An emotional conflict more draining for me than anything ever before!

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Hello all,This is my first thread in here. Alright, I am a medical graduate currently working on my thesis and pursuing graduate studies in public health. I will be starting my psychiatry residency next year. I am 24 and you would expect some semblance of maturity by this time but to be honest I have never been in any long lasting emotional relationship and hence the inexperience. There is a colleague of mine (lets call her Ms A) and I really like her. We are good friends and regularly talk on the phone and hang out as much as time will permit. She is 20 and I believe, somewhat immature. The trouble is another colleague of mine (Ms Z) in the same department who is good friends with Ms A. Now Z really likes to take away all of A's time and is a bossy person. She has gotten into verbal duels with a couple of people other than me and then shoots off her well known "Apology emails". I am not being judgemental but there is an air of insecurity with this lady. I would like to spend more time with A, without getting into conflicts with Z. The problem is that A does not realize how much mean and bossy Z is. Z is married and has a complex of being the only old graduate student in the department (and often times brings up the same in conversations; initially I used to placate her but I have stopped even entertaining her bits these days). I know I have a chance with A but she really thinks of Z in terms of a great friend. I am sure Z is not the type to spread stories about me behind my back. But, those two almost have a mom-daughter kind of chemistry. Without sounding like a villain (in making) I have but one question for you guys and gals. Is their a way out of this mess?Things I have tried doing. a.) Reasoning to myself that since A does not give a damn about me, I should not either. b.) Tried talking to A about realizing that the only issue I have with Z is the fact that she hogs all of A's time. c.) Sulked in a corner!I would be happy to answer any more questions but right now I find it tricky even to be able to pen my thoughts. This morning, A told me that she thought of me as a great friend and she did not like when I and one more fellow (who she also thinks of as a great friend) made fun of P (off course in her absence). I have had tussles with P; the only thing that holds me back is A's feelings for her. Any insights or suggestions?