"Didn't daddy assign you a bodyguard?"
"No, because Dad actually trust's me enough to be by myself."
"Even after the Vegas incident?"
Throughout the whole night of the party, I couldn't help but to think about what Jackson said. What could he possibly know about what happened in Vegas? What does anybody in this world know about Vegas? It wasn't my fault. I was young, and easily manipulated into doing something that I didn't want to. Chick knew he couldn't convince me to bring my parents into this set up but he most definitely knew what to do to scar me. What I did would be unacceptable to anyone who found out about it but, If I could do anything to keep it from going public, to keep it from hurting my family...Including my Dad, I would do it in a heartbeat. Even if that means, still saving my Dad's career.
"Hello, earth to Zay," Snapping out of my thoughts, I blinked a couple of times before looking right into Cherish's eyes. We disbanded from the group and went back to the food area after the interview Randy had with Dad and Jackson, which was very intense. By Jackson being self-centered about himself, by saying overconfident things, almost made Dad get out of character. He knows better than that, so he did what he knew best, clapped back with factual things to get under his skin. "Zaylyn, did you even hear what I said?" Cherish asked, a bit annoyed.
I laughed a bit as I took a bite out of my pistachio ice cream. Thanks to Uncle Mater, they decided to consider it as a desert. "Yeah, I was listening..." I have no idea what she was talking about.
"Oh really? What was the last thing I said then?" Cherish looked at me tense up.
"Something about, seeing some guy behind me."
"Which is who?"
"Why don't you turn around and find out who it is?" His voice sounds familiar. At this point, I'm scared to turn around. I guess he knew that I wasn't going to turn around because he slowly crept up on the side of me. I winced at the slow sight of him appearing. As I slowly opened my eyes, he smiled at me in a teasing way. "Hey look, Jackson smiled." Cherish said, Bouncing up and down like a child.
"Yeah, a little too well." I remarked, going back to eating my ice cream. Here we go again. I'm starting to think that Jackson has nothing better to do. "You know Jack, you seem to get bolder every time we run into each other. Could it be you're taking interest in me?" I asked, faking a shock look. He rolled his eyes and shook his head at me.
"That's the last thing I would ever find myself doing. Besides, I can't be with a yes girl."
"Oh please, your fans are yes girls."
"Fact, but at least my fans know who I am without being with a veteran racer who can't even accept the fact that his career is over."
"Okay Jackson, just what exactly do you want? shouldn't you be off at some high tech training center to train for your race tomorrow?"
Clearly not taking the hint that I don't want to talk to him, He nodded over to me to drive with him in private. I sighed annoyingly and took his offer. The only reason why I agreed to go with him is because he knows what happened three years ago.
"I want you to come to my party tonight." He simply said. I stopped dead in my tracks trying to process everything that was just said. He couldn't have possibly said what I think he said...right? I'm just over thinking.
"Excuse me, What?" I still can't t believe what he said.
"I think you heard exactly what I said."
"Did I really though? It sounded like you wanted me to attend your party tonight." I waited for a response from him but he didn't say anything. After a couple of seconds, I busted out into laughter. Well then, this has to be a joke. If he thinks that I, Zaylyn McQueen is going to show up to his party as if he didn't cause me hell throughout the whole day. As if he didn't stress my Dad out enough. Such a joke. I realize that I was the only one laughing, when I looked into his blue and grey eyes, he still projected a serious look. My smile soon faded as I looked at the ground in utterly disbelief. "Oh my gosh, you're not joking are you?"
Without saying a word still, he gave me the same devilish smile. I'm convinced that he has no heart at all. It's like he mostly has the devil on his side telling him exactly what to say and do. "Are you insane? My dad would kill me if he somewhat hears anything that I'm at that party."
"Relax, It's going to stay between us and the team of IGNTR. If you don't show up, It'll probably be more than just your secret getting out to the world."
"Are you...Are you blackmailing me?"
"No, I'm inviting you to a Christmas party, make sure to bring a holiday cake."
"You're such a jerk." I pouted.
"Figure that out all on your own did ya?"
Unbelievable. "So, let me get this straight, The same guy that nearly slandered my father's career, the same guy who sees my Dad as an enemy, wants me to go to his party?"
"Correct."
"For what reason?"
"Can I at least be able to mend ties with at least one of the McQueens?"
"It's suspicious..."
"Relax princess, like I said, there will be no cameras. Just my pit crew, sponsors, and a couple of my friends."
"Woah there, I'm not your princess. I'll show up to your party, on one condition."
