Page 32 of Upgraded Friendship

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Andrea and I find ourselves preparing for one last wedding rehearsal. As we sit across from each other in a cozy café, sipping our drinks and discussing the upcoming event, I can’t help but feel a sense of nervous excitement bubbling up inside me.

“So, how are you feeling about this last-minute rehearsal?” Andrea asks, her voice soft with concern as she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand.

I smile, grateful for her unwavering support. “Nervous, to be honest,” I admit, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “But excited too. I can’t wait to see why they needed everything practice one last time.”

Andrea nods in understanding, her gaze warm and reassuring as she meets my eyes. “Your guess is as good as mine,” she says, her voice unsure.

Changing the subject, I find myself wanting to talk to her about some of my other thoughts and doubts, which linger like stubborn weeds refusing to be uprooted.

“I’ve been thinking about something lately,” I begin, my voice hesitant as I try to find the right words.

Andrea leans in closer, her eyes filled with curiosity. “What is it, Josh? You can tell me anything,” she says, her voice gentle and encouraging.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for her reaction. “It’s just…I’ve been thinking about opening my own restaurant,” I confess, my voice wavers and makes my nervousness evident.

For a moment, there’s silence between us as Andrea processes my words, her expression thoughtful. And then, to my surprise, she breaks into a wide grin, her eyes shining with excitement.

“That’s amazing, Josh! I think that is a great idea!” she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Her reaction catches me off guard, and for a moment, I’m at a loss for words. But then, as her words sink in, a sense of relief washes over me, replacing the doubts that had been gnawing at the edges of my mind.

“You really think so?” I ask, my voice filled with uncertainty.

Andrea nods eagerly, her smile unwavering. “Absolutely. You’re an incredible chef, Josh. I have no doubt that your own restaurant will be a huge success,” she replies, her voice filled with conviction.

Her words fill me with a sense of hope and possibility, driving away the last remnants of doubt from my mind. For the first time, I allow myself to believe that maybe my dream of opening a restaurant could become a reality.

“Thank you, Andrea,” I say, my voice filled with gratitude as I reach across the table to squeeze her hand. “You have no idea how much your confidence in me means to me.”

Andrea smiles, her gaze warm and reassuring as she meets my eyes. “Anytime, Josh. I’ll always be here to support you,” she says, her voice soft with sincerity.

As we discuss our plans for this impromptu rehearsal, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of spending more time with Andrea.

“I was thinking we could practice some of the dance moves for the reception,” I suggest, my voice filled with enthusiasm.

Andrea nods in agreement, her eyes shining with excitement. “That sounds like fun! I can’t wait to see you strut your stuff on the dance floor,” she teases, a playful grin spreading across her lips.

Before long, our conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Jeremy and Melissa as they walk into the café hand in hand, looking every bit the picture-perfect couple. However, a familiar sense of unease settles in the pit of my stomach.

“Hey, Josh! Andrea! Fancy seeing you two here,” Jeremy says, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he approaches our table with a smug grin.

“Hi, Jeremy,” Andrea replies, her tone polite but guarded as she meets his gaze.

Jeremy’s fiancée, on the other hand, offers us a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. “It’s so nice to see you both. How have you been?” she asks, her voice friendly and inviting.

Before I can respond, Jeremy interjects, his tone laced with arrogance. “We’ve been great, thanks for asking. Can’t say the same for you two, though. Still playing pretend, I see,” he says, his words dripping with disdain.

I feel a surge of anger rising within me at Jeremy’s snide remark, but before I can respond, Andrea steps in, her voice calm but firm. “Actually, Jeremy, we’re just enjoying a nice evening together. If you don’t mind, we’d appreciate it if you’d leave us alone,” she says, her tone polite but assertive.

Melissa shoots him a warning glance, clearly unimpressed by his behavior. “Come on, Jeremy. Let’s go find a table,” she says, her voice tinged with disappointment.

With a reluctant nod, Jeremy acquiesces, shooting us one last glare before they make their way to another table across the café. As they walk away, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me, grateful to be rid of Jeremy’s toxic presence.

“Jeremy can be such a jerk sometimes,” Andrea says, her voice filled with sympathy.

“He always has been. I’m proud of you for standing up for us,” I reply, with a smile on my face.

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