Ryan's POV

I still wasn't sure exactly what had compelled me to invite Kelsie and Mason to be my guests for the weekends events. I thought I was just wishing a fan happy birthday, but then I clicked on her profile and began reading. Of course she was beautiful, but it was more than that. She was inspiring. She showed so much strength and courage in the face of adversity. She tweeted positive, uplifting messages daily. How could I not be drawn in.

After I extended the invitation, we began chatting regularly over the course of the next few days, and I was even more drawn in. Mason was obviously the light of her life, and I was as excited to meet him as I was Kelsie. I really wanted them to enjoy themselves, and I hoped I would be able to show them a good time.

I had gotten the call that they had arrived, and my palms were sweating. Why? I had no clue why. I interact with thousands of fans on a regular basis, so why was this any different?

By the time I arrived at the gate, I was feeling a little more together, but then I got my first real glimpse of Kelsie.

I had wondered in the beginning of her profile picture was legit.

It was, and then some. The photos didn't do her justice. She was even more beautiful in person.

She was fairly tall, close to my height. Maybe an inch or two shorter, and slim. Her hair was longer than I had anticipated. Blonde waves cascading down her back. I couldn't see her eyes because she was wearing sunglasses, but I was willing to bet they were crystal blue, much like the boy at her side.

The last thing I wanted was to be attracted to her, but nope. That wasn't happening. During our chats, the first thing I recognized was that she was a very devoted, maybe a slight bit overprotective mother. I let her believe that this weekend was all about Mason, but it was about her too.

"Hi. I'm Ryan. You must be Kelsie." I was surprised by the electric current that passed when her small hand touched mine. She must have felt it too, because she quickly pulled her hand away.

I needed to direct my focus to Mason.

"Hi. You must be Mason." I addressed the tall, thin blonde haired boy, and took note of the Kevin Harvick shirt he was wearing. "I saw Kevin in the garage just a few minutes ago. Would you like to meet him?" I asked.

He nodded, an awestruck expression on his face. "I got his autograph yesterday, but I doubt if he remembers me."

"If it's okay with your mom, we can try and find him." I looked at Kelsie for confirmation, and she flashed a smile that knocked the wind out of me. Damn she was pretty.

I introduced Mason to Kevin, and Kevin was more than happy to chat with Mason for a bit, as he didn't have anything going on at the moment. They were having quite a conversation, and by Kevin's amused smile, I could tell that Mason was picking his brain, and Kevin was eating it up. Mason was very animated, and Kevin was listening intently to everything he was saying. Kelsie hung back a bit, wanting to give Mason his time with his favorite driver.

She was quiet. I didn't know if she was just shy, or naturally reserved, so I wanted to engage her in conversation, try and get her to relax. "I'm sure I mentioned there's a concert tonight.  Do you like Morgan Wallen?" I asked.

"I love Morgan Wallen. I saw him a few months ago with Riley Green. He was amazing." I had finally gotten a real reaction out of her.

"Riley Green is really good too. I've seen him a few times." I said.

"I'm a huge Riley Green fan. I even named my dog Riley." She laughed, and it was the sweetest sound.

"We've got something in common. I named my dog after Sturgill Simpson."

"I know. Sturgill is awesome. Singer Sturgill and your Sturgill."

She was a fan. Of course she knew this, but it looked like we had some of the same tastes in music. We talked more about music for several minutes, and she was becoming more and more open.

"I had better get Mason before he talks Kevin's ear off." She laughed, then motioned to Mason to come over. I watch Kevin give him a fist bump, and took great pleasure in the look of sheer joy on the boy's face.

I introduced Mason and Kelsie to several other drivers. They came with me to a couple of appearances, they watched qualifying from my pit box. Mason talked for a long time with my crew chief Todd, and I could tell Todd was really impressed by him. It was a really good day, and I was really enjoying their company.

I found myself really bonding with Mason. He was a great kid. Incredibly smart, Straight A student. Bright, inquisitive, soaking up everything around him like a sponge. I was beyond impressed by his knowledge. It was hard to believe this kid was only fourteen. He said he wanted to be a mechanical engineer and work in NASCAR when he grew up. I really hoped I could spend more time with him in the future.

