The old truck pulled up to the V8 cafe and parked. Chad got out and began filling the ride up. Minty got out the passenger and smiled at the cute town with a sigh, a relaxing sigh. "Awe.. It's so good to be out of Texas for a bit. Ain't it son?" She asked her oldest with her. Chad just nodded with a smile answering "Anything you say Mom. Monty should be here tomorrow. I spoke wit him yesterday." "Great. Did you reserve a room for us?" "Yeah. Lightning and Sally reserved us a room up at the Wheel Well motel. I told you before Mom, don't you remember?" Chad asked. Minty snickered snarling "Of course I do. I was just testing you." "MMhhmm." Chad hummed with a glare. Minty walked around the ole truck and made her way inside the cafe. She needed a bathroom break after such a long drive...

Minty walked out of the rest room to see none other than the mayor of Radiator springs himself reading a paper at a table. Minty smiled and walked over to greet him. "Hey there young man." Doc looked up at the woman and snickered with a smile. "I am anything but. How are you Minty?" He asked. Minty went ahead and sat down with the gentleman answering "Oh I'm doin well. You still mayor in these parts?" "Yep." "Why aren't you with my son?" She asked with concern. Doc happily explained "Oh we got back early. Kid was eager to get back to Sally honestly." Minty loved hearing that. She loved sally and was glad that Monty found some one that made him so happy.

"How long are you stayin for?" Asked the old racer. Minty sighed answering "Well.. I plan to stay for at least a few days. Til Monty heads out to his next race I suppose." Doc nodded replying "Won't be a long visit I'm afraid than. Busy season now sense we're getting into the cup race finals." "Awe, well oh well. I'll get to visit him some at least. Chad came with me as well." "Chad.. Chad.. Now, which one is he again?" Asked Doc. Minty smiled answering "My second oldest. The one who runs the mechanic shop back home." Minty sure did light up anytime she bragged about her children.

"You still look beautiful." Doc complimented. Minty blushed a little as she smiled more. "Oh stop it." "I'm serious. You look stunning. Why don't you let me buy you a drink?" He offered. Minty shook her head explaining. "Nah.. I still gotta go get checked in at the motel with Chad, plus.. I would like to see Monty first. But how about dinner?" Minty countered. Doc's brows raised. "You want to do dinner?" Minty nodded. Doc thought a moment before asking "Where would you like to go? I mean we have this great diner and than Wheel Well of course." "Hmm.. Well.. I haven't gotten to check out the Wheel Well's menu really yet. How about we meet up there at five?" "Excellent! Means I'll make it home before my bed time." Doc joked. It made Minty laugh and smile like a love struck teenager. "You are a funny one." She giggled as she stood up. "Alright, I'll see you tonight. But I'm not dressin up." She warned. Doc shrugged replying "Don't plan to either." Minty just smiled and left back out to Chad.

Doc watched her from the window. Watching her get back into the old truck and her son get into the driver seat and head back out and up the pass towards Wheel Well no doubt. Doc smiled some and when he looked away from the window, he was greeted by Mater sitting on the other side of the tab;e! Doc glared asking "What are you lookin at?" Mater smiled answering "Nothin. Hey is you in love with McQueen's Mama"?" Doc's eyes widened and his face blushed! Mater laughed and slapped his knee shouting "SHOOT YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH MCQUEEN'S MAMA! That's the same dad gum face McQueen gave me when I told him he was in love with Miss Sally. Ain't that funny right there." He chuckled.

A few eyes stared over at Doc and Mater sense Mater was being so loud. Doc's brows lowered. The old former racer just put the news paper he was reading back up, covering his face. Mater finished his chuckle then asked "You think McQueen will be okay wit that though Doc?" Doc sighed answering in a growl. "Just go away Mater, leave me alone." "Fine." Mater replied. "I'll go. But McQueen is gonna flip when he hears this." Doc put the paper down and got serious! "Do not tell him anything Mater!" People stared. Mater's eyes widened a moment. Just staring at the mayor.

