"You can do it Bubba, go out there and prove you belong here, make me even prouder than I already am, and please, Bubs, please be careful." I smile and lay a gentle kiss on my boyfriends jawline, watching as he slips on his helmet and gets in his car.
Saying my goodbyes and goodlucks to his crew, I climb up to go see Bubba's crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. "Hey Drew" we smile at each other, both of us with an optimistic look on our faces. I usually sit with him during races because then I get the inside information on how its going with Bubs, and I'm not alone and scared if something happens.
Just as I settle into my seat I hear all the engines fire up. "Today's your day bubba, we all feel it, the cars one of the best." Drew smiles. I know he really loves working with Bubba, I mean, who wouldn't.
Bubba has been so excited for this race, he's been talking about it for months. He's been saying how this is the time for him to prove himself and show people he can run up front.
*final lap*
I watch in anticipation as the cars pass the finish line. The sound of Drew's voice fills my ears "Austin won, nice finish bubs, proud of ya."
A frown takes over my features as I watch Bubba drive over the line in second place. I know second isn't bad at all, but I also know Bubba will be upset and hard on himself.
Knowing by now to give him some space, I go back to the motor home and wait patiently for him to get back. Usually after a race he will take a little walk around to calm himself down.
Sitting down on the couch, I try to come up with some ideas of how I could cheer him up. My thoughts are soon interrupted by a door opening and then closing with force.
Looking up towards the door my eyes meet the light brown ones of my loving boyfriend. His eyes look incredibly disappointed and all I can do is gently pat the spot on the couch beside me. Bubba walks over to me, sitting down and immediately wrapping his arms around my stomach and laying his head on my chest. Not only is he upset at himself but he's also extremely tired.
"Sweets you did good" I run my fingers through his curls.
He just shakes his head and sighs. "I was so close, I could have won!" His voice cracks at the end, nearly breaking my heart. "Coming second hurts more than coming last, because just knowing I was one spot away from winning it all is awful." By now I know Bubba is seconds away from crying, so I move into a laying position so bubba is laying with his head on my chest.
I continue to run my fingers through his hair and run my thumb along his cheekbone while his breathing evens out and he starts to calm down. His arms tighten around me and he picks up his head, leaning up to press a gentle kiss to my cheek, then my other cheek, my nose, my forehead, my jawline, then finally my lips. "Thank you, my angel, thank you." He places his head back down on my chest and cuddles harder into me.
"You always make me feel so much better." He mumbles into my chest closing his eyes.
"Go to sleep, my love, you've had a long day, I'll be right here when you wake up." My arms make there way to his neck and I gently start tracing shapes on the back of his neck, causing him to slowly drift into a peaceful slumber.
