I wedged his dark face in close to mine 

Cheek to cheekbone

I threw my motherly arms around his shoulders, I held tight.

We were hunched over walking forward through the parking lot like soldiers. He had lost both matches. 

“You could be a great wrestler or a bad wrestler, win or lose, and we would still like you.” I said.

“I know that,” he said.

But, I could feel his smile on my palm.