Sally woke up slowly and with such satisfaction. She let out a sigh and sat up. Then noticed she was alone. Really? After all that, he just left her there? Sally got up and knocked on the bathroom door calling "Lightning?.." She opened the door to find it empty. His clothes, phone, gone. Sally went to grab her coat which was on the dresser, to find some clothes neatly folded with a note.
Had Bobby bring me some of your clothes and left my car with you.. Thought I'd let you sleep in, so don't panic about the time. I got the Cozy cone covered.
Don't panic about the time? Sally wondered. She grabbed her phone and saw the time and gasped! 12.18!? She slept until noon!? She had limited time to get Wheel Well's opening ready! But.. It was awful sweet of Lightning to let her sleep in. Sally took the time to calm down. relax, shower, and get dressed before heading back down town. Then she looked at her hand. That promise ring did mean something big to her. It made her as if Lightning was the one for sure without a doubt. She would be scared once the next step was taken though. Just past pain with Ben would put a bit of fear in her. But Lightning was different and Sally felt something with him she didn't feel with Ben. She knew Lightning loved her. He'd do anything for her, right?...
An older woman sat down at the bar counter at Flo's cafe. She placed her small bag on the counter, pretty much in front of the man sitting next to her. The man looked at her and growled "Do you mind?" Very rudely. The woman apologized and moved her bag. She saw he had a strong beer and asked "Kind of early to be drinking. Rough night?" The man glared at her and sighed saying "Just.. Problems with my daughter." "Awe.. I can relate. I have three daughters." The woman said with a laugh. "God bless you. I have two, but.. This one makes me worry all the time.." The man admitted. The woman nodded and asked "How old?" "Oh she's well into her twenties." The man answered.
The woman smiled asking "So what kind of problems?" The man sighed and looked at the woman answering "Boy problems... I'd say man, but.. Would hardly call the guy she's with a man. He's a womanizing little punk who likes attention and doesn't have a house, a real job with real income.. He can't truly support her." The woman giggled replying "Oh been there, done that. Let me guess, your daughter says that she loves him and every time you try to express your concerns she only becomes more distant and defends the boy, right?"
The man raised a brow and asked "Your daughters do that?" The woman nodded. "All of them, but one. I'm sure she will to at some point though. Any boys? They seem to be easier in my experience." The man nodded answering "I have one. And yeah, he was easy. He has his own little family now and he is a great kid, great husband, dad. Wish my youngest would see she deserves better than the street rat she's dating now." The man admitted. The woman snickered. "Best way to get rid of the kid if he's that bad is to let the relationship run it's course. Eventually, usually, the girl will realize he's more harm than good to her."
The man shook his head saying "Not in time I'm afraid... The kid wants to give my daughter a promise ring and if that happens, I'm going to wind up being stuck with him." The woman thought a moment then shrugged saying "In that case, you could always get the shot gun out and chase him off. Worked with Becket." "Becket?" The man asked with a chuckle. The woman nodded explaining "Becket was this boy one of my daughter's brought home. Horrible little prep. He was what I like to call the brains of the bone heads." The man chuckled at that.
"Pretty sure this kid my daughter is seeing is the king of the bone heads." He joked. The woman laughed. "Sometimes, just being overly nice works to." "I don't think I could do that..I mean I tried.. But.. It was a lie." The man admitted. The woman placed her hand on his closer shoulder replying "Trust me, it'll pay off. You'll either wind up loving the boy as you get to know him, or it'll scare him off as he comes to know how crazy you are." "I will never like him." The man growled. The woman shrugged. "Never know. Have you been here before? Radiator Springs?" She asked. The man shook his head then asked "You?" "Nope, first time." answered the woman. The man sighed then asked "Alright, what brings you here? I don't see anyone with you. Can be dangerous. A woman traveling alone." The woman laughed answering flirtatiously, "I carry."
The man just stared at her, at her bag and announced "I'm a Lawyer.." "Oh. Fancy huh? Don't you worry Mr. Lawyer, I have all the right permits. My youngest is actually dating one of them lawyer people. Sweet girl, but odd.. She tries way to hard to fit in. I'm actually here to see her. She's opening this new motel and when my son told me all about it, how he bought the place for her and just seeing how much he loves her, I had to come down and support her." The man stared blankly for a moment.. His brows lowered. "You're Lightning McQueen's mother?" He asked. The woman nodded and was confused. She knew Lightning was growing in fame, but this much so.
