"I was waiting for you."
"Joe?! What are you doing here? Can I call you that?! Or should I like bow or something," Michael said in excitement as he went up to his dear old friend.
"You don't need to bow and yes, you can still call me Joe," he smiled as he opened his arms to hug Michael. He patted his back, "Michael, I must say that you still have grown."
"Well," Michael teased. They smiled at each other then walked up to his sofa. They sat down, "So, what were you planning to do here?! You didn't just miss me that bad, did you?!"
Joe laughed a bit. "How were you?! I heard that your band, SkinnyJox.."
"Skinner Box, Joe," Michael interrupted with a smile.
"Right, right," Joe nodded. "So?"
"Well, yeah, we're doing great. Back in America, of course. In here, I'm just not sure," Michael replied. "But it's not about that, right?! I mean, you went up here to ask about my band? That's just too weird," Michael asked.
"Yes, yes. The truth is, I came up here to ask you a question," Joe said, looking serious.
Michael sat up straight, "Ok, what is it?!"
"Do you still have feelings for Mia? Not the "friends" type of emotions but, do you still love her?" Michael got stunned. He remembered that Joe was the only one who knew how he really felt about Mia. Joe was the only person Michael trusted at that time.
"Uhh…" he scratched his head. He looked unsure, stumbled, scared.
"I thought so," Joe answered. He knew from Michael's look that he still liked her.
"No… I don't. Anymore," Michael quickly answered.
"Michael, I have been head of security in Genovia for a long time. I know when a person is lying," Joe said quite sternly.
Michael took a deep breath then faced Joe. "What can I do?! I stopped myself for 6 years, trying hard not to think about her. I did everything, Joe. Believe me, I did."
"I know, Michael. That was why I understand if you're going to try to win Mia back from Nicholas," Joe replied.
"What?! No, I'm not gonna do that?! I can't do that, I'd just disappoint Mia," Michael replied. Joe looked at him with understanding. "The last thing I want Mia to be is be lonely. I can never see her cry. Mia is very much happy with Nick and I will put aside everything just to see her smile." Michael looked down, taking a deep breath.
"You're a good guy, Michael. You really are," Joe smiled.
"I learned it from you," Michael teased.
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Hey, thanks for the reviews guys! You keep me writing… haha! Enjoy the story. Much love..
