Lightning woke up early next to Sally. She was still asleep. She was so beautiful. Especially in the morning. So peaceful. Lightning let out a sigh. Just relaxed as he gazed upon the love of his life. He smiled. He just loved her so. Lightning sat up and quietly walked down to the kitchen to make a batch of coffee. He then grabbed a pan and started making breakfast. He just decided to make Sally breakfast because why not. Sally walked down shortly to the smell. She saw Lightning, still in his boxers, making breakfast. Sally walked up behind him, grabbing his ass and asking "What are you making there sexy?" Lightning snickered as he looked over his shoulder. "Eggs now. I just finished with the pancakes and bacon. You should have a full breakfast for yourself now and then." Sally's hands glided over his hips and to the front if his pelvis where his V-shaped aligned. "Awe.. No sausage?" She asked in a weird tone. Lightning raised a brow and asked "I'm sorry. Did you want sausage?" Sally snickered and explained "Well a certain kind.." Now he understood. "Oh.. OH. Hey, you can have that anytime. And can we not call it a sausage. That is just weird." He admitted. Sally giggled then walked to the table. "Sure. I could always name it." "Please don't." "I could call it ace." "No." "What about Charlie?" "What?" Lightning asked. Sally shrugged and explained "I don't know.. I've always liked that name. Charlie. Sounds like a sensitive man. And it is pretty sensitive." She reminded. Lightning glared at her, replying. "Let's not call it anything..." he then fixed their plates and set hers down on the table along with his. "I'm going to go put some clothes on. You've made me feel weird now." He admitted. Sally grabbed his arm before he could leave and tried apologizing. "No, please don't. I'm sorry. I just like teasing you." Lightning stared at her. She looked up at him, glanced at his manly area then added "And Charlie." Lightning glared then yanked his arm away and walked to the bedroom to put on some clothes. Sally called out "Love you!" "No you don't!" He called back playfully. Sally giggled a bit then replied "Thanks for breakfast Stickers!" ... "Tell Charlie I want to see him after breakfast!" She added. Lightning just yelled back with "No! It's name is not Charlie!" "Okay Charlie." "AAARRRGG!"...
After breakfast, Lightning headed to Ramone's to talk about upgrading and tuning the Bolt. First he had to get permission from the President to use the Bolt. And since Jeff was already using his, Lightning was pretty sure he'd have little to no trouble getting that approved. Lightning put the phone to his ear as it rang... and rang... and rang... and
Hello?
"It's Lightning."
Hey! How are you doing since I last saw you at the winner's circle?
"I'm good."
I saw your announcement. Or whatever you want to call that. So you are racing in the prix now to, huh?
"Yes Sir. That's... Actually why I called. I need your okay to use the Bolt."
Of course you can! You do whatever you need to it. Just make sure it follows my rules in next season. I'd hate to point you at the first race.
"Yeah, totally. Thanks Mr. President Sir."
Anything for my golden boy!
"Ha.. ha... Yeah... Anyways, thanks Sir."
Welcome. I'll be watching. I hope to see you and Jeff come out on top. Good luck and be safe Lightning.
"I will be. We will be."
You still taking those pills? I don't mean to be so intrusive about it.. I'm only curious. For.. Safety reasons.
"I am. They've actually helped a lot. I'm feeling more like me again by the day."
That is so good to hear! Good luck in the races Lightning.
"Thanks, bye."
With that, Lightning headed into Ramone's...
