So Lightning and Sally went to visit Cal in the hospital the following day one more time before may be heading home. They couldn't stay forever. Plau, Lightning was still in races. Just because Cal had crashed, didn't mean the season stopped for everyone. Sally lightly knocked on the door and called, "Meg.. Meg, we wanted to see you for a while before we have to head home.. How is Cal? Is he awake?" She asked as she and Lightning walked inside. Cal looked over at them slowly. He looked tired and groggy. Kind of sick-like and weaker than yesterday. Cal slowly put on a smile and hoarsely greeted, "Hey.. Lightnin... It's good to see you.." Lightning's eyes widened as he replied, "You said my name. You know my name?" He questioned. Cal snickered, "Kinda hard to forget it." Lightning smiled. Happy to see his friend was improving in some ways.

Meg then explained, "The drugs. They're making him a little tired and clouding up his memory." Lightning nodded and understood. Cal sighed then said, "I feel drunk." Sally smiled and replied, "Well, it's great to see you up and talking and making sense. Had us all worried there, Cal." Cal smiled and apologized. Lightning placed a hand on Cal's shoulder and said, "I'm here anytime you need me." Cal smiled, but it was short-lived. He frowned then turned to his wife and asked her, "Can you give me and Light some.. Some time alone?.. Just a few minutes?" Meg glanced at Lightning then back to her husband before answering, "Yeah, of course.." She then stood up, kissed Cal's lips gently then walked out. Followed by Sally of course. She closed the door behind them.

Alone. Lightning asked, "Everything okay?" Cal's eyes teared up before he answered, "I... I'll never race again..." He began to whimper. His eyes filling with tears. "I can't race in this condition... I'm drunk." "You're not drunk, you are on medications." "That is not approved." Cal reminded. Lightning sighed. "You will race again, Cal. The Doctor said"-"Don't tell me what the dam doctor said, Light!" Cal yelled-barely. Lightning just stared a moment. Cal sighed, apologizing, "Sorry. The meds are really messing with me..." He was hurting. Lightning sat at the end of Cal's bed and reminded, "You were lucky out there, Cal.. It could have been a lot worse.e." "I know..." "You did scare us all. Scared us to death." "So, you could say I finally got you back for all those horrible pranks," suggested Cal. Lighting crossed his arms, raising a brow, replying, "That would be the evilest payback on earth and would also make you the world's largest asshole." Cal chuckled a little, but it sort of hurt to laugh right now.

Lightning sighed and said, "It's good to have you back." Cal just smiled. Lightning thought a moment before offering, "I can help. Help get you training again and practicing. You could come to stay with Sally and me or stay at Wheel Well. I'll help get you back into a race car." Cal snickered, "Thanks, Light but.. I don't want to bother you and Sally with"-"You aren't bothering us. I'm offering to help-I want to help. Let me." Lightning interrupted. Cal sighed. But he was considering the aid. "I'll think about it.." He replied. Lightning was satisfied enough with that for now...

Lightning and Sally walked into their quiet home, late that night. Sally locked up while Lightning made his way into the living room and found the couch rather quickly. He sat down and leaned back, letting out a sigh. Sally walked over and reassured, "Cal is going to be fine." Lightning smiled looking at his girl, "I know he will be. I don't know what exactly I can do to help, but.. All I can do is try." Sally smiled then walked in front of Lightning. She sighed, crawled up into his lap. Spreading her knees over the sides of his thighs. The two gazed at each other. Sally gently held Lightning's face in her warm hands and cooed, "I love you." Lightning just smiled.

Sally leaned in and kissed his lips gently. As she pulled her face away, Lightning pushed forward, making the kiss last longer. The couple began making out. Lightning's hands caressed Sally's lower back, her sides, hips, ass. His hands were warm, his lips were velvet, his touches light, and careful. Sally's hands fell to Lightning's firm chest. His belt, where she stopped. Lightning broke the kiss, barely, just to ask, "Why'd you stop?" In a quiet voice. Sally pulled away, answering, "I don't have condoms." Lightning pressed his lips to hers before answering, "I don't care tonight." Then began kissing her lips without pause. The couple's make-out session continued, their hands gliding and exploring all over each other's bodies...

