And we're back folks. It's down to five thirteen laps for the cup and Lightning McQueen is holding a nice lead.
Goin on a ten lap lead here Bob.
But Jeff is right behind McQueen. And you know he is looking for that cup so that he can show it off to those fancy racers across seas.
This is true. You know, I couldn't be prouder of our boy Jeff here. He's really taking the Nascar name to another level for us.
I can not wait to see how he drives on those circuits personally. Italy, Japan and England.
Yeah, he's gonna have a whole new feel of things.
Not to mention those right turns.
Yeah haha! He's gonna come back next season all frazzled!...
Lightning shifted the car hard and hit the gas down the straightaway. Jeff close on his tail. Jeff tried to pass inside, Lightning blocked. Four laps to go. Turn one, turn two, keeping it close to the wall and keeping his line. Jeff drafted right behind him. Third turn and fourth. Jeff tries passing outside quickly, but Lightning holds his position. Three laps, two laps left.
Final lap.
Lightning holds position out of the fourth turn.
Jeff is coming up! He's making a pass! He's got Lightning's side!
They are coming to the line and it's going to be close!
They touch! The cars have scraped some paint Bob!
It's gonna be close.. It's...
It's...
...
Crowds cheer and Lightning and Jeff cross the finish line!
Lightning McQueen! It's Lightning McQueen! He has won the cup! He has won the cup!
The fans begin to cheer louder, screaming and chanting his name!
MCQUEEN! MCQUEEN! MCQUEEN! MCQUEEN!
Lightning can't hear it though. The sounds of adoring fans fade in his mind. He can barely hear the sound of the engine of the car. He can hear his coach in the radio faintly about how he did it! He won! That was four cups! He was a four cup champion now! But Lightning was thinking of Doc. He did what he promised Doc he would do. He won this one for Doc. Honestly, Lightning teared up thinking of Doc. Shifting down the car as he slowed. Lightning pulled into the pits with the other racers. Not even taking that victory lap. He pulled into his pits and his coach and team ran up to the Bolt. Patting the car and jumping up and down. Cheering with excitement as they should, they won! The coach walked up to Lightning's window and yelled "Man take that victory lap! They are waiting for you out there!" Lightning nodded. His team walked back from the car and Lightning pealed out before going back out on the track. Alone on the track, he drove a lap. He glanced in the stands. The fans were cheering as the announcers talked about his victory. Talked about losing Doc and how this season had been so hard for Lightning. They weren't lying. This season was rough. The fans did something though. They didn't just cheer. Some of them were crying. They were all taking off their hats in respect as Lightning drove another lap around. Bob even made the comment that Doc is surely proud today. Lightning broke some. He was happy and sad and missed Doc and just was a mess. He did it though. He won. He managed to do what Doc had taught him. Doc trained him for this moment. To win without him. It hurt like hell, but he was ready...
Lightning stood on the podium. A garland over his shoulders and confetti rained down. Surrounded by the Dinico girls, his team. Then the President of the sport came up with a rolling podium behind him. The trophy, covered with a red velvet blanket. The man grabbed a mic and placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder. Looking directly at the racer, he said. "Lightning.. I am, truly honored to announce you as our Piston cup champion again. Fourth cup. How does that feel?" He asked, leaning the mic towards Lightning. Lightning snickered. "Well it uh.. It feels great, you know. The team worked hard for this. It was a team effort. Without Rusteze and the crew. I'd never had made it out there." The President nodded and smiled, continuing. "Well honestly, it just makes this all the more special. I had worked on this for a few months now.. We all miss The Fabulous Hudson Hornet. He was a great name. He is! Always will be in the racing community's heart Lightning. So in honor of the late Doc Hudson." He paused and pulled the blanket off the trophy to show the new design of it. Instead of being a Piston alone, it now had a beautiful ornament of Doc jumping over the cup in a sense. This just broke Lightning into tears on stage. "I present to you Lightning, the first to receive our new Hudson Hornet memorial Piston Cup. Congratulations Lightning." The man said then hugged his racer on stage. Lightning hugged him back. He thanked the man with tears in his eyes. The President patted Lightning's back then walked off stage. Letting McQueen and his team take the glory here. The team all jumped with excitement! Lightning placed a hand on the podium holding the memorial cup. He had to wipe the tears from under his eyes there. Jeff was up there from taking second and walked over and hugged Lightning. "Congrats Lightning. You really earned it." "Thanks Jeff." Lightning replied. Jeff joked and slapped Lightning on the back. The fans and photographers loved seeing Lightning cry of course. Getting photos of a human, passionate, grieving McQueen on podium with his fourth Piston cup, the first Hudson Hornet Memorial cup. It was photo worthy, front page worthy! And everyone was proud of the champion racer. Especially Doc...
