Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 4: "Let me walk you home, Ms. Upton."

Alex had gone to Molly's with the intention of shutting everything out of his day and forgetting about the year that had been. He had been able to do that, but not in the way he had thought.

Instead of sitting in a corner drowning his sorrows with some drinks, he was instead caught in conversation with one of Chicago's finest detectives. He was sharing the tale of how he got started in racing, and slowly made his way to where he was now. They had even chuckled at the story of him getting fired in a Taco Bell drive-thru from a team before. 

Hailey was fully embraced in the conversation, knowing it was much better than thinking about the day which she had at work. Even sharing the reason as to why she wanted to become a cop, and how her current desk sergeant Trudy inspired her by saving her when her family store was robbed. She talked briefly about her time with Robbery and Homicide, and how that led to crossing paths with the Intelligence Unit. She shared as to why she accepted Hank's offer, and why she does enjoy working under him despite the rough days they may encounter together.

The pair had lost track of time, emptying the bottle of Jack before moving onto a couple of beers in feeling that was simpler over conversation. Their laughter could be heard through Molly's at each others tales, which was refreshing with how the past several weeks had been both. 

It was only when they noticed everyone else making their way out of the bar that it was closing time - 3 o' clock in the morning. How was Hailey supposed to make it to work the next day in time? She never stayed out this late, and certainly not with someone that was considered just an acquaintance through friends.

With encouragement and a reminder of the time from Gabriela, and not wanting to keep her any later in knowing she wanted to get home, the pair of them make their way off the bar stools and make their way out of the front door. Anybody watching may have been a bit concerned in seeing the stumbling of the feet as they did so, with Alex at one point leaning on Hailey for support.

"Maybe I should have stopped drinking sooner," he comments as they make their way outside into the crisp warm air. He takes his phone, trying to find the ride share app in knowing he needed to find his way back to his hotel. "Then again, I wouldn't have been able to share your company. For the record, my best friend is an ass for leaving you. I would scoop you up in a heartbeat." 

"You aren't bad yourself Alex," she replies, trying to let the comment slide in one ear and out the other. She didn't want to think about Jay right now. She didn't want to think about what they had together. She didn't want to think about everything they built for it to be gone. Sure, they were still good friends and would always be that - but it wasn't totally the same. They had planned to spend a lifetime together. Now what was she supposed to do? "Are you sure you can make it back to your hotel in one piece by yourself? You seem to be having some problem with keeping your feet aligned together right now." 

"You sound like a cop right now being all protective and trying to watch out for me. Aren't you off duty right now?" She rolls her eyes as she debated playing right into this with him, actually wanting to flirt and see where it went. He was certainly easy on the eyes, and it wasn't like she was able to have the conversation they shared tonight with just anybody out there.

"I should not be answering any calls on my radio, but that doesn't mean that I can't put you in handcuffs for public intoxication if I believe it would be for your own good. For all I know you would like that right now. But truthfully, are you going to be okay?" He nods his head as he lets go of her, eyes focused on his phone. He had gotten into the app, and somehow managed to type in the hotel address. The cost of the ride did surprise him, but that's what he got for the hour he was looking for it at. It was also no shock that he probably would be waiting for a good bit.

"I'm fine. I can walk with my own two feet." He then picks a line on the sidewalk, steadily walking down it for a good four feet, before twirling around to face her with a bow. "Like I said, I'm fine. The question is - are you okay? I know you live close, so you probably drove here after work. You better not be driving home tonight."

"For the record, I know how to take care of myself and know the laws of Chicago which include no drinking and driving. That is why my keys have remained in my pocket and I am going to take the 10 minute walk back to my place. I just haven't left yet because I don't want to leave you stranded alone. How long until your ride is here?" Alex then walks over, taking her hand as she looks over at him with the biggest glance of surprise. He didn't know whether it was the fact he knew his manners, or the fact he loved her company, but something said this was a good idea.

"No woman should be left walking these streets alone by themselves as you don't know what is walking the streets at this ungodly hour. Let me walk you home, Ms. Upton. I would not want Hank calling me to yell at me in the morning because you went missing drunk." 

"You have quite the interesting way of trying to get to my place there, Mr. Bowman......"