Just the Three of Us: Chapter 7

"Fool?" hissed Mike. "What'd you mean fool?"

"Well, for one, stop the hissing. And two, Eric and Julie are a meant to be, you and Julie are a wish to be."

Mike went pale, and TJ felt a little guilt with the harsh way he must have sounded. But deep down he felt it needed to be said.

"Am I wrong for wishing?"

"No," said TJ softening his tone. "None of the other lads know 'cept me. It's a chore keeping your bloody secret, Palin."

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, nothing to be sorry for. That's what best mates do, right? If someone or something needs sorted you do the best you can to help, right?"

Mike nodded.

"Now, no you're not wrong for wishing. You're not wrong for being in love with her. I told you how the other fellas reacted when Julie came in our midst. Even me. Even GRAHAM for Pete's sake. But you have got to realize this. Eric saw her first."

"I know," said Mike softly. "And I hate him for it."

"Do you really?"

Mike paused. "No."

"Like I told you before, if you feel so lead to tell Julie how you feel, then tell her. Only realize, you may not get the answer that you want."

Mike looked at him.

"And would you be okay with that?" asked TJ. "Okay with just being mates with 'er, nothing else? You'd want the two of them to be happy wouldn't you?"

Mike nodded, silently looking at the ground.

"Alright, let that be the last time I have to lecture you, Palin," said TJ in a schoolmaster tone.

"Whatever you say, Jones," winked Mike.