Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 59: Building for the Chili Bowl

Alex's POV

Saturday, December 11 – Charlotte, North Carolina

I thought by now he would've gone back home to Dawsonville. I thought by now there would have been distance, with me complaining every single damn day. But for the fifth straight day, this man was in his house – well, now my shop – and that was damn okay with me.

If being with me was comfortable, made him feel safe, and allowed him to handle it all easier, then damn, I was going to accept that. Because as I keep saying, his feelings are what matter most as I want to make this as easy as possible. Furthermore, his company was always welcome.

"How many cups of coffee are you on now, Alex?" He questions as I return back to the shop with another cup in my hand. I had offered him one the previous trip, to which he accepted. Unfortunately, it seemed my coffee habit was not shared and that's probably a good thing considering how much I drink.

"Three – starting at 6am this morning," I answer, because I couldn't sleep for some damn reason. So it was a cup of coffee, and relax with him as he continued to sleep. Five hours later, here was my third. Go ahead and judge me, I welcome it because I've probably heard it all from everyone else.

"Isn't that a little too much? Should I be worried?" Any other human would have the jitters, gone nuts, and be running on some weird energy source. However, it didn't seem to happen with me so I think he's safe.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides, I need something to fuel this project." I had three midgets to build completely, and ensure they were in top notch shape to chase a Chili Bowl victory. I know I still had a month, but the pressure was mounting in knowing the list of to-dos to complete, combined with not wanting to fail my mates. Why did I think this was a good idea?

"I'd say you're doing a fine job." I had to agree with him, actually, as everything seemed on pace. However, I knew my nerves wouldn't settle until it was fully complete. Call me crazy.

"Thanks. We don't all have that luxury of showing up to a ride ready to drive." I hope he didn't take the dig personal because I would mean to put that on his shoulders.

"Remember – Kyle owes me big time because without me, he doesn't have that big Cup." Ah yes, the little tap and the damage which supposedly allowed him to gain an advantage and cruise away with the championship in hand. It seemed whenever you tried to bring up Kyle, that was the response from him.

"I'm cool with it because I wouldn't want to draw too much attention and get people curious." I mean, it could also work to our advantage as it'd be a great cover for why we spend so much time together. But switching from one teammate, the most successful dirt teammate that is might I add, could bring suspicions and unfortunately it seems that always leads to the truth. I was actually surprised Kyle hadn't said something, yet.

"I don't mind keeping you as my dirty little secret, Bowman." It was a simple flirty remark. But it was the first of the entire week and it felt great in more ways than one. It was great to feel the connection that was missing, but also know he was finding ways to move forward.

"I don't mind one bit either as you're totally worth it, Clyde." Trust me, in more ways than we could both probably explain to each other. sure, the sex and connection our bodies shared was great at times. But it went beyond that. there were so many other qualities that attracted me to him. It was why our honesty was where the connection blossomed first, and grew from there. I think it's also the saving grace right now, too.

"And you promise that even after what happened? I'm not letting you dow-"

"You could never do that to me. The simple company that we've shared this week, from the conversations to you being able to open up about it, to helping you begin the road to moving forward – that means more than anything else, Chase. As I keep saying, I want to be here for you, help you, and do whatever it takes." I just wondered how long it would take to drill that into his head because it always seemed we'd go around this mini circle together.

"I really appreciate it, man. To be honest, I'm glad you forced that gym meeting because I needed that." I also couldn't forget it, either, as obviously you'll recall the personal connection. But damn it, there's also the physical side as nothing could make me forget that lovely image of a fully sweaty Chase from head-to-toe working out. I offer to attend every single work-out moving forward.

"You don't need to be thank me..." because it goes back to what I keep saying to him.

"The district attorney called me. They have set the first official cou-"

"When?" It should be obvious why I am asking.

"Why do you want to know?" Okay, so I suppose it is not obvious. Again, I keep saying that I want to be here for you, do everything for you, whatever. Why can't you get why?

"Because I want to be there to support yo-"

"We just talked about not creating curio-"

"I'm just a teammate and friend supporting you. I'll keep my distance to a degree that it'd show that, and nothing more. Please, let me be there for you." Why was this so damn fucking difficult?

"Alright, fine. She is going to enter her plea, and then we'll go from there. Hopefully she just admits she's a bitch and we're done." That would certainly be perfection. I mean, who wanted to deal with statements, sharing stories, and juries? Ugh, that was a nightmare no matter how you wanted to look at it.

"I hope so, too, but for some reason if she doesn't, it'll work out bud." What else was there to say? Because in my heart, I knew she was guilty, and deserved to rot behind bars. It was where she'd better be, because I knew she'd get her ass kicked otherwise.

"I believe you." That's better progress from the beginning of the week, too. "So how can I help you?"

"Bring over the box by the door. That should have the axles."