Sorry for any typos once again or mistakes! Didn't have time to go over and wanted to make the update!

Lightning walked up onto the stage, coming from behind the fancy waterfall, and flashed an old "Ka-chow!" Before beginning, "Thank you so much for having me, Sir Axelrod. I look forward to racing. This is a great opportunity." Miles smiled, "Oh! The pleasure is all ours' Lightning. You and your team bring excellence and professionalism to this competition"-"AAAHHHHHHH!" Suddenly a scream from the crowd! It caught everyone's attention! Lightning only regretted bringing Mater by each second as he watched his friend run through the crowd like a maniac! "Someone get me water!" Mater yelled as he ran right through the crowd, grabbing people's drink and pouring them down his throat! People gasped at the disgusting and rude behavior Mater portrayed as he snatched cup glass after glass. Everyone stared in horror and shock by the performance. But of course, alcohol only made the burning worse! Mater noticed the giant waterfall decor and ran towards it. Mater dropped to his knees and began lapping up the water into his mouth like someone who had been lost in the desert and just found the sweet savior of this thing called hydration. Lightning was completely made a fool of and he could only try and smile fakely through it! Mater panted heavily then stood up and turned to the crowd, grabbing the mic from Axelrod's suit and announced "Whatever you do... DO NOT EAT, the free pistachio ice-cream! It has turned!" People gasped. Lightning tried explaining out of embarrassment, "Sir Axelrod... I can explain. This is Mater, he's"-"No, I know him!" Axelrod exclaimed and slapped Mater on the shoulder with a smile! "This is the bloke that called into the television show. You're the one I have to thank!" He exclaimed! Mater smiled proudly. "No, thank you! This trip's been amazing!" Shouted the older man. Axelrod felt his shoes getting wet from under the soul and glanced down. Mater was drenched in water and covering the stage. "Awe yes... The ice-cream.." Axelrod growled then suddenly slipped and fell! People in the crowd gasped! Mater glanced down. He was soaking the stage! Some crew members ran and helped Miles up as Lightning slapped his forehead and grabbed Mater aside and scolded him. "Mater... Mater, you have to get ahold of yourself! You're making a scene! Go take care of yourself right now!" Mater frowned then walked away from his friend in shame. He didn't mean to embarrass Lightning...

Lightning sighed with relief then looked up onto the stage to see a wet and glaring, not very happy Miles Axelrod. Lightning smiled nervously. Part of him was afraid he would ruin his image with this if Mater continued his usual shenanigans...

Miles walked off stage and up to Lightning and said, "Um.. I'm afraid the equipment is ruined up there. We won't be able to finish your introduction." "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry.. I'll pay for everything." "No, no. No need. Is your friend alright?" asked Axelrod. Lightning nodded, "Oh yeah, he's fine. That's Mater for you. I am so sorry Sir Axelrod. It won't happen again." "Yes, well. Let's hope not." The man replied then straightened up his suit. "Now, I really must go change.." before walking away. Lightning sighed. That was the worst interview ever and this event was starting to feel like it did when he first started racing. When he first came to California and the racing teams. Sally walked up and placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. "You okay?" She asked softly. Lightning glanced at her. He didn't answer and didn't have to. He was embarrassed and made a fool of up there. Sally kissed the cheek of Lightning's face then suggested they go find Mater and check on him and Lightning agreed.

The couple walked around through the crowds together as they searched for their friend. Talking as they did. "You aren't intimidated by Francesco, are you?" Asked Sally. Lightning sighed, "No, of course not. I just.. All of those other racers are bigger and better and more famous than me." "Which is fine." "Well, yeah. It's fine, but.. I do not doubt my capability here. I just feel so in superior up to all of them. I know that sounds dumb." "No, it doesn't," Sally assured. Lightning stopped and stared at his girl. "I'm glad you're here Sal." "Me too." She smiled. "And I'm glad you are opening up to me, Stickers. I'd hate for you to bottle up emotions." Lightning frowned and apologized. "I'm sorry for how I acted back there when we met Francesco." "It's alright. I've always wondered what toxic masculinity looks like." "What?" "Come on, we should grab Mater and go back to the motel." She suggested then pulled his hand as she made her way through the crowded party...

