Pitbabe S2, Chapter 28 pg 5

 Pitbabe S2, Chapter 28 pg 5

   He always says, “I don’t like when they talk like that,” but the first thing he does on those sleepless nights is hug me and say, “Listen only to me, don’t give weight to nonsense.” He doesn’t even remember what that nonsense was. He forgets it minutes after saying he doesn’t like it.

   But it seems some people, some words, in some moments, manage to get through.

   “You can get jealous,” I replied casually. “But seriously, if I told you not to, could you just choose not to?”

   He shook his head.

   “Exactly.”

   “But I’d probably try not to let you know,” he said.

   “Don’t. I like it when you’re jealous,” I grinned. Charlie let out a smile too. I was glad he couldn’t resist my smile—it’s a simple thing I want to keep forever. “And I don’t care about your so-called ‘status’ either. You said we’d talk again when everything’s settled, but I know you’re gonna ask me to be your boyfriend again anyway. I don’t get why we have to wait, but since you said to wait, I’m waiting.”

   I don’t really understand him, I admit.

   Two years ago, yesterday, today, tomorrow, or next year, there’ll probably still be tons of things I don’t get about him. No matter how hard I try, I’ll never think the same way or be one with his mind.

   I used to think it was a big problem that we didn’t understand each other’s thoughts. But now, I’m starting to see a small path we can walk together. Even if I’m still me and he’s still him, we might just need to clear the way a bit. I hope it’s not too much for him.

   “And while we’re waiting on this ‘status,’ doesn’t mean you can go flirting with whoever. If I catch you, I’ll tear the house down.”

   “Didn’t you say you were done throwing tantrums?” Instead of my threat scaring him or even getting a laugh, Charlie narrowed his eyes suspiciously, bringing up some ancient agreement from who-knows-when. He really doesn’t know how to let things go, does he?

   “I said if there’s something, we talk it out.”

   “Jealousy’s fine, but can we skip the whining?”

   This time, I got a laugh out of the serious guy. Charlie’s expression softened. I took his left hand, adjusting his glove properly, then moved to his right. Even without looking up, I knew he was smiling faintly. He was probably looking at me, thinking something like, Babe is so cute or I love Babe so much. It’s definitely in his head. Don’t call me conceited—better to say he’s the one who’s head over heels for me.

   “Alright, you’re good to go,” I said after fixing the racing prince’s gloves. The other cars were starting to roll up to the starting line. The big bike guards were revving their engines, and the crowd was tightening their circle. The excitement in the air was palpable—tonight’s first race felt more thrilling than many nights before.

   “you coming along?” Charlie asked. He probably meant if I’d ride with the bike guards like I used to.

   “You want me to come with you?”

   “Up to you, Babe. I’m fine either way.”

   I looked at him, weighing my options for a moment, until the roar of engines and Ricky’s shouts pushed me to decide quickly.

   “I think you haven’t needed me out there for a long time.”

   In the end, I chose to wait for him at the finish line. Thinking about it, the Charlie from back then and the Charlie now are worlds apart in skill. Before, I couldn’t trust him to race solo—I had to keep an eye on him the whole way, not just to win, but to make sure he didn’t die before crossing the finish line. Now, I don’t think that’s necessary anymore.

   “Just on the track, I mean. In life, you’ll always need me.”

   And it seemed Charlie agreed. I could sense his relief at my words. He smiled and let out a soft laugh before reaching out to ruffle my hair. The gloves changed the feel of his touch, but since he’s my big, warm sun, the warmth reached me safely. Nothing to worry about.

   “I’ll be back soon,” Charlie said with a calm expression, his eyes brimming with confidence. I stood up. He followed. I meant to walk back to my car to wait, but the ace racer stopped me. His long arm hooked around my waist, pulling me close. Before I could open my mouth to ask, his lips met mine. It wasn’t invasive—just a brief touch of lips, lasting no more than two breaths—before he pulled back and gently stroked my cheek.

   “Shouldn’t take long. Hang out and wait, okay?”

   

   CHARLIE:

   “Could use some encouragement, huh?”

   A faint voice came from nearby. Willy glanced at me and Charlie for a split second before looking away, pretending to focus ahead, his lips curling into his usual relaxed smirk.

   The guy didn’t seem to care. He never took anything seriously, and now I wasn’t so sure if his annoying antics were because he liked me (and wanted to mess with Charlie) or if he was just bored and looking for something to do.

   “I’m starting to get why Babe feels like kicking you in the mouth,” Charlie said, his last line sparking a chuckle.

   I didn’t say anything back, just gave his shoulder a light push before stepping aside to let the racers guide their babies to the starting line. The feeling of being a racer and a spectator is completely different. Sure, I love the thrill of racing more, but if Charlie’s out there on the track, that’s a special case.

   Deliberately getting under someone’s skin is the most pointless form of attack in my opinion, and Willy chose that tactic from the very first second we met. Even when our cars were parked side by side at the starting line, I could feel his gaze on me, like he was trying to communicate something. That’s why I kept my eyes fixed straight ahead, focusing only on the road, the car, and myself, doing my best to block him out. For just this short moment in the race, I wanted to erase his name and the word “lose” from my world.

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