As everyone got off the plane, Lightning pulled Cruz aside into a hallway near the restrooms. Cruz griped snapping "Hey! What is that for" Lightning sighed and stared at her answering and admitting "I shouldn't have acted the way I did on the plane. I'm sorry." He apologized. Cruz just stared a little confused. "That was really inappropriate." he added. Cruz didn't mind. Part of her wanted that. Part of her wanted Lightning like that again. "We can still have drinks or grab a bite just.. As friends. Strictly. It's a bad idea for us to get involved again." Lightning explained. Cruz nodded replying "Yeah.. You're probably right. Um..Besides, it would be aweful for the image we are creating for you. I get it. I'm sorry too."

Lightning smiled so warmly and invitingly. "Thank you." He said softly. "Thank you for understanding Cruz." Cruz nodded. Lightning sighed and glanced over at Luige and Guido who were looking around. Probably looking for him and Cruz truthfully. Cruz cleared her throat grabbing Lightning's attention then asked "Do you think you'll get her back?" Lightning sighed and had to think a moment.. Sally.. Oh how he wanted her back. He stared at Cruz answering "I want to. But..." He paused with a frown. "She's getting married.. Which means... I need to stop. I need... To respect her decision. She wouldn't marry him if she didn't love him." That hurt to say. "Well.. I am kind of tired actually.. Think I'm gonna just head to a hotel and have a nice bath and meditate." Cruz replied. "I'll see you back in Radiator Springs Lightning.". Then she walked away. Lightning was just glad that he and Cruz were being professional and becoming good friends rather than into a sexual relationship again.

Lightning sat in his hotel room bed. Restless. He couldn't get to sleep. He glanced at his phone and sighed. He pulled up Sally's name. Staring. He wanted to talk to her. Just hear her sweet voice. But.. She wasn't his anymore. What would he even say? The kids! Text her about the kids and see if she answers.

Sally and Francesco were asleep in bed, or resting at the very least. Sally's phone buzzed and she heard it but was tired. She sighed and rolled over checking it.

Lightning

Did the kids ask why I didn't come this weekend?

Sally rubbed her eyes then yawned.

Sally

No.

Lightning sighed. That was short. And hey? Seriously? The kids didn't ask at all?

Lightning

How are you doing? Wedding is close.

Sally stared a moment. Why was Lightning texting her now?

Sally

We can talk next time I see you. I am trying to sleep.

Lightning was going to leave it at that but instead,

Lightning

I want to talk now. Can I call?

Sally read that and frowned a little. She glanced over at Francesco who was asleep. So.. She went into the bathroom as she replied.

Sally

Sure, you can call.

Lightning was somewhat surprised. But happily called her up. Sally quietly snuck into the bathroom to answer

"Hey."

Hey.

"Um.. It's late. Is everything okay Lightning?"

Well.. Yes. Technically... Just wanted to chat. We rarely just chat anymore.

"It's late. I was trying to sleep.,"

Sorry. I'll be home tomorrow. Think you might grab the kids and join me for lunch? I missed them. Would love to see them.

"I don't think we should be doing lunch right now. Francesco uh.. He's a little.. um.. I can't think of the word for it.. You having feelings for me, scares him. Which is ridiculous."

Oh..

"Maybe after the wedding though."

Sure, yeah. Well, I still want to see the kids. How about instead of dropping them off at daycare, you bring them to the academy? I'll bring them back to you when you get off work?

Sally sighed "I don't know. Ece's therapist said to keep structure and we just introduced her to the idea of Francesco being .. around.."

Wait? Ece is in therapy? When was this and why?! There's nothing wrong with her? What do you mean by Francesco being around?

"Speech therapy. The daycare provides it Light."

Ece is perfect! She doesn't need therapy. And why wasn't I told anything to begin with? You need both parents to decide that and give any therapist permission to treat her!?

"Oh geez Lightning... Ece has had problems talking. You know this. You also know that I was and am a dam good lawyer and know how to get around things like that. You were busy. You were working hard and traveling and I had to step up and be both of us for her!"

Fine. Whatever. What did you mean by we? We like you and Francesco?

She sighed "Yes. Francesco is part of her life. All of their lives Lightning..."

That does NOT give him any right to parent MY children! Fuck yes I was busy and working! At least I have a job unlike that green card begging freak!

"Oh my gosh.. Yes it does. He will be their step father, Lightning!"

It got quiet a moment. Then a knock on the door and Francesco asked "Eh.. Are you alright Sally?"

Oh my god? Is he there!? Wait?.. Did he move in with you!? That's real structure there Sal!

Lightning yelled furiously.

"Okay... Lightning.. It was nice chatting, but I'm gonna go."

Sally wait..

"What!?"

