Lightning returned home after another week of racing to an empty house. He sighed as he walked in. Then he heard Bandit barking and whining. He walked acorss the house to find Bandit in his little gated area of the house in the pantry. "Hey Bandit.." Lightning gretted and reached down, petting the soft fur of the pup. He stood up and looked around asking "Is Sally at work still?" The pup just tilted his head. Lightning sighed and walked over to the fridge and grabbed out a beer. He was a little tired and really wanted to have some time with Sally. He was hating being gone all the time and really wished Sally would come along on more races more often. Like Megan did for Cal. It wouold be nice. Then as Lightning walked to the living room to sit down and watch some tv, there he saw a sticky note on the tv remote. Sally knew he's go for the remote, so it was a good place for the note. It read,

Glad you're back home Stickers! If you are reading this, than I'm still at the cafe with Antonio. Think we finally got a deal!

Antonio was still here? It had been a week. Lightning began to worry. Was Sally... No. No Sally wouldn't cheat. But. Maybe he should check in on her. Lightning grabbe dout his phone and dialed Sally's number. It rang.. Once.. Twice... Three times before she answered.

Hey Stickers.

"Uh, hey.. Are you at the cafe?"

Yeah, just finishing up. Have a good trip?

"Well, sure.. Why is Antonio still in Radiator Springs?"

I told you last week. It's a partner thing.

"For a week?"

These things take time Lightning.

"I guess..." But Mollie wasted no time cheating.."When will you be home?"

Well soon. Like I said, I'm finishing up.

"Hmm. Okay."

Are you mad at me or something?

"No, of course not. I have no reason to be.. Right?"

Right...? What's wrong?

"Nothing, I'm sorry. Just had a long weekend this week.."

I'm sorry. I'll talk to you more when I get home. Bye babe.

She hung up.

Lightning stared at the phone screen. Sally wouldn't cheat. Lightning took a deep breath than turned on the tv to calm his nerves...

Sally opened the door and walked in, closing it behind her and calling "I'm home!" She hung up her coat and purse and locked up. Lightning walke dover and smiled as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend in a hug. "I missed you." He said and kissed her cheek. sally smiled replying "Awe, I missed you to. How was the race? I was so busy, I never even got to turn on the tv!" She exclaimed! Lightning snickered answering "Well.. I placed sixth." "Man.. You're really thrown off your game lately huh?" Sally pointed out. Lightning glared replyong "Yeah.. Hey, what happened with Antonio?" "Nothing so far. He just invited me to the cafe and I took advabtage of the invitatioin." "What's that mean?' Lightning asked with concern. Sally raised a brow asking "Are you worried that something might happen?" Lightning shook his head. Lying, he answered "No, not at all." "Good. Because I have eyes only for you." She assured as she walked around him and headed to the other room to pet and love on Bandit...

Next morning, Lightning met up with Doc at the dirt track in Radiator Springs. Doc smiled asking "Get some good sleep last night?" Lightning nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready for whatever crazy tactic you got for me Doc. Hit me with it." The kid did seem well rested and had a much better attitude than he had the last couple of practices. "Good." Said Doc. "Today I want you to work on review. Show me you remember everything I taught you." "Everything?..." Lightning asked in a pathetic way. Doc nodded. Lightning sighed. "Gonna be a long day rookie. Better start now." Doc suggested. Lightning nodded and walked to the Bolt. Man, this stunk...

Sally gave the room key to one of the newest guests of the Cozy Cone Motel when Antonio walked in. sally smiled greeting "Hey! Have a good night?' She asked. Antonio nodded and walked up to her desk. "What brings you by?" Asked Sally. Antonio sat down and placed a folder on the desk. Sally stared asking "What's this?" "An agreement." Antonio answered. "After having such a marvelous week with you in this small town.. I think I would like to invest." Sally's eyes sparkled! "Really!? That is great! I know Luige and Guido will be excited to hear that." "Well, hold on now Sally.." Antonio warned. "Go over my terms and see if you agree. We can talk them over tonight. I was thinking dinner again?" "Again?" Sally asked with a bit of a laugh. "I mean.. We've met up just about every night for the past week." "Si'. I am only being formal. Is this okay with you?" He asked. Sally nodded answeirng "Yes, of course. It's rather nice to have someone to spend dinner with actually." "Your boy friend does not acompany you?" Antonio asked with a confused expression. Sally shook her head answering "Not most of the time.. He works out of town a lot. Anyways, sure. I'll go over this and meet with you tonight. I'll call you closer to dinner and we can plan where and when at that time." "Great! I will come pick you up again." Antonio said with a smile as he stood up. "Okay, sounds good." Sally agreed...

