Page 28 of Upgraded Friendship

As we make our way out of the restaurant, the air cool against our skin, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment settle over me.

Chapter eleven

Andrea

As we step out of the restaurant, the cool air kisses our skin, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the bustling dining area we’ve just left behind. I shoot Tanya a curious glance, curiosity over the events of the afternoon.

“So, what was that all about?” I asks, as I fall in step between her and Josh.

She looks over with a mischievous grin. “Oh, just a little impromptu adventure, courtesy of yours truly,” she replies, her voice filled with playful amusement.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by her cryptic response. “And what, exactly, does that mean?” I prompt, her curiosity getting the better of me.

I chuckle, shaking my head at Tanya’s persistence. “You’ll just have to wait and see,” she replies, her tone teasing as she shoots me a playful wink.

Josh rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of amusement in his expression as he shakes his head. “You’re impossible, you know that?” he says, waving as he heads to his car.

Tanya grins, clearly feeling a sense of satisfaction at the intrigue she managed to stir up. “That’s why you guys love me,” she says lightly.

We both wave our goodbyes and make our way back to my apartment. The conversation shifts to more other topics, the events of the afternoon fading into the background. The laughter, the camaraderie, the shared sense of connection—it’s all still fresh in my mind, lingering like a sweet melody that refuses to fade.

“So, spill,” Tanya says, breaking the comfortable silence that has settled between us. “How are you handling this thing going on between you and Josh?”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how much to share with Tanya. After all, she’s my best friend, but there are some things even she might not understand.

“It’s complicated.” I try to put my feelings into words. “Well, the truth is, having this need to last longer than expected it ...I don’t know, Tanya. It is starting to feel real; you know? The laughter, the connection...it’s like we’re on the verge of something. I’m not sure if I want to take the leap or step back.”

Tanya nods in understanding, her expression sympathetic as she takes in my words. “I get it, Andrea. But just be careful, okay?” she says, her voice soft with concern.

I smile, touched by Tanya’s unwavering support. “Thanks, Tanya. I’ll keep that in mind,” I reply, my voice filled with gratitude.

I can sense the concern radiating off her in waves. “Andrea, I trust you to make your own decisions, but please, promise me you’ll be careful,” she says, her voice filled with genuine worry.

I nod, touched by her concern. “I promise, Tanya. I value our friendship too much to do anything reckless,” I assure her, hoping to ease her worries even just a little.

Tanya offers me a small smile, but the worry still lingers in her eyes. “Just remember, Josh is my brother, and you’re my best friend. I don’t want to see either of you get hurt.” Her concern is evident in her soft voice.

I reach out to squeeze her hand, grateful for her friendship. “I know, Tanya. And I appreciate your concern more than you know. But I doubt that this will move past casual friendship for us,” I reply, hoping to reassure her.

But even as I reassure Tanya, a nagging doubt lingers in the back of my mind. Can Josh and I really keep up this charade without getting hurt in the process? And more importantly, do I even want to?

***

The next day I try to code. I find myself distracted; my thoughts consumed by the events of the past few weeks. The laughter, the shared moments with Josh—it’s all still fresh in my mind, a tantalizing reminder of the connection we share.

My phone vibrates with a new message, pulling my attention away from the lines of code on my screen. I glance down to see a text from Josh, and a smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I read his words.

Hey Andrea, I think I know how we can make our relationship more believable. Interested?

Curiosity piqued, I quickly type out a response, my fingers flying across the screen.

Definitely! What do you have in mind?

A moment later, his reply pops up, and I eagerly read his response.

I think we need to work on how connected we are around each other without Tanya. What do you say?

His suggestion resonates with me, since we were children, we have always been together as a group. I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of deepening the connection between just the two of us. With a quick nod, I type out my agreement.

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