Chapter 16

In the morning, we woke together and showered the same way, together. We went into the kitchen happy, well-rested, and clean.

Larry and Suzie-Q joined us as the coffee finished dripping looking the same as us. Karen launched into her questions, “Larry, what are your plans and timing after you get married?”

His face became more somber. “I will finish my degree in December. Then, I will need a job. I also have a problem because my wife is going to a different college. I checked into changing but the costs would be more and my graduation would be delayed. It’s a problem. Suzie-Q is checking on a temporary change for fall. Where we go after that will be largely determined by job offers. My major is finance.”

Suzie-Q added. “We know what we would like but being together is our priority. Most of my credits are in the basics so transfers will not be out of the question.”

I said, “Other than finance, what kind of work and company type to you hope to get?”

Larry said, “Long term, I would like to be a CFO in a manufacturing company. I know I will have to get a lot of experience before that might ever happen. Initially, it will probably be in the accounting department of a large company or accounting firm to give me a chance to develop experience. Getting a CPA certification would be good, too.”

“What about an MBA?”

“Brad, I don’t know. Eventually, that would be good or even important but Suzie-Q takes priority. We are just having to work the rest out together.”

I nodded. Karen looked like she wasn’t satisfied but hadn’t thought of what to say yet. I thought they had their thinking about as well worked out as they could. The future just held a big question for them after next Christmas right now.

We returned from spring break and started our class routine again. When we had time, we started on some other issues. One was watching the renovations on the house. It was fun to watch the destruction and later building.

Another issue was a new car for us. Mine was still serviceable but its creaks and groans were becoming more noticeable with time. I talked to Karen and we decided to replace it rather than spend the money to rework it. The next Monday, we left after classes in the middle of the afternoon to go car shopping! We were both wearing shorts and collared pull-over shirts. I had never owned a new car and Karen had never shopped for a car of any type. We were anxious and excited.

We had talked about our needs and wants at length and performed a fair bit of internet research. We had decided that the very small cars weren’t our desire nor were the bigger ones. We had narrowed down our choices to a middle-sized sedan or a smaller SUV type. Those choice types had many brands and we looked over many of the brands looking at warranties and surveys to try narrowing down the candidates for actual review. One brand that caught our attention was Hyundai. We decided to make it our first stop until we saw the Chevrolet dealership first. We went inside. A sales person came to us.

Karen looked at her list and said, “We are going to buy a new car. We want to look at a Malibu and an Equinox, please.”

The sames guy said, “I’m Bill Mays. I’ll be glad to show you around. You are?”

Karen replied. “I’m Karen Gillis and this is my husband, Brad.”

“Very well, Karen. Those are a bit large and expensive for college students.”

I said, “We have performed some research and they are affordable for us.”

The sales guy was still looking at Karen when he said, “Very well. Let’s go inside. We have one of each on the showroom floor. We can go over them and then I can get keys for either model or both for a test drive.”

We nodded and followed him inside. The cars were nice but unremarkable. Karen sat in each one. She didn’t like the Malibu though did like the Equinox. She said, “Brad, I don’t know about you but I don’t need a test drive particularly when I don’t like one of the candidates.”

I shrugged. “We have other brands to review. Bill, give me a card. If we come back, we’ll be sure to talk with you.”

He said, “Sure. I’m surprised you didn’t care for the Malibu.”

Karen said, “It’s an okay car but I just don’t feel comfortable in it.” We shook hands and left for the Ford dealer next door.

We parked and walked inside. A young man met us. “I’m Hank, Hank Wells. How may I help you folks today?” He was giving Karen a very thorough look.

Karen consulted her list again and said, “I’m Karen Gillis and this is my husband, Brad. We’re looking at new cars and would like to look at a Fusion and an Escape.” I smiled at him with a bit of a look in my eye.

He said, “We have one of each on our showroom. Let’s have a look and give you a chance to see how they work for you.” We walked in and he took us to a Fusion. He said, “This is the Titanium level which is the top level of our cars. This one has an optional moon roof that is popular.” He opened the door and Karen got in. She was careful not to show more body than absolutely necessary. When Hank leaned in, she put her hand to her blouse to prevent any possibility of him looking down her blouse.

She said, “Brad.” She waited while Hank got out of the way and I came close. She continued, “Dear, it sits okay but no better than that. Adjustments won’t help much. I think I would like to drive one though.” I nodded. She moved to get out and I “helped” her out. She took my arm. She said, “I would like for us to test drive one. Brad, you’re interested in the Escape. We can look at one in here.”

I nodded. “That works for me. Hank, let’s look at an Escape.”

He led us over to an SUV type. “This is the Escape, Titanium edition. It also has a moon roof.”

I got in the driver’s seat and left the door open. Karen had stepped back leaving Hank to step up to show me details about the vehicle. She walked around and entered the passenger side. Hank was telling me about the vehicle. I said, “It sits well and I seem to be able to see around me. It’s worth a test drive also.”

“Great! I will need your driver’s licenses to make a copy for insurance purposes.” We handed over our licenses. He went to make copies and get keys.

A few moments later, a large heavy-set man came with him. “Missus and Mister Gillis, Hank will show you the vehicles. I think you will find they are exemplary examples of their classes of vehicles. I’m Todd Malone, the sales manager here.” I shook his extended hand while Karen did not.

We put our licenses in our pockets and Hank took us out to drive the cars. I found neither inspired but both would provide good transportation. I liked the sun roofs that they had though realized that they weren’t necessary and, if we didn’t have money, they wouldn’t be worth the extra money. After the test drive with the Escape, Hank wanted to talk price. We decided that we would each buy a car. Karen went to the bathroom while we started talking prices. Her new phone had all the bells and whistles and I knew she would look each car up on one of the websites to have a check on prices while there. I looked at Karen and she nodded.

I said, “Hank, we want your best deal, cash, for both cars that we test drove. I will not haggle and we will look at other brands. If we decide on Fords, we will return. Do you understand?”

“Sure, Brad. Let me work up a preliminary and then talk to Todd.” I nodded and he started paperwork listing both cars getting our full names, phone numbers, and address. He left and returned about fifteen minutes later with Todd.

Todd said, “We have a price but only if you buy now.”

I stood and Karen stood with me. She said, “That’s not what Brad told Hank. We’re not interested. Good bye.” We started to leave but Todd blocked the way. Hank now looked unhappy.

Todd said, “You haven’t even heard the offer.”

Karen said, “I’s outside of what we would consider in terms. The amount, therefore, is irrelevant.”

Todd stood there. “I can’t let you leave.”