Lightning's trailer pulled up into the quiet Radiator Springs behind Flo's. Lightning woke up sudden in the passenger seat. Mack looked at the racer and announced. "We're home!" Lightning yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Thanks Mack." Mack snickered, replying. "Awe, it's nothing. Looking forward to next season Boss." Lightning nodded. Mack then asked "How are you doing kid?" Lightning looked at his driver and smiled. "I'm good." Mack smiled back then gently punched Lightning in the shoulder. "Now go show off that trophy." Lightning rolled his eyes and got out the truck. barely shut the door before he was suddenly and surprisingly ambushed by Sally. She ran up to him and hugged him so quickly and so tightly! But he loved it. He embraced her tightly. Wrapping his arms around her to. "Oh Stickers. I missed you!.. Congratulations champ." She said. Lightning didn't let her go. Holding her so tightly. They were both holding each other tightly. "Thanks Sal. Only thing that could have made it better would have been you there." He reminded. Sally looked up at him and apologized. "I know and I'm sorry. I had"-"Work. I know. I understand." He assured with a smile. Such an attractive smile. Sally kissed him softly then said. "Now where is that trophy Mister." Lightning chuckled, answering "In the back. Come on. I'm going to put it in the Doc Hudson museum." He began to pull away, but sally pulled him back and looked into his eyes. "Hey." She started. "I love you." Lightning just couldn't help but smile. "I love you to." They kissed softly and quietly. A few seconds worth of a kiss. One that let him know that she truly missed him. Their lips parted with a quiet smack. Sally sighed and straightened up Lightning's shirt. "Next season, fewer accidents." She warned. Lightning nodded and assured her he's be more careful next season. "Now, this trophy." She teased...
Lightning walked out of the museum with Sally and up to the diner where he was greeted and congratulated on his win by the rest of the town folk. All congratulating him on his fourth win. Lightning actually noticed and asked "Hey, where's Mater?" When suddenly a voice shouted "McQueen!" Lightning turned to see the old and rusted tow truck coming up the road. "Mater?" Lightning questioned. The two truck was coming up fast. Really fast! Sheriff's eyes widened as he yelled "Everyone out of the way!" The folks all scattered from the corner as Mater hit the brakes and somehow managed to spin the truck around and stopped! Slinging his poor Customer across and straight into the repair shop of Ramones! Mater jumped out the tow truck and slammed it's door closed and shouted "MCQUEEN!" "Mater!" Lightning shouted back and the two hugged. They then began to do this weird handshake they had made up together. "I missed you Buddy! I got all this stuff I've been plannin. Just the two of us!" He exclaimed. Mack snickered and joked. "Boy these best friend greetings get longer every season. "Everyone kind of laughed as Lightning and Mater finished their greeting. Finally. Lighting sighed and smiled. "Sounds great Mater, but I got something to show you first."...
