I wasn’t offering to buy their shares because they were wrong to want the money.
I was offering because, for me, the money had never been the most important part.
That was my choice.
And it was equally their right to judge my offer however they wished.
Two weeks passed.
During that time Derek called once with a few questions about the financing. I answered every one directly.
Amber texted me twice.
Neither message mentioned the house.
That alone told me she was still thinking.
Then Derek called again.
He said he’d spent time considering everything and had also spoken with a financial advisor.
In the end, he admitted the truth.
He needed the money now more than he needed future rental income or the emotional value the house held for me.
“I want to accept your offer,” he said.
“Okay,” I replied. “Thank you for thinking about it carefully.”
