<human>: Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?

I feel I have some small issues lately.

I am male, she is the lovely female. I have a small crush one of my best friends exes. Now, he (best friend) is in a very commited relationship for some time now (over a year at least). I talked with him, and he says its cool if I were to try and start something (100% fine with it). They are both still friends, and not awkward around each other at all, they dated about 3 years ago, for about a year. He gave me his blessing in a way, should I think about anything.

Now, I sometimes feel as if some things happen for a reason, but also, I fall for people to quickly if I spend time with them in certain ways. In terms of friend value, she has been one of those who knows a decent about me, and by association, knows more of my emotional sides and my relationship past (in a nutshell, my last one was 8.5 years, were almost engaged). However, I feel that because she is one an ex of my best friends, it almost puts this unsaid invisible iron curtain up. I know its good from my end, but, I really wonder if she feels the same way.

I would be happy to fill in details of your feedback should they come. I just don;t know how to fill in the situation. I know she is a great girl, and very special.

We are now both graduated from college, both 24, involved in different areas of the arts (she is performing, I am digital/fine arts). I have not had a relationship in nearly a year and a half, but I feel as I converse with her more, I feel we seem to want the things we can offer each other.
<bot>: Like best friends ex from years ago, got an ok to pursue. Get along great, wonder if this is normal, and what to do to make something work.