Chapter 8 #2
“You’ve got it,” he assured her. “We’ll check out a few lots and have lunch before we go to the others. Write down the dealer’s name if you see one that interests you. Once we finish lunch, you can decide if you want to revisit or keep going.”
“I really hate you’ll have to spend an entire day car shopping,” she confessed.
“Don’t. I’m in the market for a new vehicle. This one’s a loaner from the team until I find one of my own. I’ll peek while you roam the parking lot, and if I see anything interesting, I’ll return tomorrow.”
“Then I insist on coming with you. It’s only fair. I don’t know how I’d have done this without you,” she said nervously.
“You’d research intensely, and about a year from now, you’ll drive your purchase into your driveway,” he teased. “You can always take a friend.”
Addy nodded and didn’t say anything, another telling sign.
They entered the city, and she sat up, watching the cars pass with interest.
“Oh, I’d like something like that.” She pointed to an SUV at the red light.
“Nice eye,” he said. “It’s a great option. Have you considered a hybrid engine?”
“I’ll have to think about it and let you know,” she said firmly.
“Ahhh,” he said, smiling. “You’ll do great.”
“But seriously, do I want one of those?” she asked.
“Again, it’s a personal choice. I personally like them, but you have to watch the warranty. Sometimes, they like to slip in a clause about showing receipts to prove you acted in good faith and kept up with all the maintenance.”
“Don’t most people do it?” she asked.
“Yes, but some people don’t want to pay a dealership and prefer to change the oil and do their own maintenance,” he explained. “It’s up to you.”
“Do we have a signal for that one?” she asked, glancing at her phone.
“We’ll drive both if you find a vehicle you like. Then, you can decide which one you like better.”
“You’re not like most men. By now, they’d have taken this over and insisted they drive and speak with the salesmen,” she said thoughtfully.
“It’s your vehicle. It’s not fair of me to make decisions for you. I’m here to guide you and help keep your money in your wallet instead of the dealership’s.”
“I appreciate it,” she said as they pulled into the first lot.
“Take your time and don’t let anyone corner you,” he said, getting out of the SUV.
He frowned when she jumped out before he opened the door. They walked past a few SUVs when a salesman greeted them.
“Hi, I’m Ted. What can I help you find today?”
“I’m only browsing,” she said as she walked around a vehicle.
“Your wife has a good eye,” the salesman said to Liam. “Let me tell you about this one. It has a V6 engine and—”
“Does it come in All Wheel Drive?” Addy asked, staring pointedly at the man. “I live in the country.”
The salesman turned to Liam. “We can order it. It’s taking about six weeks for delivery.”
“I’ve changed my mind,” Addy said. “Have a nice day,” she said, marching back to Liam’s SUV.
“You heard the lady. She’s changed her mind,” Liam said as he walked past the salesman. “Next time, try not to treat a woman like she’s invisible.”
He opened her door for her to get in and then walked around to slide into the driver’s seat.
Glancing over at her, he thought he saw steam coming out of her ears.
“Can you believe the audacity? I can serve my country, but I can’t buy a vehicle without a man,” she fumed.
“Technically, you did bring me,” he said, breaking the ice. “But in your defense, he’s an ass.”
She laughed as they pulled out of the dealership and visited the next one.
“Oh, I like the blue one over there,” she exclaimed. “It’s big enough for Zeus.”
“Let’s check it out,” Liam said, taking her hand and leading her over to it. “Let’s review the sticker.”
She read the list of options and then opened the door.
“Get in and see how it feels,” Liam encouraged her after seeing her enthusiasm. He slid into the passenger seat.
She slid into the driver’s seat and pressed the buttons, checking out the features. “What do you think?” she asked, biting her fingernail.
“It doesn’t matter what I think right now. You’re driving it. How do you feel?” he asked, wanting her to make her own decision. He didn’t like the fact she seemed confident at her job and suddenly became insecure doing something as mundane as car shopping.
“I like it. It has possibilities,” she finally answered. “What about the price?”
“It’s a bit on the high side, but you can talk them down,” he advised.
Addy nibbled on her thumbnail while she considered it. “Do you think it’s too much? It’s bigger than what I’m used to driving,” she said, sounding as if she planned to talk herself out of purchasing it.
“Does it have everything you use in your old vehicle or wish your previous one had?” he asked, watching her.
“I don’t really need all the extras. As long as it gets me from point A to point B, has a radio and a large enough area for Zeus, I’m fine,” she admitted after some thought.