"Well why not?" Asked Mater. Doc thought a moment before answering "Because... Be- because.. It's a secret. We're just friends anyway Mater, it's nothing special." "Awe... Okay." Mater said with a smile and a wink. "Don't you worry bout it Doc, I won't tell Lightnin anything." He then walked off. Carefully looking out for Lightning so he would know when not to even think of Doc's secret, which.. Really wasn't much of anything to be secretive about. Doc did wonder curiously though... How would Lightning reqact to the idea of his Mother and Doc taking a swing at it for real. If Minty would this time...

Lightning parked his corvette outside the motel. It was later in the evening. Sally rushed out to meet with him and grabbed his arm asking "Where have you been?" In a scolding whisper. Lightning raised a brow answering "I was just out at the track with Mater. What's wrong?" He was a bit worried now as her tone was off. Sally raised a brow asking "Why was Mater at the track?-Never mind, I have bigger problems right now." "What? What's wrong?" Asked Lightning. Sally sighed and pulled Lightning into the outdoor dining area of Wheel well as she explained "I lost one of the waiters." "SOME ONE DIED!?" Lightning shouted with a pale expression! Sally laughed! "What? No.. Gavin quit! And of course tonight I have a full house, see!?" She pointed to the bar, the dining area, the line to get a seat. Lightning was a little surprised.

Of course Wheel Well was the main attraction of Radiator Springs for the longest time now, but still.. It was rather busier than usual tonight. "And it's Jazz night.." Sally added. Lightning sighed nodding "Awe.. That explains it.." A lot of the older folks loved coming by on Jazz night. "LIGHTNING! What am I going to do!? Where am I going to find another waiter or waitress so last minute!?" She was panicking and it was adorable. Lightning thought a moment before asking "What about Mia or Tia?" Sally glared and crossed her arms. Lightning blushed saying "Right, no.. Of course not, sorry. Um.. Well what about you?" "ME!? Are you kidding? I have to check in people and deal with every other single problem that comes up. Not to mention I'm still trying to clear out rooms for new guests.. Like your Mom and brother, remember?" She asked.

Lightning nodded and grabbed Sally's shoulder saying "Relax.. We'll figure this out. Hmm." He thought a moment before finally offering himself. "You?" Sally asked with a laugh. Lightning's brows lowered. "Yes me. I can be a waiter." "You have to serve people Lightning and you can't have a mouth." She warned. "And you can't wear that." She added, pointing to his dusty, dirty jeans and race jacket. Lightning glanced down at his attire and understood that he might be a little... Unsanitary in his current condition. "I'll clean up, come on, it's fine, I can handle it. I want to help you Sally." Sally stared a moment. Not sure if this was a good idea or not, but Lightning's charming smile was hard to say no to. She sighed and nodded saying "Fine, okay. You got the job. Just go clean up and put on a button up and I'll get you an apron ready." Suddenly the only other waiter she had working, dropped a trey which had glasses on it. The glasses shattered everywhere! It was a dangerous mess. Sally looked at Lightning and said "And hurry please.." Before rushing over to help with the sharp mess...

Doc sat down at one of the tables of Wheel Well. It was a rather beautiful place. Lightning and Sally had really turned the place around. Doc looked out over the view. Radiator Springs was such a magical place. "Greetings old timer." Greeted Minty's voice. Doc turned to see Minty, wearing a slimming, black, knee length, dress with a rounder neck line than usual dresses had and her hair was up in a very tightly wound bun. She had more make up on than usual to. Doc smiled as he noticed saying "Thought you weren't dressing up." Minty sat at the table then pointed out Doc's suit and tie saying "Thought you wouldn't either." Doc smirked a smile on his face. Minty was a good woman.

