Chasing You

Chapter 2

I couldn't stop staring at the message on my computer screen. I needed to reply, but what should I say? The first thought that went through my mind was he probably just feels sorry for us. I wasn't looking for sympathy though. Neither was Mason. I had my fill of it. Both of us did. Did he check out my profile? He must have, and if he did, he knew mine and Mason's sad story. On the other hand, it was a really sweet gesture, and I couldn't help but feel a little star struck. My inner fangirl coming out once again.

Before I could come up with a reply, Riley, our German Shepherd mix began pawing at me and whined. "What is it boy? Do you need out?" His tail began to wave vigorously at the mention of the word "out." Laughing, I walked to the back door to let Riley into the yard. I guess Mason had been so caught up his his race, he had forgotten about Riley.

I returned to my computer, the cursor was blinking at me, demanding my attention. Oh God. What do I say? Mason and I had tickets to the Coke 600, we went every year, however we had not planned on going to the All Star race, which was this coming weekend. Mason would be thrilled, but I couldn't help but feel like I was accepting charity. But Mason would love it, I reminded myself. That solidified my decision. Mason was my top priority. Whatever I could do to make him happy, I would swallow my pride and do it in a heartbeat.

That's exactly what I did. I reminded myself again, that I was doing this for Mason, and I swallowed every ounce of my pride and began typing a response. How many opportunities would Mason get to experience something like this? To be a guest of one of his favorite drivers at a race. It was like a backstage pass to one of the biggest concerts ever.

Kelsie: Hi. I apologize for not responding sooner. I just got home from work. That's very kind of you to offer. Mason and I would love to attend.

I hit the send button and held my breath. What did I just do?

I watched in shock and three blinking dots appeared. Shit! He's already replying. I didn't expect him to get the message this fast.

Ryan: That's okay. I figured you were busy. I was thinking if y'all are free all weekend, I'd like to give Mason the full behind the scenes experience. Qualifying is pretty cool for this race. There are a lot of fan events and a concert Friday night if y'all would like to attend. Y'all can even watch the race from my pit box.

This was amazing. Mason would be over the moon. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. No wonder he was my favorite driver.

Kelsie: We would love to. Thank you so much for doing this.

Ryan: It's my pleasure. I will have passes for both of you at the gate. Just give them your name, and they will let me know when y'all arrive.

Kelsie: Thank you again. I can't wait to tell Mason. He is going to be so excited.

Ryan: Looking forward to meeting y'all. I didn't come off too creepy did I?

Kelsie: Lol. No. You're fine.

Ryan: Whew. Glad to hear it. See y'all Friday.

"Masonnnnnn" I yelled from the living room. I don't know if he can hear me from upstairs, even though I screamed loud enough to wake the dead.

"What mom? What?" He ran down the stairs, a worried expression on his face.

"I've got a huge surprise for you." I grinned. I loved seeing his face light up, his eyes wide in anticipation and curiosity. "How would you like to go to the race this weekend. Qualifying, practice, concert, hot passes and we can watch the race from Blaney's pit box.?"

"You're joking mom."

I shook my head. "I'm one hundred percent serious."

"How mom? How did you pull this off?" He asked.

"Not me, you. You made quite an impression on Ryan Blaney with your tweet this morning. So much of an impression, that he contacted me and asked us to be his guests for the weekend."

"Me? For real? Okay. Blaney is now my second favorite driver. He's officially been bumped ahead of Chase and Bowyer."

I couldn't contain my laughter. The look on Mason's face was everything. "So what's it going to take to bump him ahead of Kevin?" I teased, already knowing the answer.

"Kevin retiring." He replied with another ear splitting grin. I knew it.

My earlier sadness was beginning to fade, and once again, I had Ryan Blaney and my utterly amazing kid to thank for that.

"I think we should go out and eat tonight mom. You shouldn't have to cook on your birthday."

"That's exactly what I'm thinking kiddo. What do feel like eating?"

*********

The next two days drug on. This was a short week for me since I had taken Thursday off to bring Mason to meet Kevin Harvick, and Friday was my usual off day, I could not believe time was moving so slow.

I was so excited for the weekend. I knew Ryan was doing all of this for Mason, but I was looking forward to it just as much. I loved NASCAR, I grew up watching it with my dad, and it created such a bond between us, that I shared that bond with Mason when he was still very young. The fact that I was going to get to meet and hang around my favorite driver was an added bonus. The whole thing was just surreal.

Kyle would be fuming. He hated NASCAR. He hated the fact that Mason and I had such a close bond over it, and he especially hated that I "lusted" over hot, young drivers. This was actually a source of some of our fights.

I immediately felt a wave of self doubt pass over me. I hated that Kyle felt that way, and it really hurt that he thought I had all of those so called lustful feelings and urges, but I could not give up something that meant so much to Mason and I because of his insecurities. He had things he did that I did not particularly care for, but I never did or said anything that would make him feel any bit of a lesser person for it.

Dammit. Why did I have to let those thoughts creep in and cloud my mind? Why did I have to dredge up the past? Kyle had made me feel like absolute shit for having outside interests. Especially interests that he did not share. I resolved to put those thoughts out of my head. I needed to continue things I enjoy. For my sake and for Mason.

********

Friday finally rolled around. Although Thursday was a very good day as I got to watch Mason light up with excitement over getting Kevin Harvick's autograph and a photo, I was so damn excited to meet Ryan. We had actually chatted through DM's a few times following our first conversation. I nearly fainted in shock every time a message came through from him. He was sweet, funny, a little awkward, but pretty everything I expected him to be, just from a fan's perspective. I think I might be starting to crush on him just a little, as more than a "fangirl" though. Ugh. I'm too old for this. I groaned to myself.

Mason was bouncing with excitement the whole way to the track. He practically bounced his way to the gate where we stopped to pick up our passes. It warmed my heart to see him so happy.

"Hi. I'm Kelsie O'Connor. Ryan Blaney left passes for my son and I." I spoke to the security guard outside of the gate, as I handed him my ID.

"Here you are Miss O'Connor. I'll let him know that you have arrived." He handed me two lanyards with hot passes attached to them. In all my years of coming to races, I had never had hot passes before.

We waited for several minutes, and then a golf cart pulled up and Ryan hopped out.

"Kelsie and Mason. I'm glad y'all could make it. It's nice to meet you both." He flashed a warm smile, that literally made me go weak in the knees.