To my fans, this is to fix what problem that's been tugging at my brain for days. xD

Three is a Crowd
Chapter One/Prologue

"Stickers?"

"Yeah?"

"Marlene's coming over tomorrow for your interview."

Radiator Springs' youngest couple were nestled into the couch of their so-called home, located on the second floor of Lightning McQueen's HQ. The first floor occupied most of Lightning's workspace and displays. It was nighttime, just after ten in the evening, and the two had gone home to rest.

"Yeah," the racer said, pressing his face to Sally Carrera's hair. "What about?"

The town lawyer, owner of Cozy Cone Motel and co-owner of Wheel Well Motel sighed. "Nothing."

"Are you jealous I might reveal secrets to her?" he put in slightly.

"No," she replied.

"Still jealous I might do something with her?" he put in.

"No," she replied in a much flatter tone.

Ever since Lightning spent his days with a special journalist, who was his best friend-girl from his childhood years, Sally had been slightly jealous when she visits the town on mini-vacations. But this time, Marlene had scheduled a two-week stay at the Cozy Cone, reserving Room 11 for a few days now.

"Well, there's nothing about her that will make my heart leave you," he told her, and he pressed his lips to hers.

The next morning, an unusual sight for visitors, but a very common one for the residents, had arrived: a typically rare dark silver Audi R8. There wasn't many at the time, and it was quite rare to see in the US.

The second all-wheel drive sports car to be bestowed to the world by Audi, the first being the TT, turned to park into the private garage reserved for invited friends and for private purposes. Lightning and Sally went out to greet their friend, and they exchanged hugs and kisses respectively.

"Hey guys," Marlene called. "Thanks so much for doing this again, Lightning."

"No problem, 'Lene," he replied, patting her back. "Did you want me to get your stuff for you?"

"I'm not helpless, amico mio," she replied as she snatched up her laptop bag and her suitcases from the front of the R8. "But you can have the laptop bag."

He took the shoulder bag from her, and she and the couple walked back to the motel. "So, what did I do now to deserve such a welcoming committee?" she asked.

"Nothing, just…wanted to welcome you, that's all," Sally replied. "Can't I do that?"

"Ehh…you usually have work to do," Marlene put in.

"Is that a compliment or what?"

"Nothing; just sayin'," Marlene replied.

Sally handed the key to Marlene's room. "Room Eleven."

"Thanks Sally; I really appreciate this." She kissed her friend's cheeks enthusiastically.

Sally only chuckled. "Yeah, your'e welcome," she replied, and pat the journalist on the back. "Why don't you get settled before having breakfast?"

"Oh, good, thanks," she replied. "I'll take that," she told Lightning, "and you can enjoy the morning with her."

"Oh, I can—" But a glare from her silenced the racer. "Alright."

Marlene smiled at both of them, and waved good-by as she headed for the elevators.

"At least she was gracious," Sally commented, hugging Lightning's arm tightly.

"She always has been," he replied, kissing her hair.

It was roughly ten minutes when Marlene dropped by Flo's. She found sally and Lightning in a secluded corner. She moved to them and asked if she could stay.

"'Lene?" Lightning asked.

"Yes?"

"Ever heard of 'three is a crowd'?" he asked sweetly.

"Ah, ohhh." She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry." She moved away to the counter.

"Crap," Sally hissed.

"What?"

"I hate it when people do that," she growled.

"Well, we're alone now," Lightning snarled, soft and sexy.

She giggled. "Oh, you~"

"Alright, that's a wrap," Marlene said, and she capped her pen. "Thanks for this, Lightning."

"Anytime," he replied, and they left the hotel room for a much-needed break.

It was just a few days after Marlene had arrived. The plan was to first settle, then get down to business.

"So, how did it go?" Sally called.

"Tiring," Lightning said as he plopped into the seat beside her on the couch, his arm coming around Sally. He and Marlene had split on their way out of the lobby.

Sally grinned. "Nothing happened?"

"Nothing happened," he reassured her smilingly, and she pressed her lips to his.

"I love you," Sally said as she snuggled against his warmth.

He pulled her closer. "I love you too," he whispered, and feverishly pressed his lips back to hers.

The phone rang suddenly, and Lightning groaned as Sally pulled away from him. Half-dazed, she answered the phone.

"Hello?" she spoke.

Lightning only sat back, watching as he dreamed of the heinous things they could do tonight. He listened mildly.

"Yes, this is Sally…Francesco?"

The name struck Lightning flat in the face. Why was Francesco calling, and why to Lightning's home?

"Oh. Angel wasn't too happy, was she?" She chuckled. "No, I think the room is available. …I'll tell her now. …'Bye." She pressed on the close-call button, and dialed again.

"Why was he calling?" Lightning asked grumpily.

"He claims he wants to visit," she said, and Angel, the receptionist at the Cozy Cone, picked up. "Hey, Angel? I heard you spoke with Francesco. …No, I don't care about that. I just called to tell you he wants to reserve Room 12. …yeah, right in front of Marlene's. That's right. Well, someone could ask for it before we know it!" she called. "Sorry. Alright, thanks. 'Bye." She closed the call again, and put down the phone. "So, where were we?" she said as she slumped back onto the couch, and smiled at him.

"I think we stopped right around here," he murmured, and he pressed his lips to hers once more.

I know it's short, but it's what I could come up with, hehe~ xD