Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 96: Cup Practice

Tuesday, February 15 – Daytona International Speedway

There were smiles through the Hendrick Motorsports camp in seeing the speed shown by each of their Chevrolets. It followed the same pattern as seen in years past, and everybody knew what that meant for the next night.

"Maybe we can sit on the front row together," Alex comments, as he gives Chase a small hidden butt smack as they start to leave the group meeting.

"Would that invoke a celebratory clause in victory lane?" Kyle questions, catching both of their attention awfully quick. However, the smirk shared between them couldn't help but disagree with the suggestion.

"Pretty sure Chase will save that for me after I win on Sunday." Chase couldn't help but chuckle a little. While he loved Alex a whole bunch and would do anything for him, giving up a Daytona 500 victory wasn't in the cards.

"I thought you'd be saving that for me instead," Chase challenges. "After all, who has led laps down here? I thought you were just the front row starter who seemed to not be able to lead at all, just fall backwards." Alex's jaw drops, actually feeling a little hurt by the comment as Kyle couldn't help but chuckle looking between them.

"Looks like we got trouble in paradise," Kyle says, the chuckles just seemingly growing more. "I hope I continue to spoil both of your plans, tomorrow and Sunday for that matter." He then walks away as Chase could only let out a sigh. It was certainly not the best decision to let Kyle know the truth it seemed, given everything that had happened since.

"It's going to be a long damn season..." Alex couldn't help but chuckle as he wraps his arms around Chase, with them being the only two left in the lounge.

"Are you going to give me up so you don't have to deal with Kyle headaches?" Alex wonders to which Chase shakes his head no. He knew he wouldn't be able to survive if he did that. "I mean, you have Ryan...."

"I could never give you, Alex." Chase then turns around, clasping Alex's hands with his own. "I have told you time and time again, and damn it, I will tell you until my face is blue. I love you, Alex Bowman. I want to be with you, Alex Bowman. I care a lot about you. I love our close confident conversations. I love how we're both emotionally connected, ready to whatever it takes for the other. I love how we take care of each other, understand the fact that racing is a drug and sometimes we can't get enough of it. Ryan is a great friend, awesome guy, but he doesn't come close to you. Sure, we all have fun together as a trio – but if push came to shove, you always come first."

"I know how much we mean to each other, what we've been through together, but it helps to hear you say that once in a while." Chase nods his head, accepting, totally understanding the situation. Given the fact Chase and Ryan had a past, combined with everybody talking about them together, he could see the reasons for doubt creeping in. "I'm known as the socially awkward always fuck it up with something guy. I don't want to do that to us because of how much you mean to me."

"I can already tell you that you'll never do that because Alex, I can never damn well let you go no matter what you say or do." Alex couldn't help but chuckle a little response, though hoped it never came to that point of questionable things. "Look at me, though. I am the one normally screwing up relationshi-"

"Kaitlyn taking advantage of your ass was your not fault, Chase." Chase closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. there seemed to still be trigger words – taking advantage, rape – things that made him go back to those doubts, unsure of what to feel about everything. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't had said her nam-"

"No, I needed to hear that. I needed a reminder because of where I was going in my head." Chase glances away, hating to allow Alex to see into the pain that still remained from then. "Sometimes I blame myself, saying I could have stopped it, not allowed her to take it so far, allowed it with my own selfish decisions. But you're right – I didn't cause her to go as far as she did. So thank you, actually."

"Anytime you have any doubts, or feelings, damn well come to me because I want to be there for you, always..." Chase nods his head as he finally allows himself to look back into Alex's eyes.

"I promise you I will do that – just as you better come to me if you have any doubts or anything." Alex was fine with that, as long as he didn't have to see the pain written in Chase's eyes again from what happened. "Oh, and please don't be jealous of me going golfing with Ryan and Bubba tomorrow."

"We both know that I couldn't hit a damn golf ball to save my life." Chase laughs, though knew that was probably true given the past sports experience he has seen out of Alex.

"I'm not much better some days..." Alex knew that was a big lie, knowing that Chase was harder on himself than necessary.

"I'll just make sure the dogs stay out of trouble while ya'll have fun – as long as you promise to come home to me." Chase brings his lips closer to Alex's, brushing against them very lightly.

"Always baby, always."