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Pete has mixed feelings as he listens to Joe about Rose. At one time, Pete thought she was the one who would end his self-imposed celibacy. It was a close call, but now he’s glad he waited. Ironically, it was the waiting that ruined their relationship, but in many ways saved him after he found out more about her.

“We go way back, Pete. You know I’d never get between you and some chick. But, Rose is different, man, we clicked right away and I swear to you, I did not see it coming. . . .” Joe shakes his head and tugs at an ear lobe. He rubs his face. “It just happened.” He snaps his fingers. “Just like that; I didn’t even have protection. She . . . . Swear ta G – . . .“

“Look, Joe, I get it. You made a mistake and you’ve owned up to it. It’s not the end of the world . . . .”

Joe scratches the back of his neck and splutters, “Wow, you’re the man. I’m just . . . damn . . . . in awe of you. If it was me who got cheated on, I’d go ballistic.”

“Let me finish what I was saying. It’s not the end of the world for me, but it might be for you.”

“Wait . . . what? You’re gonna kill me now?”

“No, the disease will.”