Chapter 9: Imp-fatuation

Gina watched closely as Frank and Daniel glided out on to the street. “They did it! It looks and sounds so beautiful and smooth.”

Daniel kept watching his father’s face. He thought, “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him so happy!”

After a few blocks, they ramped onto I-495 and opened her up to highway speed. Frank felt masterful as he piloted the powerful and heavy Chevrolet through the light traffic. He checked, all four dashboard warning lights were off, as he expected. After passing a few exits he exited the interstate and turned back on regular streets towards the garage. Sometimes, people would gesture and smile at Frank in his beautiful car. Frank’s face radiated happiness.

Frank also confirmed that the heat and ventilation controls were operating properly. All too soon they were back where they started.

Frank turned off the motor and leaned back in his seat. “Woo! I’m in love. We did good, son. We’re going to rock Ernie and Emmie’s world tomorrow morning. You’ll be bringing them, right?”

“Yes. We will be here at 9:00. Ernie’s going to have that same crazy happy face that you have on right now. And Emmie’s going to be kissing us both.”

- Showtime -

It was a bright clear morning in Philadelphia. The heat wave had broken, and moderate temperatures were predicted.

At Green’s Garage, Daniel delivered Emmie and Ernie right on time. Also arriving were surprise guests: Emmie’s mother and brother, Melissa and Matt.

“I just had to see this,” confessed Melissa. “I rode in the back of that Impala so many times with Mom and Dad.”

“Are we ready?” asked Frank. “OK, here she is!” He pulled off a canvas cover for a dramatic reveal.

Several of them gasped. This was the first time they had seen the car in years. It was clean and polished, just gleaming in the morning sunlight. It looked like a brand-new car just leaving the showroom.

The exterior paint was called “Silver Blue.” Inside the seats were flawless in light blue vinyl and matching cloth. The lower surfaces of the dashboard and steering column were painted a rich navy blue, with more of the light blue vinyl covering the dash’s upper surfaces.

Unlike earlier Chevrolets, in back this model had no tail fins or bat wings, in front no huge bulbous chrome bumpers or giant grillwork. It was long and sleek, and in comparison, modern-looking.

Emmie thought, “That car is gorgeous!” Out loud, “Frank, take us for a ride! Grandpa, Mom, and me too!” Frank opened the doors and helped the ladies into the back seat. Ernie took shotgun. Behind the wheel, Frank asked everyone to put on their seat belts, and helped Ernie fasten his buckle.