Sally got up and threw on her robe. Lightning watched her from the bed. Sally started re thinking all this as she did.. Oh my gosh Sally.. You just slept with this guy again... Why are you making it so easy for him!?...Lightning noticed she seemed a little miffed suddenly and asked "Hey? You okay?" Sally stared at him "What? Me? yeah ofcorse?" she smiled. Lightning nodded then sat up and grabbed his clothes and began getting dressed. Sally played with her fingers and nervously asked "Um.. How?.. How many women have you been with?.." Lightning stared at Sally and thought a moment before chuckling "Why does it matter?" Sally corrected herslef "I mean how many women have you?.. Slept with?.." Lightning just chuckled and shook his head like it was a joke. Sally crossed her arms and her brows lowered. Lightning raised a brow, "Oh?.. You're serious?.." he asked. Sally sighed replying "I guess what I'm getting at is.. Is asking if.. If you have always used protection and are?.. Clean?.. No... STDs?.." She asked awkwardly. Lightning's eyes widned as he stood up and finished dressing. He walked closer to Sally answering "I assure you I am on the all clear." Sally smiled and let out a sigh of relief.
Lightning grabbed his wallet and keys and asked "What about you?" Sally brushed her hair behind her ear and nodded answering "I'm std free. I took an oath and wouldn't lie about that." Lightning snickered some but smiled. "How about breakfast in the morning?" he offered. Sally nodded "Breakfast would be nice." Lightning walked up close, right up in front of her. Sally took one of his hands with her soft gentle hands and added "Thank you.. For coming back..." Lightning smiled then kissed her lips softly. When their lips parted the two smiled cute to each other. Sally turned and grabbed a key. "Here. Cone number one." Lightning took them and thanked her. Before he completely disappeared for the night he said "Goodnight Sally." "Goodnight." She replied and watched him leave across the parking lot by foot. Sally shut the door and leaned on it woth her back, letting out a deep breath. She smiled. She felt that butterfly in the stomach feeling. She was back in the game after the divorce made her feel hopless. Lightning made her feel alive...
BREAKFAST...
Lightning began walking over to Sally's cone but saw her there in the motel office. He went inside greeting "Morning" with that white smile. Sally smiled "Good morning." Lightning walked over and sat ln her desk, leaving close to her he asked "Sleep well?" Sally kinda glared and gently pushed him off the desk answering "Yes, thank you. Ready for breakfast?" she asked. Lightning stood there about to answer when his phone rang. He took it out and glanced at it making this disappointing face. "I gotta take this.. It's my agent.." Sally nodded motioning "Oh go ahead!" happily. If there was one thing she understood it was work calls. Lightning stepped back a few steps and answered "Hey Harv!"
Kid where are you? Mack called me this morning saying you actually willingly went back to the town?
"Yeah. I know you wanted me to come up for a week but I had to.. Finish things up here."
Vacation is over kid? You need to get your but back here pronto!
"Harv I hear you. I do. But I can't."
Ahahahhaha Oh you slay me with these jokes! Alright, I didn't want to say anything until you were up here, but... I got you on the late night show. Can you believe it!
"Isn't that in New York?"
Yes! Exactly! So I need your but back here so we can meet up and fly there together!
"Right.."
Mack also told me there's a girl? Come on Lightning, you are better than that. This about getting laid? Because I promise there are tons of new york women who would be down for you! You know what they say about New York women?
"No?"
Uh.. Me either. How about I call you back in a few hours and you think about this, while I get Mack directions back to radiation stings.
"Radiator Springs."
Yea, yeah, Think about it.
He hung up. Lightning sighed. That was a really big thing but.. He looked at Sally. Sally stared and asked "Do you have to leave?.." "No?, no. Come on. Let's head to the diner." Sally smiled and they walked across the street to the diner together. Lightning held the door open for Sally when.. RING RING.. RING RING.. Sally joked "You sure are popular?" Lightning nodded and explained "I really outa take this... I'm sorry.. you go ahead and I'll be right in." Sally stared a moment but walked in. Lightning stood outside and answered his phone again.
