“You’re joking.”
“No.”
Luca looked like he was about to say something but shook his head and returned to watching the world pass by.
Nox found what he wanted between two fast food restaurants.
An assortment of colored triangle flags ran from the light pole in the center of the lot to the chain-link fence edging the property. Cars of various makes and models filled the strip of grass around the small building and sat rear bumper to rear bumper down the center.
Nox parked the truck at one of the fast-food places. “Do you want to wait here?” Luca didn’t seem as tired as he had last night, but if he needed the rest, Nox wanted him to take it.
“No, I want to go.”
“You sure?”
“I feel fine.”
“I never said you didn’t.”
“No, but you had that look on your face.”
For some reason, Nox touched his cheek. “What look?”
“The one that says ‘You’ve got cancer, you can’t be okay.’”
What was he going to do? Argue.
He got out of the truck, and Luca followed. They walked past the line of cars waiting to pull into the drive-thru and down the small embankment. The fence only opened in the front. They headed over to the storage building that had been converted into an office.
Before Nox had a chance to walk up the ramp, the door opened.
The saleswoman had to be pushing ninety and wore a lime green pants suit with a cream-colored blouse. Her white hair rose up in a beehive with enough hairspray to leave a sheen. She smiled, lifting her wrinkled cheeks. “Well, you two look like you’re in need of a new car.” The old woman held out her hand. “Franny Codell. You can call me Fran.”
Nox took the offering. She closed her fingers around his in a firm grip. They shook, then she took Luca’s hand. “Learners permit, or do you have your license yet?”
“Huh?”
“Those tests aren’t as easy as they used to be. Not that I’m complaining. Some people do not need to be on the road.” She patted Luca on the shoulder. “I hope you realize what a lucky boy you are to have a father who will buy you a car. I had earned the money for my first car by sewing the buttons back on the pants of fat men.”
“Wait, he’s not…” Luca pressed his lips together.
“Not what, dear?” Fran flashed that million-dollar smile again.
“I’m not paying for the car.” Nox kept his expression neutral. Fran looked at him, and Luca glared. “He saved up the money all on his own, isn’t that right… son?” He ruffled Luca’s hair.
“Good to hear that.” Fran linked her arm with Nox’s and led him across the parking lot. “Too many parents today coddle their children. That’s no way to prepare them for the world.” She stopped in front of the line of cars. “So, which one did you fancy?”
“I don’t know, kiddo, what do you think?”
A flush rose in Luca’s neck. Okay, maybe Nox pushed it a bit too far.
The selection went from family to fastbacks. Something with power would be good, but the fewer gas stops they made the better. Nox skipped a couple of sedans and walked over to a collection of family cars. Something large enough to sleep in on the road could also prove handy.
Nox knocked on the hood of a conversion van. “Tell me about this one.”
Fran widened her eyes. “You don’t want something a bit… smaller?”
“He needs safe before flashy.”