Jackson's P.O.V
"And that is?"
"You need you to let my Dad win the race tomorrow."
I took a deep breath in and slowly released it. She drives a hard bargain and I don't think I can work around it. I just want to be able to have a bit of publicity when she shows up tonight. She has no idea that my publicist, Marco, will be there. Once word gets out that Zaylyn McQueen showed her face at her Father's rival's party, It'll be just enough time to slow down McQueen and take back my spot. It's not wrong, It's simply putting the McQueens in their place.
"Fine, we have a deal."
"Great, what time should I show up?" she asked, with a smug on her face thinking she won. "Be outside your hotel at 11, I'll have Ray pick you up and I'll drive back with you." I said driving away from her.
"Don't try anything Storm."
I scoffed, making my way over to my pit crew who had just driven up from where they were. We made our way out the exit, leaving the party.
"Did you manage to get her to come?" asked a curious Ray as I reversed into my trailer.
"I think I'm a very convincing guy when it comes to women."
Zaylyn's P.O.V
"You need me to do what?!" Cherish shouted. Her shout was almost loud enough where it caused an echo. I rushed my tire to her mouth to keep her from saying anything else. "Shh! Keep your voice down or they'll hear you." I said slowly moving my tire from a shocked Cherish's mouth.
"This is just like that time when snuck out RS to go see those illegal races with that girl." she panicked.
"Yes it is, but you can lie for me."
"Lie? Lie?! If your Dad takes a look at me like this, and he already knows what's wrong. I get really scared when your Dad interrogates me."
"Really? You really get scared when my dad interrogates you?" I asked sarcastically. She's done this multiple times for me. I don't know why this is something different.
"Yeah," She said slowly, looking down in shame, making my head shake at her. "You need to take precaution Lyn. You're not showing up at a regular party just as a regular car, This is Jackson we are talking about, he has something planned out whether you like it or not." Cherish said.
She's right, Jackson is brash enough to do anything to make sure he gets his way. I can't let it happen. It won't happen. I looked around to make sure nobody was around us. "Change of plans, go back inside and tell Cruz the plan, but don't make it obvious. If dad is near, tell him that we're going to explore the rest of Japan. I'm going to get Ramone to style us up so meet me there when you're done." I demanded. Cherish nodded and went inside of the room while I made my way down the hall to Ramone's room.
I knocked on the door and waited. I can trust Ramone with certain things. But to tell him that I'm going to our rival's party tonight, I think he might rat me out to Dad about that. What he's only good for is to keep us out of sight or in sight...all depending on the situation. I heard a bit of shuffling inside before the door opened to reveal a tired Ramone. He let me inside the room and yawned.
"Hey Ramone, Cruz, Cherish and I are about to head out and take a drive. Can you maybe paint over us so we don't get noticed?" I asked, Slightly doing the puppy dog eyes. "Yeah of course, let me just go get my paints and we'll get started right away." He said heading off to get his paints. I smiled. One has been completed.
While I was getting painted, The girls showed up and waited for their turn. I got painted a Cyan color while Cruz and Cherish decided to switch colors which I thought was kind of cute. They even said that I looked like the Piston Cup reporter, Kori Turbowitz. Once Ramone was finished the girls and I headed down to the hotel lounge and waited. The lounge was surprisingly empty which was perfect to discuss the plan, Cherish and I was an empty table behind the T.V where Cruz was flipping through channels.
"Alright girls, so when Ray gets here, you guys are going to follow us to the party but at a safe distance so he won't be skeptical about anything. Just in case security is there, you guys might have to find another way inside. Once you get in, come find me immediately so I don't have to be alone the whole time. If anyone asks who you are, You work as intern trainers at the IGNTR training center. Do you guys remember your names?" I asked, looking at them both.
"Aleena Rodriguez." Cruz said not taking her eyes off the TV.
"Adalynn Hayes...What if this goes wrong?" A doubtful Cherish asked. I didn't have anything to say. If anything happens, we'll just burn rubber and get out of here as quickly as possible.
"No time to think about that now," Cruz said nodding at the door. "Ray is outside waiting for her, If anything goes wrong, we'll have to wing it as much as possible."
I headed out the door and followed Ray to the party. The ride was very awkward. We didn't say much to each other. The only thing he talked about was what kind of party it was which was a Pre-win party. Whatever that means. He also teased me about "getting dolled up" for Jackson which I quickly denied. Jackson's persona needs a lot of work to be a swollen-headed race car. But then again, I could be wrong about the type of car he is. He could be doing this just for the people. Like he's hiding something deep inside...I just hope he's not too far in his head.
