Disclaimer: The characters you recognize belong to Janet Evanovich.

Joe and I had been living together for the past few months. Grandma had asked since I wasn't using my apartment if one of her friends could sublet temporarily.

This worked out well for me as I didn't have to worry about coming up with the rent money for a while.

Joe and I had become comfortable. We both went to work. Walked Bob, enjoyed watching the game together.

I was avoiding being intimate with Joe. When we'd get close I had an attack of the guilt's. Like working late on the days Joe was home early. Waiting for Joe to fall asleep before going to bed. Or sleeping on the lounge.

Then Joe announced that he'd applied for a job in Seattle. Seattle was a long way away. It would be a great opportunity for his career, but the chances of him getting it were slim or so he thought.

"What happens to us?" I questioned. My first thought was, I couldn't leave Ranger. Huh!

Joe and I were a couple, I would have to go with him. Wouldn't I?

Joe stood there waiting for my answer. Hands on hips.

Finally I said "I don't want to move away from Trenton."

"From Trenton or Ranger?" his eyes not leaving my face.

I had the stunned fish look happening I'm sure. "He's my friend and mentor." like that was a good reason.

"I see the way you two look at one another. I wish you looked at me like that." he sounded sad.

"Well you haven't got the job yet, so let's not worry." That's me, queen of denial.

"I've put this conversation off for too long Cupcake." he continued. "I know you've been faithful to me, but you can't deny your feelings for him any longer. It's written all over your face."

"Ranger doesn't do relationships Joe, you have nothing to worry about." I stated.

"You're already in a relationship with him. He drops everything every time you need him."

"Christ! He doesn't hesitate to loan you his expensive cars, knowing you're only going to blow them up." He waved his hands in the air while shouting. "He has men on his payroll just to keep an eye on you. I'm sure that aint cheap."

"We're friends." I finally said in a small voice.

"I'm sorry Cupcake, It's just that I thought we'd be married by now and that we would've started a family." He said while pulling the chair out from the table to sit down.

I moved closer and sat in the chair across from him. I reached for his hand and held it in mine.

I knew I loved Joe, but not the same way I loved Ranger. In that moment it occurred to me that I was settling for Joe, because Ranger wasn't available. And that wasn't fair to Joe.

"You're right." I began to explain, "You deserve better than me." Tears began to fill my eyes and I tried to suck them back.

"You are the best Cupcake. I wish you wanted the same things outta life that I do, but this can't go on, it's not fair to either of us."

"So you want me to move out?" I asked with a shaky voice.

"No, you can stay here for as long as you like. You can move into the spare room if it will make you feel more comfortable? You know you're my best friend, right?" he finished with a half smile.

I nodded and felt a little relieved.

Joe reached for the phone "Let's order pizza and watch the game."

[Type text]