I could then thank her for opening my eyes and reject her offer.I could then thank her for opening my eyes and reject her offer. But somehow I knew that she was aware of that risk and was confident that I wouldn't do that. "Yes, it is a lot money," I replied, helplessly trying to think of a way out and stalling with that non-committal reply. "So what is it, Al? What do we have to offer here for you that's worth the money you're considering giving up?" She was outwardly kind but coldly unwavering. "Well, Rachael, it's hard to say," I prevaricated. "It's sort of ... of a feeling I have, I guess. It's ... it's hard to put my finger on ... just a feeling -- you know?" "What kind of feeling?" She kept on pushing. "Oh ... I don't know ... just ... just a ... just an intangible kind of ... it's hard to say, Rachael." I was desperate. "That's why I ... I need time to ... need time alone to think about it ... you know, to try to understand it better before I finally decide. Sometimes I ... I need to ... well, how can I say this? ... uh, sometimes I get feelings that I should do something and then later on regret it. It's a problem with me. That's why I need to ... to think it over some more. You understand, don't you?" I pleaded. "Yes, Al, I _do_ understand," she replied kindly. "I don't mean to put you on the spot. I'll back off." "Oh, that's OK," I replied, the words practically gushing out of me. I was off the hook and I felt relieved. "I'm just sorry I can't give you a more timely answer," I continued magnanimously. "No, Al, I really do understand, and I couldn't expect a better answer from you." She was all sweetness and friendliness. "In fact, I should apologize to you, as well. I put you on the spot even though I understood perfectly what was motivating you. I sometimes get pushy in spite of what's best for me ... and for the situation. It's a fault I still need to work on. |