Sense Lightning wasn't using his professional racing crew for this huge race, he needed to train these guys. So everyone met up at Willy's Butte after lunch. Everyone that planned to work as Lightning's put crew that is. Sally happily came along to help organize and jeep time. She had a stop watch around her neck, her clipboard, pen, plenty of list and a well written time sheet. She and Lightning stood in front of the folks. Lightning cleared his throat loudly to grab their attention and shouted "Alright! Everybody line up! Sally is going to keep track of our times and write everyone's job as a crew member down. When she hands you these sheets, study them. You will be responsible for your job, your part. Without you, the entire team fails. Understand?" He asked. Everyone nodded. "Good! I'm depending on you guys. You're my team." He said proudly. So the new team lined up and Lightning began. "Luige, Guido. Naturally you two are on everything tires. Fillmore, fuel. You have to fill me up when I come in. Always make sure we have enough fuel behind the wall. Sarge, you will be my spotter, and coach. I need someone with a good eye who can warn me of any problems on tracks or with the car's stats. Someone who can take charge of the crew behind the wall." Sarge nodded once and said. "It will be my honor." "Besides racing, I'll be on my mechanics, oil, repair and such. You know, the works. But be prepared to help me keep the Bolt in prime condition for the events." "You know it." Sarge replied. Lightning came to Mater and stared. "Mater." He began. Mater saluted Lightning in a stiff like stance. "Mater, I need you to keep Sally company during the races and to be my moral support. Think you can do that buddy?" "Shoot. I can do that with my eyes shut and hitched to my own tow cable." Lightning was worried that Mater might get in the way. He looked back at Sally, but she gave him the thumbs up. So he felt good about this. He had the best team there was on his team. "Alright team! Let's practice a simple pit stop. We've done this before. Been a few years, but I think we still got this." And he truly believed that. Team McQueen could win this!
Lightning parked the Bolt to the side of the track. With help from Sheriff, he set cones around the allowed pit area to give the team the amount of room they would have in the real pits. Set fuel, tires, scanners, all the works of the basic pit stop. Lightning stood by Sally and glanced over at her clipboard. "Alright.. Yeah. Everything looks good. Thanks for helping Babe." He smiled. Sally smiled back. Sheriff walked over and stood next to them. He put the whistle in his mouth and waited for Lightning's signal. "When you hear the whistle, you go, go go!" Lightning instructed then nodded once to Sheriff who blew the whistle. Luige and Guido quickly rushed to change the tires while Filmore barely got the fuel fill to the tank of the car. He could barely hold it well. Lightning's brows lowered as he watched the team stumble over each other. Even Sarge was having trouble explain to them that they needed to have a certain way that they walk out. Luige's air hose was getting under Filmore's feet. Sarge was in Guido's path to the next tire. Lightning sighed and stopped them all. Waving his hands in the air and shouting. "Alright! Stop it, that's enough!.. Look guys.. We have to be better than this. These pit stops won't be like the ones in Nascar. I won't have the seconds I had before. This time I really won't be in the pits unless I absolutely have to." Luige then asked "So why we even need the practice?" "Are you kidding?.." Lightning asked a little rudely. The team looked at each other. Sarge then spoke up with "What McQueen is saying, is that we need organization." They looked at Sally. She shook her head. "Nope, don't look at me like that. I already made sheets and a list. Sarge is in charge of you guys." She reminded. The team looked to Sarge for leadership. Sarge rolled his eyes and began. "Guido, you head around to the front wheels first. That leaves Filmore a clear path with no hoses for re-fueling. That way if and when I'm needed. I'll go right after Guido is done with the closest front tire. Got it? Can we try that?" Everyone nodded. Lightning let out a sigh of releif. "Thanks Sarge." Sarge smiled proudly and nodded. With that, Lightning stepped away and the team tried again. They were all fast and worked well. Alone or one at a time, but now they had to learn to be a little faster and try to work around each other like a real pit crew and they weren't really use to that...