Minty let out a sigh and said "This place is amazing. Sally did a good job." She complimented. Doc nodded in agreement saying "Sure did. Both of those kids did really." Minty stared at Doc and Doc at Minty. Both sort of almost gazing into each other's eyes. Doc cleared his throat before picking up thier menu and asking "What do you want to drink?" Minty picked up her menu and glanced at it before answering "Anything with a sting to it. If it don't sting than there ain't nothin in it." She joked. Doc snickered at that. "You look good Minty." He complimented. Minty smiled. "Well about time you said somethin about this get up Mister Hudson Hornet." Doc chuckled quietly. Minty was just a cute and quiet spunky woman...

Lightning walked out and to behind the bar where Sally was speaking to Luige about something with Guido handling mixes when she saw him. Lightning was wearing a white button up tucked into black dress pants and black shoes. "This okay?" He asked as he did a little turn for her. Sally sighed and picked a bit at him saying "You never wear white as a water.. No matter, I don't have time for you to change. It will have to do." She pushed Lightning out of the bar and handed him an apron saying "Wrap this around yourself." Lightning stared at it asking "What? Like a bow?" Sally rolled her eyes then snatched the thing back and ordered Lightning to turn around.

His backside to her, Sally wrapped the short apron around him and tied it. Tight. "Woah! HEY!" Lightning snapped. Sally finished tying it then said "There." She handed her boyfriend a note pad and pen and instructed "You just write down whatever they want to eat or drink and the table number and hand it to the chef in the kitchen. Can you do that?" She asked. Worried that Lightning may unintentionally screw this up. Lightning glared assuring "I can do this Sally. I'm not completely useless you know." "I know and I'm sorry.. I'm just stressed out tonight. Thank you so much Stickers.. This really helps me out a lot and it'll be well worth it, I promise." She assured then kissed his cheek. "Now go on, I have to greet a few people." Lightning turned around when SLAP! Across his ass. He quickly, instinctively turned back around and stared at Sally who blushed a bit then said "Go on, get to work." Before she ran off herself. Lightning smiled a little, snickering and shaking his head. She was lucky she was cute and that they were too busy for anything intimate at the moment, or she'd be getting it right now.

Lightning let out a sigh and walked up to the first table. The couple at the table gasped and their eyes widened with surprise! The woman was first to speak saying "Oh my goodness!.. Lightning McQueen himself!?" Lightning smiled. "Yes Mam." He chuckled. The woman and her husband glanced at each other than the woman asked "What are you doing with that outfit? Are you waiting tables or did we win some kind of contest?" She giggled. Lightning snickered explaining "Non contest Mam.. My girlfriend and I are just low staffed tonight, so I'm helping out." "Oh my goodness! Lightning McQueen is our water, wow! What a night, huh James?" The woman asked her husband. James nodded agreeing.

Lightning smiled then pulled out a note pad asking "Great. So.. What will the two of you be having tonight?" "Can I get a photo of you?" Asked the woman. "You just look so adorable like this. My sister Jennifer is going to flip out when she finds out the Lightning McQueen was waiting our table." Lightning shrugged answering "Uh.. Sure." FLASH! Lightning blinked a few times. The flash of the woman's phone was pretty darn bright in the low lights of the dining area. Lightning shook his head a bit, that was a bit annoying. Some times, fame was more of that than fun. As Lightning went from table to kitchen, table to kitchen.. Most every person had this reaction to him. Lightning McQueen waiting their table! The word got out and soon, the line to Wheel Well was a traffic jam of cars lined up waiting to even park!

Lightning was growing tired quickly because of this and soon, Sally had to pitch in as well just to keep up with the customers. "OOmph!" Both Sally and Lightning bumped into each other! Luckily neither had any treys filled with anything. The couple looked at each other and giggled a bit. "Sorry." Lightning apologized. Sally smiled, stood up onto her toes and kissed his cheek. "Sorry we're so busy tonight." She apologized. Lightning shrugged replying "I think it's my fault we are.. Wasn't this bad until I started waiting tables..." Sally nodded. "Yeah.. Might not have been the best idea.." She admitted. "Think we'll be able to spend time together tonight still?" asked Lightning. Sally sighed. "I don't know.. Something tells me we'll both be a little worn out by the end of all this." She frowned.