"Wow.." "Yup." Lightning agreed proudly. Mater stared in awe at the new look of the Piston cup. "I can't believe they renamed the cup after our very own Doc Hudson." Lightning nodded. "I know Doc said it's just an empty old cup, but.. It just didn't feel right to let someone else win it, you know?" Lightning admitted. Mater nodded with a proud smile. He was proud of his best friend. Four cups. Lightning was an amazing champion. He was becoming everything Doc had hoped to. The two best friends stared at the cup. Lightning thought about his life up to this moment. Sally. "I wish Sally could have been there." Lightning muttered. Mater then asked. "What about me?" "OH you to Mater! Of course! And Doc.." Lightning mumbled. Mater placed an arm around Lightning's shoulder and replied. "I think Doc was there still." That did make Lightning smile. Mater was right. Doc was still there in a way. The two best friends left the museum and Lightning quickly asked. "Alright pal, I've been waiting all summer for this. What do you got planned?" "Oh ho. You sure you can handle it?" Mater teased. Lightning rolled his eyes. "You know who you're talkin to? This is Lightning McQueen." He joked. "I can handle anything." He assured, but.. He was not ready for the things Mater had planned...
First they went out to the old train tracks and took the tires of the old tow truck after driving it up onto the track rails. "Uh.. Mater?..." Lightning asked as his confidence in the idea dissipated. Mater just chuckled as the truck began to roll or rather slide. "Well just remember, the brakes ain't gonna work on these." The truck began to slide quickly. Picking up it's speed. "Mater...!" Lightning began to panic! The truck sped up at a kind of scary speed. It wasn't all that bd until they heard what sounded like a train in a tunnel. Then Lightning panicked! "Mater! Faster!" He screamed as the TRAIN came behind them!...
Then the friends went cow tipping. Lightning stared at the bull a little unsure of the idea. "Gee.. Uh.. I don't know..." He muttered. Mater snickered saying "Oh this gonna be good." The two scared the bull over, which was funny at first. The friends laughed until the bull looked directly at them. "Oh no." Lightning mumbled. Mater then said. "Run." The two took off through that field faster than ever before as the bull chased them down! Sure was an interesting sight to see if anyone could see it. Lightning McQueen and some crazy old man running in a field from a bull. Yeah, pretty funny...
The friends went to the diner for a snack, they pranked a few of the towns folk which is where Mater got a few balloons from. He even tied one up to the tow cable of his truck. At the end of the day, Mater was driving Lightning back to his home. Lightning was covered head to toe in dust, his hair a mess, some dried mud even on his face. He needed a good shower before tonight. "Boy that was fu-un!" Exclaimed Mater as he pulled into McQueen's drive way. "And my favorite souvenir? This here new dent." The old man bragged. Lightning let out a breath or sigh. Kind of glad that all that was over. "Boy Mater... Today was..." He paused and Mater continued. "Shoot that was nothin! Just wait and see what I got planned for tonight!" "Woah, woah Mater.. I was kind of thinking just a... Quiet.. Dinner.." Lightning was trying to hint that there, but Mater didn't understand. "Boy! That's exactly what I was thinkin!" The old man exclaimed. Lightning frowned a bit and tried to explain. "No, I meant with Sally, Mater.." "EVEN BETTER! You, me and Miss Sally!" Lightning unbuckled and turned to Mater and this time, he made it clear. "Woah, woah, Mater... No. I meant it would be just me and Sally." Mater instantly frowned with disappointment. "Ooh.." Lightning felt a little bad, but put on a smile and assured his friend that "Mater it's.. It's just for tonight. We'll do whatever you want tomorrow." "Okay.." "Thanks for understanding." "Yeah, sure. Ya'll go off and have fun now.." "Okay, thanks. See you soon amigo!" Lightning exclaimed before hopping out the old truck, shutting the door and walking up and into his home. Mater sighed and backed out before driving away with a frown...