So Lightning headed to the dirt track early on the morning with the Bolt. To try and figure out exactly what he was to do. He wished Doc was here. Doc would know how to help Cal. Doc would know what Cal needed. It was only a few days ago that Cal was released from the hospital. "Oh, Doc.." Lightning mumbled aloud. "What am I going to do? How can I help him?" He asked. Of course, there was no answer, no magical warm feeling in his gut, telling him how to help his friend. Lightning sighed. He wished Doc was here for a lot of things. Like this thing with Sally, the Grand Prix. This. Lightning heard a car pull up. He turned to see a black Cadillac pull up. Tinted windows and all. He stared and watched closely as the driver got out and opened the back door. Megen. She then helped Cal out of the car.

Cal made his way down to where Lightning was. Meg stayed by the car. Leaning against it. Lightning smiled and greeted, "How are you feeling, Cal?" Cal snickered, "Like I was hit by ten trains and somehow lived." "Great! You ready to get into a race car?" asked Lightning. Cal looked around. Just the Bolt. "Your car?" Cal questioned. Lightning nodded, "Well, yeah. I figure you need the best race car on the track to help you." "What about my car?" "Like I said... The best on the track." Cal just glared at Lightning. Lightning chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Come on, I'm just teasing ya. I'm really happy to see you. You do want to race again, right?" Lightning asked. Cal hesitated.

He glanced behind at Meg who was just watching. Cal sighed, then answered, "I do. I really do." "Good. Let's get to it. I thought it best you just take a few laps under fifty. Just to dip your toes in the water." Explained Lightning and Cal agreed. So Cal got into the Bolt. Cal put on the helmet and took a bit of time, but managed to finally get the latch under his chin. But then Cal struggled with the safety belt. Lightning noticed and asked, "Need some help?" "NO!" Snapped Cal as he struggled. Cal was frustrated. For some reason, he was having trouble latching the belt. Lightning watched a moment, but finally, Cal got it. "There. I'm fine, see?" Cal snarled. Lightning just nodded.

With a few instructions, was driving the car around the old dirt track. Lightning stood near the side of the track and watched his friend do about 50mph for about four-teen laps. Lightning waved for Cal to pull over. Once Cal stopped, Lightning leaned into the driver's window and asked, "How are you feeling?" "Good. I think I'm good. It's alright if I go faster, right?" "Yeah, of course. Just watch that third turn." "Turn right to go left, right?" "Right." "Got it." Cal peeled off, throwing dirt behind the car. Taking off and picking up speed. Meg watched carefully. She just didn't want Cal to overdo it. Cal made it past turn one, turn two, but turn three was a bit much.

He wasn't a dirt racer and never really perfected that move. He found the car loose traction right before the turn! He panicked! Slamming on the breaks! Then the kill switch! The car squealed to a stop right as the nose met with the ledge of the cliff! Lightning ran to Cal! Cal got out the window, falling to the ground with a thud. Lightning stood there above and asked, "You okay?" Cal stood up, struggled to get the helmet off. "Here, let me help." Offered Lightning. Cal didn't let Lightning help though. Cal continued to struggle with the latch on the helmet. "GGAAAHH! Why can't I get this thing off!?" He growled in frustration! Meg ran up and grabbed onto the latch, loosening the buckle. Cal lifted the helmet off his head and tossed it to the ground. He leaned against the Bolt, pouting a little.

Lightning tried to assure his friend that, "It's okay. I shouldn't have let you take that turn yet. I should have known that"-"You should have thought!" Megen yelled! Cal motioned for her to stop then explained to Light, "My hands aren't working completely." Lightning's brows lowered, "What do you mean?" He asked. Cal sighed and lifted his right hand. It was shaking badly. Lightning stupidly asked, "It's just your nerves, right? From that turn?" Cal lowered his hand as he answered, "No, it's not. I can't even buckle myself in the car.." "Can't you take medications to stop it?" "Yes, but it's not approved by the board to take while racing." "Oh..." Megen then butted in with, "I think that's enough practice for today." Lightning quickly whined, "But we haven't even been out here an hour. Cal needs to be pushed to get him back onto the track."

