smile, glancing at the spread on the table.

"Just Adam trying to eat everything," Kevin joked, a laugh escaping as he pulled out a chair for Will.

The group settled into their usual spots around the table, the comfortable banter and familiarity of the group filling the space. Mouse moved around, pouring everyone a glass of wine, and the group quickly dove into the spread. There was something about these nights—simple, easy, and full of laughter—that Jay always looked forward to.

"So, Jay," Adam began, leaning back in his chair with that mischievous grin of his, the one that always meant trouble. "You're just gonna gloss over that Instagram post, huh? You know we all saw it."

Jay groaned, already regretting the moment he'd let Adam anywhere near social media. "You're not gonna make this a thing, are you?" He tried to deflect, hoping Adam would move on, but he knew better.

"Oh, it's a thing," Kevin chimed in, a smirk dancing on his lips. "You and Erin Lindsay, officially official. The city's favorite quarterback and the bestselling author? You broke the internet, man."

"Don't exaggerate," Jay muttered, reaching for his wine, trying to act casual, though he couldn't keep the faint smile from creeping up on his face. He wasn't as bothered as he pretended to be—it was just the guys giving him grief, as usual.

"He's not exaggerating," Will added, raising his glass to Jay with a knowing smile. "My phone hasn't stopped buzzing since you posted it. Even Natalie asked me about it."

Jay's hand ran through his hair, and he tried to suppress a grin, knowing his friends weren't about to let it go. "Okay, yeah, so we posted a picture. Big deal," he said, but the tone in his voice was lighter than he intended.

"A picture with a waterfall and a kiss," Adam pointed out, eyes twinkling. "You basically proposed without proposing."

Mouse snorted into his drink, and Kevin burst into laughter so hard he nearly choked. Jay, on the other hand, looked like he was about to throttle Adam. The teasing was endless, but there was a warmth in it—an undercurrent of support that made Jay feel a little less self-conscious about the attention.

"Don't listen to him," Will said, giving Jay a playful pat on the back. "It was a good post. Classy. Not expected from you, though."

"Uhm, thanks? I guess," Jay replied dryly, but his lips couldn't help but twitch upward in the faintest of smiles. His friends really knew how to push him, but there was no denying that he enjoyed the attention—just a little.

Mouse leaned forward then, his elbows resting on the table, his gaze curious. "So, what's next? You bringing her to the games? Introducing her to Coach?"

Jay shrugged, trying to play it cool. "She's busy with her own stuff, but yeah, she might come to a game or two. We'll see."

Kevin leaned in, his voice teasing but also genuine. "Well, we can't wait to meet her. But I think we already know who wears the pants in that relationship, man."

Jay smirked, shaking his head at his friends' antics. "You guys are impossible."

"Hey, we're just saying it like it is," Kevin replied, leaning back in his chair. "I mean, Erin Lindsay? Smart, successful, and definitely not putting up with your nonsense? Yeah, she's definitely calling the shots." His tone was light, but there was a clear hint of admiration in his words.

Jay rolled his eyes, but there was no mistaking the warmth in his chest. He knew they were just messing around, but the way they spoke about Erin—it made him proud. Proud of her, proud of what they were building together, even if it was still early days. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the group of friends who could give him a hard time, but still had his back in a way that only they could.

Mouse chuckled as he poured himself another glass of wine, watching Jay closely. "It's true, man. I've known you for years, and I can't remember the last time you posted a picture with anyone. But this time? With Erin? You're practically glowing. She's got you all messed up—in the best way possible."

Jay shot him a pointed look, but there was a quiet acknowledgment behind it. He didn't deny it, but he also wasn't about to admit anything. Instead, he took a long sip from his glass, his lips curling into a small, amused grin. "You finished yet?"

"Not even close," Adam interjected, a wide grin on his face. He was leaning forward now, elbows resting on the table, eyes dancing with mischief. "But seriously, man, we're happy for you. Erin seems like a really good fit. I can't remember the last time I've seen you like this."

"She is," Jay said simply, the words slipping out more naturally than he intended. There was a softness in his tone, one his friends noticed immediately. He wasn't usually the type to open up about his feelings, but with Erin? It was different.

Will, who'd been quiet up until now, raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "You know, Jay doesn't do anything halfway. If he's serious about her, then you can bet he's all in. And judging by that post of you two?" Will gave a slight nod, making it clear he understood. "Yeah, he's definitely serious."

The teasing continued, each of them enjoying the ease of being together again. The table was soon piled high with Mouse's signature dishes—truffle mac and cheese, juicy sliders, crispy calamari—and Jay couldn't help but laugh. It was as if Mouse had been on a mission to outdo himself tonight.

"Alright, Will," Kevin said, leaning back in his chair with a plate of fries in hand. "You and Natalie must be deep in wedding planning mode by now, huh? What's the update? You surviving?"