The next day, Lightning was at Ramone's. They were working on the Bolt. Or planning out what exactly to do to it. The hood up, the two stared at the engine. "Can you upgrade it?" Ramone asked. Lightning shook his head, answering. "Not enough time really.. I can drop the trans, put a new one in." "That would be smart." "Alright.. I will need some body changes." "Like what Boss?" "Headlights." "Woah.. Headlights huh? Are they night racing you?" "I have no clue. It's just in the car's requirements." Ramone nodded. "I have a new paint scheme idea to." "No. I want to keep my look." Oh you will. But this is a big event. You are going to need a new look that grabs the attention of those fancy racers." "I guess you're right." "Oh-ho-yeah I am. I already have a design." Ramone exclaimed. Lightning raised a brow. Ramone walked over to his work bench and grabbed out his sketch pad then walked back and handed it to Lightning. Lightning looked at it. It was the Bolt. No wing or spoiler though, new rims and "Flames?" Lightning questioned. Ramone nodded. Lightning smiled and handed Ramone the book back. "I trust you Ramone. You do whatever you want to her." "Oh man. I'll make her look brand new." "Great! I'll get those new parts ordered. For now, we can work on the tune ups." Replied Lightning. So the boys tuned her up. Ramone started with "I think you need to go back to stock a bit, but bring out the vette of the car." "What do you mean?" Lightning asked. Ramone placed his hands on his hips. "Just trust me. Reduce the speed, but the handling will be *muah* And you will need it out there." Lightning was unsure about that, but he did trust Ramone. "Okay. What's first?" Lightning asked. Ramone then went over the list and one by one they messed with the car. Ramone had his list and would tell Lightning what to do. "First let's decrease the rear spring stiffness... Now increase the rear downforce as much as possible. Lookin good man... Decrease the rear damping and the anti bar stiffness." Lightning stared at Ramone and questioned that a bit. Ramone nodded and assured. "Less speed and power will be your friend yo. Alright, now, we should add just a small amount of positive toe. Like point one or two. Not more than that until we test it out. Let's lower rear tire pressure by two or three psi than the front. Good. Now let's test this out.". Lightning got into the Bolt and turned her on. He backed out and took her for a spin. Bring her back to tune the gearing next...
Lightning pulled up into the drive way of their home. He got out the vette just as his phone rang. It was Miranda. "Hello?
Hey there superstar! I am so glad that you decided to race in this world prix! Did you know that your fan base has raised up to about six million now!?
"Wow. That's.. That's a lot."
It is for a Nascar driver. Did you know the average driver in your league only has about two million. I didn't realize you were so famous!
"Um.. Wow, yeah, okay."
Anyways, that's not why I'm calling. I'm calling because I am ordering you a new suit for this competition. Did you want a new look?
"Actually yes. I'll send the car scheme to you. Just make it similar."
Great! I will do. I am also going to go ahead and schedule you a photo shoot for a few magazines in that new suit. I want to show you off superstar!
"Alright."
And I have a hint that I might be able to get you on the tonight show in New York before you leave the states.
"Oh."
Oh? What do you mean oh? This is huge! You are the biggest face in the racing scene here baby! I am going to make sure you come back with so many fans, that you can't breathe without breathing over a fan's shoulder!
"Gee, that.. Sounds nice.."
I know it! No need to thank me. Just doin my job.
"Thanks?.."
Are you questioning me?
"No! No, of course not. It's good, that's great Miranda! I'll send you a sketch of the scheme and talk to you later, bye." He hung up quick. Not trying to be rude, but he was home now and wanted nothing more than to spend a quiet evening with the love of his life...
Lightning walked into the house to find Sally on the phone as she dished up plates. She noticed her boyfriend, smiled at him and waved as she talked on the phone. "Yes Dad. Of course I want to see you for Christmas. Yes, I'd love to come! Oh you know we would, but.. I have to talk to Lightning about it first. Well Lightning is a big part of my life. Do I have any news?" She asked with a strange look. Lightning's eyes widened. Sally noticed his expression to and gave Lightning a weird look for that to. "No.. No, I don't. I mean, I already told you about the race. Of course we will be careful Dad. Okay. Okay, I'll talk with Lightning about it and call you back tomorrow. Okay. Okay Dad. Love you to, bye." Sally hung up and asked her love. "What was that face for?" Lightning shook his head, answering "Nothing. I made no face." Sally glared at him. He did, but whatever. She let it go. "So my Dad wants us to come over for Christmas." She announced. Lightning