We finally reached the Seacoast Hotel that looked like it had over 100 floors. Ray took me through the lobby and was greeted by some cars while we were down there. It made me feel a bit weird because there's only a certain amount of people that I know. We got into the elevator and were lifted up to the rooftop where the party was. When the elevator doors open, we were introduced with black and Neon blue theme party. The balloons were tied up on the same pole where the string lights were hanging, over the infinity pool. Business men and classy and sophisticated women all over this party.
Ray led me through the cars shuffling around. "It's just going to be the IGNTR team and a couple of my friends." Seems like he invited the whole world here. The speakers blasting dubstep music, the fog machine filling the ground, A bar located by the wall...Let's just hope I'll get out of here with no complications. There were balloons that had spelled the sponsorship name. That's got to be the 'VIP' area. As soon as we got there, Jackson was surrounded by his pit crew and about five girls. Get over yourself Jackson.
After taking a picture with a girl, we locked eyes. He gave me a devilish smile as he drove towards me. "Zaylyn." He greeted me.
"Jackson." I replied.
"Are you enjoying the party?" He asked.
"A bit much for one car, Don't you think?"
"There could never be too much because it doesn't exist," I rolled my eyes at him as he studied me. He gave me a questionable look before saying anything. "Did you get all dolled up for me or the party?"
Seriously?
"Don't flatter yourself. I would never change myself to impress a swollen-headed guy like you." I glared.
"I would be offended by that if it hurt," He nodded his head towards the other direction as he started to pull away. "C'mon Kori Turbowitz, There is someone I want you to meet."
I followed him through the party until we got to the bar. He started to talk with a white escalade while I waited patiently.
"Jackson," The escalade spoke in a thick Latin accent. "I love what you did with the party-oh and who is this gorgeous lassie?" He said looking at me with a smile that almost made me feel uncomfortable. Ugh, he's drunk. Where are the girls when you need them?
"Marco, This is Zaylyn Mc-"
"You never told me about a flame going on with a lassie, did you find the one?" he asked, pumping his tire on Jackson's side.
"Oh, no, I'm not with her- she isn't my-I could never!" we said almost in unison. I mean, maybe if Jackson didn't have his head so far up his tail pipe...things would work. I shouldn't even be thinking about this anyways. I mean, hello! rival alert! Dad would never condone this behavior from either of us.
"No, Marco. This is Zaylyn McQueen, the daughter of Lightning McQueen. Zaylyn this Marco, my publicist." Jackson introduced. I bowed my head as a greeting and Marco returned it.
Throughout the whole fifteen minutes, Jackson has been dragging me everywhere around the party introducing me to people that he know and works with. But, the whole time, I've been more focused on the girls coming to my rescue. I just hope that nothing happened to them while they were trying to get inside.
"Zaylyn?" I heard the familiar voice that I've been waiting to hear all night. I whipped around to be greeted by Cherish and Cruz...or should I say. Aleena and Adalynn.
"Adalynn, Aleena what are you guys doing here?" I played along.
"We work at the IGNTR training center as intern trainers." Aleena said.
"How about we go have some girl time at the bar, Jackson you don't mind if we steal Zaylyn from you for a while?" Adalynn asked.
Jackson looked at them but proceeded to talk with his friends. "Don't be too long, I still need to talk business with her." he said, making me roll my eyes. I followed the girls to the bar at an empty table.
"Lyn, we have good news and bad news." Adalynn continued.
"Give me the good news first." I required,
"We have enough time to get out of this party." Aleena said.
"And the bad news?" the girls both looked at each other with scared looks. "Your Dad just arrived to the party." They said in Unison.
Great.
"What do you mean my Dad just got to the party?! Did he see you?!"
"No, He didn't. Cruz and I saw him go through Security as if he didn't care..."
"And they let him in?"
The girls both nodded early, leaving me panicked. We couldn't have been gone that long right? We need to lead him away and back to the hotel as fast as possible. "I have to go find Jackson, you girls need to do anything you can to lead him out this party." I commanded. With that, we separated from each other. I made my way through the party, back to Jackson. He was still hanging out with his pit crew, laughing and having fun.
"Jackson, we have a problem." I tried to stay calm and collected as much as possible but I don't think I can last that long. Jackson softened his expression and drove over to me.
"What is it?" He asked in a serious tone.
