Page 3 of Upgraded Friendship

Tanya drives us to the restaurant where Josh works, and I can’t shake the nagging feeling of insecurity that has been gnawing at me all evening. Finally, unable to keep it to myself any longer, I turn to Tanya with a hesitant expression.

“Tanya, do you ever feel like...like people judge us because we haven’t had any serious relationships since high school?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper as I voice my deepest fear.

Tanya glances at me with concern, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Andrea where is this coming from?” she asks, her tone gentle, yet probing.

I fidget nervously with the hem of my shirt, unable to meet Tanya’s gaze as I admit my insecurities. “I don’t know, I guess...I just feel like everyone else has moved on with their lives—found love, settled down. And here we are, still single and struggling to figure things out,” I confess, the weight of my words heavy on my chest.

Tanya reaches out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder, her touch a soothing balm against the ache in my heart. “Andrea, you know that’s not true. We’ve both been focused on our careers and building our lives. There’s nothing wrong with that,” she reassures me, her voice filled with unwavering support.

I nod, grateful for her reassurance, but the fear of judgment still lingers in the back of my mind like a shadow. “I know, Tanya. It’s just...hard sometimes, you know?” I admit, my voice trembles with emotion.

Tanya nods understandingly, her gaze softening with empathy. “I get it, Andrea. But you have to remember…your worth isn’t defined by your relationship status. You are amazing just the way you are, and anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve you,” she declares, her words a beacon of hope in the darkness.

I manage a small smile, the warmth of Tanya’s words thawing the icy grip of my insecurities. “Thanks, Tanya. I needed to hear that.” My voice choked with gratitude.

Tanya smiles warmly, her eyes shining with pride. “Anytime. Remember, I’m here for you, no matter what,” she promises, her words a comforting reminder of the bond we share.

As we pull into the restaurant parking lot, I take a deep breath, the weight of my worries momentarily lifted by the unwavering support of my friend.

The aroma of delicious cuisine greets us as we step inside, and my mood begins to lift. It’s Tanya’s brother’s restaurant, a place I’ve frequented for years. The cozy ambiance and the anticipation of savoring Josh’s culinary delights brings a small smile to my face.

Seated at our usual spot, Tanya and I browse through the menu, discussing everything from work to the latest tech trends.

“But honestly, Tanya, I don’t know about all this. Going to Jeremy’s engagement party? I mean, there are a lot of things that could go wrong.” I say, still thinking about it and voicing my earlier concerns.

“I know, Andrea, but are you really considering not going and missing out on getting together with the rest of our friends?”

“How many of them do I actually still know, Tanya, how many can I relate to?” I try to recall our past friends.

“Don’t say that. There are plenty of people. There’s Cherry…” She begins to list.

“You mean Cherry—as in the lesbian Cherry? Who thought I had feelings for her because she sat next to the window in Mr. Jimmy’s class, and she thought I was looking at her when I was looking out that window…no, Tanya, I can’t relate with her,” I say cutting her off.

“Oh…oh, I remember that!” she says between laughs.

“How about Joe? Now, he was a nice friend. Wasn’t he?” she asks, going on with her list.

“Oh, not weird Joe Hernandez, he thought I had a crush on him too, and he kept telling me he’d prove it someday…but I guess he never did. Look, Tanya, there were people I related with properly but that doesn’t count. I mean the whole school knew I had a crush on Jeremy back then. And after that incident? This could be embarrassing. And I’m not—”

“Okay, okay. I get it. But will you’re at least think about it…for me?” she says cutting me off.

“I guess. I’ll think about it, but I won’t promise anything,” I say trying to get Tanya to stop talking about it.

The waiter, recognizing Tanya, discreetly signals Josh, who’s busy orchestrating the kitchen’s operations.

A familiar voice calls out, “Hey, sis! Andrea!” Josh appears, clad in a chef’s apron, his eyes brightening as he approaches our table.

Chapter two

Josh

As I wipe my hands on a kitchen towel, the rhythm of the busy evening service hums around me. Each dish leaving my kitchen is a testament to my passion for culinary excellence.

“Hey, Josh?”

“Yeah?” I answer, still focusing on my work.

“Your sister and her friend are here,” she says. A smile comes to my face. Andrea has been a constant presence in our lives since we were kids, her vibrant personality always bringing a spark of joy wherever she goes.

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