sighed. "Can we?" He asked. Sally shrugged, answering. "That's why I told him that I'd talk to you about it. To see what you think and if we will have the time." Lightning thought about it for a moment. "I do have to take th Bolt to the docs there in California soon to be shipped out to Japan. We'll be in California anyway at that time. I think we could spare a few days. If you really want to spend time with your Dad." Sally nodded with a smile. "It's my Dad and siblings. I'd love to see them. Sam is bringing her boyfriend this year." "Sam has a boyfriend?" Lightning asked. Sally glared a bit at his tone there. "Yes! And Norman is getting so big. Gosh.. I miss my nephew sometimes. I just can't wait to have one day. Babies are so cute." Lightning snickered saying "I don't know. Maybe one day, but not anytime soon. They are pretty gross honestly." "Hey! You said you want a big family, remember?" "I know, I know. And I do. One day. Just.. Not anytime soon. That would be more of an after racing thing. You know? Like.. Once I retire from the sport and have all the time in the world to actually spend with you and the kids." He explained. Sally just got all warm and fuzzy from the idea. Lightning really thought of her as the mother of his children and nothing could make her feel more loved than that! "Oh Lightning.. That is so sweet. But.. We will be married before that, right?" She pushed it there. I mean, Lightning even felt it. That pushy like warning. Almost as if she were saying, you better marry me. Lightning swallowed nervously before answering "Of course." Sally raised a brow. She really wondered about that. At this point, would he ever ask? Change the subject. "Okay, well anyways." She continued. "I'll call my Dad back tomorrow and let him know that we are making the plans to come down or.. Up? For Christmas." "Great." "Good." Sally replied. The couple stared at each other. It just kind of felt.. Awkward after that weird conversation and the way Sally warned about marriage there...
Next, Ramone and Lightning decided to put new suspension on the Bolt. They got their new trans and put it into the car. Which meant they would need to tune it all over again. This time they also messed with the gearing. Eliminating first pretty much and upping second. They then increased the rest accordingly. This did make the Bolt lose some speed, but it made up for it in the handling and acceleration. As they worked on this, Lightning's phone buzzed. Ramone noticed and announced. "Phone's ringing man." Lightning glanced away from the car and asked "Who is it?" "Someone named... Miranda." "I better answer that. That's my agent." So he walked over and picked up the phone. "Hello."
Hey there superstar. So the suit is done and I'll have it with me in a week.
"Shouldn't I have it?"
Yes, and you'll get it in New York. If I can get that booked for you. I'm still working out some kinks.
"Okay."
Good news though! I want you to do an over the phone interview for RSN tonight. Think you can do that? It will be live, so you will need to be someplace quiet.
"Yeah, I can do that."
Great! So have your phone on you and answer it before that first rings ends at seven, okay?
"You got it."
Great! Have Sally there to, just in case. Can you do that?
"Maybe. I know she is planning on company coming over soon. Not sure when though exactly."
Oh. Well no matter. If you can, great! If not, fine. I get it. She's still not got it through her head that she needs to sacrifice more.
"Excuse me? Sally"-
-Yeah, yeah. I got to go. But don't forget. Tonight at seven!
And she hung up before Lightning could get an other word in. Lightning sighed and set his phone down. Ramone walked over and asked "You doin okay man?" Lightning nodded and vented. "I won't lie. I'm nervous. This is huge for me and.. I've never raced in anything like this. The closest thing I've raced like this would be street races, but.. Not with professionals like Shu Toderoki or Francesco Bernoulli.." Ramone placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder. "I believe you will win." "Thanks Ramone." "So how are you and Sally anyway?" "We're good. Good, just... I don't know. Is it normal that she and Ben.. See each other like they do?" Lightning was just extra nervous. More than usual because of the race. Ramone bobbed his head back and fourth from side to side, answering "I mean.. It works for them, right? To grieve. I've never lost a baby before.. I.. I don't know how I'd react or what way would be best for me to heal, you know?" "Yeah.. I know.. You're right. It was a huge ordeal for Sally. I know she wanted that. I'm just over thinking. That's all." Ramone smiled and agreed. "Oh yeah. Sally loves you man. She ran away from Ben and that life, but I bet she'd chase you down if you ever tried to get away." He joked with a wink. Lightning snickered and rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. Let's just get back to work. We need to get the team out to train again anyway."...