Lightning shut the front door behind him. He let out a sigh. A little exhausted from that. Honesty, Lightning wondered how on earth Mater had that energy! Lightning looked at the photos on the wall. Sally hung a few old memories up. Doc and Lightning. That was nice. And then a few of Lightning and Sally themselves of course. He liked seeing these memories. It put a real smile on his face. It made him think about proposing to her. He couldn't wait to ask and soon. "Hey Stickers-oh wow." Sally emerged and stopped. Holding her nose closed with her right hand. "You stink!" She snapped. Lightning snickered and asked "What? No hug? No kiss?" "Don't you dare!" She yelled. Lightning rolled his eyes then replied. "I won't. This time. I'll go shower and then you and I can head to dinner." "Great. Shower. Now." Sally growled. Lightning chuckled then walked around her. Leaning closer to her to tease as he walked around to the bedroom to shower...
Lightning straightened up his collar after putting on his blazer as he stood in front of the mirror. Sally walked in on him. She smiled as she stared at her good lookin man. Lightning looked amazing in a suit. No tie though. He sure hated those darn ties. Sally walked up and wrapped her hands around his hips from behind. "You look good." She complimented. Lightning snickered then turned around and looked at her. Now SHE looked good! Wearing a long and sparkling, dark blue gown. It was not fluffy or anything. It more of fit her body and stopped at her ankles. "You look beautiful." He announced. Her hair all straightened and down. Light make up. Absolutely stunning. "Well come on. Get your shoes on and let's go." Sally urged. Lightning nodded and told her to "Go on and start the car. I'll be right there." "Don't keep me waiting long Stickers." She warned. Lightning smiled and assured "I won't." He watched her walk out. Hearing the front door close behind her. Lightning took the ring out of his pocket. He took a deep breath as he stared at it. "You can do this. Just." He stared at that ring. He smiled a little. A little nervous. He had no doubt that she would say yes. He was just nervous some. He wanted to get this right. Ask her in a romantic setting. Wheel Well, at night, dimly lit up, nice music, in their spot. Looking out at Radiator Springs where they first danced down on main street. Tonight was the night. He was going to ask her to marry him. Nothing would get in the way of this. Tonight would be perfect!...
The couple sat at their favorite table. Overlooking the view of Radiator Springs together. Sally let out a satisfying sigh then said "Oh this is so nice." The couple then gazed at each other as Lightning replied. "I can't tell ya how good it is to be here alone, just the two of us, finally. You and me"-"Ahem." Mater grabbed their attention. Lightning's eyes widened with surprise as did Sally's. "My name is Mater and I'll be your waiter. Huh. Mater the Waiter. Now that's funny right there." The old man joked. Lightning raised a brow and playfully asked "Wai-wha-Mater? You work here?" "Well yeah I work here. What did you think? I just snuck in here when nobody was lookin and pretended to be your waiter just so I could hang out with ya?" Sally immediately laughed! She couldn't help it. Lightning smiled saying "Well yeah." Chuckling a little there. "How ridiculous would that be.." Kind of glaring at Mater. Mater smiled and asked "Now, can I start you two love birds off with a couple drinks?" "Yes. I'll have my usual." Said Lightning. sally decided to play along and "Oh, you know what? I'm gonna have that to." Mater stared at his friends with an absolute clueless expression. "Uhh.." He began. "Right. Your usual.." Then scurried off to the bar counter. Lightning and Sally laughed about that for a moment then Sally corrected. "He doesn't work here." Lightning snickered saying "Yeah, I didn't think so." Sally sighed with a smile. Staring out at Radiator Springs. Lightning was gazing at his girl. Fiddling with the ring in his pocket. His heart was racing. Why was this making him so nervous? "Ahem.." He cleared his throat, grabbing Sally's attention. "You know? This place might be the most beautiful spot in all of Radiator Springs. We could start holding more formal events here?" He suggested. Sally raised a brow and asked "Like what?" "Well, like.. I don't know, just.. Spit ballin here, but like.. A wedding?" Sally snickered, replying. "I don't know. I kind of like that it's so quiet most of the time. It keeps this place special. Makes it ours. Plus, I don't know if I could handle a fifth job!" "Yeah, you're right. Um.. Anyways.. So We've been together for a long time. Haven't we?" "Yeup." Sally agreed. Lightning was getting more and more nervous. Fuck. He continued to play with the ring. Why was he messing this up. He had it planned out and this was not what he had planned to say!
