Page 38 of Upgraded Friendship

But such thoughts are dangerous, a slippery slope that I dare not tread. And so, push the thoughts away, choosing the safe route.

As the day of Jeremy’s wedding approaches, Andrea and I make plans to ride together to the venue. But as we make our way there, disaster strikes.

The car suddenly lurches to a halt, the engine sputtering and wheezing as if in protest. I curse under my breath, my heart sinking as I realize that something is seriously wrong.

“What’s going on?” Andrea asks, her voice tinged with concern as she looks at me for answers.

“I’m not sure,” I reply, my brow furrowed with worry. “But it looks like we’re going to have to pull over and take a look.”

I pop the hood, and we exit the car. Despite all my efforts, I can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong. Frustration builds within me as I realize that we’re going to need professional help.

“I need to call someone for help,” I say, pulling out my phone. “But it’s probably going to take a while for them to get out here.”

Andrea nods understandingly, her expression filled with sympathy. “It’s already late. What are we going to do?” she asks, her voice tinged with concern.

I sigh, feeling a sense of defeat wash over me. “I guess we’re going to have to sleep in the car,” I reply, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice.

Andrea nods in agreement, her gaze filled with determination. “It’s not ideal, but we’ll make do,” she says, her voice filled with resolve.

As we settle into the car for the night, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for Andrea’s presence by my side. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I find myself feeling strangely comforted by her presence, as if she’s a beacon of light in the darkness.

And as we find things to do that will help us pass the time, her presence beside me fills me with a sense of peace and contentment that I haven’t felt in a long time.

Chapter fifteen

Andrea

As Josh and I find ourselves stranded on the side of the road, my initial panic begins to subside, replaced by a strange sense of calm. Despite the inconvenience of our situation, having Josh by my side makes me feel safer somehow, as if his presence alone is enough to ward off any danger.

But as the reality of our predicament sinks in, I can’t help but feel a sense of embarrassment at being stuck together with a man I’ve come to realize I have feelings for. It’s a strange and unfamiliar sensation, one that I’m not quite sure how to navigate.

Thankfully, Josh seems unfazed by our situation, his easygoing nature serving as a source of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. As we settle into the car for the night, he pulls out a bag of snacks, offering me a reassuring smile.

“Looks like we’re in for a long night. Want some snacks?” he asks, his voice filled with warmth and kindness.

I nod gratefully, accepting the offered snacks with a smile of my own. “Thanks, Josh. I appreciate it,” I say, my voice tinged with gratitude.

We munch on the snacks while we talk, our conversation flowing easily over the next couple of hours.

I find myself opening up to Josh in a way I never have before, letting down the walls I’ve spent years building around my heart. And as I look into his eyes, I can’t help but feel a sense of vulnerability wash over me, as if he can see straight through to the depths of my soul.

But amidst the laughter and conversation, a thought continues to enter my mind.

I’ve known for a while now that my feelings for Josh have changed; evolving from friendship into something deeper and more profound than I ever could have imagined. But I’ve been too afraid to admit the truth to myself, too afraid to acknowledge the depth of my feelings for fear of rejection.

But as we sit here, sharing snacks and stories in the dim light of the car, I can’t deny the truth any longer.

I’m in love with him.

The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, filling me with a strange mixture of joy and trepidation. I’ve spent so long hiding my feelings, burying them deep within me in an attempt to protect myself from heartache. But now that the truth is out in the open, I’m not sure what to do next.

The last time I stepped out of my comfort zone and put my heart on the line, Jeremy laughed in my face. As the years have passed, I have ensured I will never be that vulnerable again. Although I want to find unconditional love, I am scared of the rejection that is sure to come.

As Josh and I wait for the tow truck to arrive, the air inside the car is thick with anticipation. Despite the late hour and the unexpected turn of events, there’s a strange sense of excitement building between us, an interesting energy that seems to crackle in the air.

Sensing the need for a distraction, I turn to Josh with a mischievous grin. “Hey, Josh, I’ve got an idea. How about we play a game to pass the time?” I suggest, my voice filled with enthusiasm.

Josh’s eyes light up at the suggestion, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m all ears. What did you have in mind?” he asks eagerly.

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