Lightning stopped the car. It was getting late, he was tired and hingry and bored. Actually bored of practice. "Is that good enough Doc?" He asked. Doc stared at the kid. Thinking a moment before answering "It's good enough.. Not the best though. And I know you can do better Lightning." "But... Okay.." Lightning gave up fighting the old man. He knew Doc would win in the end anyway. Doc snickered with a bit of a smile on his face. "We're done for tonight kid. Go get some rest and eat somethin. You look a little pale." Doc then walked over to his car. Lightning ran up asking "Wait.. Is there anything else you can even teach me? Or am I finally done with this exrtra and.. Kind of pointless training?" Doc sat down in his old race car, brishing his hand over the steeering wheel and sighed before answering "Well.. If I think of somethin, I'll teach it to you. For now, yes.. I may have actually taught you everything I know kid." Lightning smiled. That was actually pretty cool to hear! Doc shut his door and Lightning leaned in the window asking "Are we training tomorrow than or not?" Doc thought again before answering "I'll call you in the morning sometime kid. Go home, eat, and rest. Just incase." Doc then started up the old race car and put it into gear, driving off. Lightning sighed. Finally. Now he was goig to get ahold of the one person he had been lacking quality time with lately...

Lighting pulled up to the house. Sally's car was out front so he knew she was there. Lightning unlocked the door and walked in announcing his arrival Sally called back with "Oh I know! I could hear that car from a mile away!" She was in the bedroom. Lightning followed her voice to find her in front of her vanuty. Not really dressed up, but she was in her clothes that she wouid usually not be in at this hour. "Where are you going?" He asked. sally glanced behind her at him answering "Oh. I'm having dinner with Antonio again. He brought by an agreement for me to sign. As if." She laughed. "I totally do not agree to the terms." Lightning's brows lowered "Again? Seriously?" He whined. sally turned around and faced her boyrfriend asking "Oh my gosh.. Are you jealous?" She laughed. Lightning snickered answering "No, but I do think that you are spending way too much time with this guy." Sally stood up, walked over to Lightning, wrapping her wrists around the back of his neck and looked into his eyes. "Stop worrying. This is how business is done." Lightning sighed. He trusted her, but he was not liking this. "I still don't like it." He growled. Sally smiled and shook her head. "Why don't you just admit that you are jealous of the Italian business man." She teased. Lightning rolled his eyes answering "I am not. If anything, he should be jealous of me." Sally giggled with a sarcastic "Yeah, okay." Lightning wondered what the heck that meant.

Sally then walked back to her vanity and grabbed her phone and began calling someone. "Who are you calling now?.." Lightning whined. Sally snickered again as she found his whiny attitude funny tonight. "Antonio. He's picking me up." "WHAT!?" Lightning snapped! Sally's brows lowered "What is wrong with you?" She asked. Lightning marched over, grabbed her phone and hung up the call. "HEY!" Sally snapped. Lightning snapped bak with "This is a date!" "No, it's not." "Than why is it at night!?" "Because I am busy during the day!" "Than why are you dressed up!?" "I ALWAYS WEAR A PENCIL SKIRT AND BUTTON UP! How is this dressed up any more than my daily!?" "Okay, so.. Why is he picking you up!?" "LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!" Sally shouted with fury! She lent out her hand and ordered him to "Give me my phone." LIghtning stared ta her. She was serious and meant it. He sighed and reluctantly handed Sally her phone back. Sally shook her head scolding "You need to grow up Lightning. I thought you trusted me, but.. I guess I was wrong." She was cold in tone. She then called Antonio and walked out of the room so that she wouldn't have to deal with any intuyrutions from Lightning again. Lightning did feel a bit bad now. She did not deserve the doubt realisticlly. He was creating some scenerio in his mind tha wasn't even happening. She was right, he needed to grow up...

