Chapter Two
Early the next morning, I headed to the Los Angeles International Speedway, thanks to Mac. He didn't really feel comfortable leaving without Dad knowing, but I assured him that I would be taking all of Dad's heat when I returned.

When we arrived, plenty of other racers were there. Most of us were here for postseason interviews. A million local radio stations were here and a few national ones as. Usually, I don't attend these. They're typically for racers who are unknown and want to get there name out into the public more.

But I was here for one news station only.

"Stella, are you sure this is a good idea? I'm not sure I like the idea of sending you in there without some type of guard. Plus, I think your dad would have me fired for letting you go alone." Mac fretted as he parked.

"If it makes you feel better, I'll let you tag along with me. That way you can keep a close eye on me," I smiled. "And Dad would never fire you in a million years. After all, you're the only one who really cared for him in his rookie years."

"Yeahh, I really wouldn't call it caring." Mac replied as I exited. I drive around to talk to him face to face.

"Then what would you call it?" I asked as he unhinged the trailer.

"More like being terrified for my life." Mac teased, a smile on his face. I chuckled as we left for the pits. As I rounded the corner, I was shocked at how many cars were here. There were rows of stands, each one having cars talking on the radio. A few of the more popular stations even had cameras for cars to watch on tv. It really was a sight.

"This is a little crazy, isn't it?" I stated, my nerves kicking in.

"Just little," Mac replied. "Why are we coming here anyways?"

"Well, I promised a friend that I'd talk on their radio station," I explained. "Only, I have no idea where it is. This place is a lot busier than I expected." I sighed.

"I guess we better dive in then and hope you don't get bombarded with cars. I'd hate to have you say something stupid on the radio and have it broadcasted everywhere, ruining your appearance." Mac rambled.

"Thanks for that image."

We took a deep breath then drove down the rows. It was easy at first, because it seemed like cars weren't really expecting us. But once they caught sight, well, let's just say that it was hectic. "Miss McQueen! Tell us about your latest win!"

"No comment."

"Miss McQueen! How do you feel about beating Jackson Storm?"

Oo. I really wanted to answer that one. "No comment."

It seemed to go on for hours, until cars seemed to get the hint that I wasn't talking to anyone. Little by little, they seemed to back down and everyone began to leave me alone.

Soon, we reached the stand. It was a popular one so a few cars were waiting in line for their turn to speak on air. Some were nearly radiating with energy. Others were looking like they were going to hurl. I was somewhere in between.

"Stella? What are you doing here?" A voice spoke up. I turned around, seeing none other than Jackson Storm.

Alright, I admit, I used to despise the guy. But after realizing it wasn't his fault for Dad's retirement and beating him on the track a few times, I grew to like the guy. I'd actually consider us close friends. It helps that his ego has drop a few degrees over the years. "Hey, Jackson," I greeted. "I could ask you the same. I don't think you need anymore publicity. It seems like you always have a group of girls following you around everywhere you go."

"Very funny," he replied, rolling his blue eyes. "I'm just here to sign autographs and take pictures in hopes of bringing in more cars. After all, this is where most of us got our fame to begin with."

I was slightly offended. Why wasn't I offered the chance to sign autographs and take pictures? "And before you get the wrong idea, they asked me instead of you because this is where I got famous. They just want someone others can look up to, ya know? 'Jackson Storm got famous here! So can you!'" He mocked. "Plus I'm more attractive so."

"Ha ha. Very hilarious." I scoffed, smiling at him.

"Now answer my question. Why are you here, Miss McQueen?" He asked.

"I promised a friend I would talk on their show." I summarized. He awed, nodding his head.

"Makes sense. I thought you just wanted to brag about your latest win on every channel," he teased, making me laugh. "I'll see ya around, Stella. And congrats on your win."

"I'll see ya Storm. And thank you!" I grinned as he drove away.

"Stella, you're up next." Mac said, helping to get my head back into the game. I nodded my head, silently thanking him. I licked my lips, thinking through what I was going to say. I was going to be broadcast to the nation.

Oh great. Dad was probably going to see this.

I did not think this through.

"Stella! Glad you could make it!"

I turned my head, a smile growing on my face. "Nick!" I cheered, driving to meet him. I gave him a quick hug, excitement now radiating off of me.

"I'm so glad you make it," He grinned, his blue eyes lighting up. "Come on, follow me."

