We had bought it whilst my husband was still able to work and had more money and now we couldn't afford to replace it with a new one. I still earn a good wage but not that much so we decided it was time to find something that would fit our budget. We had the little hatchback for everyday running around but I wanted something a little more comfortable for our main car. My Husband isn't particularly interested in cars but I have always liked them. He has his Stag which keeps him happy but I like many things so, when I saw an article about a large, affordable, car with a v6 engine which was both comfortable and powerful, I decided to find out more. I contacted my local dealer to arrange a test drive for the following Monday as I had the day off.
I asked Philip if he wanted to come but he said he didn't and that he trusted my judgement and it was my money anyway so I went on my own.
I took the BMW and had a mini valet done on the way so it looked at it's best. Black and shiny.
The dealership was about ten miles from where we lived and after about half an hour I pulled onto the forecourt and parked in one of the bays marked 'customer parking'.
The weather was quite warm so I left my jacket in the car and walked into the showroom and straight away, spotted the car I had come to see.
It was just what I had hoped it was. About the same size as the BMW but so much nicer inside, it was fifteen years younger after all, with leather seats and all the comforts I was used to and more. The best thing was, it was half the price of a new BMW and still made from German parts!
I had decided already that I wanted one of these and whilst I was lost in my admiration a voice behind me made me jump:
"Do you need any help?"
I turned and was surprised to see a smart young woman standing there.
"Sorry," she continued, "I didn't mean to startle you."
I smiled and said, "That's ok, I was just admiring this car. I am looking for something to replace my old BMW." and pointed through the glass to my car outside.
"I can certainly help you with that. I'm Chrissie." She offered her hand and I took it whilst I studied her.
About six feet tall in her heels which were about four inches she was not a classic beauty but pretty nonetheless and her long blonde hair was tied up in a bun. Her make up was immaculate, accentuating her striking blue eyes and she wore red lipstick applied perfectly to her sensuous, full lips.
She wore a smart black business suit, the jacket of which buttoned below her full breasts and over the smart red satin blouse which gaped, ever so slightly, between the buttons where I caught a glimpse of her red bra. She was dressed so neatly that I could only imagine that beneath her tightly fitted black, knee length, pencil skirt she probably wore matching red pants.
I gripped her hand maybe a little too long as she let go first and smiled
"Oh, I'm sorry," I blurted out, "I didn't expect a saleswoman. I'm Anna."
"That's ok....Anna, It's still a man's world in the motor trade but there are a few of us women now. So, is this the car you are interested in?"
"I think so," I paused. "Is this the v6?"
"I am afraid not. This is the diesel. The car is the same otherwise but the v6 has to be made to order as they don't sell enough of them to keep in stock due to the engine size. It takes about 15 weeks to get one. Would that be a problem?" She appeared a little concerned.
I put her at her ease by saying, "No, of course not. That's nothing compared to the fifteen years we have had the old one!"
She laughed with me.
"No, I suppose not." She showed me some of the gadgets and features as we sat inside then asked, "Would you like a test drive?"
"Yes please," I answered her, "When can you do it?"
To my surprise she said, "Right now if you want to. Monday is our quietest day and we have another one available."
"Okay, that would be great."
She got out and said she would meet me outside in a few minutes and went off to get the keys.
I stayed in the show car while I waited. I really liked it but it was right at the top of my budget. It was not going to be easy now that the sales person was a woman. I had planned a little flirting to try to get the price down but that idea was no use now.
As I pondered my strategy, Chrissie pulled up on the forecourt and beckoned me over.
I got in the passenger side and she told me she would take the car out first so I could have a good look around as she drove, then we could swap over and I could drive.
That sounded ok to me so, selecting 'drive' Chrissie eased the big car out onto the main road and accelerated into the traffic.
As she drove I looked around and decided that this was definitely going to be mine. The leather smell was so intoxicating and there was so much room to stretch out.
Chrissie was talking as she drove, pointing out various things she thought would attract me to buy the car but I wasn't really listening. It had been a long time since I had been in a new car that I was beginning to get a little excited and my mind was starting to wander.
I looked at Chrissie and thought how she looked so sexy driving 'my' car in her smart business suit, the skirt of which had ridden up her very sexy legs a little.
We were away from the main roads now and driving along country lanes. The car rode just as well along them as on the bigger roads and after a few minutes, Chrissie slowed and puled into a deserted car park and stopped in a bay near the edge.
"Ok," she said, "Your turn."
I hesitated before turning to her, saying, "Before we head back I want you to know that there is another dealership just as near to me as yours is and they have promised me a really good deal." I was playing a game now in an effort to get a good result. The reply surprised me a little as I didn't expect her to be quite so honest.
"I understand that," she looked a little worried. "I would like you to know something. I really need this sale. My figures are down and I face being sacked. I am no worse than the men at selling cars but people seem to want to talk to them about cars. maybe they think I don't know enough but I do. You can see that can't you?"
I understood her perfectly. I love cars but whenever we have been to a show or to a showroom people always talked to Philip as if I am just tagging along.
"Yes," I answered her, "I really do but how can I help?"
She looked at me directly.
"The car you want is the best car we do. We sell very few as they are so big and powerful. If I can get you to buy from me my job would be safe, for now at least."
"I see that," I tried to be reasonable, "But I am not rich. I have to get the best price I can."
"Anna, I will do anything to secure your business, get you the best deal that is possible. You won't even have to haggle."
"Anything?" I challenged her.
"Anything," she replied, "Whatever is in my power to do."
I decided to test her.
"Kiss me."
"Kiss you!?" She looked at me, aghast.
"Kiss me," I repeated the demand.
"But I....well, I haven't........"
I waited and then she leaned across and gave me a peck on the cheek.
She sat looking at me horrified and scared.
" I meant a real kiss, Chrissie, like you would your boyfriend," I paused, then added for effect, "You do want me to buy this car don't you?"
"Well, yes, Anna, of course I do but I've never kissed a woman before.