Will groaned dramatically, rubbing a hand over his face. "You have no idea. Natalie's on a mission—spreadsheets, color-coded binders, everything. I'm just trying not to mess it up at this point."

"You?" Adam teased. "Mess something up? Nah, man. You're a pro at this."

The group laughed, and Will rolled his eyes. "Seriously, though. She has this whole vision of the perfect day. And don't get me wrong, I want to make it perfect for her. But I had no idea how much actually goes into planning a wedding."

Jay smirked, leaning back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment. "Let me guess—you got stuck with the seating chart?"

Will shook his head, looking almost defeated. "Worse. Cake tastings. Do you know how many different kinds of buttercream there are? Too many. And don't even get me started on the fondant vs. buttercream debate."

"Sounds like you're living the dream," Mouse joked, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Thoughts and prayers, my friend."

Will deadpanned in response, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Appreciate it, Mouse. Really."

Kevin shifted his attention, leaning forward with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "What about you, Ruzek? You and Wendy making any progress on your plans?"

Ruzek's usual cocky grin faded slightly, a tension creeping into his expression. He took a quick sip of wine, shrugging it off. "We're keeping it low-key for now. Nothing's really set yet."

Jay caught the flicker of discomfort, the slight tension that had appeared in Ruzek's face, but he didn't push. Not tonight. He had a feeling that there was more to the story, but right now, it wasn't his place to ask.

Mouse leaned forward, clearly eager to keep the vibe of the night light and fun. "So, when's the first game? You know I'm coming, right?" he asked, his voice laced with excitement.

Jay, grateful for the change of subject, nodded. "First game's oh the 26th," he replied. "Home opener. Should be a good one. I'll make sure you're on the list."

Mouse's grin widened, if that was even possible. "Perfect. I'll bring the loudest sign in the stands. Something like, 'Jay Halstead for MVP'—nice and subtle," he said, clearly already picturing the chaos he'd create.

Adam laughed, shaking his head. "Oh yeah, because that's exactly what Jay needs. A neon sign with your handwriting, screaming at the cameras for everyone to see."

Kevin added with a chuckle, "You know Coach is gonna roast you for that, right?"

Jay rolled his eyes but kept a grin on his face. "Coach roasts me for breathing wrong," he replied dryly, but there was no denying the amusement in his voice.

Will leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink before looking at Jay. "You nervous?"

Jay shrugged casually, trying to maintain his cool demeanor. "It's just another season," he said, though the edge of excitement in his voice betrayed him.

Adam, not buying it for a second, raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. You've been putting in double practices all summer, man. Don't even try to act like you're not hyped for this."

"Alright, fine," Jay admitted with a smirk, his shoulders relaxing. "I'm excited. It's gonna be a big year."

Mouse raised his glass, his smile wide. "To Jay's big year, then. And to us finally watching him win a championship. About time, Halstead."

The group clinked glasses, their laughter filling the air as the mood shifted to one of light-hearted celebration. But even with the easy atmosphere around him, Jay found himself reflecting on the season ahead. There was something different this time. Something more than the usual pressure to perform.

Kevin, who'd been quietly watching Jay, leaned forward with a thoughtful look. "So, you're telling me Erin's not coming to the opener?" he asked, his tone casual but with just enough curiosity to make Jay pause.

Jay hesitated for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching as he tried to keep his composure. "She's busy with her own work, you know," he said. "But maybe later in the season."

Adam's smirk deepened, clearly sensing an opportunity to stir the pot. "Translation: she's probably coming, or you want her to come, but Jay doesn't want to make it a thing."

"Exactly," Mouse added, grinning from ear to ear. "That's the Halstead way. Keep it low-key but still make sure everyone knows."

Jay rolled his eyes, though there was no hiding the amusement in his expression. "You guys are worse than reporters," he muttered, shaking his head.

The table burst into laughter, but Will, ever the calming influence, steered the conversation back to safer ground. "So, Mouse, what's the latest on the restaurant? Any new plans you're working on?"

As the discussion shifted toward Mouse's culinary dreams, Jay's mind wandered back to Erin. He wasn't sure if she'd make it to the home opener, but the thought of her in the stands—cheering him on—made a small smile play at the corners of his mouth. He never cared about any of the flings he'd had before. This was different. He'd always been focused on his work, on getting better for the team, but now? For the first time, he found himself imagining what it would feel like to look up and see Erin in the crowd, her eyes focused on him, her face proud.

It was a new feeling. A desire to impress, not just for the game or the championship, but for her.

For now, though, he was content to let the night unfold. Surrounded by his friends, their laughter and teasing wrapping around him like a familiar, comforting blanket.

There was a time and place for everything. But tonight? Tonight was for the guys, the memories they shared, and the unspoken understanding that they had each other's backs, no matter what.

