Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 30: Right Rear Issue

It had been a solid day so far, as Hailey could not complain. Well, she wished she could see him pacing the field just like his teammate Kyle Larson. That would be the perfect day spent at the race track with him. 

But it was not a bad day as it could always be much worse. Alex had been doing a solid job, with the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet co-operating to what he wanted throughout the duration of the event so far. He had put himself in solid contention for a solid finish, currently running ninth.

"May have a right rear going down," she hears him over the headset, her body immediately letting out a sigh. A flat tire on a street car was never a good thing. She knew it was just as bad on a racecar, having seen unscheduled pit stops in past weeks take drivers out of contention of a good finish. Just when it seemed he was going to keep the momentum going. "The rear end is getting real skatey here....." 

"We're getting eyes on it, keep watch," Blake tells him which seemed pointless. How were they supposed to see from here what was going on? Shouldn't they be trusting his gut? "If it gets bad enough, make your way down...."  She knew that would take them out of contention for a good finish. She knew that would not be the ideal experience to day. However, it was much better than allowing something worse to happen.

Three laps later, it seemed the driver's suspicions were right on the money as the car shot up the track off of turn four, resulting in significant damage to the right side. She felt her breath hitch in her throat as she watched him come back down across the track, before additional contact with the inside turn one wall.

She takes a deep breath, eyes focused on the monitor as she watches the safety crew approach the car. She knew it was just precautionary. They were just following all procedures. Neither hit was significant enough to cause issues, as she'd seen fellow drivers suffer way worse hits than that and be fine. He was going to be okay - upset and angry, but okay.

She takes another deep breath, trying to repeat those words she had told herself over and over. But why was she thinking it over? Why was her hand shaking a bit in awaiting for him to climb out? He was just months removed from breaking his back. It still bothered him at times, which is why he enjoyed her back massages when they were together on weekends. What if this caused more issues? What if he aggravated it? What if he was more sore than normal this week? Who would take care of him?

"He's fine," she says out loud in watching him climb out of the car, going up on the roof to get back down on the other side. She almost wanted to chuckle at herself for all the panic and worry she had felt just seconds ago. She was around incidents all the time. Forget seeing worse on the track, she had seen worse in the field and those people were okay. Why was this causing her to worry more than normal?

She then follows suit with the crew members before her, taking her headset off and handing it over to the crew guy who had collected others. She was used to following this procedure following the event, and meeting him at the car on pit road. 

Climbing down the steps, she did not where to go this time from here. She knew he had gone to infield care center, per precautionary measures. He would not be inside long as he was okay. He would probably have to do a series of interviews for the reporters. Then it would be return to the trailer, get changed, and then head to the motorcoach to pack like any other weekend, right? So maybe it was best to head back to the trailer with the guys and wait for him there. She had done that earlier this year at 34 Raceway.

But wait - what if he was not okay? What if things weren't going smoothly? What if he wanted comfort? What if he was sore? She should be there to watch out for him. She was his girlfriend after all. She wasn't about to let him suffer alone by himself. Perhaps he would enjoy the company in the trip back as he dealt with how he was feeling. But wait - where was the infield care center?

"I can show you where the infield care center is on the way back to the trailer," Blake mentions, catching her attention. "Or you could follow Janet if you want. She's going to meet him there for interviews." 

"I'll just meet him back at the trailer," Hailey concludes, almost chuckling at how worked up she had gotten herself.

However, as she made her way through the pits with Blake and the crew, she couldn't help but glance in all directions to see where the building was. He was there, he may be pain. She couldn't help but wonder if she made the wrong decision. 

Why was this bothering her so much?

She finally makes it back to the Ally hauler, making her way inside and up to the lounge. Whereas the first couple weeks she had not gone up there on her own, that changed a couple weeks ago. Alex had given her permission to head up there when he was not around to wait or hang out. It felt nice to be given permissions to quarters not normally allowed by others.

She sits back on the couch, pulling out her phone as she reads the couple of text messages. She couldn't help but stop on the message from Kim, her heart tugged at the sleeves.

Adam and I saw Alex's wreck. That sucks. He was having a good run. Hope he is okay. See you tomorrow.