Ask Alex

Part of you said to wait for the weekend and have a conversation, another part said to show up at her office. You tossed everything around in your mind and finally you decided to get an outside opinion. Once classes were over for the day you went to Alex's room and knocked on the open door.

"Mr. Westgate," she said with a smirk, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Normally this play flirting would have drawn a chuckle from you or you would have joined in but your face betrayed the weight on your mind.

"What's wrong Burt?" she asked as she stopped to look at you.

You unloaded on Alex and told her your concerns that they were treating her poorly at work.

"I mean if she was a guy I'd say she was cheating," said Alex, "classic business douche behavior but-"

Your heart plunged, that hadn't even occurred to you.

"Oh Burt," said Alex now backtracking, "its probably just me watching too much dateline."

She seemed to realize there was nothing she could say so she took your hand in hers.

"Talk to her," said Alex, "and you know I'm always here for you."

That night you sat in the living room unable to eat or do anything but wait minute by agonizing minute for Whitney to get home. Finally at almost 11:30 you heard her key in the lock and she walked in and jumped startled by finding you in the living room awake. Her eyes were puffy and she froze looking at you.

"Whit-" you started.

"I'm cheating on you," she blurted out cupping her hand over her mouth as if she surprised herself with her words.

She made like she wanted to run into your arms but stopped herself searching your face for a reaction. Hurt turned to anger turned to numbness.

"How long?"

"Three months."

"Who?"

"Mr. Winfield." He was the name on the door you knew.

"Why?"

That seemed to surprise you both.

"He made it seem like I didn't have a choice," she said, "but, I think that's just what I've been telling myself."

You got up and walked past Whitney to the door, "Burt," she whispered trembling.

"I need to clear my head," you said.