The next few days drug on. I really didn't want to be back at work. I wanted to be with Ryan.

Ryan had been spending time with Mason while I worked. He brought him to the shop and the filming of his podcast. They hung out at my house or his house playing video games. Ryan had found Mason a new grip for his video game controller that made it easier for him to hold with his bulky cast, so that made Mason happy, which in turn made me happy. I had worried how Mason would spend his time while I was at work.

We had dinner together every night. One night I cooked, one night Ryan grilled for us. He stayed as late as he dared, knowing I had to work in the morning. I was adamant that nothing physical could take place with Mason in the house, and he completely respected that. We continued to develop a stronger emotional connection, and that was just as important to me.

Dreaded Thursday rolled around. Ryan was leaving that afternoon for Kansas. I probably would not see him again until I got off work Monday. He surprised me by offering to take me to lunch that Thursday afternoon, before he went to the airport.

I met him out in the parking lot. I did not want my coworkers to know I had a lunch date. I really didn't want them gushing over my "hot, young boyfriend."

"You make scrubs look so damn sexy." He commented as I slid into the front seat of the Bronco. His words made me blush as much as they did the first time he said it after seeing me in my royal blue scrubs.

I really wasn't hungry. I didn't want to waste this last precious hour with him on food. "Can we just go someplace quiet and hang out for an hour? Unless you're hungry." I offered.

"Whatever you want. I just want to be with you." He replied.

We drove to a nearby park that was surprisingly empty at this time of day. I just wanted to feel his arms around me.

The one time I wanted time to move slowly, and of course it flew by. It was almost time for me to go back to work. The kiss he gave me set my soul on fire, but still left me wondering how I was going to get through the next few days. "I'm going to miss you like hell, but I know you're going to do great." I said, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.

"I'll call or text you when I can. We'll FaceTime in the evening. I know it's not the same, but the weekend will be over before you know it."

Imagine that. For the first time ever, I actually wanted the weekend to fly by. After exchanging I love you's, I touched up my smudged makeup, anxious to get the rest of this day over with.

********

On Friday morning, I waited for Shane to arrive. While waiting, a huge announcement was made. Ryan, who was in the final year of his contract with Penske had just signed a multi year extension. I was so happy for him. I knew he had a lot going on, so sent a text.

Kelsie: Congrats on the news. Know you're busy, so we'll talk later. I ❤️ u!!!

Finally, Shane arrived. When I opened the door, I was engulfed and nearly suffocated by his hug. At 5'6, I'm a fairly decent height, but Shane towered over me, making me feel tiny.

After nearly squishing me to death, he finally stepped back and looked at me. "You look really good Kels. Something is different about you."

Ignoring his comment, I looked behind him, out onto the front porch. "Where are Kayla and the kids?"

"They are coming tomorrow. Kayla had to work, so there was no reason to take the kids out of school today. Where's Mason?"

"Still sleeping." I laughed.

"Good. Gives us time to talk. I want to know what's going on in your life. You sounded great on the phone. You actually look...dare I say it...happy."

Before I could respond, my phone in my pocket vibrated. I pulled it out and checked the text message.

Ryan: OMW to press conference. Very busy day. Will talk soon. ❤️ u 2!

When I looked up, Shane was staring at me. "What?" I demanded.

"Alright Kels, spill. I want to know who put that smile on your face."

I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Just a friend." I replied.

"You're seeing someone." He smirked, and I could feel my face heat up even more.

"Yes I am. It's pretty new, but I'm crazy about him. He's uh...he's a little younger." I was hesitant, not sure how much I wanted to reveal.

"Age is totally irrelevant If he makes you smile like that. Do I know him?" Shane pressed on.

"You know of him." I still hesitated.

"Just spill it Kels. You are being very vague."

"Fine. It's Ryan Blaney." I watched his jaw drop.

"Ryan Blaney the NASCAR driver?" He asked in disbelief, and I nodded. "Isn't he like twenty five?"

"Twenty six, but remember, age is irrelevant." I reminded him. For once, Shane was rendered speechless.

"So uh... how did this happen?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

I told him the whole story of the birthday tweet, our first weekend at the track, and how things had just progressed from there.

"Does he treat you right?" Shane asked, and I was taken aback. Of all questions he could have asked, where did that one come from?

"He treats me very well. He makes me laugh. He makes me happy. He treats me like I'm special."

"Because you are special Kels. Don't ever forget that."

I didn't know what to say, so I just nodded.

"You really weren't happy with Kyle were you?" Once again, he had taken me by surprise.

"How did you know? You weren't around." I didn't mean for it to come out sounding accusing, but I hated that the person who always said he would be there for me, up and left me at the time I had needed him the most, when everything with Kyle had gone so bad. I know it wasn't his fault, but it still hurt.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I knew you weren't happy, but I had no idea how to talk to you about it. After mom died, you shut down completely. You closed yourself off to everyone, you pushed everyone away. I was happy when you found Kyle because then you wouldn't have to be alone, but then there was something about Kyle that rubbed me the wrong way. You seemed okay, so I didn't push. By the last few years, I just flat out didn't like the guy."

Without warning, the tears began to fall down my cheeks. I was angry with him for not reaching out to me when he knew I wasn't okay. However, I was more angry with myself for not reaching out to him, for being so unreachable. Everything I had revealed to Ryan about Kyle, I spilled to Shane.

"I am so, so sorry. I can't say that enough. I should have done something, or said something. I could have helped you. You are my baby sister. I'm supposed to protect you, and I failed."

The last thing I wanted was Shane to feel guilty.

"None of this is your fault Shane. No one knew about any of this. I made sure of that."

"Does Ryan know?" He asked softly.

I nodded. "I told him everything."

"Does he wish Kyle were still alive just so he could kick his ass"

I burst out laughing at this unexpected comment. "Yes."

"I think I like this guy already. Well, I liked him before, even though we never met. Shit. You know what I mean. Just know that if he breaks your heart though, I'll kick his ass. Big brother is back, and he's not going anywhere."

I hugged him tightly, so glad that my big brother was back in my life. I felt even freer, knowing my burden had been lifted. That talking to Ryan had made it easier to talk to Shane. Relieved that I had them both in my life.

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter. I'll update soon.