Lightning sat at Doc's grave. Sitting. Staring at the tombstone. Wondering what big news Rusty and Dusty had for him. "I could use your help, Doc…" he muttered quietly. "I'm so angry.. I'm… I'm just done. I don't have the energy to do anything. I don't know if I can do this… I.. am not as strong as I use to be.." He admitted. "And… This… Thing with Sally… What do I do.. I love her but this is too much… I… I don't want to leave her… But I should not have to raise some guys kid because she wanted to be a god dam whore. I mean, who does that!? I was in a coma! She decides she can move on before I'm even dead!? That's not.. That's not the Sally I thought I knew. I know I've messed up in the past but this is huge. This changes our lives forever!" He snapped! Nothing but the wind replied. Lightning sighed. He shouldn't call Sally a whore. And truly… If he wanted to stay with her, he was going to have to accept this and live with it and see the positive side to this. Was there even a positive side to this?….
Lightning pulled up to the house to find another car there. The familiar Bentley. He sighed. Ben was here. At first. He just felt defeated. But then thinking about what Ben and Sally had done. He became furious!!
Lightning walked into the house, closing the door a bit loudly, but not slamming it. Sally and Ben were sitting on the couch face to face. Talking and drinking coffee. Lightning walked in and looked at them. they looked at him. Ben smiling and greeting, "Hey! Lightning! It's rather good seeing you up about compared to when I last saw you." Obviously by his attitude, Sally hadn't told him yet. Lightning didn't say anything. Just walked off into the kitchen. Ben raised a brow and asked Sally, "What's wrong? Is he alright? Mentally?" Sally nodded answering, "Yeah… Um.. Right.."
Ben then reminded, "You said you had something important you wanted to tell me." Sally stared at him. Her heart pounding. She glanced back to the kitchen. Couldn't see Lightning. She sighed. "Maybe.. It's probably best I tell you another time.." Lightning then walked out the garage door. Slamming it, BAM! Sally and Ben both stared. Ben asking, "What's going on?" Sally's eyes teared up as she answered, "So… Lightning knows.. I told him everything.." Ben's eyes widened as he panicked, "Why would you do that? That guy is going to kill me." "Oh, well.. There's more.." "More?" "I'm.. I'm pregnant." "Oh. Oh?… Wait-it's.. It's mine?" He asked in awe.
Sally nodded. Tears ran down her face. Ben stared. Taking this in and comprehending the situation. "Sally…" He cooed as he pulled her close and hugged her. "I'm sorry.. And.. It's going to be okay…" He assured softly. Sally pushed Ben away and argued, "How? Lightning and I were suppose to be the ones having a family. Not us!" "Or maybe…" He began and gazed into her eyes. Taking her hands in his. "Maybe this is our chance.." Sally stared at Ben. His eyes. He meant it. "Think about it. You tried for so long to have a family with someone else and then in less than a week? We have one? This feels like that means something." He exclaimed softly.
Sally stared. No, it didn't. She pulled her hands away and argued, "It means I made a huge mistake.." That hurt Ben, but he nodded. The next thing he asked was, "Surely you're keeping the baby.. Right?" Sally nodded. Ben smiled warmly, "I'll be here. I'll be there for everything you and our baby need. I promise." Sally hated this. This was suppose to be with Lightning! Not Ben!…..
Ben walked out in the dark of the porch. Glancing back to see Sally shut the door. He sighed. But wow. She was actually pregnant with his child again. But he heard a noise. Metal scraping on asphalt. He looked towards the garage to see Lightning. "McQueen.." Ben muttered. Lightning smiled and swung a metal bat over his shoulder. "Hey there, Ben." Ben saw the bat and became afraid. "Lightning… I.. We can talk about this…" Lightning chuckled saying, "I'm not gonna hurt chya." Walking up to Ben. Ben stared at Lightning. Confused. "I'm sorry." Ben muttered. And truly he did feel a bit bad. He knew Lightning loved Sally. Lightning snickered, "Nah, don't worry about it. She's hot. I get it. This is nothing that can't be fixed, right?"
Ben didn't understand. Lightning then leaned in to Ben and asked, "So what's the plan, Bentwheel? Because I'm here for it." "I.. I guess I'm going to be staying in town.. Just for a while. Make sure the first few months go well…" "Great. I could use someone looking after her. And I know you won't let her get hurt. Right?" Lightning asked as he shoved Ben off the sidewalk into the front yard. Ben stared at Lightning with fear. But he nodded then shook his head. Lightning snickered then walked up to Ben and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, "If you do anything to cause her any sort of pain… Physical or emotional. I'll fucking kill you." "W-what?.." Ben asked nervously.
