“Sup, kid. Why'd you call? And how's the old lady? Things must've gotten pretty far along now, right?” Jared says with a laugh.

“Things are going well. I was going to shop for a used car today. I was hoping you could help me out. I don't know much about cars.” Taylor says with a mischievous grin.

“Fuck, I know shit about cars too. But I'll play along. I'll pick you up.” Jared says nonchalantly.

“Oh, and can you bring Tasha too? I owe her a favour.” Taylor says with a smile.

“Tasha? Sure thing. It better be something good. If I see a card with some cash, I might hit you.” Jared says somewhat seriously.

…

…

“We're just looking for now. I'll come find you when we're ready to pick something out. Joshua, right? I got your name - no worries.” Taylor says with a pat to the shoulder before turning away.

…

…

“Yo, that one looks dope. I have no idea about the engine or any of that bullshit, but it looks pretty cool.” Jared says, trying to be helpful.

“Yeah, yeah. Awesome. Tasha, what do you think?” Taylor asks, his smile still on his face.

“Ugh. That one? What is that colour? Steel? Platinum? Gross. Pick something brighter, like that one.” Tasha says, pointing to a car. “Pink. It looks good on everyone.” Tasha says with a teasing smile.

Taylor laughs. “Really. Would you drive it?” He asks.

“Of course, I'd drive it. Pink is nothing to be ashamed about.” She says seriously.

“What about yellow? Is that cool?” Taylor asks, gauging his options.

“Ugh. Yellow's gross. Too bright and too little passion. It's a bystander color; a bystander looking for attention color.” Tasha says, somewhat honestly.

“Why the fuck would you pick either. Just pick black. No one questions black.” Jared says with a hint of superiority.

“Fuck you, Jared. Black is for bitches. Black is for people who don't want to play the game. Don't be a loser, Taylor. Pick pink.” Tasha encourages.

Taylor laughs. “Alright.” He says with a smile. He raises a hand and calls out. “Yo, Joshua! Come get your sale!” He says from across the parking lot.

…

…

“What do we have that's pink?” Joshua repeats the question as he looks to Taylor. His eyes drift to Tasha and he comes to understand the situation.

“Yes, I want your best. But only if it's pink.” Taylor says with a smile.

“We don't got much that's pink, man. Nothing too high-end anyway. I think there's a pink SUV in the $30,000-$40,000 range. Want to take a look?” Joshua asks, unsure if this guy really wanted to spend that much on a girl.

“Do you drive, Tasha? Take it out for a spin for me and let me know.” Taylor says encouragingly.

“Why me? You don't want to test it?” She asks, somewhat suspiciously.

“I'll take your word for it. I just need to know if it runs. I'll have a mechanic take a look later.” Taylor says. “Also, I have to talk to Jared about something for a bit.” Taylor says as he looks to Jared. Suspicion was already on his face. If he couldn't read the situation by now he really would be an idiot.

“Go on, Tasha. Don't worry about us. We'll be here having a few smokes.” Jared says with a gesturing motion.

“Alright. But don't blame if you end up buying it.” Tasha says with a twirl. “Come along, Joshua. Let's take it for a whirl.” She says, somewhat excited.

…

…

Taylor hands Jared a smoke and lifted a lit lighter when Jared was ready.

Jared took a puff and exhaled.

“You don't got to do this man. There's no way she earned this favour.” Jared says, somewhat unsure how to feel about the situation.

“Nah. My mind's made up. My life would be very different if she didn't give me that number and I'm not sure I would have preferred it that way. So I'm calling it a favour because I want to assure myself. That my decisions weren't for nothing.” Taylor says before lighting his own cigarette. He could have lived a quiet cultivator life in Privacy Plain. At the time, if it wasn't for Sylvie he would have been happy with that situation.

“Besides. She's a good girl. She deserves something nice.” Taylor says as he looks to Jared. “Yeah, I'm looking at you.” Taylor says with a teasing voice.

“Don't give me that look man. Who told you that it depended on what kind of man you were? That was me, right? What fucking kind of man do you think I am?” Jared says with a hint of taunt.

“Yeah, you did say that.” Taylor says, pointing with his cigarette. “I don't think I would have had the balls to contact her if you didn't say that. Do you want a car too?” Taylor says, continuing to tease. “Nah, you're a man. You can get your own car. I'm not even going to give you the courtesy.” Taylor says with a laugh.

“Fuck you, man. My car is enough. I'm just glad Tasha is getting something good. She… I think she deserves it.” Jared says, trying to be serious.

“Why? ‘Cause she puts up with your shit?” Taylor asks before continuing to laugh.

“Fuck you, man.” Jared says as he puts out his smoke.

“Hey, when she gets back, lead her to fill out the paperwork. It will be easier coming from you.” Taylor suggests.

“Alright. Whatever you say.” Jared says with a sigh.

…

…

“Taylor this is too much.” Tasha says unsure of what else to say.

“Nah, I think it's too little. Thanks for the number, Tasha. I think I needed it.” Taylor says as he goes in for a hug.

After they let go, Tasha looks to Jared. “Look at how far he’s going for his girl. I'd be taking notes if I were you. Hmph!” Tasha says, trying to avoid the situation. This car wasn't really for her and she knew that. So she focused on Jared. She was hoping that she also chose the right man.

Jared raises his hands, not wanting to get involved in the situation.

Taylor laughs. Today wasn't bad, he thought to himself.