Erin, Kim, and Annie settled into the cozy booth, the dim lighting casting a soft glow over their table. The atmosphere was relaxed, the noise of laughter and conversation around them blending into a comfortable backdrop. It was the kind of night they all needed—uncomplicated, with no agenda, just good company.

Kim, always the one to dig deeper, leaned forward with a playful smirk. "So, how's Jay? The whole 'internet-breaking couple' thing still making your head spin?"

Erin rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "You mean, 'Jay Halstead, future MVP of the NFL,' and me, 'best-selling author'?" She raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief. "Yeah, definitely not something I thought I'd be dealing with. But you know, life."

Annie chuckled from across the table, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I mean, you two do look good together. Like, really good. It's like the universe decided to throw two opposite worlds into one and see what happens."

Erin's gaze softened as she took a sip of her drink, the words coming out almost quietly. "He's… been really great. Kind of surprising, honestly."

Kim's interest peaked. "Surprising how?"

"Just…" Erin hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "I don't know. He's not what I expected. But in a good way. He's patient, attentive. It's almost like he's trying to make sure I don't freak out about the attention, which—spoiler alert—I'm totally freaking out about."

Annie laughed, her voice light but teasing. "Oh yeah, no one would've guessed the girl who had to avoid the spotlight is now the city's favorite couple."

Before Erin could respond, a pair of girls walked by their table. Erin caught them glancing over with wide eyes before they whispered to each other, clearly excited. The girls approached, shy but eager, and one of them hesitantly spoke up.

"Hi, um… Erin Lindsay, right?" she asked, her voice filled with hesitation but laced with genuine excitement. "We really like your books, could we… get a picture?"

Erin blinked, caught off guard by the sudden request. She glanced at Kim and Annie, who both gave her encouraging nods. With a warm smile, she replied, "Sure. No problem."

The girls lit up, their phones already out, ready to capture the moment. Erin scooted closer, placing an arm around one of them as they quickly snapped a photo. Kim and Annie exchanged amused glances as the interaction unfolded, the whole thing taking less than a minute.

"Thanks so much!" one of the girls beamed as she looked up from her phone.

Erin smiled, feeling a small twinge of warmth. "Thanks, you're sweet. Have a good night!"

As the girls left, Kim couldn't resist teasing. "See? It's not so bad, right? A quick picture, and that's it."

Erin let out a soft laugh, though the unease still lingered. "I guess. It's just… still weird, you know?"

Annie, ever the voice of reason, took a sip of her drink. "You're not a stranger to the spotlight, Er. Now, it's just gonna be a bit different."

Erin smiled at her friends, feeling the support they offered. "Thanks, guys. I'm trying to get used to it. It's just… sometimes it feels like I don't have control over it anymore."

Kim raised her glass in a toast. "Well, as long as Jay's on your team, you've got that covered. And we've got your back, too."

They clinked glasses, and in that simple moment, Erin felt a sense of normalcy return. Here she was, surrounded by her friends, no cameras, no expectations. Just the people who knew her best.

It was the walking out of the bar that almost tried to ruin her day.Flashes everywhere,paparazzi elbowing one another to try and get whatever angle they could of her,as she heard most of them calling for Jay,thinking he was there even jf he was clearly not.

"I swear, if I have to see another flash tonight…" Erin muttered under her breath, frustration thick in her voice.

Kim, sitting beside her, gave her a sympathetic glance. "Yeah, that was intense. But you knew it was coming."

"I know," Erin groaned. "But it's not just the pictures—it's the way they act like they know us. Like one picture means we're an item for the world to dissect."

Annie, who had been quietly listening, chimed in, her voice thoughtful. "They love a good story. The more drama, the better."

Erin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Exactly. They're already writing the script in their heads, and we're just here trying to figure it out ourselves." She glanced at her friends with a small, wry smile. "But yeah, I guess I can't escape it. It's just… frustrating."

Kim nudged her lightly. "Hey, you don't have to like it, but you've got us. You're not alone in this."

Erin's lips twitched into a small grin. "I know. Just need a few minutes to breathe, and then I'll deal with it. As long as they don't expect me to start waving at the cameras, we'll be fine."

Annie laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, you're not the 'smiling at the paparazzi' type. We get it."

Erin laughed with them, the weight of the night lifting just a little. For now, in this moment, surrounded by her closest friends, she could breathe.

The rest of it—well, that was for another time.

Jay sat on the edge of his couch, still in his jeans and hoodie, his phone buzzing in his hand. He'd just gotten back from dinner with the guys, a little too much alcohol and loud conversations clouding his mind, but as he scrolled through his social media, everything else faded. The first photo popped up—Erin, standing outside the bar, surrounded by flashes. His heart sank, a familiar frustration bubbling up from deep within. He hadn't expected this kind of attention to hit so soon.