Sally sat at the bar counter and Flo walked up greeting "Hey there child! How was last night?" She raised her brows. Sally blushed answering "It was so great. I needed this." Flo giggled and glanced out at Lightning on the phone. "So what's he like? Is he a selfish lover?.. A giver?.. Rough?" Sally shook her head answering "Well.. I don't know how to explain it Flo. But.. I worry a little?.. I've never dated a celebrity?.. Seems unrealistic?" Flo nodded. Then Lightning came back in and explained "Sorry that was my publisher.. Anyways! Now we can have breakfast together." he smiled. Flo greeted "Hey there Lightnin. It's good to see you. Why don't y'all pick a table and I'll be out with coffee and?.." She stared at Lightning. Lightning answered "Coffee is fine." Flo nidded once and disappeared. Sally and Lightning sat down at a table. Across from each other. It was quiet but Lightning leaned and whispered asking "Now that we're dating? I'd like to know the story of that little tattoo?" Sally blushed and replied "Nope. That can be later on in the relationship." Lightning sighed then asked "So.. I hope you'll answer this one for me?.. How long were you married?" Sally sighed and answered "I don't know?.. A few years?.. I was in law school when I got married and graduated. Actually Ben got me my job.." She frowned. Lightning raised a brow "Ben? Well At least I know his name. That's a boring name?" Sally giggled saying "Ohho.. Who names their son Lightning!?" Lightning chuckled and nodded. Flo brought some coffee then asked "Usual Sally?" Sally opened her mouth to answer but RING RING.. RING RING.. Flo and Sally stared at Lightning who sighed and glanced at the phone explaining "I really am sorry..Be right back.." He stepped outside again. Sally sighed. Flo sat down where Lightning was sitting and asked "Who is he mr busy with?" Sally shrugged answering "An agent, publisher... Who knows?.. But I can't complain? I remember how it was when I worked in California?" Flo snickered "Oh we all remember how glued to your phone you were when you first moved here to." Sally stared and watched Lightning outside on the phone.
Lightning walked back up to the table and sat down immediately apologizing "I am sorry.. That was Harv again.." Sally's eyes widened "Seems like he really needs you?" Lightning shrugged "He can live without me a few more days." Sally joked "Good thing you didn't have that phone the first time you showed up." Lightning chuckled agreeing "Oh yeah, I would of been out of here in ten seconds flat." Sally kinda stared. An odd stare. Lightning cleared his throat and asked "So LA huh? Did..Um.." Sally raised a brow then asked "You're not good at this part are you?" Lightning didn't understand and asked "What do you mean?" Sally laughed "Dating?! I'm guessing you don't really date much do you?" Lightning shrugged answering "Well?.. It's not my profession?" Sally shook her head and asked "When's the last time you dated a woman?" Lightning stared silently a moment. Sally quickly explained before he had the chance to answer arrogantly "And I mean took a woman out, multiple times without sex being on the table?" "Well it wasn't on the table." He joked which got a glare out of Sally. Lightning had to think a moment before answering honestly "I guess?.. Probably before my career.. Once I really started racing for a sponsor I just got?.. Consumed?" Sally nodded. Satisfied she got an answer. Flo brought out plates of breakfast saying "You were on the phone so Sally ordered for you." Then stepped away. Lightning was fine with that, even thanked Sally. The two ate a few bites but not long before RING RING.. RING RING.. Lightning sighed and glanced at it. This time it was Rusteze. He looked at Sally with this look. Like I am sorry, please don't be mad. Sally read it and spoke up "Go ahead. It's okay." Lightning smiled and stepped outside again. Sally sighed. Dating a celebrity would be interesting...
Lightning answered "Hey guys!"
It's just me kid, Rusty. Dusty is down with the flu I fear.
"Oh.. Hope he gets better.."
Yeah, me to. Poor old clunker. So, you know you gotta get re registered for the coming season and that means a team.
"Yea I know.." Lightning rolled his eyes. He bated working with teams.
So Dusty and I had a brilliant idea! Where did you find that team you brought with you to the cup?
"Well actually.. I'm with them now.." He said this hoping that Rusty wouldn't be mad.
Are you? That's great! Perfect! Well we thought why not ask them!? Seemed like you worked perfectly with them! Plus that little guy!? Wow! Fastest pit stop ever!
Lightning chuckled a little.
What do ya think!? The fabulous HUDSON Hornet as your crew chief!? Woo! I tell ya kid! Never have I ever saw two people work so well together!
Lightning smiled thinking about that. If Doc would say yes.
"I love it! I think we should do it!"
Great! You talk to them all and see who is on board. Tell them it's a real job and they get paid like any other crew. I'll call back and hope you tell us the good news kid.
"Will do Rusty. Thank you."
