Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 1: Needing a Drink

Alex Bowman had become very familiar with Chicago, perhaps more than he thought would ever be possible. But that's just part of having become friends with some of their elusive detectives. And following a bad day on the track, he knew there was only one option for that night if he could not fly home yet - a trip to Molly's.

He had heard stories from Jay Halstead, Will Halstead, Erin Lindsay, and Hailey Upton about the great service at the bar and the vibe he offered. He knew he could go in there, probably pick a corner of his choice and not have to worry about being crowded by fans right now. Given his performance today, fans may be a loose word as he knew they should be dropping off by the second.

The Uber from the temporary street circuit to the bar was not long ago thankfully, and the driver had kept quiet despite recognizing him immediately. Perhaps the driver had sympathy for what the day offered, or perhaps he didn't care about him either.....

He makes his way inside the bar, having a glance around, seeing as it had fit every description to which the detective had shared. He could see some individuals sitting at the bar trading stories, figuring they were cops or detectives with the district. There were others at tables along the wall, trading laughs about stories from Gaffney Medical Center. 

He almost felt out of place being there, but also didn't know enough about the city to pick a different place to fit what he needed right now. 

"What can I get for you?" He hears a tan-skinned brown-haired girl ask from behind the counter. He recognized her, knowing she was one of those who had helped Kelly rescue him and Jay late last year. It was crazy to think how much time had been passed since they were kidnapped together. He hoped she didn't bring it up, or even say much now - again, still wanting that escape more than anything.

"A jack and coke please - more jack than coke," he simply states, knowing that'd be the drink of choice. Normally, coolers were his choice of drink when hanging out with friends and wanting to have a good time. That wasn't going to do what he wanted tonight. So it was time for something harder. 

"First one is on the house, Alex. It's nice to see you...." His anxiety increased by the mention of his name, fearing what may follow in the form of unneeded conversation right now. This was becoming more and more like a bad idea for the night. What was he thinking coming here? He's lucky Jay hadn't walked in yet to create more conversation. "Now the next one, I'm pretty sure Herman won't let me give you so easily. But I may be able to squeeze you a discount." 

He simply nods his head accepting as he takes the glass, not wanting to say anything to encourage the conversation further. He knew the longer he stood there, the more they may talk and the less chance of his goal being accomplished.

It was why he chose to sit in one of the darker corners of the bar, placing the glass on the wooden table before him. It did not stay there long, immediately being brought to his lips with a big swig. There were a couple more that followed, and seemingly it was almost gone in a matter of minutes. 

He takes a deep breath as he sits back in his seat a little, thinking back to the day that had been. Everybody was talking about how great the first race on the Chicago streets had been. Everybody thought it was a spectacular display, and a great beginning to more great things. For Alex, though, he just wanted to forget it even happened. 

He had been decent in practice, thinking that he would at least be able to survive and come out with a decent finish. That's all he needed to do, anyway. It was just about keeping his playoff hopes alive - which never should been on the cusp of being ruined, but that was another debbie downer thought for another time.

Then it began to go downhill as everyone was thrown a curveball with rain, significant rain at that falling when it came time to hit the green flag. He remained positive in his mind, though, having seen his own decent driving when that happened at COTA. However, it certainly put a damper on his thoughts.

The positivity came back once again when he began to figure it out, as confirmed by Blake Harris applauding his lap times compared to his closest rivals on the radio. Maybe he could still salvage a day. 

That was wishful thinking, though, all thanks to one asshole that seemingly can't get out of his thoughts or way for that matter. It shouldn't surprise him, though, given this asshole always show up at the perfect opportunity. It's why there were few who were a fan of his on the grid.

Say hello to Denny Hamlin.

Denny spun him out, ending those chances of a great finish. It just got worse from there with the car going into no oil pressure mode. How was that possible when nothing had wrongfully happened to the motor? How could that happen with no puddle or anything to be found? 

The icing on the cake, though, was the car catching fire while he was trying to get back going. Oh, and the safety crew, for the second time in his career, were completely careless in the situation in not coming to his aid as he would have hoped. Just a great day, right? 

With a flick of the fingers, he knew he was going to need a refill. Perhaps 2 or 3. Maybe she should just bring him a 2 litre of coke and a bottle of Jack so he did not need to disturb her.

The sooner he forgot about the day that was, the better for him.