The team all met up together in search of Mater and were having trouble finding wherever Mater ran off to when suddenly as they walked Mater appeared in front of them. "There you are!" Mater shouted! Lightning immediately asked "What-Mater? Where were you?" "What's a randevu?" (Sorry not know this word) The old man asked. Everyone stared at Mater with confusion. Luige answered with "Uh.. It's like a date." "Well, then I got me a date!" Mater exclaimed. Guido and Luigi glared at their friend. Guido saying "Non ti Credo." Luige translated quickly, "Guido don't believe you." Mater glared and corrected "Well believe it." Honestly, no one believed it. "HEY, look!" Shouted Mater with excitement as he stared across the room. "There she is! Hey LADY!" He called out and waved. The poor woman glanced over and looked so embarrassed! "Ancora non ti credo." Said Guido. Luige translated again, "Guido still don't believe you." Sally covered her mouth to keep from laughing as she said "Oh that poor girl.." Looking away. Lightning rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright." He began. "Now that everyone is together, let's just go home and get some sleep and meet up tomorrow at the track as planned. Everyone, try and get some sleep. And Mater." Lightning pointed to his friend. "Don't stay up too late and please get yourself in check for tomorrow. I need you running one hundred percent. I can't afford any screw-ups like tonight, okay?" Mater nodded, answering, "Yes Sir. I am so sorry about earlier Buddy. I didn't mean to"-"It's okay Mater." Inturpted Sally. "Everyone makes mistakes." She reminded. Honestly, Lightning needed to be reminded of that right now. It did cheer Mater up. Lightning smiled then said, "Alright team, see you all tomorrow!" As they all departed and went to their motels...

"Francesco's the winner, McQueen's number two!.." Lightning McQueen blew the first race held in Japan. It was all over the news!

Sally noticed Lightning sneak away from the podium. She wondered where he would be going to. So she made her way through the crowd to try and follow and catch up. She walked through the crowds and to the back of the garages. It was so quiet and pretty empty. A few reporters taking photos and a few teams clearing out their equipment and loading up to ship out to Italy. Then Sally could overhear Mater and Lightning's voices. Near the 95 garages. Sally made her way and quietly stood in the back behind Lightning, listening to their conversation. "I don't understand, where were you!?" Asked Lightning. Mater shrugged, answering, "Going to meet my date." "Your date!?" Lightning was shaken! Mater nodded. "She started talking to me as a voice in my head, telling me where to go"-"WHAT!?" Lightning snapped! Mater suddenly realized it. "Wait a minute. I didn't screw you up, did I?" Lightning got into Mater's face and yelled, "I lost the race because of you!" Mater instantly felt bad. "Oh.. I'm sorry I.. I didn't mean to"-"Your imaginary girlfriend, flame throwers? You know-the-that-this is EXACTLY why I don't bring you along to these things!" Mater tried to reason. "Maybe if I.. Oh, I don't know, talk to somebody and explain what happened, I could help?" "I don't need your help! I don't want your help." Lightning snarled then staring at Mater.. Lightning knew he went too far, but he didn't care right now. Lightning walked around Mater, stomping off really. He was quickly surrounded by the media. Sally walked over near Mater and both watched and overheard as Lightning spoke to them. One reporter asking "Lightning, what happened? You had it in the bag!" Another with "Yeah, what happened?" Lightning sighed and shook his head. "I made a mistake. But I can assure you, it won't happen again... Look, guys. We know what the problem is and we're handling it. Alright, that's all, no more questions."

Sally and Mater watched Lightning walk away. he was angry and frustrated. Sally sighed and began to assure Mater that "Don't take it too hard Mater. He's frustrated and on edge right now. He's not been under this kind of pressure in a long time. Lightning doesn't mean the things he said. He's glad you're here." "Yeah?.." "Yea." She smiled. It did cheer Mater up a little bit, but he felt like he was just getting in the way here. He didn't fit in and missed home. he missed his tow truck, his garage, his scrapyard, his home, his town. So he decided he would go home. His job was to help Lightning focus on the races, and if that meant him leaving the scene and heading home. So be it...