Man Lightning hated that. He was just always so busy with racing and traveling that he and Sally often didn't get much of any time together. "We should take a vacation." Lightning griped. Sally snickered and rolled her eyes. "Oh please.. I'm too busy helping people with their vacations to plan out our own one." She then walked off. Not thinking anything about how or what she had just said to her boyfriend. Lightning wouldn't say anything, but it kind of hurt.

Lightning hurried along to the next table, but then saw it. His Mother and Doc... What? "Hey!" Snapped the man at the table Lightning was at. Lightning snapped out of his inner thoughts there and realized was completely ignoring this man for some time now. Lightning quickly apologized "Sorry.. I'll pay for your meal, whatever you want.. If you can just wait one second..." and Lightning walked away. Not even giving the man a moment to answer. Lightning headed to the table. The one his Mother and Doc sat at. But before he made it there completely, Sally approached him asking "Hey, you're not mad at me for what I said a moment ago? Are you? I just realized that might have come out a little selfish and rude of me." Lightning smiled answering "No, of course I'm not mad." He stared over at his Mother and mentor.

Sally looked over, speaking up "So you saw them huh? Looks like a date." "What? No." Lightning disagreed, but he was suspicious. Sally giggled saying "Oh yeah right. They are both dressed up nicely and this place is the most romantic place in Radiator Springs." She said that with pride. Lightning glared and snarled "Oh please.. My Mom is so not Doc's type. Besides, Doc doesn't date." Sally only laughed at that with a "Oh sure Stickers. Than I guess you won't mind tending their table?" She was teasing him. Lightning's brows raised. "What?" He questioned. "Why would that bother me?" "Because it's a date." "Not a date." "Whatever makes you comfortable with it Stickers... But a little advice... Let them be. Your mother and Doc both deserve a nice night out. Try and keep the drama on the down low." Sally suggested. Lightning snickered replying "I'm not dramatic." Sally rolled her eyes and walked away. Yes he was. Very, at times.

Lightning sighed then walked up to the table greeting with a clearing of his throat. Doc and Minty looked at him with surprise. "Monty?" Minty questioned. "Sense when do you wait tables?" Lightning glanced at Doc before explaining "The motel is a little short handed tonight.. I'm helping Sally out." "Awe... That's so sweet of you Monty." Minty embarrassed him. Why that was embarrassing, not sure. But it was to Lightning. "What are you two doing here? Together?..." Lightning asked. Doc and Minty glanced at each other before Minty answered her son. "Well Doc invited me." "Why?..." Lightning asked suspiciously. Minty snickered, trying not to laugh as she responded "Because he's a decent man. If your short handed, you should ask Chad. I'm sure he'd love to help. You know he's always looking for ways to keep himself busy." "...Yeah... Maybe.." Lightning mumbled. He obviously wasn't exactly comfortable with the situation before him. Minty raised a brow then asked "Aren't you going to ask what we want to drink? Or are you just goin to stand there Mon?" Lightning snapped out of his paused stare asking "Yes! Sorry.. Drinks? What'll it be?" Minty snickered answering "Well you know me Monty. Just give me a long neck. Nothin fruity though." Doc then answered with "I think I'll have one to tonight. Just bring me one on the rocks." "Great, got it. Anything to eat?" The kid asked. Minty shook her head explaining "Not for me. I don't like to feel to full on my dates." Lightning stared at his Mother with such fear. Like a kid who just found out that when your parents told you your dog went to a farm to live freely was a lie. So... Lightning turned around and awkwardly left the table.

Once alone, Doc asked "So this is a real date?" Minty giggled answering "No, relax there Doctor. I'm just havin a bit of fun with Monty. He always gets all uncomfortable and weird in these types of situations unlike most my kids." "So you have dated before when he was younger?" "Yes. And Monty, being a real Mama's boy, hated it. Hated when I married my ex husband to. They never bonded really. And the few dates I had after just seemed to upset him." "But.. He's been away from home now for a few years. Surely a woman like you has.. Tried to.. Move on?.." Doc tried being discreet and polite. Minty just smiled answering "Yes, but... No one seems to click with me. Some say I'm a little to... Manly for a man.. Least that's what Ethel back home use to say. But that's before she married Frank and ran off with his brother. Strange people back home." Doc chuckled. He just loved hearing Minty talk.

