Sally walked into the diner and up to Flo asking "Hey, have you seen Lightning? I can't find him anywhere and I think I may have hurt his feelings a bit." Flo's brows lowered. "He's a big boy, he can get over it. Not like he follows anyone's advice anyway." Sally shook her head. Confused by what Flo meant by that. "Okay.. Thanks anyway.." he replied. Sheriff sipped his tea then spoke up as Sally passed him by, "Try Mater's scrap yard. McQueen was talking to Mater about a car in there. Might be there." "Really?" Asked Sally. Sheriff nodded. "Thanks Sheriff." And she dashed off to find Lightning. She did feel a little bad for being so busy, but she couldn't help it really. This was her job and she loved it!

Sally walked across and over to Mater's little scrap yard to find Mater out front getting into his tow truck and leaned into the window to ask. "Hey Mater, is Lightning around?" Mater nodded and pointed over behind her. "He's over there messin with one the junk cars. I gotta go pick up Otis down town. I'll be back soon." Mater assured as he backed out and left. Sally sighed and looked over behind her then walked over to find Lightning under the hood of some old rusty car. "Hey Stickers." She greeted. Lightning looked at her, but his expression was anything but happy. He was upset still. "Oh come on Lightning, I was working." Sally whined. Lightning lifted his head up, hitting it on the hood, THUD. Then rubbing his head as he rudely asked "Is that always how it's going to be though? You busy all the time and in the few minutes I ever have with you, always interrupted by everything else around?"

Sally frowned and replied "No.. I hope not. I love you and you know I want to spend time with you. I just have work." Sally defended. Lightning nodded and sighed. Sally cocked her head a little bit and asked "What's going on?" Lightning looked at her with such a depressing look. "It's nothing. Just.. I hate that we are both becoming so busy. We barely have time for each other anymore." "I know.." Sally whispered then rubbed his back with her hand. "But.. We can make it work." "Can we?" Lightning asked. His question raising some fear inside Sally. "What do you mean can we? Don't you want to?" "Oh yeah, for sure. I just.. You know I am in this with you until.. I.. Um.." He stated to stutter. "We.. Well, you know.. We uh.." Sally raised a brow, staring at him with some concern. "Until what?" she asked. Lightning swallowed nervously answering "Well, I.. Until.. You know.. Um.." Lightning felt really stupid right about now.

"I just have to find the right tools and I can strip some of the parts from this to put into the Bolt. That's kind of nice... Hard to believe Mater had a junk car like this in his yard huh?" Lightning asked with a bit of blushing red cheeks and a cheesy smile. Sally's brows lowered as she grew suspicious now. "Lightning what are you avoiding?" she asked. Lightning swallowed nervously before answering "Nothing. I just found a really good find here. Doc is going to want to check it out to probably." "Right..." Sally said with a harsh stare. "Well fine. Be that way. I only came out to apologize for being so busy and thought maybe we should set some time aside for each other with zero distractions. But you seem very intrigued by this car here and I doubt you'd want to stop and make plans with me, right?" "Don't do that." growled Lightning.

Sally raised a brow asking "What?" "That thing you're doing right now. You are trying to trap me." "I am not!" Sally snapped! "Gah!! You're the one acting like a child!" She scolded. Lightning crossed his arms and glared at her. "No. No, not really. You are just busy Sally. Way too busy for me." "Stop being childish Lightning." "No." He snarled. Sally's eyes widened. "What do you mean no?" "I don't know. I just wish we thought about all this before we got too involved I guess.." "To involved?" "Wait, no. Wrong. I didn't mean that." Lightning tried to correct.

"Lightning, do you want to be with me still?" "What? Yes! Oh yes! I meant Wheel Well. We, you got another motel for no reason.. You already work two jobs.. Why another?" Sally glared and reminded "You bought me the motel Lightning." "Yeah.. I know.. I just, I don't want to miss spending the rest of my life with you being sidelined to a motel." Lightning whined. Sally's eyes widened as he continued, "You are so independent and so strong and you know what you want and you go after it. I'm not like that, and when I finally find the one thing that I know without a doubt I want, it's threatened by a motel? How stupid is that?" he asked. Sally shrugged as she just stared sort of wide eyed at him.

Lightning frowned admitting. "I made that sound confusing.. Sorry." "No.. No, you didn't. I understand." Sally assured and embraced him in her arms. "You're afraid and that's okay." Lightning immediately stepped back saying "Afraid? What? No. No, you got this all wrong. I am not afraid, okay? Lightning McQueen doesn't-isn't afraid. No, no. I just.. I'm.. I'm afraid you might lose yourself and us if.. You work so much." Sally raised a brow as she stared at him. "Lightning stop.. Tell me the truth. I can see you're lying in your face." Lightning frowned and nodded. Taking a moment before answering "I.. I'm a little lonely right now... And.. It's just because I think that maybe we are going to drift more and more apart as this season goes on and.. I don't want that."