Meg about snapped back with something, but Cal defended her and agreed, "No, she's right, Light.. I.. I can't anymore today.. Please.. I"ll come back out tomorrow morning. Same time, okay?" Lightning frowned a little. Not that he was disappointed, he just was upset that he couldn't help Cal on the first day. "Yeah.. Okay." Cal put on a smile and replied, "See you tomorrow." "See ya, Cal." Lightning watched Cal and Megen head back to the black cad. "Crap." Lightning mumbled. "Wait!" He called and ran up to the couple. "I have to leave for the race tomorrow." Lightning reminded. Cal frowned. He forgot all about that. Lightning tried assuring, "I'll help as soon as I'm back, okay?" Cal nodded and put on another smile. A fake one. "It's okay, Lightnin. You have fun and win a race for me this weekend. I'll be here when you get back." Lightning nodded, then patted Cal on the back of the shoulder. "I'll be back." He assured them once more. Cal just nodded once. Then he and Meg left. Lightning sighed once more. He knew he needed to talk to the President and see if he could get some kind of medication for Cal...

Lightning was inside his trailer. Getting his things together at the track of Chicago when Mack knocked on the side. "Hey, Kid.. Your rookie is here," he announced. Lightning rolled his eyes and complained, "I really don't have the time for some rookie. Especially now that I'm helping Cal." He griped. Mack shrugged. Lightning walked outside the trailer and asked, "Where is he?" Mack pointed towards the track. Lightning sighed with a glare. He hated the idea of helping some newb.

Reluctantly, Lightning made his way to the track. He saw Chick talking to the President. Lightning needed to talk to the President anyway, so he walked up to them. Chick greeted, "There you are! You know, teaching my rookie how to be on time for things should be lesson one, McQueen." Lightning ignored that and asked the President, "Sir, can I talk to you privately later? It's about Cal Weathers." The Pres nodded, "Sure thing. Awful what happened to him. Can't wait to see him back." "Me too. That's what I want to talk to you about later." The President smiled and placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder, "Alright. Just come by anytime before seven. I'll be headed to my motel by then." "Great, thanks, Sir." The President then walked away, wishing the boys luck with the rookie.

Lightning crossed his arms and sighed, "Alright, Chick. So who is this rookie you want me to show around so badly?" Chick smiled, answering. "Oh, only the smartest and prettiest looking rookie on earth." "Prettiest?" Lightning questioned. Chick motioned for Lightning to follow him. Lightning did. Up to the pits where there, a young and beautiful woman stood. Staring out at the track. She was tiny, but curvy in the right places. Shorter than most women, long and wavy, dirty blonde, strawberry hair, and big green eyes, freckles on her face, she looked way too young to be a racer.

Her race suit was green with Chick as her sponsor. But the green looked good on her. Chick introduced them. "Lightning, this is Tiffany O'Reilly. Tiffany, this is"-"Lightning McQueen. Wow, it is such an honor to meet you" Tiffany said as she grabbed Lightning's hand and shook it. Her hands were so small and her voice so high-pitched and snarky-like. "Um.. Nice to meet you too." Replied Lightning. Chick then explained, "Tiff here was the top of her class in Carolina." "Oh.. So you grew up in a racing state?" Asked Lightning. Tiffany shrugged, "Well, I guess. But Daddy made sure I had the best education possible." Lightning raised a brow. Daddy? Chick quietly explained to Lightning, "Tiffany's Father is super-rich. Paid me with a bonus to hire her." Lightning didn't feel good about that.

Chick then added, "Actually he is who asked for you if I am being truthful. Not me." That didn't make Lightning feel any better about this. Lightning smiled nervously and asked the girl, "How old are you exactly?" Tiffany snickered, crossing her arms. "Why? I"m over eighteen if that's what you're asking. Daddy doesn't make all my decisions." Lightning's eyes widened, "No! NO, I just meant that you look young-you look young." Tiffany laughed with an annoying, high pitch laugh. Almost sounded fake. Just a haha laugh but it was her real laugh! It made Lightning want to plug his ears it was so shrill. Tiffany smiled and explained, "I was only teasing. I'm twenty-five." Still young.. And her voice sounded like a chipmunk.

