Page 50 of Upgraded Friendship

Tanya’s eyes widen in surprise, but she remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

“I thought she felt the same way,” I confess, my voice tinged with regret. “But then yesterday, at the wedding, Jeremy confessed his love for her after he called things off with Melissa. And she didn’t say anything.”

Tanya’s expression softens with understanding. “I see,” she says gently. “And now you’re worried that she might have feelings for Jeremy too.”

I nod, my stomach churning with uncertainty. “Exactly. I don’t know what to do, Tanya. I feel like I’ve lost her before I even had a chance to tell her how I feel.”

Tanya reaches out to squeeze my hand, offering silent support. “I’m sorry, but maybe it’s not too late. Maybe she just needs some time to sort through her feelings.”

I nod, grateful for Tanya’s words of encouragement. “You’re right. I can’t give up hope just yet.”

With a renewed sense of determination, I focus my attention on the road ahead, steeling myself for the challenges that lie ahead.

As Tanya and I make our way to the restaurant, the excitement of the day begins to overshadow my concerns. The sight of the bustling crowd gathered outside fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. This is what I’ve been working towards all these years, and nothing—not even Andrea’s absence—can dampen my spirits now.

I scan the restaurant, hoping for any sign of her familiar presence, but she’s nowhere to be found. Panic threatens to consume me as I realize that I miss seeing her every day.

“Tanya,” I call out urgently, motioning for her to join me at the side of the restaurant where we can speak privately.

Tanya hurries over, concern etched into her features. “What’s wrong, Josh? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she says, her voice laced with worry.

“It’s Andrea,” I confess, my voice tight with anxiety. “I was hoping maybe she would have made her way here.”

Tanya’s brow furrows with concern as she processes my words. “Have you tried calling her yet?” she suggests, her tone gentle and reassuring.

I shake my head, the worry gnawing at my insides. “I haven’t had a chance,” I admit, my voice trembling with disappointment.

Tanya places a comforting hand on my shoulder, her touch a reassuring anchor in the storm of my emotions. “Josh, I know you’re worried about how things are going with her right now, but maybe she just needs some space right now. Sometimes, people need time to sort through their thoughts and feelings,” she says, her words filled with wisdom.

“But what if something’s wrong? What if this is it and we can’t work through this?” I ask, my voice rising with panic.

Tanya’s gaze softens with understanding as she meets my eyes. “Josh, I know you care about Andrea, but you can’t let your worry consume you like this. Right now, you have a restaurant to open, and Andrea wouldn’t want you to let anything overshadow that,” she says, her tone firm but gentle.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Tanya is right—Andrea wouldn’t want me to let my worry ruin this important day. “You’re right, Tanya. I just...I can’t shake this feeling that something’s wrong,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tanya squeezes my shoulder in a reassuring gesture. “I understand, Josh. But you have to trust that Andrea will reach out to you when she’s ready. For now, let’s focus on making this opening a success. Everything will be fine, you’ll see,” she says, her words a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

As we bustle about, Tanya’s earlier words echo in my mind. Maybe there’s still hope for Andrea and me. Maybe this isn’t the end of our story after all.

I glance around the restaurant, imagining what it will look like when it’s filled with the guests that are waiting outside. I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing, that no matter how successful this opening is, it won’t mean anything if Andrea isn’t here to share it with me.

But before I can dwell on my doubts any longer, Tanya’s voice breaks through my reverie.

“Josh, it’s almost time for the doors to open,” she says, her eyes shining with excitement.

I nod, pushing aside my worries for the time being. There will be plenty of time to sort through my feelings later. For now, I need to focus on making this night a success.

“Okay everyone, let’s have some fun.” I exclaim to all my staff.

The restaurant opening is a whirlwind of activity, with guests pouring in from all over the city to show their support. I’m swept up in a blur of handshakes, congratulations, and well-wishes—each one fueling my excitement and adrenaline.

But amidst the chaos, my thoughts keep drifting back to Andrea. Why didn’t she come? Did yesterday’s events drive her away for good?

I try to push aside the doubts gnawing at the edges of my mind, focusing instead on the task at hand. There are speeches to be made, hands to be shaken, and plates to be served. I can’t afford to let anything distract me from making this day a success.

Tanya finds me amidst the bustling crowd, her excitement contagious as she grabs my arm.

“Josh, it’s time for your speech,” she says, her eyes shining with anticipation.

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