As the trio descended the steps and approached the little blue Maverick, Jeannie bolted ahead and unlocked the passenger door. She was bouncing up and down. Her excitement touched the men deeply. Opening it, she revealed the like-new white interior with a flourish of her arm.
She stepped back and Mike stuck his head in, letting out a slow whistle. "Jeannie, you did a great job picking this out. I'm so proud of you!"
Jeannie noticed Steve as he peered around the back window. "Yes, it's got a back seat unlike a certain Porsche I know," she added.
"Is it a good size trunk?" Steve asked.
"Not bad. I got a lot of stuff from college in there right now or I'd show it to you."
Nodding, he asked as he made his way to the driver's side, "Mind if I get behind the wheel?"
"Sure," Jeannie chirped and tossed him the keys to unlock the door.
Seconds later, Steve was inside, adjusting the driver's seat for his taller frame. After taking inventory of the steering column, dashboard and AM radio, he gave his blessing. "I love it, Jeannie. You did a fantastic job."
Jeannie grinned but the froze immediately. "Wait a minute!" Steve said. "Jeannie!"
"What?" Mike and Jeannie said in unison.
"I don't believe it!" Steve remarked. Jeannie caught onto what captured Steve's attention. "You didn't!"
"I did…" she said coyly.
"Did what?" Mike asked, wanting to be let in on the findings.
"This car!"
"This car what?!" Mike asked.
"This car is a stick!" Steve announced proudly. "I…Your daughter bought a stick!"
Jeannie looked over at her father and beamed again.
Steve continued, "You drove this car all the way from Arizona? Jeannie, I'm so impressed and well, just wow. That's terrific. I love stick shifts and I know you will too. It makes you one with the car, doesn't it?"
Jeannie leaned into the passenger's side and smiled at the young man. "I know what you're talking about. It's a great ride." The two exchanged a glance that lasted a few seconds.
Wanting to break up whatever this was unfolding in front of him, Mike cleared his throat. "Say, why don't we go inside and have dinner. Then Jeannie, maybe you can take us for a little spin. We've saved some celebratory wine for later."
