*James*

[Julia wants you to come to the hotel to have a conversation. Sorry, Pal, doesn't look good.]

No....

I knew this was coming. I knew from the moment she started the conversation in the bar. She was about to break up with me.

This is Julia choosing Nate Hollan.

I sit on the edge of the bed and put my head in my hands. She's really choosing him. I knew from the moment there was a conflict between Nate and myself, months ago... that she'd chose him. Who was I kidding when I thought I really had a chance? I don't have everything he has. I never will. I knew I could never live up to Nate Hollan standards. I should have never gotten my hopes up.

My chest physically hurts as I walk into the Marriott through the side door. I don't go up to Julia's room just yet. I need a drink before I go get my heart broken.

I stand at the lounge entrance and see Julia at the bar instead of in her room. The lump in my throat hurts so bad that I don't think I can talk. I walk over and sit right next to her. My eyes mimic Julia's red, swollen sad eyes. She knows I know.

Charlene's attention goes back and forth between the two of us and pours me a whiskey too before giving us privacy.

I take a swig from my glass and look down at the liquor. We stay quiet for more than a few seconds, without any words. It's funny how we can do this and it's completely comfortable.

"James...."

The second she says it; my eyes fill up.

"Julia."

I choke out and swallow hard. I stare down at the glass with tears streaming down my face. I can feel her looking at me, but I can't look over at her yet.

Charlene quietly comes by and refills our drinks before walking away again.

"I'm sorry." Julia whispers. "I'm so sorry."

I was right. I was hoping I was wrong, but I was right. I can't believe this. I stand up and start to walk away, unable to talk because I know I will burst, but Julia grabs my hand and pulls me back

"Wait!" Julia says a little too loud, gaining attention from a few people passing by. "I don't want it to end like this."

"I don't want it to end at all."

*****

*Trisha*

Me and Paul give up on waiting for Julia and Nate and head back to the apartment. About an hour later, Nate comes in.

"Nate, what's going on???" I'm the first out of me, Jonah and Paul, to stand up and talk. Nate comes over to me and takes my hand but looks at Jonah.

"We're gonna look into a day program at the Avalon for Julia." Nate says dryly. "If that doesn't work, we'll get her admitted."

"How did you talk her into THAT?" Jonah asks from the kitchen counter while eating the pasts I made for everyone.

"She had to talk ME into it. She's not in a good place mentally. She's aware. It was me unable to come to terms with it." Nate huffs and looks down. I squeeze his hand.

"And....this competition between you and James??"

When Nate tells me Julia's choice, I'm suddenly confused by my own reaction. It's a look of relief but also pain when I hear this. I'm conflicted on if this is good or bad news

"So where is she now??" Jonah is confused as to why Julia didn't come home with me. Nate laughs, and I look at Jonah like he's going crazy or something.

"She's saying goodbye. I'll pick her up tomorrow morning." The room goes silent for a moment, and everyone digests that sentence.

"But her meds." Jonah goes into nurse mode now. "She still has to take her evening doses."

"Does it even matter, Jonah? The minute she goes into the Avalon, they are going to reevaluate her. She'll be starting all over. She'll be their Guinea pig. Trying all sorts of shit to see which med works. I really don't think one night is going to do anything at this point."

Nate grabs my other hand now and looks into my eyes. Not caring that Paul or Jonah are in the room, He leans his forehead on mine and closes his eyes.

"Spend the night with me?"

******

*James*

"Spend the night with me."

I give Julia a weird look like I didn't just hear what she asked.

"Please, James. One more night. Then... Then you're "My Best Friend James." I still need you to be my best friend, James."

"Julia..."

"James. Please. You'll spend the night? And still be my best friend?" She holds both my hands now. "I can't lose you." She starts to cry, and honestly, I have no idea what I'm feeling right now. I know I've always said I'll take whatever she gives me, but tonight? Tonight, my heart is broken completely.

"You won't lose me." I pull her in and wrap my arms around her. This will probably be the last time I do this. I need more from Julia. I need more than just friends from her. This ends tonight.

"You're making the wrong decision." I say. "I'm always going to love you."

"Stay the night." Julia repeats. She doesn't ask. She says it, and without waiting for my answer, she pulls me up to the 4th floor.

Then she laughs.

"I think my key card is inside the room."

I roll my eyes and smirk down at her before pulling out my key and unlocking her door.

"Some things never change. After you, Miss Moretti."

*****

*Trisha*

I don't answer Nate. I take his hand and walk us to his bedroom. I don't care how awkward this must be for Paul and Jonah. They'll get over it. I lock the door behind me, and Nate wastes no time. He pushes me against the door with his body and grabs my face with both hands.

"I still think you're making the wrong decision, Nate." I whisper against his mouth.

"About Julia or this?" Nate kisses me, and I know this will be the last time we do this. I will always be his best friend. But I think I want more than that.

*******