Sally smiled lovingly and replied "I don't want that either. So we just don't let that happen." "So what than?" Asked Lightning. "We just live a, a, a long distance relationship. Call each other when we can and see each other once or twice a week? And sex. What about sex? I mean I don't want to make it sound like that's all I care about, but I'm a guy. I need it. Literally will go insane without it." Sally giggled hearing that. "Now I doubt you'll go insane Stickers, but.. We can make it work. Believe me, I understand more than you know." "Why? Did you have long distance with Ben?" Asked Lightning. Sally stared a moment before shaking her head answering "No, um.. Why did Ben come up? This is between me and you." Lightning shrugged and apologized.

Sally let out a sigh. "Look, we.. We just love each other and hope for the best." "But what if you want more?" Lightning asked. Sally shrugged asking "What more could I want?" Lightning took a moment, taking that face of her's in as he thought about that. So was she happy with how they were now? Could she be in this rut for a few years? "Well.." Lightning mumbled. Sally cocked her head asking "Do you want more?" Lightning hesitated answering. "Not now.. Not really. If you're happy, I'm happy." "I'm happy." "Good.. That's good." Replied Lightning as they stared at each other. Sally felt there was more to it, but Lightning wasn't really opening up for whatever reason. "Alright..." She exclaimed. "I should get back to work.. I took as long as I could really to try talking to you.. Call me later maybe? We should plan some us time." Lightning nodded agreeing. "Definitely. Love you." "Love you to." Sally called as she walked away...

The following morning, Lightning woke up to the sound of that annoying cone alarm clock next to the bed. He patted the table a few times before finding the clock and slapping it to a stop. He sighed and sat up out of bed, brushing his blonde hair out of his eyes. Another day before he had to head off to the pre race events for the season. He wished he could find a way to spend it with Sally, but every chance they had was taken. Lightning looked over on the dresser to see the ring box. A promise ring. Was that really a good idea? Were he and Sally meant to be? What would it be like in a relationship with someone you barely see? Lightning really was all over the place after getting worked up about it ealier.

He hopped out of bed and got dressed, bathroom, hair, shoes, keys, before heading outside. The sun was bright this morning and the temperature was pretty cold out today. low 40s. Anyway, Lightning looked iver towards the office to see that Sally wasn't inside yet. Odd. Lightning glanced at the time on his phone. Sally was usually making morning rounds by now. He wasn't all that worried about it. Lightning walked across the street to the diner to grab himself a quick breakfast and see if Doc had any training plans before possibly heading over to mess around with that junk car he found at Mater's. Lightning walked in and took a seat at a table. Mia walked over pretty quickly and smiled. "Good morning Lightning." She greeted. Lightning looked at her and instantly the thought came to his mind.

Mia was willing to do really anything for him before. She was very fun, very new and adventurous. No more nee fun flings with gorgeous women if he really did want to be with Sally. "What can I get you?" Asked the woman. Lightning stared at her a moment before looking away and answering. "Just coffee or uh, orange juice to start.." "Sure thing. Anything for you Lightning." Lightning watched the girl leave. Leaning in his seat alone as that reply of her's made a knot grow in his stomach. He didn't want Mia. He had no edge ti get off with some new thinf or one night stand. Just the idea that for the rest of his life, being with Sally meant giving up his options. Mia walked back over and placed the glass of juice in front of Lightning then asked. "Anything else Lightning?"

Lightning looked up at her and nodded. "Yeah, um.. Has Sally been here already?" "No.. No, I don't think so. Why? Are you looking for her?" Lightning shook his head. "No um.. Thanks.. I guess I'll just have two eggs.. Scrambled." "Oh? Watching your diet now, are we?" Mia teased before walking away and placing the order in the kitchen. Lightning sighed and took out his phone.

Lightning

Good morning. Sorry I didn't catch you during your morning runs. I'll try seeing you at lunch if you'll be in town?

He texted his girlfriend. She didn't reply though. Lightning figured she wouldn't reply to him. She was just so busy anyway.

Lightning

Call me when you have the chance babe. Love you.

