"Okay," Duke said, nodding. That didn't sound entirely like it was him she'd been protecting, but it didn't seem like the time to bring that up. "I'm sorry it feels unfair. I knew you wouldn't be thrilled with the idea, but I was hoping that we could talk that through. Find ways maybe to make it less uncomfortable for you. I think . . . maybe we both tend to think things are always all or nothing -- your way or my way. But maybe that doesn't have to be how it is every time."

Dr. Shin had maybe coached him on some of this, yes.