Lightning shoved Ben on the ground. Staring at him. "This is my town, Ben. That's my wife you fucked. I think you forget that sometimes. I've always been lenient with you for Sally's sake. But now you really got on my bad side. Think you forgot that I'll be in your kid's life. I figure you'll get every other weekend. I'll be fucking raising your kid. Funny, hey you didn't think that through." Then he walked up to his Bentley. Ben watched. Guessing where this was going. "You're a doctor. It's not good to keep your feelings bottled up and in, right?!" He shouted then reared the bat back and CRAM! smashing it right into the the trunk of the Bentley! Ben didn't say anything. Just watched in fear! "Fuck.. That felt good." Lightning said with a smile as he swung the bat up and BAM! Right into the roof of the car! CRACK! into the passenger door! SMASH! Into the back passenger door!
Lightning then turned and walked over to Ben. Ben scooting a bit back with panic! Lightning looking down on him. Ben stared up with wide eyes of pure fear! Lightning saying, "Don't you do anything to that woman to make her cry. Or that car won't be the only thing busted up. When I get back…. She better be happy, healthy, and not persuaded into anything. Waiting for her husband to return. Understand?" Ben just nodded. Lightning glanced back at the banged up car. "Don't you fuck my wife again, Bentwheel." He growled. "I got eyes and ears all over this town. You better not touch her, don't even look at her the wrong way. Don't you even dare think about touching her again." Warning him.
Then kicking Ben in face! Knocking Ben to the ground with a roll before walking towards the house. Ben sat up. Rubbing his face and shouting, "Sally won't stand for this!" Lightning stopped and turned back around. He shook his head and walked up to Ben. Leaning down and warning, "Sure, that's probably true.. But it would upset her. You really want to hurt her? Make her cry? Make her upset like that?" Lightning swinging the bat over his shoulder.
Ben stared. Breathing fast. Ben yelping, "I'll call the cops!" Lightning snickered with, "Go ahead. I personally know the Sheriff." Ben stared directly into Lightning's eyes. Fearful and understood the threat. True, Ben was a good doctor and could get a good lawyer.. But Lightning had the name. He had the money.. He had fans and people on his side that Ben would never have. And right now.. He had Sally. Ben frowned and muttered, "I guess… This argument could upset Sally.." "And?" Lightning asked with a smirk as he stood straight. Ben looked up a moment before answering, "And we don't want her to be upset." "That's a good man.." Lightning growled.
Then he turned around, going inside the house. He stopped at red e door and added, "See you around, Bentwheel." Then headed inside, closing the door behind him. Ben got up. Shaking. Staring at his car. He was so fucked! He had to be careful around Sally or deal with that shit! Lightning was more powerful right now. He had the upper hand. The only way Ben could one up is getting Sally on his side. As the father of her child that was his way in.
Lightning walked in and out the bat in the garage before walking to the bedroom. Sally sitting on the bed and asked, "What was that sound?" Lightning staring at her a moment. Ignoring that question before asking his own, "Do you really want us? Over you and Ben?" Sally yelped, "Yes!" "Alright. Than I'm here. I'm still going to Florida. I need space from this. Some time to clear my head and train.. But I'm coming back to you. I'll be here. I'll be your husband and support this. I don't want to, but I'll do it for you until you tell me other wise.." "Lightning…" "I just.. All I ask is one thing.. Don't string me along, Sal. If you decide you don't want us, you cut me loose. That's all I ask of you." "I promise I won't. Please forgive me.." She whimpered and begged.
Lightning stared a moment. Thinking. Staring. He just growled a "Sure.." Then walked into the bathroom. Closing the door. Sally felt tears roll down her face. He hated her. She could tell how much he hated her. But then again. He wasn't leaving. He still wanted to be her husband and Sally was thankful for that. She would do anything to make it up to him!…
Lightning was packing his suitcase on the bed. Grabbing out clothes and putting them up. He finally packed the last of it and zipped up the suitcase. Grabbing the necklace Chad gave him and putting it on. He held the charm. Staring at it. He sighed. The Bolt was at Ramone's still from its new paint scheme. Lightning could hear the familiar sound of Mack's truck coming up the road to go pick up the bolt. Rusty and Dusty knew the car was not up to racing standards but told Lightning to bring it along anyway. Lightning walked out into the living room. Setting his suitcase by the couch.
