Page 47 of Upgraded Friendship

Despite my initial reluctance, I find myself chuckling at her antics, grateful for the distraction she provides. As we share a few moments of laughter, I feel the weight of yesterday’s turmoil begin to lift, if only temporarily.

As Alice finally prepares to leave for the day, she gives me a reassuring smile. “Hang in there, Josh. And remember, I’m always here if you need someone to talk to,” she says, her words echoing in my mind long after she’s gone.

As I watch her disappear down the hallway, a sense of gratitude washes over me. Despite my best efforts to keep my struggles hidden, Alice saw through my facade and offered her support without hesitation. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

I head home immediately afterwards, I sit in my apartment, the weight of the yesterday’s events still heavy on my mind, my phone buzzes with an incoming call. I glance at the screen to see Tanya’s name flashing, and a small sense of relief washes over me. Maybe this call will bring some semblance of normalcy to my chaotic day.

“Hey, Tanya,” I answer, trying to keep the weariness out of my voice.

“Hey, Josh! Just wanted to let you know that everything is set for the opening tomorrow. We’ve got all the tables and chairs in place, the kitchen equipment is ready to go, and the decor looks amazing,” Tanya says, her voice filled with excitement.

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, grateful for her tireless dedication to making our dream a reality. “That’s great news, Tanya. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I really appreciate it,” I reply, genuine gratitude coloring my words.

Tanya chuckles, the sound warm and reassuring. “Of course, Josh. It’s been a team effort, and I’m just glad to be a part of it. We’re going to knock this opening out of the park!” she exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

I nod, feeling a surge of excitement building within me. “Absolutely. I can’t wait to see it all come together. Thanks again, Tanya,” I say, my voice filled with gratitude.

“Anytime, Josh. Get some rest tonight. Good night,” Tanya says, her voice softening with warmth.

“Good night, Tanya. And thanks again,” I reply, ending the call with a sense of renewed determination. As I prepare for bed, thoughts of the restaurant opening dance through my mind, filling me with a sense of anticipation and hope for the future.

Chapter nineteen

Andrea

As I leave the bathroom, my mind races, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions crashing over me like a tidal wave. But before I can even begin to formulate a response, I find that Josh is nowhere to be found.

“Jeremy, what have you done?” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the chaos of the moment.

Jeremy’s eyes are filled with a desperate longing as he steps closer to me, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Andrea, I had to tell you. I couldn’t keep it inside any longer. I love you,” he says, his voice pleading.

I shake my head, my mind spinning with confusion and disbelief. “Jeremy, this...this is all too much,” I say, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

But Jeremy isn’t deterred. He reaches out to touch my arm, but I don’t respond to his touch the way I do with Josh. There is no connection. “Andrea, please. I know this is a lot to take in, but I had to tell you the truth. I can’t keep pretending that I don’t feel this way,” he insists, his voice filled with desperation.

I pull away from him, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggle to find the right words. “Jeremy, I…I thought I loved you in high school, but it was nothing compared to how I feel for Josh,” I confess, the words spilling out before I can stop them.

Jeremy’s face falls, his eyes filled with hurt and disappointment. “Andrea, please don’t say that. Just give me a chance,” he pleads, his voice cracking with emotion.

But I can’t bring myself to entertain the thought of a future with Jeremy, not when my heart belongs to someone else. “I’m sorry, Jeremy. But I need you to stay away from me,” I say, my voice firm despite the tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

With that, I turn and run out of the church, desperate to find Josh and make things right. But as I burst through the doors, I’m met with a mostly empty parking lot. Josh is nowhere in sight.

Tears blur my vision as I realize what’s happened, the weight of my actions crashing down on me like a ton of bricks. I had let Josh slip through my fingers, too caught up in my own confusion and fear to realize what was truly important.

Determined to make things right, I rush back inside the church and quickly gather my things, my hands shaking with adrenaline as I race to find someone still here that is heading back to the city. With a sense of purpose driving me forward.

***

As we drive through the night, my mind is consumed with thoughts of Josh and what could have been. The memory of his face, filled with pain and betrayal, haunts me like a ghost, a constant reminder of the mistakes I’ve made.

Once I am home, I sit in my apartment, the weight of my recent actions heavy on my mind, I realize that I need someone to talk to, someone who can offer me guidance and support in this moment of uncertainty. With a deep breath, I pick up my phone and dial Tanya’s number, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation.

After a few rings, Tanya answers, her voice filled with warmth and concern. “Hey, Andrea, what’s up?” she asks, her tone gentle and reassuring.

“Hey, Tanya,” I reply, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “I...I’ve messed up big time.”

There’s a moment of silence on the other end of the line, as Tanya processes my words. “What do you mean, Andrea? What happened?” she asks, her voice filled with concern.

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