Sally's brows lowered and she stared at Lightning which made him panic! Was she catching on? He better hurry up and ask her. Deep breath. "So I wanted to ask you something. I know this year has been a lot on everyone and.. On you, on us!.. You've had to put up with a lot from me recently and I'm sorry about that. I mean I was a pain these last few months, but.. I love you. And you've been so supportive and sacrificed more than you know for me. I want you to know that I really love you and appreciate everything you do." "Awe.. Thank you.." She smiled. Lightning cleared his throat once more than continued. "So.. Would you want to spend the rest of our lives in Radiator Springs?" Sally was immediately thrown off. "What?' She asked. Lightning's eyes widened. That didn't sound right! "I mean like together together. No, I mean I.. Not like that, not like.. Until we die. Unless that's what you want. I just meant.. Together..." "Do you want to move? I thought when you asked to run away, it was just a phase or a weakness thing." Sally whispered. Lightning quickly explained. "It was! I mean.. I wasn't weak. Why? Never mind.. I just.. It was a hard time for me. I was severely depressed because I had so much going on and.. I missed Doc-I still miss him. I just.." He paused. Thinking. He was screwing this up. "Let me try this again and ask this a liiiittle differently.." He said. Sally nodded and waited. "So.. What I am trying to ask.. Is.." He took the ring out of his pocket and into his lap. One more deep nervous breath. Sally noticed and had to ask "Lightning?.. Are you okay?" "Yeah, yeah. Um... Where are those drinks, am I right?.." He asked nervously and smiled foolishly. Sally just stared. He was.. Acting weird. "Right... So what I wanted to ask you is something important.. Is.. Will you.. Sally Carrera.. Will you.." He noticed people were flocking to the bar suddenly. Strange. Never mind. "Would you be willing to.. No, I meant.. Man I am screwing this up. This is not how I wanted this to go down.." He growled to himself. Sally giggled quietly. He was so cute like this. "What is it?" She asked. Lightning shook his head. Losing confidence in himself here. Just say it. But at this point Sally noticed everyone heading inside the bar. She and Lightning stared towards the bar and inner part of the motel. "Hey, what's going on over there?" He asked. Sally then said "We should check it out." and stood up. "But I.." Lightning said with a sigh. Yeah, this wasn't going well anyway.
He put the ring away and the couple walked into the inner area near the bar of the motel and looked up at the screen. Sally smiled almost immediately! "It's that Italian formula driver. His name is"-"Francesco Bernoulli." Sally said in the most sexiest little way possible! "No wonder there's a crowd." Lightning looked at her with such a cringing stare. "Wait.. Why do you know his name? And don't say it like that. It's three syllables, not ten." He rolled his eyes. Sally quickly defended. "What? He's nice to.. Look at.. You know? He races open wheeled race cars." "What's wrong with fenders?" "Nothing!" "I thought you liked Nascar." Lightning muttered thee. But then they heard the other end of the line. "And let me tell you something else there Mr. San Francisco." "Mater?" Lightning questioned. Mater only continued. "McQueen could drive circles around you!" Francesco then replied with "Driving in a circles is all he can a do, no?" "No! I mean yes! I mean can defeat you anywhere." said Mater. Lightning