“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.