He stared at Sally who was sowing up his old jacket. "What are you doing?" He asked. Sally finished up and set down the needle. Holding up the old Rusteze jacket. Then she stood up and held it up. "I thought you might like this one. It's you." Lightning stared at it. It was a few years ago. Just matched one of the many screams of the bolt. "Come on, put it on." She insisted. Holding it up and ready for him to put his arms through. Lightning turned around and slipped his arms in. Adjusted his shoulder and Sally adjusting the collar. He was a bit surprised it fit. Then again, he had lost a lot of weight. He turned around and glanced down at it.
Sally smiled and complimented, "You look good." Lightning stared at her. He smiled a little and thanked her. Sally then hugged him tightly. Crying a little, "I'm going to miss you.." She whimpered. Lightning wrapped his arms around her. Not speaking. Just holding her in his arms. Tears gathering in his eyes. He was leaving her with Ben.. Leaving her while she was pregnant with another man's baby. But he did need the space. He was furious and would probably say or do something he'd regret. "I love you.." Sally murmured, "Please be careful.." "I will.." He assured. Both hugging each other for a few more minutes. Lightning's heart ached! He had to go. Part of him hated her and he was going to need this space to think about some things.
Though determined to stick by her side, he had mixed feelings. His love for her and everything they had become was the only reason he wanted to make this work. If it weren't for the life they built, he'd had left her already. "I gotta go.." He whispered. Sally only hugged him tighter. This hurt. Why did this goodbye hurt so much!? Lightning kissed the top of her head. Sally then looking up at him. Staring into his watery eyes. He smiled a little then cupped her face in his hands and assured, "I'll come back.. We're going to figure this out… I'm still yours.."
Sally smiled. A painful smile. Lightning kissed her lips softly and barely before letting her go and walking around the couch. Grabbing his suitcase. Hesitating out the door. He glanced back at his wife. "Take care of yourself." He said. Then left out the door. Closing it quietly behind him. Sally wiped her eyes. This goodbye hurt so much. Between him just getting back from a coma and her betrayal. This goodbye was hell!…
Lightning walked up to the trailer. Setting his suitcase down. He saw the Bolt was already inside. He walked and took a look. Ramone walking up and asked, "What you think?" Lightning smiled, "Ramone, you have done it again! Per usual." Ramone snickered proudly. Luigi and Guido then walked up and tossed a duffle inside the trailer. Lightning raised a brow and asked, "What are you two doing?" Luigi answering, "We are coming with you." "You two don't have to do that." Guido glared and crossed his arms. Luigi explaining, "You are going to need some of the crew to help. In case anything happens."
Lightning sighed and smiled. Truthfully he was thankful for them. "Thanks guys." He said. Luigi smiling back. Mack then walked up and tossed Lightning's bag in the back and asked, "You ready to go? Well should be in Florida in two days with the route I'm taking." "Really?" Asked Lightning. Mack nodded . Lightning walked out and shut the trailer door. Mack locking it up. Lightning glanced back towards his home. Where Sally was. He sighed. Hating that he was leaving Sally with Ben.. This entire situation made him sick. But.. He looked at the 95 trailer. Smiling. The space would be good. Getting back into racing would be exactly what he needs to destress right now.
Lightning walked around the trailer to see all the town folk and.. Sally. He smiled seeing her. Lizzie shouting, "Kick those rookies in the"-"We all plan to come down to the first race." Announced Sarge. Lightning was glad to hear it. Sally walked up and complimented, "You look good. You look ready." "Thanks, Sal.." Lightning muttered. Then wrapped his arms around her again. Holding her in an embrace that he just didn't want to end. Sally sighed. Kissing the side of his face. Lightning pulled away and walked towards the truck shouting, "Alright! Wish me luck! Bye!" Everyone shouting by. Lightning stepped up into the truck and looked back at Sally once more. Shouting, "Love you!" Sally smiled and shouted back, "Love you more!"
Lightning sighed. A good sigh though. Satisfied with his decision right now. Shutting the door. Mack and the brothers getting in and driving away. Sally stood. Watching until the trailer was barely in the distance. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Ben. She frowned. She kind of wished she didn't stay behind, but Lightning needed space and did not need the stress of looking after her right now….
