Tonight, after 9 hours in airports and heavy crosswinds, I discovered myself questioning what to anticipate on the rental car counter whereas ready for my bags at MIA (which stands for Miami Worldwide, not lacking in motion, though Miami-bound baggage typically is). I used to be on a a lot tighter funds than Benjy Bluestone when he met Mr. Kim, proprietor of SOBE Supercar Leases, in my novel Landmark Standing:
Sporting a white form-fitting shirt and windbreaker in 1970 Gulf-Porsche staff colours, Mr. Kim stood behind the counter underneath a white plastic signal with neat purple lettering that stated, “SoBe Supercar Rents Quantity One Prime Massive Shot Luxurious Way of life To Go.” He requested if Benjy was positive he wished a Mustang, as a result of there have been much better automobiles on the lot.
It is uncommon that I hire a car in Miami, and tonight I had no motive to count on a heavenly expertise. We would misplaced ninety minutes to a free panel within the 767 they’d rolled out of an LAX hangar for this “premium” flight. My experience with duct tape was politely refused whereas we milled round like Kremlinologists outdoors the Politburo, analyzing the physique language of anybody rising from the jetway. Holding a coveted improve, I might then spent hours in flight attempting to take a nap, which required mastering mystifying controls to a seat from the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
By now its properly after midnight, and my fellow vacationers are so drained they twitch from ear ache on the buzzer blast signaling the beginning of the luggage-go-round (in contrast to Fort Lauderdale, which presents a light-weight present and canned music that sounds just like the Macarena). Lastly, the legal guidelines of FOLO (first on, final off), convey my suitcase rolling lazily across the bend (I swear it is placing out a cigarette, basking within the afterglow of a mile-high tryst with the Gucci make-up case behind it).
Time to get the car, and in contrast to Benjy, I am within the airport, not some wealthy man’s playpen. Holding a reservation for a Pontiac G6 (or equal), a good journey with good street really feel and a few cojones (if you happen to luck out and get a V-6), I am absolutely anticipating I am going to find yourself in a (not so equal) Hundwoo Marmot LSMFT 인천공항렌트카.
The supervisor greets me as one Miamian to a different, with a sullen, “Can I allow you to?” which barely conceals her fond hope that the reply is “No.” I ask if they’ve a G6. She says nothing. Now I do know I am dwelling. Then she factors to an ATM and tells me to do it myself. Once I fumble attempting to reject the non-obligatory insurance coverage, child-seat and bucket of buffalo wings, she assures me this gizmo is extra environment friendly than the outdated system, which it plainly is not when there’s just one buyer.
After which, one thing miraculous occurs. Papers printed, initialed and signed, the supervisor factors outdoors and says, “Over there. Decide any car you need.” She merely nods with a drained smirk after I ask, “Actually?” as I stroll backward by the surly gates of rental car heaven.
It is my car lot now, with new V-6 Chevy Malibus the reviewers raved about, and V-6 Pontiacs as properly (I do know this engine, primarily based on the block that powered my screaming Quotation X-11 twenty-five years in the past, a car feared by all who drove in or close to it).
Striding previous some Toyota Bore-olas, I spy a Dodge Avenger (an SXT, with go-fast bits and an iPod jack). If I wish to go inexperienced as a substitute of quick, they have Prius sedans, and, can or not it’s? Certainly one of them is obstructing a gun-metal gray G6 coupe with GT badges.
Jackpot! The highest engine, suspension and tire combo, with black leather-based, sunroof and large audio. It is a shut name, however the Avenger’s out after I see the Pontiac’s acquired an iPod jack, too. The one drawback is transferring the Prius. I am not risking anyone telling me I am unable to have what I need, so I transfer it myself. With its bizarre controls, wiggly joystick and push-button starter, I am hoping it would not blow up whereas I anticipate its programs to reply to my instructions, so I can get it the hell out of the best way.
Finally, I am in, and shortly, I am out, earlier than anybody’s the wiser, having fun with that “primary high large shot luxurious way of life to go,” blasting up the corkscrew to State Highway 112, questioning if I am driving a car they do not actually hire, simply take dwelling themselves. However there’s one factor I am positive about. If there is a rental car heaven, it has to seem like Miami. This I do know. I’ve seen it.