Lightning nodded. Still not liking this at all. "Daddy will want to meet you tonight. I have a dinner all set up at the Oaks." "I have plans with the President later. A meeting." Lightning admitted, "But I'd love to meet him another night." Tiffany stared at Lightning with confusion then pulled out her phone and replied, "The President and Daddy are close friends. I'll just have him invite him along. That way you can kill two birds with one stone." "No, no. I"-"Done. Can we get a picture for my gram?" "Gram?" Lightning asked with confusion. Tiffany then wrapped an arm around Lightning and smiled up at her phone as she took a selfie with him. Lightning seemed to have a fake and nervous smile.

Tiffany raised a brow at the photo commenting, "Not exactly camera-friendly, huh?" then played on her phone. "NO prob. I'll just use an expressions filter to fix that smile." Chick snickered then nudged Lightning and said, "Good luck." Before walking away. Lightning stared at Tiffany. Watching her play on her phone. This was not going to be fun at all.

"Hey, Tiffany." He called. "Why don't I go ahead and show you around the track?" Lightning suggested. Tiffany glanced up at him then held up her index finger, motioning him to wait for a second. "Almost done." She said. Finally, she put her phone into her pocket and said, "There. Done. Sure, let's go." She smiled. Lightning walked Tiffany around the pits. Showing her and explaining to her how it worked and the rules. He then took her around the garages. Introducing her to a few racers. They came across to Bobby's garage where Bobby quickly walked up to Lightning and asked, "How's Cal? I heard you were training him." Lightning began to answer when Tiffany shoved herself between the two racers and introduced herself, "I'm Tiffany O'Reilly. You're Bobby Swift. The Bobby Swift, aren't you?"

Bobby chuckled a little then asked, "Who is your friend?" To Lightning. Lightning sighed and growled, "The rookie I'm showing around.." Bobby's eyes widened as he stared down at the young woman. Tiffany smiled. Bobby snickered and asked his friend, "What did you do to get stuck with that?" Trying not to laugh. Lightning crossed his arms. Tiffany turned around and asked Lightning, "Is Cal Weathers back yet?" Lightning shook his head. "Not yet." "Shoot. I'd love to meet him."

Bobby glanced down at Tiffany's ass then offered, "I could show Tiffany around for you. Let you get your garage set up." "Really?" Lightning asked with suspicion. Bobby nodded then asked the girl, "Aren't you hot in that thing?" Tiffany glanced down at her suit then shrugged, "Maybe a little." She admitted. Bobby smiled, "Most of us racers tie the top half of the suit around our hips when we aren't in the cars. That's if we have to wear our suits.." Tiffany glanced down at her suit then unzipped it from the collar to her pelvis. Taking her arms out and tying it around her hips like a jacket. She was wearing a tight, white tank top that was a little see-through. So you could see her turquoise t-shirt bra underneath. Had to be c cups. Maybe even Ds.

Bobby eyed them and nothing else. "You sure are pretty." Bobby complimented. Lightning quickly scolded, "Don't." Tiffany laughed, replying, "Awe thanks. But I bet you say that to all the girls." Bobby snickered, "Yeah, I do." He admitted. "Why don't you let me finish your tour and I'll even show you my car." Lightning rolled his eyes and growled "She's a racer, Bobby. She's seen a race car before." Tiffany just playfully joked, "Wouldn't that be like showing me your secrets to winning though?" Bobby snickered and joked, "No. All my secrets to winning are in the bedroom." Tiffany laughed and asked, "Well seeing how I'm here to learn, is there any chance you could show me a few of your moves?" Lightning only growled, "Bobby." Bobby smiled at Tiffany and admitted, "I'm not sure you can handle my moves." Tiffany placed her hands on her hips and suggested, "Well, why don't I show you my moves and you can help me improve my techniques?"