Mack pulled up into the new Rusteze racing center. Lightning, Luigi and a Guido staring out the windows in awe! It looked amazing! Lightning then noticed all the reporters and flashing cameras. He sighed. Really not wanting to deal with them. He closed his eyes and took a drop breath. They were surrounding the truck and trailer. Lightning frowned a bit. Mack parked the truck and asked, "You okay, kid?" Lightning glanced at his driver and nodded, "Yeah.. Yeah, let's just get inside as quick as we can." Mack nodded in agreement.
Lightning opened the door. And immediately the questioned began! "McQueen! Have you seen the latest record Storm's been setting?" "Have you given any thought to retirement!?" Lightning faked a smile and walked a little ways towards the building. Luigi and Guido jumped out and started to push the cameramen away and mics. Luigi shouting, "Okay! That's enough! No questions!" Lightning frowned a bit. Making his way through. Faking a smile for the cameras and fans. He was use to faking a smile anyway for them. Thankfully fans didn't notice it to much yet. Luigi shouting, "Out of the way!" As they entered the building. Luigi and Guido closed the doors. Luigi asking his brother, "Guido, can you believe them?" Guido with, "Paparazzi." Then spit to the side.
Lightning's eyes widened as he walked up and saw the HUGE 95 statue in bright red! The building was multiple levels. Bright with natural lighting! "Wow…" Lightning mumbled softly. Rusty and Dusty then walked up. One of them saying, "Looks good, doesn't it!?" Lightning turned to them and smiled with excitement! "Hey guys!" Lightning exclaimed as they all met up with each other! Rusty asking, "What do you think?" Lightning speed his arms and exclaimed, "What do I think!? It's unbelievable!" Dusty chuckling, "Yeah, it's kind of a cozy, humble, little place." Lightning then asked, "How did you ever do this!?" Still in shock! Rusty and Dusty glanced at each other before Dusty asked, "You want to tell him or should I tell him?"
Rusty saying, "Awe you start it. Go ahead, go ahead!" Both seemed super excited! Lightning stared with anticipation. Rusty then smiled, cleared his throat and announced, "We sold Rusteze!" Lightning's smile instantly left. His excitement turned to worry. "Wh.. What?" He asked. This meant a new sponsor and new manager. And if Lightning had learned anything, the type of people who bought people out only cared about money. Rusty began to explain, "You think a couple of bro-bronies like us could do this on our own?" They both chuckled.
Lightning shook his head and still was in disbelief, "Wait, you sold Rusteze?" Dusty assuring, "It's all good news. We just realized that.. You needed something that… We couldn't give you. We felt that the time was right for us to, I mean.. We're not as young and handsome as we look." He joked with a laugh. Rusty nodding and agreeing, "Oh that's true." Lightning just had the expression of worry and sadness over him as Dusty continued, "Besides, this Sterling fella, he's got every high tech thing you'll ever need. Everything we wanted to give you, but couldn't." Lightning shook his head again, "Woah, woah, woah, Sterling? Who's Sterling?" He asked.
Then a voice shouted from above, "Lightning McQueen!" Everyone looked up at the silver haired businessman in a silver suit, purple tie. "You made some serious time, partner." The man said then made his way down the stairs. Dusty nudged Lightning and finally answered the racer's question, "Your new sponsor." Lightning didn't like this at all. He crashes, wakes up and suddenly everything around him was changing. "He's the mud flap king of the eastern sea board." Rusty added. Lightning sighed. Nope. Didn't like this change at all. Sterling walked down and continued, "Welcome! To the Rusteze Racing Center! You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to this."
Lightning nervously replied, "Thanks, Mister.."-"Please, no mister. Just Sterling. I have been a fan of yours forever, and to be your sponsor? How great is that!? I can't thank Rusty and Dusty here enough. Tough negotiators by the way." Dusty snickered replying, "Oh you flatter us, but don't stop." The three men laughing at that. Sterling then looked at Lightning and continued, "Anyways, just wanted to say a quick hello." Then some guy walked up showed Sterling something on a tablet. "Take as much time as you need." Stepping forward and shaking Lightning's hand. Sterling then turned to Rusty and Dusty and said "Doors always open guys." Before walking off with the other guy.
Lightning sighed. Watching Sterling leave. Dusty muttering, "See?" Lightning stared at his old sponsors. This meant goodbye. Dusty shouting, "We better get going!" Rusty explaining, "Yeah, we got to catch our flight to Hawaii." "Gonna get to start off retirement right." Dusty chuckled. Lightning walked them to the door. "Well.." He began.. "I sure am gonna miss racing for you guys.." Dusty nodded, "You know, you gave us a lot of great memories, Lightning. Memories we'll.. Remember." Rusty's eyes widened as he complimented, "Wow, that's good." Lightning snickered at that. Dusty then smiled and gave some advice, "Hey, Lightning. Whatever you do, don't drive like my brother." Rusty then shouting, "Don't drive like my brother!"