"How did you know that..?" She asked quietly. The man completely changed attitude. From a friendly stranger, to a protective and angry Father. Well, over protective really. "You are that punks MOTHER!?" He shouted! Minty's brows lowered as The man laughed! "Oh WOW. That is, this is great. I'm sitting here talking to the little prick's mother." "Excuse me? Who the hell are you to talk like that to me?" Minty asked. The man stood up and softly, quietly threat. "You tell your son to take his trailer trash ass back to the whatever hole you raised him in and to keep his womanizing little dick away from my daughter before I cut it off.." Minty was shocked by this man. Her eyes wide she defended "Okay sir, you better back up!" Now they had other customer's attention. "Not until that shit of a kid you raised does!" Snapped Carson!
Minty gasped! "My Monty is better than any little punk your daughter could ever dream of dating!" "OH PLEASE! He calls himself LIGHTNING! It's childish! What is he? A pokemon trainer or useless side kick!? Sally is an intelligent, high society figure with good genes and your little mut is going to RUIN my family with his sly mouth to get in and take what I have worked for!" "After meeting you, I'd say he's improving the gene pool." Minty said crossing her arms. Carson growled in frustration. "You're son is only dating my Sally for one thing. I guarantee it!" Minty snickered with a half smile saying "Please, they are both young Sir. I'd say that goes both ways." Carson's mouth dropped! "You calling my daughter a whore!?" He asked IN ANGER.
Minty shook her head saying "Well aren't you more disappointing than an unsalted pretzel.. Once upon a time I was curious about meeting you.. Now that's dead. Poor Sally though. No wonder she lives far away from you." Carson only growled back "OH!? Like your trash kid!? Let me remind you that he isn't even your kid! Doesn't claim to be, says he's adopted! So means he's ashamed of your trailer park ass!" Minty giggled saying 'You think that's the first insult I've heard. Man you sure are lucky my son ain't here right now." "AIN'T ISN'T A WORD! See!? Exactly what I am talking about! You keep that hobo, non working, lazy, flea infested animal you adopted and your family away from my family!" "OH how I wish you kept your mouth shut! You take all that right back! You know NOTHING! No one has ever worked as hard as my family and my Monty!" "HE DRIVES IN CIRCLES! It's not that hard! You turn left, then left, then left, THEN LEFT!" "RACING IS A DANGEROUS JOB! Takes a lot of skill to do what Monty does! He risk a lot going out there and depending on his tuned machine and his training! He could even crash!" "Well let's hope he does and forgets my daughter all together!" Yelled Carson!
Minty took his drink and splashed it in his face! Carson wiped his face and was furious with Minty. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth to say something when Sheriff walked up and cleared his throat and exclaimed. "We have two options at this point.. I can take ya'll down to the station to settle this, or the two of you can walk away. Which will it be?" Minty and Carson stared at each other in anger. Carson nodded answering "I'll give the lady a chance to step back." Minty shook her head snarling "You obviously don't know how stubborn I am."
Carson then pointed at the woman and said to Sheriff, "She assaulted me." "She spilled a drink on you." Sheriff said. Minty smiled proudly. "WHAT!?" Snapped Carson! "Oh isn't that like a woman!" He yelled! "Using yourself to get what you want. I take it you've had to do that a lot in your life." SLAP! right across Carson's face! Doc stood up and began marching over when Lightning pretty much slid in between everyone. Doc looked at Lightning with confusion, the kid was quick saying "NO, wait, please."
Carson looked at Lightning asked "How long you been there?" Lightning walked up next to Sheriff answering Carson, "Not long.. Mom, what are you doing here?" Before she could answer, Sheriff spoke up questioning "Mom?" He asked. Minty then answered "I came to support Sally and plus it was a chance to see you and the place you call home. But then I got the delight of meeting Sally's father." Carson was sharp to reply with "Well it's not exactly great to meet you. In fact, meeting you only makes me dislike your kid more."
Minty snickered and asked "Let me ask you somethin, is your ass jealous of the shit that comes from your mouth there? Because I know mine is, dam." Carson's eyes widened. Lightning turned red and was quick to grab his Mom and pull her aside. "Mom.. Stop, please.. This is SALLY's FATHER." He reminded quietly. "Yeah, so? Don't mean I should take that kind of talk from him." She replied rudely. Lightning frowned explaining "He hates me already and I promised Sally I'd behave.. I can't defend you and keep him.. um.. Whatever he is all the time at the same time.." Minty snickered and crossed her arms saying "Monty please. I don't need you to defend me."
"I know, that's.. Not what I meant.. It's just"-Minty gasped and covered her mouth. Lightning's brows lowered with a "What?" Minty smiled then exclaimed "You're giving Sally a promise ri"-Lightning grabbed his Mom's mouth and covered it fast, shutting her up! Glancing at all the strangers staring. "Um.." He mumbled and looked at Sheriff, Doc, and Carson. "Ha.. ha.. Well.. I'm just.. Gonna take my Mom to the room. Show her around." Then turned his mother and began gently pushing her out the door. Minty argued with "Wait, Mon, my bags." "I'll get them later." He whispered and guided his mother to the Cozy cone motel across the street to his room, shutting the door behind him.