His thumb hovered over the screen, his fingers stiff as more photos flooded his feed, one after the other. Each one seemed worse than the last. In the flashes, Erin was looking down, trying to shield her face from the harsh lights. Her posture was tight, discomfort etched into every line of her body. She didn't belong in the spotlight. He knew that. She hadn't asked for it. But here they were, already plastered across the city's gossip columns, as if their every move was a story to be dissected.

Jay couldn't stand seeing her like this. He felt responsible, even though she had told him, over and over again, that it wasn't his fault. But there it was—her face, her discomfort, out there for the world to see. It made him sick.

Without thinking, Jay dialed her number, his fingers tapping the screen rapidly. He didn't care if it was late, or if he'd interrupted her night. All he cared about was making sure she was okay. He pressed the phone to his ear, his heart pounding as he anxiously waited for her to pick up. Each second stretched into what felt like an eternity, his thoughts racing. Would she be okay? Would she even want to talk to him after everything?

Finally, he heard her voice—breathless, like she had just rushed to the phone. "Hey," she said, her tone soft but weary.

"Erin, hey, it's me," Jay said, his voice low with concern. He could feel the knot of worry tightening in his stomach. "Are you okay?"

Erin sighed, and Jay could hear the exhaustion in the sound. "Yeah, just… another night in the spotlight. You know how it goes."

Jay ran a hand through his hair, frustrated but trying to keep his cool. "I saw the pictures. Damn, I didn't think they'd be that aggressive tonight."

"They weren't that bad, but…" She paused, her voice fading slightly. The sound of faint chatter and the hum of a taxi's engine filled the silence. "It's just… annoying. They're already assuming things, Jay. Like they know me. Like they know us."

Jay could feel the weight of her words, the frustration she was holding back. It gnawed at him. He hated that she had to deal with this. "I hate that for you, Er. They shouldn't be putting you in that position."

"I know," she replied, her voice tight but trying to sound like it didn't bother her. But Jay could tell. It was bothering her. "It's just a part of it. I'll get used to it. But tonight, I could really do without the whole circus."

"I get it," Jay said softly, the words more comforting than anything. "But I'm here, okay? If you need anything, if you need to vent, or if you need a distraction… you know I've got you."

She smiled through the phone, though it was faint, like a quiet breath of relief. The tension in her voice eased just a little. "Thanks, Jay. I appreciate it."

"I mean it," he said, his tone firm, steady. "And hey, next time I'll make sure there's no paparazzi around before we do anything else. We're on our terms, not theirs."

Erin chuckled softly, the sound of it making Jay's chest tighten with relief. "Deal. But no promises about the cameras. They're everywhere."

"Then we'll just have to make sure they can't keep up," Jay teased, a small smile creeping onto his face, even though the frustration hadn't fully left him.

"Yeah, right," Erin replied, her laugh turning into something sweeter, warmer. It was that kind of laugh that made Jay's heart settle a little, as if, for a moment, everything was right in the world again.

Jay's grin widened, but there was something soft about his tone when he spoke next. "Want me to come over? You know I can always bring back the delivery jacket for some extra stealth."

Erin's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the jacket. She could picture him, that playful smirk on his face, like he could walk through the world's chaos in a disguise and make it all better. "I'm not sure if I can handle your undercover hero act again," she teased, but even her words couldn't hide the shift in her tone—the way the tension from the night seemed to fade with just the thought of him.

"Guess I'll have to come up with a new plan then," Jay replied, his voice playful but with a hint of sincerity behind it. "But seriously, if you need anything, I'm right here, okay?"

"Thanks, Jay," Erin said, the gratitude in her voice clear. "But I think I'll survive without the superhero rescue tonight."

"Are you sure? I could always show up with snacks," Jay teased, his voice full of affection, the lightheartedness never quite leaving it.

Erin smiled, her fingers tightening around her phone like the gesture could somehow bring him closer. "Only if you promise to bring that ridiculous jacket."

"No promises, but I'll think about it," Jay said, his tone still warm, full of affection, the kind that made Erin feel like she wasn't alone in this whirlwind of attention. "Take care of yourself tonight, okay? And text me if you need anything."

"I will," she assured him. "And hey, just… thanks for making me smile tonight."

Jay's voice softened, the affection clear in the way he spoke, as if he meant every word. "Always, Er. Always."

"Goodnight, Jay. See you tomorrow?" Erin whispered, her voice turning peaceful, her smile crossing her face as the night's stress began to fade away.

"Of course. Goodnight, Er," Jay replied, his voice lingering, the words hanging in the air between them, knowing that despite everything else, they had each other to lean on. As he leaned back on his couch in the dim light of his apartment, a small smile tugged at his lips. He had made her feel a little less tense, a little more like herself again. That was enough for him tonight.