Chapter 10: Wait, What?

As the group was finishing up, Frank passed his credit card to their server. Melissa asked for a box for her excess.

Frank asked, “Did everyone enjoy their meals? Good. It’s time to talk turkey.”

“You all remember that Emmie and Daniel have been researching the values of these cars since we started working. Emmie, what have you found?”

“Frank, Daniel and I have been pretty thorough. It’s been hard to locate candidates who match our Impala exactly. A lot of similar cars have rust, damaged paint, or stained interiors. Some buyers go to California where rust isn’t an issue. Cars are sold without disclosing the price paid, they just show the asking price. Buyers really want the big 454 engine instead of the 327 we have, or the ‘SS’ sport package with the tachometer on the dash.”

“So, the two of us have spent hours tracking down as much information as we can. Our estimate is that our Impala should be listed at $65,000 asking, and we should accept anything above $52,000.”

“I have to say, Emmie, these numbers sound about right to me. I can tell you I got a lot of interest when people saw me sourcing parts for a ‘64 Impala. Chevy made a whole lot of these, but here in the Northeast on salted snowy roads they just didn’t last. Ernie, you must have hosed off your Impala after driving in winter.”

“Yes, Frank, I was careful about that. And Livia hated driving in winter conditions, so the car often stayed snug in our garage during those times.”

“All right, so now we have a price. Between Daniel and I, we have about 80 hours invested in the repairs. And about $1,200 in direct costs for parts and materials. I understand the plan was to sell the Impala at auction, take a slice of the proceeds to pay back the costs to Green’s Garage, and take the remaining after-tax proceeds to buy a nice used car for Emmie and Ernie to gallivant around in.”

“I’m sorry to tell you, this plan is no longer acceptable to me.”

There was general consternation. Ernie was angry, Emmie was angry. Melissa was shocked and completely ticked off. Matt looked back and forth between the angry adults and muttered, “Whoa!”

“Wait, wait, let me explain. You are still selling the Impala and getting the money. But there won’t be any auction or searching for the right buyer.”

“I’m buying your car, for myself, for $60,000. I don’t want some other grubby internet guy touching her. And Ernie, any time you want to cruise with us, you’ll be welcome.”

Ernie reached over and shook Frank’s hand. “You have a deal, you sneaky bastard. For sure you and I are going to go cruising.”

Emmie was crying happy tears. She stepped over to Frank’s chair and planted a big kiss on his cheek and whispered, “You keep on like this, and you’re going to be my father-in-law.”

Louder, Emmie said to everyone, “It was love at first sight, you know. I predict you and the Impala will have a long and happy life together. And that car is a chick magnet, you’re going to have a Mrs. Green riding shotgun soon. I have foreseen it!”

She turned to Daniel and gave him a long scorching look. “You! You are so going to get it. Lots of it!” Melissa and Ernie were staring at her, looking embarrassed.

“What? I was talking about cooking! Dog knows the guy eats nonstop. And he loves what I make for him.”

Daniel smiled. “Yeah, cooking.” He hoped his cock would calm down before they left the table.

Emmie continued, “And I expect you Greens to find a good reliable car, or truck, for me and Ernie. I think a 4-wheel drive would be most practical when it snows.”