Page 71 of The Chef's Kiss
“You got all this cash from selling your clothes?” Cara stared at me with a look on her face that said she was really worried about me.
I grabbed the cashier’s check from her and stuffed it into my purse before the used car salesman saw the amount. I was banking on him not knowing who I was so I could get a good deal on a car. That was why I bribed Cara into driving me to Portland, where it was less likely anyone would recognize me. I could have talked to Lena and Carter about purchasing one of their leased company cars like Harrison had suggested, but I was determined to do this all on my own.
“Designer clothes,” I whispered, urging her to drop it. “And a lot of them.”
“I’ll just leave you two alone for a minute.” The salesman stepped back, giving us a chance to talk.
“Jorge, you know your father is still going to give you everything you need. He’s going to spoil that baby as much as he has you.”
“I don’t want that for her. Or him.” I clutched my purse against my chest like it would somehow protect me and my baby from the world. “I want to make a life for us on our own, under my own means.” I held up my hand when she started to point out the obvious.
“No, I know Dad paid for the clothes, and this money is technically his. It’s stupid to think of it otherwise, but it’s what I need to get us going. It doesn’t feel like a handout this way, so I’m running with it. Now, tell me what you think of the car.” I turned to the sleek black sedan that wasn’t luxurious, but it was in great shape and within my budget.
Cara frowned and took a step closer to the car. Arms crossed over her chest, she kicked the tire.
“What are you doing?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the fish out of water scene we were putting on for the whole car lot.
“I don’t know. That’s just what you do when you buy a used car, isn’t it?” She shrugged and opened the passenger door to investigate the interior.
I bit my lip as she gave it a once over. I probably should have brought someone who knew cars with me to do this. Judging by the looks the salesmen were giving each other, I was probably not going to get the best deal. But as long as it didn’t eat up the entire clothes fund—and it ran properly—I would be happy.
“It’s basic.” Cara shut the door. “In a good way, though. It’s not a luxury vehicle, but it’s nice. Comfortable looking.” She nodded. “As long as it functions, I’d say you have a winner, but I don’t know anything about what goes on under the hood.”
“What do you ladies think?” The salesman crept up behind us.
“I want to have a mechanic look at it first.” I turned to find him far too close for comfort, and I took a step back.
“Oh, I can assure you any car on the lot has been properly vetted and is in perfect running order.” He took me by the arm to guide me up to the showroom.
“Thank you.” I tugged my arm free. “But I still want an impartial third party to look at it first.”
“This is a great car. One of the best on the lot. I can’t guarantee it’ll still be here once you’ve found an available mechanic to take time out of his day to come take a look.”
“I have a mechanic already available. I’m sure it’s customary for a potential buyer to take the car for a test drive and stop by to have it inspected.” I wasn’t sure of that at all, but it seemed like a reasonable request.
“Fine. I think we can make that happen. But I’ll have to go with you.” He started toward the car.
“I’d rather you not.” I gave him a pleasant but firm smile. “You understand, I’m sure.”
“I’m afraid it’s company policy.” His grin was lecherous. “You understand.”
“Actually, we don’t,” Cara interjected, before I had a chance to lose my short temper. “Did we not just see the other salesman hand over the keys to the man shopping for a van?” She turned to give our salesman a glare. “Didn’t seem to be against company policy for him to take a test drive on his own. Or is it company policy that only women can’t take a test drive unaccompanied by creepy used car salesmen?” She blinked up at him, her arms crossed over her chest.
“No, ma’am.” He handed her the keys. “Try not to take too long.”
* * *
Fresh from the triumphant purchase of my brand new used car that was indeed in perfect working order, I let myself in through the back door of the estate. I hid my car in the garage where Dad wouldn’t see it right away.
“We’ve got this, kiddo,” I murmured to the general vicinity of my stomach. I was proud of myself for working out a decent deal for the car. I managed to walk away with a little of my clothes money left. Between that and what I was making at the bistro, I was on my way to adulting. Paycheck to paycheck, of course, but it was a start. Now, I just needed to find a house I could afford to rent and figure out how to furnish it later.
“But first, we need lunch.” I peered into the fridge, hoping to find something Mrs. Cramer had already prepared. Somewhere along the way, I was going to need to learn to cook more than the basics I’d managed while at college. But Hudson could teach me that.
I smiled at the thought of cooking lessons with the surly chef, who wasn’t so surly. We made a good team.
“Chicken salad will do for now.” I pulled the container from the fridge and went to look for bread or crackers and some fruit.
“I found her. She’s in the kitchen!” Conrad stormed into the room in a towering rage. Carter and Harrison filed in behind him.