Lightning sat there on the couch watching some tv show. Flipping channels. Bandit sat in his lap most of the time. Chewing in his shoes or his shirt or the couch itself. Lightning sighed and glanced at the clock on the wall. Eight fifteen. It was getting late. sally should be home by now.. Maybe.. He didn't know. He should have went with her. Wish he thought of that earlier. He began to think about what Bobby was doing. Marrying Jesse to tie her down rather than him. He did not want her having an asy escape or options of other men. Lightning could do that. Marry Sally, making it harder for her to just walk away, but.. He didn't want to be toed down yet. Now, he did not really want other options. He loved Sally dearly and wanted to marry that girl one day. They live together for chrysler's sake, but Lightning didn't want to give up his options. He just liked knowing he had them at any given second. And there was the whole different flavor of ice cream from time to time.. He did miss that. It wasn't that Sally was boring.. She was just.. Shy and timid compaired to the others. Which wasn't bad, but.. It could be nice to have a more... Wild.. One once more. But no. No, Lightning loved Sally and in the end, he would never hurt Sally that way. But he also wondered.. If Sally were that good and he loved her that much?.. Why was he thinking of the other women he had been with before?...

sally and Antonio sat down at their table. Sally smiled greeting "Hope you had a good day." Antonio smiled answering "I did, thank you. I hope you had a chance to really think about the terms." "I did, but.. I don't agree.. I am going to have to decline." She set the folder on the table and pushed it to Antonio. The man stared at the folder and sighed. "I really was hoping for better.." He mumbled. Sally nodded answering "And I would have loved to accepted, but.. Wheel Well is not a franchise. And on top of that, asking me to do these pop ins and a grand oopening with you? Lightning is already a little uncomfortable with this.. I can't purposely put him through more knowing how he feels." "WHat? Who is this Lightning? The sky?..." He asked and began to think that maybe Sally was crazy. Sally giggled and explained. "Lightning is my boyfriend. He isn't comfortable with us meeting as much as we do. He would lose it if I told him I was going away with you. So.. I'm sorry. I won't put him through that." "Have him come with!" Antonio suggested ahppily. Sally shook his head explaining "I would, but he isn't in the off season yet.. Maybe come by in December and we can talk again." Sally then stood up and smiled saying "Thank you for the thought though. I hope you enjoy your stay." And she walked away with a smile. Happy because she was perfectly happy giving up a few things for Lightning...

Lightning walked to the kitchen to grab a snack. Bandit followed him. Already begging for anything that he could get. Lightning glanced down and smiled at the pup. "What are you looking at?" He asked the pup. The puppy jumped up on his leg, still begging for a snack. Lightning sighed and reached for the jar on the counter. Some magazines were under it. He noticed them as he moved them. They were Sally's magazines. Mostly kitchen and home types, some cooking ones, then another one about fashion and recent events in the beauty industry. That's when Lightning noticed it. The front cover.. Was a familiar redhead from years ago. "What?.." He questioned as he picked up the magazine. It was her! It was Josephine! Now there was an amazing woman! She looked good on the front cover. Wearing a nice and short cream colored sundress with spaghetti straps. She was sitting on a stool in what looked like a gardening room or something. Butterfly room? Green house? Something. It made the red of her hair and hazel in her eyes pop. She had her legs crossed, teasing her upper thigh and she was holding some house plant. She had a huge open smile on her face. Light makeup and heavy mascara. Her red hair is long and shiny and flowing. It probably bounced as she walked. Oh Josie...

Lightning and Josie had been dating for a few weeks. And not just hanging out at the races and fucking on the weekends. He did it right. Taking her to dinner a few times, buying her flowers and having them sent to the Dinico tent. He made the other models jealous easily. Not helping that Josie bragged about what an immortal fuck Lightning was behind the doors. It felt good to have a real relationship after Mollie. Josie was better than Mollie too. Not just sexually, but they connected more. Mollie was his highschool sweetheart, but Josie was long term material. Not that Lightning was even thinking about marriage. He was nowhere ready for that type of commitment yet, but he was enjoying his girlfriend. The press ate it up to. The young hot rookie and the dinico model. Who wouldn't love that!...

