It all started with Joy.

Chapter 10: The one where Tristan became wise.

Jesse

When Lily came back from her date, I wasn't feeling like myself; I had been pacing the whole night and I think the sole of my shoes are now worn out. The moment I saw Sam's car park on the other side of the road, I quickly switched on the television and threw myself on the couch so she wouldn't know what I had been up to. Lily came in, and she was just perfect, calm and happy as she rightly deserves to be; I grabbed her and got her to sit on my lap because I was yearning her simple touch, but looking closely at her I had the gut feeling he had kissed her. Why wouldn't he? When she confirmed it, something in my brain just disconnected, and all I could see was black; I didn't realise I was kissing her until she moved away from me, and her luscious lips were replaced by the cold air. To smooth things over, I went to see her while she was at my sister's, but it didn't go to plan; she continued to press me about why she shouldn't be dating Sam, and I didn't have an answer because what I wanted to say was very inappropriate. But she continued because, with her, there must always be a reason and all I wanted to do was place my niece carefully in her bassinet and then pin her aunt against the wall before shoving my tongue in her mouth so she would finally fucking shut up. She vexes me. Thank goodness, this time the wires in my brain remained connected, and I managed to storm out of there before I did something I wouldn't be able to fix. Since I have walked out of the flat, I have been wandering around our neighbourhood until I have found myself knocking on Tristan's door. The person on the other side leaves the door ajar, and I can spot my best friend shirtless, and his torso glimmers covered in oil. He is only wearing a pair of jeans, and his work toolbelt is secured around his waist.

"Is this some kind of role play, mate?" I joke before he even has time to open his mouth, but when he doesn't answer, my jaw drops. "You, fucker!" I stretch my arms in front of me, smirking, "I'll go, I'll call you later."

Tristan rolls his eyes and slams the door open, "nah, you killed the magic. Come in, let me just say bye to him," he turns on his heels and heads for the bedroom. When he walks out, I expect a pretty pissed lad to tread just behind him, but nobody appears.

"Is he still getting ready? Shall I be worried?" I ask.

"There's nobody here, I have just hung up."

I can feel my pupils dilate, he is having simple phone sex, no string attached. Lucky duck. Many would say he is living the dream, but after this fortnight I wouldn't, and that's your proof that something is eating my brain away. Tristan hands me a chilled beer before taking a long sip off his own.

"Why have you interrupted my business meeting? And you better have a fucking good reason, man. He was lit."

I hold my beer by its neck and let it dangle in between my legs before looking up at him, "women," I state.

Tristan slumps back onto his sofa, chugging the last drops of the golden liquid, "what about them?"

His naked torso stares at me with the glossy skin glistening under the lights, "can you please wear a shirt, man? I can't put the sentences together because I can only think about you having phone sex," I groan.

"Nope," he replies, "do you want my help or not?"

"I am not so sure anymore," I whisper but then decide to continue, "I met a girl, at Lily's workplace; she's a midwife there. She is feisty, fun, and incredibly attractive. Yeah, maybe she's a bit shallow and would have wanted me to be a businessman but, I mean, these are minor issues...I can work with that."

Tristan raises his eyebrows, "but?"

I swing my beer in my fingers back and forth, "but lately I have been having feelings for someone else...a colleague of mine," I rush to add. Tristan doesn't press me, so I know I have to continue, "I have known her for a few years," technically, not a lie, "but I have always seen her as a friend. Then, one day everything changed like someone had flipped a switch, and I can't get her blue eyes out of my fucking head. Her smell, her warm touch, her infectious smile. She's the whole package; she's smart and sassy, sweet and a little short-tempered sometimes."