everybody expected of me. I tried to cover up my own
weaknesses … to appear strong, by doing everything with-
out any help from anybody. I wouldn’t even accept the same
help that had been given to me before I accepted the position,
and either ignored or snapped at any offers of advice or
196 Robert Asprin
assistance because I saw them as admissions of my own
shortcomings.”
I looked at him steadily.
“It was a dumb, immature, jackass way to act, but worst
of all it hurt my friends because it made them feel useless
and unwanted. That was bad enough for Tananda and Chum-
ley and the others, and I’ll be apologizing to them, too, but
it was an unforgivable way to treat you.”
Licking my lips, I went for it.
“I’ve never been all that good with words, Aahz, and I
doubt I’ll ever be able to tell you how much you mean to
me. I said I couldn’t ask you to come back, and I won’t.
but I will say that if you do come back, you’ll be more than
welcome. I’d’like a chance to show you what I can’t find
the words to say … that I admire you and value the wisdom
and guidance you’ve always given me. I can’t promise that
I’ll be able to change completely or immediately, but I’m
going to try … whether you come back or not. I do know
it’ll be easier if you’re there to box my ears when I start to
slip. I wish . . . well, that’s all. It doesn’t start to even
things out, but you’ve got my apology.”
I lapsed into silence, waiting for his response.
“You know, Skeeve, you’re growing up. I think we both
forget that more often than we should.”