Lightning put his race suit in the suitcase on the bed with a sigh. Sally walked up after coming out of the bathroom in her pajamas. She began rubbing his shoulders and neck then asked "You okay?" Lightning placed his hand over hers, stopping her sweet touches. "Yeah.. No.. I messed up, didn't I?" He asked. sally removed her hands as Lightning turned around and sat on the bed. "You did go off at Mater pretty rudely.." "I know.. He didn't deserve that." Lightning admitted. Sally sat next to her man. Placing her hand on his thigh. "Maybe go and apologize tomorrow. Talk to Mater. You two are best friends and I know you two will work it out." "I don't know Sal.. Part.. Part of me thinks that I shouldn't have brought Mater along. He seems to just.. I don't know, get in the way." Sally frowned. For one, it was her idea to bring Mater and she didn't like feeling responsible for that. "Oh.. I'm sorry Stickers. I didn't mean"-"No, it's okay. I mean, I love having Mater around. He's my best friend and I want him to be here when I win." That made Sally smile. Hearing that confidence in Lightning about when he wins. "Talk to Mater tomorrow Light." She repeated. Lightning nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, I will. Hey, I'm gonna shower. Wait up for me?' He asked as he stood up. Sally smiled and nodded, "Of course." Lightning walked into the bathroom, closing the door. She stared at his suit. Brushing her hand over his badge that read McQueen95. Sally was proud of Lightning. Whether or not he won the Grand Prix, didn't matter to her. He would always be her champion. She just wished that he could see that a little more often sometimes...

Lightning went out that morning to the motel that the team was staying in. Lightning went up to the desk and asked "Hi, I'm looking for my friend Mater. he's part of my pit crew and is staying here. Can I get his room number? I need to talk to him." "McQueen." Called Luige from behind. Lightning turned around to see Filmore, Sarge, Guido, and Luige all standing there. Guido with tears in his eyes. Something was wrong..

Dear Lightning McQueen,

By the time you read this, I will safely on an airplane flying home. I'm so sorry for what I did. I don't want to be the cause of you losing any more races. I want you to go prove to the world what I already know- That you are the greatest race car driver in the whole wide world.

Your Best friend, Mater.

"I didn't want him to leave.." Lightning admitted. Now he just felt awful! Luigi then handed Lightning another paper saying, "Wait.. There's more here.."

P.s, please tell the hotel that I didn't mean to order that movie. I thought it was a preview and didn't realize I was paying for it.

PPS, that's funny right there

PP...

Luige stopped at this point and said "There are a few more of.. P.s' here." Lightning sighed, "Well, at least I know if he's at home, he'll be safe.." Filmore then asked, "What exactly happened between you two men?" Lightning frowned and hated admitting it, but "I went off on him after the race. I know now that I shouldn't have. I was just really angry with him. Man, I messed up.." Sarge placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder and assured him that "Mater will be better off being back home." "Yeah, I.. I guess you're right.." They all sort of stood there a moment at the letter, then Luige asked "When do we leave for Italy?" Lightning looked up, answering, "Tomorrow morning. Sally and I will meet you all at the airport. Everyone has their tickets and information?" Everyone nodded. "Good. I'm going to take Sally out tonight. See ya guys tomorrow." He called as he left the hotel. Lightning stepped outside and was quickly surrounded by flashing cameras. He held his hands up to block the flashes then got into his ride to take him back to the other motel to Sally. Lightning sat alone in the car. Thinking. He felt so bad. he was a bad friend for what he did. And making Mater feel like he needed to leave. That was not okay. It brought him down. He wanted Mater there to brag to and talk to after he proposed to Sally in Italy...

