His Lucky Charm

Recognized

Strip combed his hair back. He wanted to look pretty nice tonight.

He pulled his tie up and put his handkerchief into his pocket.

He was about to call for Lynda when she stepped into view. He paused as he looked at her. She was putting in her earrings. She had sapphire earrings in, and a pendant necklace.

He leaned against the bathroom door looking at her. "Strip have you seen my heels-"

She looked at him. "What?" She said with a chuckle.

"You look stunning." He just said. Lynda spun for him and he just whistled again as he walked towards her.

He pulled her close to him and kissed her cheek. "You look lovely as well hun." She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He held her waist a gently as he just smiled to himself. "Still as beautiful the day I got your car gas." He smirked.

She just laughed. "Really now??"

"Yes. Probably even more." He said as he backed up and grabbed her heels for her. She nodded her thanks since she was looking for them.

"Thank you." She said as she put them on. She held onto his arm as she leaned down and pulled them on.

"Girls are you ready?" He asked as he walked out with Lynda.

Lily was in an orange dress, an obvious McLaren reference. And Sarah was in a pantsuit.

"You all look fabulous!" Strip said as Tex walked in. Tex wore his white suit.

"Ayeee! Grandpa!" Lily said clapping for him.

"In traditional Texan fashion, a white suit." Tex said as he tipped his hat. He walked over and put a new navy blue hat on Strip.

"That's what was missing!" Lynda said snapping her fingers. Strip just chuckled and nodded.

"I like this hat."

The group got into the limo that was taking them to the gala. Strip sat next to Lynda. The girls were arguing about something in the back seat.

Lynda fiddled with his hand as they pulled up to the function. Strip held her hand. "Ready?"

"Yep." He opened the door. The two stepped out. Camera flashes went rapid fire. The two waved to the crowds as his daughters came out.

They were a family of excellence, so of course, when they dress up, they show up and show out.

The family took photos. Lynda looked at him. "Go get your picture taken solo." She said. He looked at her.

"You sure?"

"Yes. They want pictures of the 7 time champ." She ushered him to go. He kissed her cheek and went ahead. The cameras roared from the flashes.

Lynda and the girls teased him as he stood there for the photos. Lynda just admired how he stood strong no matter what he did.

"Oooo mom's got a crush." Lily teased as Sarah wrapped an arm around her mother's shoulders.

"Why wouldn't I?! Have you see him?" Lynda said as they walked past him. He met Lynda's gaze and winked.

Lynda just smiled and blew a kiss.

"Yes mom. I've seen him. I do not think he's handsome in the way you do." Sarah said with a chuckle.

"Oh fair."

Eventually the girls found their way to their table. Tex sat down by Lynda. "Strips got a part in tonight's ceremony." He said quietly as the lights went dark.

"He didn't prepare for Anything?" She said.

"He'll be fine."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the NASCAR awards ceremony." The crowd clapped.

"Tonight is very important. Before the big race tomorrow, we want to recognize probably, the greatest racer of our generation."  The announcer smiled.

"A man who entered the racing game 30 years ago in 1970. His first season, he was second in the running for the championship. Got his first championship in 1971, again in 1972, once more again in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1995, and in 1999. He is the 7 time world champion, his name is Strip Weathers, well known as The King."

The crowd stood and clapped as Strip walked out. His walk was confident. He knew he was the King, but, he was a humble king.

He stood next to the presenter.

"Tonight, Mr. The King, we are honoring you. With your service to NASCAR, inducting you into the hall of fame." They pulled out a trophy.

Claps filled the room. Strip could hardly believe it. "Thank you, being the face of NASCAR."

The man handed him the trophy and motioned him to the microphone. He held the trophy and stood in front of the microphone.

"If... if you can't tell I was not prepared for tonight." The crowd laughed.

"Oh wow... also, don't list out the years I got my championships. Makes me feel old." He chuckled as the crowd laughed.

He looked at the trophy. "It was not an easy path getting here. Before my racing career started, I lost my father. It tore me apart, but I wanted to carry his legacy, and take his name as far as possible. Then my mother passed from cancer after I started karting."  He looked at the audience.

"It was hard... but I was adopted by a man who saw a kid who wanted to push, and fight to get into a car." He looked at Lynda.

"My wife... who was my friend from the beginning. She was also my biggest cheerleader. My lovely wife pushed me to excellence, spoke to me to push, she was there for every championship, every race." He smiled softly at her. "She's the reason why I got seven."

Lynda blew a kiss at her as she teared up.

Strip turned his gaze and looked at Chick. Chick looked at him. "And to my rival... the only man who could keep up with me. Chick..."

Chicks eyes widened. "Thanks for being the best rival I could've asked for. I can't wait to race you tomorrow... it never gets old."

Chick couldn't do anything other than nod. Strip smiled a bit. "Thank you NASCAR for this. My wife probably already has a place to put it."

He waved as he started to walk off the stage. The crowd cheered.

He just took his final bow.