Check the mirrors twice.
Keep emergency cash hidden somewhere sensible.
Never let the fuel level fall below a quarter tank in winter.
And call your mother before she hears about the car from somebody else.
Frank smiled.
“What?” Emily asked.
“Your grandmother is lecturing you in my head.”
Emily smiled back. “What does she say?”
“Call your mother.”
Emily’s eyes widened.
“Oh no.”
“You haven’t?”
“I texted her that we found something.”
“That is not the same.”
“She’s going to ask how much you paid.”
“Yes.”
“She’s going to ask whether I checked insurance.”
“Yes.”
“She’s going to ask for the VIN.”
“Probably.”
Emily pulled out her phone.
“You call her.”
Frank stepped back. “Absolutely not.”
“Coward.”
“Strategist.”
She laughed and called her mother.
Laura answered on the first ring.
Frank could hear only Emily’s side at first.
“Hi, Mom.”
A pause.
“Yes.”
Another pause.
“Yes, I know Grandpa talked to you.”
A longer pause.
“No, it’s not ridiculous.”
Frank looked away, pretending interest in a nearby crossover.
Emily pointed at him while listening to her mother.
“He’s standing right here pretending he can’t hear.”
Frank took two steps farther away.
Emily laughed.
“Yes, I negotiated.”
Pause.
“Six hundred and fifty off plus the first service.”
Another pause.
A proud smile appeared on her face.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Frank glanced back.
Emily’s expression softened.
“I know.”
Pause.
“I love you too.”