Lightning faked a cough, grabbing Bobby's attention. Bobby looked at his friend who scolded, "No." Bobby looked back down at Tiffany and answered, "I'm down." Lightning face palmed himself. Tiffany noticed and smiled happily in saying, "Oh, I'm sorry. You can always join us, Mister McQueen." Lightning's eyes widened as he quickly spoke, "No. No, I'm busy. And Lightning is fine." "Okay, whatever. Just pick me up for dinner tonight. Five thirty." Tiffany announced. Bobby snickered and complimented, "Bossy. I like it." As he wrapped an arm around the young woman and walked her into his garage. Lightning watched them walk away. He knew exactly what Bobby was doing, but didn't stop his friend. Honestly, Lightning was just glad to rid himself of Miss Priss...

"Mister President!" Lightning called as he rushed to catch up to the man. The President stopped and turned around. "Mister President, I wanted to talk to you about Cal Weathers." "Yes, of course. I believe I'll be seeing you tonight along with the O'Reilly's. Um.. Where is Miss O'Reilly? I thought you were with her?" Lightning's eyes widened for a moment as he replied, "Right. I was. Um.. I showed her around and it, uh, ended early. Look, I was hoping to speak privately about something." Explained Lightning. The President looked around. There was no one around them. "We're alone now." He pointed out. Lightning sighed, but might as well begin he thought. "Cal has a tremor. It's messing with his hands, he can't race like that." "Oh? That's too bad. He was one of our best." "No, no. There is medication for it. But"-"Great!" "But it's not approved by the board." Explained Lightning.

The President stared at the racer with confusion. "So what do you want me to do about it?" he asked. Lightning thought a moment before answering, "I need you to push for a medication approval or something. There has to be something you can do." "I'm just a part of the board, Lightning. If they don't approve a medication, it's because it's more dangerous to let Cal take it and race than to just not race." "I don't think so. I don't think that's true at all." "Lightning... If there was a medication, the board would know it." "Can't you tell them to research for one or something?" "Lightning.." "Cal is one of the best! You said so yourself!" Lightning snapped. "So maybe start treating him like it." He growled before stomping off. The President sighed. Part of him knew that Lightning was right though...

It was evening. Time to pick Tiffany up and meet with the President and her Father for dinner. Lightning made his way to Bobby's garage and knocked on the door. "Tiffany.. It's Lightning. I'm here to pick you up." Tiffany walked out. Her hair was a messy bun, and wearing one of Bobby's t-shirts that was long enough it almost covered her knees. Lightning stared at her a moment before asking, "Did you forget about dinner?" Tiffany blushed before answering, "Maybe. No big deal. I got this." She went to pull out her phone, but no pants. "Be right back." She added and walked back into the garage.

Bobby walked out with a proud smile. Lightning glared and asked, "You didn't." "I so did. Twice." Bragged Bobby. Lightning rolled his eyes. "Don't be jealous. She did invite you." Bobby reminded in a laugh. Lightning shook his head and snarled, "Trust me. I'm not jealous at all." Tiffany walked back out. Her cheeks blushing even more. "Daddy thinks I'm sick. So it'll be just you and him and the President. Surely that's okay, Mister McQueen." she announced. Lightning's eyes widened! "What!? I'm only going because of you." He reminded. Tiffany shrugged. Bobby then exclaimed, "Great! That means we get round three!"

Then proceeded to pick the small woman up and throw her over his shoulder. Lightning scoldingly called his name, "Bobby!" Tiffany laughed and replied, "It's fine Mister McQueen. Go on and treat yourself. Daddy seemed excited to meet you anyway, I'll just get in the way." Bobby shut his garage door behind him. Locking it. Lightning sighed and rolled his eyes. Bobby was unbelievable. "It's Lightning! And... He's married!" Lightning announced from outside the garage. Nothing though. "Tiffany! Tiffany, I don't even know where dinner is!" He added. A little note slid out from beneath the door. Lightning glanced at it then picked it up. "Gee... Thanks..." He griped. He could hear the two of them already getting into it before he had begun to even head out. Unbelievable...