Lightning returned with his Mother's and Doc's drinks, setting the glasses on the table in front of them. "Here you two are. And no worries, it's on the house." Lightning assured with a smile. Minty smiled at her son asking "Now Monty, are you sure? You know I don't believe in free." "I know Mom. That's why you will still get a receipt at the end of the night. I have it covered." "Well thanks Monty." The Mother appreciated her son's kindness. Lightning nodded then asked "You two sure you don't want anything to eat?" Doc shook his head answering "No, I plan to take an early night perhaps anyway. Won't be long and we will be back on the road rookie." Lightning sighed with what sounded like disappointment. Minty noticed immediately and asked "What's wrong Monty? Don't you love racing still?" "Hmm? Yeah, of course. I just.." he paused and glanced back at Sally. They were always so busy and never had enough time together it seemed. "It's nothing." Lightning assured. "Of course I love racing." He put on a smile, but Minty could see that as her son was growing up and maturing as a young man, so were his wants and needs. Minty reached out and grabbed Lightning's hand saying "Just remember what comes first Monty." Lightning nodded then Doc reminded "Just make sure you get some sleep kid. We have a lot to catch up in training starting early tomorrow morning."

Lightning sighed again. This time, it was clear he was not looking forward to that. "But Doc.. We just got back.. Aren't you tired?" He asked. Doc snickered answering "Sleep is for losers. I want to see you out at Willy's butte bright and early. No later than five." "FIVE!?" Lightning snapped! "No! I just got back and haven't even spent much time with Sally. I am tired and sore and mentally drained Doc. I do not need another training lesson on how to, to crash and drift and jump and things that I will never use in my career!" Minty's brows lowered as she scolded "MONTY! Don't talk like that to Doc!" Lightning fell quiet and frowned. He knew he was being rude, but he was so tired of it. All of it. "Sorry.." He muttered. Minty glared at her son for his rotten attitude there. Doc then stepped in saying "It's alright, I understand. Let's meet up at twelve instead.. Take a late day. I have been a little tough on you lately. Enjoy yourself and sleep in." Lightning raised a brow asking "Really?..." Doc nodded.

Lightning sighed with relief this time. "Thank you.." His voice cracked. Minty smiled some. Lightning was then waved down by a customer at a table. "I gotta go.. But thanks so much Doc.." He said again before dashing off to the next table. Minty giggled asking "Are you really going to let him talk to you like that?" Doc sighed answering "He just needs a nap. he's tired and worn out and has a right to be.. Besides, I have been a little harder on him. More than usual." "Why is that?" Asked Minty. Doc stared at her. He didn't really give her an actual answer. Just said "Because... He needs a push.." Minty wasn't sure what exactly Doc meant by that, and she brushed it off anyway for now.

Doc smiled and complimented "He really is a good kid.." Minty loved that Doc took such a strong liking to Lightning and loved the fact that Lightning loved Doc so much. "You know he thinks of you as a fatherly figure." Minty pointed out. Doc snickered without replying. Minty sipped her drink then asked "Do you want to walk me home tonight? I'm staying here, so it's literally just seconds away basically." She said it like it was a joke or maybe she just found it funny. Doc shrugged answering "Sure. I'd love to. Is Chad staying with you?" Minty shook her head. "No. He has his own room." She announced. Doc nodded then drank his drink. Both of them finishing off their alcohol before Doc walked Minty to the room. "You remember our last visit?" Minty asked. Doc snickered answering "Some what. You're testing what little memory I got mam." He joked. Minty giggled quietly and the two stopped as they came to her room's door. "Well, this is me." Said Minty.

