“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 purchasehera 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.
“I have a friend who will own a brand-new one soon,” he said, winking. “Do you want to check out the other dealerships?”
“Yes. He may have lowered it, but it’s still a lot of money,” she said, appearing worried. “I’ve only spent such a large amount on my house. Maybe it’s a good idea to shop around,” she said, disappointedly as she gazed out the window.
“It’s a good deal and if you like it, get it,” he insisted. “Think about it at lunch. We’ll visit the other dealerships and then circle back around to it if you’re still considering it,” he suggested as he parked.
They walked to the little fish shack and ordered their food. When Liam paid, Addy protested, “Oh, no. It’s my treat. You’re incredibly nice to take me. We used your gas and your time.”
“I’ve enjoyed your company,” he said, putting his card back in his wallet.
A few minutes later, Addy sighed as she took a bite of the clam chowder. “This tastes amazing. I can’t recall the last time I tasted fresh seafood.”
“Haven’t you visited Ty’s in Serenity? Sparky, I mean, Sparky’s husband, Ty, owns it,” he asked. “Leo took me there for lunch during the interview process.”
“I haven’t visited it yet,” she admitted. “I’ve heard good things about it.”
