“That’s if they don’t know what they’re doing.”
“Um…” I let the word linger in a way that said, “I don’t think that’s accurate…”
He obviously caught my drift, because he said, “We’ll cross that path when we come to it.”
“Bridge.” I stripped and followed him into the shower.
“What’s that?”
“Bridge. Cross that bridge—never mind.”
With Hunter driving, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and drove into the heart of Marin. I’d asked Hunter repeatedly what we were shopping for, but he hadn’t said. It wasn’t until we were pulling into the car lot that I finally figured it out.
“No way. I told you I didn’t need a car.”
“You’re living in a part of the city where a car is essential. You don’t have one. Therefore, you need one.”
A salesman looked up from a couple he was helping out on the lot. His gaze took in Hunter’s expensive ride, and then Hunter himself when he stepped out of the car. I had made him wear jeans, but he wouldn’t fool anyone. The Rolex, the Prada sunglasses, the way he wore those jeans—he had money, and this salesman could see it from across the car lot.
Unfortunately for that salesman, though, someone in the building we were parked next to could see it as well. A man in his twenties came out of the glass doors with greased-back hair, a tacky gold watch, and a dress shirt that fit him too loosely. He was the epitome of what I’d imagine a used car salesman to look like, if a bit young, and I didn’t expect to find someone like him on a luxury car lot.
“Hello!” The younger man gave Hunter a smile before smiling at me next. “How are you today?”
Hunter looked at the man and, without answering, turned toward the glass building. He’d slipped into his business persona, which could be considered rude at the best of times. Since it also meant power and money, though, people like these salesmen ate it up.
“I certainly don’t need a car like this,” I told Hunter in a quiet tone as we wandered toward the shiny Range Rovers on the showroom floor.
“Being that you haven’t driven much in the last four or five years, I think safety is key.” Hunter sauntered up to the nearest model.
“This is an extremely safe car,” the salesman said, shadowing us.
Hunter turned with a quirked eyebrow. He gave the salesman a hard look. “We need some time.”
“Of course. No problem.” The man gave a serious-looking nod. “Just let me know if you have any questions. I’ll be right over there.”
Hunter’s arm slid around my middle. “It’s safe, it’s reliable, it’ll get you out of the desert or mountains, and it is supposed to be extremely comfortable.”
“I live in San Francisco, so deserts and mountains aren’t really my concern. Hondas are reliable and safe and inexpensive. If you are determined to buy me something, why not that?”
“Do you not like the Range Rover?”
“Hunter, I don’t need anything this extravagant!”
“How about an Audi? Mercedes?”
“I think you’re missing the point…”
Hunter led me around the car and opened the driver’s-side door. He pushed me toward the seat. “Sit in it.”
“A Mini. Now there’s a good idea. Small, fits in parking places, built well…” I peered into the sea of leather, inhaling the new car smell.
“I will not curl up into a ball to fit in a car.”
“Who said you’d get to ride in my new car?” I stepped up into the car and wiggled into the seat. “Oh man.” The leather molded to my butt.
“It is really big, though,” I muttered as I looked behind me. The car seemed to stretch back to infinity.
“Let’s look at the other models and see what you think. Then, if you want something to compare it to, we can look at other manufacturers. I want you to be comfortable.”
“I’d be comfortable in a Mini.” I took Hunter’s hand as I climbed out of the car.
“Within reason,” Hunter amended, leading me to the other vehicles.
We didn’t look at other manufacturers. We didn’t even leave the showroom. What we did was look at all the models, each as awesome as the last, and then my involvement dropped away as Hunter decided to order one custom built. I had no idea why. I couldn’t tell the differences between any of the models beside the appearance, and every one of them had more than enough whirlies and buttons for my needs.
After Hunter chose the features I “needed,” the haggling began. The young salesman soon realized that he was out of his league and called in the manager. Two against one, and still Hunter dominated. It was pretty awesome, I had to say.