Auto Racing One Shots

A Father's Blessing - Gustavo Yacaman (IMSA)

I need to get myself to Columbus, Ohio, pronto. Just for a day, not even, maybe a handful of hours. Okay, I book my flight, an early departure from Miami, an even later one from Columbus. I try to get some sleep, but I can't help but toss and turn, knowing that tomorrow decides my future. Jesus, I may have slept all of three hours, my face surely showing it. I try to make myself look as presentable as possible; Lord knows I'm a board shorts and t-shirt kind of guy, just freshening up my facial hair. The entire time of the flight, my stomach was in knots, more so when I felt the airplane slowly began its descent. I took a deep breath just before I started up my rental car for the day. I try to rehearse what I'm about to say during my drive, but to no avail, my mind going a mile a minute... Did I just roll through that stop sign?! I park into the driveway, and before I make my approach towards the door, I just keep reminding myself to breathe. I hesitate before I knock on the door; it's now or never. I knock three times, the sound of heels against the interior floor coming closer to me.

"Gustavo? Hi! What are you doing here? Where's Meagan?"

"Hi, Mrs. Shank. Is Mr. Shank home? I need to speak with him."

"Of course. ... Mike, there's someone here that needs to speak with you! Please, Gustavo, come on in."

"Thank you, Mrs. Shank."

"Now, Gustavo, you know it's Marybeth."

"Gus? What's up?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure, sure. Come on in."

"Thank you, Mrs. Shank."

"Oh, you're welcome, Gustavo."

I follow him into his office, not knowing how I've been able to stay upright without falling over. I watch as he takes a seat in the chair behind his desk, waiting for him to motion that it's okay for me to sit down as well.

"Okay, Gus. What's going on?"

"Sir..."

"Sir? Gus, you've known me for how long now? It's Mike."

"Mr. Shank..."

"Jesus, Gustavo, what's gotten into you?! It's just me."

"I'm not speaking to you as my car owner, boss or friend, but as my girlfriend's father."

"Oh, God. Is Meagan alright?!"

"Oh, she's fine, Sir."

"Oh, thank God."

"Listen, Mr. Shank, I need to ask you something."

"I'm all ears, Gus."

"Sir, I love your daughter very, very much. She's made me a better man, and I would hope that you've been able to see how happy we make each other. She means so much to me, and I would like to be able to spend forever with her. Mr. Shank, I would be honored if you would give me your blessing, and allow me to ask your daughter to marry me."

I watch Mike lean back in his chair, clearly trying to grasp what I had just said, as he stares at me, nearly boring a hole in my head. The silence is deafening, and the longer it goes on, the more I think that he's about to dash every dream that I had with Meagan. I can't help but sit more upright as he speaks.

"Gustavo..."

"Sir..."

I don't know what's taking him so long. I never thought that he would actually have to think about it. Either he thinks I'm good enough for his daughter or not. I thought that he had gotten past his whole "NO DRIVERS" rule, once he gave me an opportunity to take Meagan out on a date. He knows that I treat his daughter like the Princess that she is, and rightfully so. Seriously, what is he thinking about?! If he's thinking I'd be unfaithful, let's face it, I would've already done it by now. Do I need to get down on my knees and beg?!

"Gustavo, she's my little girl. If you promise me that you'll take care of her, be true to her, and not allow yourself to replace me, then yes, I give you my blessing."

"Sir, your daughter will be forever cherished, and I know that you'll always be the number one man in her life. I know that I'll never be able to replace you, and nor do I want to. I know how much she means to you and you mean to her. I promise to never let you regret your decision."

Mike reaches across the desk, motioning for me to shake his hand. I firmly grasp it, as a sign of respect.

"Welcome to the family, Gustavo."

"Thank you so much, Sir."

He gives me his infamous glare.

"Sorry. Mike."

We let up from the handshake, and I lean back in the chair, letting out a huge sigh of relief.

"Relieved?"

"You have no idea."

"Trust me, I know. When I asked Marybeth's father for his permission, I could barely get the words out. You did just fine, Gus."

"Thanks. Well, I know you're busy, so I'll let you get back to your work."

"Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for my car you charred."

My face must have gone completely ashen.

"Gus, I'm kidding! I took care of it months ago."

"Oh, thank God."

We both get up from our chairs, and Mike leads me to the door. Before he opens it, he stops to hug me.

"You're a good man, Gus, and I can't wait to call you my son-in-law."

I walk towards the kitchen, hoping that I'd find Marybeth there.

"Mrs. Shank, I've got to get back home. Thank you."

"Oh, Gustavo. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine. Thanks."

We share a nice hug to end our good byes.

"Say 'Hi' to Meagan for me."

"I sure will. I'll see you soon."

"Bye."

I walk out of the house, and towards my rental car. When I slide into the drivers' seat, and put my seat belt on, I let out a huge sigh of relief before I put the key into the ignition.

Marybeth happens to catch Mike walking out of his office.

"Mike, is everything okay? What was that all about?"

"Honey, how would you like if Gustavo became our son-in-law?"

"What?!"

Marybeth happened to look outside to see Gustavo backing up out of the driveway, and she waved good bye to him, with tears in her eyes.

"He asked for my permission, Honey."

"Oh. My. God. Our little girl..."

"... Is growing up."