32. Nigel
NIGEL
‘What is that?’ Mark asked as he walked out of the Grange’s front door and onto the gravel drive.
‘It looks more like a mid-life crisis to me.’
‘You’re just jealous.’
‘Possibly.’ Mark started circling the car. ‘Red, though. It’s a bit of a cliché.’
‘The alternative was a more expensive gunmetal grey - not very exciting.’
‘So exciting was one of your selection criteria?’
‘And the issue with that is?’
‘Nothing. Just unusual for you, that’s all. Where did you buy it from?’
‘The BMW dealer in Exeter.’
Mark looked inside the car. ‘Automatic?’
‘Yes. Cruise control. Heated seats. And she’s only got 30,000 miles on the clock.’
‘Miles per gallon?’
‘46-ish’
‘Puts Mum’s TR6 in the shade. Is this revenge for her not letting you drive it?’
Nigel laughed. ‘Of course not.’
‘So what prompted this little purchase then?’
‘I needed a car.’
‘But you’re Mr Practical. And this is very much not practical.’
‘It’s not that impractical. I’m not having to ferry the kids around, am I?’
‘No, but where are you going to put Rocky?’
Nigel had briefly considered that before signing on the dotted line, but the joy of having a two-seater had won, especially after Rocky had shoved his cold, wet nose in Nigel’s ear the last time Helen had driven them to the bookshop.
‘We can take Helen’s car if he’s joining us.’
Mark grinned. ‘Still planning on hanging out with Helen then?’
‘If she wants to.’
‘And where are you taking her for her first official outing?’
‘The North Rock Golf Club and Spa. She deserves a restful day out after that stressful networking meeting yesterday.’
Mark chuckled. ‘I meant the Beamer, not Helen.’
‘I’m sure the car will enjoy it too.’
‘It might feel intimidated, though, being surrounded by all those massive Mercs and Bentleys.’