Traveling Light by Andrea Thalasinos Page B

spot for Fotis.” She was impressed Alex remembered the name. “We have many other good SUV model.” He gestured for her to climb out and follow him.
    Paula didn’t budge. “If it’s okay,” she said, “I think I’ll just take this one.”
    “Wouldn’t you like to take Escape out for test-drive?”
    “Thanks, but that won’t be necessary; I’ll take it.”
    Then he shrugged. “You don’t want to look at other models for comparison?”
    She shook her head.
    “Escape is great car. There are other great cars, too.”
    “I want this one. I like the color.” Black was always her color.
    “Oh, so you like color, eh?” He leaned over as if letting her in on a secret. “Tuxedo black—new color.”
    She wasn’t aware she’d been gripping Fotis’ leash so tightly. She ran her hand along the top of the dashboard; it felt good behind the wheel. Safe.
    She smiled. “Can I buy this one?” She gripped the steering wheel for emphasis.
    Alex raised his eyebrows. “Let me check if car is reserved. It was delivered yesterday. Escapes are going fast. Nice, compact size for city street parking.” He raised his eyebrows.
    She hadn’t thought about parking; Roger had only one space. She’d figure it out when the time came.
    She watched Alex scurry around to the front and look at the windshield. “No tag under wipers. Good sign.” He raised his eyebrows. He peered at the dashboard and began writing down a number on a piece of paper from his shirt pocket. “Cross your fingers.” He motioned for her to wait. “Paula, enjoy car; I’ll go check inventory.”
    She watched him walk over and sit down at what she presumed was his desk. Paula had a good view of his face as he typed into a laptop computer, and she tried to read the set of his brows as his expression changed. Finally, he stood up, the chair moving out slightly. Her stomach jumped.
    Fotis studied her sitting behind the wheel. He sniffed at the door.
    “Ti skeptisai?” she asked what he thought. Fotis’ tail swished once. “Eh, you’re so easy,” she said in English, chuckling. “You like everything.” He smiled and started panting.
    She watched Alex walking back with an orange ticket. He held it up like a magician and then brushed it with his other hand. The ticket disappeared. Then he approached and reached behind her neck where she was sitting and pulled the ticket from next to her collar.
    Paula gasped.
    “Escape now reserved for you.” Teeth like tiny white pearls shone as he smiled broadly.
    She clapped and squealed, embarrassed by the noise she’d made but delighted at not caring. She wondered what Roger would say when he saw the car. She wouldn’t tell him she’d bought it right off the floor. She’d heard of people looking for months—trolling about from borough to borough, bickering here, there—sometimes even making a pilgrimage out to New Jersey for the sake of five hundred dollars.
    “Okeydokey,” Alex said, and climbed into the passenger seat beside her. “Let me tell you about your car.” He began summarizing the car’s features, cubic inches and drive trains; she nodded as if she understood.
    She loved the smell, the feel of the seats. As Alex kept explaining she reached up to touch the ceiling. Even the roof felt plush.
    “Ready for paperwork?”
    She nodded.
    “Let’s move to my desk,” he said. “Will you be applying for financing?” he asked as he climbed out of the car.
    “I’ll give you my debit card.” She slipped out of the car.
    “Even better, you get cash discount.” He led her to his desk. “Please have seat.”
    On his desk she noted two glass jars, one filled with dog biscuits and the other with M&M’s.
    They were quiet as he typed in her name, details, and finally began printing out all the purchase forms and agreements.
    “Can I take it today?” She gave a slightly embarrassed smile and bunched up her shoulders. Her cheeks burned like an embarrassed twelve-year-old’s.
    “The car?” He gave