Lightning stood on the podium next to Chick and Strip. Third.. Again. He was going to have to find a way to get better and faster. But once again, the Bolt was leaking fluids and choked in the final laps. The three winners waved to the crowd of fans and press. Cameras flashed and Lightning noticed the models to the side. There was his girlfriend, Josie. She was perfect. He smiled seeing her then motioned for her to come up the stage. She wasn't sure at first as she would usually have to ask Tex first, but since it was her boyfriend, Josie rushed up next to Lighting and wrapped an arm around him. He wrapped an arm around her to. The couple waved to the crowd. Chick saw this and only wanted the cup more and more. He would do anything to get it just about. Strip noticed it to, but really didn't pay much mind to it. Lightning and Josie were adults and could do as they wanted in his eyes. One of the camera man shouted at teh couple saying "KISS!" This got a chant from the fans, all shouting and begging or a "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Josie and Lightning stared at each other and with a shrug, the two moved in and kissed each other right on stage. The crowd cheered for the couple. They just loved them!...

Lightning and Josie walked together back to the trailer of the 95. But what Lightning saw only made him cringe. The Bolt was hooked up to a tow. Rusty and Dusty getting cash from some man. Lightning left Josie in a hurry and ran to his sponsors asking "Woah, woah, woah!.. What's going on?!" Rusty answered explaining "We sold the car." "WHAT!?" "Relax kid. We did it to help pay for a new one." Added Dusty. Rusty nodded saying "You can't expect to get any faster in that heap." Lightning looked devastated! "But, but, but.. That's.." He stared at the old race car. Dusty placed a hand on LIghtning's shoulder and reminded "It's just a car kid. We got you a new one that's in the shop now." Rusty smioled adding "Yup. She'll be painted and ready to go by next week." Lightning watched the man get into the tow truck and start it up. Lightning stared at the old race car. It was giving him more and more problems, The body was rusting and becoming out of regulations by each race. He sighed. That car did mean a lot to him.. But in signing the contract to join Rusteze.. He also signed away ownership of the race car. "Yeah.. Okay.." Lightning muttered with a frown. Josie walked up and hugged him from behind. Rusty and Dusty smiled. Seeing Josie and Lightning reminded the two old men of their younger days. "Don't you worry kid. Next week you'll be driving the Bolt two point oh." Dusty joked as he and his brother walked away. Lightning sighed and watched as his original Bolt was towed away. Part of him left with that car. Knowing that the fate of her would probably be scrapped and smashed down to a square metal can. That hurt. That car gave him a lot. Josie kissed the side of Lightning's neck asking "You gonna be okay sugar?" LIghtning nodded answering "Yeah.. It's just a car right?" Josie smiled at her boyfriend. It was just a car in the end anyway. Josie then grabbed his hand and pulled him along. "Come on Lightning. We should talk..." Her tone set a worry in him. What was wrong?

Lightning followed Josie to the inside his trailer. Josie shut the door and sat down on the small bed inside. "What's wrong?" Lightning asked. "You're scaring me.." He admitted. Josie patted the bed next to her. Inviting him to sit next to her. Lightning walked over and did. Josie took her hands in his and sighed. "I was offered a job as a cover model." "Cover model?" "Yeah.. Means I can get out of wearing.. Well.. Basically nothing for a bunch of drunk rednecks." "But?..." Lightning asked. Josie frowned explaining "It's in New York.. A contract for three years.. I'm not saying we should break up, but I want to hear your thoughts on it." She explained. Lightning looked away. Thinking. "Does Tex know yet?" He asked. Josie shook her head. "I haven't accepted the offer yet. I wanted to talk to you first Baby." She smiled and brushed her hand over the side of his face. Lightning smiled. It was nice that she thought of him first. Lightning nodded and said "Well.." He thought about how he was in his career. If he had the chance for something better, yeah, he'd take it. Lightning looked at his girlfriend saying "If it's what you want, you should take it." Josie smiled asking "Really?" Lightning nodded. "What about us?" She asked. Lightning shrugged. "I don't.. Really do long distance. I've had bad luck with it." He admitted. Josie frowned. "So you want to break up if I take the offer?" She asked. Lightning stared at her. Thinking for a moment before answering with a nod. "Yeah.." Josie thought for a moment. "Maybe I won't take it than." She changed her mind. Lightning didn't say anything else about it because he wanted her to choose him. "Why don't I cheer you up?" He asked with a smile. Josie's frown turned around into a smile. The two leaned in closer and kissed. Kissing turned into making out. Lightning's hand on her knee and slowly up her thigh.