Lightning and Sally sat at a nice and private table in the lounge area of the motel they were staying at. This way, they didn't have to worry about the media. Sally sighed and said "This place is nice. It's cool to be able to do this together, huh?" Lightning nodded, but he was so down. Sally reached her hands across the table and he placed him in hers. "Stickers, it's okay. I know Mater knows you didn't mean all that. He's your best friend, you two will be okay." Lightning nodded, "I know that it's just.. I feel bad. I'm sorry. This is our time. You don't want to listen to me ramble on about what an idiot I was." Sally smiled and shrugged. "Well, you were an idiot. But if I know Mater, he's probably forgotten all about it by now." "Yeah, probably.." Maybe? Lightning smiled at his love and made the promise that "I'm taking you out at least once in every location I race." "You don't have to do that." Sally reminded. Lightning knew that, but he wanted to. "I want to Sal. I love you and I want to make time with you too." "Well, thanks Stickers. That's sweet." "I can be a sweet guy." he flirted. Sally giggled then asked, "Does this mean we will be.." Pausing and biting her lips as she thought of the right way to ask this. "Spending time in the rooms.. Exercising at least once per location? You know, just the two of us?" Lightning snickered. It was rather cute the way she put it. "Yes, OH SHIT." He suddenly remembered! "I never called my Mom." Sally raised a brow and asked, "How did asking you to fuck in every country we see remind you of your Mother?" "It didn't. Not that part anyway. I just-traveling. I forgot to call my Mom when we got here." He admitted. Sally rolled her eyes then asked, "Do you want to call her now?" Lightning leaned back into his chair. "No," he answered. "I'll wait until after our date. Plus, I have to calculate the time differences.." "It's.. A little after eleven here. This means it's two in the afternoon in Texas. I think." "You are way too smart for me." Lightning admitted. Sally agreed. "Yup." Sipping her drink. Lightning's brows raised some. "Well you don't have to agree so quickly Sal." he scolded playfully. Sally giggled quietly. Lightning was enjoying having Sally come along though. Sally let out a sigh and said "Just think. Soon, we will be in Italy. Oh, I can't wait Lightning. Italy is so beautiful and Romantic and we should try one of those boat rides down there." Lightning raised a brow and replied. "I didn't know you wanted to go to Italy so badly." "Well not bad, but.. I mean if we're going anyway. Might as well take advantage. Oh, I bet it was so amazing for Francesco." "What?" "You know, growing up in Italy. No wonder he sounds so, so.. Perfect when he talks." Sally exclaimed. Lightning's brows lowered. "Yeah, well. Francesco isn't the man everyone thinks he is. He was pretty rude to me behind cameras." "Was he? Or were you rude to him too?" Sally asked gently. Lightning could not believe that this Italian guy had such a hold on Sally. She had just met him!

"He tried to make me feel worthless and-Know what? Doesn't matter. Point is, he is getting beat in Italy. I am not letting him get away from me again. I would have won yesterday's race if. If there hadn't been interference." Growled Lightning. Sally frowned a bit. Lightning was very unattractive in this jealous like state. She did not like it on him at all. "Lightning.." She cooed, grabbing his attention. "Try not to let people get on your nerves. Francesco is a nobody and you're letting him get under your skin." "I'm not letting him. He just.. You.. Alright.. I'll try not to." He gave in. He would have argued, but he wanted to have a nice time with his future fiance and make this trip special for Sally...

Morning.

The team met up at the airport as planned It was filled with racers and because of this, lots of cameras and microphones were held by violent and greedy reporters. Thankfully, security was doing their best to maintain these groups, but occasionally one or two would slip by. Lightning held the phone to his ear. It rang.. And rang.. "Com on Mater.. Pick up.." He muttered. It rang and then "Well hello! If you are hearing this, I'm not home. Or am I? I am right now, but not if you're hearing this. This here is voicemail. If I don't forget my password, I will call you back. OH! This is Mater by the way." Before the beep, Lightning hung up. he sighed with a frown. Sally walked over and placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. He glanced at her with a smile. At least he had her. Luigi then walked over and announced, "The flight is about to board." The team began to run to the boarding area in hopes they hadn't already made the mistake of running too late!...

