Page 22 of Upgraded Friendship

As we make our way up to Andrea’s apartment, I can’t shake the feeling of dread that lingers in the air. The door is slightly ajar when we arrive, sending a shiver down my spine.

I exchange a worried glance with Tanya before pushing the door open and stepping inside. “Andrea?” I call out, my voice filled with concern.

Andrea’s voice comes from the kitchen, tinged with excitement. “Hey, guys! I’m in here,” she calls out, her tone cheerful.

Relief floods through me at the sound of her voice, and I follow the sound into the kitchen. Andrea is seated at the counter, a bright smile on her face as she looks up at us.

“I was hoping you guys would come! I was just about to call you,” she exclaims, her eyes shining with excitement.

Tanya and I exchange a bemused glance before Tanya speaks up. “Well, we were getting worried. You haven’t been answering your phone,” she says, her voice tinged with concern.

Andrea waves off our concerns with a dismissive gesture. “I haven’t heard my phone ring all day…I was just getting things ready for our weekly movie night,” she explains, her smile widening.

I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm, relieved to see that she’s okay. “Movie night, huh? I’m not sure how we both forgot,” I reply, a grin spreading across my face.

Andrea nods eagerly, jumping up from her seat. “We do this every week! Come on, I’ve got the popcorn ready and everything,” she says, her excitement contagious.

Tanya and I follow Andrea into the living room, sinking into the comfortable couch as she sets up the movie. As the opening credits roll, Andrea leans back against the cushions with a contented sigh.

“I don’t want to focus on the past few days right now. Let’s just relax and enjoy the movie,” she says, her voice filled with determination.

Tanya nods in agreement, reaching for a handful of popcorn as she settles in beside me. “Sounds like a plan,” she replies, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I glance over at Andrea, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the past few days, I’m grateful to have Andrea and Tanya by my side.

As the movie continues, we fill the room with laughter, and I can’t help but feel a sense of peace settle over me.

***

A week later, I find myself at work, lost in a sea of paperwork and endless phone calls. But amidst the chaos of the restaurant, my mind keeps drifting back to Andrea and the events of the past week.

I glance down at my phone, my heart sinking at the sight of missed calls and text messages from Andrea. With a sense of unease gnawing at the pit of my stomach, I quickly check my messages, my fingers trembling as I read Andrea’s last message sent only a couple minutes ago.

Hey Josh, can you meet me outside the restaurant? We need to talk.

I feel a surge of panic wash over me as I realize that something must be wrong. Without a second thought, I grab my jacket and rush out of the restaurant, my heart pounding in my chest as I make my way outside.

As I step outside, I find Andrea pacing back and forth on the sidewalk, her expression fraught with worry and anxiety. “Andrea, what’s wrong?” I ask, my voice filled with concern as I rush to her side.

Andrea stops pacing and turns to face me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “It’s Jeremy and his fiancée,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

I furrow my brow in confusion, struggling to make sense of her words. “What about them?” I ask, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Andrea takes a deep breath, her hands trembling at her sides as she struggles to find the right words. “Last week they asked me to be one of the bridesmaids at their wedding. And they said that my...boyfriend should attend and be one of the groomsmen,” she explains, her voice filled with fear and uncertainty.

I feel a surge of anger bubbling up inside me as I realize what Andrea is saying. “They can’t be serious,” I mutter, my voice laced with frustration. Tanya had been right, thinking this scenario would be a possibility.

Andrea nods in agreement, her eyes shining with tears as she meets my gaze. “I know. But... what am I supposed to do? The wedding rehearsals are scheduled start in a few days, and—” Her voice trembling with emotion.

I reach out and gently squeeze her hand, a silent gesture of comfort and reassurance. “Andrea, it’s okay, we can go together,” I reply, my voice filled with determination.

Andrea offers me a weak smile, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Josh. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

I return her smile. “Anytime, Andrea. Anytime,” I reply, my voice filled with sincerity.

As we stand there on the sidewalk, lost in our own thoughts, I can’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness wash over me. No matter what lies ahead, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Andrea. And as we make our way back to her apartment, I know that we’ll face whatever challenges come our way, together.

Chapter nine

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