The two brothers laughing. Lightning sighed. Watching them go. That hurt a little. But.. If Rusty and Dusty trusted Sterling. Lightning was willing to give this a shot. He turned and stared at the 95 statue. Then he noticed a hall full of memorabilia of his career. Wow. Looking back at everything he had become. From nothing. Sterling walked up behind Lightning and asked, "You like it?" Lightning snickered happily, "Wow.. My.. Career on a wall." Then he saw Doc's photo. "Nice that you included Doc." Sterling nodded, "Well of course. He was your mentor. Losing him left a giant hole in the sport." "Yeah…" Lightning mumbled. Missing Doc so much. Then Lightning raised a brow and noticed three jars of dirt.
Okay he had to ask about that. "Jars of dirt?.." Sterling cleared his throat and corrected, "Sacred dirt. Each of those jars contain dirt from all the old tracks that Doc raced on. Florida international, Thunder Hollow and our very own fireball beach, right outside." Lightning was impressed. Then he noticed a piece of a track. "Wait is that!?" Oh he remembered like it was yesterday! Sterling nodded answering, "A piece of asphalt from Glennellen." "My first win!" McQueen exclaimed! "Wow, you really are a fan." He said with a chuckle. Sterling nodded replying, "I am. And! A fan of your future. You ready for it?" He asked his racer.
Lightning turned and smiled before answering, "Definitely." Sterling nodded then looked at what Lightning was wearing. "First, let's get you into a more contemporary look and start working on the Bolt." Lightning was impressed that his new sponsor called the car by name. But he was a huge fan, what did you expect? As he followed Sterling he reminded, "The bolt isn't in racing condition. She's just a joy rider now. She's not track legal." "She will be. I have planned out every modification and the new engine for her. With the President's rule, I can't give you a brand new car, but.. He didn't say anything about a new engine." Sterling was crafty and honestly, Lightning kind of liked it…
Lightning walked into his room. White floors, white walls. A huge and beautiful window view of the front entrance of the center. He stared out at the fountain. The bed with black bedding and a black leather couch across from it. A large tv above the couch. That was a bit strange. Lightning walked to last the large bathroom then the closet where he stopped. Lightning looked at the new suit. It did look more modern. An almost maroon red and yellow.
It was very simple in design. Lightning stepped next to the mirror next to the suit. Staring at himself in his jeans and black t shirt and original red Rusteze racing jacket. This was a lot of change. He wasn't sure if he liked this. So much all at once. Lightning took the jacket off. Noticing the place Sally had stitched up with such care. He sighed. Tossing the jacket onto the floor of the closet…
Lightning began walking down the steps. Sterling below with two of his employees and Luigi and Guido. The boss man smiled seeing Lightning. "Wow. That fits well." He complimented. Lightning hopped down the last step and nodded, "Yeah, it fits great. A little loose." He admitted. Sterling nodded then took out his phone and pressed a button on his screen. Suddenly, a little lightning bolt on his shoulder lit up and beeped, grabbing Lightning's attention. Sterling explained, "It's electronic. With it, I can track your speed and vitals." Lightning was impressed. Sterling then looked Lightning up and down explaining, "The suit will fit better once we get some weight on you. Got to get you to one ninety at minimum."
Lightning's eyes widened. He was barely at 115. "In two weeks!?" Lightning shocked. Sterling smiled and motioned for Lightning to follow. So he and his crew did. "Yup." He began, "Don't worry. I have an excellent personal trainer here. The way I'm having the Bolt adjusted, she's gonna be a lot lighter than before. Now, the body style is a bit old school, but I'm doing what I can to drop weight." "Drop weight?" Lightning questioned as he followed his new sponsor. Sterling explaining, "Yes. See, the racers are the weight the way the new generation races. Storm is just at two forty." Lightning was a bit surprised. Where the hell did that tiny kid pack all that weight!?
Sterling walked Lightning and his crew of two down to the training room. Lightning was impressed by not just the tech, but the building. It was beautiful really. "I have a special diet for you to follow. With Cruz's help, I have no doubt you will be in top shape and passing Storm with flying colors." The man assured. Lightning nodding, "I sure hope so." Sterling and Lightning walked into the training room. "Wow." Lightning stared. Sterling smiled saying, "Not bad, huh?" "This is really impressive!" "This center has quickly become the most covenant destination for young racers training to make our team someday. And it's where you'll train until you leave for Florida. Treadmills, wind tunnels, virtual reality."
