Derek Collins returned to his desk, where his colleague, Michael, was reviewing a vehicle financing application.
"What's going on?" Michael asked.
Derek leaned back in his chair.
"Nothing important. Just another confused walk-in."
Michael glanced toward the reception area.
"The older gentleman?"
"Yes."
"He said he's collecting a car."
Derek laughed.
"Apparently, he's collecting a limited-edition luxury sedan."
Michael looked surprised.
"Seriously?"
"That's what he claims."
"Did you check the appointment?"
Derek shrugged.
"Reception is handling it."
Michael frowned.
"Maybe he's a customer. You shouldn't assume anything."
Derek turned toward him.
"Michael, I've been doing this for seven years. I know what our customers look like."
Michael returned to his computer without responding.
He had worked with Derek long enough to understand that arguing with him rarely changed anything.
Meanwhile, Walter remained near the reception desk.
The receptionist, whose name was Emily, had received a message from the dealership's internal system.
She looked at the screen, then picked up the telephone again.
"Mr. Bennett," she said politely, "I have confirmation that your vehicle is scheduled for collection today. However, the owner is currently attending a meeting outside the building."
"That's perfectly fine," Walter replied.
"Would you like to wait in our customer lounge?"
"Thank you. I don't mind."
Emily gestured toward the seating area.
Walter walked over and sat on a leather sofa.
He placed his brown folder beside him and looked through the glass partition at the vehicles.
His eyes settled on a dark metallic blue sports car.
For a brief moment, he smiled.
It reminded him of his late wife, Margaret.
Years earlier, when they were still young, they had stood outside a car showroom and admired a similar vehicle.
Margaret had laughed when Walter told her that one day he would buy a car like that.
"Don't just buy the car," she had told him. "Build something that gives people a reason to dream."
At the time, Walter had been working two jobs.
He repaired industrial machinery during the day and delivered supplies at night. He had very little money, but he had enormous determination.
Margaret believed in him long before anyone else did.
After she passed away, Walter continued building the business they had once discussed.
He started with a small automotive repair workshop.
Then came a parts distribution company.
Then a regional dealership.
Eventually, his investments expanded into several states.
He never forgot where he started.
And he never forgot the woman who had encouraged him when success seemed impossible.
That was why he had chosen to collect this particular vehicle himself.
It was not merely a purchase.
It was a personal milestone.
But Derek knew none of this.
A few minutes later, he approached the lounge again.
"Excuse me, sir."
Walter looked up.
"Yes?"
Derek folded his arms.
"I just wanted to clarify something. Are you waiting for someone to purchase a vehicle on your behalf?"
"No."
"Because we haven't received any payment confirmation from you personally."
Walter remained calm.
"The transaction has already been completed."
Derek tilted his head.
"By whom?"
Walter looked at him for a second.
"That information should already be in your system."
Derek's smile disappeared.
"Look, sir, I'm trying to help you. Sometimes people misunderstand these arrangements."
"I appreciate your concern."
"Then perhaps you should explain exactly who authorized this collection."
Walter opened his leather folder slightly, revealing several neatly organized documents.
"I'll explain everything when the owner arrives."
Derek stared at him.
"The owner?"
"Yes."
Derek gave a dismissive laugh.
"You mean the dealership owner?"
"That's correct."
For the first time, Derek looked genuinely amused.
"Mr. Bennett, the owner doesn't personally handle customer collections."
Walter closed the folder.
"Perhaps not usually."
"Then why would you expect him to meet you?"
Walter's expression remained unchanged.
"Because he asked me to."
Derek shook his head.
He had heard enough.
"All right. I'll let you wait. But I want to make sure you understand that this is a professional dealership, not a public waiting room."
Walter nodded once.
"I understand that perfectly."
Derek walked away.
But Emily had heard the exchange.
She looked uncomfortable.
"Sir, I'm sorry about that."
Walter offered her a gentle smile.
"You don't need to apologize for someone else's behavior."
Emily lowered her voice.
"Mr. Collins can be difficult sometimes."
Walter looked through the glass at the showroom.
"Then perhaps someone should remind him that customers deserve respect."
Emily smiled faintly.
She did not know what to say.
And Walter did not intend to say anything more.
Not yet.