stared straight at Guido who pointed to the old phone booth at Mater. Lightning and Sally looked at the booth and Mater who was still talking. "Anytime! Anywhere!" Francesco only rolled his eyes and asked "Mel.. Can we move on? Francesco needs a caller who can provide a little more stimulation. Like a dump truck." Lightning was shocked by the crudeness of the driver on tv. Honestly, so was Sally! People gasped! Mater cluelessly replied with a laugh. "Haha! That shows what you know! Dump trucks is dumb. Woah!" Suddenly Mater was yanked out of the booth and Lightning took over the phone. "Yeah, Hi. This is Lightning McQueen." Francesco lit up and asked "The Lightning McQueen ay!?" "Look, I don't appreciate my best friend being insulted like that." "McQueen, that was your best friend? Oh.. This the difference between you and Francesco. Francesco knows how good he is. He does not need to surround himself with.. Low class friendships to prove it.." "Yeah, those are.. Strong words form a racer that is.. So fragile." "FRAGILE!?" Shouted Francesco in anger! people gasped! "He call Francesco FRAGILE!? Not so fast McQueen!" Lightning only came back with "Not so fast. What is that? Your new motto?" Motto?" Asked Francesco who then proceeded to say a few words in Italian. The show quickly muted the racer and Miles took over. "Wow.. This sounds like something that needs to be settled on the race course. What do you say, Lightning McQueen? We still got room for one more racer." Lightning snickered a little, replying. "Well, I would love to. The only thing is my crews off for the season so"-Lightning was interrupted by Ramone tapping him on the shoulder. Lightning turned to see his friends in full support and Guido announced. "Pit stop." And Sally gave him the nod. With that, he answered back with "You know what? They just got back. Deal me in baby, Kachow!" Everyone cheered! The fans and customers and friends there, the people at the live show, the fans all watching the show at home! Everyone was routing for team McQueen!
Lightning hung up and stepped out of the booth to see Sally before him. "I know, I know.. I just got back, but.. We won't be long and"-"Oh no! Don't worry about me. I have enough to do here, Mater is gonna have a blast." Lightning stared at Mater. Confused a bit. Sally's brows lowered. "You're taking Mater, right?' She asked. But Lightning wasn't so convinced. It was Mater. I mean.. He just spit their drinks back into the glasses, gross.. "You never take him to any of your races.." Lightning sighed and was somehow convinced. "This will be the thrill of a life time for him. She assured. Lightning nodded then called. "Hey Mater!" "I DIDN'T TASTE IT!" He shouted as he held their glasses. Lightning snickered then asked "How would you like to come and see the world with me?" Mater jumped with excitement. "YOU MEAN IT!?" "Yea! You got me into this, now you're coming along!" Mater only cheered with excitement! Going around and bragging about how he would be going with Lightning on the trip to everyone no matter who they were! Lightning took Sally's hands and said. "You are coming to." "What?" "You have to. I need you with me on this Sally." "Lightning.. I"-"Sally." he then paused and got down on one knee. Holding her hands in his. "Will you come and see the world with me?" Everyone stared at them sally snickered then smiled answering "Of course." People cheered. Lightning stood up and hugged his girl. Not exactly a marriage proposal, but.. It would do for now...