He texted one last message there before Mia returned with his breakfast. "Will that be all?" Mia asked. Lightning nodded and thanked her. Watching her walk away again before eating his breakfast. Bobby suddenly scooted in next to Lightning and asked "How you doin?" "Wow? Hi?" "So?" "So what?" Asked Lightning with such a confused look on his face. Bobby rolled hia eyes then explained "You still going to give her that ring?" "Yea, I don't know. Maybe. Planned on it." Lightning answered rudely. Bobby sighed. "Don't even want to see if you really want that?" "I don't want a strip club.. Last time I went to a club, it was a horrible experience." Lightning admitted.

Bobby chuckled replying "Oh you just haven't been to the good ones then man. Come on. One short night. Just to glance at the things you'd be giving up." "Why? Isn't that wrong?" Lightning asked. "I shouldn't go looking around at stuff I know can't have I shouldn't be putting myself in that situation." "Situation?" Laughed Bobby. "Dude. It's not like you don't do that anyway." Lightning glared at his friend. "Come on, I see you lookin at the waitresses here. I see why to. They pretty cute. Nice." Lightning blushed and shook his head. "No I don't. I don't look at them." Bobby chuckeld replying with "Sure you do. I've seen it a few times. Now wouldn't you like to tap one of them?" "Urm...Nope..Not really." Lightning answered, trying not to reveal that he already had to Bobby.

Bobby snickered and looked back, checking Mia out. "Dam, I know I'd like to. Anyways... Come on. Let me just take you out for drinks tonight. Just aa few hours outside of town. We may spend the night if we drink a little much, but otherwise, we'll be home before your girl even knows we be missin." Lightning seemed unsure. "I don't know.. I'd tell her anyway before we go. If we did... Maybe we should ask Cal to come to. His family is in town right now." Bobby rolled his eyes. "Please.. Cal don't know nothing about havin a good time." Lightning raised a brow asking "And you know this how?" "Well... i.. I don't know exactly I guess.. But Cal is so boring.. Ain't no way that guy will help you see the light." "I think you're the one who needs to"-"Fine. We can invite Cal. Geez..." Growled Bobby. Lightning snickered and placed a hand on Bobby's shoulder.

"Thanks. But that doesn't mean I'm going yet still. If Sally has time off tonight, I'm staying with her." Lightning exclaimed. Bobby nodded with a smile. "Oh I get it. If you can get laid, you goin for it. I don't blame you." "Well.. That isn't just it, but yeah." Lightning replied. Bobby then stood back up and told Lightning to let him know. "Will do Bobby. Thanks!" Called Lightning as his friend left. Lightning didn't sit alone long as Rusty and Dusty were sitting at another table eating and noticed the kid. "Hey! Lightning!" Called Rusty. Lightning looked over to see his sponors waving him down, so Lightning happily picked up and moved over to their table.

"How you doin kid?" Asked Dusty. Lightning sighed with a smile, answering "Great, good morning. How are you two liking Radiator Springs again?" Rusty smiled answering "Oh we love it. Place reminds me of the little patch of heaven my brother and I use to own back in Indiana." Dusty nodded in agreement. "Spent many a good summers there didn't we Dusty?" asked Rusty. Dusty chuckled and nodded saying "We sure did. I think that's where you had the idea of Rusteze huh?" "Oh no. You had the idea. I had the brains of the school to tell me how to and what not." Joked Rusty. Lightning chuckled softly at the two then asked "How long are y'all staying?" "Oh just a week." Answered Dusty. Rusty butted in adding "Yea, we gotta get back on the road to set up that first event for you."

Lightning sighed with disappointment thinking about that. Not that he didn't lovw the fans and the publicly, but he really wanted time with Sally. Time it felt like he was never going to get. Rusty and Dusty looked at each other and just knew that something was really bothering their Racer. So Rusty asked. "Hey kid? Somethin troublin you?" Lightning shook his head answering "Nah.. I just hate being so busy all the time it seems.." Dusty laughed and reminded "You did just have two vacations. Not to mention a two month break." Lightning glared a bit at the brothers, he really meant that Sally was always so busy. He hated that. Megan went with Cal to the races, so she was constantly with them. Maybe marriage is what got Meg to follow Cal around. It definitely made Lightning wonder.

"Thanks for coming to town guys. I hope y'all stay for the grand opening of Wheel Well. Sally is real excited for it." Exclaimed Lightning. Dusty nodded answering "Oh for sure!" Followed by Rusty, "We wouldn't miss it! We love Miss Sally. She's such a sweetie." Lightning really did love hearing how much everyone loved and or adored Sally. Made him proud to call her his. "Well, I'm gonna run. Great seeing you guys, see ya around." "Oh we're countin on it." Said Rusty as Lightning left...

