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Since the official university semester had not yet begun, it was an ideal time for Sheldon to head to East Texas Tech early and "test drive" the concept of independent living.
Moreover, Dr. Sturgis, being a professor there, could act as a local guardian and keep an eye on him.
So, Meemaw's proposal was logically sound.
After another round of intense family debate, Mary reluctantly agreed to let her youngest son experience college life at East Texas Tech.
Of course, the condition was that Sheldon had to demonstrate he could take care of himself. If he failed, Mary reserved the right to drive over and drag him back home immediately.
After all, the university wasn't far from Medford—only about an hour's drive.
"Splendid! I can finally proceed to higher education!" After receiving his mother's approval, Sheldon pulled out his acceptance letter from East Texas Tech and cheered.
With Dr. Sturgis's Nobel-seeking research project about to launch, Sheldon's early arrival served a dual purpose: he could absorb university-level knowledge while assisting the professor.
Driven by this double incentive, Sheldon was actually eager to attend this lower-ranked institution.
He was already formulating strategies on how to collaborate with Dr. Sturgis to secure next year's Nobel Prize.
With Sheldon's schooling situation settled, the tension at the Cooper dinner table finally dissipated.
"George, what is the status of the vehicle inquiry?" Seizing the opportunity, Mike asked about the used car.
"Dale has a Dodge pickup he's looking to offload. It's about seventy to eighty percent new. He's asking for ten thousand dollars..." George briefed Mike on the truck's specs before adding, "Mike, honestly, you can just take my truck. I won't be needing it much during the summer anyway."
Although George knew Mike had made some money, he felt that spending ten thousand dollars on a car was a bit extravagant for a student.
Plus, Mike already owned that flashy red Ferrari.
Since it was summer break, George didn't have to work and had no travel plans, so he didn't mind lending his trusty old Ford to Mike.
"Forget it, George. Your truck belongs in a museum," Meemaw interjected, overhearing the conversation. Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Mike, you can take my Chevrolet. Guaranteed quality, plenty of horsepower."
"Of course, as a fair exchange, I get to borrow your Ferrari for a few days..."
Mike's red Ferrari was practically a celebrity in Medford. Driving it around would be incredibly cool, and Meemaw had been itching to get behind the wheel.
"Negative. I think I'll inspect the pickup truck first." Seeing the abacus spinning in Meemaw's eyes, Mike rejected her proposal.
Meemaw's Chevy had seen better days too; it wasn't in much better shape than George's clunker.
Since Mike wasn't hurting for cash, buying a reliable used vehicle for the trip was the safer bet.
The next morning, Mary and Meemaw drove Sheldon to East Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Mike drove George and the others in his Ferrari to the local sporting goods store.
Yes, the seller of the used truck was none other than Dale, the owner of the sporting goods store.
"Well, look who it is!" Standing in front of his shop, Dale, a fellow football enthusiast, welcomed Mike warmly.
Thanks to the recent newspaper publicity, Mike's popularity in Medford was soaring.
Dale had even plastered one of Mike's posters inside his store as a marketing tool.
After all, Mike had previously purchased protective gear from this very establishment.
After some pleasantries, Dale led the group to his pickup truck and invited Mike to take it for a spin.
Doing business with acquaintances had its perks; everything was negotiable.
Mike test-drove the Dodge, getting a feel for its handling and checking the mileage.
It was exactly as George had described—about 70-80% new, and the driving experience was solid.
Next came the negotiation phase.
Sensing Mike's intent to buy, George spoke up first. "Dale, give us a friends-and-family discount. How about five thousand?"
"Impossible! You see the condition of this truck. Five thousand is robbery..." Dale reacted as if George had stabbed him in the aorta, shaking his head vigorously.
Cutting the price in half right off the bat was indeed aggressive.
"Let's bump it up a bit. Six thousand," George continued playing the emotional card. "We're selling it to Mike here. He's just a student; he can't afford anything too pricey."
"No, no, no. Six thousand is still too low." Dale paused, then countered, "For the sake of our friendship, I can offer a discount. Nine thousand. The truck is worth that much."
"Mike, what's your assessment?" Having failed to secure a massive discount, George handed the negotiation back to Mike.
"The vehicle is statistically satisfactory..." Mike confirmed his intent, then looked directly at Dale. "Eight thousand. Final offer. If acceptable, I can transfer the funds immediately."
Used car deals rely on mutual agreement, and price fluctuations are standard.
Eight thousand dollars for a Dodge in this condition was a fair market price; Dale wouldn't be taking a significant loss.
"Alright. Eight thousand it is."
Hearing Mike's decisive offer, Dale didn't haggle further. He treated it as doing Mike a favor and accepted the deal.
After swiping his card, Mike successfully acquired his second vehicle—a gently used Dodge pickup.
"Mike, can I drive the truck?" As soon as the transaction concluded, Georgie asked eagerly.
His eyes were practically glowing as he stared at the Dodge.
Georgie had just celebrated his sixteenth birthday a few days ago, granting him the legal right to operate a vehicle (learner's permit).
In Texas, as long as you were sixteen, you could drive with an experienced adult in the passenger seat.
"Affirmative. If you wish, you may take it for a spin," Mike agreed, seeing the longing in Georgie's eyes.
It was just a utility vehicle; no big deal.
"Awesome! Thanks, Mike!" Georgie excitedly moved to hug Mike but was blocked. He didn't find it awkward at all.
He then invited his dad to hop in the passenger seat and excitedly drove the Dodge toward town for a joyride.
"Let's go. We can explore the commercial district." Mike planned the next step, then looked at Paige to confirm. "Are your parents definitely arriving at noon to pick you up?"
"Yes. We confirmed via telephone earlier," Paige replied.
"Excellent. We have a time buffer. Let's wander around..." Mike gestured for Paige and Missy to get into the Ferrari. The three of them drove slowly toward the shopping street.
The car purchase had gone smoothly, leaving Mike ample time to take the two girls shopping.
Over an hour later, the two girls, each holding a large bag of snacks in one hand and a fruit-flavored ice cream in the other, got back into the car for the ride home.
Honestly, Mike had miscalculated. The weather was sweltering, making it suboptimal for extended outdoor activities.
When they returned to Meemaw's house, Paige's parents hadn't arrived yet. The Cooper men, out joyriding, also hadn't returned.
So, Mike sent the girls to rest in the cool indoors while he started preparing lunch.
Just then, Paige's parents and her sister arrived.
With Mrs. Swanson's help, they enjoyed a hearty lunch together. Afterward, Mike and Missy waved goodbye as the Swanson family drove off.
According to Mr. Swanson during lunch, the family was indeed embarking on a summer road trip.