I'm sorry.. Please. It's just hard for me okay? This is new. Like you said... This is a new challenge and I need to be open and let myself grow.. Our.. Family grow..

Sally was very surprised by his maturity here. Francesco walked in staring at her on the phone. Giving her a look that said, what's going on? Sally put Lightning on speaker phone as he continued so Francesco could hear too.

I'm glad your happy. I'm sorry that I keep stepping in and frustrating you. I just.. It's really hard to see you and... m-our kids.. It's just hard for me to let Francesco into my family okay? I get it, I know I have to, but.. It's really, really uncomfortable.. You two dating is one thing but getting married?.. He's really permanent. And.. You know, I'm just glad that he is.. Taking care of you and you're happy.

Francesco sighed staring at Sally. Sally turned off speaker phone replying

"Thank you Light. Now, I'm going back to bed. Goodnight."

She didn't even let him reply to that. She just hung up. Lightning sighed sitting there alone. Part of him wanted to run to Cruz and use her to take his mind off things but.. He didn't even have the energy.. And even if he did, he couldn't. Cruz was off limits. He had to keep it professional and draw a line with her. So he lay down and decided to try and get some sleep for the night...

Sally let the kids run their rooms at the daycare. Cleo was there. Sally glared at her seeing her handing out fliers. Sally approached her asking "What's that?" Cleo handed Sally one to glance over as she answered "An auction fund raiser. All the money that's made is going straight into a park for families. Radiator Springs only has the small play ground. Think we could use a larger one and it would create jobs. Figured a lot of the younger people like Lightning's students might be able to work their." Sally was actually impressed. "Wow.. That's.. Actually a great idea Cleo. But as mayor, you should have ran it by me first." Sally admitted. Cleo smiled replying "Well.. It's benefitting the town.. Didn't think you would mind? But thank you for the compliment." Sally glanced over and asked "Wait a minute?.. What kind of auction is this?" Cleo handed one out to someone else answering "Bachelor slash bachelorette auction." Sally's eyes widened asking "You're selling people!?"

"Relax darlin.. I'm selling dates. And the singles going up for auction aren't forced or anything. It's for fun!" Cleo exclaimed with enthusiasm. Sally glared a bit and rolled her eyes. How stupid. "Well.. Good luck with that. You'd need some celebrity to even get anyone to come and buy anything or anyone." Sally snarled. Cleo crossed her arms, raised a brow and asked "You mean a public figure like?.. Lightning?" Sally just stared a moment at this woman. Oh! Sally wanted to SLAP her, choke her, throw her in jail and throw the key in the ocean! Run her over with a truck.. The list went on.

"Lightning will never agree to that." Sally griped. Cleo giggled taunting and snapped quietly "I think he will.. Seeing as he is trying to grab attention?" Sally frowned a bit. But Cleo was right. Lightning was looking for attention. And this would be a way to grab it. Sally stepped into Cleo's face and threatened "Not if I have anything to say about it.." Then left for work. Annoyed and pissed. The thought of someome bidding and buying a date with Lightning. Cleo had to be doing that just to get on her nerves! Today was going to be an awful day! Sally was already extremely busy. Between her duties as the town's mayor and planning her wedding that was to happen in just a few short weeks. And now.. This added stress...

Francesco was in line at the cafe to pay for his drink. Flo walked up and asked "Can you cook?" Francesco raised a brow and answered "Depends.." Flo glared explaining "My chef is quitting. One week. If you want something to do besides lounge around come back here then." She left. Francesco rolled his eyes. He did want a job to do something. But from professional formula one driver to cafe chef? No thanks. Francesco paid and walked outside and saw the bright green Lamborghini that stuck out. "That looks like?" he began ti mutter but stopped as a young man, Mateo, walked up to the car and got in. Oh no. "No.. No,no,no." Francesco mumbled aloud before stomping over and tapping the driver window frantically!

Mateo rolled down his window and greeted with a charming smile "Hello Francesco." Francesco was furious and snapped at his younger brother "What are you doing here!? Your dad had died so you have no reason!" Mateo shook his head and stepped out the Lamborghini to explain his intentions "Remember how you ruined my wedding? I'm here to ruin yours." Francesco stared. Crap.. His brother wanted revenge. Francesco pulled Mateo close and whispered "This is not your place.. You must leave." Mateo yanked his arm away and was hurt. He was angry and yelled "No! What you did to Cruz and to me!? You're going to pay!" Francesco motioned for Mateo to shoosh scolding "Okay, okay.. Someone is going to hear you.." Mateo raised a brow and slowly smiled "They don't know? Sally doesn't know what you did?" Francesco didn't answer, but his face said it all. Mateo snickered and nodded. Giving his older brother a good and threatening glare before taking his drink and getting into the sports car, burning out and leaving. For now.