Lightning got out of the cab at the Oaks. It was a very classy place. He walked in and a woman greeted asking, "Name please." "Um.. I'm meeting with a Mister O'Reilly." "Yes, of course. Can I have your name still, please? To confirm your reservations with Mister O'Reilly?" "Lightning McQueen." "Yes, right this way Mister McQueen." The woman replied. She guided Lightning to a small booth where the President and a dark-haired man in glasses was sitting. Lightning approached and the President stood to introduce, "Mm. Kaleb, this is Lightning McQueen. He's my finest racer out there and the one helping show your daughter around." Kaleb stood and shook hands with Lightning. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry my daughter fell ill. I was hoping she'd join us as well." Lightning faked a smile and replied, "Yeah, I.. I'm sorry to hear about that.." Knowing good and well that Tiffany wasn't sick at all.

"Sit, please," Kaleb said. Everyone sat down just as a waitress brought out three glasses of water. Lightning said, "I hear you asked for me to show Tiffany the ropes." Kalbe nodded, "I did. I want only the best for my daughter. She wants to be a racer." "Does she?" Lightning asked. "I'm not trying to be rude, Sir. She just.. Doesn't seem like the racing type. She's young." The President laughed, "You were young once too." Lightning sighed. Kaleb nodded and admitted, "I did push for her to race. She's grown up around it. My Brother has a school back home." "Oh. So that's why she was top of her class." "Excuse me?" "Oh, I just.. She's not.. She's great. Tiffany's great." Lightning said as he sipped his water. Kaleb raised a brow and asked, "Can I trust you with my daughter?" "Sure. I'm just helping her get a good start, right? I'm no trainer."

The President sipped his water and answered, "Of course your not. That would be a crazy idea. No, you are just to help Tiffany with her first year. She will race for your team a few times. It won't count, but it will help her learn how to race." "Okay.." Lightning muttered. Kaleb then asked, "You recently won your fourth cup, right?" Lightning nodded. "Impressive. Your Fiance' must be proud." "You know I'm engaged?" "Of course. Most people do. It's also one of the reasons I chose you. My daughter is very young and doesn't exactly make the best nor well thought out decisions. She's a little boy crazy these days." "You don't say.." Lightning mumbled. "Oh no. Did she"-"No, no. She's great. Just.. She gets distracted easily." "This is true." The man agreed.

Kaleb then pulled out a carton of cigarettes, pulling one out to smoke. "Want one?" He asked Lightning. Lightning didn't hesitate. He reached out and took one eagerly. "Thanks." Kaleb lit his then slid the lighter across to Lightning before continuing, "I want to offer you a job, Lightning." Lightning lit the cigarette and began to smoke, "I'm not looking for any new business to deal with, Sir. I've got my hands' plenty full and just recently started driving for Ford." "I understand. But just to be clear. I was going to offer you a job that only requires you to be present twice a week for three months. You just talk for about an hour or up to four hours, and you'd get paid in one large check at the end of the third month. This of course would be during your off-season." "What exactly are you offering?" Asked Lightning.

Kaleb smoked before answering, "Come speak at my Brother's school. It would be Tuesdays and Thursdays, every week. Excluding Holidays and you would be done by the first race each season. I would need you to sign a contract stating you will come down and do this for three terms." "Years?" "Yes. But fully paid. One large check of the said amount at the end of February or I can have it divided up by each month. Whichever would work for you." "What exactly is said amount of money?" Lightning asked curiously. Kaleb pulled out a small notepad and a pen. He wrote down the price then slid the notebook to Lightning across the table as he put up his pen and said, "There would be a few things I would need you to agree to. Just typical terms, but.. I think you will find this offer quite generous."

Lightning glanced down at the offer and he couldn't help his brows raising. He smoked then looked up at Kaleb and asked, "All this just to speak a few times for a few months?" Kaleb nodded, adding, "Per year.". Lightning stared at the offer. But that would take more time away from him and Sally. And they were about to get married. This was going to be his first off-season with his wife. Twice a week? That would mean moving to-wait, "Where is this?" Lightning asked. Kaleb smiled, "North Carolina. It's a simple job. Just come and speak for about an hour or I can work out a break between sessions if it needs to be longer. I just need you to pique the interest of the students, captivate them, provide information and ideas, concepts of racing, help unify the audience, inspire them. Get them excited about racing and motivate them. Overall, just give them a memorable experience worth bragging about."

