HELP!!! CLICK THIS ONE!!! HELP!!!

Be upfront about it, the worst thing you can do is be shady about this topic.

It does depend on a couple of factors though:

How long were they together for?

How good of friends are you and Joe?

And Possibly,  why did they break up? (Cheating? Personality?)

You wouldn't want to decide whether or not you would rather risk the friendship over her or not.

Be honest though, tell him you only found out recently that she liked you, and that if he would be alright if you two tried dating. If he's mature about it, and accepts that you were a good friend to tell him, then he should allow it. If he blows up and gets angry, it is better to not jeopardize what you have. At that point let him cool of for a little bit and see what happens, perhaps he'll come to his senses.

I am sure that she'd understand if you both couldn't date right that moment.   Don't expect her to wait for you until he gives the go ahead though, as if she's looking for someone else this fast it's likely that she will not wait.

Ultimately it is up to you. There are many women out there my friend, but close friends come rarely.

-Ki- 

Stop being selfish. Are you a friend. Treat others how you want to be treated. I know that this is probably just a piece of a@$ to you, but you should respect her, respect your friend and earn others respect by not dating someone on the rebound (especially a friend).

There are way too many girls out there to have to date someone that was with your close/best friend.  Work on being the best person you can be and the women will come.

I went through this when I was young and it still has a lasting impact on my friend (best friend??) that i've known for 27 years. He still reminds me of things that I did and I remember the things that he has done. My friend till this day, tries to out do me and thinks that we are still in a competition. I'm running my own race, while he is running against me.

Move on, be a true best friend and establish a true respect from everyone...

I think Betty is on the right track in considering Joe's feelings and being respectful of your friendship with him. More time should pass before you pursue anything with Betty. Can you ask yourself which is more important and who will be there years from now, Joe or Betty? You'll be putting him in a very awkward position and asking him to accept seeing you and Betty together or you spending time with Betty instead of him. If you insist on going forward, just be honest and up front (gently and kindly) with Joe and ask his forgiveness if it has hurt his feelings. If he becomes angry with you, be understanding and patient and continue to ask forgiveness. He may choose not to, that will be the risk you are choosing to take.