Lightning and Sally sat next to each other on the plane. This one was a more private flight. Strictly racers and their teams. In this one, was team McQueen, team Gorvette, team Gearsley, and team Hamilton. Sally nudged Lightning and quietly joked "If this is what this plane looks like, I'd hate to see the other one." Lightning smiled. The idea of Francesco arguing cluelessly with the german racer or the Brazilian one, somehow made him feel better. Which brought a question to mind. "Hey, Sal?" "Hmm?" "So.. You watch Formula one racing, huh?" Sally's eyes widened slightly. "Well, not really." "But you watch Francesco." "Well.. I wouldn't say I watch him. I have watched him, but not like.. Constantly." Lightning glared at her. Not believing her. "Hey look," She began. "Maybe one day, you'll be on the cover of thirty under forty? You still have like, five years." Lightning's eyes widened and his brows raised. "That's not old." He scolded. Sally snickered and placed her hand on his knee. "I don't think so, but media and the younger generation do. Besides, I think you have to be an eligible bachelor to be in it.. I can't remember." "Well, in that case, I never want to make the cover." Lightning assured, grabbing Sally's hand. Sally fell a little more for him there. He was so sweet to say that. "Stickers.." She cooed. Lightning looked towards her. Sally smiled and asked, "You want to fuck me in the lou?" Lightning raised a brow and asked, "Do you want me to fuck you in the lou?" Sally shrugged. "Why not? It's a long flight." Lightning looked around at the crowd of people. "Too many people.." He grumbled. Sally sighed. He was right though. Plus you never knew if anyone would ruin the bathroom with some smell. Suddenly the pilot walked through and up to Lightning and Sally and asked "McQueen?" He asked. Lightning nodded. The man waved someone to come over. Instantly, Lightning looked back to see some woman in a suit. he did not know her. She walked up and handed Lightning two tickets. Flight tickets. "You may leave now if you'd like, but these are tickets for a private flight. A gift." Sally took the tickets and was reading over them while Lightning asked "A gift from who?" "Francesco Bernoulli, for his private plane." Sally leaned over Lightning and confirmed, "Did you say Francesco Bernoulli's private plane?" The woman nodded. Sally looked at Lightning with such begging eyes. "We don't have to if it would make you uncomfortable." She assured. Lightning raised a finger and began "Actually it wou"-"Wouldn't?! Great! We would love to!" Sally exclaimed! "Great. Just come with me." The woman replied. Sally stood up and began to follow. Lightning stood up as he muttered quietly. "It would.. Actually.." To himself. He then asked, "What about our belongings and the team?" Sally and the woman stopped. The woman, explained "Your team will arrive as this flight has scheduled. You should arrive around the same time. They are your team, Mr. McQueen. Surely they won't mind grabbing your bags." Lightning looked to Luige who nodded. Lightning sighed and reluctantly followed the women out of the plane and to a waiting area until they would board Francesco's fancy, large, overdoing it, money pit of a private buffet, garage, gold-accented, plane...

Sally and Lightning sat in this little room of an area to wait. Just two chairs and a vending machine in front of them Suddenly a knock, then the door opened. Some man in a suit. "Mister McQueen." Italian accent. "If you and your company will follow me." He said. Sally stood up, Lightning stopped her with "Wait, we don't know this guy." Sally glanced at the man. He then introduced himself. "Apologies. My name is Alfredo Lafarrai. I am Mister Bernoulli's escort." Lightning snickered. "Didn't know Francesco swang that way." Sally instantly gave Lightning the death stare. There was no other way to describe it. It was the stare of death. She was going to kill him. Lightning stood up and looked down at the floor. Not making eye contact with this woman now. Alfredo guided McQueen and Sally to boarding are where they were let onto a plane. This plane shouted MONEY! Wooden accents with gold trim. Beautiful, tan-colored, leather reclining like seats that turned 360. A large and beautiful, dark table to eat in, a couch further up with a dining area next to it. A china cabinet like a bar, and a large bathroom with a mid-size vanity. "Wow..." Sally gasped. One of the chairs turned around to reveal the Italian racer. "Awe, Miss Sally." He greeted and stood up. He walked over and took her hand, kissing it gently. "Francesco is so glad you made it." Sally blushed. "Thanks for having us!" She replied. Lightning only growled with "Yeah, thanks.." Francesco smiled proudly. Now let me just say, Francesco was nice looking. More than nice. He was a bit bigger fit than Lightning. As if Chrysler had put more thought and detail into Francesco's body. The man even dressed better than Lightning. Instead of some t-shirt and jeans that would probably be greased up later, Francesco was wearing a bright, white button-up, tucked into a pair of tan dress like pants and white dress shoes. His hair was so curly and wavy. Naturally. It was the kind you wanted to touch, but never would out of fear you would fuck it up. His face had more stubble than Lightnimg's. Francesco was naturally hairier but in such a good looking way. (Probably) "This plane is beautiful Francesco." Sally complimented. Francesco shrugged and said, "Francesco is sure it is nothing compared to McQueen's." Lightning opened his mouth, but Sally said "Oh. Lightning doesn't have a plane." "No?" "Nope. Just a uh.. Truck. With a trailer." Lightning then butted in with "Not that I couldn't have one, I just.. Don't need one." Francesco understood and nodded. "Awe yes. Francesco worked very hard to afford this." "I'm sure." Growled Lightning. Sally glared at him. Sort of a warning glare. Francesco walked to his seat and bragged "It is fitted with the very best in communication and safety. Bought it in Spain. It is a Honeywell. There are four VIP seats with foldable tables seen here in the entrance, two more ahead with side facing the couch and the dining galley with a microwave oven. can have a total of nine VIPs inside. Also, a camera to monitor and record every flight so no legal issues can arise." "Smart." Complimented Sally. Lightning rolled his eyes. Francesco only continued. "It took a few payments, but it is Francesco's now." He said proudly as he brushed his hand over the wall. Lightning rolled his eyes and asked "Yeah, uh.. How much did this cost you anyway?" "9,021,627.25 Euro." LIghtning and Sally both stared all wide-eyed at the Italian. Francesco chuckled and asked "What? You do not make this much McQueen?" Sally looked at Lightning who muttered "Uh.. No.." Francesco walked over and wrapped an arm around the American racer. "Maybe you should consider a change in your career. Formula one is always looking for exotic racers. We barely see Americans in the sport. It would be most tasteful to see you in it, McQueen." LIghtning gently pushed Francesco's hand and arm off of him. "No thanks. I enjoy what I do. I do not do it for the money. Francesco then said "We better sit. It is a long flight and Francesco will enjoy it." He then took Sally's hand and said "Now, tell me all about America and where you are from Miss Sally." Lightning's brows lowered. How dare this man! Sally was his terf! Sally was his to touch, to take, to impress and amuse. Not this freak!...