Anything for you kid!..
Lightning came back in with a smile on his face. Sally raised a brow asking "Good news?" Lightning nodded explaining "Actually yes. My sponsor wants me to ask the townfolk if they would like to work as my crew for the season." Sally's eyed widened. "Wow? Really?" Lightning nodded. Sally was surprised but felt the need to explain "Um.. That sounds great but? Not to be a downer but? These people have lives here? Luige and Guido own the tire shop? Ramone and Flo?.. Doc is the judge and the doctor? Seems kinda impossible?" Lightning shrugged replying "Well the pay is better. Money can make people change their minds." Sally's jaw dropped and she snapped "Excuse me? Not everyone just wants money McQueen?" The fact that she called him by his sir name made him realize he was in trouble. Sally only continued "These people have lives here? You can't expect them to drop eveything for you?" Lightning stared and really just was in shock she was arguing with him over this. "Listen babe? I didn't mean that like that? It's just?.. Money has a way of?.. Changing people." Sally glared at Lightning a little but nodded muttering "I guess it does.." Lightning snickered saying "You wouldn't understand growing up like you did." Sally could not believe that one but held her tongue. They then continued to eat. Lightning's phone rang again. Sally stared at him. Lightning sighed and glanced at it. "I'm sorry.. It's Harv again.." Sally didn't say anything this time. Lightning kinda knew he shouldn't take this but he really needed to. "I am so sorry.. I'll make it quick." He stepped out again. Sally shook her head and wasn't sure if they could ever get along as anything other than sex at this point..
Breakfast ended. Lightning needed to talk to Doc first. If he wanted anyone for his team it was him first. So Lightning walked into the clinic where Doc was filling out paperwork in the main lobby. "Hey Doc." Lightning greeted. Doc looked at the kid and greeted "Hey hot rod. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked. Lightning sat next to him explaining "Well. Thank you. Again. For helping me out at the race." Doc nodded and adjusted his glasses and continued his paperwork. Lightning took a deep breath then asked "What about doing that full time?.. Be my crew chief?.." Doc paused and took off his glasses and looked at the kid. "I'm a doctor. Not a coach Lightnin." Lightning frowned and tried to convince the old racer. "Oh come on. I saw that spark in you? You loved being up there! It felt good didn't it?" Doc just stared at the kid. "The truth is I need you.." Lightning admitted. Doc snickered "You need a crew. If you think I'm gonna sympathize with you over one race your wrong but.." Doc stared at the kid and his begging eyes and sighed "I'll think about it." He muttered and put his glasses back on. Lightning smiled a cocky smile and replied "I knew it.. You're gonna say yes. I'll talk to you later. Gotta ask the others." Doc watched Lightning take off. He sighed and did think about it.
Lightning made his way to Luige and Guido next, and ofcorse they were thrilled! They would never pass up the chance to become real crew members at pit stop! Then Lightning went to Ramone. Who gladly accepted under the conditions that Lightning's paint jobs come from Ramones strictly from here on out. Next was Sheriff who did have to decline. At least for now. And Lightning stared at the tow truck drivers lot. Maybe. He decided not to ask Mater quite yet. Then sarge, who gladly accepted easily, as did Filmore. So he had a crew. Just needed a coach.
Lightning returned to his cone but saw Sally in the office of her motel and decided to stop by and check in on her. He knocked before entering. "Hey." he greeted with a smile. But she did not look pleased. "What's wrong?" Sally stared at him and was thinking. This guy really didn't think he did anything wrong. Suddenly his phone rang again. He sighed. Sally glared asking "Aren't you going to get that?" Her tone stung. Lightning glanced at it. Rusty. He really did need to answer but silenced the device answering "No. What's wrong?" Sally sighed admitting "I just?.. You can't talk to me like you did at the diner? What exactly did you even mean? The way I grew up?" She stood up defensively. Lightning shrugged answering "Well?.. you know?.." He stuttered. Sally cocked her head saying "No, I don't know?" Lightning bit his lips a little before answering "Okay?.. I Just meant that you?.. You grew up with money? You wouldn't know what it's like to have to wor.." As he said that he stopped correcting himself "I mean to have to live pay check to pay check?.." He sounded unsure. Sally's brows lowered as she snarled "Right. Cause I grew up under a three story home, daddy's money and with a servant at the snap of my fingers!? I live here!? Open your eyes!? There are no customers! How do you think I live? Off my divorce money!?" Lightning stood there not sure what to say. Sally shook her head and sat back down. "We come from very different backgrounds Lightning.. Just.. Don't talk to me like that.. Okay?" She asked. Lightning nodded but was a little unsure of what he did wrong still. "Um.. I'm gonna go see Mater and Doc.. I'll see you later." Lightning said and left.
