Left Field (New Hope #4)

Epilogue One

Blake

Two Years Later

The sound of a dozen lenses shuttering is accompanied by flashing light, momentarily blinding me. I fight the urge to blink, my eyes watering. The bustling street outside Peacock Theater blurs, blending with nearby buildings and the blue sky. It's a comfortable sixty-five-degree day here in Los Angeles, considered unseasonably cold for December. The late afternoon sun is approaching the sea, but still has enough energy to warm the black fabric of my suit.

Once the photographers have had ample time to get a solo shot, I reclaim my position at Brigid's side. Her smile is tentative and shy—she's overwhelmed by the attention. I step partially behind her, my shoes dusting over the worn red carpet, and place my palm on her growing belly. She relaxes into my chest, both her and our unborn son calming at my presence.

We're at The Game Awards, the pinnacle event for video game companies, content creators, and internet personalities. A few months ago, 215 Technology released its first product after two years of dormancy. Within twenty-four hours, Nyx shattered records, becoming the highest grossing single-title release of the decade. Grace's contribution—the game's soundtrack—is topping charts on all major streaming services. I've been contacted by production companies, asking for the rights to make it into a feature film or television series.

They'll have to wait. Brigid and I have been working nonstop, so we're taking a break after tonight. She's entering her third trimester, and I won't do a single leg of this journey without her. It's been the highlight of my career to watch her grow into both a confident artist and charismatic leader at our company. She's come full circle—from gifting me her art years ago, to now standing by my side as Nyx is nominated for seven awards. 

A commotion on the street snags our attention. The photographers turn, watching a black Range Rover pull to the curb in front of the venue. A petite woman wearing combat boots and a leather slip dress exits the vehicle, tossing her hair over a shoulder. A blond quarterback rounds the SUV, immediately putting himself between the woman and the paparazzi clambering toward her.

"Grace is here," I murmur seconds before they begin shouting her name.

Whenever a family member is honored at an event, Grace is always the last to arrive. She's a magnet for media attention. By showing up late, she aims to keep the spotlight on us as long as possible.

"Gracie! Gracie, give us a smile!"

She won't smile for them. She never does.

"Payton, over here! Over here, please!"

Payton wraps a protective arm around my sister, catching my eye from the other end of the carpet. He notches his chin in greeting. I give him a quick salute in return. 

As someone who abhors reporters, I don't mind being overlooked. However, I'm grateful Brigid got to experience fame for thirty minutes. But judging by the look on her face, she's had her fill of cameras.

"We can sneak away now," I tell her.

"Oh, thank God," she sighs, tugging me into the theater.

The ceremony is three hours long, but we're seated at a round table with Grace, Payton, Isaac, and one of 215's shareholders. The host's jokes are bland, the dinner is mediocre, and we're only allowed two drinks—but hey, we produce video games, not feature films. Hardcore fans will stream the ceremony, but you won't find people gathered in their living rooms to judge red carpet looks. These awards are primarily for bragging rights within the industry.

Out of seven nominations, Nyx won six winged statues. I went onstage to receive all of them, except Best Soundtrack, which I let Grace claim. Despite her initial objection, I ushered Brigid to the podium alongside me to accept Best Narrative and Game of the Year. Without her, Nyx wouldn't exist. I made that known in my short speech.