Kelsie was a little more reserved. It took a while to get her to open up, but when she did, you could see just how sweet and genuine she really was, and how much she loves her son.

The bond between Kelsie and Mason, as well as her devotion to him was inspiring. I really admired her strength. She was a great mother. Mason was lucky to have her in his life. At some point however, he was going to need a male figure in his life as well, even just as a friend. Maybe I could be that friend. If Kelsie agreed to it.

******

"Excited for the show?" I asked Kelsie. She had been beyond ecstatic when I told her we would be watching from backstage. Now, I noticed she was fidgeting a bit.

"Maybe I should check on Mason." She said, looking uneasy.

"I promise, Mason is fine. He's in good hands." I tried to reassure her.

Earlier that day, Jimmie Johnson had approached us in the garage. His wife's nephew, who was Mason's age was visiting. Jimmie has heard about Mason, and thought the two boys should meet.

Mason and Tyler had a lot in common and hit it off immediately. Jimmie invited Mason to hang out for the night if his mom was okay with it. He pleaded with her to agree. He would much rather hang out and play video games with someone his own age then attend the concert. He had already seen Morgan Wallen in concert anyway, he reminded her.

Kelsie agreed, albeit a bit reluctantly. She was not too keen on letting her son out of her sight, but she knew Jimmie was a really good guy, and a devoted father as well. She really wanted Mason to have a good time, and he really did need more interaction with kids his own age.

"I'm sure he's fine. It's just..." Her voice trailed off.

I really wanted her to relax and enjoy herself. "The concert is about to start. If Mason needs you, you have your phone, he has his, he will call you. I know he's having a great time." I reassured her.

She gave a small sigh, and took her seat. "Alright." She replied.

"Mason really is a great kid. I know you must be very proud." I said, preparing what I really wanted to ask.

"Thank you. I am extremely proud. He's my world. I just get so scared sometimes." I could see the frown lines appear between her eyes.

"Afraid of what?" I asked. Hoping I was not getting too personal, then reminding myself that she was the one who brought it up.

"What if I fail him as a parent?"

"That's not going to happen. You're a great mother Kelsie."

"What if that's not enough? What if I'm not enough? What if I can't be both mother and father to him?" I could see the uncertainty that flashed in her eyes, and it was heartbreaking to see.

"Does Mason have any male figures in his life?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No. Not really."

"I'd really like to be one. I meant it when I said he's a great kid. I would really like to spend some more time with him, if it's okay with you."

"You don't have to do that Ryan. Everything you did for us today, went above and beyond anything I could have possibly hoped for."

"But I want to. I can't explain it, but I feel like he and I have a connection, and I would really like to be his friend."

She flashed her megawatt smile. "Okay Ryan. He would love that. Thank you."

Although her smile was genuine, she still looked a little tense. I handed her a beer from my cooler, hoping it would help her to relax. She looked at it for a moment, then finally took it. "Okay, but just one. I do have to drive home." She popped the tab, and took a small sip, and I could see her features begin to relax. The show was starting.

I loved watching her as she got caught up in the music. She really was beginning to relax and enjoy herself. Since it was nighttime, she had removed her sunglasses. I was right. Her eyes were crystal blue.

"Oh my gosh. I love this song." She exclaimed and grabbed my arm.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her as she sang along to the music.

Chasing you like a shot of whiskey
Burning going down, burning going down
Chasing you like those goodbye taillights
Heading west to anywhere out of this no where town
Chasing that freedom, chasing that feeling that got gone too soon
Chasing that you and me, I only see in my rear view
Yeah, I'm laying here tonight holding someone new
Still chasing you, still chasing you

She was so beautiful. She really was caught up in the moment. She looked happy and carefree, and seeing her that way really had me affected. I didn't want to be attracted to her. I was not what she needed. I honestly didn't know what she needed, but I was certain it wasn't me. I needed to focus on Mason. He was the one I was going to be spending time with, not Kelsie.