Doc smiled and thanked her for the company. "I always enjoy seeing you Minty." He exclaimed quietly. Minty opened her door replying "Same to you Doc." "Night." "Night." Minty replied then stood up and kissed Doc's lips. She took her time. Softly and tenderly. Parting so slowly and gazing up at Doc. Both staring into each other's eyes...

Sally walked out to the line of people waiting to get in and made an announcement. "Sorry folks!.. But Wheel Well is officially closed for the night!" Immediately, guests began to gripe, whine, and complain. Sally quickly apologized saying "I know, I know!.. But I have coupons here for a free beverage and desert of choice when you buy any meal priced at seven ninety nine or higher!" She tried to lighten their hate, but it seemed to only make it worse. The long line complaining "We've been waiting for two hours!" "I'm not leaving!" "What a rip off!" Such hate and anger. Lightning noticed and quickly rushed in front of Sally adding "And, and anyone who had to wait tonight, will get a free autograph from me personalized to you!" Most of the crowd found this pleasing and began to smile and look at the bright side here. Lightning smiled proudly as he looked at his girlfriend, but Sally only crossed her arms saying "You didn't have to do that. I had it handled." Lightning chuckled replying "Sure you did babe. Your free candy idea was cute, but come on, these people came for the celebrity appearance." Sally glared. She hated that he said that. She just walked off. Lightning's brows lowered as he called out asking "What?.." nothing. "What!?" He called louder. Still nothing...

Doc began slipping his arms through the shirt arm holes and buttoning the buttons up. Minty sat up in bed, holding covers over her breasts. Doc glanced back at her explaining "I hope I didn't offend you.. Telling you that we can't.." Minty smiled answering "No, not at all. I understand..." it got quiet as Doc continued putting on his clothes. Minty frowned saying "You should tell Monty." Doc stared at Minty a moment before sighing "I will.. Just.. Not yet." "I know my Mon.. He's going to take it hard. He grew especially close to you..." Doc didn't reply to that, just continued getting dressed. Minty sighed. "Hudson..." she called. Doc stared at her, frozen in statue. "Are you sure you don't want to fight?" Doc sat down on the bed and placed his hand on Minty's thigh over the blanket. "No.. I ran the test.. I studied the subject. It is a long and painful road to recovery and chances are already slim for me. I don't want to spend my last year sick in bed, bald and barely able to move." "You won't be able to breathe soon." "I know.. I have medicines to make it easier. I'm okay, really. And Lightning is ready." He assured.

"So... That's why you've been hard on him.. Isn't it?' She asked. Doc stared. ".. Yea.. I know he can be a great racer. I mean he is now, but.. He can be the best if he tries hard enough. I want him to be prepared for that moment when it comes." Doc explained. Minty smiled a little replying "Yeah.. But I'm going to tell you what I told each of my kids.. Family matters more. Family comes first.. Monty is your family whether you like it or not." Doc smiled hearing that. "No, I like it. Lightning is a good kid. I'm sure he knows what comes first." "MMhmm..." Minty said in a hum with squinty eyes. Not sure if Doc understood what she was trying to hint there really.

Minty frowned. She hated hearing that. Doc was dying of cancer and refused treatment. Minty understood and respectfully accepted Doc's choice, but she knew her son Monty would not take this so well. "What will he do for a crew chief?" Asked Minty. Doc sighed thinking. "Not sure yet.. Think I'll find a few I approve of and test the waters.. I'd like to see how they work with the kid. Lightning is a smart racer, he will figure it out." Doc then stood up and slipped on his shoes. Minty quickly suggested "You should stay here tonight. You shouldn't be alone all the time Doc." Doc stared and he did think about it for a second or two. Staying the night with the woman he just slept with. Doc shook his head though saying "No, it's alright.. I should go." He walked to the door and reached for the handle when Minty called "Please stay.." Doc quickly turned around, staring at her. "Please?.." she whimpered. Doc smiled a bit then nodded once before walking back over to the bed and laying next to Minty. She snuggled up against him, leaning her head on his shoulder. Both silently thinking about the future. Mostly for Monty, or Lightning as he's better known as...