Knock, knock, knock! They were stopped abruptly. Lightning sighed and turned towards the door yelling "WHAT!?" It was Mack. "Hey.. Um.. Harv wanted to talk to you." "He's here?!" Lightning asked. Josie sighed and said "You should go. I don't technically have the night off anyway. I'm supposed to be with the team doing a shoot with fans." Lightning sighed then kissed his girl's lips softly. "Until next week." He said with a smile. It made Josie smile back. "Sounds good Baby." She agreed. The two parted ways for the week, knowing that they would see each other next weekend at the next race...

The next week came. Lightning got his new race car, but wasn't the happiest with it. Although, this did mean he stood a better chance. A stronger car that could take the hard driving push. The first thing Lightning did after practice was go and search for his girlfriend. IT did take some time, but he found her. Talking to Tex, but.. She wasn't in any sort of costume like usual. She was wearing one of Lightning's fangirl shirts. Red with a large 95 on the chest.. A pair of light tan colored shorts and sandals. Her hair was straightened and down. She looked like an entirely different person like this. Still, he liked her a lot. Then Josie noticed Lightning and smiled his way. Lightning waved, but something was wrong. He sighed and just knew it. She took the job. Josie and Tex hugged then she made her way to Lightning with a smile on her face. "Hey there Babe." She greeted and kissed his lips quickly. Lightning looked her up and down then asked "Why aren't you dressed?" Josie smiled and bit her lips to contain her excitement. "I got good and bad news." She was thrilled though. Lightning put on a smile for her and stated "You took the job." "I did." She confirmed. Lightning sighed and nodded. That hurt. Josie took his hands in hers saying "Hey.. We don't have to break up Lightning." Lightning shook his head replying "I can't do the long distance thing. I hate it. I made the mistake once with my last girlfriend.." Josie frowned. "But I'm not her." She assured. Lightning pulled his hands away and took a step back saying "I'm sorry. I just can't do it." Josie felt her heart ache. This was her dream job. No more rednecks grabbing her ass or men to sexualize her, no more stupid costumes on stages.. Just a private cover shoot from now on. She wanted this and needed this job. Josie frowned. Whoever Lightning's last girl was, messed him up for trusting women. It showed clearly. "Lightning wait.." She called. But Lightning walked away, ignoring her... He never saw Josie again..

Lightning stared at the cover. Josie was happy. She was doing what she wanted after all. He sighed and set the magazine down. Staring at it. He looked at the print press name. He wondered.. Could he get a hold of her easily? No. No, what was he thinking. He had a girlfriend. An amazing girlfriend, Sally. But.. He would love to talk to Josie and see how she was doing.. What she had been up to all these years after their break up. Dammit.. He should have slept with her one last time. Too late now! Then the front door opened. Sally was home. Lightning walked right over to her, Bandit followed. "Hey Stickers." Sally greeted with a smile. "It's late.." Lightning pointed out. Sally signed and agreed, so apologised "Yeah, I'm sorry. But you don't have to worry anymore. I did not agree with Antonio's terms. I won't be doing any sort of partnership with him. He'll be leaving in the morning." "Really?" Lightning asked with a smile. Sally giggled and stepped closer to him, hugging him. "Yes silly. You are such a dork." She teased and poked his nose. Lightning smiled. Man, he loved this woman. Bandit jumped up on them. Whimpering a bit. "We should put Bandit up." Sally suggested. Lightning nodded. "I'll feed him then put him up." "Great. I'm going to shower and get ready for bed. Oh! How did training go today?" She asked. Lightning shrugged answering "Okay. I mean it was more of a review than anything." "Oh. Weird I guess.." Sally wasn't sure what Doc was up to. Lightning shrugged again saying "I can't argue with the Doc Hudson.' Sally snickered with a smile. "I guess that's true." She then patted Lightning on the ass saying "Alright, I'm going to shower. You got Bandit?" She asked. Lightning nodded then watched his girlfriend walk away to the next room. He glanced across the room at the magazine cover of Josie. Thinking...

It was late in the middle of the night. Sally was out of it asleep next to Lightning. He looked over at her. Sally was beautiful and kind and sweet. He did not want a new girlfriend, but it would be nice to hear from Josie. He quietly grabbed his phone and began researching the company from the cover photo.. Looking for her name in social sites, browsing her covers. She had done a lot over the past couple years. It took some time. Real time, like an hour and a half. Lightning had lost track of time at some point, but he finally found what he believed to be Josie's personal social page. Josephine Larks. There she was. She looked so good and happy. Lightning saw no wrong in sending her a quick message, just asking how she was doing. No intention of things getting nasty or awkward. He clicked a message and began,

Hey, it's been a long time. I saw your photo on the cover of a magazine today and I couldn't stop thinking about you. You look good. I hope you are happy and things have gone your way. We had some great times before. I would love to chat and know how you've been? I'm always so busy with the races though and it's hard to get anytime away.

