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012 - My Baby

The first thing I get myself after receiving my first wage is a car. By noon on Monday, I was at a dealership in Queens, walking through rows of polished vehicles, sunlight glinting off windshields in the lot.

City Line Auto was closer than I’d expected, and the cars on display didn’t look used at all, no scratch, no dent, just pre-loved as the salesman had proudly corrected.

“So, this is the last one for the range you’re looking at,” the salesman said, pointing toward the end of the lot.

I stopped grinning like a toddler in a bouncing castle and tried to compose myself.

“Let’s see if this one changes my mind,” I told Tahlia.

I had put her on FaceTime the moment I got to Queens and we already inspected Fords, Hyundai Elantras, Chevy Traverses, and a BMW SUV that she nearly proposed to. But they were either too bulky or just there. Perfect for someone else, but not for me.

I looked forward, and my chest went light. My hand went to it reflexively as I gasped, switching the camera from front to back to show Tahlia the car that had stolen my heart.

“I’ve finally seen my baby!” I squealed.

“Goodness!” Tahlia exclaimed, her face lighting up. “Simple but perfect.”

“What's her name?" I asked the salesman who had been watching our dramatics with open amusement.

“Nissan Versa. 2023 model. Going for fifteen thousand six hundred and forty dollars,” he replied.

I forced my mind to drift back to excitement rather than the cold splash of reality that followed the second he mentioned the price.

“I'll take it.” I said without hesitation.

“Then you should pick a color,” he said, walking toward another car covered with a sleek black sheet.

He lifted it, revealing another option.

“Now we don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a boring ride,”

“Or the dreaded what if’s,” I added, matching her grin.

We both laughed, and she pouted at me through the screen. “I’m so happy for you, Drea. Two weeks ago you were a frustrated job hunter, refreshing your email every five minutes with a car that chose the worst possible moment to betray you and now?”

“I'm a woman with options,” I finished, my eyes sliding over the glossy paint.

“Gun Metallic or Fresh Powder?” I asked, tilting the camera between the two cars.

“Definitely Fresh Powder!” she said. “Let’s make it girly, you know… Bright and bold, just like you.”

“I would’ve had a meltdown if you picked Gun Metallic.”

The salesman smiled, nodding. “Great choice. Let’s get the paperwork started.”

“I always know your mind. That’s why you’re my love,” Tahlia said as I followed him into the office.

“If I’m really your love, then you shouldn’t need Jason. Maybe someone else. Not him. ”

“There she goes again.” Tahlia said, making a funny face. “It’s Jeremy and you obviously do not have a d**k, not even a good one that could properly ruin my composure.”

“Tahlia?!” I yelled into the phone, mortified, hiding my face behind my hands. “You are so embarrassing!”

I looked forward, relieved that the salesman was giving us privacy. He was already seated at his desk, focused on a previous customer’s file.

“This is my cue to leave,” she said. “We’re meeting at Bloom’s by six. We have to celebrate your new car.”

“Not bad,” I agreed. “Six p.m it is.”

“Gosh! Time flew. Can’t believe I spent my entire break and five extra minutes talking to you.”

“Tell me you didn’t enjoy it.” I winked.

“Get lost,” she hung up.

I got out of FaceTime and locked my phone, my eyes immediately catching the time on the screen.

1:39pm.

My teeth gritted and I almost stomped my foot. I got pants and jackets on. How could it have skipped me?

Mr. Langston had scheduled we meet by 3 p.m - another unusual linkup - even though the location’s reasonable, and the plan was for me to first pick up the dossiers of potential matches at a secure print shop in Queens before heading to Everston Holdings. That was the only reason I had come to this side of town in the first place.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting. You can come for your paperwork now,” the salesman said.

I scribbled my signature and wrote the cheque. And in no time, I was holding the keys to my car. I toss them up, catching it mid - air. My mother could mock my job all she wanted, but this? This was real.

Outside the dealership, I slid into the driver’s seat, the interior smelling like fresh cotton. I tapped the horn lightly and laughed at how crisp it sounded.

It felt even better when I start to drive - a smooth steering and a cool sound. For a moment, I didn’t care about the print shop, the meeting or anything else.

Shortly, I arrived at the print shop, parking at the alley and striding confidently inside.

“I’m here for a pickup,” I said at the counter.

The attendant nodded and went behind. Soon, he returned with a manila envelope.

“Everything’s complete.” he assured.

I opened it briefly just to be sure everything’s intact. I saw the detailed profiles and complete background checks.

I nodded with a smile, happy that everything had gone perfectly so far. Little did I know that a nasty surprise was waiting for me outside.