"You need to get me home as soon as possible, my Dad just got here."
"You're kidding right?"
If I was, I wouldn't be telling you.
"Nope, he's coming up now." I frowned up a bit.
No one's P. O.V
Jackson huffed before telling me to follow him. He was going to lead me to elevators but Lighting had just got here. He showed up with Sarge and Ramone.. Jackson cursed under his breath and took Zaylyn to the nearest hiding spot. Cruz and Cherish immediately started to pretend like girl groupies. Once the elevators cleared up, Jackson rushed Zaylyn there and he pressed the 54th button. When the doors opened, he Led her straight to his room and opened the door and they both went inside.
"Stay here and don't leave this room. Don't even think about leaving the room because security will be right next to your door." He ordered.
"So, that's it. You aren't taking me home? Isn't this car napping." Zaylyn sarcastically asked.
"It's going to be too risky since you Dad is roaming the hotel but if you want to risk getting caught, go ahead and be my guest."
Zaylyn groaned out of frustration and looked away from him. She was already mad at him for dragging her to the party and this just made it worse. She couldn't help but to think; Why drag her here in the first place? Why put her in this predicament of stress? Why help her Escape her father all of a sudden?
Is he...catching feelings for her?
"Good, now do me a favor and stay put please." That was the last thing he said before he left.
Jackson's P.O.V
It's not about the publicity. I lied. I hate that this is how I have to be portrayed as a jerk. I've gotten used to being like this though. It's not for the money or fame. I simply just wanted freedom. However, before all of this, before I joined IGNTR, I was with another team. I was living the life winning money from the tournaments. But I joined the wrong one and was forced to join the team because if I didn't, I would lose all the money that I saved up for myself.
One thing led to the next and I got fired from that team but lucky for me, I was recruited to IGNTR. I got what I wanted in the long run which was being a racer but my bad habits stuck with me until today. I don't want to admit it, but I think I am slowly falling for Zaylyn. As I made my way to my pit crew, Lightning was parked waiting for me to return. "Anything I can help you with McQueen?"
"I came to see if Zaylyn was here, she's been missing for three in a half hours Storm."
"She's not at my party, But feel free to look around for her." I dismissed.
Annoyed, McQueen turned around and continued to search for his daughter.Once he leaves, I'll drive her back home.
Zaylyn's P.O.V
I groaned out of boredom from the lack of entertainment. It's been almost an hour since I've been stuck in the room. I need to get out of here. I can't go outside of the room because security guards are watching the door and I can't jump from the 54th floor.
I drive over to the windows and let the curtains open automatically. Looking at the darkness as it fell over making every building in the city glow. This was so peaceful to look at...almost like it was needed to stare over the horizon. letting view take me in awe, I didn't realize there was a flying object coming my way until gunshots were heard and the glass window that I was staring at, shattered into a million pieces. I yelped, driving away to take cover. I hid behind the bar table that was across the living room.
The security tried to break through the door but It wouldn't budge. I heard some more glass break along with a big crash inside of the room that made me yelp once more. That's when I heard panting. I slowly peeped out from behind the table holding my breath. As I got a closer look, the room was a mess. Glass was shattered everywhere in the living room. The curtains were ripped up. A gust of wind blew the window, letting the ripped curtains point in the direction of what crashed. I looked towards the direction only to see...
"Holley...Wha-What are you doing here?" I asked.
The security yelled for my name and asked if I was alright while they were trying to open the door. I was more focused on Holley than the door. Her guns were popping out of her tires while her wings were still out. She caused this? Jackson has another thing coming from me if he blames this mess on me.
"You figured me out?" She asked, a bit shocked.
"Of course I did but that doesn't explain why you somersaulted in the air through the window!" I raised my voice a bit.
Holley then moved from the wall over back to the window ready to fly in a hurry. "Listen Zaylyn, you and Jackson are in danger. You both need to leave right now and get somewhere safe. We'll try to hold them off." Before I could say anything, Holley flew out the distance. I was left dumbfounded once again.
The security managed to break the door wide open. Jackson quickly drove over to me and looked around at this dismantled room. He took a look at me and noticed how distressed I was.
"You okay? I heard gunshots and heard that it came from my room." He explained, a bit worried.
I hesitated before giving him a response. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just take me home. I don't care if my Dad catches me."
That's exactly what he did. My dad nor the girls were there at the hotel so I know I'll be scolded by them in the morning. I have to keep this a secret from everyone now. Including Jackson. Something tells me that this is going to be way more deeper and bigger than this.