Lightning stared at that. Nope. He could not send that. It made it look like he just wanted into her pants which is not what he wanted at all here. Erase message and try again.

HEY! I saw your photo on a cover of a magazine. You look good! I hope you're doing well. We should catch up sometime, I'd love to chat! Maybe I'll catch you some time.

-Lightning McQueen

Sent.

Received.

Lightning put down his phone, cuddled up against Sally and closed his eyes, drifting to sleep...

Lightning began packing up the trailer with Mack. Getting ready for another long weekend of racing. Sally walked over with a glass of lemonade asking "Thirsty?" Lightning looked over at her and smiled. "Very, thanks." Sally walked up and handed him the glass. Lightning sipped it saying "Taste good. Not as good as you though." He flirted. Sally giggled and stood up onto her toes, kissing his cheek. Then Doc walked up. "Hey Doc. Mack and I have everything packed and ready to go." Lightning announced proudly. Doc smiled then sighed and frowned. Sally was the first to ask "What's wrong Doc?" Doc rubbed his hand over the back of his head and looked at Lightning saying "Um.. I'm not going to make it to this race kid." Lightning's eyes widened. "WHAT!? Why not?!" Lightning panicked. Doc sighed answering "I'm just not really feeling myself today.. Feel worse as the day drags on." "Are you sick?" "Don't worry about me Lightning. I just need some extra rest." He then turned and walked away. Lightning and Sally glanced at each other. Sally was the one to brush it off saying "Everyone has sick days Light. I wouldn't worry." Lightning nodded and agreed. Even he got sick from time to time. Mack packed up the last box and dusted his hands off saying "Alright Boss! We are all packed up and ready to go!" Lightning turned to Sally and handed her the glass. The couple hugged tightly. "I'll miss you." Sally whimpered. Lightning hugged her close. Careful not to let the glass tip and the little of the lemonade spill. "I'll miss you to Sal." He replied softly. The couple hugged it out and then kissed softly and lightly. Mack cleared his throat saying "I don't want to rush you kid, but we better head out." LIghtning sighed and pulled away from Sally's grasp slowly. "I'll be home as soon as I can." He assured before walking away. Sally waved one last time as she watched him go. Mack getting in and the truck leaving...

Lightning parked the car into the pit lane. This is when Cal and Bobby rushed over, both curious as to what had happened to Doc. "Hey man, where's Doc?" Asked Cal. Bobby added in "Yeah, we noticed that we haven't seen him all day." Lightning sighed and explained "Yeah.. No, Doc isn't here this week. He wasn't feeling himself so he stayed behind this time." "Wow. Really?" Asked Cal. Lightning nodded. Bobby crossed his arms saying "Sucks to be you. Means we both have a one up on you McQueen." Lightning smiled disagreeing "Oh no way Bobby. I can win over you two without a crew chief with ease." "Maybe in your dreams." Bobby laughed! Cal snickered saying "Okay, okay. I'll see you two in the race. Gonna go spend some time with Meg." Bobby rolled his eyes. Cal walked away and Lightning asked "Speaking of which, where's Jesse? You asked her yet?" Bobby and Lightning began walking the pits as they chatted. "Naw, not yet." Answered Bobby. "I'm waitin for the right moment. You deal with your own issues McQueen?" Bobby asked. Lightning nodded. "Yeah, I got Sally the dog." "She love it or what?" Asked Bobby. Lightning nodded but had doubts. Bobby then asked for advice "You are more romantic than me man, how should I ask Jesse anyway?" Lightning shrugged. "Maybe ask Cal. He did purpose to Megan at some point." "True.." Bobby's coach waved him over. Bobby sighed saying "Well, that's my que. See you in the race McQueen." He walked off. Lightning smiled. He loved his job, his career, his life was good...