Francesco coughed from the smoke. It faded and he knew.. If Sally knew what he technically tried to do.. She wouldn't marry him and would be repulsed by him. Lightning wouldn't be his only problem...

Work was close to being done for the day. Sally stared at her gown. It really was a beautiful wedding dress. Simple but beautiful. She still had second thoughts. But all in all, she loved Francesco and could marry him. Seeing the dress was stressing her out about it. It was so close! So, she decided to leave and go pick up the kids and go home early. She could relax and enjoy some time with her babies. So Sally pulled up to the school and walked in.. She immediately became panic.. Where were her kids!? "Colton!" she yelled looking around the kids area. "Landon!?.. Ece..." she froze completely fear struck!

Sally rushed over to one of the supervisors at the front desk asking "Um hey! I'm Sally Carrera, and my kids? I did NOT pick them up but they aren't here?!" The woman at the desk replied in a calming voice "Calm down.. Are you sure they aren't hiding?" Sally became enraged and hit the desk yelling "Don't you think I thought of that!? Check the system!" The women's eyes widened but she did check it and replied "Oh.. Looks like Mr McQueen came and picked them up early." Sally was immediately concerned "He did?" She asked. The woman nodded. Sally became even more furious. How dare Lightning do that behind her back! So, off Sally went to confront the ex and get back the kids!...

"Lightning McQueen!" She screamed as she came into the academy. And yip.. Kids were with him. She walked straight up to Lightning and yelled at him scolding "How dare you! You think you have the right to go take the kids like that without even telling me!? And on MY day!" Lightning tried explaining "Sally I texted you!? I let you know and you never said I couldn't?" "I was at work! I was busy!" "Sucks don't it?" Lightning snapped as he crossed his arms. Sally was confused and muttered "What?.." Lightning sighed answering "Sucks when you are so busy working, you aren't included in kid's decisions." Sally felt sick. Oh she was pissed now! "You did this to get back at me for sending Ece into therapy!?" Lightning immediately yelled back "No! I did this because you have no right to tell me I can't see my kids!"

The kids kind of just stood there watching them fight again at this point. Sally growled back "It's my day!? You get them on weekends! That was the agreement!" "But I work with racers! I am working out of the state most of the time during the weekends now! I will NEVER see them!" he yelled defending himself! Sally was so pissed and it showed "Because you chose racing over me and your family like you always have!" Lightning nodded and calmed down mumbling "Maybe it's time we rethink custody.." Sally's eyes widened. No. She didn't want to do that."Well that's not happening." She snarled rudely and kind of sassy like. Lightning glared and snapped "They are my kids! I don't like them being around Francesco so much anyway!? I should get them on week days instead. Or at least different days!?" Sally shook her head. She was too stubborn.

"Maybe you should just go for full custody while your at it then." she snarled. Lightning sighed snapping "Maybe I will." Sally and Lightning stared at each other a moment. This was getting way to serious. Sally immediately changed her approach, "No.. You're right.. I'm sorry.. I came in here all furious because I panicked. I did not know you texted me about the kids.." She then began admitting "I am just stressed out and I feel so sick, all the time, and that stupid dress keeps staring me in the face constantly! If I take it home though I am going to constantly stare at it and it freaks me out! It freaks me out!? Which is ridiculous because I love Francesco and he is such a great guy and then I screamed your name!? Yours! Instead of his right near the end there and oh my god his face!? He is so hurt by it and now I have to run against Cleo De Frank for mayor and she is so perfect! So perfect in every way and her stupid fund raiser was such a great idea, but now I am freaking out because you! You might be sold to who knows who and then no offense but you ate slutty! And you sleep with anything in a skirt!?" Lightning just glanced at the kids a moment but Sally didn't stop there! She was losing it. Again.

She went on about him and Cleo and the wedding and work and the town and she was extremely stressed out and Lightning knew she was just venting because she was obviously on the verge of breaking down again! Lightning then suddenly interrupted her, grabbing her shoulders and looking her right in the eye "Okay! Calm down!... Everything is going to be okay... I am sorry I didn't wait for you to actually answer.. I should have and I admit that.." He sighed. Sally frowned. She was embarrassed. "Sally.. I love you. Anytime you need an ear to listen? I'm here. I don't care if it's two in the morning or even the middle of a race! You need me, I'm yours. Always." he reassured. Sally felt tears in her eyes. She was so embarrassed.

"Mama..." Colton mumbled. Sally sighed and pulled away from Lightning. "I.. um.. " Sally was red and didn't know what to say. Lightning sighed and spoke for her saying "Why don't you guys and I go get some ice cream and then I'll bring you guys home. Give mama time to relax or nap or somethin..." Sally nodded. The kids were thrilled with the idea. So Lightning took them out for a treat while Sally went on home feeling pretty horrible.