They stopped and stared at two young men inside the glass box. One bumping into the other. Sterling glared and added, "Still working on that one…" then the four of them continued walking. "And the best fitness regiment anyone could possibly imagine." "Wait, wait.. oh, ho… Is that a simulator?" Lightning asked with wide eyes. Just dying to try that thing out. Sterling smiled proudly answering, "Yes it is. Lightning, I would like to introduce you to the multi-million dollar flagship of interactive racing simulation. The XDL 24 GTS Mach Z."
Lightning stared at the computer. The screen in awe. Seriously impressed. He knew Sterling was loaded, but fuck! "Jackson Storm wishes he had this model." Sterling said proudly. Lightning watched as virtual checkered flags went up. Top speed 193. He stared a moment as the car was lowered from its platform and a young brunette woman got out sporting a pony tail, bright yellow sports bra and black tights and sneakers to match. Lightning leaned over to Sterling and asked, "Wow.. Pretty fast.. Who's the racer?" Sterling chuckled a bit and corrected, "No, no, no, no. She's not a racer. She's a trainer. Cruz Ramirez. Best trainer in the business."
Lightning and a Sterling walked over to the treadmills where Cruz lead a few trainees over. Lightning watched her energy and the way she pumped up the other guys. "Wow. Like the attitude." The racer said. Sterling snickered, "Yeah, we call her our maestro of motivation." Then the four watched Cruz in action. Helping the trainees calm down. "She trains young racers to overcome their own obstacles. Tailor made to each one. Now, she's gonna work with you." Explained Sterling. Then the boss called out, "Hey, Cruz!" She turned around and smiled, "Hey Mister Sterling!" With a smile on her face. Sterling saying, "I'd like to introduce you to Lightning McQueen."
Lightning stepping forward and teasing, "I hear you're the maestro." Cruz giggled a little then asked her boss, "Mr. Sterling, did you say Lightning McQueen was here? Because I don't see him anywhere." Lightning, Guido, and Luigi stared at Cruz with such confusion. Luigi speaking up, "But he is right here? You do not see him?" He asked. Cruz shrugged, placing her hand on her hips before answering, "Nope, still don't see him." Luigi freaked out shouting, "He is a right in front of you! It's Lightning McQueen!" Pointing at Lightning! Cruz just scoffed, "He's obviously an imposter." She then walked up and walked around the racer. "Looks old and broken down." "Hey!" Lightning snapped as she came to his right side.
Cruz hip bumped him in the hip adding, "With flabby arms." "I do not!" Lightning griped! Cruz then jumped in front of Lightnings face, "Use that!" She shouted. Lightning jumped a bit back with a "Woah!" His eyes widened. "Oh.." he muttered and calmed down "Yeah, I see.. I can use that energy for motivation, right?" "It's all about motivation Mr. McQueen. You can use anything negative as fuel to push through to the positive!" "Eh.. I've been pretty positive ever sense I was a rookie." Lightning assured.
Cruz squealed like a little girl and did this dancy tip toe thing with her feet then said, "I am so excited that I get to train you! I grew up watching you on tv." "Is that right?…" Lightning asked. Cruz nodded, "These young guys are great and all, but I like a challenge." "Haha… Not that much older but"-"In fact, I call you my senior project." She announced with what looked like fucking jazz hands. Lightning was speechless. Not sure what the hell to say to this woman. Just smiling awkwardly at her.
Sterling chuckled a bit then continued with, "Alright, back to work, Cruz. Let's give Lightning the evening to get settled in. Meet Cruz here first thing in the morning for a workout and breakfast." Patting Lightning on the back and assuring, "You're in good hands with her." Then left. Cruz smiled at Lightning. She was beyond excited! Lightning sighed. Watching Cruz run back to the other group of young racers. Lightning did feel good about this. Things were going to improve for sure!….
Lightning tossed and turned in bed. Staring up at the ceiling. It was to quiet here. Lightning grabbed his phone and looked through some social media. Everything was about Storm. Storm this and Storm that. He sighed and out the phone down on the bed next to him. This just didn't feel like home to him. At least he seemed to be in good hands. Just like Sterling said. And like Cruz said. Use the negative to push through to the positive. Maybe he could apply that to the situation with Sally. Maybe… Just Maybe….