So Mac and I followed him to a private area. It was quiet so other cars wouldn't interrupt our interview. We sat down in front of the camera, talking through what he was going to ask while the camera crew prepared everything.

"So, are you ready?" He asked, his smile brightening the room.

"Well, if I'm going to be honest, I'm actually pretty terrified." I confessed, nervously giggling afterwards.

"Thee Stella McQueen is nervous?" He teased. "I don't think a little interview should scare a professional racer."

I laughed, nodding my head as I felt my cheeks heat up. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. I was scared my first time, too." He encouraged.

"We're on in three, two, one." A camera began, pointing at us.

"Welcome back to Racing Highlights! I'm your host, Nick Hicks and I am here with the lovely, Stella McQueen," he greeted as I plastered on a smile. "So, Stella, how does it feel to win your third Piston Cup?"

xxx

We were finished with the interview. I thought it went well, though I was pretty much just staring into Nick's gorgeous blue eyes the whole time. Okay, I wasn't really paying attention, but he's so handsome!

Most of the camera crew was beginning to pack up, leaving me, Nick, and Mac alone. "So, how did the conversation go with your parents?" Nick asked, slightly chuckling at the end.

"Well, my dad didn't take it too well." I confessed. Nick nodded, a sad smile on his face.

"Same here. My dad nearly passed out at the idea," He explained, biting on his lower lip. "Do you think they'll ever change their minds about each other?"

I was taken back by his question. Sure, Nick has asked me multiple of personal questions, what with being a reporter and such, but never about what I thought about my dad. "I don't know. I can't speak for him." I answered.

His eyes widened, slightly shaking his head. "Oh, sorry, Stel. It was just a rhetorical question. Mostly to myself. I wasn't trying to pry into your life." He quickly apologized.

"It's okay. I should be used to it by now, right?" I chuckled, making him laugh along.

"Alright, lovebirds. We should be heading back to Radiator Springs. I'm sure your dad is going crazy." Mac interrupted.

"Oh, yeah, of course," I stuttered. Mac was right. I had spent nearly the whole day here. Dad was going to lose his mind when I get back.  "I've got to go, Nick."

"It's okay. I understand how dads can be," he nodded. "I'll see you around?"

I planted a kiss on his headlight, giving him a soft smile. "I'll see you soon." I agreed.

xxx

"Where the hell were you?" Dad shouted almost as soon as he could see my face. I let out a little scoff, rolling my blue eyes. I've been preparing myself for this scolding the whole trip.

"I was just at the Los Angeles International Speedway." I answered, exiting from Mac.

"Don't you realize how worried you had us? We thought you were kidnapped or killed or worse!" He rambled. I groaned, shaking my head at him.

"Dad, I'm 21. I think I should be allowed to leave Radiator Springs whenever I want to," I replied, growing tired of this stupid subject. "I'm not 16 anymore. I think I know how to take care of myself."

"But that's just it! You don't!" He argued. "You went to the speedway and talked on the radio shows. Don't you realize how much trouble you could have got yourself into? What you could have said to ruin your reputation?"

"And don't you realize that I can think for myself? I wasn't going to spill anything that would get either of us into trouble. All I talked about was my latest win anyways. It was no big deal." I shrugged off.

"Well, then next time would you please tell me and your mother where you are going? I'd like to not have to worry about your whereabouts all day long. God, you're going to make me have a heart attack or something." He sighed, rolling his eyes. Okay, I could deal with that. I could tell them where I'm going next time.

"Fine. But I'm not asking for your permission to leave. I'm just telling you what I'm doing so that you don't pace around town making everyone around you anxious." I agreed.

"Deal," He breathed, a soft smile on his face. "Ya know, Little Red, I only worry about you because you're my little girl, right?" He asked.

"I know, Dad." I softly replied, a smile growing on my face.

"That's my girl. Now come here," he grinned, waving me towards him for a hug. "I hate when we fight." He whispered.

"Ya. Me, too."

"Wanna make an agreement to never fight again?" He offered, a grin big on his face as we let go.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Come on, Dad. We both know we're just going to fight more then." I giggled, making him laugh.

~~~~~~~~~~
Second snow day = another chapter completed! Man, I'm on a roll! I love seeing your comments and votes so don't be afraid to drop a line! See ya in the next chapter!