Minty then placed her hands on her hip and scolded her son quick, "How dare you put your hands on me like that Monty! What did I even do wrong!? That man is.. OOohh... He is the reason God gave us middle fingers!" She yelled, pointing a finger at her son. Lightning sighed and pushed his Mother's finger away. "You need to calm down.." He muttered, rubbing his head. Minty's eyes widened. "Calm down!? That.. He.." She stopped and stared at her son.
"Where is Sally?" She asked. Lightning shrugged. "Sleeping or getting ready for the opening tonight.. I don't know. I let her sleep in this morning." Minty stared at her son a moment. Thinking mostly. "Mom. you.. You can't be blurting things out here.. People here know me even if I don't know them. They take the littlest bit of information and take it a million different directions and Sally doesn't like it. It's.. Just drama." Lightning tried to explain. Minty looked at her son and said. "That man, Sally's Dad.." "Carson." "Okay.. Whatever. He said you were giving Sally a promise ring. That true? Is that how you feel about her?" She asked her son softly.
Lightning hesitated and shrugged before answering "Well.. Yeah.. Actually I.. I gave it to her last night already." He smiled awkwardly. Minty smiled lovingly then PUNCHed Lightning in the shoulder hard! "Ow?" Lightning whined with a wtf kind of expression. Minty only snapped "You are suppose to tell me when something like this happens in your life! I'm your Mama!" "Mom.. Chill.. It's not that big of a deal.." He blushed. Minty placed her hands on her hips replying "Well maybe not to you. But this is a big step in your life and I want to be a part of it dammit." She then wrapped her arms around her son!
"Oh I am so proud of the man you're becoming." She said happily. Lightning gently pushed his Mother away. "Ewe.. Mom.. Don't make this gross." He griped. Minty giggled a bit and rolled her eyes. "Oh stop." She said. "You don't have to be all macho around me. So wait.. Carson doesn't know you gave it to her yet?" "Um.. No.." "And you didn't ask him permission?" She asked her son. Lightning shook his head answering "It's just a symbol of commitment. Not marriage. Plus, I don't think I can ask Carson anything like that even if I wanted to. He'd just forbid it." Minty snickered and nodded. "Yeah.. He's quite a character.. But that's what the ring means long term, right? You will one day ask her?" She asked. Lightning stared at his Mom for a second before nodding slowly and answering "When she's ready."
Minty squealed like a little girl and hugged her son tightly! "OH MY GOSH MON! I'm so happy hearing this! I mean honestly, I knew it was either you or Chad that would give me the most trouble with settling down." Lightning barely muttered "Alright Mom.. Not engaged yet.. Not anytime soon.. Right now.. I can't breathe.." Minty released her son and apologized. But hearing that, she had to ask "Is that what Sally wants?" Lightning snickered answering "Well I think so. I hope she wants to one day and doesn't change her mind." He chuckled. Minty shook her head and asked differently "No, I mean does she want her Father to give you his blessing? Does she need her Dad's approval before she'd ever marry you?"
Lightning stared at his Mother. Unsure. "Better start making peace now if she does. The more damage done makes it harder and I.. Am just now realizing how badly I only messed that up for you more.." Minty slowly muttered. Lightning placed a hand on his Mother's shoulder. "You really didn't change anything. Carson has never liked me so far. But you're right. I don't know if Sally's Father's approval matters much or not, but Sally did ask me to behave and try to get along. So.. I.. Have to try at least.." "That's my boy. Kill em' with kindness." Minty said warmly. "And if that don't work, there's always a shotgun." "Mom." Lightning growled. Minty shrugged asking "What? I'm only joking.. Mostly.."...
Later, closer to evening. Sally was inside her bathroom getting ready. Her Father waiting outside for her. He looked at his watch and knocked on the door saying "Um.. Not trying to rush you sweetie.. But..I don't think the owner should be late to the ribbon cutting.." Sally called back with "Yeah, yeah.. Almost ready Dad." She was already ready, but was looking and re reading some texts she and Lightning had sent back and fourth through out the day. They hadn't seen each other all day. Mostly because they were with their parents and getting ready for tonight.
Lightning
My Mom will behave fine. But if your dad starts something, all bets are off.
Sally
I'm sure he wont..
Lightning
How are we suppose to deal with this tonight? You shouldn't have to stress out. Are you wearing the ring at all?
Sally
I dont think ill wear it until after i tell him.
Lightning
fine by me. Less drama. You really never have to wear it. I just want you to know I ma yours. Always.
Sally
I know Stickers. now about the situation with our parents..
