Page 20 of Upgraded Friendship

I finally crawl into bed, exhausted both physically and emotionally. I find myself reaching for my phone, desperate for a distraction from the turmoil swirling inside. But as I scroll through my messages, my heart sinks at the sight of a new text from the same number that had sent the invitation earlier.

Curiosity mingled with dread, I open the message and read the words that appear on the screen.

Jeremy and Melissa have requested that you and your boyfriend, Josh, be one of the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The message hits me like a ton of bricks, the weight of its implications settling over me like a heavy shroud. My mind races with a million questions. I send a text to Tanya, hoping we can talk about what this means in the morning.

Frustration and fear claw at my insides as I toss and turn in bed, unable to shake the feeling of impending doom that hangs over me like a dark cloud. With no answers and no one to turn to, I resign myself to the uncertainty of the night, knowing that whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll have to face it head-on.

I awake the next morning to the sound of my phone ringing. I see that it’s Josh calling. With trembling hands, I answer the call, only to be met with the sound of static and silence on the other end. Panic rising in my chest, I try calling him back, but each attempt goes straight to voicemail.

Chapter eight

Josh

As I pull up outside Tanya’s apartment building, I can still feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins from the events of the evening. Tanya shoots me a curious glance as she unbuckles her seatbelt, her eyes filled with questions I know she’s dying to ask.

“So, spill the beans, Josh. What exactly went down at the party?” Tanya asks, her tone laced with excitement.

I chuckle, unable to contain the grin that spreads across my face. “Well, let’s just say Jeremy was being his usual jerk-self. I couldn’t stand by and watch him try to embarrass Andrea, so I may have implied I was her boyfriend,” I reply, my voice tinged with satisfaction.

Tanya’s eyes widen in surprise, her curiosity piqued by my cryptic response. “Wait, so you pretended to be Andrea’s boyfriend?” she asks, her tone filled with disbelief.

I nod, unable to suppress a laugh as I recall the look of utter bewilderment on Jeremy’s face. “Yeah, I figured it shut him up. And let me tell you, the look on his face was priceless,” I admit, a smile spreading across my face.

Tanya bursts into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh my god, I wish I could have seen that! You’re a legend, Josh,” she exclaims, her voice filled with admiration.

I shrug modestly, basking in the warmth of Tanya’s praise. “Eh, just doing what any decent guy would do,” I reply, trying to downplay my actions.

Tanya shoots me a knowing look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, I am very impressed. And I have to say, I think you make a pretty convincing boyfriend,” she teases, a playful grin spreading across her face.

I can’t help but laugh at her comment, feeling a sense of pride swell in my chest at the unexpected compliment. “Thanks, Tanya. I’ll be sure to add ‘professional boyfriend’ to my resume,” I joke, flashing her a playful grin.

But then, as the laughter dies down, Tanya’s expression grows more serious, her gaze locking mine in a silent plea for understanding.

“So, why is Andrea acting all weird about it?” Tanya asks, her voice tinged with concern.

I sigh, running a hand over my hair in frustration. “I think it’s because all of this isn’t real. I mean, we’re just pretending to be something we’re not, and the drama that comes with it seems to bother her,” I explain, my voice tinged with regret.

Tanya nods slowly, her expression thoughtful as she processes my words. “I see. Well, just know that I’m fully in support of whatever you guys decide to do. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here,” she says, her voice filled with sincerity.

I smile gratefully at Tanya, touched by her unwavering support. “Thanks, Sis. That means a lot,” I reply, feeling a sense of relief wash over me at her words.

As Tanya gathers her things and prepares to head inside, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Despite the chaos and uncertainty swirling around us, it’s comforting to know that we have someone like my sister in our corner, rooting for us every step of the way.

As I watch Tanya disappear into the building, I can’t shake the feeling of unease that lingers in the air. The events of the evening have left me struggling to make sense of my emotions.

But as I head home, I can’t help but feel a sense of determination settle over me. Whatever challenges may lie ahead, I know that Andrea and I can navigate them together.

I wake up the next morning feeling a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation. The events of the party still on my mind. I glance at the clock and realize it’s already past nine. Tanya is supposed to meet me for breakfast at the restaurant in half an hour. I quickly get ready and head out.

As I arrive at the restaurant, Tanya is already there, sipping on a cup of coffee and scrolling through her phone. She looks up as I approach, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Good morning, Josh! Sleep well?” She greets me with a smirk.

I chuckle, sliding into the seat across from her. “As well as can be expected, considering last night’s charade,” I reply, watching her grab a menu and start scanning the options.

Tanya sets menu down, her gaze fixed on me with a serious expression. “So, about last night,” she begins, her tone somber.

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