THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

"So, Zachary," Camilla chipped in. "Should I go ahead and start the procedures and related paperwork to transfer the grey R8 GT into your names?" She inquired, holding Zachary's gaze.

"If the machine is in perfect condition, then please go ahead and start the paperwork," Zachary replied, going into poker face mode.

He didn't want Camilla to notice he was behaving awkwardly in her presence. He was sure that if he could just ignore her until he left the dealership and returned to his place, he would forget about her in a week or two.

He didn't like being close to a girl with so much sway over his emotions. He had had bad experiences during his previous life. Anita, the fiancée of his past incarnation, had had such an effect on him. But when she'd left, he'd been emotionally torn into pieces.

Zachary didn't want a similar incident to happen in his new life. Not when he was beginning to make something of himself with his football career. So, his coping mechanism was "running away and forgetting" in order to spare himself from hurting once again. He wanted to complete the procedures for the vehicle quickly so that he could run away from the dealership, or rather, Camilla.

"Wouldn't you like to take the car for a test drive to understand it better?" Camilla inquired, smiling at Zachary.

"Nope," Zachary was quick to reply since getting out of the dealership—away from the alluring Camilla took precedence over everything else. "Since you have both assured me that the machine is perfect, I'll take your word for it. Moreover, why should I be picky when I'm getting the car for free?"

"But, I have to warn you about something before you confirm your decision," Camilla said, moving closer to Zachary and lowering her voice. "Some of the test drivers of the R8 GT complained about its automated transmission system. They claimed there was always a lag, as if the computer was cutting the vehicle's power when shifting gears. I'm a bit worried that you won't get to enjoy this vehicle because of its transmission system since some of its early customers are complaining about it."

"In actual sense, that is not a problem," Ryan cut in before Zachary could respond. "I have driven an R8 GT of a friend myself, and I've felt first-hand what you've just mentioned. When you are driving the R8 GT, you get some horrendous shifts. You feel as if there's a turbo lag—as if the computer is cutting the power and the machine is pulling you back because of the R-Tronic automated single-clutch system."

"But all you have to do is put the car in sport mode to do away with that small issue," Ryan continued. "It'll make a huge difference, and you'll no longer notice any lags. As long as you don't wish to go racing, the car will meet all your needs, Zachary."

"You sound more of a car salesperson than me, Ryan," Camilla said in a joking manner. "I couldn't have known that the transmission problem could be—solved that easily, in such a kind of way. And you do have quite a lot of knowledge about the R8 GT." She added, her words colored by her exotic accent.

Ryan smiled sheepishly at that. "It's just that I helped out a friend who faced a similar problem to the one you've mentioned," he said. "That's why I know a few things about the R8 GT."

"Oh," Camilla said, nodding. "So, Zachary, will you still be taking this machine? The choice is in your hands now."

"Well, yes," Zachary agreed, nodding. "Since Ryan has recommended it to me with such confidence, then there's no need for any more considerations. I'll take the machine. But my only concern is whether my long legs will fit in such a small vehicle."

"You don't have to worry about that," Ryan chipped in once more. "I'm sure that even tall basketball players like Shawn Bradley and Yao Ming can drive the car without facing any problems. But to calm your heart, you can first take the driver's seat and experience the comfort of the car yourself."

"Okay, then," Zachary said, stepping towards the grey R8 GT. "Camilla, I'm allowed to enter the vehicle even if I don't end up taking it?" He asked when he was beside the car's door.

"Of course, there's no problem," Camilla replied, also stepping closer to the vehicle. "As I already promised, I can even take you out on the roads for a test drive. That is if you wish to understand more about the car."

"That won't be necessary," Zachary replied, shaking his head. "I only want to check whether there's enough leg space for a person like me at the front. I'm not worried about anything else. I'm quite sure that Audi wouldn't put something faulty in its showroom." He added before pulling the door open and getting into the front seat.

As Ryan had said, Zachary found the inside of the R8 GT surprisingly roomy since there were only two seats in the whole vehicle. He found no fault with the space available at the front and could even afford to stretch his legs when he adjusted the driver's seat a bit backward. But that was not all that excited him about the R8 GT. The interior design was nearly all black but very luxurious, with a low cowl and easily located controls. They all blended seamlessly with the car's fine materials to give a sporty, refined finish to the German machine.

Zachary loved everything about the car's interior. He pushed the door open and alighted from the vehicle with a smile on his face. He could hardly believe he was about to obtain such a sleek vehicle at almost no cost. That elevated his mood.

"So, what say you?" Camilla probed, stepping closer to Zachary. "Do you like the R8 GT? Will you be taking it? Or should we look at something else? Don't feel pressured into making a choice. The decision is in your hands."

"I like everything about this machine," Zachary was quick to respond. "I'll take it. No need to look at anything else."

"Then great," Camilla said, her face lighting up with a charming smile that stabbed at Zachary's heart like a nail penetrating a piece of wood. "I'll start the procedures and paperwork right away. You won't have to wait for long." She said before swishing her way out of the side showroom.