After a long and hard race, Lightning drove the Bolt to the garage. Getting ready to clean her up and pack the trailer before heading home. Home. It sounded so good right now. He missed not having Doc around. It felt... Weird. It felt strange not having Doc with him here. Lightning crawled out of the car window and loosened the collar of his suit. He leaned back in and grabbed his helmet and set it on top of the car roof. "Hey Baby." "AAH!" Lightning jumped with fear! He looked over at the bench. "JOSIE!?" He exclaimed! The woman stood up from the chair and smiled widely! She ran up and hugged him tightly! Basically jumped into his arms! "It's so good to see you!" Lightning exclaimed happily. Josie and Lightning looked into each others' eyes. "What are you doing here?' Lightning asked as he took a step back. Josie shrugged answering "Well I got your message and.. Well, I almost replied, but then I thought I'd just come to a race." "Wow." Replied Lightning. He looked her up and down. She looked amazing. Young as ever. "You look good." He complimented. She was wearing a white t shirt and dark skinny jeans with sneakers. So.. Normal. "Thanks Lightning. You look good yourself. All grown up with that haircut I see." She joked.

Lightning glanced up then smiled nervously. "Yeah, yeah.. I'm glad you came." "Me too. And eleventh? Come on, you're better than that." She scolded playfully as she fist bumped his shoulder. Lightning chuckled a bit and nodded. "How about I buy you dinner? I'd love to catch up." "yeah, I'd love that." She smiled. Lightning then realized she had no oit pass or anything on. "Wait? How did you get in my garage?" He asked. Josie brushed her hair back and faked a laugh answering "Well it was not easy. I figured I could find the Weathers, but Cal did not know who I was so.. I had to find Tex, who still didn't know who I was at first either. It was a sort of merry go round. I finally walked through here after sneaking past the security and saw the large 95 above the door." "You were always so daring." he smiled. Josie smiled back then patted his chest saying "Alright. You go shower and I'll meet you there. Where do you want to go?" "Um.." Lightning thought for a moment. "Don't know many places here, do you?" Josie asked. Lightning shrugged and nodded. "Yeah.." "How about this," Josie began "We do like old times. I'll go out and buy some food and drinks and I'll meet you back here. Sounds good?" LIghtning nodded. It did. It did sound like a really nice idea...

Lightning returned to his garage. He stood outside the door. Was this okay? Was this cheating? No. He was only catching up with an old friend. Lightning took a deep breath. Trying to tell himself to relax. Mack then walked up asking "You wanting to head out Boss?" "AAH!" Lightning jumped and glared at Mack. "Don't scare me like that!" He snapped. Macl raised his hands and apologised. "Sorry Boss.. I was just wondering when you wanted to head out?" Lightning glanced at the closed up garage. Thinking about Sally for a second. He was not cheating."Uh.. Tomorrow morning. We'll head out tomorrow morning." He then barely opened the door and walked inside the garage, shutting the door behind him and locking it. Mack stood there a moment then heard a girl laugh behind the closed door That made him feel really uneasy. Like.. Sick to his stomach uneasy!...

Lightning walked in to find Josie at the workbench with some food. "I made sure to get your favorite slushie." She teased with a laugh. Lightning snickered and smiled. He walked up and pulled the stool closer and sat down with her. "I'm glad you messaged me Lightning. It's been awhile since I've talked to anyone from the past." Lightning nodded "Yeah, I understand. You get famous and leave all us little people behind." He joked. Josie's jaw dropped with a smile. "SO NOT! And what about you? Three cups now? That is freaking impressive. For a Baby." She teased. Lightning chuckled. The two began to eat cheeseburgers, fries and drink slushies. "So what are you into now days in the off season?" Asked Josie. Lightning sighed answering "I usually spend the off season training and practicing." "Oh.. Dedication. That's a good trait." "Yeah, well.. Gotta keep my game up if I want to be the best." He bragged. Josie smiled. Sipping her drink. "What about you? What do you do these days when you're not on the cover of magazines?" "Me?" Josie asked. Lightning nodded. "Well.. I went skiing last year. I go shopping a lot. I get a lot of perks living in New York." "Oh I'll bet." "Where do you live Lightning? Or are you still just a lonely traveler who lives in his trailer with Bolt two point oh?" She asked as she looked at the car. Lightning chuckled a bit answering "No, I.. I live in this small town called Radiator Springs." "Where's that? Have I been there?" "I doubt it. It's rather small. Quiet mostly. It's nice." "I should visit sometime." Josie said with a smile Lightning's smile faded. Sally. "You look happy." Lightning stated.

