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And then what was the point?

One of us got a shot. Only one. And if he blew it? This was the guy. This was the champion, this was who she picked. He had to make it work because if he didn’t…

I couldn’t even think about it. If he wasted this…

And the worst part of all was he’d never get over it. He wouldn’t move on and find someone else. There would never be a time where maybe I could…

She’d be the one who got away for the rest of his life. Because if it were me, I’d feel the same way.

Maybe I already did.

He breathed out through his nose and we both stayed there in the silence.

“Mike, if you need help, I can help you get it,” I said.

“I don’t need help, dude. I just need to make better choices. And I will.”

He scrubbed his hands over his face.

I peered around his neat room. He had the reality show book Larissa and I had read on the nightstand. He was halfway done.

Mike didn’t read.

He was trying. I could see that he was making an effort. I knew that he loved her, but he had to figure out whatever he was dealing with.

It occurred to me that the only time Mike ever let Larissa down was when he was drinking. When he was sober, he was great. Dependable, thoughtful.

But with the drinking? He was going to lose her to this.

And maybe he should.

I hated to think it, but maybe he wasn’t in a place to be in a relationship. He needed to work his shit out before he could be a good partner to someone.

“Thanks for taking her home,” he said, not looking at me. “Was she pissed?”

“No. I took her to go do secret shops,” I said.

“Thanks. She’s been trying to make extra money.”

“I know. She told me.”

He glanced at me. “I appreciate you covering for me.”

“Yeah.”

“I like that she likes you,” he said.

I scoffed internally.

“It’s important to me,” he said.

“It’s important to me too.”

“I’m serious about her. I could see myself marrying her.”

I had to look away. The idea of him marrying her made my stomach knot.

I’d be the best man. I’d have to act happy when they told me. I’d have to help. I’d throw the bachelor party. Mike would get wasted, and I’d get him home. I’d be texting Larissa letting her know Mike was sleeping and he was okay. I’d be the one making sure the food at the rehearsal dinner was safe. I’d be the one telling Mike what gift to get her before the wedding, where to take her for the honeymoon.