Lightning sighed, leaning into his seat on the couch as he listened to Sally and Francesco laugh together across the cabin. It was ridiculous. Sally placed her hand on Francesco's then said "Wait, you don't like fried food?" Francesco shook his head. "It is an American thing mostly. Francesco has traveled many places, but none have as much fried food as America." Sally laughed saying "That is so bad!" Francesco nodded then sipped his alcohol. He looked over at Lightning and noticed Lightning's untouched drink. "Francesco sees that you no touch your drink, McQueen." Lightning stared at the Italian and explained "I'm not that thirsty." Sally noticed the tone. He was not having a good time. So she pushed him into the conversation. "Um.. Francesco. Lightning is from Texas." "Texas?" he asked. Sally nodded. "Yeah, and he learned to race from multiple sources." "A broad horizon. That is good for some." "Yeah, he had a brother who raced." "Oh really? Does he still?" Asked the Italian. Lightning answered that with "He's dead. Been dead for.. Phh. I don't know. Forever really." Sally felt bad. Lightning was in a mood. "Stickers..." She called. Lightning sighed and stood up, announcing, "I have to use the bathroom.." Then walked away. Sally sighed. She knew he was jealous. This was a terrible idea. "I'm sorry Francesco.. Lightning can be a bit.." "Don't apologize. Francesco understands. Men can feel intimidated by all of this at times." Sally set down her alcohol. It got a little quiet now. A little awkward. Sally was just trying to wait for Lightning to return and give him more of the attention that he was craving from the side there.

Lightning returned to his seat and Sally quickly sat next to him closely. Scoothcing herself right up to him. Honestly, Lightning was relieved. Francesco sipped his drink then asked the racer, "So Texas huh?" "Yes." Lightning answered. Francesco snickered. "Did you grow up in the countryside or the city streets?" "A ranch." "Of course you did. You have siblings McQueen?" "Many." "This brother that once raced, what kind of racing?" "Nascar." "Oh. Francesco is sorry. He figured maybe something more.. Eh, more dangerous. Did he give his life for racing or?.." "Yes, he died because of an accident. The car burned him." Sally was a bit surprised by how.. Quick Lightning was to answer and say these things. Francesco nodded then asked "Were you afraid? To race after such events?" "Never. I knew it was what I was meant to do. Racing is my passion." Lightning answered firmly. Francesco finished his drink then replied. "Sometimes, we humans do not understand that our purpose in life is not our passion in this life. That is the biggest difference between you and Francesco, McQueen. Racing may be your passion, but it is Francesco's purpose. This is why it has been so easy for Francesco over the years." The man chuckled proudly. Lightning cocked his head a bit. Not that he didn't understand what Francesco was saying, but how odd it was to compare the two. Francesco then turned to Sally. "So four jobs? You are a very.. Busy woman. Must not have much time for.. Each other. Have you ever thought about not working so much?" He asked. Sally nodded. "Yeah, but I love working. I love what I've built for myself." "It almost sounds like you have something to prove." He joked. Sally giggled, answering, "What? No. I just love my work." Francesco nodded. Not sure what else to say about that.

