Page 103 of Negotiating Tactics

She waved her hand and scoffed. “Not necessary. A stubborn man like you probably felt honor bound to push back, even if a little bit,” she said.

“What makes you think I’m stubborn?”

We hadn’t spent any significant time together, and I was genuinely curious.

She laughed. “Is this the part where I tell you that you don’t get to be my age without figuring out some things about life?”

“Well, I suppose you could,” I said.

“I could, but we know that’s all bull hockey. Some people older than even me are dumber than this table. So, no, age isn’t how I know you’re stubborn,” she said.

I chuckled. “Then how?”

“You got my Alex to fall for you. No easy feat, and a task that would exceed the grasp of a lesser man. I know my girl, and she couldn’t have made it easy,” Aunt Clem said.

“No, she did not.” I chuckled.

My voice was quiet, but even I heard the emotion in it.

“Well, I suspect you know the reason behind that, which is why you did what she did,” Aunt Clem said.

“Should I be talking about this with you?” I asked.

“Well, who else you gonna talk to? Birdie isn’t gonna tell you anything, and your brothers, who are nice enough, don’t know shit about my girl. So, the way I see it, I’m your only option,” she said.

I smiled. “So, you’re on my side?” I asked.

She laughed heartily. “Lord no. I’m on Alex’s side. Her side and that baby’s. The people who matter. And I’ve decided that you’re good for them. So, I’m on their side, and you’re exactly what they need,” she said.

“I guess I’m flattered,” I said.

She looked me up and down, incredulous. “As you should be. You don’t get my seal of approval without earning it. So don’t do anymore dumb shit and mess it up,” she said, turning serious.

I looked away, then looked back at her, deciding to speak freely.

“Her father is garbage. He’s not worthy of her. I just wanted to make sure he couldn’t hurt her again,” I said.

It felt odd to defend myself, but I felt compelled to do so.

“I understand that. I even agree. But here’s the thing. You might be right—you are right as far as I’m concerned—but you don’t get to make that choice for her. And if you know Alex, and I know you do, you know it’s hard for her to trust.”

“Whose fault is that?” I asked, my voice angry.

“Oh, I know exactly whose fault it is. But it’s your responsibility now. If you love her, and I think you do, you have to trust her. And you have to let her trust you. I didn’t like seeing him hurt her any more than you did, but it wasn’t your place, Noah,” she said.

I wanted to argue but decided to save my words.

“So, how you gonna fix it?” Aunt Clem asked a moment later,

“What makes you think I can?” I said, the gravity of this fucked-up situation hitting me.

I might have lost her.

In trying to protect Alex, I might have done the one thing that would push her away forever.

“Like I said, you’re smart. And you love her too. So fight for her,” she said simply.

“You might not like the way I fight, Aunt Clem,” I said.

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