“Life isn’t about only feeling fine. It’s meant to be lived. You don’t always need things, but they make your life better. For instance, this has heated seats and massage. We don’t require those things, but they sure come in handy after a long ride or a really cold day.”
“They might’ve come in handy when we got stuck on the side of a mountain, huh?” she said, grinning.
Liam laughed and nodded. “Yes. Close your eyes. Can you see yourself driving this?”
Pausing, Addy relaxed in the seat, took the wheel, and pretended to drive. “Yeah.”
“Then you have your answer. Shall we take it for a test drive?”
He led her into the dealership, and a salesman named Tom approached.
“Hi, how can I help you?”
“I’d like to test drive the SUV over there, the blue one,” she told him nervously.
“May I have your driver’s license and insurance card?” Tom asked.
Addy dug into her purse and pulled out the two cards, handing them to him.
“I’ll return shortly with the keys,” he said, walking away.
“Maybe you need to drive it,” she suggested.
“It’ll be your vehicle,” he insisted. “I’ll sit beside you, and if I notice anything, I’ll tell you.”
“I can do this,” she said, as if talking herself into driving it.
“Yes, you can,” he encouraged softly. “I’ve seen you command a whole room of nurses without a second thought. How can one short salesman compete?”
Addy smiled. “You’re right. I’m overthinking this.”
“You’re nervous. You’ve driven a car a million times. This one happens to be new,” he said, trying to downplay it.
“I’m replacing my vehicle because I drove mine down the side of a mountain ,” she reminded him.
“No. You’re purchasing a new one because a tree nearly demolished us, and your vehicle took the hit for us. Don’t undermine yourself.”
The salesman returned, handing the keys to Liam. He didn’t say anything as he took her hand and led her to the parking lot. As they approached the vehicle, he passed the keys to her and opened the door.
Tom sat behind her while Liam took the passenger seat.
Addy glanced over at him, appearing anxious.
“A whole room full of nurses,” he murmured.
Addy straightened, swallowed, and turned the ignition. “Wow, it’s quiet,” she said, impressed.
“It’s one of our most popular models. It drives like a dream,” Tom told them.
She drove out of the lot and took a right. A low smile spread as she got the feel of the vehicle.
Liam leaned over and put on the heat and massage buttons for her seat and his. Bracing his hands behind his neck and leaned back.
“It sure feels good to have a few nonessential items,” he said casually.
“Yes, this model comes with…” the salesman droned on, but Liam didn’t hear as he watched Addy’s face transform from nervous and on edge to happy and confident. She enjoyed driving this one.
“Do you have kids? We offer an excellent package which covers seats from spills or tears,” the salesman asked.
It seemed like she lost her spark as Addy responded, “No. I don’t have any kids.”
“What about you?” Tom asked Liam. “Do you have any hobbies where you’ll need the extra space?”
“We’re here to purchase her a car,” he emphasized, driving home his point. Glancing at Addy, he noticed she still wore her wedding ring.
“I think I’ve driven this one enough. I like the All Wheel Drive, and it fits my needs,” she said, turning the SUV around.
“We have several financing options,” Tom said. “The company has a couple of rebate offers available, too.”
“Can I drive it home today?” she asked.
“Yes, we will take it back and detail it before you take possession,” Tom explained.
“Why don’t we see what they can do about the price and go over the finance options? We can review them while we eat lunch,” Liam suggested as she turned off the engine.
“It sounds like a great idea,” she said, getting out before Liam helped her.
“If you’ll follow me, we can go over the numbers,” Tom said pleasantly, thinking he caught an easy sale.
They waited while he brought her cards back and presented her with the figures. An hour later, they rose from their seats and shook Tom’s hand.
“I’ll let you know. I’ve only started shopping, and I think I can find something to fit my needs at a better price,” Addy said, taking his card.
Liam stifled his grin. He created a monster, and he loved to see her assertiveness.
“Let’s grab lunch. The seafood place opened an hour ago. Hopefully, it won’t be too crowded,” Liam said, holding the door for her.
“Good. I’m starved,” she said, putting her ID inside her wallet.
“I bet. You made him work for his commission today. How do you feel? Does the car sing to you?” he asked, turning toward the restaurant.
“I did,” she said, giggling. “I must’ve gotten your hand signals messed up. Your face turned red when I told him I wasn’t stupid when he said they refused to lower the price.”
Liam glanced at her. “Yes, you did. I tried to tell you the price seemed reasonable, and then he lowered it by another three thousand. You knew more than you thought. Maybe I need you to do the talking tomorrow when I go find my new truck.”
“You don’t want an SUV?” she asked, surprised.