Down the stretch, first turn and up the side wall, second turn and down the straight a way, Lightning gunned it to the turn, drifting around with that famous turn rught to go left and into the final turn! Braking to a stop, dust surrounded the red race car. Emerging from the dust cloud to the side was Doc, waving Lightning down. So Lightning shut off the car and pulled himself out the window and walked over greeting. "Hey Doc.. I know, I know. I shouldn't have the Bolt out and should be tuning up for the season, but I just had to get a few laps in for myself." Doc smiled proudly and nodded. "You look good. Look ready. How's Wheel well coming along?" Asked the old man.

Lightning happily answered "Great. Two more days before it's opened." "Glad you did that for Sally. Means a lot to her and to the town really to. Speaking of which, have you seen Sally today?" Lightning raised a brow as he became concern. "No. I figured she was already off working like usual. Isn't she?" Doc shrugged answering "Maybe. I was just needing to talk to her about this fan club of Rusteze coming in tomorrow." "Oh.. Right." Muttered Lightning. "I'll head back to town and look for her." The kid assured. Doc nodded and thanked him."Make sure she's not over doin herself while you're at it." "She's always over doing it, but there is not slowing her down and you know that." "We'll see. Good run. Maybe we'll race tomorrow morning."

Lightning stared at his coach. "Really? Me and you?" He asked. Doc nodded. "Yes! Tomorrow morning. Can't wait Doc!" Lightning exclaimed with excitement as he got back ontointo the Bolt and darted off to fond his girlfriend. Doc snickered and smiled. Lightning didn't need him really anymore. The kid just needed to learn control. Control and how to turn down his cocky confident attitude at times because that was going to get him into constant trouble. At least that's what Doc feared...

Lightning pulled up the loud car next to Sally's cone. Her car was parked out front, so she was either in the office, home, or somwhere within walking distance. Couldn't be to awful hard to find her. Lightning first knocked on her door and waited a moment. Surprisingly the door opened. "Hey." He greeted. She was already on the phone, talking to someone. Lightning's brows lowered as she just morioned for him to come on in.

Lightning sat down on the couch and waited for Sally to get off the phone. The conversation she was having sounded like she was maybe talking to a bank. Maybe. She finally hung up and looked at Lightning asking "What's up?" "What's up?" Snapped Lightning. "Well for starters, if you're finding time to be on that stupid phone, why not answer me when I text you? Doc was looking for you." "I have been busy. I'm sorry." "Yeah, right. Funny how sorry you are and yet I'm pretty sure that nothing is going to change. In fact, things will probably only get worse." Lightning griped. Sally glared down at her boyfriend. "Please stop. This is getting ridiculous. I tried setting time for us, but you wanted to argue." "Not true. I don't want to argue." Lightning corrected.

Sally sighed then sat back down next to him. "Look, we have to figure this out together. We are both going to be busy with our own lives.. I mean.." She paused and thought a pretty sad thought. "We could brake up.. I don't want that though.." "I don't either. In fact, I want you to know that no matter what, I'll always come back to you." Lightning assured with a gazing smile. Sally smiled back and nodded. "That's very sweet of you Stickers." "Hey, you have any plans tonight?" Lightning asked. Sally nodded explaining "Yeah... I'm getting the fan ckub set up. Going to help organize the tent for them to all stay in. So, not tomorrow, but the next is the grand opening? Right?" "Yup. And I can't wait." Lightning seemed excited. Sally smiled seeing that. "Good. I bought myself a new dress for yhe ocasion to." "Oh really?" Asked Lightning flirtatiously.

"Can't wait to take it off you already." he joked. Sort of. Sally giggled and leaned in, kissing Lightning with a small and ssweet tender kiss. "I think I'm gonna go out tonight with Bobby and maybe Cal. That okay?" He asked. Sally was shocked he asked and nodded. "Of course.You don't have to ask me to go hang out with your friends." "Well I know that. I just meant.. I want to respect you." "Respect me? Okay, where the heck are you three going?" She asked suspiciously. Lightning's eyes widened. "Oh um... Just a club. Don't worry though.Just gonna wind down before the season starts with the guys." Sally was a littlw worried, but didn't think Lightning wouls actually go all out and cheat on her. Plus, Cal was going along.

"I'm not going to. You deserve a little fun. Just.. Behave." She warned. Lightning chuckled and agreed to that. "Of course love. Thanks." "Again, you don't have to ask me, but.. Thanks for asking anyway." Sally replied. Lightning gazed at his girl before boltong off, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll call you in the morning." He assured. "Better." Said Sally...

No idea what im gonna have the boyboys get into for their first night out I believe with all three of them. But, im sure it'll be fun and funny with bobby in the lead.