Everything Has Changed //Ryan Blaney//

0.5 - Number

Sienna

Late that Sunday evening, I got to work putting laundry away. El and I had been home for a couple of hours after leaving the track. Eleanor had a bath and was asleep in her room while I put things away from the trip. The poor thing had worn herself out from the race and was asleep before I even had her dressed in her pajamas. The flag she had received was lying on my dresser while I thought of somewhere I could put it. I wanted to keep it preserved so she could have it when she was older. It was an awesome memory for her to be told about. I doubt she would remember today, but I would hope so.

It wasn't until I was sitting on my bed, folding Eleanor's clothes, that my phone went off. I didn't recognize the number but knew it was from the area. With a little doubt, I answered.

"Hello?" I said, forgetting momentarily about the clothes. My face scrunched up, wondering who was calling me at this time of night.

"Hi, is this a Sienna White?" A male voice came over the other side. I knew I didn't recognize the voice, so I was being a little cautious to answer. 

"Yes, this is. Who may I ask is calling?" Without skipping a beat, the man went into his reason for calling. I let out a sigh of relief, thankful that I answered the call.

"I'm Roger Penske from Team Penske. I know it's a late time to be calling, but I had gotten word that you and your daughter received the checkered flag from my driver, Ryan Blaney, at the race today. To extend another set of gratitude for being a fan, we were wondering if you and your daughter would like to visit the Penske shop here in Mooresville. That is, if you are in the area."

With that one phone call, we had landed ourselves standing in the foyer of the large building, waiting to be greeted by Ryan and Roger. I didn't mind waiting; it was Eleanor who wasn't having any of it.

Little Miss Sassy had been cranky all morning. I believe she was tired since she had been up early again this morning. It was good practice for her since she would start her schooling adventures soon.

"Crazy coincidence." I heard a familiar voice say. Turning my head, I saw Ryan standing there with a smile on his face. He was sporting a black shirt with the Penske logo on it and an old trucker hat. His light denim jeans had his bright red shoes on display.

"Any more of these meetings and I'm gonna have to put you on the Christmas card list." I joked, standing up with Eleanor attached to my hip. He laughed at it and came back with. "I'll be expecting one this year then."

"Hey there, Eleanor. Thanks for the luck yesterday." Ryan spoke to Eleanor. She offered a smile but stayed quiet. "She's a bit grumpy this morning," I told him. His smile faltered just a bit. I was used to her moods since she most likely got them from me, and I was the only one who endured them.

"Ah, well. Let's fix that. Shall we go look around? Roger is meeting up with us later."

After agreeing, Ryan led us down the hallway, stopping only to speak of whose office we were going by. We had passed Roger's office, and he told us once we were in the shop, he'd join us. Walking further down the hallway, Eleanor slides down my hip, wanting to walk and see all of the photos on the walls. Thankfully, she started walking too because she was starting to get heavy.

"This is the trophy case for the drivers of Team Penske. My Charlotte Roval one will go over here next to Brad's Darlington trophy." He showed me the open space they had next to the trophy he said was from Brad.