Welcome back race fans! Now, we just got off the phone with racing champion Jeff Gorvette who will be racing in the world's first ever, Grand Prix staring Allinol. The best in alternative fuel! Or so Axelrod claims. Next on call, I have Lightning McQueen. Who made the surprisingly shocking announcement that he to would be racing in the prix! Lightning, how is the weather in Radiator Springs this nice night?
"It's quiet. Just the way I like it before a race."
That's great! I'm stuck listening to the hustle and bustle of city streets. I can't walk a foot without hearing someone's horn honk!
"That's why I prefer the outskirts Bob."
Well if I am ever in the market, I'm coming there than.
"Oh no, no. A big name like you? Might bring to many fans with you Bob."
Me? OH that is rich. You know, I'd think you'd have more fans living in town with you.
"Not as many as you think. I mean fans have tried, but not many people like living in the style of an old, empty, small town."
I would have to get my morning Starbucks.
"Yeah, that's not really out here.."
Well never mind than! I could never live without my Starbucks. Anyways, I did not call you to debate the world's best coffee and real estate. How do you feel about this race coming up? I mean it's a big deal! Especially for racers like you and Jeff. Wouldn't you agree?
"Yea. Yeah, it's a pretty big deal. I'm looking forward to it though. It will be a good experience and will really open my.. My field.." (Why did he say that? face palm moment)
And how about racing Francesco Bernoulli? He is a professional racer who, please don't be offended here, but. He's a little above your pay grade if you know what I'm saying.
"I do and I'm not offended Bob. Francesco will be a great competitor, but I am not afraid of him. he's just another racer and I actually can't wait to race him. It will be fun."
Fun huh? I think Francesco takes racing a little more seriously. There have already been fan based debates about the race and the racers. It seems to come down to you, Francesco and Carla Veloso. Now that woman, wow. I mean.. Must be difficult to concentrate on the track if you know what I mean.
"I.. ( He didn't know who she was exactly) I'm not distracted by things like that easily. I'm sure she's a professional racer and will have many.. Many attributes to bring.." (Again, face palm. He was having trouble thinking of fine words)
I see. Now you hired friends to be on your race team, right?
"That's right."
What about your professional crew? Why not hire them?
"Well they just finished the season and it was a rough one. I feel like they deserve and need the time off. And my friends have always been there for me. They know what they need to do and I trust them. I have no doubt that my team will shine out there."
That is great! It must be nice to have friends like that. I'd barely trust my friends to get my coffee right! And something else the fans are asking, what about Sally? Is she coming along or staying back home?
"She is actually coming along."
Ooohhh
"Yeah, we talked about it and she has decided to come along. I'm glad to. I am honestly so dysfunctional without her."
Oh really? She won't be jealous of Miss Veloso? You don't think you should worry she might fall for the accents huh?
"No, no. Sally and I are doing great. I can't wait to share this experience with her."
Well on that note, I gotta ask for the women out there. Is there maybe a.. Certain question in the near future you plan to ask her?
"That's something I can not say Bob."
Not worried some other handsome, blue-eyed, blonde will steal her away huh?
"Not at all. I can't make any promises about anything, but Sally and I are serious and I love her."
Awe.. That's sweet Lightning. Alright, well thanks for the chat! I'll surely be watching this huge race! Good luck!
"Thanks Bob, see you around."...