On his way he called Rusty back.
Hey kid!? Hope you got good news!?
"I got the crew. I still gotta talk to Doc or uh the hornet. But I'm pretty sure he's on board to."
Great! Oh! Did Harv or Wilfred talk to you?
"About the show in New York?..Yeah.."
It's great right! We thought we would meet you there. As long as Dusty isn't sick.
"Yeah.. I just.. Actually.. Can I bring someone along?"
Ofcourse! The hudson hornet would make a great appearance there!
"Yeah actually um.. I meant a woman."
Oh?.. Oh well sure. Sure. See if you can get them both. Who is she?
"Uh well.. My girlfriend.. I think.."
Ooh you sly dog. Alright why not. Can't wait to meet her. I'll talk to Harv and get tickets arranged. I'm sure we can figure rooms out too.
"Thanks so much Rusty."
Ofcorse...
Mater and Lightning were taking a drive up to Wheel well. Mater had the fun idea of fishing. Although Lightning had no clue what that meant yet. They were riding in Maters old truck together. Mater, driving asked "Are you back for good this time bud?" Lightning shook his head explaining "No I gotta race. Plus i have a bunch of other stuff with Harv and my publisher and the sponsors Mater. Just for a few days." Mater frowned "But.. You'll be back again right?" Lightning smiled "Oh yeah.I plan on moving here. Just gotta get things settled." Mater nodded "Shoot we cna be neighbors!" Lightning chuckled at the thought. They drove across the bridge. Lightning asked "Hey what all do you know about Sally?" Mater smiled answering "That she's the town attorney, the pertiest girl in town and obsessed with cones. I mean that." Lightning chuckled but asked further "What do you know about Ben?" Mater shrugged answering "Well that? She was married to the feller. He was a nice guy. Real smart and edumacated." Lightning raised a brow asking "You met him?" Mater nodded "Mmhmm. We all have. He was a nice feller." "He never hurt Sally?" Lightning asked. Mater shook his head answering "No? Not that I knowd of?" Lightning nodded. Mater pulled up and parked his truck next to the ledge Rear and tail facing the view of Radiator Springs. The two got out and Lightning immediately became confused. "Wait I thought you said you wanted to go fishing?" Mater nodded and loosened the tow cable saying "You just watch this right here." Mater swung it around and Lightning ducked. Watching Mater toss the cable down off the ledge. They stared and geard a pop. Then Mater wheeled it back up slowly. After a few minutes it came back up holding an empty bucket that had rusted holes in it.
Lightning stared confused. "Wait this is what you meant by fishing?" Mater nodded amd tossed the bucket in the truck then tossed the cable down again. Lightning and Mater watched as it fell down with a pop! Mater began wheeling it back up. Lightning sighed and asked "What is there to actually do around here? Like?.. Where could I take Sally?" Mater raised a brow asking "For what? Like a date?" Lightning nodded. Mater paused and thought a moment before giving a few ideas "Well... There's always cow tipping but? I'm not sure that's Miss Sally's style?.. The movie drive in, the diner, cruise nights sense that's back up and runnin now." Lightning nodded. Mater pulled the cable back up, this time it had a hubcap on it. Mater threw it in the truck too then tossed the cable down again and it made the loud pop again. Lightning and mayer watched as he pulled it back up. This time it had a hood on it and mater became extremely happy shouting "It's my hood! It's my hood! Boy I ain't seen this thing in twenty years! Help me put it on!" He asked. Lightning happily helped Mater set the blue teal hood onto the rusted truck. It didn't exactly fit. It was bent out of shape... Kinda like the tow truck itself.. "It fits perfectly!" Mater exclaimed. Lightning shrugged. "I need to talk to Doc. Probably should get back." Mater agreed. The two packed up and headed back to town. As they pulled out, Mater hit a stone that bounced the truck and the hood fell off to the side and clunked striaght back down the cliff side! Mater and Lightning got out and stared down the canyon at the shuny metal bouncing from rock to rock til it silently disappeared.. Lightning glanced at Mater who frowned and muttered "Awe dang..."