Uncharted Territory (Alex Bowman)

Nice To Meet You

I walk into a garage filled with older model cars all the way up to the Next Gen. 

I glance around touching each car and staring in awe of each ones slight damage. 

As a crowd of guys walk in I find my way over to Mr. H standing close to him waiting for directions. 

Should I leave? 

IS this a private meeting between him and the team? 

I felt my brain beginning to panic. I am quickly interrupted by his deep voice. 

"Men, glad to see all your faces this lovely day. This is RaeAnn. She will be joining us this weekend so make sure we give her a good show on Sunday." 

I look around smiling at each of the boys making sure I make eye contact with each. My phone begins to vibrate bringing me out of my customer service, fake smile attitude. 

"Ill be right back. Its Mom."

I answer the call and rush out the nearest exit. 

"Hey mom. Everything okay?"

"Of course hon. I was checking to make sure you were settling in."

I sigh in relief and sadness. "Yeah I'm settled. But, already missing home."

"Hey enjoy yourself. You've been so focused on school and making sure everyone else's life is smooth. Take this time as a vacation. Find that passion for racing you had growing up. I'm sure Mr. H's team can use the support of someone like you."

"Yes ma'am. But please make sure if anything changes back home, you'll call. Promise me mom. Ill be on the first flight back."

"If anything changes and we just NEED you back, ill inform you. Until then you enjoy being 25 and free."

We both laugh and I tell her bye. My mom is my absolute best friend. She knows how I'm feeling by the sound of my voice. 

I glance up and see the team walking out. 

"Sorry I had to step out."

Mr. H nods smiling at me. "No worries sweetie. Just team business. Nothing that would have interested you anyways. But, I hate to ask you. I have an unexpected meeting so I cant bring you back to the hotel right now. Would you be ok with one of my drivers taking you?"

I smile and nod. "Sure. As long as they aren't bothered by it."

They all shake their heads no.

"I'm actually heading back to the hotel anyways. So I can take you." I shrug nodding in agreement. 

I begin to walk off in the same direction as him. I feel like a lost puppy. I'm not good with strangers and meeting new people. 

I am someone who is an introverted extrovert. I am super shy when you first meet me. But, once I warm up to you all bets are off. Ill talk your head off. 

A voice pulls me out of my thought.

"I'm Alex. Alex Bowman." 

He reaches his hand out to me. I take his hand  smiling back at him. 

"RaeAnn. RaeAnn Austin." 

He opens his car door for me so I can climb in. What a gentleman! Impressed with these Hendrick men already! 

I buckle my seat belt watching Alex walk around the car. 

"Even though I race, I promise I'm a safe driver." I laugh nodding. 

"Thank God. I was worried I may not make it back to the hotel in one piece!" 

He smiles the sweetest smile. 

The rest of our ride is in comfortable silence. The radio was playing in the background of the tires rolling on the pavement. 

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We make it up to our floor and Alex walks me to the door of my room. "Bosses ordered that I make sure you make it in safely." 

I laugh slightly. "Typical of him!" 

"Ill be in room 1134. If you need anything just come by." 

I nod unlocking my room with the card and walking in. 

I shut the door slowly leaving Alex turning on his heels to walk away. 

He was honestly just the nicest. I hope I am able to get to know him better. 

My mind flashes back to the pain I felt from Bryce. He belittled me for everything. He even went as far as telling me I couldn't finish my degree or else ill have more than him and it'll make him look bad. 

I lay back on the bed kicking my shoes off. Finally able to be horizontal.