"Yes Mom. Yes. No, I'll be safe. Sally's coming with me. Yes. Yes, it's taken care of. No, but I'll be fine. The Bolt. Yea. Mom. Mom, you don't have to worry. Well I know what I'm capable of. Of course. Yes, of course. You know I promise. I won't wreck Mom. Yes. Yes and I'll have a translator. It'll be fine Mom. Mom, stop worrying. No, I won't crash. Yes. Yes, Doc trained me. Exactly. I love you. Okay. Talk soon Mom, bye." Lightning hung up his cell and sighed. Sally walked into the bedroom and asked "She okay?" Lightning nodded, answering "Yeah, just worried." "She should be!" Sally exclaimed. She then walked up behind Lightning and started rubbing his shoulders. "It's a scary thing. Traveling around the world and racing in this huge event. Are you sure you want to? You're not just doing this because of what Francesco said?" Lightning turned around and took her hands in his. "I'm doing this because I want to. And a little because if what Francesco said. But I want to do this and I want you to come with me. It's going to be great Sally." He assured with a smile. Sally smiled back, but she was worried for his safety to. "You have to be extra careful out there. This isn't like nascar." She reminded. Lightning nodded. "Oh I know. Hey, I won't be the only Nascar driver out there anyway. I'll have Jeff. And we will apparently be racing Francesco..." Lightning growled. Sally snickered then kissed her boyfriend's cheek. Lightning just had to ask "So how did you even know of this Formula one racer anyway?" Sally's eyes widened. "OH. I just.. Well he's.. Famous, you know?" "I'm famous." "Yeah, but.. for Nascar.. Francesco travels around the world and is known everywhere." "I travel." Lightning growled. Sally giggled and patted Lightning's chest. "Alright, calm down jealous." Lightning glared and corrected "I'm not jealous. I have nothing to be jealous of." "Oh of course not, no." "The way you say that makes me uncomfortable.. Just like the way you say his name." Lightning growled. Sally couldn't help but giggle again. She kissed his cheek again then replied. "Stop. It's fine. Trust me, Francesco should be jealous of you! I mean he's nice looking and all, but he's got nothing on you. Next to you, Francesco looks like a minor side dish." "Don't call him that." "Chrysler, you are so jealous." Sally teased. Lightning just rolled his eyes and pulled up another number on his phone. "I have to call Axelrod. Make sure he's not to upset with this last-minute decision." "Okay. I'm going to shower." Sally announced before darting off into the bathroom. Lightning pressed the call button and waited for a long ring to come to an end.
Hello, Sir Axelrod's phone.
"Oh. Uh, hi.. This is Lightning McQueen." Suddenly, the phone fumbled around on the other end then Miles himself, answered.
LIGHTNING MCQUEEN! I was expecting your call.
"Hey Sir Axelrod.. I wanted to apologize for that little... Situation on TV there. I never meant to"-
-No, no. It's quite alright. I was hoping you'd say yes from the beginning. It makes no difference to me of the timing. I'm just honored to have you come race in the world's first ever, grand prix.
"Wow, thank you. I honestly was expecting a little hostility from this, but this is fantastic."
Of course! Look, you just figure out a flight plan to Japan and I will have everything else taken care of. All I'll need is to know your arrival date and how many rooms for your team. Think you can get that for me?
"Yes sir."
Great! I tell you, I am really looking forward to meeting you Lightning. I think Francesco is to.
"Oh I.. I don't know about that.."
He is! Anyways I have a lot to do tonight. You just call me with the date and amount of team members. I'll even pay you back for that first flight.
"You don't have to do that."
Nonsense! It is my pleasure. I want to make sure this a trip and an experience you will not forget!
"Gee.. Thanks Mr. Axelrod."
Nothing of it. I look forward to speaking with you again Lightning.
"You too.".