Lightning, Sally and Sheriff stood out and watched the team practice. Practice not tripping over each other and making a good time. Sally stopped the timer and showed Lightning. He nodded. Seeming satisfied. "Great! I think we'll try a few more times to beat the time and that will be it for today." He announced. The team all groaned with disappointment. They were all tired and done, but they did as Lightning said and set back up for another round or two when a familiar high dollar car pulled up. Sheriff, Lightning, and Sally turned around to see some skinny, brown-haired man get out. "Ben?" Sally questioned. "BEN!" She exclaimed then ran to him. Jumping at him and hugging him with a smile. Lightning watched it. He didn't like it, but he also felt like he never had a say about it. This was Sally's past, Sally's pain and how she healed and dealt with her grief. He didn't understand it and so he felt he had no room to speak. Especially after what happened with Josie. That was pretty close. So he ignored them. Staring back at the team practicing. Sally and Ben held hands next to his car as they talked. "How have you been?" Sally asked. Ben smiled, answering "Good. Things have been slow at work, but I guess that's a good thing technically." Sally giggled and replied. "I hope it wasn't too inconvenient for you to come down early." "Of course not. I'd do anything for you Sally. You know that. I was a little surprised, but HEY! Congrats on the race Lightning!" Ben shouted and waved down to Lightning. Lightning glanced back and waved, faking a smile. Ben then looked back at Sally and asked "Can I take you to dinner tonight? We can catch up and stuff." "Yeah, sure. I mean I need to make sure with Lightning first, but I know it's fine. I didn't see your name in any of my motels though. Did you not book a room?" She asked. Ben shook his head. Sally quickly offered "You are staying with us. No buts. I insist." Ben sighed with a happy smile. "Okay. I have to say, I am happy to see you." Lightning heard this and growled under his breath "I bet you are..." "What was that Stickers?" Sally asked aloud. Lightning's eyes widened and he answered "Oh. Nothing!.. I.. I just said I.. I'm glad you are!.. Staying with us.." He faked a stupid smile. Ben smiled back, replying "Great! It's settled than!" Lightning sighed and looked away with a glare. "Great.." He muttered. He really didn't want Ben satisfying with them, but he did trust Ben. He just.. Didn't particularly like Ben, that's all...
Sally and Ben sat at the table of Wheel Well. Ben looked around at the beautiful place. "Wow.. I still can't believe that Lightning bought you this. I can't believe how amazing this place looks!" He exclaimed. Sally smiled. She looked stunning to. Even in her work attire of a button up, pencil skirt and heels, hair down and a little wavy. "So how have things been?" Ben asked. Sally shrugged and answered with a smile. "Good. Things are always busy here in Radiator Springs with all the tourist coming through." "Oh I bet. It's a lovely little town. I'm sorry about your friend.. Doc.." He said in a soft tone. Sally frowned a little. That hurt to think about Doc still. It probably would for a while. Ben reached across and took her hands in his. "How are you doing?" He asked. Sally stared across the table into Ben's eyes for a moment. His sweet, brown eyes. Then pulled her hands away and placed them in her lap. "I'm doing well Ben. Things are good here, business is booming, and I'm happy. Even though some.. Unplanned things have happened. Like Doc's passing.. I'm happy." Ben smiled hearing this. It meant a lot to him for Sally to feel happy. "How are things between you and Lightning?" He then asked. The waitress walked over and asked about drinks at this time. Ben answered quickly with "I'll have the house special of champagnes. If that's a thing of course. And let me get two of those, unless.." He paused and looked at Sally. "Can you? Are you? Okay to drink?" he asked. Sally turned pale, answering "What-yes! Yes, I'll have one to." She said as she shewed the waitress away. Ben quickly apologized. "I am so sorry. I didn't know if maybe you.. I mean.." "Do I look pregnant?" Sally asked in shock quietly. Ben shook his head and explained. "No! No, not at all! I just.. You and Lightning have been together for a really long time and you mentioned unplanned things and I overheard Lightning's interview and I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. I am sorry." "Oh. Phew.. Okay. I was a little worried there. Like?.. Am I gaining weight or something?" "No! You? You look great! You've always been petite around the middle and I love it." Ben complimented then turned red! Sally did to though. Ben swallowed nervously and corrected "I mean you are, not that I was looking because I'm not! You have Lightning and he obviously takes care of you. Better than me, better than I ever did and I'm glad. I'm happy for you Sally." He smiled and finally his face went back to a normal color. Sally smiled back. "Thanks Ben." He nodded. The waitress brought the drinks and set the glasses down before pouring the liquid into them. Once she left, Ben proposed a toast. "To happy endings." Sally thought that a little odd, but raised her glass. "Okay. To happy endings." Clinking glasses before sipping. Ben set his down and let her know that "Sally, if anything should ever happen though. To you. No matter what, I'm always here for you. Always, okay?" Sally set her glass down and nodded. "Thanks Ben. But I am happy. I have a good life here, a great boyfriend and never worry for money. I.. I love my life." She exclaimed. Ben was glad to hear it, but part of Ben missed what he had and wanted her back this year more than usual...