Lightning
Want me to just keep them apart while you enjoy the lime light tonight?
Sally
I can't ask that.
Lightning
sure you can.
Sally
I really want you by my side tonight and no fighting.
"Sally? We should really be going." Called Carson. Sally sighed and turned off the phone. She straightened her outfit. It was a little cold, so she wore leather black tights, a white blouse with a white blazer and large black pumps. A necklace Lightning gave her and her hair down and wavy with the sides pinned back. Long black droopy rain drop ear rings and darker make up. She stepped out and her Father as quick to compliment. "You look stunning." "Thanks Dad." Though those pants were a little tight and something he wish his daughter wouldn't wear. "Ready to go?" Carson asked as he grabbed his keys. Sally nodded and the two headed out.
Lightning finished with his shoes then grabbed his keys saying "Alright Mom, ready to go?" He called. Minty took one look at her son his his suit. Very nice, but "Hold on. You're missing one thing." She said then walked over to his dresser asking "Still keep ties in the top drawer?" She asked. "You know that usually wrinkles them." Lightning sighed and griped "Mom, I'm not wearing a tie. I don't need one.. Can't we just go?" He asked. Minty took out a tie then went and put it on her son. "Never hurts to try." SHe said as she straightened it up.
She patted his chest adding "And you should really place those toys someplace more private.." "MOM!" Lightning snapped with red cheeks. Minty snickered and smiled at her son. "You know I'd love to tell Carson how well you give it to his daughter. Think if he were mad enough, his head would explode?" She asked. Lightning's brows lowered as he scolded. "That's not funny Mom." "Did you notice that Carson gets an ugly little wrinkle under his hair line right before he starts shouting?" She asked with a laugh. Lightning opened the door for his Mother as he replied "Not really.. But I have noticed he cringes his nose and holds his breath quietly before he starts just blurting out random stuff." Minty giggled at that...
The families arrived at Wheel Well in time to cut the ribbon and begin to celebrate the grand opening! Violins and flutes and a piano, keyboard played simple and light music. And for most of the night, Sally had stayed with her Father and Lightning with his Mother. Only getting a glance towards each other from time to time when they could. Sending quick, silent, cute smiles, or a wink, or a charming gaze. At some point, Minty was at the bar, Carson talking to a few of the town folk, which gave Lightning and Sally a moment together.
Lightning smiled and complimented "You look beautiful. As always though." Sally giggled some and took her boyfriend's hands. "And you look nice, as always of course." They gazed into each other's eyes. They were young and so in love. "How did I get so lucky?" Lightning asked, looking down into those teal, blue eyes of her's. Sally raised a brow answering "You didn't get lucky, I totally trapped you." 'Trapped me huh? I think it's more like I trapped you." Lightning argued playfully. Sally giggled and shook her head. "Not a chance Stickers." "I hope you never stop calling me that." he cooed then leaned in to kiss her, but Sally stopped him with her hand. "Maybe we should wait until after the party.." She quietly suggested.
Lightning sighed. "Alright.. But you know making me wait only makes it harder on you later." He teased. Sally rolled her eyes with a smile. She didn't care. She loved this idiot. Sally heard the music change to a more bouncy style song I guess for the style playing tonight. She glanced at the band then back to Lightning saying "La Valvse de L'Amour." Lightning raised a brow asking "What now?" Sally laughed saying "The song! It's french." I don't speak french. Or hear french for that matter." It made Sally laugh as she then positioned Lightning's hands on her hips."It means the waltz of love." Lightning smiled warmly at her as they drifted into their own little world. At first swaying, holding each other's hips. But Sally then leaned into Lightning's chest. She could smell his wonderful scent, feel him breathe, his warmth. She nestled in and was just at such peace in this state. To those two, at this moment, nothing else existed.
Carson stared at the couple. He disliked Lightning so much. How could Sally fall for such a low being. Minty walked up and announced herself with a loud sigh. "Kids seem to be happy." Carson wouldn't even look at Minty as he said. "Ignorance is bliss." Minty frowned as she looked up at Carson. He was such a grumpy, unhappy man. "I know Monty can be... Rough around the edges, but.. If he loves something, he pursues alright?..Monty is a determined. strong, confident, an over zealous young man and I can promise you that if he loves your daughter, he will give her more than any man could." Carson glanced over at Minty then back at Sally and Lightning.
"And I'll bet you he just wants to make Sally happy in the end. Isn't that what you want?" Minty asked. Carson shook his head answering. "You can't be happy if you are struggling in life." Carson argued kindly. Minty snickered saying "That's not true at all. I mean look, at them. You are telling me that your daughter is struggling?" She asked. Carson sighed and stared at his daughter. No.. Sally looked... Happy...
