~ Outside The Speedway ~ (Lightning McQueen x OC)

Chapter 19

Turning off the karaoke machine, I stepped down from the stage.

I was coming off my 'singing high', slowly but surely. Excitement flowed through me. I haven't had this much fun singing in quite a while.

I thanked everyone for the compliments they gave - for improving since the last time I sang, which was months ago.

Hard work pays off. Which I know a lot about.

Sally only shot me a tight smile as I looked over at her, which I found kind of weird, considering she always supported and congratulated me if I ever won these meaningless competitions against her... and I haven't even won yet! It wasn't decided!

After a few minutes, everyone was seated together. We moved some of the rectangular tables into a group so that we were able to eat, talk and share company with one another. Flo and Guido came out of the kitchen shortly after we sat down, making trips back and forth, carrying plates of chicken tenders, salads, and burgers. Baskets of fries and chips were brought out as well. Then, a pitcher of lemonade was brought, along with glasses for anyone who wanted it. The desert was blueberry and chocolate pie; my favorite.

We all ate, talking in the meantime. Soft music was playing in the corner, and the strobe lights were replaced with the lights overhead. The moonlight shone, but it was barely seeable.

On my left was Flo, and on my right was my Uncle Hudson, both of them talking to whoever was on the other side of them. Across from me was Sally, but she was laughing at something Lightning said. I felt weirdly disappointed.

I silently ate my fries. I haven't worked out in a while. I promised myself I'd go on a run tomorrow morning, early morning, then later in the afternoon I'd do some training in my basement.

I thought about what route I'd take this time.

It was usually extra hot around this time of year, even at night, so I needed to take a path in direct moonlight. Shade would only make me colder. Fortunately, there weren't many trees once I left our little town.

I decided on the path that took me through a bit of the desert, up a small hill, that then led to the run-down building on the edge of a cliff; the Wheel Well Motel. It was one of Sally's dreams to re-build the place and create a nice restaurant there. I told her that I would help her get enough money to do it one day. I'm still working towards that promise.

I hadn't realized I zoned out until Lightning waved his hand in front of his face.

"Wo! Olivia staring at me?" He paused, running a hand through his hair. "I must look so hot right now, not even you can resist my charm." He seemed to be done talking to Sally because she was talking to Sheriff, who had finally arrived, about the same court case she and Uncle Hudson talked about earlier.

I blushed, then rolled my eyes. "Sorry. I zoned out. I was unintentionally staring at you, so don't get too cocky now," I answered, leaning back against my chair.

"Oh please. This isn't half as cocky as I can get."

At least he's self-aware, right?

I took a sip of my lemonade. "Aha. Good to know."

He chuckled. "What were you thinking about?"

I tilted my head in mock thinking, then tapped my chin. "I was thinking about how to sabotage your car. You know, just so you don't win any more races against me." I tried my best to put on a straight face, but I broke into laughter.

Lightning seemed concerned for a second, actually believing me. Then a girn formed on his own face when I laughed.

"You're hilarious." He said. Can't believe he fell for my little joke. Even if it was just for a second.