Page 83 of Negotiating Tactics

He had pretty much guaranteed it.

Maybe rubbing this in his face would make me feel better?

On the other hand, what good would it do to tell Noah that I’d been right to know that my own fucking father couldn’t be trusted?

Congratulations, Alex. You let him let you down again.

I was so fucking stupid.

I should have known better.

But I didn’t and look what it had gotten me.

The tears threatened, but I again held them back.

Grabbed my phone and texted Noah.

Got tired.

Headed home.

His response was instant.

Get some rest.

Text when inside.

I smiled, though I could feel the tightness in the expression.

Noah was concerned that I got home safe.

My father had never cared, yet I knew the next time he called, I would answer.

The next time he hurt me, I’d forgive him.

Maybe one day I’d learn my lesson.

A week later, I got my chance.

Twenty-One

Alex

Check your account.

A week after my conversation with George, my cell phone buzzed, and I looked down, surprised to see my father’s number.

I did as instructed, and my eyes almost fell out of my head when I saw the money in my account.

He’d paid me back!

I did a quick calculation and saw that with my father’s payment and the other money I had earned, I had enough for the earnest money.

I called George instantly.

“Hello, Alex,” he said, question clear in his voice.

“Hello, George. I’m sorry to bother you, and I know it’s a long shot. But I was hoping…”

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