"I see." Lightning replied as he smoked. Kaleb then continued, "I understand that it would be difficult to fly back and forth every week, so.. I'm also going to offer to pay fully for a rental home for you and your soon-to-be wife for those months you are there. I will also include a car." "Wow. This is.. This is a huge offer." "It is. And I am married, so I do understand communication and talking it over with Mrs. So... If you don't mind before saying no. I would like you to speak with Sally about this and get back to me." Kaleb then pulled out a business card and slid it over to Lightning. "Talk with her, then call me." Lightning took the card. Staring at it a moment before nodding. The price this man was willing to pay was almost too good to say no to, but living away for a few months for three years. There was no way Sally would be okay with that. With her work, there was no way she would be able to travel for that period. They barely saw each other as it was. This would be a hard decision for Lightning...

Lightning returned home after another weekend of racing. he won. Naturally. He was just one of the best out there. Sally walked over to the front door and greeted her fiance happily. "Hey, Stickers." She hugged him. "I'm so glad you're back home." Lightning dropped his bag and hugged Sally back. He was glad to be home. He smiled and announced, "I have something I want to talk to you about." "What is it?" "I got a job offer." Sally raised a brow. She kind of giggled and reminded, "You have a job.." Lightning snickered, "Yeah, but this would be during the off-season." "Well, what is it?" "I got offered a job as a speaker at a college." "You?" Sally questioned. Lightning's brows lowered as he growled, "Hey, don't act so surprised." Sally giggled and said, "I'm not surprised. Just.. It's a weird offer. Where at?" She asked.

Lightning hesitated. "It's just a small racing school in North Carolina." "North Carolina?" Sally asked as she took a step back. Lightning nodded, "Yes, and it would only be for a few months during the off-season of racing. The pay is amazing and even comes with a house, a car." "But wait, move there!? Do you mean move there?" Sally asked in shock. Lightning bit his lips. "Yeah, but only for a few months." "Lightning.. I have three jobs here. Four if I count you." Lightning glared and argued, "You know we can hire someone to look after the motels while you were away." "Wait, you're not seriously considering this? Are you?" Sally asked in disbelief. Lightning sighed. He was. "Sal.." "No. No. My answer is no. We're not doing that." She put her foot down here. Lightning could hear it in her voice.

"Sally, wait." He began. "You haven't even heard how much the guy is offering to pay me." "I don't need to." Snarled Sally. "I can't leave Radiator Springs for that long. I barely can take the time off for our Honey-Moon." "That's not true. You are choosing the motels over us." "Excuse me? You are over here trying to make me abandon my home for some school." "This is exactly what I'm talking about. You make all the decisions for us! For me!" Lightning argued. Sally scoffed, "I do not! This is just too much! We don't need the money." "Maybe I need the experience!" Argued Lightning. Sally crossed her arms and asked, "As a college speaker?" Lightning sighed. Not sure what to say to convince Sally here.

Sally shook her head and tried reasoning with her future husband, "Lightning.. We are already so busy all the time. Do you want to move away from home? From me? For that long? How long anyway?" "Three months." "That is a crazy idea." "Nine hundred and fifty thousand." "What?" Sally asked in confusion. Lightning stepped closer and repeated, "Nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars. That is how much I will be paid." Sally just stared at Lightning in awe! "To speak?" Sally had to ask. Lightning nodded then added, "Per year." Sally's jaw dropped! "Why!?" She asked. Lightning shrugged. "Because I'm famous, rich, good-looking." He joked. Sally slapped him across the chest playfully.

Lightning chuckled and asked, "Can we talk about it? Please?" Sally thought for a moment before realizing what that much money would actually mean. "Oh my gosh.. With that much.. You could take early retirement. We could take early retirement!" She exclaimed with excitement. Lightning's eyes widened. "Woah, no one was talking about that. I was just thinking we'd be rich." He admitted. Sally giggled at that. "We are rich. Of course, we can make it work. We can figure this out. We can figure this out and in a few years start planning our retirement. This is exciting." "Plan our retirement? Like, quit racing?" "Well, yea. You won't be racing forever." Sally reminded. Lightning shrugged saying, "Guess you're right..." She was. She was and he knew she was.