Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 53: Happy Birthday, Elliott!

Alex's POV

Sunday, November 28 – Dawsonville, Georgia

It was the first time that we'd be seeing each other since last weekend.

It'd been a whole week since we saw each other, a whole week since we touched each other, and a whole week since we shared a simple kiss, let alone everything else. How did I manage to survive it all?

Oh, it was also his birthday as well that we would be reuniting on. Of all days possible that we'd be seeing each other, it'd be on one of the most meaningful days of his life in general. Of course, just something else to add to the pressure.

I remembered the message that I sent to Bill yesterday. It was a simple question. I hoped that I wasn't overstepping, or sharing too much, but I had to know for my own planning. There was no point in doing something if it just wasn't going to work out.

"There's no big birthday party planned," he told me in return. "We're just having dessert with family, because you know he can't pass on his mom's famous German Chocolate Cake. You're welcome to join us."

I thought about saying yes, appreciating the offer and the fact he was cool with everything. Sure, I didn't need parent's approval, but it was always a bonus in a relationship. However, I instead turned it down, knowing I could use to this my advantage.

I just hope I hadn't over stepped with sending the message. Bill knew about our feelings originally, but what if Chase wanted to keep things where they were quiet? Anyways, there was no way I could dwell on that topic.

Instead, here I was making the familiar drive back up to Georgia once again. I could very well understand why he felt flying was a better option with how often he did this. Truthfully, I still couldn't believe that he did this on a regular basis.

The only regret was knowing that I couldn't stay over in having commitments tomorrow back in Charlotte. There was still a whole bunch of orders to get shipped out, more midget business to sort through and oh yeah, we can't forget about my day job. Sure, it's the NASCAR off-season, but we're going to be back testing the new car and that needed some commitment.

What off-season, right?

I made the drive to the familiar address and house that I had grown used to. I didn't need to enter the address into the GPS anymore, as I remembered exactly where it was located. I seriously had made too many trips up here already, not that I was about to complain. Instead, I was ready to savor each of those experiences.

I smile in seeing everything neat and tidy as usual, even with the fact he hadn't been home in a single week. Gonna guess that daddy probably checked in on things regularly for him – or maybe momma. After all, he was a momma's boy all the way through.

I thought about just pulling up to the garage, parking in front, though knew that'd spoil everything right away. He'd see my truck right away, and there'd be no point to the rest of the surprise. I wasn't about to allow things to spoil so quickly.

Instead, I pulled around the side, tucking it in the back corner where I knew he had a little extra space that wasn't visible from the road. Remind me to thank him later for sharing some of the property secrets with me.

I climb out of the truck, making my way over to the front porch, and planting my butt in the chair that was out front. Relaxing back with a glance at the time, I knew he'd probably be home soon – at least I hoped. Maybe I should've shared my plan with Bill after all.

Though I also couldn't blame him for having the seat here, either. It was comfortable and the view was perfectly serene. It'd be the perfect spot to come and sit to think about anything that was on your mind.