Lightning sat down in the bed. He could hear Sally in the shower. He took the ring out from his blazers pocket and stared at it. He was supposed to ask tonight. He still could. Yes. Yes he was going to be on one knee when she came out of the bathroom. He'd have that ring held up and she'd gasp! He'd then ask her in the most sweetest way possible. Sally's eyes would feel with tears as she became so overjoyed! She'd jump to him, crying as she whimpered "Yes.. Yes! I will marry you!" She will shout! Lightning heard the shower stop. That snapped him out of the day-dream. Lightning straightened up his shirt and walked closer to the door and got down on one knee, holding out the ring. His heart was racing. He was breathing faster and a bit harder. "Okay.. You got this.. Hey, Sally.." he called. Sally was still in the bathroom, drying off. "Yeah?" "You want to come out here for a moment?" "Yeah, I'm almost done." "Okay." Lightning replied nervously. Sally was towel drying her hair and continued to speak from the other side of the door. "Everything work out with Axelrod?" "Yeah." "Great! Isn't is just so cool that they think you are good enough to race against Francesco Bernoulli?" Lightning's brows lowered. "What does that mean? Good enough?" He asked. Sally snickered and answered. "Well not good enough, but... You know? A Nascar driver against Francesco. It must be a little scary." "Uh, no. He's just a racer." "Yeah! A racer that races in only the most dangerous and deadly type of racing there is! I mean Francesco is willing to put his life on the line everyday for his passion. And the way he talks about racing.. Oh it just!.. Gives me goosebumps in that accent..." "What? Nascar is dangerous to-look, will you just come out here?" Lightning snapped. Sally was still drying her hair and body behind the closed-door. "Yeah, hold on." Lightning waited a second or two. But now he had to ask. "Why are you so obsessed with this Francesco Bernoulli? I didn't even know you knew his name." Sally snickered. "I'm not obsessed. It's just.. He is so famous and so dangerous and he races all around the world. He must live the dream, you know? I can't wait to meet him." "You want to meet him!?" Lightning asked in shock! "Well of course! If I'm going with you, I might as well take this chance to do so. Don't you want to meet him?" She asked. Lightning sighed and stood up. Staring at the ring. "He's just another racer.." he muttered. Sally snickered again as she brushed her hair. "Well I wouldn't say just another racer, but he is an amazing one. Probably your biggest competition." Lightning put the ring away. This was honestly just shrinking his confidence down. Sally wasn't meaning to, but she did ruin the moment talking about Francesco so much. "Yeah..." he whispered in a low tone. Hurt and a bit angry. Sally opened the door wearing some pajamas and a smile. "What did you want?" She asked. Lightning looked up at her. He sort of forgot a moment. "Oh, uh.. Nothing. I just.. Needed a shower to." Sally raised a brow. "Oh. Well it's yours." She motioned for him to go ahead. Lightning put on a smile and headed that way. He stopped at the door and asked "Do you think I can win?" Sally stared at Lightning in shock. Like.. How dare he even ask such a thing. "Of course Stickers! You will win the World Grand Prix. In my eyes, you already have." Lightning was happy to hear that. "Thanks Sal." Glad his girl believed in him.
"What will you do about the motels?" Lightning asked. Sally sat in the bed and let out a sigh. "I guess I'll hire someone. Someone I can trust with them for that long of time. I think I can figure it out. Christmas is coming up though. Do you want to make any plans for that?" She asked. Lightning shrugged. "I do want to buy you something nice." Sally rolled her eyes. "Lightning. You've literally bought us a house! You bought me a motel! I don't think you can top that." She joked. Lightning smiled. "I think I can." He replied. Sally just rolled her eyes and grabbed her phone. "What about Ben?" She asked. Lightning's brows lowered. "What about him?" "Well.. We always meet up for.. You know. And we will be half way across the world. Maybe he and I could plan to do it early. Before Christmas?" Lightning sighed. Part of him thought it was ridiculous that Sally had to meet with Ben and grieve but he'd never tell her that. Sally shrugged and asked "Would that be okay?" Lightning nodded, answering "Yeah, sure. But I'm going so busy until we leave for Japan. I have to get permission to use the Bolt, get it ready, train and train this new team of mine." "You think the folks can handle it?" "Yeah, I... I think so.." he answered. Sally snickered, replying "Don't sound very confident there Stickers." Lightning sighed then walked over and sat on the bed near Sally and vented. "This isn't just a race.. If I win, I'll be the first Nascar driver to win against racers like, like.. Like"-"Francesco Bernoulli?" Sally asked. Lightning smirked. "Yeah, Francesco. I just don't know if the guys will take it as serious as I do and than there's Mater..." he frowned. Sally placed a hand on his and assured. "Mater will be fine. You just leave him to me if anything." "Thanks Sally. I don't know what I'd do without you." He admitted. Sally loved hearing that. She leaned forward and the two kissed softly. Sally then fixed his suit blazer and the collar. "You always have looked best in a suit." Lightning snickered then stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna shower." He announced before disappearing into the bathroom...