Josie nodded and sipped her slushie. "I am. I'm very happy. How were the dinico girls after I left?" She asked. Lightning happily answered "Good. They missed you of course. In my opinion, you were the best of them all." That made Josie blush some and giggle. "Oh Baby, you are still the cutest driver out there." Lightning snickered hearing that. Josie tossed a fry into her mouth then asked "So did you date any of them?" 'Of who?" "After I left? DId you date any of the other Dinico girls after we broke up?" She asked. Lightning shook his head. "No, I didn't date any of those girls. I didn't really date anyone after we broke up." "I don't believe that for one second Mr. McQueen." Josie teased. "I didn't!" Lightning defended. Josie cocked her head to the side and smiled. Looking him up and down. He did look pretty damn attractive still. "I mean I had a few... Um.. Hook ups." He assured. Josie giggled nodding "I'm sure you did. God, I bet all the girls wanted you once they found out how good you are.. I miss that.." She admitted. Lightning blushed. Josie then blushed and explained "I mean I miss the old times not you.. I don't miss you like that." She smiled nervously. This is the moment Lightning could feel it. He felt himself.. Sort of wanting another woman and that wasn't right. He could feel it between his legs. Lusting after Josie once more. "You really rushed out of there when you broke up with me to.. Kind of rude, you know..." She reminded and vented. Lightning frowned and apologised. "Yeah, I'm sorry.. I was a different person back than." "We never even got a.. Formal goodbye really..." She added and touched his knee. Lightning sighed. This was his chance. This was his chance to have that different flavor.. To have another woman who was a bit more... Flexible than Sally. Josie smiled beautifully at him. Her smile, her eyes.. She was everything he wanted. Lightning stared, gazed into her eyes.

Josie rubbed her hand up.. Going for it between his legs when Lightning stopped her by placing his hand over hers. Josie looked up at him with surprise. He didn't have to actually tell her to stop. His face said it all. Josie removed her hand and quietly "I'm sorry.. I got swept up in the moment..." She frowned. Lightning lifted her chin up as he smiled at her. Gazing into each other's eyes as he caressed the side of her face. Josie smiled and embraced his touch. "I missed you.." She whispered. Lightning had the chance. He had the chance to have another woman, but know what? "I thought this was what I wanted.." He whispered. "But... I can't.." He admitted. Josie pulled away asking "What do you mean?" Lightning sighed and continued. "I'm sorry, but I can't do this. I.. I'm about to sound like a huge asshole, but.. I have a girlfriend.. This.. Amazing, funny, beautiful woman and she's smart. So smart... And Bobby was an idiot. I shouldn't have listened to him. I love Sally and I want to be with her the rest of my life. Marriage doesn't have to be scary." Josie laughed a little then asked "Woah hold on there Baby. What's this you're thinking about? Marrying someone?" Josie asked. Lightning nodded. "I've been with Sally for a long time.. I thought that I wanted to try something different.. I thought I was bored maybe, I don't know... My friend told me I should.." He paused and stared at her. "I should try... Something new..." He admitted with a frown. Because that is what Bobby implied.. Josie sighed. "This Sally is a lucky girl. You must really love her." Lightning nodded saying "I do.. I do and.. I'm glad we caught up. It was wonderful to see you again Josie." Josie smiled. "It was great to see you again too." She hugged Lightning and he hugged her close. "It's probably best I leave sooner rather than later anyway, but.. I'm glad we were able to sort of finish where we left off. Feels better now. Walk me out?" She asked. Lightning nodded with a smile. Josie began to clean up, but Lightning stopped her.

"I'll clean up. Come on, I'll walk you to your car." He offered. Lightning opened the door for Josie and she walked out. The two of them walked together through the garage area and to the parking lot where Lightning walked her to her car as he offered to. Josie got in and looked up at Lightning with a smile. "I wish you the best Lightning." Lightning just smiled and shut her door for her. Josie started up the emerald green ferrari then pulled out and left. Lightning stood there a moment. It felt good to see Josie again and see her off. This time in a way that didn't leave them both a little heart stung. Lightning then made his way back to his garage and once inside, his phone buzzed. He looked at it. Said Sally. He opened the message to see a photo of him and Josie walking out of the garage. Him holding the door open for Josie. And under it read

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!?

Lightning's heart stopped. His face burned, his breathing felt heavy. He had NEVER been so scared in his entire life! Did he just lose the woman he was determined to marry?