Ben and Sally walked into the house. Sally locked the door behind them then asked "is that all you have?" Pointing to the one, small duffel bag that Ben brought inside. Ben nodded. "Yup. I'm only staying for two nights then it's back to California and work. I can't leave my patients for long you know." "You always were a workaholic." Sally scolded. Ben snickered with an eye roll. Sally then walked around him. "This way is the guest room. Come on." She motioned for him to follow. Ben did. They walked down the hall to the guest room. It was so clean. Smelt like fresh lining and citrus. A white bed with a few posters of cars above it. "Guessing Lightning did some decorating." Ben joked. Sally just smiled. "It's always nice to see you Ben." She cooed. Ben smiled back at the beauty in front of him. "Sally.. I.. I should tell you. I've missed you. More than usual lately and"-"Ben. Stop." "But I didn't even finish." "I'm happy." Sally stated. Ben stared at her. Swallowing nervously. Staring at the one he loved, the one he once called his wife. "Yeah.." he mumbled as he stared at the floor. "Thanks for the room." He said. Sally nodded. "Night Ben." "Night.." he whispered back as she walked away. Ben let out a sigh as he walked into the guest room and closed the door. Sally was happy and that made him happy. He was happy for her. To see her doing so well without him, without the city, doing something she loved and loving well. It was very satisfying to see Sally succeed.
Sally walked out to the kitchen to see her boyfriend grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. "Hey Stickers." She greeted with a smile. Before Lightning could even reply, she hugged him tightly. Lightning smiled and kissed the top of her head. "How was dinner?" He asked. Sally looked up at him, answering "It was nice. Thanks for letting me do this every year. I know it's got to be weird on some level." "Nah, not really. I'm sure a lot of women still have dinner with their ex husbands." He joked. Sally giggled a little quietly. "I love you Lightning." "I love you to Sal." He replied. Sally kissed his lips softly with hers. "How was training after I left?" "Good. The team is just about ready. The car should be done after tomorrow. Ramone and I plan on working on it most of the day, so I'll be there all day." "Okay. Tomorrow, Ben and I are going to drive out to the cemetery. So I probably won't be home until late." Lightning sighed then asked "Do you want me to come? I can cancel tomorrow." "No, better not. We are already on a tight schedule since we're going to my Dad's for Christmas to. Leaves us little time here and that means les time for you to finish the Bolt for the race." "Yeah... I suppose you're right. Ben better take care of you." He warned. Sally giggled softly. "He will!" She assured. "He always does, doesn't he?" She asked. Lightning shrugged. Sally hugged her boyfriend. Sort of cuddling there and not a hug. "I miss Doc..." Sally announced quietly. Lightning sighed. Doc. It hurt. It hurt so much to miss him. To not be able to just go see him and talk to him. "Me to.." Lightning mumbled. He was careful not to think about it too much though. Too much thought and he would break into tears. Not tonight, not this week. He needed to get the car finished, the team trained and pack, get everything on order and prepare for these races. There was no time for crying. "I'm tired. You want to head to bed?" He asked his girl. Sally nodded as she cuddled against his body. Lightning kissed her on the head once more before "Come on. Let's go Babe." And taking her hand to guide her along...
I have already decided that I will NOT upload on certain days. This gives me time to write and breaks between. So Wednesdays are usually busy anyway. And weekends are nice to have to write and spend time with family.
I will TRY to upload one chapter on every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. That is it. I will not upload on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday period. Thank you. BTW, I have not read reviews yet, but plan to start so tomorrow night again. Only reason I haven't is because... Well, I'm afraid. If anyone still likes (Me) The story or what I am writing or what's coming, you know I sometimes ask for what you all would like to read about.. I don't know how far to make Fran and Sally go. I have different ideas, but. And then there is L's proposal. idk if anyone even wants to say anything because I'm a terrible person who barely uses the help I'm given. I can't promise anything. I'm sorry I let everyone down so much. I'm sorry. i hope those that are maybe still reading, enjoy..