Then Francesco poked. "So the uh.. The old man from the party? He was the one on the phone?" He asked. Lightning almost forgot about that completely! "Yea, he was." "He was your best friend?" "Yea.." Lightning felt so bad. Remembering how he treated Mater. Francesco nodded then "Francesco is sorry he spoke to your friend as he did. He promises he did not mean anything by it. Twas only playful competition banter." He chuckled. "McQueen understand, no?" Lightning stared at Francesco then mumbled "Yeah, sure.. I understand.." His voice, his tone. He was feeling so horrible about what happened. Sally placed her hand on Lightning's knee. In a means of silent support and reassurance. Francesco noticed and stared. He then cleared his throat and said "You two must let Francesco take you on a tour! Francesco grew up here, so he knows only the best places!" He smiled. Sally smiled back and agreed with "Yes, that would be lovely, thank you, Francesco." "Awe, anything for McQueen's girl." He replied. But Lightning wanted off this plane, to speak to Mater and to be alone with Sally...

"AAH!" Lightning shouted as he was awoken by a sudden jolt! He looked up to see Sally above him. "The plane landed Stickers. Come on, wake up." Lightning sat up from the couch and rubbed his head, asking, "Did I sleep through the landing?" Sally nodded. "Somehow." She answered. Lightning stood up and Sally stared straight up at his hair. "Wow.' She muttered. Lightning raised a brow and asked "What?" "Nothing." "You're making a face." "Am not." She then took his hand and the couple began to walk out of the plane. Francesco stood at the end of the hall to greet them. His smile quickly disappeared as he looked at Lightning's hair. Now Lightning knew something was up. "What?" He snapped. Francesco snickered. "Oh, it is nothing. Your hair looks like it has been eh, uh.. How do you American's say?" Sally butted in with "Cowlick.." "Awe yes! Been licked by a cow!" Francesco exclaimed proudly like. Lightning shook his head as he stared at the italian. Then he snapped! Grabbing Francesco by the throat and began choking him! Sally tried stopping Lightning, people around started to come to see what was going on and-"Wai-what?" Lightning asked as he snapped back into reality. Okay, so.. Maybe Lightning wished he could have choked this idiot Italian out. Francesco chuckled then asked again "Do you want to go on the tour tomorrow? After set up and a few practice laps?" Before Lightning could answer, Sally grabbed his arm and begged "Please Stickers. It would be so much fun, I promise. Better than some tour guide who barely speaks English." Lightning sighed as he stared into his girl's eyes. He shrugged, answering, "..Sure.." Francesco then loudly cheered "Perfetto! Francesco will see you both tomorrow at the race track." The man then grabbed sally's hand once more and said "Francesco hoped you enjoyed the flight. Francesco knows he enjoyed the pleasantry of being near such a prize of a woman. McQueen is a very lucky man." Kissing her hand softly. It gave Sally shivers. His lips felt so soft, slightly wet.. Sally blushed, Lightning rolled his eyes then growled. "Yeah, we'll see you tomorrow Francesco." "Addio percent!" Shouted Francesco as he began to walk away and bodyguards followed him. Francesco didn't have to walk far before crowds of women and fans surrounded him and he looked like he loved it with every fiber in his body. Lightning hated seeing that man enjoy it. Sally noticed and asked, "Do you miss it?" "Miss what?" Lightning snarled rudely as he glared at Francesco and the fans. Sally pointed to it. "That! The girls? I mean, you still have lots of fans. Just most of them are"-"Drunk, old rednecks who have nothing better to do than watch cars go in circles?" "What is your problem!?" Sally snapped! Lightning shook his head. "Nothing.. I have to make a quick phone call before we go to Luige's Uncles' home."...

Lightning leaned on the phone at the airport as it rang and rang. Once again, it went to Mater's voicemail, and this time.. Lightning decided to leave a message.

"Hey Mater.. It's me.. I'm sorry that I made you leave, I never wanted you to leave. I wanted to share a.. A special part of my life with you. (Yeah, that sounded weird as he said it) Look, I'm worried about you Buddy. Can you give me a call whenever you get this? You're my best friend Mater. I hope you can forgive me.. I should not have acted the way I did with you at the track.. You.. You didn't do.. Anything wrong.. I'll try winning this for you and hey if you decide you want to come back. Call Luige's Uncle's home. That's where the team and I are staying. We miss you, Mater.. And Sally.. I don't know what to do. She's all over this Francesco fella like he's a million bucks! Anyways, call me Mater..We need to talk."...