He shuffled through the desk drawer, obviously looking for something. Finally he pulled out an envelope and shut the drawer. He leaned on his desk, gazing absently out the window. Finally he cleared his throat. His troubled gaze rested on her face.
"When I came back from Texas in May, I had something on my mind. I wanted to talk to you about it, but I couldn't. Then this thing with Ed ..." His voice faltered and he looked away. "I've been making all this about you, but it isn't. It isn't your fault.
She tried to moisten her lips with a dry tongue. It wasn't his fault either. It hurt to watch him struggle this way. There was no point in dragging this out. She'd rather get it out in the open and face it.
She caught him as he started to sit in his chair.
"Alex," she said in a voice that was surprisingly calm. "If you want a divorce, I won't fight you. I knew from the start this wouldn't work. We're too different."
He froze halfway down to the chair and stared at her, his startled gaze roving over her face.
Finally he sank into his chair, a long sigh escaping his lips.
"I can't blame you. I've been too hard on you."
She caught her breath. He couldn't blame her? Of course, he wouldn't want to look bad in the eyes of his family by dumping her.
"Don't turn this on me," she said forcefully. "This is one time I'm not going to front for you."
He stared at her, his mouth hanging open for a moment. He regained his composure and lowered brows over flashing eyes.
"I never asked you to front for me - and I wasn't the one who brought up divorce," he shot back.
If it had to be, it didn't have to be ugly. She shook her head and stood.
"I used the D word first. So sue me," she said caustically. "It's not like I have anything you could take. I won't sue you, if that's what you're worried about. I have my house and thanks to you it's in good condition. I know you'll be responsible toward the children. Let's not quarrel about this too.
He blinked and his neck turned red. He shifted in his chair, obviously giving his response full consideration. Finally he cleared his throat again.
"This probably isn't the best time to discuss our issues."
She stood. Then why did he start it, and was there ever a good time for Alex to discuss things? Tears stung her eyes. Looking away so he wouldn't see her tears, she stood and headed for the door.