"Mary Ellen, you can be honest with me. Did I do something to make you leave the club the other night? Whatever it was I didn't mean to because I would never intentionally do something to upset you…Uh huh…Sure…Okay bye."

Mary Ellen had called the a few days later to apologize for double booking herself and missing the show. He had tried calling her a few times but she seemed to be evading him. Micky still had the feeling from the way she was talking that there was a different reason for her leaving the club. When he asked if it had something to do with him, Mary Ellen brushed off the question and repeated her story before hurriedly ending the conversation. She hung up before Micky could even finish saying goodbye.

He collapsed into a chair with his elbows on the table resting his head in his hands with a far off look in his eyes. Mike approached after overhearing (ahem eavesdropping) on the conversation. Micky didn't even seem to notice his presence as Mike sat across the table from him.

"You know, there is probably as reasonable explanation for all of this. I just think that you're so hung up that every disappointment is that much more crushing of a blow. Mick?"

"Huh? Sorry Mike, I have a lot on my mind."

"I can see that," Mike assured him. "Do you think this is worth the time you're spending worrying about it? As far as I see it you have two options. A) you give Mary Ellen the benefit of the doubt and stop overthinking things or B) you decide that she isn't worth the trouble and move on."

"Thanks for the sage advice," Micky said expressionless. "None of that sounds appealing to me at all."

"Oh and sitting here contemplating everything and feeling sorry for yourself does?"

"Seems to be working for me so far."

"In what way is it working for you?"

"It's supporting my needs to feel how I want to feel."

"Sounds lonely and depressing."

"That's where I'm at right now."

Micky continued to stare blankly into the distance and Mike took that as his cue to move on. There was no reasoning with Micky when he was in one of these rare moods. Best thing to do now was let him sort himself out or wait until he had a brilliant idea.

Davy slammed the door and trudged into the Pad. He staggered over to the table a slumped in the chair next to Micky and took on his same mannerisms.

"Not you too!" Mike exclaimed. "Now what's eating you? And Peter what are you doing?"

"I thought this is what we were doing now," Peter said lifting his head up from his hands propped up on the table. "I don't understand the rules of this game but I think so far Micky is winning."

"Trust me no one is winning right now," Mike said shaking his head. "Davy what's your excuse?"

Davy sat catatonic much like his drumming counterpart.

"I give up," Mike threw his hands up in defeat. "Come one Peter let's get out of here before we catch their funk."

"Does this mean I lost?" Peter asked as Mike dragged him towards the door.

"No, Peter," Mike answered rolling his eyes, "I guarantee you won."

The front door slammed and awoke Micky from his stupor. "Davy, when did you get here?"

"I'm home?" Davy questioned looking around. "I honestly don't even know how I got here."

"Let me guess, lady troubles?"

"How did you know?"

"Me too, Babe, me too."

They both sunk their heads deeper into their hands and heaved deep sighs.

"Mary Ellen still avoiding you?"

"No, she called and is still giving me the same lines in a very unconvincing way."

"Unconvincing, how?"

"She stumbles over her words and forgets information about her former lies. I can tell that's she's not being truthful."

"I'm sorry," Davy sympathized. "I say forget that girl, she'll only make you sad and lonely. Stay away from her, my friend."

"I don't think I can."

"I know you find it's hard to do. But you know what it sounds like to me."

"What?"

"That's she's got herself another bloke and she's in love with him. She's putting you on the back burner to keep around just in case it doesn't work out with him."

"You really think that's what it is?" Micky asked desperately.

"I've been on both sides of this situation before and that is exactly what it sounds like to me. I just want you to be with someone who appreciates you."

"Thanks, man. I guess that gives me even more to think about. Now what's going on with you?"

"I don't think I've ever felt this way before," Davy began. "This is a different type of dilemma altogether."

"I feel like I've heard that somewhere before."

"No, I promise this is very unlike me. I don't usually date more than one girl at a time so that I can really get to know if she's right for me. Well, one thing led to another and I met two girls on the same day. I've been seeing them both for the past two weeks. I thought I'd have it sorted out by now which one was for me, but I'm more confused than ever now. And one of them is demanding a decision tomorrow."

"What, two girls to choose from? Must be agony," Micky said sarcastically.

Davy continued without seeming to notice the sarcasm, "They both have great qualities. one is such a sweet girl and her kisses are amazing. The other has long beautiful hair and is very tall. I can't make up my mind. I made the mistake of telling one that I was seeing them both after I accidentally stood her up for a date. Now the sweetness is wearing down and she demands a choice."

"Does one edge out the other even the slightest?"

"No not at all. I can't decide. I told them both that I loved them and it was true. I can't possibly have both of them and I don't know what to do. I wish I only loved one. When I think about breaking one of their hearts I feel sorrow."

Davy slumped down even further and laid his head on the table.

"Sounds like I girl that I know," Micky said. "If what you say about Mary Ellen is true then I see traces of her in your dilemma."

"Maybe not completely the same. I have the best intentions. For you, I can't put my finger on it but something to me says watch out don't believe her."

"Maybe because you pretty much are her," Micky criticized grumpily.

"Hey, I thought we were helping each other out here? I didn't criticize you, I gave you my honest opinion and suggestions."

"I'm giving you my honest opinion too. It's just not what you want to hear."

"Maybe we should go back to sulking in silence then."

"Sorry, I don't mean to take my frustrations on you. But if she's treating love like it's a game just like you then I only have myself to blame."

"My love for them is more than just a game."

"Silence it is," Micky said and went back to staring at the blank space in the wall.